OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Drones Methodology v2.0
Drones Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Drones Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,023 independent expert reviews and 2,622 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Drones Methodology v2.0

Holy Stone HS165 Review | 97 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130Max flight time:14 minVideo resolution:1080p/30 fpsMax transmission distance:0.4 km

Holy Stone HS165 Review: Compare 97 technical specifications and 9 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Drones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.8

Overall score

Score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the drone's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best drones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components

85%

5.5

Technical score

15%

7.3

Review score ( 1 · 8)

Review score 15% · 7.3 · based on 9 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 15%, technical score 85%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
▼Worse than 68% of drones
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the drone's technical performance, covering key areas such as flight performance, camera quality, transmission, safety features, battery life, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare drones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components

26%

3.9

Flight

24%

5.3

Camera

20%

6.8

Safety

16%

6.2

Connectivity

14%

6.2

Battery & Design

▼Worse than 68% of drones
7.3

Review score

Review score
7.3/ 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.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 15% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 4 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 79% of models
Grades by review (9)
1 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 0 estimated from the review. 8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 15%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 1
✓ explicit
1

19.8%

9.6

moonandback.com

Video reviews 8

12.3%

9.0

BIG DRONE FLYER77 R/C

12.3%

7.0

Don Joyce

12.3%

6.0

TodayIFeelLike

12.3%

5.0

Colski Drones 2026

12.3%

4.0

Open Circuit RC & Tech

6.2%

9.0

Erik's Repairs DIY and 3D

6.2%

8.0

B4U GO

6.2%

8.0

Jay Drone

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 79% of drones
  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £130

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of drone Holy Stone HS165

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the drone's technical performance, covering key areas such as flight performance, camera quality, transmission, safety features, battery life, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare drones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components:

26%

3.9

Flight

24%

5.3

Camera

20%

6.8

Safety

16%

6.2

Connectivity

14%

6.2

Battery & Design

5.5
Review score
Review score
7.3/ 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.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 15% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 4 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 79% of models
Grades by review (9)
1 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 0 estimated from the review. 8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 15%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 1
✓ explicit
1

19.8%

9.6

moonandback.com

Video reviews 8

12.3%

9.0

BIG DRONE FLYER77 R/C

12.3%

7.0

Don Joyce

12.3%

6.0

TodayIFeelLike

12.3%

5.0

Colski Drones 2026

12.3%

4.0

Open Circuit RC & Tech

6.2%

9.0

Erik's Repairs DIY and 3D

6.2%

8.0

B4U GO

6.2%

8.0

Jay Drone

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
7.3
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the drone.
When it matters
When you prefer to choose a drone reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Holy Stone HS165 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 74.3% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components:

60%

5.8

Overall score

40%

9.8

Price

7.0
Max flight time
14 min
Max flight time
14 min
▼ Worse than 73% of models
Market range: <8 min – >40 min
This drone has a max flight time of 14 min, shorter than 72.5% of drones and equal to 2% of drones.
Real-world flight time is often lower than the advertised maximum.
Max flight distance
0.4 km
Max flight distance
0.4 km
▼ Worse than 64% of models
Market range: <0.05 km – >24 km
This drone has a max flight distance of 0.4 km, shorter-range than 64.1% of drones.
Max flight speed
5.81 m/s
Max flight speed
5.81 m/s
▼ Worse than 77% of models
Market range: <4 m/s – >21 m/s
This drone has a max flight speed of 5.81 m/s, slower than 76.6% of drones.
Max wind resistance
?
Max service ceiling (ASL)
120 m
Max service ceiling (ASL)
120 m
▼ Worse than 70% of models
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.
Altitude limit set in the app.
Show more
What reviewers say
Video resolution
1080p/30 fps
Video resolution
1080p/30 fps
▼ Worse than 62% of models
This drone records video at 1080p/30 fps, lower than 61.9% of drones and equal to 5.9% of drones.
4K camera
no
4K camera
no
▼ Worse than 55% of models
This drone does not support 4K video. 54.6% of drones support 4K video.
Sensor size
?
Main camera megapixels
3.69 MP
Main camera megapixels
3.69 MP
▼ Worse than 78% of models
Market range: <2 MP – >48 MP
This drone has a main camera resolution of 3.69 MP, lower than 78% of drones.
Max movie bitrate
?
Show more
Obstacle detection
no
Obstacle detection
no
▼ Worse than 31% of models
This drone does not support obstacle detection. 31% of drones support obstacle detection.
Return to Home (RTH)
yes
Return to Home (RTH)
yes
▲ Better than 33% of models
This drone supports Return-to-Home (RTH). 33% of drones support Return-to-Home (RTH).
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
▲ Better than 35% of models
This drone supports GPS. 35.3% of drones support GPS.
GNSS systems supported
GPS
GNSS systems supported
GPS
▼ Worse than 51% of models
This drone supports GPS GNSS systems, which are less comprehensive than those of 50.8% and the same as those of 14.6%.
Obstacle sensing directions
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Max transmission distance
0.4 km
Max transmission distance
0.4 km
▼ Worse than 61% of models
Market range: <0.05 km – >15 km
This drone has a max transmission distance of 0.4 km, shorter-range than 60.7% of drones and equal to 1% of drones.
Transmission latency
?
Video transmission system
Wi-Fi
Video transmission system
Wi-Fi
▼ Worse than 44% of models
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
Live view quality
1080p@30 fps
▲ Better than 61% of models
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
Remote control
yes
▲ Better than 5% of models
This drone has a handheld remote controller. 5% of drones offer this.
Show more
Battery capacity
880 mAh
Battery capacity
880 mAh
▼ Worse than 84% of models
Market range: <550 mAh – >5k mAh
This drone has a battery capacity of 880 mAh, smaller than 83.9% of drones.
Battery energy
6.512 Wh
Battery energy
6.512 Wh
▼ Worse than 74% of models
Market range: <3.7 Wh – >77 Wh
This drone has battery energy of 6.512 Wh, lower than 73.5% of drones.
Charging time
120 min
Charging time
120 min
▼ Worse than 65% of models
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
171 g
Weight
171 g
▲ Better than 69% of models
Market range: <80 g – >920 g
This drone weighs 171 g, lighter than 69.1% of drones.
Removable battery
yes
Removable battery
yes
▲ Better than 1% of models
This drone has a removable battery. 0.5% of drones have a removable battery.
Show more
What reviewers say

