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 HS430 Review | 97 Data compared

Avg. price:~£60Max flight time:13 minVideo resolution:1080p/20 fpsMax transmission distance:0.03 km

Holy Stone HS430 Review: Compare 97 technical specifications and 12 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Drones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.4

Overall score

Score
5.4/ 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 79% of models
Score components

85%

4.9

Technical score

15%

8.1

Review score ( 0 · 12)

Review score 15% · 8.1 · based on 12 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 79% 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Score components

26%

3.6

Flight

24%

5.4

Camera

20%

4.7

Safety

16%

5.5

Connectivity

14%

6.4

Battery & Design

â–¼Worse than 83% of drones
8.1

Review score

Review score
8.1/ 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–² Better than 56% of models
Grades by review (12)
12 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 8

8.7%

6.0

TNN

8.7%

9.0

Eric Hernandez

8.7%

9.0

Drone Valley

8.7%

9.0

B4U GO

8.7%

8.0

Quadcopter 101

8.7%

8.0

Open Circuit RC & Tech

8.7%

7.0

Greg Toope

4.3%

9.0

Toronto RC

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 56% 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 HS430

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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Score components:

26%

3.6

Flight

24%

5.4

Camera

20%

4.7

Safety

16%

5.5

Connectivity

14%

6.4

Battery & Design

4.9
Review score
Review score
8.1/ 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–² Better than 56% of models
Grades by review (12)
12 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 8

8.7%

6.0

TNN

8.7%

9.0

Eric Hernandez

8.7%

9.0

Drone Valley

8.7%

9.0

B4U GO

8.7%

8.0

Quadcopter 101

8.7%

8.0

Open Circuit RC & Tech

8.7%

7.0

Greg Toope

4.3%

9.0

Toronto RC

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.1
Popularity
Popularity
8.5/ 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–² Better than 72% of models
Popularity:
Holy Stone HS430 has a popularity score of 8.5 points, which is higher than that of 72.3% of products in this category.
8.5
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%

5.4

Overall score

40%

10

Price

6.8
Max flight time
13 min
Max flight time
13 min
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Market range: <8 min – >40 min
This drone has a max flight time of 13 min, shorter than 75% of drones and equal to 2.5% of drones.
Max flight distance
0.04 km
Max flight distance
0.04 km
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Market range: <0.05 km – >24 km
This drone has a max flight distance of 0.04 km, shorter-range than 94.5% of drones and equal to 2.8% of drones.
Max flight speed
8 m/s
Max flight speed
8 m/s
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Market range: <4 m/s – >21 m/s
This drone has a max flight speed of 8 m/s, slower than 62.7% of drones and equal to 1.9% of drones.
Max wind resistance
7.9 m/s
Max wind resistance
7.9 m/s
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Market range: <3.3 m/s – >12 m/s
This drone has max wind resistance of 7.9 m/s, lower than 69.1% of drones and equal to 10.1% of drones.
Max service ceiling (ASL)
120 m
Max service ceiling (ASL)
120 m
â–¼ 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
What reviewers say
Video resolution
1080p/20 fps
Video resolution
1080p/20 fps
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
This drone records video at 1080p/20 fps, lower than 70.8% of drones and equal to 0.5% of drones.
4K camera
no
4K camera
no
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
This drone does not support 4K video. 54.6% of drones support 4K video.
Sensor size
?
Main camera megapixels
2.1 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
?
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
0.03 km
Max transmission distance
0.03 km
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <0.05 km – >15 km
This drone has a max transmission distance of 0.03 km, shorter-range than 98% of drones and equal to 2% of drones.
Value reflects the shorter image-transmission figure; the stated flight/control distance is slightly higher.
Transmission latency
?
Video transmission system
Wi-Fi
Video transmission system
Wi-Fi
â–¼ Worse than 44% of models
This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, which is more advanced than the system used by 8.2% and the same as that used by 47.7%.
Live view quality
720p@20 fps
Live view quality
720p@20 fps
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
This drone offers live view quality of 720p@20 fps, lower-quality than 83.3% of drones and equal to 5.2% 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
730 mAh
Battery capacity
730 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <550 mAh – >5k mAh
This drone has a battery capacity of 730 mAh, smaller than 88.1% of drones.
Battery energy
2.812 Wh
Battery energy
2.812 Wh
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Market range: <3.7 Wh – >77 Wh
This drone has battery energy of 2.812 Wh, lower than 91.8% of drones.
Charging time
100 min
Charging time
100 min
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Market range: <55 min – >180 min
This drone charges in 100 min, slower than 60.6% of drones and equal to 1.3% of drones.
Weight
75 g
Weight
75 g
★ Better than 91% of models
Market range: <80 g – >920 g
This drone weighs 75 g, lighter than 90.7% 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 HS430 vs the average drone

