As you all already know, 99% of drones these days come with a whole heap of extra functions and features just to make a better first impression on the potential buyers. Among these things, people tend to focus on battery duration and control range… But there’s an awesome function that often gets by unnoticed. I am, of course, talking about the altitude hold function.
Drones that have it are able to hover steadily in the air, maintaining their altitude and recording perfect aerial shots. It’s something most of you will greatly appreciate if you are buying your drones for the sake of video recording. If that’s the case, then you should take a look at these top 10 drones with altitude hold function.
They are listed from the cheapest model to the more expensive one. In other words, there is going to be something for everyone, so stick around. I might just help you make up your mind.
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Altitude Hold Drones for Enthusiasts
TABLE: 5 Drones With Altitude Hold For Enthusiasts
| Image | Model | Camera | Range | Flight Time | Best Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 5. HStone HS720 | 1080p | 0.8km | 23min | See best offer |
 | 4. MJX Bugs 2w | 1080p | 1km | 16min | See best offer |
 | 3. DJI Spark | 1080p | 2km | 16min | See best offer |
 | 2. UpAir Two | 4K | 1km | 22min | |
 | 1. Hubsan Zino | 4K | 4km | 22min | See best offer |
5. Holy Stone HS720
Let’s start off our journey with an impressive drone coming from Holy Stone. Yes, Holy Stone drones are still attractive and aggressively priced, making them the drones to beat in the lower end of the price spectrum. If you’re looking for a drone that can hold its altitude without you having to manually push the sticks around, and you’re not ready to splash out a whole bunch of money on it, then Holy stone HS720 is probably the best solution right now!
Camera and Features
Holy Stone HS720 might not have a sophisticated image stabilization system but it’s still a very capable drone photography-wise. Yes, the footage is outright awful, packing a ton of jello and vibrations… but that doesn’t plague still images. In other words, if you’re looking for a cheap aerial camera, Holy Stone HS720 is a no-brainer with its 1080p sensor.
As for the features, you’re not just looking at a precise altitude hold featuring a downward-facing sensor and a fully-fledged GPS module, but additional stuff like brushless motors, night lights, and software stuff like failsafe, return to home and so on.
Specifications
The hardware inside this little bugger isn’t exactly the priciest stuff on the market, but it’s still quite capable. Numbers are speaking the truth here – 800ish meters of range and roughly 25 minutes of flight time. Not bad for such a cheap drone, right?
4. MJX Bugs 2W
Next up, we have an awesome entry-level drone that sports GPS, altitude hold and several other features that make it definitely worth purchasing. Best of all, it’s beginner-friendly too. With intuitive controls and a great controller to back them up, MJX Bugs 2W makes sure you’ve got everything you need.
Camera and Features
Yes, this thing comes with a camera. A pretty good one too. It has a 1080p sensor and does a solid job in terms of image smoothness. You can expect a little jello, but nothing too significant to ruin the show. Feature-wise, Bugs 2W doesn’t fail to impress. GPS, telemetry, (distance, altitude, and GPS/signal strength), return to home, altitude hold and Wi-Fi FPV are more than good for this price tag. All things considered, MJX has definitely done a great job with their Bugs 2W model. It looks cool, performs awesome and doesn’t cost a fortune. A no-brainer for sure!
Specifications
When it comes to specifications, this birdie isn’t shy at all. The operating range has received a significant upgrade over MJX Bugs 3 model, featuring awesome 800 (max 1000m) meters of pure fun. Furthermore, MJX Bugs 2W sports a flashy 1800mAh 2S LiPo battery. Some folk suggests that adding a more powerful 3S won’t hurt, but I haven’t tried it just yet. Afraid I might crack the ESCs. Airtime goes around 18 minutes for joyriding and slightly less than that if you’re planning on recording aerial videos.
3. DJI Spark
Undoubtedly, DJI Spark is the best drone in terms of size/performance ratio. It’s absolutely crazed when it comes to power, but packs its stuff into a soda can frame which fits into a pocket without any issues. Needless to say, DJI Spark has pushed the travel-friendly drones up a notch (even with DJI Mavic Mini on the line) and I’m interested to see whether or not DJI will try their luck with another miniature foldable. But, for now, we aren’t going to crack our head on that matter. Instead, let’s talk more about this tiny little drone!
