OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Drones Methodology v3.0
Drones Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Drones Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Drones Methodology v3.0

Holy Stone HS140 review: 97 specs compared

Avg. price:~£110Max flight time:17 minVideo resolution:720p/20 fpsMax transmission distance:0.1 km

Holy Stone HS140 Review: Compare 97 technical specifications and 4 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Drones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.1/10

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
Score components

35%

5.2

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

5.2

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 81% of drones
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the drone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a drone with a good balance between flight quality, camera features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 69%
5.2

Technical score

Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

26%

5.1

Flight

24%

5.2

Camera

20%

4.3

Safety

16%

5.9

Connectivity

14%

5.9

Battery & Design

â–¼Worse than 74%
5.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models

5.2

Mark 7.2 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.3

Average grade

20%

6.5

Popularity

Grades by review (4)
4 videos, average 6.3/10. We use 5 reviews; the 1 missing counts as the category's typical 8.1: (6.3 × 4 + 8.1 × 1) ÷ 5 ≈ 6.6. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 83%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £110
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Holy Stone HS140

Based on 1 · 3

Reviewers agree it's easy to fly, with no common complaints standing out.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of drone Holy Stone HS140

Technical score
Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components:

26%

5.1

Flight

24%

5.2

Camera

20%

4.3

Safety

16%

5.9

Connectivity

14%

5.9

Battery & Design

5.2
Reviews score
5.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the drone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a drone with a good balance between flight quality, camera features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components:

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

7.2
Max flight time
17 min
Market range: <8 min – >40 min
This drone has a max flight time of 17 min, shorter than 60.5% of drones and equal to 0.5% of drones.
Real-world flight time is often lower than the advertised maximum.
Max flight distance
0.1 km
Market range: <0.05 km – >24 km
This drone has a max flight distance of 0.1 km, shorter-range than 75.1% of drones and equal to 8.8% of drones.
Maximum range varies by region (for example FCC vs CE).
Max flight speed
?
Max wind resistance
?
Max service ceiling (ASL)
120 m
Market range: <120 m – >6k m
This drone has a max service ceiling of 120 m, lower than 70.2% of drones and equal to 20.2% of drones.
Show more
Video resolution
720p/20 fps
This drone records video at 720p/20 fps, lower than 87.1% of drones and equal to 0.5% of drones.
4K camera
no
This drone does not support 4K video. 54.6% of drones support 4K video.
Sensor size
?
Main camera megapixels
2 MP
Market range: <2 MP – >48 MP
This drone has a main camera resolution of 2 MP, lower than 85.3% of drones and equal to 13.3% of drones.
Max movie bitrate
?
Show more
Obstacle detection
no
This drone does not support obstacle detection. 31% of drones support obstacle detection.
Return to Home (RTH)
no
This drone does not support Return-to-Home (RTH). 67.5% of drones support Return-to-Home (RTH).
GPS
no
This drone does not support GPS. 65.2% of drones support GPS.
GNSS systems supported
none
This drone supports none GNSS systems, which are less comprehensive than those of 65.8% and the same as those of 34.2%.
Obstacle sensing directions
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Max transmission distance
0.1 km
Market range: <0.05 km – >15 km
This drone has a max transmission distance of 0.1 km, shorter-range than 71.9% of drones and equal to 6.1% of drones.
Value reflects maximum control/transmission range; FPV video range can be lower.
Transmission latency
?
Video transmission system
Wi-Fi
This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, which is more advanced than the system used by 8.2% and the same as that used by 47.7%.
Live view quality
1080p@30 fps
This drone offers live view quality of 1080p@30 fps, higher-quality than 60.9% of drones and equal to 18.8% of drones.
Remote control
yes
This drone has a handheld remote controller. 5% of drones offer this.
Show more
Battery capacity
1,300 mAh
Market range: <550 mAh – >5k mAh
This drone has a battery capacity of 1,300 mAh, smaller than 68.4% of drones and equal to 3.1% of drones.
Battery energy
5.55 Wh
Market range: <3.7 Wh – >77 Wh
This drone has battery energy of 5.55 Wh, lower than 76.5% of drones and equal to 2.4% of drones.
Calculated Wh from explicit 3.7V and 1500mAh battery specs.
Charging time
120 min
Market range: <55 min – >180 min
This drone charges in 120 min, slower than 65% of drones and equal to 11.3% of drones.
Weight
160 g
Market range: <80 g – >920 g
This drone weighs 160 g, lighter than 71.7% of drones and equal to 0.5% of drones.
Removable battery
yes
This drone has a removable battery. 0.5% of drones have a removable battery.
Show more

