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Holy Stone HS230 Review | 95 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$100
  • Max flight time: 10 min
  • Video resolution: 720p/30 fps
  • Max transmission distance: 0.1 km

Holy Stone HS230 review. Compare 95 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among drones and if it is worth buying.

4.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the drone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best drones on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.7

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.7

Technical Score

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 components:

26.0%

4.6

Flight

24.0%

4.9

Camera

20.0%

3.1

Safety

16.0%

5.9

Connectivity

14.0%

5.7

Battery & Design

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the drone.

When it matters: When you want to know how a drone performs in real flights and how reliable it is for stability, video capture, and controls according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

    • 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.

    Technical Specifications of drone Holy Stone HS230

    Technical Score

    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 components:

    26.0%

    ?

    Flight

    24.0%

    ?

    Camera

    20.0%

    ?

    Safety

    16.0%

    ?

    Connectivity

    14.0%

    ?

    Battery & Design

    4.7
    Holy Stone HS230 has a technical score of 4.75 points, which is lower than that of 92.9% of products in this category.
    User score

    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the drone.

    When it matters: When you want to know how a drone performs in real flights and how reliable it is for stability, video capture, and controls according to user feedback.

    Score components:

    70.0%

    0.0

    User reviews

    30.0%

    1.0

    Popularity

    ?
    Popularity
    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.
    1.0
    Holy Stone HS230 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 52% of smartphones.
    Ratio quality/price

    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 components:

    60.0%

    4.7

    Overall score

    40.0%

    9.8

    Price

    6.3
    Holy Stone HS230 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.3 points, which is lower than 83.1% of smartphones.
    Brand name
    What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
    When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Holy Stone
    Max flight time
    What it is: The quoted endurance shows how long the drone can stay airborne on one battery in ideal conditions.
    When it matters: When you want longer flights from each battery.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=30

    10 min
    Holy Stone HS230 has a max flight time of 10 min, shorter than 88.7% of drones and equal to 6.7%.
    Max flight distance
    What it is: The range figure indicates how far the drone can travel while maintaining control and telemetry.
    When it matters: When you plan longer routes and want more range margin.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=10

    0.1 km
    Holy Stone HS230 has a max flight distance of 0.1 km, shorter-range than 82.2% of drones and equal to 7.5%.
    Max flight speed
    What it is: The maximum horizontal speed defines how quickly the drone can move across a scene.
    When it matters: When you want quicker movement or smoother tracking of fast subjects.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=50

    12.5 km/h
    Holy Stone HS230 has a max flight speed of 12.5 km/h, slower than 63.4% of drones and equal to 0%.
    Max wind resistance
    What it is: The wind resistance rating shows how much wind speed the drone can handle while staying controllable.
    When it matters: When you fly in windy conditions.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=10.5

    ?
    Show more
    Video resolution
    What it is: The listed recording format states maximum capture resolution and frame rate.
    When it matters: When video quality matters for your footage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 4K+

    720p/30 fps
    Holy Stone HS230 records video at 720p/30 fps, lower than 90.6% of drones and equal to 3.4%.
    4K camera
    What it is: Indicates whether the drone supports 4K or higher video recording.
    When it matters: When you want a drone that can record in 4K or a higher video resolution.

    Importance: LOW

    no
    Holy Stone HS230 lacks 4K video support, while 65.2% of drones support it.
    Sensor size
    What it is: The sensor format value describes the physical light-collecting area.
    When it matters: When you shoot in more difficult lighting.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 1 inch or larger

    ?
    Main camera megapixels
    What it is: The megapixel count states how many millions of pixels the main sensor captures per photo.
    When it matters: When you want more detail for photos or cropping.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=12

    5 MP
    Holy Stone HS230 has a main camera resolution of 5 MP, lower than 75% of drones and equal to 1.6%.
    Max movie bitrate
    What it is: The bitrate indicates how much video data is recorded each second, usually in Mbps.
    When it matters: When video quality matters for your footage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=100

    ?
    Show more
    Obstacle detection
    What it is: Indicates whether the drone can detect obstacles and warn the pilot or avoid them automatically.
    When it matters: When you fly near trees, buildings, or other obstacles.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Omnidirectional

    no
    Holy Stone HS230 lacks obstacle detection, while 34.7% of drones offer it.
    Return to Home (RTH)
    What it is: Indicates whether the drone can automatically return to its takeoff point when needed.
    When it matters: When signal drops or the battery gets low.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Smart RTH

    no
    Holy Stone HS230 lacks return-to-home (RTH), while 74.3% of drones provide it.
    GPS
    What it is: Indicates whether the drone can use GPS positioning for navigation and stabilisation.
    When it matters: When you want steadier flight and more reliable positioning.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Holy Stone HS230 lacks GPS, while 69% of drones offer GPS navigation.
    GNSS systems supported
    What it is: Lists the satellite navigation systems the drone can use, such as GPS, Galileo, or GLONASS.
    When it matters: When this part of flying or filming matters to you.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: GPS+Galileo+GLONASS

