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 1,110 independent expert reviews and 2,622 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Drones Methodology v2.0

Holy Stone HS790 Review | 97 Data compared

Avg. price:~£330Max flight time:30 minVideo resolution:4K/30 fpsMax transmission distance:9 km

Holy Stone HS790 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.

7.3

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 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
▲ Better than 71% of models
Score components

75%

7.3

Technical Score

25%

7.2

Review score ( 0 · 14)

Based on 14 video reviews
Experts count the full 25% of the overall score, because this model has at least 3 full tests. The technical score makes up the other 75%. A video review counts half as much as a written full test.
▲Better than 71% of drones
7.3

Technical Score

Technical score
7.3/ 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
▲ Better than 73% of models
Score components

26%

8.0

Flight

24%

6.7

Camera

20%

7.0

Safety

16%

7.1

Connectivity

14%

8.0

Battery & Design

▲Better than 73% of drones
7.2

Review score

Review score
7.2/ 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, first looks half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: The review score is 25% of the overall score with 3+ full tests, less with fewer.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 61% of models
Grades by review (14)
14 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in this model’s overall score: 25%.
Video reviews 14

7.7%

8.0

Pete Nova

7.7%

8.0

Reviews and How To's

7.7%

8.0

SteffenRC

7.7%

8.0

JRESHOW

7.7%

7.0

We're the Roberts

7.7%

7.0

DOUG and NIKI

7.7%

7.0

edrone

7.7%

7.0

Alien Drones

7.7%

7.0

Idaho Quadcopter

7.7%

6.0

Gadget Inspector

7.7%

6.0

RC Escape

7.7%

6.0

Half Chrome

3.8%

8.0

Brian E. Niskala

3.8%

8.0

AlToneRC-RTR

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 61% of drones
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Best prices

    N/A~ £330

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 HS790

Technical Score
Technical score
7.3/ 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
▲ Better than 73% of models
Score components:

26%

8.0

Flight

24%

6.7

Camera

20%

7.0

Safety

16%

7.1

Connectivity

14%

8.0

Battery & Design

7.3
Review score
Review score
7.2/ 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, first looks half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: The review score is 25% of the overall score with 3+ full tests, less with fewer.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 61% of models
Grades by review (14)
14 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in this model’s overall score: 25%.
Video reviews 14

7.7%

8.0

Pete Nova

7.7%

8.0

Reviews and How To's

7.7%

8.0

SteffenRC

7.7%

8.0

JRESHOW

7.7%

7.0

We're the Roberts

7.7%

7.0

DOUG and NIKI

7.7%

7.0

edrone

7.7%

7.0

Alien Drones

7.7%

7.0

Idaho Quadcopter

7.7%

6.0

Gadget Inspector

7.7%

6.0

RC Escape

7.7%

6.0

Half Chrome

3.8%

8.0

Brian E. Niskala

3.8%

8.0

AlToneRC-RTR

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
7.2
Popularity
Popularity
9.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 82% of models
Popularity:
Holy Stone HS790 has a popularity score of 9.5 points, which is higher than that of 82.2% of products in this category.
9.5
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
7.7/ 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
▲ Better than 84% of models
Score components:

