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 HS700 Review | 97 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Max flight time:20 minVideo resolution:4K/30 fpsMax transmission distance:1 km

Holy Stone HS700 Review: Compare 97 technical specifications and 9 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Drones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.4

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 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
Score components

85%

6.2

Technical score

15%

7.5

Review score ( 2 · 7)

Review score 15% · 7.5 · based on 9 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–²Better than 54% of drones
6.2

Technical score

Technical score
6.2/ 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
Score components

26%

6.2

Flight

24%

5.8

Camera

20%

7.1

Safety

16%

6.2

Connectivity

14%

5.9

Battery & Design

â–²Better than 55% 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
Grades by review (9)
2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 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
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 68% of drones
  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £260

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 HS700

Technical score
Technical score
6.2/ 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
Score components:

26%

6.2

Flight

24%

5.8

Camera

20%

7.1

Safety

16%

6.2

Connectivity

14%

5.9

Battery & Design

6.2
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
Grades by review (9)
2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 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
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
7.5
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the drone.
When it matters
When you prefer to choose a drone reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Holy Stone HS700 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 74.3% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 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
Score components:

60%

6.4

Overall score

40%

9.2

Price

7.2
Max flight time
20 min
Max flight time
20 min
This drone has a max flight time of 20 min, longer than 45.5% of drones and equal to 4.5% of drones.
Max flight distance
1 km
Max flight distance
1 km
This drone has a max flight distance of 1 km, farther than 45.9% of drones and equal to 5% of drones.
Max flight speed
25 m/s
Max flight speed
25 m/s
This drone has a max flight speed of 25 m/s, faster than 96.8% of drones and equal to 0.6% of drones.
Max wind resistance
25 m/s
Max wind resistance
25 m/s
This drone has max wind resistance of 25 m/s, higher than 100% of drones.
Max service ceiling (ASL)
120 m
Max service ceiling (ASL)
120 m
This drone has a max service ceiling of 120 m, lower than 70.2% of drones and equal to 20.2% of drones.
Altitude limit set in the app.
Show more
What reviewers say
Video resolution
4K/30 fps
Video resolution
4K/30 fps
This drone records video at 4K/30 fps, higher than 58.4% of drones and equal to 20.3% of drones.
4K camera
yes
4K camera
yes
This drone supports 4K video. 46% of drones support 4K video.
Sensor size
?
Main camera megapixels
2 MP
Main camera megapixels
2 MP
This drone has a main camera resolution of 2 MP, lower than 85.3% of drones and equal to 13.3% of drones.
Max movie bitrate
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Obstacle detection
no
Obstacle detection
no
This drone does not support obstacle detection. 31% of drones support obstacle detection.
Return to Home (RTH)
yes
Return to Home (RTH)
yes
This drone supports Return-to-Home (RTH). 33% of drones support Return-to-Home (RTH).
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
This drone supports GPS. 35.3% of drones support GPS.
GNSS systems supported
GPS, GLONASS
GNSS systems supported
GPS, GLONASS
This drone supports GPS, GLONASS GNSS systems, which are more comprehensive than those of 49.8% and the same as those of 17.1%.
Obstacle sensing directions
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Max transmission distance
1 km
Max transmission distance
1 km
This drone has a max transmission distance of 1 km, farther than 48% of drones and equal to 5.1% of drones.
Value reflects maximum control/transmission range; FPV video range can be lower.
Transmission latency
?
Video transmission system
Wi-Fi
Video transmission system
Wi-Fi
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
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
This drone has a handheld remote controller. 5% of drones offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
2,800 mAh
Battery capacity
2,800 mAh
This drone has a battery capacity of 2,800 mAh, larger than 69.4% of drones and equal to 2.1% of drones.
Battery energy
20.72 Wh
Battery energy
20.72 Wh
This drone has battery energy of 20.72 Wh, higher than 60.6% of drones and equal to 2.4% of drones.
Charging time
420 min
Charging time
420 min
This drone charges in 420 min, slower than 99.4% of drones and equal to 0.6% of drones.
Weight
370 g
Weight
370 g
This drone weighs 370 g, heavier than 66% of drones.
Removable battery
yes
Removable battery
yes
This drone has a removable battery. 0.5% of drones have a removable battery.
Show more
What reviewers say

