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 HS161 review: 97 specs compared

Avg. price:~£70Max flight time:10 minVideo resolution:1080p/30 fpsMax transmission distance:0.1 km

Holy Stone HS161 Review: Compare 97 technical specifications and 14 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Drones category and whether it is worth buying.

Holy Stone HS161
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
Score components

35%

4.9

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

4.9

Reviews score

10%

8.9

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 80% 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
Score components

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 69%
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 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
Score components

26%

3.6

Flight

24%

5.4

Camera

20%

4.3

Safety

16%

5.6

Connectivity

14%

6.3

Battery & Design

â–¼Worse than 86%
4.9

Reviews score

Reviews score
4.9/ 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

4.9

Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.5

Average grade

20%

7.9

Popularity

Grades by review (14)
2 reviews + 12 videos, average 7.3/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 92%
?

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
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Where to buy
    N/A~ £70
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 HS161

Based on 2 · 14

Reviewers praise its steady hover and compact folding design, but flight time, range and image quality fall short.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Holy Stone HS161

Based on 24 owners sharing their experience in online comments

67%positive12%mixed21%negative

Owners value its stable, easy flying and capable camera, while some report flight failures, connection trouble, and recording problems.

What owners dislike

  • Some owners got photos but no video right out of the box. A Samsung Class 10 16GB SD card stopped the skipped frames for one owner.5
  • Some owners say it drifts even in calm air and has fallen or crashed. Its light weight means it struggles in wind.4
  • Phones may switch back to home Wi-Fi; choosing to stay on the drone network fixed it. Some owners cannot see the drone Wi-Fi at all.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of drone Holy Stone HS161

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 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
Score components:

26%

3.6

Flight

24%

5.4

Camera

20%

4.3

Safety

16%

5.6

Connectivity

14%

6.3

Battery & Design

4.9
Reviews score
4.9
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
Score components:

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.2
Max flight time
10 min
This drone has a max flight time of 10 min, shorter than 81% of drones and equal to 6% of drones.
Max flight distance
0.1 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.
Max flight speed
6.26 m/s
This drone has a max flight speed of 6.26 m/s, slower than 74.7% of drones and equal to 0.6% of drones.
Max wind resistance
?
Max service ceiling (ASL)
100 m
This drone has a max service ceiling of 100 m, lower than 91% of drones and equal to 6% of drones.
Altitude limit set in the app.
Show more
What reviewers say
Video resolution
1080p/30 fps
This drone records video at 1080p/30 fps, lower than 61.9% of drones and equal to 5.9% 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
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
What reviewers say
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
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
720p@30 fps
This drone offers live view quality of 720p@30 fps, lower-quality than 56.8% of drones and equal to 22.9% of drones.
Remote control
yes
This drone has a handheld remote controller. 5% of drones offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
1,000 mAh
This drone has a battery capacity of 1,000 mAh, smaller than 79.3% of drones and equal to 3.1% of drones.
Battery energy
3.7 Wh
This drone has battery energy of 3.7 Wh, lower than 87.7% of drones and equal to 2.4% of drones.
Charging time
110 min
This drone charges in 110 min, slower than 62.5% of drones and equal to 1.9% of drones.
Weight
129 g
This drone weighs 129 g, lighter than 79.4% of drones.
Removable battery
yes
This drone has a removable battery. 0.5% of drones have a removable battery.
Show more