    ?
    Obstacle sensing directions
    What it is: The listed sensing coverage shows which directions the drone can monitor for obstacles.
    When it matters: When you fly near trees, buildings, or other obstacles.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Omnidirectional

    N/A
    Holy Stone HS230 senses obstacles in N/A directions, which is the same as that of 51.7% of drones.
    Show more
    Max transmission distance
    What it is: The maximum transmission distance indicates the farthest stable control-and-video link under ideal conditions.
    When it matters: When you plan longer routes and want more range margin.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=10

    0.1 km
    Holy Stone HS230 has a max transmission distance of 0.1 km, shorter-range than 77.8% of drones and equal to 7.2%.
    Transmission latency
    What it is: The transmission latency measures delay between camera capture, pilot view, and control response.
    When it matters: When you want the live view to feel more responsive.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=130

    20 ms
    Holy Stone HS230 has transmission latency of 20 ms, lower than 100% of drones and equal to 0%.
    Video transmission system
    What it is: The transmission system value identifies the radio-link technology used for control and live feed.
    When it matters: When video quality matters for your footage.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Digital low-latency

    Analog
    Holy Stone HS230 uses Analog for video transmission, which is less advanced than that of 99.3% of drones and the same as that of 0.7% of drones.
    Live view quality
    What it is: The live-view mode defines resolution and frame rate of the pilot feed.
    When it matters: When video quality matters for your footage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 1080p+

    720p@60 fps
    Holy Stone HS230 offers live view quality of 720p@60 fps, lower-quality than 59.1% of drones and equal to 0%.
    Remote control
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated handheld remote controller is included or supported.
    When it matters: When you want easier control and monitoring in the field.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: Dedicated controller

    yes
    Holy Stone HS230 includes a remote control, and 96.1% of drones ship with one.
    Show more
    Battery capacity
    What it is: The battery capacity shows how much electric charge the pack can store, commonly in mAh.
    When it matters: When you want longer sessions before changing batteries.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=3500

    750 mAh
    Holy Stone HS230 has a battery capacity of 750 mAh, smaller than 92.2% of drones and equal to 1.3%.
    Battery energy
    What it is: The battery energy figure, usually in Wh, describes total available energy in the pack.
    When it matters: When you want longer sessions before changing batteries.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=40

    5.55 Wh
    Holy Stone HS230 has battery energy of 5.55 Wh, lower than 78.7% of drones and equal to 2.7%.
    Charging time
    What it is: The charging time measures how long a depleted battery needs to reach full charge.
    When it matters: When you want shorter turnaround between flights.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=90

    90 min
    Holy Stone HS230 charges in 90 min, faster than 45.6% of drones and equal to 18.4%.
    Weight
    What it is: The measured mass of the drone body and flight hardware, usually in grams.
    When it matters: When you want the drone to be easier to carry or pack.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=900

    116 g
    Holy Stone HS230 weighs 116 g, lighter than 88.7% of drones and equal to 0%.
    Removable battery
    What it is: Indicates whether the flight battery can be removed and swapped by the user.
    When it matters: When you want to swap batteries quickly between flights.

    Importance: LOW

    yes
    Holy Stone HS230 has a removable battery, and 99.4% of drones include one.
    Show more

    Holy Stone HS230 vs the average drone

    • Has a display
      Holy Stone HS230 has a display, while the average drone does not.
      What it is: Indicates whether the remote setup includes a built-in display for flight information or live view.
      When it matters: When you want easier control and monitoring in the field.

      Importance: LOW

      Good value: Bright display

      Holy Stone HS230 has a display, while the average drone does not.
    • 110 ms lower latency
      Holy Stone HS230 has lower transmission latency than the average drone (20 ms vs 130 ms). The average drone has transmission latency of 130 ms.
      What it is: The transmission latency measures delay between camera capture, pilot view, and control response.
      When it matters: When you want the live view to feel more responsive.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: <=130

      Holy Stone HS230 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
    • 53.4% lighter weight
      Holy Stone HS230 is lighter than the average drone (116 g vs 249 g). The average drone weighs 249 g.
      What it is: The measured mass of the drone body and flight hardware, usually in grams.
      When it matters: When you want the drone to be easier to carry or pack.

      Importance: LOW

      Good value: <=900

      Holy Stone HS230 is lighter than the average drone (116 g vs 249 g). The average drone weighs 249 g.116 g vs 249 g
    • Has an FPV camera
      Holy Stone HS230 has an FPV camera, while the average drone does not.
      What it is: Indicates whether the drone includes a dedicated first-person-view camera for piloting.
      When it matters: When you want a more direct piloting view.

