Using a remote controlled spy drone may be a conversation that is somewhat controversial, but as long as you’re staying within your the law’s legal limits, you’ll be just fine. Spy drones aren’t exactly used as tools to spy on people, but they can be used to survey your property, for example.
While using an RC spy drone might have you turning your head to look at something else, don’t do that yet. Just because it’s a spy drone doesn’t mean it has nothing else to offer! Besides, drones considered to be spy drones often have some of the best specs. That, or they have a lot to offer in other areas you may be interested in.
Either way, in this review we’ll be going over my favorite spy drone picks. Hopefully, you find one you like and make a purchase. They’re often great for aerial photography and videography, aerial surveillance, and a whole lot more.
Remote Controlled Spy Drones Reviews
As I said previously, I’ll be reviewing my top 5 picks for my all-time favorite spy drones.
Altair Aerial AA108
If you’ve had a chance to go over the rest of my site, then you’ll know that the AA108 by Altair Aerial is one of my favorite quadcopters out there. It’ll only cost you $130, which is an extremely great deal for the amount of value you’re getting with it.
Uses a premium 720p HD camera with real-time video
Has a total flight time of up to 10 minutes, doubled by the second battery included for free
Features Headless Mode, Altitude Hold, Custom Route Mode, 3 Flight Skill Levels, Out of Range Alarm, Emergency Landing, Low Battery Alarm, 1-Button Takeoff and 1-Button Landing
Has a maximum transmission range of up to 100 meters
Takes a 3.7V 350mAh LiPo battery
Able to be flown both indoors and outside
If you need more detailed information about this Altair AA108, you can click here
What I love most about the AA108 by Altair Aerial is the fact that their customer service is sublime. A lot of drone manufacturers have a tendency to fluff their customers off, even though they’re the ones literally keeping these companies in business. I also love the money to value ratio. This is the best quad for your money in terms of quality and overall value.
AA 818 Hornet
The 818 Hornet, also from Altair Aerial, is a spectacular quadcopter. It can be yours for as little as $170, which is an awesomely low price for what you’re getting, as it was with the AA108. This manufacturer knows how to deliver.
Uses a premium rubber-damping 720p HD camera with real-time video and FPV capabilities
Has a maximum transmission range of up to 150 meters and a maximum FPV range of 60 meters
Features Altitude Hold, 1-Button Takeoff, 1-Button Landing, Out of Range Alarm, Emergency Landing, Low Battery Alarm, 3 Flight Skill Levels, Custom Route Mode and Headless Mode
Able to be flown both indoors and outside
Has a flight time of up to 15 minutes, doubled by the second battery included for free
If you need more detailed information about this 818 Hornet, you can click here
The 818 Hornet by Altair Aerial is a step up from the AA108, so if you’re looking for a challenge or one that will grow with you where a learning curve is concerned, I highly recommend one of these remote control spy drones.
Holy Stone F181W
The F181W by Holy Stone will run you around $120 flat. It comes with some extras, awesome features, and some impressive technical specs.
Uses a 120-degree FOV HD WiFi camera with 720p HD resolution and real-time FPV transmissions
Has a controllable LED light for low visibility and night flying
Features Automatic Altitude Hold, Wind Resistance, Multiple Speed Control, 3D Flip, One-Key Return to Home and Headless Mode
Uses a 6-axis gyro stabilization system
Takes a 3.7V 750mAh LiPo battery
Uses a 2.4GHz transmission frequency with 4 channels
Has a maximum transmission range of between 50 to 100 meters
Has a total flight time of between 7 to 10 minutes, doubled by the second battery included for free
If you need more detailed information about this Holy Stone F181W, you can click here
The F181W by Holy Stone is a great addition to any drone collection, but it’s also one of the best RC spy drones to start a collection with, as well!
Altair Blackhawk
The Blackhawk by Altair is an absolute gem of a quadcopter and costs $150. If you have a GoPro model you can set it up with this spy drone and have the best footage of your surveying, photography, whatever the case may be.
Comes with the 1080p HD F100 Action Camera and a camera mount
Uses brushless motor technology for less vibration and noise in video footage
Has a total flight time of up to 15 minutes, doubled with the extra free battery included
Features High and Low Speed Modes and 360-Degree Flips
Takes a 1800mAh LiPo battery
Uses a 2.4GHz transmission frequency
Has a maximum transmission range of up to 1640 feet upward and 500 meters away
Able to detach the Action Camera and mount a GoPro instead
Takes a 1800mAh LiPo battery
If you need more detailed information about the Altair Blackhawk, you can click here
GoPro’s are the best action cameras money can buy. If you’re in the market for a drone that can be a camera drone on and off, I highly recommend the Blackhawk by Altair Aerial. The mount for the GoPro is also removable, as well. Either way, the action camera it comes with is well worth the money.
Parrot Bebop 2
The Bebop 2 by Parrot is the most expensive spy drone on my list, costing $400 on the dot. Even though it’s a tight squeeze budget-wise, it’ll always be one of the best spy drones I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing.
Has a maximum transmission range of up to 1.2 miles when using the Parrot Skycontroller 2
Uses a camera with full 1080p HD videos and 14MP still photos in RAW, DNG and JPEG formats
Able to go into FPV when using the Parrot Cockpitglasses
Has a total flight time of 25 minutes
Takes a 2700mAh LiPo battery
Able to hit speeds up to 35 mph
Uses a 3-axis digital stabilization system for stable, smooth videos
Features One-Key Takeoff, One-Key Landing and Return to Home
Able to download the FreeFlightPro app to access additional features and options, such as Flight Plan for autonomous flight plans
If you need more detailed information about the Parrot Bebop 2 , you can click here
The Bebop 2 by Parrot is last on my list because of its costly price tag, not because it’s garbage. Keep that in mind if you’re about to scroll away. In reality, the Bebop 2 is actually the most technical spy drone on my list.
Remote Controlled Spy Drones FAQ
If you don’t see an answer to your question listed below in my FAQ section, let me know and I’ll do my best to give you one!
Do I need to register my drone with the FAA?
Because I don’t want to give you the wrong answers to this question, or misinform you whatsoever, click here for all the information you’ll need on registering your drone, the FAA’s rules and regulations, etc.
Do I have to carry my drone license with me everywhere when I fly?
If you were required to register your drone and obtain a license then, yes, you absolutely have to carry it with you everywhere you go when your drone is in the air and you are at the controls.
Is it illegal to use a spy drone?
As long as you are not violating another person’s privacy or breaking any laws, you should have no problem using a spy drone. Although, I highly recommend checking up on your local laws before you fly any type of drone, whether it’s a toy or a spy drone, just to ensure you’re safe legally before taking off.
Best RC Spy Drones Analysis
In conclusion, remember to always follow your local laws when using a drone, especially if it’s considered to be a spy drone. You will also need to follow FAA law and regulations, too.
Either way, owning and flying a drone is all about having a fun hobby or whatever your personal case may be. Remember to keep your drone only for fun and not use it to violate the privacy of anyone, such as your neighbors, for example, and stay within your rights and local laws.
The post 5 Best Remote Control Spy Drones for 2018 – Review of RC Spy Quadcopters appeared first on readyquadcopters.com.