Camera and Features
In the features department, DJI Spark can boast with the usual ones such as ActiveTrack aka follow me and TapFly. In addition to them, there are also plenty more autonomous flight modes as well as safety features integrated into this birdie. However, there’s a completely new addition to the features department in the form of Palm gestures. You see, DJI has added two brand new features called PalmControl and PalmLaunch, which allow users to control the Spark with their bare hands. If that’s not enough to sell you this little fella, then you must be a really special snowflake…
Specifications
First things first, DJI Spark is a fully-fledged drone capable of recording professional-grade aerial footage due to its tiny FHD-capable camera. If you thought DJI Mavic Pro’s gimbal was small… wait until you see this 1-axis model. It’s absurd! But, it gets the job done with image stabilization and at the end of the day, that is all that matters! Specifications are awesome too. With approximately 500 meters (from claimed 2000 m)of range when operated with its dedicated controller and roughly 14 to 16 minutes of airtime, it’s clear that DJI Spark is no pushover.
2. Upair Two
Now let’s talk about a unique model featuring the in-demand altitude hold feature. In addition to AH, Upair Two is becoming trending for a wide selection of additional reasons, including its interesting camera choices. Let’s dig a bit deeper, shall we!?
Camera and Features
When talking about the camera(s), the first thing we have to say is that this little bugger sports more than a single camera. Yep, this little bugger is copying tech from the smartphone industry and it seems to be doing well in terms of execution. You see, Upair Two brings forth three cameras which enable it to capture footage in 4K at 30fps. The main camera is 4K, and the ones on the sides are full HD. This enables Upair Two to capture amazing footage and snap still images with amazing results.
Three cameras, combined with a pinpoint accurate altitude hold and a bunch of additional GPS-powered features make Upair Two a breeze to fly. We’re talking about stuff like optical flow positioning (read altitude hold), as well as autonomous flight modes including follow me, rout planning, and similar. The FPV transmission is pretty good too, although our results varied so much that we can’t point out the exact numbers so you don’t feel cheated. But, despite that, Upair Two is still a marvelous device.
Specifications
Upair Two is one of the best altitude hold drones you can find if you value the notorious price/performance ratio. Not only are we talking about a smart drone here, but also a well-performing device too. This thing can fly for around 22 to 24 minutes, depending on how you fly and what sort of settings you’re recording in. Not half bad for a 5100mAh battery on a drone of this size. Last but not least, the second generation of Upair’s drone can fly as far as 1 kilometer. Yes, we know the listing says 2km, but that’s a “slight” overstatement, to say the least.
1. Hubsan Zino
Finally, let’s talk about what seems to be the greatest of all drones featuring altitude hold that are currently available on the market. With an impressive appearance, two available versions and an extremely aggressive price tag, Hubsan Zino has already conquered the middle of the market. Here’s why:
Camera and Features
The camera always bears crucial importance in the overall quality assessment of the drone. As far as Hubsan Zino goes, you have nothing to worry about. Not only does it feature class A hardware stabilization but also a well-versed camera capable of recording in crispy 4K resolution. The aerial footage and still images this little fella brings to the table can put to shame even the most expensive drones out there.
The features are plentiful too, but they’re not as well-balanced nor they possess an extra dose of reliability like DJI models. Despite that, Zino boasts with return to home, failsafe, altitude hold (duh), and several smart camera modes that’ll significantly boost your selfie game.
Specifications
Hubsan Zino has decent specifications too! 20ish minutes of flight time isn’t too shabby, especially considering the price tag. As far as the Pro version goes, it packs the same flight time but further extends the flight range with a maximum of 4 kilometers. So yeah, from the looks of things, Hubsan Zino offers a highly versatile package that ought to interest not only consumers but prosumers as well!
Altitude Hold Drones for Professionals
TABLE: 5 Drones with altitude hold for Professionals
| Image | Model | Camera | Range | Flight Time | Best Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 5. DJI Mavic Mini | 2.7K | 4km | 30min | See best offer |
 | 4. Parrot Anafi | 4K | 4km | 25min | See best offer |
 | 3. DJI Mavic 2 Pro | 4K | 8km | 30min | See best offer |
 | 2. Autel EVO | 4K | 7km | 30min | See best offer |
 | 1. DJI Phantom 4 Pro | 4K | 9km | 26min | See best offer |
5. DJI Mavic Mini
If you’re not satisfied with Hubsan Zino’s set of features and overall reliability because you’re looking for drones with altitude hold that can do outstanding professional work, then DJI Mavic Mini is the one you should be checking out. It’s small, it’s roughly the same price as Hubsan Zino, and it’s made by DJI meaning it’s far more reliable and possesses a greater depth features-wise.