60%

7.3

Overall score

40%

8.8

Price

7.7
Max flight time
30 min
Max flight time
30 min
▲ Better than 65% of models
Market range: <8 min – >40 min
This drone has a max flight time of 30 min, longer than 65% of drones and equal to 6% of drones.
Max flight distance
?
Max flight speed
?
Max wind resistance
?
Max service ceiling (ASL)
?
Show more
Video resolution
4K/30 fps
Video resolution
4K/30 fps
▲ Better than 58% of models
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
▲ Better than 46% of models
This drone supports 4K video. 46% of drones support 4K video.
Sensor size
1/3.2"
Sensor size
1/3.2"
▼ Worse than 81% of models
This drone has a sensor size of 1/3.2", smaller than 81.5% of drones and equal to 2.8% of drones.
Main camera megapixels
38 MP
Main camera megapixels
38 MP
▲ Better than 75% of models
Market range: <2 MP – >48 MP
This drone has a main camera resolution of 38 MP, higher than 74.7% of drones.
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)
yes
Return to Home (RTH)
yes
▲ Better than 33% of models
This drone supports Return-to-Home (RTH). 33% of drones support Return-to-Home (RTH).
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
▲ Better than 35% of models
This drone supports GPS. 35.3% of drones support GPS.
GNSS systems supported
GPS
GNSS systems supported
GPS
▼ Worse than 51% of models
This drone supports GPS GNSS systems, which are less comprehensive than those of 50.8% and the same as those of 14.6%.
Obstacle sensing directions
N/A
Show more
Max transmission distance
9 km
Max transmission distance
9 km
▲ Better than 72% of models
Market range: <0.05 km – >15 km
This drone has a max transmission distance of 9 km, farther than 71.9% of drones and equal to 3.1% 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@30 fps
Live view quality
1080p@30 fps
▲ Better than 61% of models
This drone offers live view quality of 1080p@30 fps, higher-quality than 60.9% of drones and equal to 18.8% 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
Battery capacity
3,200 mAh
Battery capacity
3,200 mAh
▲ Better than 76% of models
Market range: <550 mAh – >5k mAh
This drone has a battery capacity of 3,200 mAh, larger than 75.7% of drones and equal to 0.5% of drones.
Battery energy
?
Charging time
?
Weight
375 g
Weight
375 g
▼ Worse than 66% of models
Market range: <80 g – >920 g
This drone weighs 375 g, heavier than 66.5% 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 HS790 vs the average drone