Holy Stone HS700 vs the average drone

246810TotalFlightCameraSafetyConnectivityBattery & Design
  • 10 m/s faster flight speed
    Max flight speed
    25 m/s
    This drone reaches a higher max flight speed than the average drone (25 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    25 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • 14.3 m/s higher wind resistance
    Max wind resistance
    25 m/s
    This drone handles stronger wind than the average drone (25 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.
    25 m/s vs 10.7 m/s
  • Supports waypoint flight
    Waypoint flight
    yes
    This drone supports waypoint flight, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports TapFly
    TapFly
    yes
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • More color profile options
    Color profiles
    Normal, D-Log
    This drone supports Normal, D-Log color profiles, while the average drone supports Normal.
    Normal, D-Log vs Normal
  • Supports smartphone control
    Smartphone control
    yes
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • More video format options
    Video formats
    MP4, AVI
    This drone supports MP4, AVI video formats, while the average drone supports MP4.
    MP4, AVI vs MP4
  • 600 mAh more battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    2,800 mAh
    This drone has a larger battery capacity than the average drone (2800 mAh vs 2200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2200 mAh.
    2,800 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • 10 m/s faster flight speed
    Max flight speed
    25 m/s
    This drone reaches a higher max flight speed than the average drone (25 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    25 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • 14.3 m/s higher wind resistance
    Max wind resistance
    25 m/s
    This drone handles stronger wind than the average drone (25 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.
    25 m/s vs 10.7 m/s
  • More color profile options
    Color profiles
    Normal, D-Log
    This drone supports Normal, D-Log color profiles, while the average drone supports Normal.
    Normal, D-Log vs Normal
  • More video format options
    Video formats
    MP4, AVI
    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 °
    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 waypoint flight
    Waypoint flight
    yes
    This drone supports waypoint flight, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports TapFly
    TapFly
    yes
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports smartphone control
    Smartphone control
    yes
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • 600 mAh more battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    2,800 mAh
    This drone has a larger battery capacity than the average drone (2800 mAh vs 2200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2200 mAh.
    2,800 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • More modern charging port
    Charging interface
    proprietary
    This drone uses proprietary for charging, while the average drone uses micro-USB.
    proprietary vs micro-USB
  • 55 mm shorter body length
    Length
    220 mm
    This drone is shorter than the average drone (220 mm vs 275 mm). The average drone is 275 mm long.
    220 mm vs 275 mm
  • 3.54 Wh more battery energy
    Battery energy
    20.72 Wh
    This drone has higher battery energy than the average drone (20.7 Wh vs 17.18 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.18 Wh of energy.
    20.72 Wh vs 17.18 Wh
  • More basic transmission system
    Video transmission system
    Wi-Fi
    This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    Wi-Fi vs SkyLink 2.0
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    GNSS systems supported
    GPS, GLONASS
    This drone supports GPS, GLONASS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    GPS, GLONASS vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • 330 min longer charging time
    Charging time
    420 min
    This drone charges more slowly than the average drone (420 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    420 min vs 90 min
  • Narrower tilt range
    Camera tilt range
    manual only °
    This drone has a narrower tilt range than the average drone (manual only ° vs -90 to 20 °).
    manual only ° vs -90 to 20 °
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    4K/30 fps
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (4K/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    4K/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • Fewer photo format options
    Photo formats supported
    JPEG
    This drone supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    JPEG vs JPEG, DNG (RAW)
  • 3,380 m lower service ceiling
    Max service ceiling (ASL)
    120 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.
    Altitude limit set in the app.
    120 m vs 3,500 m
  • 92.5 mm taller body height
    Height
    155 mm
    This drone is taller than the average drone (155 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    155 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • 6.47x less popular
    Holy Stone HS700 is less popular than the average drone (1 vs 6.5).
    1 vs 6.47
  • 3,380 m lower service ceiling
    Max service ceiling (ASL)
    120 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.
    Altitude limit set in the app.
    120 m vs 3,500 m
  • 5 years older release date
    Release date
    2018
    This drone is older than the average drone (2018 vs 2023). The average drone was released in 2023.
    July 2018
    2018 vs 2023
  • Non-foldable design
    Foldable design
    no
    This drone does not have a foldable design, while the average drone does.
  • Narrower tilt range
    Camera tilt range
    manual only °
    This drone has a narrower tilt range than the average drone (manual only ° vs -90 to 20 °).
    manual only ° vs -90 to 20 °
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    4K/30 fps
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (4K/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    4K/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • Fewer photo format options
    Photo formats supported
    JPEG
    This drone supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    JPEG vs JPEG, DNG (RAW)
  • 10 MP less camera resolution
    Main camera megapixels
    2 MP
    This drone has fewer main camera megapixels than the average drone (2 MP vs 12 MP). The average drone has 12 MP on the main camera.
    2 MP vs 12 MP
  • Lower photo resolution
    Photo resolution
    3840 x 2160 px
    This drone offers lower photo resolution than the average drone (3840x2160 px vs 4096x3072 px). The average drone offers a photo resolution of 4096x3072 px.
    3840x2160 px vs 4096x3072 px
  • 96 GB lower memory card limit
    Max external memory supported
    32 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
    GPS, GLONASS
    This drone supports GPS, GLONASS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    GPS, GLONASS vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • More basic transmission system
    Video transmission system
    Wi-Fi
    This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    Wi-Fi vs SkyLink 2.0
  • Basic companion app
    Companion app
    Ophelia GPS
    This drone uses the Ophelia GPS companion app, while the average drone uses HS FPV.
    Ophelia GPS vs HS FPV
  • 330 min longer charging time
    Charging time
    420 min
    This drone charges more slowly than the average drone (420 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    420 min vs 90 min
  • 92.5 mm taller body height
    Height
    155 mm
    This drone is taller than the average drone (155 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    155 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • 50.4% higher weight
    Weight
    370 g
    This drone is heavier than the average drone (370 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    370 g vs 246 g

