The Best VR Drone – Affordable VR Drones for Fall 2019
Finding a cheap VR drone is now easier than ever. Not long ago, they cost hundreds of dollars, required some skills to properly use, and weren’t as easily found as they now are. Thankfully, it’s now possible for those on even the most strict of budgets to buy and experience a VR drone in all their glory.
Top 5 Affordable VR Drones
With affordable VR drones in mind, we’ve tracked down the best of the best so you can have insight into the top 5 affordable VR drones of 2018.
Altair Aerial 818 Hornet – #1 Budget VR Drone
The 818 Hornet by Altair Aerial is currently on sale for only $160. While it doesn’t come with a VR headset, you can still find a compatible pair for a cheap price if you know where to look.
Here are the features and the specs:
- Uses a high-quality, 720p HD rubber-damping camera capable of both VR and FPV
- Features Headless Mode, 1-Button Takeoff, 1-Button Landing, 3 Flight Skill Levels, Out of Range Alarm, Emergency Landing Function, Low Battery Alarm, Custom Flight Routes, and Altitude Hold
- Has a maximum transmission range of up to 150 meters
- Able to be flown both indoors and outside
- Has a total flight time of up to 15 minutes
Once again, the 818 Hornet by Altair Aerial does not come with VR goggles. However, there are a ton of cheap VR goggles out there, so keep that in mind before you make your purchase.
Altair Aerial AA108
The AA108 by Altair Aerial is currently on sale for as little as $104. It doesn’t come with VR gear, but because it’s such a cheap VR drone, you should have no problem buying both at a more than reasonable price!
Here are the specs and the features:
- Features Altitude Hold, Headless Mode, One Button Takeoff, One Button Landing, Emergency Landing Function, Low Battery Alarm, Out of Range Alarm, 3 Flight Skill Levels, and Custom Route Mode
- Has a maximum flight range of up to 100 meters
- Uses a 720p WiFi, FPV, HD camera capable of VR (goggles not included) with 2MP still photos
- Has a total flight time of up to 10 minutes, doubled by the second battery included for free
- Has a lightweight design, making it perfect for beginners
The AA108 by Altair Aerial is an exceptional VR drone that is great for beginners, thanks to the 3 Flight Skill Levels, but, remember, it does not come with the needed VR gear.
Holy Stone F181W
The F181W by Holy Stone is currently priced at around $120. Unfortunately, it does not come with a VR headset, so keep this in mind before you make a final purchase.
Here are the features and the specs:
- Uses a 120-degree FOV 720p HD camera with FPV transmissions and VR compatibility
- Features Automatic Altitude Hold, Gravity Sensor Function, 360-Degree 3D Flip, One-Key Return, One-Key Takeoff, One-Key Landing, Multiple Speed Modes, and Headless Mode
- Uses a 6-axis gyro stabilization system
- Has a maximum transmission range of between 50 to 100 meters
- Takes a 3.7V 750mAh LiPo battery
- Has an LED light for low visibility and night flight
- Uses a 2.4GHz transmission frequency with 4 channels
- Has a total flight time of between 7 to 10 minutes, doubled by the second battery included for free
- Comes with a 4GB TF memory card and SD card reader
The F181W by Holy Stone doesn’t come with a pair of VR goggles, but it’s highly recommended that you pick up a pair. This is a fantastic featured drone that performs exceptionally well with VR.
IDS Home GordVE
The GordVE by IDS Home is our budget pick, coming in at only $65. While it’s the cheapest VR drone on our list, it doesn’t, unfortunately, come with a pair of VR goggles, so you will have to supply those yourself.
Here are the features and the specs:
- Uses a 720p HD camera with 2MP still photos, FPV and VR compatibility
- Features Altitude Hold, Headless Mode, 360-Degree Rolling, One-Key Automatic Return, Gravity Sensing Mode, Speed Mode, One-Key Takeoff, One-Key Landing, and Custom Route Mode
- Uses a 6-axis gyro stabilization system
- Has a maximum transmission range of up to 100 meters
- Uses a 2.4GHz transmission frequency with 4 channels
- Has a total flight time of between 10 to 15 minutes
The GordVE by IDS Home has a neat foldable design and a price that you can’t turn down. Keep in mind, however, that it does not come with VR goggles, so you will have to get a pair yourself.
Force1 U45W Blue Jay
The U45W Blue Jay, another Force1 VR drone, is currently priced at $130. Also, like the other Force1 drone, it does not come with a VR headset.
Here are the features and the specs:
- Uses a 720p HD camera with FPV and VR compatibility and 2MP still photos
- Features Altitude Hold, 1-Key Control, Headless Mode, 1-Key Takeoff, 1-Key Landing, and Custom Route Mode
- Uses a 6-axis gyro stabilization system
- Comes with a 4GB SanDisk Micro SD memory card and card reader
- Takes a 3.7 500mAh LiPo battery
- Uses a 2.4GHz transmission frequency
- Has a total flight time of up to 7 minutes, which can be tripled as it comes with a total of 3 batteries
The U45W Blue Jay by Force1 is another great VR drone, but it’s unfortunate that it doesn’t come with a pair of VR goggles. As we mentioned before, however, you can find a pair at a relatively cheap price on their own.
VR vs FPV – Differences and Benefits
VR and FPV are completely different concepts, but most don’t know or understand the difference between them. VR is generally for those who want the most immersive flight experience possible, while FPV puts you right into the cockpit and is best used for drone racing at high speeds.
One of the major pros that come with VR is the fact that head tracking will be done, which means that you can make the drone’s camera move, unless it’s fixed, giving you full 360-degree control of what you’re seeing. One of the major cons, however, is that some VR apps will split the screen. This lowers the overall quality, unfortunately.
Moving on to FPV, one of the major pros is that you don’t have to worry about any lag, whether it’s from the connection or the screen itself. However, one of the major cons is that battery life can really suck, requiring a bunch of batteries when you’re out in the field to gain any experience at all.
The Best VR Drone – Affordable and Enjoyable
There are a ton of awesome VR drones out there, especially when you compare them with the best cheap VR headset. Thankfully, they are more affordable and enjoyable than ever before!
FAQ About VR Drones
If you don’t see your question, or an answer to it, listed below in our FAQ section, get in touch with us and we’ll help you out!
What is a VR drone?
A VR drone combines the world of Virtual Reality and drones for an epic combination. The head-mounted displays brings you to an entirely new world, on a new level of flying a drone and everything that comes with it.
Are VR and FPV drones the same?
No, VR drones are different from FPV drones. FPV drones are more suited to racing, while VR drones are for an immersive flight experience like no other.
Where can I find a cheap VR drone?
You can find a cheap VR drone by simply scrolling up and taking a look at our drone reviews!
Kennedy Martinez
kennedy@dronethusiast.comKennedy Martinez is a resident writer who joined Dronethusiast at the beginning of 2019. She has years of experience reviewing drones and other tech products. When it comes to flying drones, Kennedy loves the ability to create artistic videos from a unique point of view. Kennedy enjoys researching new drones and other exciting products that are available to consumers which is why she is committed to creating the best buyer's guides for our readers.
