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 HS230 Review | 97 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130Max flight time:10 minVideo resolution:720p/30 fpsMax transmission distance:0.1 km

Holy Stone HS230 Review: Compare 97 technical specifications and 3 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Drones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.3

Overall score

Score
5.3/ 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 83% of models
Score components

85%

4.9

Technical score

15%

7.3

Review score ( 0 · 3)

Review score 15% · 7.3 · based on 3 videos
3 videos count as 1.3 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.
▼Worse than 83% of drones
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 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 84% of models
Score components

26%

4.1

Flight

24%

5.3

Camera

20%

3.9

Safety

16%

6.1

Connectivity

14%

6.0

Battery & Design

▼Worse than 84% 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 78% of models
Grades by review (3)
3 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 2

12.5%

9.0

TheRcSaylors

6.3%

8.0

Quads & Mods

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 78% 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 HS230

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 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 84% of models
Score components:

26%

4.1

Flight

24%

5.3

Camera

20%

3.9

Safety

16%

6.1

Connectivity

14%

6.0

Battery & Design

4.9
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 78% of models
Grades by review (3)
3 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 2

12.5%

9.0

TheRcSaylors

6.3%

8.0

Quads & Mods

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 HS230 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
6.7/ 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 76% of models
Score components:

60%

5.3

Overall score

40%

9.8

Price

6.7
Max flight time
10 min
Max flight time
10 min
▼ Worse than 81% of models
Market range: <8 min – >40 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
Max flight distance
0.1 km
▼ Worse than 75% of models
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.
Max flight speed
12.5 m/s
Max flight speed
12.5 m/s
▼ Worse than 54% of models
Market range: <4 m/s – >21 m/s
This drone has a max flight speed of 12.5 m/s, slower than 53.8% 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.
Show more
Video resolution
720p/30 fps
Video resolution
720p/30 fps
▼ Worse than 84% of models
This drone records video at 720p/30 fps, lower than 84.2% of drones and equal to 2.5% 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
5 MP
Main camera megapixels
5 MP
▼ Worse than 75% of models
Market range: <2 MP – >48 MP
This drone has a main camera resolution of 5 MP, lower than 75.3% of drones and equal to 1.3% 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)
no
Return to Home (RTH)
no
▼ Worse than 68% of models
This drone does not support Return-to-Home (RTH). 67.5% of drones support Return-to-Home (RTH).
GPS
no
GPS
no
▼ Worse than 65% of models
This drone does not support GPS. 65.2% of drones support GPS.
GNSS systems supported
none
GNSS systems supported
none
▼ Worse than 66% of models
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
Max transmission distance
0.1 km
Max transmission distance
0.1 km
▼ Worse than 72% of models
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.
Transmission latency
20 ms
Transmission latency
20 ms
★ Better than 100% of models
Market range: <100 ms – >220 ms
This drone has transmission latency of 20 ms, lower than 100% of drones.
Video transmission system
Analog
Video transmission system
Analog
▼ Worse than 92% of models
This drone uses Analog for video transmission, which is less advanced than the system used by 92.3% and the same as that used by 3.1%.
Live view quality
720p@60 fps
Live view quality
720p@60 fps
▼ Worse than 56% of models
This drone offers live view quality of 720p@60 fps, lower-quality than 56.3% 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
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
750 mAh
Battery capacity
750 mAh
▼ Worse than 86% of models
Market range: <550 mAh – >5k mAh
This drone has a battery capacity of 750 mAh, smaller than 86% of drones and equal to 1.6% of drones.
Battery energy
5.55 Wh
Battery energy
5.55 Wh
▼ Worse than 76% of models
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.
Charging time
90 min
Charging time
90 min
▲ Better than 44% of models
Market range: <55 min – >180 min
This drone charges in 90 min, faster than 43.8% of drones and equal to 18.8% of drones.
Weight
116 g
Weight
116 g
▲ Better than 84% of models
Market range: <80 g – >920 g
This drone weighs 116 g, lighter than 84% 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