Camera and Features
It’s no wonder DJI markets Mavic Mini as the everyday flycam. In essence, that’s exactly what this little bugger is. It’s foldable, compact, and lightweight, meaning you can carry it with you everywhere you go. On top of that, it’s also packed with autonomous flight features, GPS, and failsafe. It doesn’t have a comprehensive obstacle avoidance solution, though, but that’s a feature that drastically ups a drone’s price tag.
What’s most important about DJI Mavic Mini, at least in my books, is its 3-axis gimbal plus camera combo. It’s the near-perfect combination we’ve come to expect from DJI, with the only downside being the resolution. No worries, it’s not full HD. It’s 2.7K, and true 2.7K, none of that upscaled 1080p shizzle. Feel free to check out DJI Mavic Mini footage and you’ll see its camera is virtually on par with the likes of original Mavic Pro and slightly newer DJI Mavic Air.
Specifications
If you though the above-featured drones were awesome judging by their sheer performance, wait till you hear more about DJI Mavic Mini. Let’s start off with the range. Both transmission and FPV range of this bad boy amount to 4 kilometers. Combine that with almost half an hour of flight time, and you’ll get the full picture. DJI Mavic Mini is, at least for the moment, the best price/performance drone you can find, that features altitude hold and 3-axis gimbal stabilization. Once again, the only downside is the lack of 4K resolution, but we can still live without it, right?
4. Parrot Anafi
What can we say about Parrot Anafi that won’t make us sound like absolute fanboys here? Well, nothing, really – this darn drone is just too good. It’s unique, powerful, and aggressively priced, all of the essentials that make for fine altitude hold drones. Let’s take a closer look and see if it’s worth the money!
Camera and Features
Camera-wise, Parrot Anafi boasts with an impressive sensor that manages to capture a lot of light and produce exceptional footage and still images. In terms of resolution, Anafi goes as high as 4K, which is sort of the industry’s standard at higher price points. HDR support is here too, and that’s honestly something we still aren’t seeing all that often. 2.8x zoom is present as well, allowing you to capture more details, which are of crucial importance in some usage scenarios.
Moving onto the features, Parrot Anafi will not let you down! It boasts with a plethora of automated flight modes driven by complex AI systems. These flight modes allow it to snap all kinds of awesome aerial footage, with a subtle yet noticeable cinematic feel to it. Oh, we almost forgot – Parrot Anafi’s camera can shoot all the way up and down, making it the only such model on the market!
Specifications
Let’s just say a thing or two more about the specs sheet and call it a day! For starters, it runs on a potent 2700mAh LiPo battery which gives it around 25 minutes of flight time. While that’s slightly shorter than flight times of, for example, DJI Mavic 2 Pro, we have to take Parrot Anafi’s price into consideration to draw the whole picture. On top of that, Parrot Anafi can also travel as far as 4 kilometers. It’s not a record-breaking distance by any means, but will still come in handy for folks who want an exploration drone.
3. DJI Mavic 2 Pro
DJI Mavic 2 Pro is an amazing foldable drone, there’s no doubt in that. It managed to achieve basically the same exact performance as its big brother DJI Phantom 4 Pro, but packed in a much smaller, travel-friendly package. And that’s exactly what DJI Mavic 2 Pro is – an amazingly powerful travel-friendly drone for the masses. So, if you are interested in something like this, make sure you read carefully the next 2 paragraphs!
Camera and Features
Features are always a huge strength when it comes to DJI drones. With recent updates to their DJI GO app (which is not more intuitive and responsive), they’ve outdid themselves and polished it to perfection. Now, DJI Mavic 2 Pro has seamless access to a dozen autonomous flight modes as well as safety features such as auto return to home and omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system, all at the reach of your fingers via the beautiful design controller.
Last but not least, DJI Mavic 2 Pro incorporates a 4K camera with an integrated 3-axis gimbal stabilization system, H.265 codec and higher bitrate than most other similarly priced models, making up for brilliant aerial footage no matter the weather conditions.