Video reviews

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

9.0
Chigz Tech Reviews
≈ estimated
16/02/2019
Hands-on review · flights, camera and mount test
Verdict
Holy Stone HS700 is a powerful, easy-to-control drone worth recommending, despite a mount that will not take a GoPro.
5.0
TheRcSaylors
≈ estimated
14/11/2018
Hands-on review · flights, app check and price comparison
Verdict
Holy Stone HS700 flies well, but it is overpriced and rival models offer more for the money.
9.0
RC Escape
≈ estimated
13/09/2018
Hands-on review · flight test, return-to-home and Wi-Fi range
Verdict
Holy Stone HS700 is a smooth-flying budget GPS quadcopter with working return-to-home and headless mode.
9.0
CAPTAIN DRONE
≈ estimated
03/09/2018
Hands-on review · GPS, orbit, follow-me and return-to-home tests
Verdict
Holy Stone HS700 is a strong GPS drone whose flight modes and return-to-home work well, with a few wind and landing quirks.
7.0
Redskull
≈ estimated
28/08/2018
Hands-on review · flight range, return-to-home and beginner use
Verdict
Holy Stone HS700 is a decent beginner drone with GPS and return-to-home, held back by shaky footage and an awkward power setup.
8.0
Michael Suarez
≈ estimated
19/08/2019
First flight · unboxing and setup
Verdict
Holy Stone HS700 is a low-cost drone that suits beginners well, with a reliable return-to-home feature.
Overview video

What reviewers agree on

Based on 2 · 7

Reviewers like its reliable return to home and steady flight, but shaky footage without stabilization and weak batteries let it down.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
smartzone.de
≈ estimated
14/02/2019
Review summary · Beginner GPS drone
Verdict
Holy Stone HS700 suits beginners who want stable flight and Return to Home, but without a gimbal its video looks shaky.
8.0
drohnen.de
≈ estimated
13/03/2019
Overview · Entry-level GPS drone
Verdict
Holy Stone HS700 suits beginners who want stable GPS flight and the option to fit a GoPro, but shaky footage and 5-to-7-hour charging hold it back.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Holy Stone HS700

  • Stable flight performance even in windy conditions due to brushless motors
  • Effective GPS-assisted features like Return-to-Home (RTH), Follow Me, and Waypoint navigation
  • Quick-release propellers that do not require tools for installation or replacement
  • Informative remote control with a telemetry screen showing battery level and signal strength
  • Option to swap the included camera for a compatible GoPro (models 2, 3, or 4)
  • Strong value for beginners looking for a durable, non-racing video drone

What we don't like about Holy Stone HS700

  • Extremely long battery charge times, often cited between 5 to 7 hours for 15-20 minutes of flight
  • Lack of a mechanical gimbal, leading to tilted horizons and less stabilized video
  • Difficult access to the Micro-SD card slot when the camera is plugged into the drone
  • Instruction manuals are often described as poorly translated and inconsistent
  • Camera pitch cannot be adjusted remotely while the drone is in flight
  • Propeller guards are typically not included, which may be a risk for novice pilots

Verdict

The Holy Stone HS700 is a GPS-equipped drone featuring powerful 2204 1500KV brushless motors and a 1080P wide-angle HD camera capable of 5G FPV transmission up to 2,600 feet. Key performance specs include a 2,800 mAh modular battery providing approximately 20 minutes of flight time, a maximum control range of 3,280 feet, and a total weight of 608g which requires FAA registration. Its main pros are high stability in wind, user-friendly intelligent flight modes like Follow Me and Auto Return-to-Home, and quick-release propellers that don't require screws. However, notable cons include an extremely long battery recharge time of 5 to 7 hours, a fixed camera mount that lacks a mechanical gimbal for stabilization, and the absence of propeller guards in the standard package.

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