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 HS280 Review | 97 Data compared

Avg. price:~£55Max flight time:14 minVideo resolution:1080p/25 fpsMax transmission distance:0.1 km

Holy Stone HS280 Review: Compare 97 technical specifications and 14 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Drones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.5

Overall score

Score
5.5/ 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 78% of models
Score components

85%

5.1

Technical score

15%

7.5

Review score ( 1 · 13)

Review score 15% · 7.5 · based on 14 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.
â–¼Worse than 78% of drones
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 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 80% of models
Score components

26%

4.8

Flight

24%

4.4

Camera

20%

4.5

Safety

16%

6.1

Connectivity

14%

6.5

Battery & Design

â–¼Worse than 80% of drones
7.5

Review score

Review score
7.5/ 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 69% of models
Grades by review (14)
1 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 0 estimated from the review. 13 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

17.9%

7.0

digitalcameraworld.com

Video reviews 11

7.1%

10

Ghedran

7.1%

9.0

Drones & Dogs

7.1%

8.0

Mike's Camera Review

7.1%

8.0

A - Z tube

7.1%

8.0

Open Circuit RC & Tech

7.1%

8.0

B4U GO

7.1%

7.0

Run That RC

7.1%

7.0

Circling the Drone

3.6%

9.0

CommQuest

3.6%

9.0

AlToneRC-RTR

3.6%

8.0

Dragon Blogger Technology and Entertainment

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 69% of drones
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Best prices

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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 HS280

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 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 80% of models
Score components:

26%

4.8

Flight

24%

4.4

Camera

20%

4.5

Safety

16%

6.1

Connectivity

14%

6.5

Battery & Design

5.1
Review score
Review score
7.5/ 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 69% of models
Grades by review (14)
1 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 0 estimated from the review. 13 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

17.9%

7.0

digitalcameraworld.com

Video reviews 11

7.1%

10

Ghedran

7.1%

9.0

Drones & Dogs

7.1%

8.0

Mike's Camera Review

7.1%

8.0

A - Z tube

7.1%

8.0

Open Circuit RC & Tech

7.1%

8.0

B4U GO

7.1%

7.0

Run That RC

7.1%

7.0

Circling the Drone

3.6%

9.0

CommQuest

3.6%

9.0

AlToneRC-RTR

3.6%

8.0

Dragon Blogger Technology and Entertainment

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
7.5
Popularity
Popularity
6.3/ 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 53% of models
Popularity:
Holy Stone HS280 has a popularity score of 6.3 points, which is lower than that of 52% of products in this category.
6.3
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 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–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components:

60%

5.5

Overall score

40%

10

Price

6.8
Max flight time
14 min
Max flight time
14 min
â–¼ 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.
Max flight distance
0.1 km
Max flight distance
0.1 km
â–¼ 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
14 m/s
Max flight speed
14 m/s
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <4 m/s – >21 m/s
This drone has a max flight speed of 14 m/s, slower than 50.6% of drones.
Max wind resistance
?
Max service ceiling (ASL)
100 m
Max service ceiling (ASL)
100 m
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Market range: <120 m – >6k m
This drone has a max service ceiling of 100 m, lower than 91% of drones and equal to 6% of drones.
Show more
What reviewers say
Video resolution
1080p/25 fps
Video resolution
1080p/25 fps
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This drone records video at 1080p/25 fps, lower than 68.3% of drones and equal to 2% 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
1/3"
Sensor size
1/3"
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
This drone has a sensor size of 1/3", smaller than 70.4% of drones and equal to 10.2% of drones.
Main camera megapixels
2.1 MP
Main camera megapixels
2.1 MP
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Market range: <2 MP – >48 MP
This drone has a main camera resolution of 2.1 MP, lower than 79.3% of drones and equal to 1.3% of drones.
Max movie bitrate
13 Mbps
Max movie bitrate
13 Mbps
â–¼ Worse than 100% of models
Market range: <40 Mbps – >180 Mbps
This drone has a max movie bitrate of 13 Mbps, lower than 100% of drones.
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)
no
Return to Home (RTH)
no
â–¼ 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
â–¼ 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
â–¼ 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
What reviewers say
Max transmission distance
0.1 km
Max transmission distance
0.1 km
â–¼ 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
?
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
1080p@25 fps
Live view quality
1080p@25 fps
â–² Better than 50% of models
This drone offers live view quality of 1080p@25 fps, higher-quality than 50% of drones and equal to 10.4% 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
What reviewers say
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
5.01 Wh
Battery energy
5.01 Wh
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Market range: <3.7 Wh – >77 Wh
This drone has battery energy of 5.01 Wh, lower than 79.4% of drones.
Charging time
70 min
Charging time
70 min
â–² Better than 74% of models
Market range: <55 min – >180 min
This drone charges in 70 min, faster than 74.4% of drones and equal to 3.8% of drones.
Weight
164 g
Weight
164 g
â–² Better than 71% of models
Market range: <80 g – >920 g
This drone weighs 164 g, lighter than 70.6% 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
What reviewers say

