OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Drones Methodology v3.0
Drones Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Drones Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Drones Methodology v3.0

Snaptain S5C review: 97 specs compared

Avg. price:~£70Max flight time:15 minVideo resolution:1080p/30 fpsMax transmission distance:0.08 km

Snaptain S5C Review: Compare 97 technical specifications and 15 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Drones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.4/10

Overall score

Score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

35%

4.6

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

4.6

Reviews score

10%

4.6

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 98% of drones
6.8

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 88% of models
Score components

70%

5.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 88%
4.6

Technical score

Technical score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

26%

2.4

Flight

24%

5.3

Camera

20%

4.6

Safety

16%

5.5

Connectivity

14%

6.1

Battery & Design

â–¼Worse than 92%
4.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
4.6/ 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. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models

4.6

Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.6

Average grade

20%

7.9

Popularity

Grades by review (15)
3 reviews + 12 videos, average 7.4/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 97%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £70
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Snaptain S5C

Based on 4 · 9

A beginner-friendly drone with easy controls and plenty of extras included, though the camera disappoints and opinions on its stability are split.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Snaptain S5C

Based on 120 owners sharing their experience in online comments

29%positive8%mixed63%negative

Owners like the fun, beginner-friendly value, but frequent flyaways, drifting, and connection failures are the biggest frustrations.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report the drone drifts or flies away when it loses signal, sometimes over 20 to 40 feet, and is hard to recover.16
  • Owners say the phone app shows a black screen or fails to connect to the drone's Wi-Fi, so no camera feed appears.11
  • Owners say it drifts to one side on takeoff and hover, even after calibration, and will not stay in one spot.10
  • Owners say the remote will not pair with the drone, or beeps without responding to any input.6
  • Owners say it is too light and gets blown away or flipped by even light wind, so it should only fly indoors.6
  • Owners say it will not take off, drops straight down after a few seconds, or does not lift off at all.6
  • Owners report motors that spin unexpectedly, a propeller that smokes, or overheating, with one owner saying a motor failed.5
  • Owners say flights last only about 5 to 7 minutes and each battery takes around 90 minutes to recharge.4
  • Owners say it is hard to control and crashes often, especially for beginners, including into trees, walls and fences.4
  • Owners say photos and video do not save to the SD card, or the files show as missing on a phone or computer.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Drones model ranking

Ranked #200 of 203 models in Drones (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of drone Snaptain S5C

Technical score
Technical score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components:

26%

2.4

Flight

24%

5.3

Camera

20%

4.6

Safety

16%

5.5

Connectivity

14%

6.1

Battery & Design

4.6
Reviews score
4.6
List score
?
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 88% of models
Score components:

70%

5.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.8
Max flight time
15 min
Market range: <8 min – >40 min
This drone has a max flight time of 15 min, shorter than 64% of drones and equal to 8% of drones.
Real-world flight time is often lower than the advertised maximum.
Max flight distance
0.1 km
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.
Maximum range varies by region (for example FCC vs CE).
Max flight speed
5 m/s
Market range: <4 m/s – >21 m/s
This drone has a max flight speed of 5 m/s, slower than 77.9% of drones and equal to 10.1% of drones.
Max wind resistance
0.89 m/s
Market range: <3.3 m/s – >12 m/s
This drone has max wind resistance of 0.89 m/s, lower than 100% of drones.
Max service ceiling (ASL)
50 m
Market range: <120 m – >6k m
This drone has a max service ceiling of 50 m, lower than 98.5% of drones.
Altitude limit set in the app.
Show more
What reviewers say
Video resolution
1080p/30 fps
This drone records video at 1080p/30 fps, lower than 61.9% of drones and equal to 5.9% of drones.
4K camera
no
This drone does not support 4K video. 54.6% of drones support 4K video.
Sensor size
?
Main camera megapixels
2 MP
Market range: <2 MP – >48 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
This drone does not support obstacle detection. 31% of drones support obstacle detection.
Return to Home (RTH)
no
This drone does not support Return-to-Home (RTH). 67.5% of drones support Return-to-Home (RTH).
GPS
no
This drone does not support GPS. 65.2% of drones support GPS.
GNSS systems supported
none
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
0.08 km
Market range: <0.05 km – >15 km
This drone has a max transmission distance of 0.08 km, shorter-range than 78.6% of drones and equal to 3.1% of drones.
Transmission latency
?
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
720p@30 fps
This drone offers live view quality of 720p@30 fps, lower-quality than 56.8% of drones and equal to 22.9% of drones.
Remote control
yes
This drone has a handheld remote controller. 5% of drones offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
800 mAh
Market range: <550 mAh – >5k mAh
This drone has a battery capacity of 800 mAh, smaller than 85% of drones and equal to 0.5% of drones.
Battery energy
4.44 Wh
Market range: <3.7 Wh – >77 Wh
This drone has battery energy of 4.44 Wh, lower than 82.4% of drones and equal to 4.1% of drones.
Charging time
90 min
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
145 g
Market range: <80 g – >920 g
This drone weighs 145 g, lighter than 75.8% of drones.
Removable battery
yes
This drone has a removable battery. 0.5% of drones have a removable battery.
Show more

