If you are looking for a VERY affordable drone, you should read this Holy Stone HS160 review. This is one of the cheapest drone to buy in the market today, but low price does not hinder the incorporation of an awesome lot of features. If you are a Holy Stone fan, then you probably know that the HS160 is not even a year old, having been released into the market in August 2017. This is a foldable drone, meaning that you can travel with it as it folds down to a small and compact size.
Holy Stone HS160 ReviewFeatures & Technical Details
Build features
This is a small, lightweight drone at only 83g of weight. When folded, this drone measures 5.3 inches by 2.75 inches by 2.31 inches. This makes it small enough to carry along in your jacket pocket.
It does not require you to register it with the FAA. Just buy it, put it together and fly it. There is some assemblage to do, but it is easy and you can handle it with the manual. Besides, everything, including screws and screwdrivers has been provided.
Because of the short flight range, which is 70 meters or thereabouts, this is a perfect drone for flying indoors and having fun with your children. However, you can also take it out to the park on a calm day and fly it out there.
Camera features
Small as it is, this is a camera drone that has an inbuilt 720P camera that shoots good photos and above average videos. You will also be happy to know that this drone is also sold with a 3D VR headset that allows you to view features in incredible imaging. VR stands for virtual reality. This is a small feature, but it makes all the difference since many drones do not come with it. Because of the altitude control feature, you will be able to keep the drone stable as you take awesome photos.
For streaming the video and the images that you shoot, you should use your mobile phone because this drone does not come with an SD card, neither does it have a slot for the same. To use your mobile phone with the drone, you have to download the Holy Stone App, which is compatible with both the iOS and android technologies. Finally, to turn on the camera, you just need to press a button.
Control
This drone is sold with a chic looking controller that reminds you of the XBOX. It is light in weight and even a child can hold it without feeling the weight. The remote controller is very responsive. Just a touch and it responds immediately. It also comes with a phone stand and when you download the smartphone app, you will be able to view the movement of the drone as you stream videos and images, saving them in your phone storage.
You can also control your drone through your smart phone should you activate the function. This way, the drone will also be usable in Gravity Sensor Mode where it can follow the movement/tilts of the smartphone.
Flight modes
The Holy Stone HS160 drone is designed with four flight modes so that it can be flown by both beginner and advanced flyers. Mode 1 of flight is the slowest of them all and it is best for beginners who have bought this as their first drone.
Mode 2 increases the speed a bit. Mode 3 increases the speed some more and at the same time, increases the agility and versatility of this drone. Mode 4 makes the drone fly fastest and higher. It is also good for flying the drone outdoors in slightly windy conditions.
Battery, flight time and range
The battery has been built with a snap-in design for easy installation and removal. The 3.7V 500mAh Li-Po battery is going to last about 9 minutes of flying time. The drone is sold with a pair of these batteries so you can fly for longer. Charging time for the battery is 50 to 70 minutes.
Short Summary of Feedback From Existing Owners
I am always a bit skeptical when it comes to small drone’s camera quality but this one produces good still images and above average videos. I can say that this camera is what they say it is – 720P. If only the flight time would be longer. Alexandrine L.
My son loves this drone. If I would allow it he would pack it in his bag and take it to school with him, but I fear it might be mishandled as every child will want to try it. Andrew Q.
I tried this drone out on a relatively calm day and I could not fly it at all. Even the slightest wind sent it off course fast. Now, I only fly it indoors. Allan J.
I found this drone easy to set up. It arrived in a neat package with everything intact. One thing I did not like though is that I have to buy the double battery charger separately and it is a bit costly. Missy Fly
Pros of Holy Stone HS160
- It folds up into a small and compact size
- Shoots nice photos and videos
- Easy to control
- Four flight modes make it nice for pilots of all levels
- Sold with a spare battery
- Light to carry around
- Responsive control
Cons of Holy Stone HS160
- Too light to fly even in slight wind
- Doesn’t have GPS
- No MicroSD card slot
Who Should Buy Holy Stone HS160?
The Holy Stone HS160 is popular with drone collectors especially because of the affordable pricing. If you are cutting your teeth on flying drones, this one can be a good choice for you. While it is a small drone, Holy Stone has packed quite a good number of features in it. However, as a seasoned drone pilot, you will not like the fact that this drone has left out features like headless mode and return to home button, as well as LED lights for night flight. As a drone enthusiast, you do not want to miss this in your collection. Also, buy it if you want something small that you can fly indoors.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Considering the low price of the HS160 and the good number of features that it packs, we would recommend this drone to anyone looking for a small, compact and sturdy drone that flies like a marvel indoors. It is a good drone to buy someone as a gift, to buy for your child but apart from taking photos and videos, you can only use it as a play toy because it lacks some features like headless mode, head to home and others. As you have seen in this Holy Stone HS160 review, this is a good, affordable drone.