Holy Stone HS165 vs the average drone

246810TotalFlightCameraSafetyConnectivityBattery & Design
  • Supports waypoint flight
    Waypoint flight
    yes
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This drone supports waypoint flight, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports TapFly
    TapFly
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports smartphone control
    Smartphone control
    yes
    ▲ Better than 50% of models
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • 30.5% lower weight
    Weight
    171 g
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >920 g
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (171 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    171 g vs 246 g
  • More modern charging port
    Charging interface
    proprietary
    ▼ Worse than 42% of models
    This drone uses proprietary for charging, while the average drone uses micro-USB.
    Uses a proprietary balance-plug connector.
    proprietary vs micro-USB
  • 61 mm narrower width
    Width
    180 mm
    ▲ Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <114 mm – >387.5 mm
    This drone is narrower than the average drone (180 mm vs 241 mm). The average drone width is 241 mm.
    180 mm vs 241 mm
  • 11.5 mm lower body height
    Height
    51 mm
    ▲ Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <38 mm – >120 mm
    This drone is shorter than the average drone (51 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    51 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • Better live view quality
    Live view quality
    1080p@30 fps
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    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
  • Supports burst mode
    Burst mode
    yes
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    This drone supports burst mode, while the average drone does not.
  • 2 x higher digital zoom
    Digital zoom
    5 x
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <0 x – >16 x
    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
    Waypoint flight
    yes
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This drone supports waypoint flight, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports TapFly
    TapFly
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports smartphone control
    Smartphone control
    yes
    ▲ Better than 50% of models
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • Better live view quality
    Live view quality
    1080p@30 fps
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    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
  • 30.5% lower weight
    Weight
    171 g
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >920 g
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (171 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    171 g vs 246 g
  • More modern charging port
    Charging interface
    proprietary
    ▼ Worse than 42% of models
    This drone uses proprietary for charging, while the average drone uses micro-USB.
    Uses a proprietary balance-plug connector.
    proprietary vs micro-USB
  • 61 mm narrower width
    Width
    180 mm
    ▲ Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <114 mm – >387.5 mm
    This drone is narrower than the average drone (180 mm vs 241 mm). The average drone width is 241 mm.
    180 mm vs 241 mm
  • 11.5 mm lower body height
    Height
    51 mm
    ▲ Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <38 mm – >120 mm
    This drone is shorter than the average drone (51 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    51 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    1080p/30 fps
    ▼ Worse than 62% of models
    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
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    GNSS systems supported
    GPS
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    This drone supports GPS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    GPS vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • More basic transmission system
    Video transmission system
    Wi-Fi
    ▼ Worse than 44% of models
    This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    Wi-Fi vs SkyLink 2.0
  • 9.19 m/s slower flight speed
    Max flight speed
    5.81 m/s
    ▼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <4 m/s – >21 m/s
    This drone reaches a lower max flight speed than the average drone (5.8 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    5.81 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • Narrower tilt range
    Camera tilt range
    fixed °
    ▼ Worse than 87% of models
    This drone has a narrower tilt range than the average drone (fixed ° vs -90 to 20 °).
    fixed ° vs -90 to 20 °
  • 1,320 mAh less battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    880 mAh
    ▼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <550 mAh – >5k mAh
    This drone has a smaller battery capacity than the average drone (880 mAh vs 2200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2200 mAh.
    880 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • 6 min shorter flight time
    Max flight time
    14 min
    ▼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <8 min – >40 min
    This drone offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (14 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.