Snaptain S5C vs the average drone

246810TotalFlightCameraSafetyConnectivityBattery & Design
  • Supports TapFly
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • Includes propeller guards
    This drone has propeller guards, while the average drone does not. 33.3% of drones offer them.
  • Supports smartphone control
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • 41.1% lower weight
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (145 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    145 g vs 246 g
  • More modern charging port
    This drone uses proprietary for charging, while the average drone uses micro-USB.
    proprietary vs micro-USB
  • 2.86x cheaper
    Snaptain S5C is cheaper than the average drone (£70 vs £200).
    £70 vs £200
  • 2.86x cheaper
    Snaptain S5C is cheaper than the average drone (£70 vs £200).
    £70 vs £200
  • Supports TapFly
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • Includes propeller guards
    This drone has propeller guards, while the average drone does not. 33.3% of drones offer them.
  • Supports smartphone control
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • 41.1% lower weight
    This drone is lighter than the average drone (145 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    145 g vs 246 g
  • More modern charging port
    This drone uses proprietary for charging, while the average drone uses micro-USB.
    proprietary vs micro-USB
  • 9.81 m/s lower wind resistance
    This drone handles weaker wind than the average drone (0.9 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.
    0.89 m/s vs 10.7 m/s
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    This drone supports none GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    none vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • Lower video resolution
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (1080p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    1080p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • 35.2% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.6/ 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. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models

    4.6

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.6

    Average grade

    20%

    7.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (15)
    3 reviews + 12 videos, average 7.4/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    4.6 vs 7.1
  • More basic transmission system
    This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    Wi-Fi vs SkyLink 2.0
  • 10 m/s slower flight speed
    This drone reaches a lower max flight speed than the average drone (5 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    5 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • No subject tracking
    This drone cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
  • No return-to-home (RTH)
    This drone does not support return-to-home (RTH), while the average drone does.
  • 35.2% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.6/ 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. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models

    4.6

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.6

    Average grade

    20%

    7.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (15)
    3 reviews + 12 videos, average 7.4/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    4.6 vs 7.1
  • 39.5% lower sentiment score
    4.6 vs 7.6
  • 9.8% worse value for money
    Snaptain S5C has worse value for money than the average drone (6.81 vs 7.5).
    6.81 vs 7.48
  • 9.81 m/s lower wind resistance
    This drone handles weaker wind than the average drone (0.9 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.
    0.89 m/s vs 10.7 m/s
  • 10 m/s slower flight speed
    This drone reaches a lower max flight speed than the average drone (5 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    5 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • 3,450 m lower service ceiling
    This drone can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (50 m vs 3,500 m). The average drone reaches 3,500 m.
    Altitude limit set in the app.
    50 m vs 3,500 m
  • 5 min shorter flight time
    This drone offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (15 min vs 20 min). The average drone offers 20 min of max flight time.
    Real-world flight time is often lower than the advertised maximum.
    15 min vs 20 min
  • 5 years older release date
    This drone is older than the average drone (2018 vs 2023). The average drone was released in 2023.
    November 2018
    2018 vs 2023
  • 0.9 km shorter flight distance
    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.
    Maximum range varies by region (for example FCC vs CE).
    0.1 km vs 1 km
  • Simpler motor design
    This drone uses brushed motors, while the average drone uses brushless motors.
    brushed vs brushless
  • Non-foldable design
    This drone does not have a foldable design, while the average drone does.
  • Lower video resolution
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (1080p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    1080p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • Fewer photo format options
    This drone supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    JPEG vs JPEG, DNG (RAW)
  • More basic stabilization
    This drone uses None (Fixed) image stabilization, while the average drone uses EIS (Digital).
    None (Fixed) vs EIS (Digital)
  • Lower photo resolution
    This drone offers lower photo resolution than the average drone (2048x1152 px vs 4096x3072 px). The average drone offers a photo resolution of 4096x3072 px.
    2048x1152 px vs 4096x3072 px
  • Narrower tilt range
    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 °
  • 10 MP less camera resolution
    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
  • Fewer video format options
    This drone supports AVI video formats, while the average drone supports MP4.
    AVI vs MP4
  • No 4K video
    This drone does not support 4K video, while the average drone does.
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    This drone supports none GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    none vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • No subject tracking
    This drone cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
  • No return-to-home (RTH)
    This drone does not support return-to-home (RTH), while the average drone does.
  • No GPS
    This drone does not have GPS, while the average drone does.
  • No compass
    This drone does not have a compass, while the average drone does.
  • 2 fewer flight modes
    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
    This drone does not support beginner mode, while the average drone does.
  • 41.8% higher takeoff weight
    This drone has a higher max takeoff weight than the average drone (145 g vs 249 g). The average drone has a max takeoff weight of 249 g.
    145 g vs 249 g
  • More basic transmission system
    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
    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
  • Lower live view quality
    This drone has worse live view quality than the average drone (720p@30 fps vs 1080p@25 fps). The average drone offers live view quality of 1080p@25 fps.
    720p@30 fps vs 1080p@25 fps
  • 0.92 km shorter transmission range
    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.
    0.08 km vs 1 km
  • Basic companion app
    This drone uses the Snaptain Era companion app, while the average drone uses HS FPV.
    Snaptain Era vs HS FPV
  • More basic controller
    This drone uses the S5C Remote Controller controller, while the average drone uses LiteRadio 4 SE.
    S5C Remote Controller vs LiteRadio 4 SE
  • 1,400 mAh less battery capacity
    This drone has a smaller battery capacity than the average drone (800 mAh vs 2,200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2,200 mAh.
    800 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • 12.74 Wh less battery energy
    This drone has lower battery energy than the average drone (4.4 Wh vs 17.18 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.18 Wh of energy.
    4.44 Wh vs 17.18 Wh
  • 25 mm longer body length
    This drone is longer than the average drone (300 mm vs 275 mm). The average drone is 275 mm long.
    300 mm vs 275 mm