246810TotalFlightCameraSafetyConnectivityBattery & Design
  • 69.5% lower weight
    Weight
    75 g
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >920 g
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (75 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    75 g vs 246 g
  • Supports TapFly
    TapFly
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • Includes propeller guards
    Propeller guards
    yes
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This drone has propeller guards, while the average drone does not. 33.3% of drones offer them.
  • Supports smartphone control
    Smartphone control
    yes
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • More video format options
    Video formats
    MP4, AVI
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This drone supports MP4, AVI video formats, while the average drone supports MP4.
    MP4, AVI vs MP4
  • 106 mm narrower width
    Width
    135 mm
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <114 mm – >387.5 mm
    This drone is narrower than the average drone (135 mm vs 241 mm). The average drone width is 241 mm.
    135 mm vs 241 mm
  • 30 ° wider field of view
    Field of view
    120 °
    â–² 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 °
  • 19.5 mm lower body height
    Height
    43 mm
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <38 mm – >120 mm
    This drone is shorter than the average drone (43 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    43 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • 3.33x cheaper
    Holy Stone HS430 is cheaper than the average drone (£60 vs £200).
    £60 vs £200
  • More video format options
    Video formats
    MP4, AVI
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This drone supports MP4, AVI video formats, while the average drone supports MP4.
    MP4, AVI vs MP4
  • 30 ° wider field of view
    Field of view
    120 °
    â–² 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 °
  • Supports TapFly
    TapFly
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • Includes propeller guards
    Propeller guards
    yes
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This drone has propeller guards, while the average drone does not. 33.3% of drones offer them.
  • Supports smartphone control
    Smartphone control
    yes
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • 69.5% lower weight
    Weight
    75 g
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >920 g
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (75 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    75 g vs 246 g
  • 106 mm narrower width
    Width
    135 mm
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <114 mm – >387.5 mm
    This drone is narrower than the average drone (135 mm vs 241 mm). The average drone width is 241 mm.
    135 mm vs 241 mm
  • 19.5 mm lower body height
    Height
    43 mm
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <38 mm – >120 mm
    This drone is shorter than the average drone (43 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    43 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • 88 mm shorter body length
    Length
    187 mm
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <117 mm – >385 mm
    This drone is shorter than the average drone (187 mm vs 275 mm). The average drone is 275 mm long.
    187 mm vs 275 mm
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    1080p/20 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (1080p/20 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    1080p/20 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
  • 2.8 m/s lower wind resistance
    Max wind resistance
    7.9 m/s
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <3.3 m/s – >12 m/s
    This drone handles weaker wind than the average drone (7.9 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.
    7.9 m/s vs 10.7 m/s
  • 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.
  • 7 min shorter flight time
    Max flight time
    13 min
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <8 min – >40 min
    This drone offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (13 min vs 20 min). The average drone offers 20 min of max flight time.
    13 min vs 20 min
  • 3.7% worse value for money
    Holy Stone HS430 has worse value for money than the average drone (6.8 vs 7.1).
    6.8 vs 7.06
  • 2.8 m/s lower wind resistance
    Max wind resistance
    7.9 m/s
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <3.3 m/s – >12 m/s
    This drone handles weaker wind than the average drone (7.9 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.
    7.9 m/s vs 10.7 m/s
  • 7 min shorter flight time
    Max flight time
    13 min
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <8 min – >40 min
    This drone offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (13 min vs 20 min). The average drone offers 20 min of max flight time.
    13 min vs 20 min
  • 7 m/s slower flight speed
    Max flight speed
    8 m/s
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <4 m/s – >21 m/s
    This drone reaches a lower max flight speed than the average drone (8 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    8 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • 0.96 km shorter flight distance
    Max flight distance
    0.04 km
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    Market range: <0.05 km – >24 km
    This drone has a shorter max flight distance than the average drone (0 km vs 1 km). The average drone can fly up to 1 km.
    0.04 km vs 1 km
  • 3,380 m lower service ceiling
    Max service ceiling (ASL)
    120 m
    â–¼ 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
  • 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
  • 1 years older release date
    Release date
    2022
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This drone is older than the average drone (2022 vs 2023). The average drone was released in 2023.
    April 2022
    2022 vs 2023
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    1080p/20 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (1080p/20 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    1080p/20 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • Narrower tilt range
    Camera tilt range
    manual only °
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    This drone has a narrower tilt range than the average drone (manual only ° vs -90 to 20 °).
    manual only ° vs -90 to 20 °
  • 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
  • More basic stabilization
    Image stabilization type
    None (Fixed)
    â–¼ 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
    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.
  • 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.
  • 69.9% higher takeoff weight
    Max takeoff weight
    75 g
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >1.1k g
    This drone has a higher max takeoff weight than the average drone (75 g vs 249 g). The average drone has a max takeoff weight of 249 g.
    75 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
  • Lower live view quality
    Live view quality
    720p@20 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    This drone has worse live view quality than the average drone (720p@20 fps vs 1080p@25 fps). The average drone offers live view quality of 1080p@25 fps.
    720p@20 fps vs 1080p@25 fps
  • Fewer frequency bands
    Operating frequency bands
    2.4 GHz
    â–¼ 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
  • 0.97 km shorter transmission range
    Max transmission distance
    0.03 km
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <0.05 km – >15 km
    This drone has a shorter max transmission distance than the average drone (0 km vs 1 km). The average drone reaches 1 km of transmission distance.
    Value reflects the shorter image-transmission figure; the stated flight/control distance is slightly higher.
    0.03 km vs 1 km
  • 1,470 mAh less battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    730 mAh
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <550 mAh – >5k mAh
    This drone has a smaller battery capacity than the average drone (730 mAh vs 2200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2200 mAh.
    730 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • 14.37 Wh less battery energy
    Battery energy
    2.812 Wh
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <3.7 Wh – >77 Wh
    This drone has lower battery energy than the average drone (2.8 Wh vs 17.18 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.18 Wh of energy.
    2.812 Wh vs 17.18 Wh
  • 10 min longer charging time
    Charging time
    100 min
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <55 min – >180 min
    This drone charges more slowly than the average drone (100 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    100 min vs 90 min
  • Plainer color finish
    Color
    black, gray, blue, silver
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    This drone comes in black, gray, blue, silver, while the average drone comes in gray.
    black, gray, blue, silver vs gray

