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Best GPS Drone

Last Updated: February 3, 2024
Best GPS Drone

Among the array of 30 meticulously researched drones, the Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon stands out as the unrivaled GPS drone, securing its position at the zenith of our top 5 rankings. Boasting unparalleled photo and video quality, coupled with a remarkable transmission range of up to 400 meters, the Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon emerges as the epitome of excellence. Join me as we unravel the distinctive features that elevate this drone to a league of its own, alongside the other contenders in our comprehensive list.

Best GPS Drone: Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon

YUNEEC Q500 4K Typhoon Quadcopter with CGO3-GB Camera
  • Designed for Aerial Photo and Video
  • 16 Megapixel Full HD 1080p 60FPS camera...
  • Capture Up to 4K / 1080p120 Video
  • Take Up to 16 MP Still Photos
  • 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizes Camera

Easy to use, yet complex enough for an intermediate to expert level drone pilot, the Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon offers a great variety of modes that makes flying easy. GPS tracking is on point up to 400 m and the flight time takes up to an impressive 25 minutes. Due to the ST10+, you can freely control the camera’s angle and direction. As the name already says, this GPS drone allows you to take 4K shots whether photos or videos. It’s simply good and if you need a drone that doesn’t cost as much as a DJI yet performs consistently, the Q500 is a great device.

Best Value GPS Drone: Hubsan H501S X4

HUBSAN X4 H501S Pro Version GPS 5.8GHz Transmitter FPV with 1080P HD Camera RC Quadcopter RTH (H501S...
  • 1080P HD Camera: Built in 1080P HD...
  • 5.8G FPV Live Video: Has a 4.3 inch LCD...
  • Automatic Return Home: Includes a GPS...
  • With Brushess motor; Max flight time:...
  • Upgraded to H501S-S. Functions: GPS,...

The Hubsan H501S X4.is an incredible GPS drone without the high asking price. It includes 3 different quick mode buttons: Auto Return to Home, Low Power Protection and Follow Me. It can stay up in the air for 20 minutes and the camera is fitted with a six-axis gyroscope for improved stability and low latency. The tracking is top-notch and the different automatic modes make it easy to use even for a beginner droner. Not only does it perform well, but it also looks great too; rocking a white and gold palette that makes it look like a flying luxury drone.

Best Waterproof GPS Drone: SwellPro Splash Drone 3 Auto

Swellpro SplashDrone 3+ Waterproof Base Platform
  • Aircraft - Remote Controller - Drone...
  • Enhanced waterproofing throughout
  • Extended flight time up to 25 minutes
  • Smooth+ remote controls
  • Power-Flip function when floating

You won’t find any other drone like this for its price. The SwellPro Splash Drone 3 Auto is a UAV capable of navigating through land, sea and air. It is the perfect GPS drone when you are strolling at the beach or relaxing by the river. Even if it loses battery after 20-plus minutes, you won’t ever worry about it crashing into a body of water. It is also great for aerial photoshoots during a rainy day, making every image look very dramatic and intense. The build is strong, the controls are easy to navigate and the general look is suave.

Best Advanced GPS Drone: Yuneec Typhoon H Pro with RealSense

Yuneec Typhoon H Pro with RealSense is a 4K camera drone that is not for the faint of heart. For one, the price is expensive. And two, it requires prior droning experience in order to operate it properly. If you can handle it, the Typhoon H Pro is a beauty to behold thanks to its built-in Intel RealSense Technology (which can distinguish obstacles while adapting a 3D model of the area) and an ST16 controller which will make you forget about using a smartphone app. Its 3 automatic flight modes are handy too: Curve Cable, Auto Return to Home, and Point of Interest.

Best GPS Drone for Beginners: VOOCO X-Star Premium

Autel Robotics X-Star Premium Drone with 4K Camera, 1.2-Mile HD Live View & Hard Case (Orange)
  • 4K Ultra HD video camera with...
  • HD Live View up to 1.2 miles away and...
  • Dual GPS/GLONASS outdoor navigation,...
  • Intuitive remote controller with LCD...
  • Included accessories: Premium hard case,...

The VOOCO X-Star Premium is what I would consider as one of the friendliest drones ever for a beginner. Not only does it include GPS tracking, but the controls and management of the drone are simple enough to not confuse the user. It’s not that much of a budget-friendly choice but if you have the money to go for something spectacular for a drone newbie like you, then the X-Star Premium makes it worth your while. Also, the UAV includes a camera capable of 4K resolution images and videos, which makes it awesome especially if you like taking aerial photos.

What GPS Drone Should You Buy?

If you are looking for an extra challenge when it comes to droning, you should get a UAV with a built-in global positioning system (GPS). And so, I highly recommend buying the Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon since this is the best GPS drone in this list for having topnotch GPS tracking, long distances and an intuitive controller. Looking to buy something cheaper? That’s where the Hubsan H501S X4 comes in; affordable yet high in value. But when you are looking for a drone that is best for beaches, rivers, and rainy days, you should settle with the SwellPro Splash Drone 3 Auto. And if you like an advanced UAV, the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro with RealSense is a rewarding experience. Last but not the least, if you are new to GPS drones, the VOOCO X-Star Premium is a great entry-point.

GPS Drone Buying Guide:

GPS Navigation  

Of course, you are here for the GPS tracking or navigation. The main difference between this and an ordinary drone is that you can set waypoints in order for it to move autonomously. The expensive GPS drones usually have built-in sensors in order to determine if it will hit an obstacle such as trees, posts, and buildings, but the cheaper ones are not that responsive. That’s why if you are planning to buy a good GPS drone, you better make sure the tracking sensor is reputable for being reliable.

Different Modes  

By default, GPS drones always include the following modes on a controller: Auto Return to Home, Hold Position and Autonomous Flight. This is where the GPS magic happens. Auto Return to Home obviously lets you call your drone back to your position, Position Hold or Hold Position makes your drone stay in a fixed altitude and location and Autonomous Flight will cause your UAV to automatically fly to the GPS waypoints. 

Price  

GPS drones are more expensive than a regular drone by default due to their added tracking device and a more advanced controller. The ones listed above are among the best and the cheapest.

Controls  

While GPS drones are more in favor of expert users, the controls still need to be simple enough in order for the pilot to plot down the waypoints for the UAV.

GPS Drone FAQ:

How does GPS work in a drone?

Much like GPS on a car, drones also use the same technology in order for the device to know where to head off. But unlike cars, drones will perform autopilot as long as the user has set-up the necessary waypoints on the map.

Is a GPS drone reliable when it moves autonomously?

Modern GPS drones now have the ability to sense any incoming obstacles like trees, walls and telephone poles. As experienced droners say, you should invest in a more expensive GPS drone since the price determines the tracking technology.

How far can a GPS drone fly?

Some drones like the DJI Phantom Pro and Matrice 600 can fly as far as 7 km to 5 km. However, there are now more drones that can compete with the high-profile drone brand such as Yuneec and Hubsan.

Is it easy to fly a GPS drone?

Quite frankly, you will need prior drone experience before you hop onto the GPS-type drones. This is because GPS drones are a different matter compared to drones that do not have tracking. Also, they are more expensive to buy than the usual drones.

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