      Importance: LOW

      Holy Stone HS230 has an FPV camera, while the average drone does not.
    • 30 ° wider field of view
      Holy Stone HS230 has a wider field of view than the average drone (120 ° vs 90 °). The average drone has a field of view of 90 °.
      What it is: The field-of-view angle shows how wide the camera can capture in one frame.
      When it matters: When you want a wider or tighter look from the camera.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: 75-90

      Holy Stone HS230 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 °
    • Supports headless mode
      Holy Stone HS230 supports headless mode, while the average drone does not.
      What it is: Indicates whether the drone offers a headless mode that keeps controls relative to the pilot position.
      When it matters: When you want simpler directional control that is easier to learn for beginner flying.

      Importance: LOW

      Holy Stone HS230 supports headless mode, while the average drone does not.
    • Has an FPV camera
      Holy Stone HS230 has an FPV camera, while the average drone does not.
    • 30 ° wider field of view
      Holy Stone HS230 has a wider field of view than the average drone (120 ° vs 90 °). The average drone has a field of view of 90 °.
    • Supports headless mode
      Holy Stone HS230 supports headless mode, while the average drone does not.
    • Has a display
      Holy Stone HS230 has a display, while the average drone does not.
    • 110 ms lower latency
      Holy Stone HS230 has lower transmission latency than the average drone (20 ms vs 130 ms). The average drone has transmission latency of 130 ms.
    • 53.4% lighter weight
      Holy Stone HS230 is lighter than the average drone (116 g vs 249 g). The average drone weighs 249 g.

    Total
    Camera
    Safety
    Connectivity
    Battery & Design
    • 13 min shorter flight time
      Holy Stone HS230 offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (10 min vs 23 min). The average drone offers 23 min of max flight time.
    • 3,880 m lower max service ceiling
      Holy Stone HS230 can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (120 m vs 4,000 m). The average drone reaches 4,000 m.
    • 1.9 km shorter flight distance
      Holy Stone HS230 has a shorter max flight distance than the average drone (0.1 km vs 2 km). The average drone can fly up to 2 km.
    • 3.5 km/h slower flight speed
      Holy Stone HS230 reaches a lower max flight speed than the average drone (12.5 km/h vs 16 km/h). The average drone reaches 16 km/h.
    • Less advanced motor type
      Holy Stone HS230 uses coreless motors, while the average drone uses brushless.
    • Non-foldable design
      Holy Stone HS230 does not have a foldable design, while the average drone does.
    • Lower video resolution
      Holy Stone HS230 supports lower video resolution than the average drone (720p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone supports 4K/100 fps video resolution.
    • Lower photo resolution
      Holy Stone HS230 supports lower photo resolution than the average drone (1,280x 720 MP vs 4,000x3,000 MP). The average drone supports 4,000x3,000 MP photo resolution.
    • Fewer photo format options
      Holy Stone HS230 supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    • 1 axis lower gimbal axes
      Holy Stone HS230 has fewer gimbal axes than the average drone (0 axis vs 1 axis). The average drone has 1 axis gimbal axes.
    • 7 MP lower main camera megapixels
      Holy Stone HS230 has fewer main camera megapixels than the average drone (5 MP vs 12 MP). The average drone has 12 MP MP on the main camera.
    • 3x lower digital zoom
      Holy Stone HS230 offers less digital zoom than the average drone (0x vs 3x). The average drone offers 3x of digital zoom.
    • No 4K video
      Holy Stone HS230 does not support 4K video, while the average drone does.
    • No GPS
      Holy Stone HS230 does not have GPS, while the average drone does.
    • No return-to-home
      Holy Stone HS230 does not include return-to-home (RTH), while the average drone does.
    • No waypoint flight
      Holy Stone HS230 does not support waypoint flight, while the average drone does.
    • No subject tracking
      Holy Stone HS230 cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
    • No POI mode
      Holy Stone HS230 does not support POI mode, while the average drone does.
    • 4 fewer intelligent flight mode/s
      Holy Stone HS230 has a lower n. of intelligent flight modes than the average drone (0 vs 4). The average drone value is 4.
    • No compass
      Holy Stone HS230 does not have a compass, while the average drone does.
    • No beginner mode
      Holy Stone HS230 does not include beginner mode, while the average drone does.
    • No altitude hold
      Holy Stone HS230 does not support altitude hold, while the average drone does.
    • 53.4% heavier weight
      Holy Stone HS230 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.
    • Basic companion app
      Holy Stone HS230 uses the None companion app, while the average drone uses FreeFlight Pro.
    • No smartphone control
      Holy Stone HS230 does not support smartphone remote control, while the average drone does.
    • 1.41 km shorter transmission distance
      Holy Stone HS230 has a shorter max transmission distance than the average drone (0.1 km vs 1,507 km). The average drone reaches 1,507 km of transmission distance.
    • Lower live view quality
      Holy Stone HS230 has worse live view quality than the average drone (720p@60 fps vs 1,080p@25 fps). The average drone offers live view quality of 1,080p@25 fps.
    • 1,480 mAh lower battery capacity
      Holy Stone HS230 has a smaller battery capacity than the average drone (750 mAh vs 2,230 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2,230 mAh.
    • 11.77 Wh lower battery energy
      Holy Stone HS230 has lower battery energy than the average drone (5.6 Wh vs 17.32 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.32 Wh of energy.
    • 55 mm larger length
      Holy Stone HS230 has a greater length than the average drone (340 mm vs 285 mm). The average drone length is 285 mm.
    • 26 mm larger height
      Holy Stone HS230 has a greater height than the average drone (91 mm vs 65 mm). The average drone height is 65 mm.
    • 3 year/s older release date
      Holy Stone HS230 is older than the average drone (2,018 vs 2,021). The average drone was released in 2,021.
      March 2,018
    • Lower video resolution
      Holy Stone HS230 supports lower video resolution than the average drone (720p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone supports 4K/100 fps video resolution.
      What it is: The listed recording format states maximum capture resolution and frame rate.
      When it matters: When video quality matters for your footage.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: 4K+

