Did you know that over 5 million drones are purchased every year, with an increasing number of them being gifted to children?
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect drone for your 8 year old, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve delved into the world of drones to find the best options for youngsters, taking the guesswork out of your purchase.
As a seasoned drone enthusiast myself, who’s been flying these fascinating gadgets since their rise to popularity, I’ve helped countless parents, learn the ins and outs of drone flying.
So, without further ado, let’s explore the world of drones for an 8 year old and find the perfect flying companion for your child!
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Best Budget 
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$49.99
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The Best Drones for an 8 Year Old
#1 - DEERC D20
The D20 drone comes with a 720P HD Wi-Fi camera for aerial photos and videos.
Designed as a kids' toy, it has simple one-key start/landing and altitude hold features, making it easy to control.
Safety-wise, the drone has low power alarms, emergency stop, and 4 propeller guards. Its two rechargeable batteries provide up to 20 minutes of flight time.
The drone can perform 3D flips and follow drawn flight courses on your smartphone for added fun. Voice control and gesture selfies are available, but their responsiveness may vary.
The DeeRC D20 features a degree of stabilization, a feature that many budget drones lack. This helps ensure smoother flights and better control, minimizing the risk of accidents.
Additionally, the D20 comes with voice command capabilities, a feature rarely found in other drones at this price point. Your child can control the drone by simply telling it to stop, move left/right, or land, providing an extra layer of safety during flights. Although in my testing that the commands don’t always get recognized on the first try.
As with any budget drone, there are some compromises. The DeeRC D20’s camera quality is only 720p, which is lower than most smartphones. While this may not be ideal for photography enthusiasts, it is more than sufficient for children to explore and have fun with.
The propellers on the D20 lack protection, so exercise caution when flying near children. Some users have also reported that the controls may not be as easy to use as initially thought, so a bit of practice might be necessary.
#2 - Holy Stone Mini Drone
Holy Stone drones are great for tricks. This one does flips, circles, and other tricks in midair.
If you have siblings, it comes in three different colors, so you can always tell whose drone is whose.
Propellers are protected by guards to prevent injuries and drone damage. Enjoy fun-filled flights without any tears!
The Holy Stone Mini Drone is a well-known favorite in the budget drone market. This compact flying marvel boasts many of the same features as its counterpart, the DEERC drone, such as one-tap stopping and landing capabilities. The Mini Drone’s ability to maintain a steady altitude ensures a smooth flying experience for young pilots.
Safety is a top priority when it comes to kids, and the Holy Stone Mini Drone excels in this area with its protected propellers. The propeller guards minimize the risk of accidents, making them safer for children and pets.
However, some users have reported that the Holy Stone Mini Drone can be prone to breaking due to beginner errors. It will take a few hits but at the end of the day it is a fragile toy. To avoid issues, it’s crucial to step back, be patient, and practice flying slowly with you child.
Another drawback to consider is that the Holy Stone Mini Drone does not come with a built-in camera. If capturing aerial footage is a priority for your kid, you might want to explore other options.
#3 - Potensic A20 (Upgraded)
The Potensic A20 is a great nano drone for beginners.
Flying this nano drone is hassle-free because you don't have to bother about which way it is facing in headless mode.
Three drone batteries are included with this tiny drone, which has a fantastic flight time of about 15 minutes. It makes the duration of your flight more enjoyable and remarkable.
This compact drone is designed with safety and user-friendliness in mind, making it an ideal choice for young pilots.
One of the Potensic A20’s standout features is its four propeller protectors, which guard against damage when flying indoors. These propeller guards also shield users from harm and help protect furniture at home.
The small controller is perfect for little hands and offers excellent portability. The package includes three batteries, a USB charger, and spare rotor blades, providing a decent flight time for a mini-drone. However, you will need to change the batteries three times to reach its full flight time potential.
In terms of usability, the Potensic A20 Mini Drone features a pilot-friendly ‘headless’ mode that allows operators to forget which side is the front of the drone – a common issue for beginners. Launching the A20 is simple, and it responds quickly to controller commands.
One limitation of the Potensic A20 is its sensitivity to wind and lack of any sensors, making it unsuitable for outdoor flying. It requires constant adjustment during flight, which may be annoying for some. The communication range between the drone and controller is over 30 meters, but during testing I found it to be true only in open fields.
#4 - Force1 UFO 4000
Once you get it in the air, it does all kinds of neat tricks, including flips and circles.
The drone has exciting neon red and blue LED lights that show up brilliantly in the dark
Understanding that kids may accidentally break things this drone comes with spare parts to address this issue
One of the most notable features of the Force1 UFO 4000 is its lighting capabilities. Unlike many other drones on the market, this fun device lights up, adding an extra layer of excitement for young pilots. However, be cautious when flying outdoors, as it lacks a return-to-home feature and can easily get lost.
While the Force1 UFO 4000 has many positive attributes, it does come with some drawbacks, such as the ability to easily damage the propellers.
Fortunately, the drone comes with spare propellers, and the manufacturer seems to have anticipated this issue. What makes up for this minor setback is the company’s excellent customer service, and understanding that children may break things as they learn.
#5 - Dwi Dowellin
Its bright lights and multiple colors make it one of the best for kids.
It’s well-protected, so kids can handle it without any worries.
It’s also small enough to slide under slightly-lifted furniture like benches, making it a ton of fun!
The Dwi Dowellin drone is a bright addition to the world of drones, offering both speed and maneuverability along with vibrant lights. This fun and engaging drone is perfect for those seeking an affordable yet exciting flying experience.