Video reviews

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

9.0
GareTheBear
≈ estimated
17/07/2022
Hands-on review · beginner flights in wind
Verdict
Snaptain S5C is a fun, good-value beginner drone, though battery life and video quality could be better.
8.0
Nick Cieslak 22
≈ estimated
25/11/2021
Hands-on review · unboxing and outdoor flight
Verdict
Snaptain S5C is a fun budget beginner toy, but wind and Wi-Fi glitches hold it back.
8.0
GReviewz
≈ estimated
16/05/2019
Hands-on review · flights, battery and camera check
Verdict
Snaptain S5C is a good value for beginners, but short flight time and weak wind handling hold it back.
6.0
The D Show
≈ estimated
12/03/2019
Hands-on review · windy flight test and footage check
Verdict
Snaptain S5C is light and fun to fly, but its choppy live feed, weak camera and short flights hold it back.
9.0
Greggy P Reviews
≈ estimated
24/11/2018
Hands-on review · test flight, flips and camera check
Verdict
Snaptain S5C is a budget beginner drone that flies stably and does flips, though its 720p camera is limited.
7.0
RC Escape
≈ estimated
15/11/2018
Hands-on review · app, gyro and voice control flight test
Verdict
Snaptain S5C is a decent Wi-Fi FPV quadcopter, but its link drops out now and then.
5.0
Jon Wason's Various Videos
≈ estimated
15/12/2025
First impressions · early flights and some crashes
Verdict
Snaptain S5C is fun to fly, but wind and blurry video leave the reviewer wanting a better drone.
8.0
Geek Street
≈ estimated
03/05/2019
Unboxing and setup · short flight
Verdict
Snaptain S5C is simple to set up and good value for a budget drone, though wind and picture quality hold it back.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.8
moonandback.com
✓ explicit
22/01/2024
Review · Beginner quadcopter
Verdict
The Snaptain S5C is a durable beginner quadcopter with reliable altitude hold and two batteries, but it struggles in wind and footage cuts out when Wi-Fi drops.
6.0
t3.com
✓ explicit
13/12/2021
Review summary · Beginner toy drone
Verdict
Snaptain S5C suits beginners who want altitude hold and one-button flips, but it struggles in wind, lags in the app and shoots unstabilized 720p video.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Snaptain S5C

  • Extremely beginner-friendly with a low learning curve for new pilots
  • Highly affordable and offers good value for the price
  • Equipped with useful automated features like one-key takeoff, landing, and 360-degree flips
  • Durable build quality that can survive minor crashes and bumps
  • Includes two batteries in the box, effectively doubling the available flight time
  • Stable hovering capability in low-wind conditions due to its 6-axis gyroscope
  • Decent camera quality for its price bracket, suitable for recreational photography

What customers don't like about Snaptain S5C

  • Highly susceptible to wind; the lightweight design makes it difficult to control in even light breezes
  • Short flight time per battery, typically lasting only 6 to 10 minutes
  • Long battery charging times, often taking 60 to 90 minutes per pack
  • Unstable Wi-Fi connectivity and laggy FPV (First Person View) video feed
  • Limited flight range, with many users reporting signal loss well before the advertised distance
  • Fragile accessory parts; landing skids and propeller guards are prone to falling off or breaking
  • Lack of GPS and advanced features like follow-me mode or obstacle avoidance

Verdict

The Snaptain S5C is a beginner-friendly quadcopter featuring a 720p HD camera (upgraded to 1080p in the Elite/Ultra models) with a 90° adjustable wide-angle lens for FPV streaming via Wi-Fi. Key characteristics include an 8–10 minute flight time per battery, a control range of approximately 80 metres, and smart features like altitude hold, headless mode, G-sensor control, and 360° flips. Main pros are its ease of use for novice pilots, durable ABS plastic construction with protective propeller guards, and the inclusion of extra batteries to extend flight sessions. However, cons include high sensitivity to wind due to its lightweight design, the lack of GPS and obstacle avoidance, and inconsistent video quality when flying near the edge of its signal range.

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