Holy Stone HS280 vs the average drone

246810TotalFlightCameraSafetyConnectivityBattery & Design
  • 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.
  • 20 min shorter charging time
    Charging time
    70 min
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <55 min – >180 min
    This drone charges faster than the average drone (70 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    70 min vs 90 min
  • 33.3% lower weight
    Weight
    164 g
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >920 g
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (164 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    164 g vs 246 g
  • 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
  • 10.5 mm lower body height
    Height
    52 mm
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <38 mm – >120 mm
    This drone is shorter than the average drone (52 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    52 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • 3.64x cheaper
    Holy Stone HS280 is cheaper than the average drone (£55 vs £200).
    £55 vs £200
  • 3.64x cheaper
    Holy Stone HS280 is cheaper than the average drone (£55 vs £200).
    £55 vs £200
  • 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.
  • 20 min shorter charging time
    Charging time
    70 min
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <55 min – >180 min
    This drone charges faster than the average drone (70 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    70 min vs 90 min
  • 33.3% lower weight
    Weight
    164 g
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >920 g
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (164 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    164 g vs 246 g
  • 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
  • 10.5 mm lower body height
    Height
    52 mm
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <38 mm – >120 mm
    This drone is shorter than the average drone (52 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    52 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    1080p/25 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (1080p/25 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    1080p/25 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    GNSS systems supported
    none
    â–¼ 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
    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
  • No subject tracking
    Subject tracking
    no
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This drone does not support return-to-home (RTH), while the average drone does.
  • No GPS
    GPS
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    This drone does not have GPS, while the average drone does.
  • 87 Mbps lower video bitrate
    Max movie bitrate
    13 Mbps
    â–¼ Worse than 100% of models
    Market range: <40 Mbps – >180 Mbps
    This drone supports a lower maximum video bitrate than the average drone (13 Mbps vs 100 Mbps). The average drone supports a maximum video bitrate of 100 Mbps.
    13 Mbps vs 100 Mbps
  • 6 min shorter flight time
    Max flight time
    14 min
    â–¼ 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.
    14 min vs 20 min
  • 3.5% worse value for money
    Holy Stone HS280 has worse value for money than the average drone (6.82 vs 7.1).
    6.82 vs 7.06
  • 6 min shorter flight time
    Max flight time
    14 min
    â–¼ 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.
    14 min vs 20 min
  • 3,400 m lower service ceiling
    Max service ceiling (ASL)
    100 m
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <120 m – >6k m
    This drone can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (100 m vs 3500 m). The average drone reaches 3500 m.
    100 m vs 3,500 m
  • 0.9 km shorter flight distance
    Max flight distance
    0.1 km
    â–¼ 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
    brushed
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    This drone uses brushed motors, while the average drone uses brushless motors.
    brushed vs brushless
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    1080p/25 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (1080p/25 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    1080p/25 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • 87 Mbps lower video bitrate
