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 HS290 Review | 97 Data compared

Avg. price:~£55Max flight time:12 minVideo resolution:1080pMax transmission distance:0.05 km

Holy Stone HS290 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.

5.1

Overall score

Score
5.1/ 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 90% of models
Score components

85%

4.6

Technical score

15%

7.8

Review score ( 0 · 7)

Review score 15% · 7.8 · based on 7 videos
7 videos count as 2.8 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 90% of drones
4.6

Technical score

Technical score
4.6/ 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 90% of models
Score components

26%

2.3

Flight

24%

5.7

Camera

20%

4.4

Safety

16%

5.8

Connectivity

14%

6.3

Battery & Design

▼Worse than 90% of drones
7.8

Review score

Review score
7.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 60% 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 6

12.5%

9.5

Last Game Hunter

12.5%

8.0

Canadian Dreamer

12.5%

7.0

PERTH WEST OZ RC

12.5%

7.0

Reviews and How To's

6.3%

9.0

Adrian Reviews It

6.3%

9.0

Your Outdoor Adventures

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 60% 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 HS290

Technical score
Technical score
4.6/ 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 90% of models
Score components:

26%

2.3

Flight

24%

5.7

Camera

20%

4.4

Safety

16%

5.8

Connectivity

14%

6.3

Battery & Design

4.6
Review score
Review score
7.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 60% 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 6

12.5%

9.5

Last Game Hunter

12.5%

8.0

Canadian Dreamer

12.5%

7.0

PERTH WEST OZ RC

12.5%

7.0

Reviews and How To's

6.3%

9.0

Adrian Reviews It

6.3%

9.0

Your Outdoor Adventures

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
7.8
Popularity
Popularity
9.7/ 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
▲ Better than 85% of models
Popularity:
Holy Stone HS290 has a popularity score of 9.7 points, which is higher than that of 85.2% of products in this category.
9.7
Value for money
Value for money
6.6/ 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 81% of models
Score components:

60%

5.1

Overall score

40%

10

Price

6.6
Max flight time
12 min
Max flight time
12 min
▼ Worse than 78% of models
Market range: <8 min – >40 min
This drone has a max flight time of 12 min, shorter than 78% of drones and equal to 1% 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.
Limited by the controller range.
Max flight speed
4 m/s
Max flight speed
4 m/s
▼ Worse than 91% of models
Market range: <4 m/s – >21 m/s
This drone has a max flight speed of 4 m/s, slower than 90.5% of drones and equal to 6.3% of drones.
Max wind resistance
3.3 m/s
Max wind resistance
3.3 m/s
▼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <3.3 m/s – >12 m/s
This drone has max wind resistance of 3.3 m/s, lower than 88.5% of drones and equal to 7.2% of drones.
Max service ceiling (ASL)
1,000 m
Max service ceiling (ASL)
1,000 m
▼ Worse than 61% of models
Market range: <120 m – >6k m
This drone has a max service ceiling of 1,000 m, lower than 61.2% of drones.
Show more
What reviewers say
Video resolution
1080p
Video resolution
1080p
▼ Worse than 72% of models
This drone records video at 1080p, lower than 71.8% of drones and equal to 11.9% of drones.
4K camera
no
4K camera
no
▼ Worse than 55% of models
This drone does not support 4K video. 54.6% of drones support 4K video.
Sensor size
?
Main camera megapixels
?
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
What reviewers say
Max transmission distance
0.05 km
Max transmission distance
0.05 km
▼ Worse than 85% of models
Market range: <0.05 km – >15 km
This drone has a max transmission distance of 0.05 km, shorter-range than 85.2% of drones and equal to 9.2% of drones.
Transmission latency
?
Video transmission system
Wi-Fi
Video transmission system
Wi-Fi
▼ Worse than 44% of models
This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, which is more advanced than the system used by 8.2% and the same as that used by 47.7%.
Live view quality
1080p@25 fps
Live view quality
1080p@25 fps
▲ 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
▲ 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
▼ 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
4.81 Wh
Battery energy
4.81 Wh
▼ Worse than 80% of models
Market range: <3.7 Wh – >77 Wh
This drone has battery energy of 4.81 Wh, lower than 80% of drones and equal to 1.8% 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
128 g
Weight
128 g
▲ Better than 80% of models
Market range: <80 g – >920 g
This drone weighs 128 g, lighter than 79.9% 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 HS290 vs the average drone

