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 HS175 Review | 97 Data compared

Avg. price:~£170Max flight time:22 minVideo resolution:2K/25 fpsMax transmission distance:0.3 km

Holy Stone HS175 Review: Compare 97 technical specifications and 7 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Drones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.2

Overall score

Score
6.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components

85%

6.1

Technical score

15%

6.8

Review score ( 0 · 7)

Review score 15% · 6.8 · based on 7 videos
7 videos count as 3.5 of the 4 needed; the rest counts as 7/10. Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 15%, technical score 85%. A video or a short review counts less than a full test.
â–¼Worse than 54% of drones
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

26%

5.9

Flight

24%

5.6

Camera

20%

7.0

Safety

16%

5.9

Connectivity

14%

5.9

Battery & Design

â–¼Worse than 51% of drones
6.8

Review score

Review score
6.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Grades by review (7)
7 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.
Video reviews 7

12.5%

7.0

Curious Human

12.5%

8.0

B4U GO

12.5%

8.0

Drones & Dogs

12.5%

8.0

Know the Drone

12.5%

7.0

Nick Cieslak 22

12.5%

6.0

Idaho Quadcopter

12.5%

3.0

bryansbikes

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 97% of drones
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Best prices

    N/A~ £170

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 HS175

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components:

26%

5.9

Flight

24%

5.6

Camera

20%

7.0

Safety

16%

5.9

Connectivity

14%

5.9

Battery & Design

6.1
Review score
Review score
6.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Grades by review (7)
7 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.
Video reviews 7

12.5%

7.0

Curious Human

12.5%

8.0

B4U GO

12.5%

8.0

Drones & Dogs

12.5%

8.0

Know the Drone

12.5%

7.0

Nick Cieslak 22

12.5%

6.0

Idaho Quadcopter

12.5%

3.0

bryansbikes

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
6.8
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Holy Stone HS175 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
7.2/ 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–² Better than 57% of models
Score components:

60%

6.2

Overall score

40%

9.6

Price

7.2
Max flight time
22 min
Max flight time
22 min
â–² Better than 51% of models
Market range: <8 min – >40 min
This drone has a max flight time of 22 min, longer than 51% of drones and equal to 0.5% of drones.
Max flight distance
0.5 km
Max flight distance
0.5 km
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <0.05 km – >24 km
This drone has a max flight distance of 0.5 km, shorter-range than 59.7% of drones and equal to 3.9% of drones.
Max flight speed
?
Max wind resistance
?
Max service ceiling (ASL)
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Video resolution
2K/25 fps
Video resolution
2K/25 fps
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This drone records video at 2K/25 fps, lower than 59.9% of drones.
4K camera
no
4K camera
no
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
This drone does not support 4K video. 54.6% of drones support 4K video.
Sensor size
?
Main camera megapixels
2 MP
Main camera megapixels
2 MP
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
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
What reviewers say
Obstacle detection
no
Obstacle detection
no
â–¼ 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
â–² Better than 33% of models
This drone supports Return-to-Home (RTH). 33% of drones support Return-to-Home (RTH).
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
â–² Better than 35% of models
This drone supports GPS. 35.3% of drones support GPS.
GNSS systems supported
GPS, GLONASS
GNSS systems supported
GPS, GLONASS
â–² Better than 50% of models
This drone supports GPS, GLONASS GNSS systems, which are more comprehensive than those of 49.8% and the same as those of 17.1%.
Obstacle sensing directions
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Max transmission distance
0.3 km
Max transmission distance
0.3 km
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Market range: <0.05 km – >15 km
This drone has a max transmission distance of 0.3 km, shorter-range than 62.2% 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
Video transmission system
Wi-Fi
â–¼ 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
720p@25 fps
Live view quality
720p@25 fps
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
This drone offers live view quality of 720p@25 fps, lower-quality than 80.2% of drones and equal to 2.6% of drones.
Remote control
yes
Remote control
yes
â–² Better than 5% of models
This drone has a handheld remote controller. 5% of drones offer this.
Show more
Battery capacity
1,300 mAh
Battery capacity
1,300 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
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
12.92 Wh
Battery energy
12.92 Wh
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Market range: <3.7 Wh – >77 Wh
This drone has battery energy of 12.92 Wh, lower than 58.2% of drones and equal to 0.6% of drones.
Charging time
150 min
Charging time
150 min
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Market range: <55 min – >180 min
This drone charges in 150 min, slower than 76.9% of drones and equal to 6.9% of drones.
Weight
209 g
Weight
209 g
â–² Better than 59% of models
Market range: <80 g – >920 g
This drone weighs 209 g, lighter than 59.3% of drones and equal to 0.5% of drones.
Removable battery
yes
Removable battery
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This drone has a removable battery. 0.5% of drones have a removable battery.
Show more