Holy Stone HS140 vs the average drone

246810TotalFlightCameraSafetyConnectivityBattery & Design
  • Supports waypoint flight
    This drone supports waypoint flight, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports smartphone control
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • 35% lower weight
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (160 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    160 g vs 246 g
  • More modern charging port
    This drone uses proprietary for charging, while the average drone uses micro-USB.
    proprietary vs micro-USB
  • Better live view quality
    This drone has better live view quality than the average drone (1080p@30 fps vs 1080p@25 fps). The average drone offers live view quality of 1080p@25 fps.
    1080p@30 fps vs 1080p@25 fps
  • 2 x higher digital zoom
    This drone offers more digital zoom than the average drone (5 x vs 3 x). The average drone offers 3 x of digital zoom.
    5 x vs 3 x
  • 2 x higher digital zoom
    This drone offers more digital zoom than the average drone (5 x vs 3 x). The average drone offers 3 x of digital zoom.
    5 x vs 3 x
  • Supports waypoint flight
    This drone supports waypoint flight, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports smartphone control
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • Better live view quality
    This drone has better live view quality than the average drone (1080p@30 fps vs 1080p@25 fps). The average drone offers live view quality of 1080p@25 fps.
    1080p@30 fps vs 1080p@25 fps
  • 35% lower weight
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (160 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    160 g vs 246 g
  • More modern charging port
    This drone uses proprietary for charging, while the average drone uses micro-USB.
    proprietary vs micro-USB
  • Lower video resolution
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (720p/20 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    720p/20 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    This drone supports none GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    none vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • More basic transmission system
    This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    Wi-Fi vs SkyLink 2.0
  • No subject tracking
    This drone cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
  • No return-to-home (RTH)
    This drone does not support return-to-home (RTH), while the average drone does.
  • No GPS
    This drone does not have GPS, while the average drone does.
  • 26.8% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models

    5.2

    Mark 7.2 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.3

    Average grade

    20%

    6.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    4 videos, average 6.3/10. We use 5 reviews; the 1 missing counts as the category's typical 8.1: (6.3 × 4 + 8.1 × 1) ÷ 5 ≈ 6.6. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.2 vs 7.1
  • No POI mode
    This drone does not support POI mode, while the average drone does.
  • 26.8% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models

    5.2

    Mark 7.2 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.3

    Average grade

    20%

    6.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    4 videos, average 6.3/10. We use 5 reviews; the 1 missing counts as the category's typical 8.1: (6.3 × 4 + 8.1 × 1) ÷ 5 ≈ 6.6. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.2 vs 7.1
  • 3.6% worse value for money
    Holy Stone HS140 has worse value for money than the average drone (7.23 vs 7.5).
    7.23 vs 7.48
  • 3,380 m lower service ceiling
    This drone can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (120 m vs 3,500 m). The average drone reaches 3,500 m.
    120 m vs 3,500 m
  • 0.9 km shorter flight distance
    This drone has a shorter max flight distance than the average drone (0.1 km vs 1 km). The average drone can fly up to 1 km.
    Maximum range varies by region (for example FCC vs CE).
    0.1 km vs 1 km
  • Simpler motor design
    This drone uses coreless motors, while the average drone uses brushless motors.
    coreless vs brushless
  • Non-foldable design
    This drone does not have a foldable design, while the average drone does.
  • 3 years older release date
    This drone is older than the average drone (2020 vs 2023). The average drone was released in 2023.
    2020
    2020 vs 2023
  • 3 min shorter flight time
    This drone offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (17 min vs 20 min). The average drone offers 20 min of max flight time.
    Real-world flight time is often lower than the advertised maximum.
    17 min vs 20 min
  • Lower video resolution
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (720p/20 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    720p/20 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • Narrower tilt range
    This drone has a narrower tilt range than the average drone (manual only ° vs -90 to 20 °).
    manual only ° vs -90 to 20 °
  • Fewer photo format options
    This drone supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    JPEG vs JPEG, DNG (RAW)
  • Lower photo resolution
    This drone offers lower photo resolution than the average drone (1920x1080 px vs 4096x3072 px). The average drone offers a photo resolution of 4096x3072 px.
    1920x1080 px vs 4096x3072 px
  • More basic stabilization
    This drone uses None (Fixed) image stabilization, while the average drone uses EIS (Digital).
    None (Fixed) vs EIS (Digital)
  • 10 MP less camera resolution
    This drone has fewer main camera megapixels than the average drone (2 MP vs 12 MP). The average drone has 12 MP on the main camera.
    2 MP vs 12 MP
  • No 4K video
    This drone does not support 4K video, while the average drone does.
  • 96 GB lower memory card limit
    This drone supports less external storage than the average drone (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average drone supports up to 128 GB of external storage.
    32 GB vs 128 GB
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    This drone supports none GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    none vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • No subject tracking
    This drone cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
  • No return-to-home (RTH)
    This drone does not support return-to-home (RTH), while the average drone does.
  • No GPS
    This drone does not have GPS, while the average drone does.
  • No POI mode
    This drone does not support POI mode, while the average drone does.
  • 3 fewer flight modes
    This drone offers fewer intelligent flight modes than the average drone (1 vs 4). The average drone offers 4 intelligent flight modes.
    Waypoint Flight
    1 vs 4
  • No compass
    This drone does not have a compass, while the average drone does.
  • No beginner mode
    This drone does not support beginner mode, while the average drone does.
  • More basic transmission system
    This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    Wi-Fi vs SkyLink 2.0
  • Fewer frequency bands
    This drone supports 2.4 GHz operating frequency bands, while the average drone supports 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz.
    2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz
  • 0.9 km shorter transmission range
    This drone has a shorter max transmission distance than the average drone (0.1 km vs 1 km). The average drone reaches 1 km of transmission distance.
    Value reflects maximum control/transmission range; FPV video range can be lower.
    0.1 km vs 1 km
  • 900 mAh less battery capacity
    This drone has a smaller battery capacity than the average drone (1,300 mAh vs 2,200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2,200 mAh.
    1,300 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • 30 min longer charging time
    This drone charges more slowly than the average drone (120 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    120 min vs 90 min
  • 11.63 Wh less battery energy
    This drone has lower battery energy than the average drone (5.6 Wh vs 17.18 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.18 Wh of energy.
    Calculated Wh from explicit 3.7V and 1500mAh battery specs.
    5.55 Wh vs 17.18 Wh
  • 47.5 mm taller body height
    This drone is taller than the average drone (110 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    110 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • 69 mm wider width
    This drone is wider than the average drone (310 mm vs 241 mm). The average drone width is 241 mm.
    310 mm vs 241 mm
  • Plainer color finish
    This drone comes in black, silver, while the average drone comes in gray.
    black, silver vs gray
  • 35 mm longer body length
    This drone is longer than the average drone (310 mm vs 275 mm). The average drone is 275 mm long.
    310 mm vs 275 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

