Finding the best DIY drone kit can sometimes be challenging. DIY drone packages come in different forms. Some are designed for beginners while others are more advanced. It’s important to consider your skill level and intended use before choosing a DIY drone kit.
Hello folks! My name is Lavelle and I am a licensed drone pilot and a long-time drone enthusiast. I have been flying my drone professionally and recreationally for a decade now and I love everything related to drones.
In this article, I will cover some of the things that you should look for in a DIY drone kit. I will also answer a few frequently asked questions and share with you my list of the best DIY drone kits that I’ve come across in the marketplace.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Choose a DIY drone kit that matches your experience level. If you are a beginner, look for clear instructions and basic components.
- If you have some experience in building drones, look for a DIY kit that gives you the most options for customization.
- Consider a DIY package that is within your budget and that is reasonably priced for your intended use.
The price of a DIY drone kit depends on several factors including quality, type, and use. Some kits are very affordable, while others are quite expensive. Beginner-level kits start as low as $25 and the costs go up from there.
Do DIY drone kits come with cameras?
Some kits do come with cameras and other kits come with a place to easily mount a camera. It depends on the type of kit you purchase and on the kind of drone you are building.
Is it hard to build a drone?
If you choose the right kit, the answer is no! The DIY kits are made for your particular skill level. Many kits are perfect for novice builders and other kits are more difficult to assemble. Choose a kit that matches your current experience level.
What You Should Look for in a DIY Drone Kit
When looking for the right DIY drone kit, consider your experience level and technical or mechanical aptitude. In addition to answering those questions, you should consider the following specifications.
- Pre-assembled Parts: One of the things you should consider based on your experience level, is if the DIY kit comes with pre-assembled parts or not. DIY drone kits that come with pre-assembled parts, are especially useful if you are not technically adept or are not mechanically inclined. However, if you are someone who loves doing every step from scratch, then consider a kit that has no pre-assembled parts.
- Add-on Options: You should also look for DIY kits that give you the option to add on components to customize the drone that you build. You want to choose a kit that allows you to add on things such as batteries, memory card slots, cameras, and other such features.
- Affordability: Consider the affordability of the kit that you choose. The DIY kits vary in price and complexity. If you are building for racing, then you may want to consider a more expensive option. If you are building for recreational use, then you may want to choose a less expensive option.
At the end of the day, you want to choose a DIY kit that allows you to create the type of drone that you want. Choose your kit with the result in mind. Consider options that give you the best building experience and that will ultimately leave you with the most satisfaction.
Top 5 Best DIY Drone Kits Reviewed
Here is my list of the best DIY drone kits. Enjoy!
1. QWinOut 330mm DIY RC Drone Kit (Best Overall)
- Assembly Level: Intermediate
- Camera: Yes
- Memory Card: Yes
- Gimbal: No; available as an add-on
The number one choice on my list is the QWinOut 330mm DIY Kit. This kit is the best that I’ve come across for overall design, durability, and customization. The nylon fiber material that is built is extremely tough and crash resistant.
QWinOut offers several nice add-on options. There is the folding antenna mount, the compact balance charger, the built-in compass, and GPS. Each of these items propels this kit to the top of my list.
What I like about this kit is that it gives you the ability to customize your drone. You can add on a folding antenna and with the built-in compass, you can add on a GPS with multiple sensors. Additionally, you don’t have to purchase a separate controller since it comes with one.
The one thing I don’t like is that the company recently removed the gimbal from the kit. Previously, before January 2023, the package included a 3-axis gimbal, however, you can now purchase it separately to add to the frame.
My Verdict: Overall, QWinOut offers the most comprehensive package. The additional features included in the kit allow you to customize the drone to your needs. It’s a great value at its price point and is affordable for the average drone builder.
2. Hobbypower F450 ATF Quadcopter Frame Kit (Best Budget)
- Assembly Level: Beginners and above
- Camera: No camera included; mount available
- Memory Card: No; slot available as an add-on
- Gimbal: No; component available as an add-on
The next DIY kit on my list is the Hobbypower F450. This is another excellent option that could easily move up to the number one slot. It is nicely designed and is easily usable by both beginner-level and advanced builders.