Holy Stone HS175 vs the average drone

246810TotalFlightCameraSafetyConnectivityBattery & Design
  • Supports waypoint flight
    Waypoint flight
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This drone supports waypoint flight, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports TapFly
    TapFly
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports smartphone control
    Smartphone control
    yes
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • More video format options
    Video formats
    MP4, AVI
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This drone supports MP4, AVI video formats, while the average drone supports MP4.
    MP4, AVI vs MP4
  • More modern charging port
    Charging interface
    proprietary
    â–¼ Worse than 42% of models
    This drone uses proprietary for charging, while the average drone uses micro-USB.
    proprietary vs micro-USB
  • 15% lower weight
    Weight
    209 g
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >920 g
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (209 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    209 g vs 246 g
  • 20 ° wider field of view
    Field of view
    110 °
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    Market range: <79 ° – >130 °
    This drone has a wider field of view than the average drone (110 ° vs 90 °). The average drone has a field of view of 90 °.
    110 ° vs 90 °
  • More video format options
    Video formats
    MP4, AVI
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This drone supports MP4, AVI video formats, while the average drone supports MP4.
    MP4, AVI vs MP4
  • 20 ° wider field of view
    Field of view
    110 °
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    Market range: <79 ° – >130 °
    This drone has a wider field of view than the average drone (110 ° vs 90 °). The average drone has a field of view of 90 °.
    110 ° vs 90 °
  • Supports waypoint flight
    Waypoint flight
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This drone supports waypoint flight, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports TapFly
    TapFly
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports smartphone control
    Smartphone control
    yes
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • More modern charging port
    Charging interface
    proprietary
    â–¼ Worse than 42% of models
    This drone uses proprietary for charging, while the average drone uses micro-USB.
    proprietary vs micro-USB
  • 15% lower weight
    Weight
    209 g
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >920 g
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (209 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    209 g vs 246 g
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    2K/25 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (2K/25 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    2K/25 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • More basic transmission system
    Video transmission system
    Wi-Fi
    â–¼ 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
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    GNSS systems supported
    GPS, GLONASS
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This drone supports GPS, GLONASS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    GPS, GLONASS vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • Lower live view quality
    Live view quality
    720p@25 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This drone has worse live view quality than the average drone (720p@25 fps vs 1080p@25 fps). The average drone offers live view quality of 1080p@25 fps.
    720p@25 fps vs 1080p@25 fps
  • 60 min longer charging time
    Charging time
    150 min
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <55 min – >180 min
    This drone charges more slowly than the average drone (150 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    150 min vs 90 min
  • Fewer photo format options
    Photo formats supported
    JPEG
    â–¼ Worse than 41% of models
    This drone supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    JPEG vs JPEG, DNG (RAW)
  • 900 mAh less battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    1,300 mAh
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <550 mAh – >5k mAh
    This drone has a smaller battery capacity than the average drone (1300 mAh vs 2200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2200 mAh.
    1,300 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • 119 mm wider width
    Width
    360 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <114 mm – >387.5 mm
    This drone is wider than the average drone (360 mm vs 241 mm). The average drone width is 241 mm.
    360 mm vs 241 mm
  • 6.47x less popular
    Holy Stone HS175 is less popular than the average drone (1 vs 6.5).
    1 vs 6.47
  • Simpler motor design
    Motor type
    brushed
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    This drone uses brushed motors, while the average drone uses brushless motors.
    brushed vs brushless
  • 2 years older release date
    Release date
    2021
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This drone is older than the average drone (2021 vs 2023). The average drone was released in 2023.
    March 2021
    2021 vs 2023
  • 0.5 km shorter flight distance
    Max flight distance
    0.5 km
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0.05 km – >24 km
    This drone has a shorter max flight distance than the average drone (0.5 km vs 1 km). The average drone can fly up to 1 km.
    0.5 km vs 1 km
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    2K/25 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (2K/25 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    2K/25 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • Fewer photo format options
    Photo formats supported
    JPEG
    â–¼ Worse than 41% of models
    This drone supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    JPEG vs JPEG, DNG (RAW)
  • Narrower tilt range
    Camera tilt range
    -90 to 0 °
    â–¼ Worse than 33% of models
    This drone has a narrower tilt range than the average drone (-90 to 0 ° vs -90 to 20 °).
    -90 to 0 ° vs -90 to 20 °
  • 10 MP less camera resolution
    Main camera megapixels
    2 MP
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <2 MP – >48 MP
    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
    4K camera
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This drone does not support 4K video, while the average drone does.
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    GNSS systems supported
    GPS, GLONASS
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This drone supports GPS, GLONASS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    GPS, GLONASS vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • More basic transmission system
    Video transmission system
    Wi-Fi
    â–¼ 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
  • Lower live view quality
    Live view quality
    720p@25 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This drone has worse live view quality than the average drone (720p@25 fps vs 1080p@25 fps). The average drone offers live view quality of 1080p@25 fps.
    720p@25 fps vs 1080p@25 fps
  • 0.7 km shorter transmission range
    Max transmission distance
    0.3 km
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    Market range: <0.05 km – >15 km
    This drone has a shorter max transmission distance than the average drone (0.3 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.
    0.3 km vs 1 km
  • 60 min longer charging time
    Charging time
    150 min
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <55 min – >180 min
    This drone charges more slowly than the average drone (150 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    150 min vs 90 min
  • 900 mAh less battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    1,300 mAh
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <550 mAh – >5k mAh
    This drone has a smaller battery capacity than the average drone (1300 mAh vs 2200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2200 mAh.
    1,300 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • 119 mm wider width
    Width
    360 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <114 mm – >387.5 mm
    This drone is wider than the average drone (360 mm vs 241 mm). The average drone width is 241 mm.
    360 mm vs 241 mm
  • Plainer color finish
    Color
    black, gray
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    This drone comes in black, gray, while the average drone comes in gray.
    black, gray vs gray
  • 4.26 Wh less battery energy
    Battery energy
    12.92 Wh
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <3.7 Wh – >77 Wh
    This drone has lower battery energy than the average drone (12.9 Wh vs 17.18 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.18 Wh of energy.
    12.92 Wh vs 17.18 Wh
  • 25 mm longer body length
    Length
    300 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <117 mm – >385 mm
    This drone is longer than the average drone (300 mm vs 275 mm). The average drone is 275 mm long.
    300 mm vs 275 mm