4.0
B4U GO
≈ estimated
05/03/2022
Hands-on review · flight, camera and instructions
Verdict
Holy Stone HS140 is a pass; at this price, other Holy Stone drones are the better buy.
7.0
Beyond the Boom
≈ estimated
02/03/2022
Hands-on review · beginner flights, camera and range test
Verdict
The Holy Stone HS140 is a fun, cheap first drone for beginners, but it drifts in wind and has limited range.
10
Hub City Drones & Gadgets
✓ explicit
17/08/2021
Hands-on review · unboxing, setup and indoor test flight
Verdict
Holy Stone HS140 is fun and easy to fly indoors, and the reviewer would recommend it.
4.0
Half Chrome
≈ estimated
31/07/2021
Hands-on review · flight test and app connection
Verdict
Holy Stone HS140 is hard to recommend; the Ryze Tello is the better beginner choice.
Hands-on video, no verdict

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Holy Stone HS140

  • Beginner-friendly and easy to operate right out of the box
  • Lightweight (approx. 150-167g), meaning no FAA registration is required in the US
  • Includes two batteries and two chargers in the package
  • Highly responsive customer service for replacements and support
  • Good for learning basic flight controls and gyro calibration
  • Equipped with 'fun' features like 360-degree flips

What customers don't like about Holy Stone HS140

  • Poor stability in wind due to lightweight design and lack of GPS
  • Camera footage is often shaky with a noticeable 'jello' effect
  • Brushed motors are less powerful and durable than brushless alternatives
  • Unreliable Wi-Fi connectivity leading to occasional signal loss or lag
  • Actual flight time is often shorter than the advertised 17 minutes
  • Lacks an on/off switch; powers on immediately upon battery connection

Verdict

The Holy Stone HS140 is a lightweight, toy-grade quadcopter designed for beginners, featuring a 1080P FPV camera that captures UHD photos and videos with a 328-foot transmission range. Its main characteristics include intuitive voice and gesture controls, altitude hold for stable hovering, and a dual-battery system providing a total flight time of approximately 34 minutes. Pros include its user-friendly features like one-key take-off and 3D flips, making it highly accessible for kids and novices. However, its brushed motors and 150-gram weight make it susceptible to drifting in wind, and it lacks GPS, night vision, and advanced gimbal stabilization, often resulting in shaky footage.

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