If you’re an avid flyer, then you’ll be all too aware of the complaints that can come from flying a noisy drone on a busy hike or in a populated area. I don’t want you to end up with any upset neighbors or hikers, so I’ve come up with a list of the quietest drones on the market today.
I’ve tested numerous drones over the years to determine which ones offer silent flights with all the great features you want to look for in a suitable aircraft. You don’t want to settle for a mediocre drone, and I can guarantee that the options on this list will exceed your expectations.
After years of flying experience, I can confidently say that the quietest drone and best overall is the V-Coptr Falcon. It stands out for its sleek design and fantastic camera, offering crystal clear photos and videos.
I can admit that these drones have some minor drawbacks, but nothing is perfect, and the ones on this list should check off all the essential things to look for when making a purchase. So, keep reading and check out my thoughts on the quietest drone to purchase today.
Quiet Drone Review #1: V- Coptr Falcon
The Falcon by ZeroZero Robotics will impress you with its quiet flight. Its battery life is just as remarkable as its unique design. It can sustain flights up to 50 minutes which should give you plenty of time to enjoy flying this bi-copter.
As many other drones in its category this drone offers a 3-axis gimbal which will stabilise the 4K video for some of the best shots of your activities.
I’m not a big fan of holding people in suspense, so let’s start with a careful evaluation and description of the V-Coptr Falcon. This is my choice for the best overall option when looking to purchase the quietest drone.
Zero Zero Robotics has outdone itself with this incredible 760-gram bi-copter drone. Not only is the Falcon on the lighter side, but it offers an amazing 50-minutes of flight time, making it one of the longest-flying drones on this list. If you are a fan of 8-hour hikes or other long adventures, then this drone is worth considering.
It also has a 1/2.3inch 12Mp CMOS sensor that can record 4k video stabilized with a 3-axis gimbal, so you won’t need to worry about blurry or shaky footage. The drone also offers a range of still photography modes, like single shot, burst shooting, and self-timer shooting, that allows for truly post-worthy images!
This list is about finding the quietest drone, and the Falcon offers precisely that with its patented slow-rotation propellers that create high-efficiency lift while making less noise. The only notable drawback we can add to this drone is that it does have a smaller sensor, and moving the camera too far down may cause white to appear in the shot. Nonetheless, it is an excellent drone in both price and the many features it comes with.
Quiet Drone Review #2: Holy Stone HS190
The Holy Stone HS190 is an excellent option for kids and beginners due to its headless mode and altitude hold. It can automatically hover at a set altitude and can be easily maneuvered when landing.
Not everyone is looking to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a drone. If this is you, then the Holy Stone might be the best option. The drone is affordable and exceptionally easy to fly for anyone just getting started with the hobby and wanting to learn.
What stands out the most to me about this drone is its portability and speed. The drone has high-speed rotation and can do 360 circles in the air or whizz past any desired location. The drone also has beginner-friendly modes like One Key Return to have it safely fly back to you or One Key Take Off / Landing, so the drone will carefully hover at a set altitude before flying.
That said, I recommend you keep this drone indoors and not outside when flying. The drone is very light and won’t fare well in even slightly windy weather. The benefit of this is that the drone’s tiny build means you won’t have any issues when practicing at home.
A drawback to the Holy Stone is that you are limited to flying indoors, and it does not offer a camera to catch any footage when flying. Nonetheless, it’s the perfect drone for a beginner just starting out and looking to gain some experience. In terms of sound, the drone has been compared to a small bee flying around, and it is definitely one of the quietest drones on the market.
Quiet Drone Review #3: Ryze Tech Tello
The Tello Boost is a small, easy-to-use drone made by Ryze Robotics using DJI flight technology.
It's safe, with features like failsafe protection and low battery protection, and it has a visual positioning system for precise hovering.
It's compatible with mobile VR headsets and has a 13-minute flight time. The Tello App simplifies the flight process and offers a fun Bounce Mode. It's a good value for beginners who want to learn how to fly.
This drone is the best for value and a great companion for anyone just starting their flying journey. It comes with an onboard 720p camera that will let you capture some neat footage when flying around. However, this drone does not have the most outstanding wind resilience, and it’s better kept indoors and away from any strong winds or mean-looking clouds!
The best part of the Tello is how easy it is to set up and start flying. The first step is downloading the drone’s app, which is practically all that needs to be done for the drone to be ready for flight! It has an approximate flight time of 13 minutes and comes with onboard collision sensors to avoid any unfortunate accidents.
The Tello is easy to pack, small, quiet and can be a great travel companion for anyone looking to practice flying on a small trip or vacation. It will cost under a hundred dollars to get your Tello, or you can purchase the combo that comes with extra propellors, guards, batteries, and USB cables for a small additional fee.
Quiet Drone Review #3: DJI Mini 3 Pro
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is designed for those who prioritize detailed imagery, supporting 4K/60fps video and 48MP photos with an advanced camera system that features dual native ISO and f/1.7 aperture.
Its unique True Vertical Shooting allows for optimal portrait shots suited for social platforms. With a 34-minute flight duration, users can extensively capture their environment.
Safety is enhanced through its tri-directional obstacle sensing and APAS 4.0.
The quietest drones list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the DJI Mini 3 Pro. This drone is the absolute best for functionality and comes with many valuable features and benefits. The Mini 3 boasts a new aerodynamic body that allows its larger propellors to increase propulsion efficiency, which results in a quiet and calm flight.