246810TotalFlightCameraSafetyConnectivityBattery & Design
  • Supports TapFly
    TapFly
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • 48% lower weight
    Weight
    128 g
    ▲ Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >920 g
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (128 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    128 g vs 246 g
  • Supports smartphone control
    Smartphone control
    yes
    ▲ Better than 50% of models
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • 10.5 mm lower body height
    Height
    52 mm
    ▲ 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 HS290 is cheaper than the average drone (£55 vs £200).
    £55 vs £200
  • 50.5% more popular
    Holy Stone HS290 is more popular than the average drone (9.74 vs 6.5).
    9.74 vs 6.47
  • 3.64x cheaper
    Holy Stone HS290 is cheaper than the average drone (£55 vs £200).
    £55 vs £200
  • 50.5% more popular
    Holy Stone HS290 is more popular than the average drone (9.74 vs 6.5).
    9.74 vs 6.47
  • Supports TapFly
    TapFly
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports smartphone control
    Smartphone control
    yes
    ▲ Better than 50% of models
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • 48% lower weight
    Weight
    128 g
    ▲ Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >920 g
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (128 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    128 g vs 246 g
  • 10.5 mm lower body height
    Height
    52 mm
    ▲ 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
    ▼ Worse than 72% of models
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (1080p vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    1080p vs 4K/100 fps
  • 7.4 m/s lower wind resistance
    Max wind resistance
    3.3 m/s
    ▼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <3.3 m/s – >12 m/s
    This drone handles weaker wind than the average drone (3.3 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.
    3.3 m/s vs 10.7 m/s
  • 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
  • 11 m/s slower flight speed
    Max flight speed
    4 m/s
    ▼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <4 m/s – >21 m/s
    This drone reaches a lower max flight speed than the average drone (4 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    4 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • More basic transmission system
    Video transmission system
    Wi-Fi
    ▼ Worse than 44% of models
    This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    Wi-Fi vs SkyLink 2.0
  • 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.
  • 7.3% worse value for money
    Holy Stone HS290 has worse value for money than the average drone (6.58 vs 7.1).
    6.58 vs 7.06
  • 7.4 m/s lower wind resistance
    Max wind resistance
    3.3 m/s
    ▼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <3.3 m/s – >12 m/s
    This drone handles weaker wind than the average drone (3.3 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.
    3.3 m/s vs 10.7 m/s
  • 11 m/s slower flight speed
    Max flight speed
    4 m/s
    ▼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <4 m/s – >21 m/s
    This drone reaches a lower max flight speed than the average drone (4 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    4 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • 8 min shorter flight time
    Max flight time
    12 min
    ▼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <8 min – >40 min
    This drone offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (12 min vs 20 min). The average drone offers 20 min of max flight time.
    12 min vs 20 min
  • 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.
    Limited by the controller range.
    0.1 km vs 1 km
  • Simpler motor design
    Motor type
    brushed
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    This drone uses brushed motors, while the average drone uses brushless motors.
    brushed vs brushless
  • 2,500 m lower service ceiling
    Max service ceiling (ASL)
    1,000 m
    ▼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <120 m – >6k m
    This drone can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (1000 m vs 3500 m). The average drone reaches 3500 m.
    1,000 m vs 3,500 m
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    1080p
    ▼ Worse than 72% of models
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (1080p vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    1080p vs 4K/100 fps
  • Fewer photo format options
    Photo formats supported
    JPEG
    ▼ Worse than 41% of models
    This drone supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    JPEG vs JPEG, DNG (RAW)
  • Lower photo resolution
    Photo resolution
    1920 x 1080 px
    ▼ 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
  • 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)
  • No memory card slot
    Memory card slot
    no
    ▼ Worse than 74% of models
    This drone does not have a memory card slot, while the average drone does.
  • Narrower tilt range
    Camera tilt range
    -90 to 0 °
    ▼ 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 °
  • No 4K video
    4K camera
    no
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    This drone does not support 4K video, while the average drone does.
  • 128 GB lower memory card limit
    Max external memory supported
    0 GB
    ▼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >512 GB
    This drone supports less external storage than the average drone (0 GB vs 128 GB). The average drone supports up to 128 GB of external storage.
    0 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 compass
    Compass
    no
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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
    ▼ Worse than 56% of models
    This drone does not support beginner mode, while the average drone does.
  • 48.6% higher takeoff weight
    Max takeoff weight
    128 g
    ▼ Worse than 83% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >1.1k g
    This drone has a higher max takeoff weight than the average drone (128 g vs 249 g). The average drone has a max takeoff weight of 249 g.
    128 g vs 249 g
  • More basic transmission system
    Video transmission system
    Wi-Fi
    ▼ Worse than 44% of models
    This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    Wi-Fi vs SkyLink 2.0
  • Fewer frequency bands
    Operating frequency bands
    2.4 GHz
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    This drone supports 2.4 GHz operating frequency bands, while the average drone supports 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz.
    2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz
  • 0.95 km shorter transmission range
    Max transmission distance
    0.05 km
    ▼ Worse than 85% 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.
    0.05 km vs 1 km
  • 900 mAh less battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    1,300 mAh
    ▼ 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
  • 12.37 Wh less battery energy
    Battery energy
    4.81 Wh
    ▼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <3.7 Wh – >77 Wh
    This drone has lower battery energy than the average drone (4.8 Wh vs 17.18 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.18 Wh of energy.
    4.81 Wh vs 17.18 Wh