      Holy Stone HS230 supports lower video resolution than the average drone (720p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone supports 4K/100 fps video resolution.720p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps
    • 13 min shorter flight time
      Holy Stone HS230 offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (10 min vs 23 min). The average drone offers 23 min of max flight time.
      What it is: The quoted endurance shows how long the drone can stay airborne on one battery in ideal conditions.
      When it matters: When you want longer flights from each battery.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: >=30

      Holy Stone HS230 offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (10 min vs 23 min). The average drone offers 23 min of max flight time.10 min vs 23 min
    • No GPS
      Holy Stone HS230 does not have GPS, while the average drone does.
      What it is: Indicates whether the drone can use GPS positioning for navigation and stabilisation.
      When it matters: When you want steadier flight and more reliable positioning.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Holy Stone HS230 does not have GPS, while the average drone does.
    • No return-to-home
      Holy Stone HS230 does not include return-to-home (RTH), while the average drone does.
      What it is: Indicates whether the drone can automatically return to its takeoff point when needed.
      When it matters: When signal drops or the battery gets low.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: Smart RTH

      Holy Stone HS230 does not include return-to-home (RTH), while the average drone does.
    • No waypoint flight
      Holy Stone HS230 does not support waypoint flight, while the average drone does.
      What it is: Indicates whether the drone can follow saved waypoint routes automatically.
      When it matters: When you want repeatable routes or automated flights.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: Waypoint flight available

      Holy Stone HS230 does not support waypoint flight, while the average drone does.
    • 3,880 m lower max service ceiling
      Holy Stone HS230 can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (120 m vs 4,000 m). The average drone reaches 4,000 m.
      What it is: The service ceiling indicates the maximum altitude where the drone can maintain normal performance.
      When it matters: When you fly at higher elevations.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: >=4000

      Holy Stone HS230 can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (120 m vs 4,000 m). The average drone reaches 4,000 m.120 m vs 4,000 m
    • No subject tracking
      Holy Stone HS230 cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
      What it is: Indicates whether the drone can automatically follow a selected person, vehicle, or object.
      When it matters: When this part of flying or filming matters to you.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: Reliable AI tracking

      Holy Stone HS230 cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
    • No POI mode
      Holy Stone HS230 does not support POI mode, while the average drone does.
      What it is: Indicates whether the drone can orbit a selected subject or point automatically.
      When it matters: When you want the drone to orbit a subject automatically.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: POI mode available

      Holy Stone HS230 does not support POI mode, while the average drone does.
    Total
    Overall
    Flight
    Camera
    Safety
    Connectivity
    Battery & Design

    Graphic comparison of Holy Stone HS230 and other drones

    Attribute category
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    Third-party reviews

    What customers 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 customers dislike 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

    Expert reviews

    D
    drohnen-vergleich.net
    22/04/2026
    Holy Stone HS230 (Mercury 3) - Drohnen Vergleich

    The Holy Stone HS230 Mercury 3 is a 5.8 GHz analog FPV drone designed for beginners, capable of speeds up to 45 km/h. It features a 720P camera and a built-in monitor for real-time, low-latency video feed. Pros include an all-in-one package with two batteries and high maneuverability for stunts, while cons are limited 7-10 minute flight times, a 100-meter range, and the high skill...Read more

    (Translated)Show original

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