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 SP500 review: 97 specs compared

Avg. price:~£130Max flight time:15 minVideo resolution:1080p/25 fpsMax transmission distance:0.22 km

Snaptain SP500 Review: Compare 97 technical specifications and 27 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Drones category and whether it is worth buying.

Snaptain SP500
5.8/10

Overall score

Score
5.8/ 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
Score components

35%

5.1

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

5.1

Reviews score

10%

5.1

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 87% of drones
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 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

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 80%
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 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
Score components

26%

3.0

Flight

24%

5.4

Camera

20%

7.1

Safety

16%

6.1

Connectivity

14%

4.7

Battery & Design

â–¼Worse than 77%
5.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.1/ 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. 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

5.1

Mark 7.7 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.5

Average grade

20%

8.5

Popularity

Grades by review (27)
1 review + 26 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 87%
?

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
  • snaptain-sp500
  • snaptain-sp500
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  • snaptain-sp500
snaptain-sp500
snaptain-sp500
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snaptain-sp500
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snaptain-sp500
Where to buy
    N/A~ £130
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 SP500

Based on 4 · 33

Reviewers find it stable and easy for beginners, but the shaky, unstabilised video and weak wind handling disappoint many.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Snaptain SP500

Based on 99 owners sharing their experience in online comments

29%positive20%mixed51%negative

Owners enjoy its easy, fun, good-value flying, but reliability, camera quality, and battery problems often disappoint.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report poor picture, warped-looking roofs and footage filmed upside down, and some could not start the camera until the phone was synced.11
  • Owners say battery life is short, and some batteries would not fully charge or had a broken charging connector.11
  • Owners report the app does not work on some phones, including certain Huawei models, and some drones never create their Wi-Fi link to connect.10
  • Owners say propellers often fail to start, sometimes after about 20 tries, and a compass or arm error can stop takeoff entirely.9
  • Owners report motors losing power or failing after a few flights, including one where the plastic mount melted and a propeller stopped working.9
  • Owners report flyaways, sometimes with no input, and say the drone can switch to Wi-Fi-only mode unannounced, where GPS safety features do not work.9
  • Owners report Wi-Fi video and control dropping at about 40 to 70 meters, though one reached over 400 meters after an antenna mod.8
  • Owners say the drone shakes and drifts, changes altitude on its own, sometimes drops suddenly or dives nose-first.6
  • Owners say GPS can take a long time to connect or drop out after a battery change, and return-to-home sometimes overcompensates and nearly hits objects.5
  • Owners say footage skips or corrupts unless the SD card is fast, and one found only a 32GB card worked, not 64GB.4

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

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Technical Specifications of drone Snaptain SP500

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 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
Score components:

26%

3.0

Flight

24%

5.4

Camera

20%

7.1

Safety

16%

6.1

Connectivity

14%

4.7

Battery & Design

5.1
Reviews score
5.1
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 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:

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.0
Max flight time
15 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
0.22 km
This drone has a max flight distance of 0.22 km, shorter-range than 71.8% of drones.
Max flight speed
5.5 m/s
This drone has a max flight speed of 5.5 m/s, slower than 77.2% of drones.
Max wind resistance
5.5 m/s
This drone has max wind resistance of 5.5 m/s, lower than 80.6% of drones and equal to 3.6% of drones.
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.
Show more
What reviewers say
Video resolution
1080p/25 fps
This drone records video at 1080p/25 fps, lower than 68.3% of drones and equal to 2% 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
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)
yes
This drone supports Return-to-Home (RTH). 33% of drones support Return-to-Home (RTH).
GPS
yes
This drone supports GPS. 35.3% of drones support GPS.
GNSS systems supported
GPS
This drone supports GPS GNSS systems, which are less comprehensive than those of 50.8% and the same as those of 14.6%.
Only generic GPS is explicitly confirmed.
Obstacle sensing directions
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Max transmission distance
0.22 km
This drone has a max transmission distance of 0.22 km, shorter-range than 68.9% of drones.
Value reflects maximum control/transmission range; FPV video range can be lower.
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
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
This drone has a handheld remote controller. 5% of drones offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
1,000 mAh
This drone has a battery capacity of 1,000 mAh, smaller than 79.3% of drones and equal to 3.1% of drones.
Battery energy
7.4 Wh
This drone has battery energy of 7.4 Wh, lower than 69.4% of drones and equal to 1.8% of drones.
Charging time
150 min
This drone charges in 150 min, slower than 76.9% of drones and equal to 6.9% of drones.
Weight
910 g
This drone weighs 910 g, heavier than 89.2% of drones.
Removable battery
yes
This drone has a removable battery. 0.5% of drones have a removable battery.
Show more
What reviewers say