Unfortunately, the Dwi Dowellin drone’s lifespan leaves something to be desired. Users have reported that its batteries die quickly, sometimes even in midair without warning. Additionally, dust and other debris can get caught in the propellers, causing issues during flight.
Despite these drawbacks, the company is known for being generous within a specific timeframe, so don’t hesitate to contact them if your drone encounters any problems.
Suitable Types Of Drones
As the saying goes, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” When it comes to drones, there are plenty of options that could bring your 8-year-old’s wildest dreams to life. From quadcopters with cameras and mini drones perfect for beginners, to GPS drones capable of capturing stunning aerial photos, the sky is literally the limit!
For kids just starting out on their drone journey, a mini drone is an ideal option. Not only are they affordable and lightweight, but they come with enough features to keep young minds engaged without overwhelming them.
No matter which type of drone you choose for your 8 year old adventurer in training, make sure it’s age appropriate and has all the necessary safeguards in place before taking off–it’s better safe than sorry after all!
Safety Guidelines
When it comes to flying a drone, safety is key.
Before you operate your new device, make sure that you are familiar with your local laws and regulations regarding drones. It is important to research the specific rules for safe flying in your area. You might also want to invest in some quality protective gear such as goggles . This will help keep you and others around you safe while operating the drone.
Durability
If you’re looking for a drone for an 8 year old, durability should be at the top of your list.
Kids can be rough on their toys, so finding a tough and rugged drone is key to making sure it lasts. Thankfully, there are plenty of durable drones out there that won’t break after just one flight!
Many come with protective coverings or advanced safety features that help them survive inevitable crashes.
When selecting a drone, look for one that is shockproof and with prop guards.
You also want to make sure it has enough power to stay airborne as long as possible without running out of battery mid-flight.
Price Point
Deciding the budget for a new drone is a common issue.
For example, my neighbor’s son asked his parents for a drone last Christmas but they weren’t willing to spend hundreds of dollars on one! With this in mind, I did some research and found out that there are plenty of budget drones available which cost within a reasonable price range.
The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank when shopping for a quality drone.
You can find great options which provide cost-effectiveness without sacrificing features or performance. You might want to consider something more expensive at around $200 or something much cheaper to start off with at no more than $50
Ease Of Use And Setup
Many drones today come with ready-to-fly technology, meaning they don’t require any special setup instructions or operating manual. This makes them perfect for kids who want to get started flying right away without having to spend extra time learning complicated drone controls.
For those who do need a bit more guidance in setting up their drone, there are plenty of options available too.
Most drones on the market have user manuals and step by step setup instructions that make it easy for even first timers to get their drone up and running quickly. You’ll be able to find tutorials online as well that can guide your child through the process if needed.
Regulations And Laws
When it comes to purchasing a drone for an 8 year old, there are some regulations and laws that need to be taken into account.
For example, each state has different age restrictions when it comes to operating drones.
Additionally, there may also be flight restrictions that could limit where the drone can fly as well as how high and far it can go.
It’s important to make sure these rules are followed so that you don’t get fined for breaking any privacy laws.
Its a good idea to watch this video by Civil Aviation Safety Authority – CASA (the Australian equivalent of the Federal Aviation Authority) The ideas and concepts shown in this video can really apply to any country or region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Special Safety Features For Younger Users?
Propeller guards are probably the most basic safety features when it comes to drones for young kids.
On the more advanced drone features like geo-fencing and obstacle, avoidance will prevent the kids from losing the drone.
You’ll also want to make sure they have an easy learning curve with understandable controls. A few practice sessions will help them get familiar with the flight mechanics before taking off on their own adventure.
How Long Does It Take To Learn How To Fly A Drone?
It can take as little as 5 minutes for basic flying and maneuvering. More advanced skills will take multiple flights to master.
When you first get started with a new drone it’s important to read through the instruction manual carefully so you know exactly what steps you need to take before taking off.
You might even want to do some practice flights in an open space with no obstacles, as this will help build your confidence and make sure you don’t crash while trying out more advanced maneuvers.
Here are a few tips for becoming a pro at flying drones:
- Start small by practising indoors until you feel comfortable controlling the drone outside
- Have patience – it may take several attempts before getting used to the controls and staying consistent during flight
- Take advantage of online tutorials or courses about operating drones safely and effectively
It’s always best to start slow and work up from there. That way, if something goes wrong you won’t have wasted too much time or money. Learning how to master different maneuvers is half the fun of owning a drone!
When done right, piloting one gives an awesome sense of freedom – plus bragging rights among friends who haven’t quite mastered their own devices yet.
Conclusion
Well, I think it is safe to say that drones are a lot of fun!
In my opinion, they can be great gifts for 8 year olds. As long as the drone has all the safety features and spare parts available, there should not be any problems.
So whether you’re looking for something educational or just plain fun, getting a drone for an 8 year old is definitely worth considering.
In conclusion, drones can be great gifts for 8 year olds – especially now since technology advancements have made them so easy to use!
Just remember to check for all the necessary safety measures before making your purchase, otherwise, you could end up with a damaged piece of equipment instead of having hours of fun with your new toy!
DEERC D20
The D20 drone comes with a 720P HD Wi-Fi camera for aerial photos and videos.
Designed as a kids' toy, it has simple one-key start/landing and altitude hold features, making it easy to control.
Safety-wise, the drone has low power alarms, emergency stop, and 4 propeller guards. Its two rechargeable batteries provide up to 20 minutes of flight time.
The drone can perform 3D flips and follow drawn flight courses on your smartphone for added fun. Voice control and gesture selfies are available, but their responsiveness may vary.
