Why Buying Cheap Drones Can Cost You More In The Long Run

Buying a drone is an exciting step for anyone wanting to explore aerial photography, experience FPV flight or simply enjoy a new hobby. With hundreds of options available online, many first-time buyers are tempted by the ultra-low prices of drones under £50. At first glance, these budget-friendly models may seem like a great way to test the waters. However, as many frustrated buyers in the UK have found, opting for a cheap drone can end up costing far more than investing in a reliable model from the outset.

In this guide, we’ll break down why buying a cheap drone might not be the money-saver it appears to be, and why spending a bit more on a quality consumer drone will likely save you time, hassle and cash in the long term.

Poor Build Quality Means Shorter Lifespan

One of the most common issues with cheap drones is their fragile construction. These drones are usually made from low-grade plastics that can crack or snap easily with even the gentlest of crashes. Propeller guards, landing gear and body casings tend to be flimsy and poorly assembled, meaning even beginner-level mistakes can result in irreparable damage.

Unlike premium drones, these low-end models rarely come with spare parts, making it difficult to repair them yourself. Once a motor fails or a propeller mount breaks, you may find it’s cheaper to replace the entire drone. In reality, this means you're paying repeatedly for short-lived toys instead of owning a product designed to last.

Terrible Flight Performance and Controls

Flight stability is another major drawback. Cheap drones often lack the essential stabilisation systems like GPS, downward vision sensors or altitude hold that help keep a drone steady during flight. As a result, they drift in the air, respond slowly to controller inputs and can be difficult to land safely.

In windy conditions, these lightweight drones often get blown off course or crash entirely. Without proper return-to-home features or accurate positioning, the risk of flyaways is high. For beginners trying to learn to fly, this creates a frustrating and unpredictable experience that can discourage them from progressing with the hobby.

Low-Quality Cameras and Poor Footage

One of the biggest reasons people buy drones is to capture aerial footage. However, most sub-£50 drones feature cameras that barely match the quality of a budget smartphone from ten years ago. Many advertise 720p or 1080p video, but these specifications are often exaggerated or poorly implemented. Expect grainy footage, dropped frames, poor colour balance and zero image stabilisation.

In addition, these drones typically lack a gimbal system. Without it, any movement in the air results in shaky, unusable video. If you're hoping to capture stunning landscapes, family holidays or travel footage, a cheap drone will leave you sorely disappointed.

No After-Sales Support or Warranty

Buying a drone from an unknown brand on a marketplace like Amazon, eBay or a drop-shipping site means there’s often no reliable support if things go wrong. Returns can be difficult or impossible, especially if the product ships from overseas. In many cases, you may find yourself with a faulty drone and no way to fix it, return it or get a replacement.

In contrast, reputable consumer drone brands like DJI offer solid customer support, user manuals, firmware updates and in some cases, accident protection plans. Spending more upfront ensures you have a safety net when you need it most.

Hidden Costs Add Up

A cheap drone may look like a bargain at first, but the hidden costs soon add up. You may end up buying multiple batteries just to get more than 5 minutes of flight time. Replacement parts are either unavailable or overpriced for what they are. Worst of all, you may feel the need to replace the drone altogether after just a few flights.

In contrast, spending a bit more on a high-quality consumer drone gives you better battery life, durability, built-in safety features and a smoother learning curve. It’s a smarter investment that pays off over time.

A Poor Introduction to the Hobby

Flying drones can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but cheap models often give beginners a false impression of what drone flight is really like. Glitchy controls, short battery life and poor footage can turn an exciting new hobby into a frustrating chore.

Quality entry-level drones like the DJI Mini 4 Pro or DJI Neo are built for new users and hobbyists. They’re easy to fly, feature intuitive controls and produce incredible footage straight out of the box. These drones let beginners build confidence while capturing genuinely impressive results.

The Resale Value Is Non-Existent

Cheap drones have virtually no resale value. They depreciate the moment you open the box, and even if they still work, no one is likely to buy a second-hand toy drone. By contrast, well-known drone models like the DJI Avata 2 retain value over time and often have a second-hand market. This means you can upgrade later without losing your entire initial investment.

The Smart Way to Buy Your First Drone

While the appeal of a low upfront cost is understandable, especially if you’re new to the drone world, it’s worth thinking long-term. A low-quality drone will quickly end up in a drawer or landfill. A well-made drone from a trusted brand is a reliable tool for creating, exploring and learning.

If you’re ready to make your first drone purchase, check out our range of consumer drones available at the Coptrz official online store here. Whether you’re interested in the beginner-friendly DJI Neo, the cinematic DJI Mini 4 Pro or the immersive FPV experience of the DJI Avata 2, Coptrz offers expert advice and genuine UK stock to help you get started the right way.