    Max movie bitrate
    13 Mbps
    â–¼ Worse than 100% of models
    Market range: <40 Mbps – >180 Mbps
    This drone supports a lower maximum video bitrate than the average drone (13 Mbps vs 100 Mbps). The average drone supports a maximum video bitrate of 100 Mbps.
    13 Mbps vs 100 Mbps
  • Smaller sensor size
    Sensor size
    1/3"
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    This drone has a smaller sensor than the average drone (1/3" vs 1/2.3"). The average drone uses a sensor of 1/2.3".
    1/3" vs 1/2.3"
  • Lower photo resolution
    Photo resolution
    1920 x 1080 px
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This drone offers lower photo resolution than the average drone (1920x1080 px vs 4096x3072 px). The average drone offers a photo resolution of 4096x3072 px.
    1920x1080 px vs 4096x3072 px
  • Narrower tilt range
    Camera tilt range
    -80 to 0 °
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    This drone has a narrower tilt range than the average drone (-80 to 0 ° vs -90 to 20 °).
    -80 to 0 ° vs -90 to 20 °
  • No memory card slot
    Memory card slot
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    This drone does not have a memory card slot, while the average drone does.
  • 9.9 MP less camera resolution
    Main camera megapixels
    2.1 MP
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <2 MP – >48 MP
    This drone has fewer main camera megapixels than the average drone (2.1 MP vs 12 MP). The average drone has 12 MP on the main camera.
    2.1 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.
  • 10 ° narrower field of view
    Field of view
    80 °
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    Market range: <79 ° – >130 °
    This drone has a narrower field of view than the average drone (80 ° vs 90 °). The average drone has a field of view of 90 °.
    80 ° vs 90 °
  • Fewer photo format options
    Photo formats supported
    JPEG, PNG
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    This drone supports JPEG, PNG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    JPEG, PNG vs JPEG, DNG (RAW)
  • 96 GB lower memory card limit
    Max external memory supported
    32 GB
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This drone does not support return-to-home (RTH), while the average drone does.
  • No GPS
    GPS
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    This drone does not have GPS, while the average drone does.
  • No compass
    Compass
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    This drone does not have a compass, while the average drone does.
  • 2 fewer flight modes
    N. of intelligent flight modes
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <0 – >8
    This drone offers fewer intelligent flight modes than the average drone (2 vs 4). The average drone offers 4 intelligent flight modes.
    POI, TapFly
    2 vs 4
  • No beginner mode
    Beginner mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This drone does not support beginner mode, while the average drone does.
  • 34.1% higher takeoff weight
    Max takeoff weight
    164 g
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >1.1k g
    This drone has a higher max takeoff weight than the average drone (164 g vs 249 g). The average drone has a max takeoff weight of 249 g.
    164 g vs 249 g
  • 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
  • 0.9 km shorter transmission range
    Max transmission distance
    0.1 km
    â–¼ 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
  • 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
  • 12.17 Wh less battery energy
    Battery energy
    5.01 Wh
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <3.7 Wh – >77 Wh
    This drone has lower battery energy than the average drone (5 Wh vs 17.18 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.18 Wh of energy.
    5.01 Wh vs 17.18 Wh
  • 60 mm longer body length
    Length
    335 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <117 mm – >385 mm
    This drone is longer than the average drone (335 mm vs 275 mm). The average drone is 275 mm long.
    335 mm vs 275 mm