Video reviews

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

7.0
Nick Cieslak 22
≈ estimated
25/01/2024
Revisit review · short flight test and wind limits
Verdict
Holy Stone HS175 is a decent learning drone at a fair price, but it gets blown around in wind.
8.0
B4U GO
≈ estimated
02/05/2021
Hands-on review · flight test and feature walkthrough
Verdict
Holy Stone HS175 packs a lot of features for its price, but the camera is not great and it suits casual fun.
8.0
Drones & Dogs
≈ estimated
29/04/2021
Range test · line-of-sight flight without Wi-Fi
Verdict
Holy Stone HS175 is a solid drone that came back home after the pilot lost sight of it.
3.0
bryansbikes
≈ estimated
21/03/2021
Setup and flight review · control and GPS complaints
Verdict
Holy Stone HS175 is hard to control and frustrating to fly, though it does get airborne.
6.0
Idaho Quadcopter
≈ estimated
19/03/2021
Hands-on review · full flight test and feature check
Verdict
Holy Stone HS175 could work as a budget GPS drone for beginners, but unreliable modes make a bigger drone the better buy.
7.0
Curious Human
✓ explicit
30/01/2021
Unboxing and review · flight time, features and camera tests
Verdict
Holy Stone HS175 is a good drone for learning FPV flying, though its camera is weak for photos and video.
4.0
Nick Cieslak 22
≈ estimated
23/12/2020
Problem experience · comparison with two rival drones
Verdict
Holy Stone HS175 is not recommended: it caused constant trouble, and rival drones offer better value.
7.0
Nick Cieslak 22
≈ estimated
04/12/2020
Hands-on review · flight, camera and GPS check
Verdict
Holy Stone HS175 is a decent budget pick for beginners, though the GPS error and weaker camera hold it back.
8.0
Know the Drone
≈ estimated
09/11/2020
Hands-on review · camera, flight and app tests
Verdict
Holy Stone HS175 performs well in most categories but struggles in wind, so calm areas suit it best.

What reviewers agree on

Based on 0 · 9

Reviewers like its portability and handling, but it struggles in wind, and opinions on image quality and GPS are split.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Third-party reviews

What we like about Holy Stone HS175

  • Budget-friendly and accessible price point for beginners
  • Lightweight (under 249g), often exempting it from mandatory registration in many regions
  • Includes a high-quality travel carrying case and extra accessories like spare batteries and propellers
  • Beginner-friendly flight modes including 'novice mode' and optical flow positioning for stable indoor hovering
  • Comes with two batteries, providing a total combined flight time of approximately 40-46 minutes

What we don't like about Holy Stone HS175

  • Lack of a mechanical gimbal results in shaky or tilted video during maneuvers and wind
  • Marketing claims of '4K' are often misleading; while it takes 4K stills, video is typically capped at 2.7K or 1080p
  • Mobile app is frequently cited as clunky, prone to connection drops, or containing untranslated text
  • Susceptible to drifting and struggles significantly in windy conditions due to its lightweight build
  • Long pre-flight calibration process, sometimes taking several minutes to acquire a sufficient GPS signal
  • Propellers have a low profile, making it difficult to take off from grass without a separate landing pad

Verdict

The Holy Stone HS175 is a sub-250g foldable GPS drone aimed at beginners, featuring a 4K camera with a wide lens and a remotely adjustable tilt angle. It stands out for its brushless motors, useful assisted flight modes, and easy-to-carry design that keeps regulatory hassles low in many regions. Its strongest points are convenience, portability, and a better feature set than many toy-like mini drones. The main compromises are more modest image quality and safety systems compared with premium sub-250g models.

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