When it comes to flying drones, many pilots overlook a small but essential accessory: the drone landing pad. While it might seem like a minor detail, investing in a quality landing pad can significantly protect your drone’s motors, camera and gimbal from costly damage.

And the best part? Many great drone landing pads cost less than $20.

Why a drone landing pad is essential

A drone landing pad creates a designated takeoff and landing zone. The primary reason you need this? To shield your drone from environmental hazards. Here are some of the key benefits of doing so:

1. Protection against debris on the ground: Drones create powerful downward airflow, especially during takeoff and landing. This airflow can kick up dirt, sand, grass and small rocks, which can get sucked into your drone’s motors or damage sensitive components like the camera lens or gimbal. A landing pad acts as a barrier between your drone and these hazards.
2. Prevents damage to sensors (and keep obstacle avoidance working well): Many drones have downward-facing sensors to assist with precision landing and obstacle detection. Dust or scratches on these sensors can impair their functionality, leading to inaccurate readings. A landing pad provides a clean, stable surface to keep sensors safe.
3. Keeps your drone dry and clean: Sure, many drones these days have increasingly good levels of water resistance. But you don’t want to get your drone damp if you can avoid it. If you’re flying in wet or muddy conditions, a landing pad keeps your drone’s landing gear clean and dry, preventing issues caused by moisture or dirt buildup.

The best drone landing pads

Most drone pilots don’t need to get swindled into spending $50 or more on a drone landing pads. You probably don’t even need to spend more than $20! Here are some affordable and reliable options to consider:

1. STARTRC Drone Landing Pad ($17): This is the most budget-friendly option, with a double-sided design featuring bright orange and blue colors. It’s made of waterproof nylon and comes with stakes and a carrying pouch for convenience. It’s 22×22 inches.
   • Buy the STARTRC PHOTO drone landing pad from Amazon for $17.
2. PGYTECH Landing Pad Pro ($20): This foldable landing pad is made of durable, waterproof double-sided material and comes with reflective strips for better visibility in low-light conditions. It’s lightweight and portable (yes it folds up). The 20-inch version is designed for drones as large as the DJI Mavic 3 Pro (and are also great for something smaller like the DJI Mini 4 Pro).
   • Buy the PGYTech Landing Pad Pro from Amazon for $20.
   • Buy the PGYTech Landing Pad Pro from B&H for $20.
3. Hoodman Drone Launch Pad ($40): For those willing to invest a bit more, the Hoodman pad is weighted and designed for professional use. The $40 version is 1.9 feet across. Its technically a weighted drone landing pad. Sure, you could use stakes (or even simple materials like rock) to hold it down. But for the most seamless experience, this weighted drone landing pad is better for windy environments or who need a quick setup.
   • Buy the Hoodman Drone Launch Pad from Amazon for $40.
   • Buy the Hoodman Drone Launch Pad from Amazon for $40.

How much money should you spend on a drone landing pad?

There are only a few situations where you might need to spend more than $40 on a drone landing pad. The biggest reason? Simply size. But even if you need a larger landing area, a portable pad might not be the solution.

Yes Hoodman (which makes our priciest small pick) sells the 1.9-foot version for $40. But, they also sell an 8-foot version for $429 (it also weighs 24 pounds on its own!). It’s unlikely anyone would need that — as even larger eVTOL drones likely have their own landing area.

You also see some branded landing pads. For example, there’s an Autel Robotics landing pad from popular drone maker Autel that goes for $69. You don’t get any added benefit from having the Autel Robotics logo on there – unless you like the aesthetic appeal. So, save your money and go for the $20, non-branded version.

Most drone pilots flying camera drones generally only need a 2-foot wide landing pad — and no special decor needed. A $400, 8-foot weighted pad (or $70 for the branded version) is overkill for most people.

How to make a DIY drone landing pad for free or cheap

Loyal followers know I love saving money (have you seen my other Instagram account, @SaveWithSally yet?). Buying a $20 drone landing pad can definitely be convenient — especially these ones that easily fold up and pop right back out. But if you’re not one to spend even a bit of money on a drone landing pad, then you certainly don’t have to! Creating a makeshift drone landing pad is easy and free using items you likely already have. Here are a few ideas:

• Cardboard: Cut a large piece of sturdy cardboard into a square or circular shape. Paint it with bright colors or add reflective tape to improve visibility. While not waterproof, it’s a quick and lightweight option for dry conditions.
• Old yoga mat: Repurpose an old yoga mat as a landing pad. Cut it to size if needed, and use weights to hold it down in windy conditions. Yoga mats are durable, provide cushioning, and are mostly resistant to moisture.
• Plastic tablecloth: Lay down a plastic tablecloth or tarp on uneven or soft surfaces. Secure the edges with rocks or stakes to prevent it from blowing away. This solution works well for temporary use in damp or muddy environments.
• Plywood: For a sturdier option that won’t blow away, use a piece of plywood as your landing pad. Sand the edges to avoid splinters and paint it for added visibility. This is ideal for fixed locations where portability isn’t a concern.

Tips for maximizing your drone landing pad

• Anchor it to the ground: Even lightweight landing pads can blow away in windy conditions. Use stakes or weights (or just nearby rocks) to secure the pad when flying outdoors.
• Clean regularly: After each use, wipe down your landing pad to remove any accumulated dirt or debris.
• Position smartly: Place the landing pad on as flat and stable a surface as possible to ensure a smooth takeoff and landing.

Drone landing pads (an underrated accessory that might even be free)

For as little as $10 (and free, if you’re willing to DIY with old materials around your house), a landing pad is one of the most cost-effective ways to extend the life of your drone. It’s a small investment that can save you hundreds of dollars in motor repairs, sensor replacements or gimbal recalibrations.

Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional pilot, a landing pad is a must-have (and affordable) accessory to keep your drone flying smoothly and safely.

The post This $17 investment will protect your drone’s motors (and could save you hundreds of dollars in repairs) appeared first on The Drone Girl.