Additionally, it has an impressive 34-minute flight time to tackle any long adventures. If that’s not enough, you can upgrade to the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus and enjoy up to 47 minutes of carefree exploration. The drone’s camera is capable of 4K HDR video and 48MP photos. When paired with its D-Cinelike Color mode, the drone has plenty of options for photographers and videographers looking to have more control over their editing experience.
If you’re still learning to fly, then the drone’s APAS 4.0 is excellent for detecting obstacles and navigating through complicated environments. In addition, the drone is under 250 grams and can be flown without registering with the FAA or the government. A downside to this drone is that it is one of the more expensive drones on this list. Nonetheless, it would make an excellent investment for any experienced drone enthusiast!
Quiet Drone Review #4: Autel EVO Nano+
The Autel Nano+ drone has great privacy features, obstacle avoidance, and many flight modes. It features a 50-megapixel camera that takes great photos and captures 4k video at 30fps.
The drone has a well-designed remote that fits a smartphone in its cradle, but it has a high price tag compared to some other models.
It offers excellent value for money, with features that rival more significant, premium drones beyond its class, and a solid flight time.
If camera quality is your biggest concern, then the EVO Nano+ may be the best choice. The drone has a whopping 16x Zoom and SkyPortrait mode for taking truly jaw-dropping images and videos when shooting in 4K.
The drone has 3-way obstacle avoidance and level 5 wind resistance, so you won’t need to worry about running into hard surfaces when flying in challenging or windy environments. Furthermore, the drone is 249 grams and won’t need to be registered with the FAA or government before you can begin flying. The drone comfortably fits into your pocket but still offers 28 minutes of quiet and smooth flight time despite its small size.
The drawback to this drone is that, like the Mini Pro 3, it is a bit steeper in price and might be daunting for beginners. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a quiet drone that is equally good for video and footage, the Nano+ is an excellent choice.
Guide To Buying Quiet & Silent Drones
Battery size
It’s crucial to find a drone that has a good balance between the power of the battery and its overall weight. A battery that is too large for an aircraft may reduce its flight time. Therefore, you want to look for a drone with a strong battery without drastically impacting the overall weight.
Drone Size and Shape
A drone’s size will impact its flight time and speed. A larger drone can handle a large battery and will typically be able to fly longer in the air or at faster speeds. However, if you’re more of a hobbyist flyer, you might want to look for a drone that is under 250 grams. A drone of this size will not need to be registered with the FAA or government and can be flown right after purchase.
Weather and External Factors
Where you choose to fly your drone will have an impact on its total flight time. If you are flying in windier weather, then you should expect a shorter flight time due to there being more pressure on the battery and motor. Therefore, when investing in a drone, consider where you anticipate flying and exploring with the aircraft. It may influence the drone you choose to purchase.
Some other Features to look for:
3 or 4-Axis Gimbal
If you’re after a drone with high-quality video and photo capabilities, having a multiple-axis gimbal should be at the top of your list. This feature allows the drone to rotate smoothly and efficiently track the subjects you want to record.
Wind Resistance Level
The wind resistance level of your drone will determine where your drone is capable of flying. A drone with a lower level will not be able to fly at high elevations or places that are susceptible to high wind levels.
FAQs The Quietest Drones
Why are drones noisy?
The reason that drones can be very noisy is because of how they fly through the air. A drone uses propellers to move through the air, which displaces lots of air in a short period of time. This results in the buzzing noise that you hear when a drone is flying nearby. In addition, the electrical motor in the drone can create further noise.
How high do you need to fly to not hear the drone?
You will likely be able to hear a drone if it is closer than 100 ft to your person. However, some drones that are more powerful and create more noise can be heard from more than 300 ft away. That being said, the FAA does not allow drones to be more than 400 feet in the air to avoid any interference with other aircraft in the sky.
What are the uses for quiet drones?
A quieter drone is excellent for enthusiasts or hobbyists that anticipate flying in busier areas and neighborhoods. It can also be good for parents w3anting to purchase a drone for their kids and not have to listen to loud buzzing and electric motors whirring through the house. If you are an animal photographer, a quiet drone is great for tracking a subject and capturing incredible photos and videos.
How loud are drones?
On average, a typical drone might produce an 80-decibel sound when flown. To put things into perspective, the average vacuum cleaner only produces 65 decibels, and a microwave produces roughly 55 decibels. If you want to find the quietest drones, then check out some of the options on this list that use newer technology to reduce their sound.
How can I make my drone quieter?
There are a few ways that you can reduce the overall noise of your drone. For example, you can look for noise-reducing propellers that can be equipped with your current drone and should reduce the volume being produced when flying. If you can find noise-reducing propellers, you could opt to see larger, slow-spinning propellers that will have a similar effect.
To Summarize Our Reviews Of The Quietest Drones
After a complete comparison, I have determined that among the quietest drones I included in this list, the V-Coptr Falcon is the best overall option. This bi-copter drone’s patented slow-rotation propellors allow for a quiet and extended flight time of 50 minutes! In addition, it has an excellent camera that takes high-quality 4K HDR video and uses a 3-axis gimbal to take crystal-clear photos in any situation.
That being said, the other drones on this list also boast many unique features and benefits that make them worth looking into as potential investments. For example, if you are a beginner, then Tello’s cheap price point and fun features might be the perfect drone you’re looking for.
The Falcon by ZeroZero Robotics will impress you with its quiet flight. Its battery life is just as remarkable as its unique design. It can sustain flights up to 50 minutes which should give you plenty of time to enjoy flying this bi-copter.
As many other drones in its category this drone offers a 3-axis gimbal which will stabilise the 4K video for some of the best shots of your activities.
