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How to Buy a Hobby Drone

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Hobby Drone

Get a solid camera drone for about $450 without blowing your cash at once.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $450 before anything else
Across the 0% window $30.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $450 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

You want a drone that takes sharp video and handles well in the wind, not a toy that breaks on day two. Getting the right one means you buy once and keep it for years rather than upgrading six months from now.

Skip the brand new drops. When the manufacturer releases a new version, last year's model drops in price and is usually just as good for hobby flying.

That intro window is a deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when the 15 months are up, interest kicks in on the whole original amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Check the release cycle

    Wait for the manufacturer to announce the next generation model. That is when prices on the current version drop the most.

  2. 02

    Buy refurbished from the maker

    Look for factory-refurbished stock directly from the manufacturer. You get the same gear and often a warranty for a lot less than retail.

  3. 03

    Set up the payment window

    Spreading the about $450 cost across the Discover it® Cash Back card's 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers comes out to $30.00 per month.

  4. 04

    Register with the FAA

    If the drone weighs over 250 grams, federal rules require you to register it before your first flight. It costs a few bucks and takes ten minutes online.

  5. 05

    Buy spare batteries

    Most drone batteries give you about twenty minutes of actual flight time in the real world. Grab at least one extra battery so you are not heading home too early.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Is refurbished safe to buy?

Yes, as long as it comes directly from the manufacturer with their warranty. They fix any issues and test them before putting them back on the shelf.

Do I need a license to fly?

For simple hobby flying under 250 grams, you usually just need to pass a basic online safety test. Check current FAA guidelines before you take off.

How long do the batteries actually last?

Expect 15 to 22 minutes of flight time per battery depending on wind and how fast you fly. Always leave enough juice to get it back to you.

What happens when the 15 months end?

The 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers expires. Any money you still owe will start accruing interest at the standard rate.