246810TotalFlightCameraSafetyConnectivityBattery & Design
  • 3 more gimbal axes
    Gimbal axes
    3
    ▲ Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This drone has more gimbal axes than the average drone (3 vs 0). The average drone has 0 gimbal axes.
    3 vs 0
  • Supports low-light mode
    Low light mode
    yes
    ▲ Better than 78% of models
    This drone supports low-light mode, while the average drone does not.
  • 8 km longer transmission range
    Max transmission distance
    9 km
    ▲ Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <0.05 km – >15 km
    This drone has a longer max transmission distance than the average drone (9 km vs 1 km). The average drone reaches 1 km of transmission distance.
    9 km vs 1 km
  • 10 min longer flight time
    Max flight time
    30 min
    ▲ Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <8 min – >40 min
    This drone offers longer max flight time than the average drone (30 min vs 20 min). The average drone offers 20 min of max flight time.
    30 min vs 20 min
  • More modern charging port
    Charging interface
    USB-C
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    This drone uses USB-C for charging, while the average drone uses micro-USB.
    USB-C vs micro-USB
  • Supports QuickShots
    QuickShots
    yes
    ▲ Better than 68% of models
    This drone supports QuickShots, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports waypoint flight
    Waypoint flight
    yes
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This drone supports waypoint flight, while the average drone does not.
  • More advanced stabilization
    Image stabilization type
    3-Axis Mechanical
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This drone uses 3-Axis Mechanical image stabilization, while the average drone uses EIS (Digital).
    3-Axis Mechanical vs EIS (Digital)
  • 10.1% better value for money
    Holy Stone HS790 has better value for money than the average drone (7.74 vs 7).
    7.74 vs 7.03
  • 46.4% more popular
    Holy Stone HS790 is more popular than the average drone (9.47 vs 6.5).
    9.47 vs 6.47
  • 10 min longer flight time
    Max flight time
    30 min
    ▲ Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <8 min – >40 min
    This drone offers longer max flight time than the average drone (30 min vs 20 min). The average drone offers 20 min of max flight time.
    30 min vs 20 min
  • 2 years newer release date
    Release date
    2025
    ▲ Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This drone is newer than the average drone (2025 vs 2023). The average drone was released in 2023.
    2025 vs 2023
  • 3 more gimbal axes
    Gimbal axes
    3
    ▲ Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This drone has more gimbal axes than the average drone (3 vs 0). The average drone has 0 gimbal axes.
    3 vs 0
  • Supports low-light mode
    Low light mode
    yes
    ▲ Better than 78% of models
    This drone supports low-light mode, while the average drone does not.
  • More advanced stabilization
    Image stabilization type
    3-Axis Mechanical
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This drone uses 3-Axis Mechanical image stabilization, while the average drone uses EIS (Digital).
    3-Axis Mechanical vs EIS (Digital)
  • 26 MP more camera resolution
    Main camera megapixels
    38 MP
    ▲ Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <2 MP – >48 MP
    This drone has more main camera megapixels than the average drone (38 MP vs 12 MP). The average drone has 12 MP on the main camera.
    38 MP vs 12 MP
  • Richer manual controls
    Manual camera controls
    partial
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This drone offers partial manual camera controls, while the average drone offers no.
    partial vs no
  • Supports burst mode
    Burst mode
    yes
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    This drone supports burst mode, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports panorama mode
    Panorama mode
    yes
    ▲ Better than 54% of models
    This drone supports panorama mode, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports waypoint flight
    Waypoint flight
    yes
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This drone supports waypoint flight, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports QuickShots
    QuickShots
    yes
    ▲ Better than 68% of models
    This drone supports QuickShots, while the average drone does not.
  • Remote ID
    Remote ID
    yes
    ▲ Better than 74% of models
    This drone supports Remote ID, while the average drone does not.
  • 1 more flight modes
    N. of intelligent flight modes
    5
    ▲ Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >8
    This drone offers more intelligent flight modes than the average drone (5 vs 4). The average drone offers 4 intelligent flight modes.
    5 vs 4
  • 8 km longer transmission range
    Max transmission distance
    9 km
    ▲ Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <0.05 km – >15 km
    This drone has a longer max transmission distance than the average drone (9 km vs 1 km). The average drone reaches 1 km of transmission distance.
    9 km vs 1 km
  • Better live view quality
    Live view quality
    1080p@30 fps
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    This drone has better live view quality than the average drone (1080p@30 fps vs 1080p@25 fps). The average drone offers live view quality of 1080p@25 fps.
    1080p@30 fps vs 1080p@25 fps
  • More modern charging port
    Charging interface
    USB-C
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    This drone uses USB-C for charging, while the average drone uses micro-USB.
    USB-C vs micro-USB
  • 1,000 mAh more battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    3,200 mAh
    ▲ Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <550 mAh – >5k mAh
    This drone has a larger battery capacity than the average drone (3200 mAh vs 2200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2200 mAh.
    3,200 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    GNSS systems supported
    GPS
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    This drone supports GPS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    GPS vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • 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
  • Smaller sensor size
    Sensor size
    1/3.2"
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    This drone has a smaller sensor than the average drone (1/3.2" vs 1/2.3"). The average drone uses a sensor of 1/2.3".
    1/3.2" vs 1/2.3"
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    4K/30 fps
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    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
    ▼ Worse than 41% of models
    This drone supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    JPEG vs JPEG, DNG (RAW)
  • 52.4% higher weight
    Weight
    375 g
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >920 g
    This drone is heavier than the average drone (375 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    375 g vs 246 g
  • 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 °
  • 27.5 mm taller body height
    Height
    90 mm
    ▼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <38 mm – >120 mm
    This drone is taller than the average drone (90 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    90 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • 65% more expensive
    Holy Stone HS790 is more expensive than the average drone (£330 vs £200).
    £330 vs £200
  • Smaller sensor size
    Sensor size
    1/3.2"
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    This drone has a smaller sensor than the average drone (1/3.2" vs 1/2.3"). The average drone uses a sensor of 1/2.3".
    1/3.2" vs 1/2.3"
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    4K/30 fps
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    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
    ▼ Worse than 41% of models
    This drone supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    JPEG vs JPEG, DNG (RAW)
  • 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 °
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    GNSS systems supported
    GPS
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    This drone supports GPS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    GPS vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • 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
  • More basic controller
    Controller model
    HS790 Transmitter
    ▼ Worse than 93% of models
    This drone uses the HS790 Transmitter controller, while the average drone uses LiteRadio 4 SE.
    HS790 Transmitter vs LiteRadio 4 SE
  • 52.4% higher weight
    Weight
    375 g
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <80 g – >920 g
    This drone is heavier than the average drone (375 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    375 g vs 246 g
  • 27.5 mm taller body height
    Height
    90 mm
    ▼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <38 mm – >120 mm
    This drone is taller than the average drone (90 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    90 mm vs 62.5 mm