Video reviews

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

7.0
PERTH WEST OZ RC
≈ estimated
19/06/2025
Hands-on review · flight time, range and features
Verdict
Holy Stone HS290 is a decent toy-grade beginner drone, held back by Wi-Fi interference at range.
7.0
Reviews and How To's
≈ estimated
26/10/2024
Hands-on review · features, wind flight and crash test
Verdict
Holy Stone HS290 is a neat little drone, but it suits calm days and indoor flying, with shaky footage in wind.
9.5
Last Game Hunter
≈ estimated
01/09/2024
Hands-on review · unboxing, flights and battery test
Verdict
Holy Stone HS290 is a very impressive beginner quadcopter that flies solidly at all skill levels.
8.0
Canadian Dreamer
≈ estimated
16/08/2024
Hands-on review · unboxing, setup and flight
Verdict
Holy Stone HS290 is a neat, very affordable little drone that is easy to learn on.
9.0
Adrian Reviews It
≈ estimated
23/10/2024
Short hands-on review · flight test and features
Verdict
Holy Stone HS290 is a pretty good small drone, recommended for beginners who want photos and video.
9.0
Your Outdoor Adventures
≈ estimated
14/10/2024
First impressions · unboxing and first outdoor flight
Verdict
Holy Stone HS290 is a small, fun drone that is stable straight out of the box and a good choice for beginners.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict

What reviewers agree on

Based on 0 · 7

Reviewers agree it's beginner-friendly, with intuitive controls, a handy live view and solid flight time, and raise no major complaints.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Holy Stone HS290

  • Excellent for beginners and children due to ease of operation
  • Compact, lightweight (128g), and foldable design makes it very portable
  • Comes with two batteries providing a total flight time of around 24–25 minutes
  • Good value for money as a starter drone
  • Stable hovering in indoor or wind-free environments thanks to optical flow positioning
  • Responsive customer service and support mentioned by multiple users
  • Features fun flight modes like 360-degree flips and hand gesture control

What we don't like about Holy Stone HS290

  • Poor performance in windy conditions; prone to being carried away by even light breezes
  • Lack of GPS makes it difficult to track or retrieve if it flies out of range
  • Long battery charging times, sometimes reported up to several hours
  • Camera quality is basic (1080p) and lacks a gimbal, leading to shaky or 'jerky' footage
  • No SD card slot; all photos and videos must be recorded directly to a smartphone app
  • Short individual battery life of approximately 12 minutes per charge
  • Uses older brushed motors which may have a shorter lifespan than brushless alternatives

Verdict

The Holy Stone HS290 is a lightweight, foldable beginner drone weighing just 128g and featuring a 1080P HD camera with a 90° electrically adjustable tilt. It offers approximately 12 minutes of flight time per battery (24 minutes total with the two included modular units) and utilizes optical flow positioning alongside altitude hold for stable hovering. Main characteristics include three speed modes (reaching up to 13 ft/s), 360° flips, and intelligent app-based controls like Tap Fly, voice commands, and gesture capture. Pros include its portability, user-friendly 'One-Key' takeoff/landing, and the fact that it does not require registration in most regions due to its low weight. However, cons include the lack of an SD card slot (saving files directly to a phone instead), limited wind resistance (up to 11 ft/s), and the use of brushed motors which may have a shorter lifespan than brushless alternatives.

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