Video reviews

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

7.0
Greg Toope
≈ estimated
23/05/2023
Hands-on review · indoor flying and beginner test
Verdict
Holy Stone HS430 is a fun, low-cost beginner drone for indoor learning, though it drifts and its camera is basic.
9.0
Eric Hernandez
≈ estimated
08/11/2022
Hands-on review · setup, flights and crash notes
Verdict
Holy Stone HS430 is a good beginner drone for learning to fly, but not for capturing serious footage.
9.0
Drone Valley
≈ estimated
19/09/2022
Hands-on review · indoor and outdoor flight, camera and value
Verdict
Holy Stone HS430 is a stable, responsive budget drone with good value, though it's best flown without wind.
8.0
Quadcopter 101
≈ estimated
03/09/2022
Flight test review · beginner use, wind and camera checks
Verdict
Holy Stone HS430 is a nice little drone for learning to fly, but not for outdoor use in wind.
9.0
Toronto RC
≈ estimated
13/06/2022
Hands-on review · outdoor flights, camera and flip tests
Verdict
Holy Stone HS430 is a responsive mini drone with a good camera, best flown in calm conditions.
6.0
TNN
✓ explicit
29/05/2022
Unboxing and review · windy flight test
Verdict
Holy Stone HS430 is not the most impressive drone, but it is fun for casual flying and a good first drone.
8.0
Open Circuit RC & Tech
≈ estimated
12/05/2022
Flight review · windy outdoor flight and camera test
Verdict
Holy Stone HS430 flies well for a toy-grade drone, but its basic camera makes it a decent pick only on a tight budget.
9.0
B4U GO
≈ estimated
12/04/2022
Hands-on review · flight, camera and battery test
Verdict
Holy Stone HS430 is a good-value mini drone for beginners, with a solid camera, long battery life and easy flying.
9.0
Toronto RC
≈ estimated
06/11/2022
Short camera test · quick flight and photo check
Verdict
Holy Stone HS430 is a stable, smooth, agile flier that impressed in a quick camera test.
Not graded

What reviewers agree on

Based on 1 · 13

Easy to fly, portable and fun for flips, though camera opinions split and it gets pushed around in wind.
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Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Holy Stone HS430

  • Beginner-friendly with easy one-key takeoff/landing and 'throw-to-go' launching
  • Highly portable, foldable design that can fit in a pocket or the palm of a hand
  • Comes with 3 modular batteries providing an extended total flight time of up to 39 minutes
  • Includes fun flight modes like 360-degree flips, high-speed rotation, and circle fly
  • Durable enough to survive multiple minor crashes, making it a good 'toy' option
  • Affordable price point for a drone equipped with a 1080P WiFi camera

What we don't like about Holy Stone HS430

  • No SD card slot; video and photos must be recorded directly to a phone via the app
  • Prone to drifting and easily affected by wind due to its extremely lightweight build
  • Camera footage lacks stability and can be shaky because it has no gimbal or GPS stabilization
  • Low video frame rate (approximately 20fps) and zoomed-in lens can make FPV flying difficult
  • Limited WiFi transmission range, typically about 30 meters for live video feed
  • Inconsistent quality control with reports of controller connectivity issues or units malfunctioning quickly

Verdict

The Holy Stone HS430 is a compact, foldable mini drone designed for beginners, weighing just 75g and featuring a 1080P HD camera with a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi FPV feed. It offers a combined flight time of up to 39 minutes using three modular 730mAh batteries, with a control range of approximately 40 meters. Key characteristics include user-friendly flight modes like altitude hold, headless mode, and one-key takeoff, alongside fun stunts such as 360° flips, high-speed rotation, and circle fly. Main pros include its extreme portability (folds to the size of a computer mouse), robust safety features like emergency stop and low-power alarms, and versatile control options including voice and gesture commands. However, common cons include its vulnerability to light winds due to its lightweight frame, the lack of GPS-assisted return-to-home, and occasional connectivity issues reported between the remote and the mobile app.

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