Holy Stone HS230 vs the average drone

246810TotalFlightCameraSafetyConnectivityBattery & Design
  • 110 ms lower latency
    Transmission latency
    20 ms
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <100 ms – >220 ms
    This drone has lower transmission latency than the average drone (20 ms vs 130 ms). The average drone has transmission latency of 130 ms.
    20 ms vs 130 ms
  • Built-in display
    Display
    yes
    ▲ Better than 85% of models
    This drone has a built-in display, while the average drone does not.
  • 52.8% lower weight
    Weight
    116 g
    ▲ Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >920 g
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (116 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    116 g vs 246 g
  • FPV camera
    FPV camera
    yes
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This drone has an FPV camera, while the average drone does not.
  • 30 ° wider field of view
    Field of view
    120 °
    ▲ Better than 70% of models
    Market range: <79 ° – >130 °
    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 °
  • 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.
    proprietary vs micro-USB
  • FPV camera
    FPV camera
    yes
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This drone has an FPV camera, while the average drone does not.
  • 30 ° wider field of view
    Field of view
    120 °
    ▲ Better than 70% of models
    Market range: <79 ° – >130 °
    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 °
  • 110 ms lower latency
    Transmission latency
    20 ms
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <100 ms – >220 ms
    This drone has lower transmission latency than the average drone (20 ms vs 130 ms). The average drone has transmission latency of 130 ms.
    20 ms vs 130 ms
  • Built-in display
    Display
    yes
    ▲ Better than 85% of models
    This drone has a built-in display, while the average drone does not.
  • 52.8% lower weight
    Weight
    116 g
    ▲ Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >920 g
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (116 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    116 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.
    proprietary vs micro-USB
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    720p/30 fps
    ▼ Worse than 84% of models
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (720p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    720p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    GNSS systems supported
    none
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    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
    Video transmission system
    Analog
    ▼ Worse than 92% of models
    This drone uses Analog for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    Analog vs SkyLink 2.0
  • 10 min shorter flight time
    Max flight time
    10 min
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <8 min – >40 min
    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
    Subject tracking
    no
    ▼ Worse than 61% of models
    This drone cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
  • No return-to-home (RTH)
    Return to Home (RTH)
    no
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    This drone does not support return-to-home (RTH), while the average drone does.
  • No GPS
    GPS
    no
    ▼ Worse than 65% of models
    This drone does not have GPS, while the average drone does.
  • No POI mode
    POI mode
    no
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    This drone does not support POI mode, while the average drone does.
  • 6.47x less popular
    Holy Stone HS230 is less popular than the average drone (1 vs 6.5).
    1 vs 6.47
  • 5.6% worse value for money
    Holy Stone HS230 has worse value for money than the average drone (6.69 vs 7.1).
    6.69 vs 7.06
  • 10 min shorter flight time
    Max flight time
    10 min
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <8 min – >40 min
    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
  • 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.
    120 m vs 3,500 m
  • 5 years older release date
    Release date
    2018
    ▼ Worse than 83% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This drone is older than the average drone (2018 vs 2023). The average drone was released in 2023.
    March 2018
    2018 vs 2023
  • 0.9 km shorter flight distance
    Max flight distance
    0.1 km
    ▼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <0.05 km – >24 km
    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
    Motor type
    coreless
    ▼ Worse than 96% of models
    This drone uses coreless motors, while the average drone uses brushless motors.
    coreless vs brushless
  • Non-foldable design
    Foldable design
    no
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    This drone does not have a foldable design, while the average drone does.
  • 2.5 m/s slower flight speed
    Max flight speed
    12.5 m/s
    ▼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <4 m/s – >21 m/s
    This drone reaches a lower max flight speed than the average drone (12.5 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    12.5 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    720p/30 fps
    ▼ Worse than 84% of models
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (720p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    720p/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 °
  • Lower photo resolution
    Photo resolution
    1280 x 720 px
    ▼ Worse than 84% of models
    This drone offers lower photo resolution than the average drone (1280x720 px vs 4096x3072 px). The average drone offers a photo resolution of 4096x3072 px.
    1280x720 px vs 4096x3072 px
  • 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)
  • More basic stabilization
    Image stabilization type
    None (Fixed)
    ▼ Worse than 64% of models
    This drone uses None (Fixed) image stabilization, while the average drone uses EIS (Digital).
    None (Fixed) vs EIS (Digital)
  • 3 x lower digital zoom
    Digital zoom
    0 x
    ▼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <0 x – >16 x
    This drone offers less digital zoom than the average drone (0 x vs 3 x). The average drone offers 3 x of digital zoom.
    0 x vs 3 x
  • No 4K video
    4K camera
    no
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    This drone does not support 4K video, while the average drone does.
  • 7 MP less camera resolution
    Main camera megapixels
    5 MP
    ▼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <2 MP – >48 MP
    This drone has fewer main camera megapixels than the average drone (5 MP vs 12 MP). The average drone has 12 MP on the main camera.
    5 MP vs 12 MP
  • 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
    none
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    This drone supports none GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    none vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • No subject tracking
    Subject tracking
    no
    ▼ Worse than 61% of models
    This drone cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
  • No return-to-home (RTH)
    Return to Home (RTH)
    no
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    This drone does not support return-to-home (RTH), while the average drone does.
  • No GPS
    GPS
    no
    ▼ Worse than 65% of models
    This drone does not have GPS, while the average drone does.
  • No POI mode
    POI mode
    no
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    This drone does not support POI mode, while the average drone does.
  • 4 fewer flight modes
    N. of intelligent flight modes
    0
    ▼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <0 – >8
    This drone offers fewer intelligent flight modes than the average drone (0 vs 4). The average drone offers 4 intelligent flight modes.
    0 vs 4
  • No compass
    Compass
    no
    ▼ Worse than 69% of models
    This drone does not have a compass, while the average drone does.
  • No beginner mode
    Beginner mode
    no
    ▼ Worse than 56% of models
    This drone does not support beginner mode, while the average drone does.
  • 53.4% higher takeoff weight
    Max takeoff weight
    116 g
    ▼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >1.1k g
    This drone has a higher max takeoff weight than the average drone (116 g vs 249 g). The average drone has a max takeoff weight of 249 g.
    116 g vs 249 g
  • No altitude hold
    Altitude hold
    no
    ▼ Worse than 96% of models
    This drone does not support altitude hold, while the average drone does.
  • More basic transmission system
    Video transmission system
    Analog
    ▼ Worse than 92% of models
    This drone uses Analog for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    Analog vs SkyLink 2.0
  • Basic companion app
    Companion app
    None
    ▼ Worse than 86% of models
    This drone uses the None companion app, while the average drone uses HS FPV.
    None vs HS FPV
  • 0.9 km shorter transmission range
    Max transmission distance
    0.1 km
    ▼ Worse than 72% of models
    Market range: <0.05 km – >15 km
    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.
    0.1 km vs 1 km
  • Lower live view quality
    Live view quality
    720p@60 fps
    ▼ Worse than 56% of models
    This drone has worse live view quality than the average drone (720p@60 fps vs 1080p@25 fps). The average drone offers live view quality of 1080p@25 fps.
    720p@60 fps vs 1080p@25 fps
  • 1,450 mAh less battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    750 mAh
    ▼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <550 mAh – >5k mAh
    This drone has a smaller battery capacity than the average drone (750 mAh vs 2200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2200 mAh.
    750 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • 11.63 Wh less battery energy
    Battery energy
    5.55 Wh
    ▼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <3.7 Wh – >77 Wh
    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.
    5.55 Wh vs 17.18 Wh
  • 28.5 mm taller body height
    Height
    91 mm
    ▼ Worse than 74% of models
    Market range: <38 mm – >120 mm
    This drone is taller than the average drone (91 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    91 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • 65 mm longer body length
    Length
    340 mm
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <117 mm – >385 mm
    This drone is longer than the average drone (340 mm vs 275 mm). The average drone is 275 mm long.
    340 mm vs 275 mm
  • 14 mm wider width
    Width
    255 mm
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <114 mm – >387.5 mm
    This drone is wider than the average drone (255 mm vs 241 mm). The average drone width is 241 mm.
    255 mm vs 241 mm