Holy Stone HS161 vs the average drone

246810TotalFlightCameraSafetyConnectivityBattery & Design
  • Supports TapFly
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • 47.6% lower weight
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (129 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    129 g vs 246 g
  • Supports smartphone control
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • 30.5 mm lower body height
    This drone is shorter than the average drone (32 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    Folded height listed as about 32 mm.
    32 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • 30 ° wider field of view
    This drone has a wider field of view than the average drone (120 ° vs 90 °). The average drone has a field of view of 90 °.
    120 ° vs 90 °
  • 5 x higher digital zoom
    This drone offers more digital zoom than the average drone (8 x vs 3 x). The average drone offers 3 x of digital zoom.
    8 x vs 3 x
  • 17.1% higher sentiment score
    8.9 vs 7.6
  • 2.86x cheaper
    Holy Stone HS161 is cheaper than the average drone (£70 vs £200).
    £70 vs £200
  • 17.1% higher sentiment score
    8.9 vs 7.6
  • 2.86x cheaper
    Holy Stone HS161 is cheaper than the average drone (£70 vs £200).
    £70 vs £200
  • 30 ° wider field of view
    This drone has a wider field of view than the average drone (120 ° vs 90 °). The average drone has a field of view of 90 °.
    120 ° vs 90 °
  • 5 x higher digital zoom
    This drone offers more digital zoom than the average drone (8 x vs 3 x). The average drone offers 3 x of digital zoom.
    8 x vs 3 x
  • Supports TapFly
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports smartphone control
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • 47.6% lower weight
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (129 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    129 g vs 246 g
  • 30.5 mm lower body height
    This drone is shorter than the average drone (32 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    Folded height listed as about 32 mm.
    32 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    This drone supports none GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    none vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • Lower video resolution
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (1080p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    1080p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • 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
  • 31.0% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.9/ 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

    4.9

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.5

    Average grade

    20%

    7.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (14)
    2 reviews + 12 videos, average 7.3/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    4.9 vs 7.1
  • 10 min shorter flight time
    This drone offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (10 min vs 20 min). The average drone offers 20 min of max flight time.
    10 min vs 20 min
  • 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.
  • 31.0% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.9/ 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

    4.9

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.5

    Average grade

    20%

    7.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (14)
    2 reviews + 12 videos, average 7.3/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    4.9 vs 7.1
  • 3.2% worse value for money
    Holy Stone HS161 has worse value for money than the average drone (7.25 vs 7.5).
    7.25 vs 7.48
  • 10 min shorter flight time
    This drone offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (10 min vs 20 min). The average drone offers 20 min of max flight time.
    10 min vs 20 min
  • 8.74 m/s slower flight speed
    This drone reaches a lower max flight speed than the average drone (6.3 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    6.26 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • 3,400 m lower service ceiling
    This drone can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (100 m vs 3,500 m). The average drone reaches 3,500 m.
    Altitude limit set in the app.
    100 m vs 3,500 m
  • 5 years older release date
    This drone is older than the average drone (2018 vs 2023). The average drone was released in 2023.
    December 2018
    2018 vs 2023
  • 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.
    0.1 km vs 1 km
  • Simpler motor design
    This drone uses brushed motors, while the average drone uses brushless motors.
    brushed vs brushless
  • Lower video resolution
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (1080p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    1080p/30 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.
    TapFly
    1 vs 4
  • No beginner mode
    This drone does not support beginner mode, while the average drone does.
  • 48.2% higher takeoff weight
    This drone has a higher max takeoff weight than the average drone (129 g vs 249 g). The average drone has a max takeoff weight of 249 g.
    129 g vs 249 g
  • 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
  • Lower live view quality
    This drone has worse live view quality than the average drone (720p@30 fps vs 1080p@25 fps). The average drone offers live view quality of 1080p@25 fps.
    720p@30 fps vs 1080p@25 fps
  • 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
  • 1,200 mAh less battery capacity
    This drone has a smaller battery capacity than the average drone (1,000 mAh vs 2,200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2,200 mAh.
    1,000 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • 13.48 Wh less battery energy
    This drone has lower battery energy than the average drone (3.7 Wh vs 17.18 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.18 Wh of energy.
    3.7 Wh vs 17.18 Wh
  • 20 min longer charging time
    This drone charges more slowly than the average drone (110 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    110 min vs 90 min