Snaptain SP500 vs the average drone

246810TotalFlightCameraSafetyConnectivityBattery & Design
  • Supports waypoint flight
    This drone supports waypoint flight, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports TapFly
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports smartphone control
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • 2 more flight modes
    This drone offers more intelligent flight modes than the average drone (6 vs 4). The average drone offers 4 intelligent flight modes.
    Tracking, Follow Me, POI, Waypoint Flight, TapFly, Draw
    6 vs 4
  • 3.65x lower takeoff weight
    This drone has a lower max takeoff weight than the average drone (910 g vs 249 g). The average drone has a max takeoff weight of 249 g.
    910 g vs 249 g
  • 20 ° wider field of view
    This drone has a wider field of view than the average drone (110 ° vs 90 °). The average drone has a field of view of 90 °.
    110 ° vs 90 °
  • 20 ° wider field of view
    This drone has a wider field of view than the average drone (110 ° vs 90 °). The average drone has a field of view of 90 °.
    110 ° vs 90 °
  • Supports waypoint flight
    This drone supports waypoint flight, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports TapFly
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • 2 more flight modes
    This drone offers more intelligent flight modes than the average drone (6 vs 4). The average drone offers 4 intelligent flight modes.
    Tracking, Follow Me, POI, Waypoint Flight, TapFly, Draw
    6 vs 4
  • 3.65x lower takeoff weight
    This drone has a lower max takeoff weight than the average drone (910 g vs 249 g). The average drone has a max takeoff weight of 249 g.
    910 g vs 249 g
  • Supports smartphone control
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • Lower video resolution
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (1080p/25 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    1080p/25 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • 5.2 m/s lower wind resistance
    This drone handles weaker wind than the average drone (5.5 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.
    5.5 m/s vs 10.7 m/s
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    This drone supports GPS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    Only generic GPS is explicitly confirmed.
    GPS vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • 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
  • 9.5 m/s slower flight speed
    This drone reaches a lower max flight speed than the average drone (5.5 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    5.5 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • 28.2% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.1/ 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. 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

    5.1

    Mark 7.7 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.5

    Average grade

    20%

    8.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (27)
    1 review + 26 videos, average 7.4/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.1 vs 7.1
  • 3.7x higher weight
    This drone is heavier than the average drone (910 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    910 g vs 246 g
  • 1,200 mAh less battery capacity
    This drone has a smaller battery capacity than the average drone (1,000 mAh vs 2,200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2,200 mAh.
    1,000 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • 28.2% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.1/ 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. 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

    5.1

    Mark 7.7 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.5

    Average grade

    20%

    8.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (27)
    1 review + 26 videos, average 7.4/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.1 vs 7.1
  • 32.9% lower sentiment score
    5.1 vs 7.6
  • 6.2% worse value for money
    Snaptain SP500 has worse value for money than the average drone (7.04 vs 7.5).
    7.04 vs 7.48
  • 5.2 m/s lower wind resistance
    This drone handles weaker wind than the average drone (5.5 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.
    5.5 m/s vs 10.7 m/s
  • 9.5 m/s slower flight speed
    This drone reaches a lower max flight speed than the average drone (5.5 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    5.5 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • 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
  • 3,380 m lower service ceiling
    This drone can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (120 m vs 3,500 m). The average drone reaches 3,500 m.
    120 m vs 3,500 m
  • 4 years older release date
    This drone is older than the average drone (2019 vs 2023). The average drone was released in 2023.
    October 2019
    2019 vs 2023
  • Simpler motor design
    This drone uses brushed motors, while the average drone uses brushless motors.
    brushed vs brushless
  • 0.78 km shorter flight distance
    This drone has a shorter max flight distance than the average drone (0.2 km vs 1 km). The average drone can fly up to 1 km.
    0.22 km vs 1 km
  • Lower video resolution
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (1080p/25 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    1080p/25 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • Narrower tilt range
    This drone has a narrower tilt range than the average drone (manual only ° vs -90 to 20 °).
    manual only ° vs -90 to 20 °
  • More basic stabilization
    This drone uses None (Fixed) image stabilization, while the average drone uses EIS (Digital).
    None (Fixed) vs EIS (Digital)
  • 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
  • Lower photo resolution
    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
  • No 4K video
    This drone does not support 4K video, while the average drone does.
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    This drone supports GPS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    Only generic GPS is explicitly confirmed.
    GPS vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • 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
  • 0.78 km shorter transmission range
    This drone has a shorter max transmission distance than the average drone (0.2 km vs 1 km). The average drone reaches 1 km of transmission distance.
    Value reflects maximum control/transmission range; FPV video range can be lower.
    0.22 km vs 1 km
  • Basic companion app
    This drone uses the Snaptain Nova companion app, while the average drone uses HS FPV.
    Snaptain Nova vs HS FPV
  • More basic controller
    This drone uses the SP500R2420 controller, while the average drone uses LiteRadio 4 SE.
    SP500R2420 vs LiteRadio 4 SE
  • 3.7x higher weight
    This drone is heavier than the average drone (910 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    910 g vs 246 g
  • 1,200 mAh less battery capacity
    This drone has a smaller battery capacity than the average drone (1,000 mAh vs 2,200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2,200 mAh.
    1,000 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • 60 min longer charging time
    This drone charges more slowly than the average drone (150 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    150 min vs 90 min
  • 87 mm wider width
    This drone is wider than the average drone (328 mm vs 241 mm). The average drone width is 241 mm.
    328 mm vs 241 mm
  • 9.78 Wh less battery energy
    This drone has lower battery energy than the average drone (7.4 Wh vs 17.18 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.18 Wh of energy.
    7.4 Wh vs 17.18 Wh
  • 53 mm longer body length
    This drone is longer than the average drone (328 mm vs 275 mm). The average drone is 275 mm long.
    328 mm vs 275 mm