Video reviews

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

9.0
TheRcSaylors
≈ estimated
25/03/2018
Hands-on review · outdoor flights, FPV range and battery tests
Verdict
Holy Stone HS230 is a fun, reliable FPV drone; its only drawback is a slightly high price.
8.0
Quads & Mods
≈ estimated
05/04/2018
Unboxing · first look, setup and screen test
Verdict
Holy Stone HS230 is a good deal for the price, with plenty of spare parts in the box.

What reviewers agree on

Based on 1 · 3

The few reviewers like the live view and what comes in the box, with no real complaints raised.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Third-party reviews

What we like about Holy Stone HS230

  • High speed and responsiveness, reaching up to 45km/h
  • 5.8 GHz FPV system provides real-time video with minimal latency
  • Includes a transmitter with a built-in LCD monitor, requiring no smartphone
  • Modular 720p HD camera is easy to remove or install
  • Comes with two modular flight batteries and a rechargeable transmitter battery
  • Capably handles moderate wind conditions (10-20 mph)
  • Acrobatic capabilities including 360-degree flips and rolls

What we don't like about Holy Stone HS230

  • Lacks altitude hold and GPS, requiring constant active piloting
  • Limited control range of approximately 100 meters (330 feet)
  • Equipped with brushed motors which are generally less durable than brushless ones
  • Propeller tips may be visible in the camera's wide-angle view
  • Video feed can experience static or fuzziness at a distance
  • Flight time is relatively short, typically around 7–8 minutes per battery
  • Non-frosted LEDs can be difficult to see during daytime flights

Verdict

The Holy Stone HS230, also known as the Mercury 3, is a beginner racing drone built for fast FPV fun with speeds up to around 45 km/h. Key features include a 5.8GHz low-latency video link, a compact frame, and more manual-style flying behavior than standard toy drones, which makes it a fun first step into racing. Its main strengths are speed, responsiveness, and a more exciting flight character than camera-focused starter drones. The drawbacks are limited camera quality, shorter practical flying time, and a clear focus on fun rather than stabilized imaging.

Compare Holy Stone HS230 with other drones

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Graphic comparison of Holy Stone HS230 and other drones

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