Video reviews

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

6.0
Gadget Inspector
≈ estimated
26/11/2025
Hands-on review · flight tests, quick shots and camera
Verdict
Holy Stone HS790 is stable with good daytime footage, but its quick shots, night video and obstacle sensing fall short.
8.0
Pete Nova
≈ estimated
25/11/2025
Hands-on review · first outdoor flights and features
Verdict
Holy Stone HS790 is good value, with plenty of range, flight time and features for beginners.
8.0
Reviews and How To's
≈ estimated
25/08/2025
Hands-on review · outdoor flights, return-to-home and footage
Verdict
Holy Stone HS790 flies very steadily and films clearly, with no major issues found in testing.
7.0
We're the Roberts
≈ estimated
17/07/2025
Hands-on review · flight modes, return-to-home and landing tests
Verdict
Holy Stone HS790 is a strong drone, though landing is imprecise and it has no obstacle avoidance.
7.0
DOUG and NIKI
≈ estimated
12/07/2025
Hands-on review · flights, image quality and return-to-home
Verdict
Holy Stone HS790 is a strong starter drone with stable footage and long flight time, but return-to-home is unpredictable.
7.0
edrone
≈ estimated
04/07/2025
Hands-on review · flight, GPS, video and signal tests
Verdict
Holy Stone HS790 is easy to fly and set up and is recommended for committed hobbyists rather than beginners.
8.0
SteffenRC
≈ estimated
01/07/2025
Hands-on review · flight, camera and low-light tests
Verdict
Holy Stone HS790 is very good overall, with stable camera footage but limited camera settings.
7.0
Alien Drones
≈ estimated
01/07/2025
Hands-on review · quick shots, GPS follow and return-to-home tests
Verdict
Holy Stone HS790 isn't perfect, but it's a solid flyer for a decent price.
6.0
RC Escape
≈ estimated
01/07/2025
Flight test review · setup, flight and low-battery tests
Verdict
Holy Stone HS790 is good value for the price, though its low-battery behavior and missing camera settings are weak spots.
8.0
JRESHOW
≈ estimated
27/06/2025
Hands-on flight test · first look and full flight
Verdict
Holy Stone HS790 is a good flier with solid range, GPS modes and tap-to-fly, though footage transfer is slow.

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Holy Stone HS790

  • Three-axis mechanical gimbal for smooth 4K/30 fps video
  • Transmission range of up to 9 km
  • GPS return-to-home, follow-me and waypoint flights
  • Around 30 minutes of flight from a 3200 mAh battery
  • Built-in Remote ID

What we don't like about Holy Stone HS790

  • 375 g puts it above the sub-250 g class, with more EU rules
  • Small 1/3.2-inch sensor limits dynamic range and low-light quality
  • No obstacle sensing
  • Advertised photo resolution relies on upscaling

Verdict

The Holy Stone HS790 is the brand's step into gimbal territory. A three-axis mechanical gimbal steadies a 4K/30 fps camera with an f/2.0 lens and a 1/3.2-inch sensor, and Holy Stone advertises high-resolution stills through upscaling. Stabilised footage is the main reason to choose it over the EIS-only HS360 models. At 375 g it weighs more than the sub-250 g class, so EU pilots should check the rules, and Remote ID is built in. GPS brings return-to-home, follow-me and waypoints, while the transmission reaches up to 9 km and a 3200 mAh battery gives around 30 minutes of flight. Obstacle sensing is missing, and the small sensor limits dynamic range compared with DJI. For buyers who want gimbal-smooth video at a mid-range price, it is a reasonable alternative.

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