Video reviews

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

7.0
Tom's Tech Verdict
≈ estimated
07/12/2020
Hands-on review · unboxing and indoor and outdoor flight tests
Verdict
The Holy Stone HS161 is a narrow-use micro drone: fine indoors and in calm air, but it struggles outdoors and in wind.
3.0
TheRcSaylors
≈ estimated
23/01/2020
Hands-on review · range and flight-time tests
Verdict
Holy Stone HS161 is not recommended, with short range and a poor flying experience making it a disappointing buy.
8.0
Mekusmekus
≈ estimated
31/08/2019
Outdoor flight test · light wind and phone control
Verdict
Holy Stone HS161 is surprisingly maneuverable and easy to fly, though it drifts in stronger winds.
8.0
Jay Drone
≈ estimated
23/08/2019
Point-and-shoot test · filming at a fair
Verdict
Holy Stone HS161 is surprisingly good for a foldable toy, though frame skips and audio sync limit it.
8.0
BIG DRONE FLYER77 R/C
≈ estimated
15/08/2019
Hands-on review · flight, battery and connection tests
Verdict
Holy Stone HS161 is a pretty good little drone with a few flaws, especially app lag and poor turning.
8.0
Lone Valley Adventures
≈ estimated
30/03/2021
First flight · wind, transmission and low-battery cutoff test
Verdict
Holy Stone HS161 is easy to fly and holds steady in wind thanks to optical flow, though its range is short.
7.0
McLIFE ADVENTURES
≈ estimated
12/08/2020
Unboxing and review · beginner-level overview
Verdict
Holy Stone HS161 is not a bad little drone, best suited to beginners, with image quality closer to 720p.
8.0
009 ADVENTURES
≈ estimated
20/01/2020
First impressions · flight and SD card setup
Verdict
Holy Stone HS161 is pretty good overall, though calibration and SD card access are fiddly.
8.0
JD Quad
≈ estimated
20/12/2019
Final thoughts · short flying impressions
Verdict
The Holy Stone HS161 is a simple, fun beginner quad, recommended for relaxed flying rather than serious performance.
9.0
JD Quad
≈ estimated
19/12/2019
Unboxing and flight video · battery and wind check
Verdict
Holy Stone HS161 is a fun, easy-to-fly quad that does exactly what a small toy drone should.
9.0
CAPTAIN DRONE
≈ estimated
21/08/2019
Unboxing and feature review · first flying impressions
Verdict
Holy Stone HS161 flies well and everything works as it should, making it a drone worth keeping for a while.
8.0
Mekusmekus
≈ estimated
17/08/2019
First flight test · short indoor flight
Verdict
Holy Stone HS161 is a slow but stable selfie drone whose optical flow holds position very well.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

4.0
tomsguide.com
✓ explicit
24/01/2022
Product review · Foldable drone
Verdict
The Holy Stone HS161 tries to do everything, doubling as a weak flashlight and power bank, but it flies only nine minutes and its footage shakes badly.
8.2
yourdronereviews.com
✓ explicit
19/09/2019
Product review · Foldable travel drone
Verdict
The Holy Stone HS161 is a lightweight, foldable travel drone that doubles as a portable charger and flashlight, but it has no GPS and struggles in breezy weather.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Holy Stone HS161

  • Multifunctional 4-in-1 design (drone, handheld camera, flashlight, and power bank)
  • Extremely portable with a compact, foldable design about the size of a spray can
  • Stable indoor flight thanks to effective optical flow positioning
  • Beginner-friendly with features like one-key takeoff/landing and headless mode
  • Remote controller is rechargeable and includes a built-in phone holder
  • Comes with a complete starter kit including an 8GB SD card and spare batteries

What customers don't like about Holy Stone HS161

  • Underpowered performance, often described as slow even on the highest speed setting
  • Poor wind resistance due to its lightweight build and brushed motors
  • Camera lacks stabilization or a gimbal, leading to jittery footage during maneuvers
  • Secondary functions (flashlight and power bank) are underpowered compared to dedicated devices
  • Limited flight range of approximately 100 meters, which can drop significantly in poor conditions
  • App connectivity issues, sometimes requiring cellular data to be disabled to link properly

Verdict

The Holy Stone HS161 is a versatile, lightweight (127g) foldable drone designed for portability and multi-functionality, doubling as a 1080P handheld camera, a 1000mAh emergency power bank, and a built-in LED flashlight. It features a 1080P FHD camera with a 60° manually adjustable angle and utilizes optical flow positioning for stable hovering without GPS. Key pros include its unique '4-in-1' design, ease of use for beginners with one-key takeoff/landing, and the inclusion of a micro SD card slot for local recording. However, it lacks GPS for advanced return-to-home functions, has a relatively short flight time of approximately 8–10 minutes per battery, and its brushed motors struggle significantly in windy conditions.

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