    14 min vs 20 min
  • Fewer photo format options
    Photo formats supported
    JPEG
    ▼ Worse than 41% of models
    This drone supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    JPEG vs JPEG, DNG (RAW)
  • 6.47x less popular
    Holy Stone HS165 is less popular than the average drone (1 vs 6.5).
    1 vs 6.47
  • 9.19 m/s slower flight speed
    Max flight speed
    5.81 m/s
    ▼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <4 m/s – >21 m/s
    This drone reaches a lower max flight speed than the average drone (5.8 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    5.81 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • 6 min shorter flight time
    Max flight time
    14 min
    ▼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <8 min – >40 min
    This drone offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (14 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.
    14 min vs 20 min
  • 3,380 m lower service ceiling
    Max service ceiling (ASL)
    120 m
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <120 m – >6k m
    This drone can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (120 m vs 3500 m). The average drone reaches 3500 m.
    Altitude limit set in the app.
    120 m vs 3,500 m
  • 4 years older release date
    Release date
    2019
    ▼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This drone is older than the average drone (2019 vs 2023). The average drone was released in 2023.
    June 2019
    2019 vs 2023
  • Simpler motor design
    Motor type
    brushed
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    This drone uses brushed motors, while the average drone uses brushless motors.
    brushed vs brushless
  • 0.6 km shorter flight distance
    Max flight distance
    0.4 km
    ▼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <0.05 km – >24 km
    This drone has a shorter max flight distance than the average drone (0.4 km vs 1 km). The average drone can fly up to 1 km.
    0.4 km vs 1 km
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    1080p/30 fps
    ▼ Worse than 62% of models
    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
    Camera tilt range
    fixed °
    ▼ Worse than 87% of models
    This drone has a narrower tilt range than the average drone (fixed ° vs -90 to 20 °).
    fixed ° vs -90 to 20 °
  • Fewer photo format options
    Photo formats supported
    JPEG
    ▼ Worse than 41% of models
    This drone supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    JPEG vs JPEG, DNG (RAW)
  • Lower photo resolution
    Photo resolution
    2560 x 1440 px
    ▼ Worse than 64% of models
    This drone offers lower photo resolution than the average drone (2560x1440 px vs 4096x3072 px). The average drone offers a photo resolution of 4096x3072 px.
    2560x1440 px vs 4096x3072 px
  • 8.31 MP less camera resolution
    Main camera megapixels
    3.69 MP
    ▼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <2 MP – >48 MP
    This drone has fewer main camera megapixels than the average drone (3.7 MP vs 12 MP). The average drone has 12 MP on the main camera.
    3.69 MP vs 12 MP
  • No 4K video
    4K camera
    no
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    This drone does not support 4K video, while the average drone does.
  • 96 GB lower memory card limit
    Max external memory supported
    32 GB
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >512 GB
    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
    GNSS systems supported
    GPS
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    This drone supports GPS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    GPS vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • 31.3% higher takeoff weight
    Max takeoff weight
    171 g
    ▼ Worse than 74% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >1.1k g
    This drone has a higher max takeoff weight than the average drone (171 g vs 249 g). The average drone has a max takeoff weight of 249 g.
    171 g vs 249 g
  • More basic transmission system
    Video transmission system
    Wi-Fi
    ▼ Worse than 44% of models
    This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    Wi-Fi vs SkyLink 2.0
  • 0.6 km shorter transmission range
    Max transmission distance
    0.4 km
    ▼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <0.05 km – >15 km
    This drone has a shorter max transmission distance than the average drone (0.4 km vs 1 km). The average drone reaches 1 km of transmission distance.
    0.4 km vs 1 km
  • 1,320 mAh less battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    880 mAh
    ▼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <550 mAh – >5k mAh
    This drone has a smaller battery capacity than the average drone (880 mAh vs 2200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2200 mAh.
    880 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • 30 min longer charging time
    Charging time
    120 min
    ▼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <55 min – >180 min
    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
  • 10.67 Wh less battery energy
    Battery energy
    6.512 Wh
    ▼ Worse than 74% of models
    Market range: <3.7 Wh – >77 Wh
    This drone has lower battery energy than the average drone (6.5 Wh vs 17.18 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.18 Wh of energy.
    6.512 Wh vs 17.18 Wh