This kit has a nice, sturdy rack for mounting, is aesthetically pleasing, and has a very stable flight system. It’s a good choice for beginners and experienced-level builders alike. It is important to note that this kit does not come with a remote controller, flight controller, or battery.
While it does not have a camera, memory card slot, or gimbal, all of these features are available as add-ons. Therefore, this kit is easily upgradable and the parts are not expensive. I also like the landing gear that comes with the package.
I’m not a huge fan of the propellers. They seem to be made of a lower quality than other kits offer.
My Verdict: This is a good second choice for a DIY drone kit. The add-on options are very nice and the overall design and quality of the frame are good.
3. DJI F550 Flame Wheel Arf Kit (Best Easy Assembly)
- Assembly Level: Intermediate
- Camera: No
- Memory Card: No; slot available as an add-on
- Gimbal: No
Next up on my list is the DJI F550 Flame Wheel Kit. This kit is designed by the highly regarded DJI company and is well respected in the industry. It is well made and does have a few add-on options that make it somewhat attractive.
This kit is made up of an ultra-strength material design which makes it very durable. The attractive frame arms come in various colors including red, white, and black. The integrated PCB wiring is a nice addition and the huge assembly space on the frame is as well.
The one thing that I like about this option is the durability of the frame. The material used to design the frame is extremely tough and crash resistant. The propellers are also very durable and can withstand impact very well.
The only drawback is the price. It is near the top of the class in price, however, it does not offer many add-on options and the exact kit can be found by other lesser-known manufacturers for half the cost.
My Verdict: The kit is well-designed and backed by the industry-leading company, DJI. It is not an option that beginner-level builders would be comfortable with unless they are a very quick study.
4. REMOKING R605 RC DIY Drone Toys (Best for Education)
- Assembly Level: Beginners
- Camera: No
- Memory Card: No
- Gimbal: No
When it comes to a DIY kit that offers an educational component to it, the Remoking R605 is a great choice. This kit is well-built and designed with students in mind. It offers several nice features and comes with some pre-assembled parts.
The Remoking R605 comes with a nice, 6-axis gyro quad-rotorcraft that is strong, stable and is easy to maneuver. Its design is wind resistant and the button take-off and landing option is notable.
The thing that I like about this drone kit is that it is great for educational purposes. It gives users the ability to learn several things related to science, engineering, technology, and math. It is easy to assemble and easy to operate once assembled.
Unfortunately, this drone kit is fairly simple and does not provide a challenge to build. It limits the user’s actual building experience.
My Verdict: This is a great kit for teaching and learning. It does have to be assembled but most of the parts are pre-assembled. However, it still provides students with an idea about the building process.
5. Kitables DIY Quadcopter Kit (Best for Kids)
- Assembly Level: Beginner
- Camera: No
- Memory Card: No
- Gimbal: No
The last DIY kit on my list is the Kitables DIY Quadcopter Kit. This is an excellent choice for kids and beginner-level builders. The design is well thought out and is quite durable.
The Kitables is a great resource for STEM education. This DIY mini drone kit helps educators to unveil developmental skills in the STEM disciplines and is easy to use for students. The kit is also designed fairly well and offers a good challenge for students.
The thing that I like about this package is that it is easy to assemble. Unlike the previous choice, this kit is a bit more challenging to build for students and requires some soldering.
The biggest drawback is that you have to purchase a soldering kit separately to assemble the drone. This is not spelled out by the manufacturer and is unexpected by most assemblers when opening the package.
My Verdict: This is a very good option for beginner-level builders and students. It provides a good challenge and takes some time to assemble, offering the user the true building experience.
Final Thoughts
Most DIY kits allow you to build your drone to your specifications. Setting up your drone helps you to learn lots of interesting things. You can upgrade your current drone or design and build a model that suits your needs.
Depending on your reason for building a drone, you may want to ease into the expenses by choosing kits that are reasonably priced. But whether it’s for drone racing or recreational use, there is a DIY kit that will meet your needs.
Have you had experience building a DIY drone? I would love to hear about your experiences and answer any questions that you might have. Leave your comments below and I will respond to you as soon as possible.