Video reviews

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

8.0
Mike's Camera Review
≈ estimated
16/01/2023
Hands-on review · first flights, crashes and wind limits
Verdict
The Holy Stone HS280 is a good beginner toy drone worth buying, though it struggles in wind and its video is soft.
8.0
A - Z tube
≈ estimated
08/10/2022
Hands-on review · flights in windy weather
Verdict
The Holy Stone HS280 is a fun, stable budget drone and a solid pick for beginners, though it struggles in high winds.
9.0
Drones & Dogs
≈ estimated
01/10/2022
Hands-on review · flight time test and beginner impressions
Verdict
Holy Stone HS280 is a very good beginner drone with long flight time; the missing SD card slot is its main gap.
10
Ghedran
✓ explicit
08/09/2022
Hands-on review · flights in windy conditions
Verdict
The Holy Stone HS280 is an easy-flying beginner drone worth recommending, despite a landing-button quirk.
7.0
Run That RC
≈ estimated
13/08/2022
Hands-on review · flight, wind, and signal range tests
Verdict
Holy Stone HS280 is a fun brushed beginner drone for learning to fly, but it is weak in wind and at range.
7.0
Circling the Drone
≈ estimated
04/08/2022
Hands-on review · flight test and beginner impressions
Verdict
Holy Stone HS280 is a decent little beginner flyer, but it drifts and lacks GPS and obstacle avoidance.
8.0
Open Circuit RC & Tech
≈ estimated
02/08/2022
Hands-on review · flight test and app impressions
Verdict
Holy Stone HS280 flies well and shoots good video for a beginner, but the app is flaky at times.
8.0
B4U GO
≈ estimated
23/07/2022
Hands-on review · setup walkthrough and beginner flying tips
Verdict
Holy Stone HS280 is a great budget drone, but its speed makes it less than ideal as a first drone.
8.0
Dragon Blogger Technology and Entertainment
≈ estimated
05/04/2023
Quick review · unboxing and setup overview
Verdict
The Holy Stone HS280 is easy to set up and use, with good quality for a budget drone.
9.0
CommQuest
≈ estimated
10/09/2022
Short review · easy flying and package overview
Verdict
The Holy Stone HS280 is a mid-range drone with very easy flight and good build quality overall.

What reviewers agree on

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Handles well with solid build and handy extra batteries, but it struggles in wind, and storage and hovering draw complaints.
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
digitalcameraworld.com
✓ explicit
01/10/2022
Hands-on test · Beginner camera drone
Verdict
The Holy Stone HS280 suits patient beginners with room to fly; the tilting camera helps, but it drifts in wind and flights last only about 10 minutes.

Third-party reviews

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What we like about Holy Stone HS280

  • Budget-friendly price point, often under $100
  • Easy to fly for beginners and children due to altitude hold and headless mode
  • Lightweight design (151g-154g) requires no FAA or CAA registration
  • Includes two modular batteries in the package for extended flight sessions
  • Remotely adjustable camera tilt (80 degrees) is rare for this price level
  • Responsive and helpful customer service for replacements or troubleshooting
  • Foldable and compact build makes it highly portable

What we don't like about Holy Stone HS280

  • Extremely susceptible to wind drift due to light weight and lack of GPS
  • Short realistic flight time, often reported as 10-13 minutes per battery
  • No internal SD card slot; video quality suffers from Wi-Fi interference during recording
  • Poor video stability and 'shaky' footage due to the absence of a gimbal
  • Mediocre camera quality (1080p) that struggles with white balance and saturation
  • Proprietary charging cable is less convenient than standard USB-C
  • Remote controller requires four AAA batteries instead of being rechargeable

Verdict

The Holy Stone HS280 is a budget-friendly, foldable FPV drone designed primarily for beginners and kids, weighing just 151g to 156g, which exempts it from FAA registration. It features an adjustable 1080P HD camera with an 80° remote tilt, allowing for 1920x1080 resolution photos and real-time WiFi transmission to a smartphone via the HS FPV V4 app. Key flight characteristics include altitude hold, headless mode, one-key takeoff/landing, and two speed settings, supported by two modular batteries that offer approximately 13 minutes of flight time each (26 minutes total). Its main advantages are its portability, ease of use for novices, and included safety features like an emergency stop and low-battery alerts. However, it lacks GPS and optical flow sensors for stable hovering, making it highly susceptible to drifting in even light winds, and its camera relies on WiFi recording rather than an onboard SD card, often resulting in shaky or interference-heavy footage.

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