Video reviews

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

6.0
TodayIFeelLike
≈ estimated
05/12/2021
Hands-on review · unboxing and non-GPS flight test
Verdict
The Holy Stone HS165 is disappointing, with GPS and camera not working in the test, but it is still fun to fly.
9.0
Erik's Repairs DIY and 3D
≈ estimated
14/10/2021
Hands-on review · stability, FPV and return-home flights
Verdict
Holy Stone HS165 is very stable and excellent value for the money, though wind pushes this small drone around.
7.0
Don Joyce
≈ estimated
26/09/2021
Hands-on review · setup walk-through and windy flight test
Verdict
Holy Stone HS165 is easy to fly thanks to GPS, though the downward camera angle limits the footage.
4.0
Open Circuit RC & Tech
≈ estimated
07/04/2020
Hands-on review · full flight test and table review
Verdict
Holy Stone HS165 is not recommended: flight is erratic and the motors keep spinning after landing.
9.0
BIG DRONE FLYER77 R/C
≈ estimated
12/09/2019
Hands-on review · GPS, range and battery tests
Verdict
Holy Stone HS165 is a smooth, solid GPS selfie drone that handles wind well and earns a strong recommendation.
5.0
Colski Drones 2026
≈ estimated
02/08/2019
Flight test · conclusion after outdoor flying
Verdict
The Holy Stone HS165 flies very nicely for a beginner drone, but it is too expensive to recommend at its current price.
8.0
B4U GO
≈ estimated
13/02/2022
Setup and controls walk-through · brief flight verdict
Verdict
Holy Stone HS165 is a fun little drone that flies well, but it is older and has fewer features than the HS175D.
9.0
Erik's Repairs DIY and 3D
≈ estimated
16/10/2021
Short test · waypoint missions and speed settings
Verdict
Holy Stone HS165 is impressive for the money, with waypoint missions working well after tweaking settings.
5.0
Colski Drones 2026
≈ estimated
21/07/2019
First look · features, app and included accessories
Verdict
Holy Stone HS165 is well made and nicely finished, but overpriced for what it offers.
8.0
Jay Drone
≈ estimated
21/06/2019
Unboxing · value comparison and first impressions
Verdict
Holy Stone HS165 is fairly priced for newer pilots who want GPS and peace of mind, with a rechargeable controller.

What reviewers agree on

Based on 1 · 10

Reviewers like its compact size and speed, but flight time is short, durability is a concern, and opinions on stability are split.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.6
moonandback.com
✓ explicit
21/01/2024
Product review · Foldable GPS drone
Verdict
The Holy Stone HS165 is a light, easy beginner drone with GPS return and follow features, but its camera is fixed and it flies only 8–10 minutes.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Holy Stone HS165

  • Extremely portable with a compact, foldable design that fits in a pocket
  • Very beginner-friendly due to easy setup, 'Headless Mode', and one-key takeoff/landing
  • Includes a high-quality semi-hard carrying case and two batteries as standard
  • No FAA registration required due to its lightweight design (under 250g)
  • Highly responsive and helpful customer service based on multiple user accounts

What we don't like about Holy Stone HS165

  • Short battery life, with actual flight times often ranging between 8–12 minutes per battery
  • Fixed camera lacks a gimbal, leading to shaky or tilted video during movement
  • Camera has a noticeable 'fish-eye' effect and limited color depth
  • Fixed flight ceiling often limited to approximately 20–32 meters
  • Difficult to fly in anything beyond light wind due to its small size and brushed motors
  • The phone holder on the controller can feel flimsy and lack security for larger devices

Verdict

The Holy Stone HS165 is a compact, foldable GPS drone weighing approximately 171g, making it highly portable and exempt from FAA registration. It features a 1080p/2K HD camera with a 90° wide-angle lens for FPV transmission and offers intelligent flight modes including Follow Me, Circle Fly, Tap Fly, and precise GPS-assisted Return to Home. Main pros include its user-friendly interface for beginners, stable hovering capabilities, and the inclusion of two modular batteries that provide a combined flight time of up to 28-30 minutes. However, notable cons include its reliance on less powerful brushed motors, a fixed camera angle that lacks gimbal stabilization, and limited wind resistance due to its lightweight design.

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