Video reviews

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

9.0
JDS FLYIN CANUCK
≈ estimated
05/03/2022
Flight test · GPS return-to-home and stability checks
Verdict
Snaptain SP500 is a stable, quiet little drone that handled return-to-home well in testing.
7.0
Toronto RC
≈ estimated
03/01/2022
First flight test · setup, features and return-to-home
Verdict
Snaptain SP500 flies well on its first test flight, though the test was brief and recorded no footage.
4.0
Balancing Life
≈ estimated
17/05/2020
Unboxing and review · build quality, flight time and GPS
Verdict
Snaptain SP500 is not one I would recommend, since the build quality is clearly shoddy.
7.0
PERTH WEST OZ RC
≈ estimated
29/04/2020
Flight test · TX antenna modification · bee swarm encounter
Verdict
Snaptain SP500 has decent Wi-Fi range near 300 metres in a busy area, though the transmitter antenna mod adds little.
9.0
Gadget Owners
≈ estimated
02/03/2020
Unboxing and review · a week of flying and feature tests
Verdict
Snaptain SP500 is excellent value for beginners, with only small quirks such as GPS drift and sun glare.
8.0
Ian in London
≈ estimated
01/02/2020
Unboxing, setup and hands-on review · camera and range tests
Verdict
Snaptain SP500 is a reasonably priced beginner drone with plenty of features, held back by its basic camera.
8.0
Whirly Bloke
≈ estimated
12/01/2020
Hands-on review · flight tests of GPS modes and return-to-home
Verdict
Snaptain SP500 is a decent toy-grade drone that beginners will enjoy, despite fiddly features and wobbly footage.
9.0
Product Reviewer
≈ estimated
02/01/2020
Hands-on review · flights, return-to-home and video test
Verdict
Snaptain SP500 is a fun, stable beginner drone with good 1080p footage and handy features, though setup takes some learning.
8.0
BillM - RC & Gadgets
≈ estimated
31/12/2019
Unboxing and hands-on review · flight and range tests
Verdict
Snaptain SP500 flies well overall, with waypoints and follow-me working well, though gesture mode is weak.
8.0
PERTH WEST OZ RC
≈ estimated
18/12/2019
Range test · antenna modification · real-world flights
Verdict
Snaptain SP500's antenna mod noticeably extended Wi-Fi range under the right conditions; it is a toy-grade drone that flies well for beginners.
8.0
PERTH WEST OZ RC
≈ estimated
15/12/2019
Full review · setup, controller and flight
Verdict
Snaptain SP500 is a pretty decent toy and a great quadcopter, with a range test still to come.
6.0
Ron Brown
≈ estimated
11/12/2019
Hands-on wind test · geofence, battery and landing checks
Verdict
Snaptain SP500 is pretty good in calm conditions, but it struggles in strong wind and lacks obstacle avoidance.
More graded video reviews (13)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
yourdronereviews.com
✓ explicit
05/05/2023
Hands-on review · Foldable GPS drone
Verdict
The Snaptain SP500 is a foldable beginner drone with GPS hold and automatic return home, but it has no gimbal and its footage can look less steady.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Snaptain SP500

  • Beginner-friendly with intuitive controls and a simple interface
  • Affordable price point offering good value for many features
  • Reliable GPS functions including accurate Auto Return and Follow Me mode
  • Stable flight performance in light wind conditions
  • Foldable and compact design makes it highly portable
  • Includes two modular batteries for extended flight time (approx. 30 mins total)
  • Decent 1080P/2K camera quality for a budget model

What customers don't like about Snaptain SP500

  • Frequent connectivity issues between the drone, app, and controller
  • Poor customer service and difficulty obtaining replacements for defective units
  • Long battery charging time (approx. 2-3 hours) compared to flight duration
  • Fragile build quality with reported motor failures and calibration issues
  • Difficulty finding official replacement parts like propeller blades
  • Unreliable Wi-Fi transmission range, often becoming choppy beyond 150-200 meters
  • Lacks advanced stabilization (gimbal), leading to shaky video in some conditions

Verdict

The Snaptain SP500 is a foldable GPS drone designed for beginners, featuring a 1080p HD camera with a 110° wide-angle lens and 5G Wi-Fi transmission for real-time video up to 800 feet. Key performance specs include a flight time of 15 minutes per modular battery, a maximum control range of approximately 720 feet, and dual speed modes. Its main characteristics include smart flight modes such as Follow Me, Waypoint Navigation, Circle Fly, and Gesture Control for hands-free photo and video capture. Pros include its portability, reliable GPS-enabled Auto Return-to-Home for safety, and an stable altitude hold system. However, cons include long battery charging times of 2 to 3 hours, brushed motors that may be less durable than brushless alternatives, and limited stability in moderate to high winds.

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