Specifications
In terms of specifications, DJI Mavic 2 Pro performs as good as Phantom 4 Pro in both operating range and airtime. You see, it’s much lighter than P4 so it does not need such a powerful battery to keep it in the air for the same amount of time. Of course, we are talking somewhere between 25 and 27 minutes, depending on if you’re using the camera or not. Yes, t hat’s a bit shorter than the promised 30 minutes of flight time, but it’s still awesome. Range, as usual, goes up to 8000 meters which is the pinnacle of modern-day drone technology thanks to DJI’s advanced transmission technology.
2. Autel Robotics EVO
Autel Robotics EVO is a prime example of what a good flagship, non-DJI drone looks like. It sports a hefty, sturdy, and above all, foldable design, coupled together with a tacky orange canopy and brilliant internals. Here’s what you can expect from Autel Robotics’ marvelous foldable bugger!
Camera and Features
When talking about the camera, the quality of AR EVO’s photography solution has to be emphasized. Not only is its camera capable of recording in 4K at high framerates, but it’s also capable of shooting in both older H.264 and new H.265 codec. Obviously, the quality is outright superb, with buttery smooth gimbal operation that sets an impressive cinematic atmosphere.
As for the features, Autel Robotics EVO practically has it all. In addition to stuff like dual global positioning systems, couple types of failsafe, and auto return to home, EVO has advanced obstacle avoidance that ought to help you out in demanding outdoor scenarios.
Specifications
If you’re looking for powerful hardware that can not only fly long but far too, then Autel Robotics EVO is the perfect model for you! It’s packing a sturdy chassis, with extremely versatile internals that are as powerful as they are sturdy. Not only that – EVO also packs great performance numbers, with up to 7 kilometers of transmission distance and half an hour of flight time. Not bad at all, huh?
1. DJI Phantom 4 Pro
When it comes to DJI Phantom 4 Pro, there is so much information about it available online that I find this brief explanation completely unnecessary. Still, It’s only fair to give P4 Pro the coverage that all other drones had. So, without much further adue, let’s see what’s this beauty all about.
Camera and Features
Features-wise, Phantom 4 Pro sports full DJI GO app support where you are able to choose from several smart flight modes that will improve the effectiveness of this high-tech toy. Among others, the obstacle avoidance system is probably the most important factor as you will not have to stress yourself about potentially endangering your expensive investment.
Continuing forward to the camera, DJI Phantom 4 Pro features a 1-inch CMOS sensor with effective 20MPX of pure photography brilliance. As always, this brilliant camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal for ultimate image stability. Needless to say, it shoots 4K and even slow motion at lower resolutions.
Specifications
In terms of specifications, you can rest assured DJI Phantom 4 Pro is among the best ones out there on the market. Scratch that – it is the best one on the market. With 7000 meters of operating range and roughly 27 minutes of flight time, only other similar DJI flagships have similar numbers. Especially considering the price range, that’s where all other models fall by a long shot.
What can you achieve with this feature?
As I’ve already mentioned above, altitude hold brings a huge dose of extra functionality to drones. It creates a worry-free experience for pilots, allowing them to concentrate more on the task at hand, without the need of manually adjusting drone’s altitude every few seconds. Basically, it’s what makes them so useful for various commercial purposes such a real estate aerial photography. With that said, here are a few examples of what precise altitude hold feature allows drones to do:
Aerial photography
This goes without arguing – altitude hold is the essential thing every good aerial photography drone needs to have. Without altitude hold quadcopter, any sort of professional aerial photography would be extremely difficult to achieve. This in combination with a hardware stabilization system ensures optimal image stability.
Protest monitoring
Protest monitoring is much more sophisticated than most people think. It requires drones to be equipped with professional camera equipment and GPS powered altitude hold so it’s easier to navigate in narrow, urban areas.
Mapping
Mapping requires precision, stability and preset waypoints, and it’s safe to say it would greatly suffer without altitude hold. Not only does it provide the comfort of being at a constant altitude, but it also helps with precision which is of crucial importance for a good mapping process.
What is altitude hold?
Altitude hold is one of the most useful features a drone can have. It’s a fact! This simple yet extremely useful mechanism is what drives modern-day drones to a wide array of commercial uses. Without it, drones would not be able to do half the things they’re doing all around the globe.
So, what is so special about altitude hold? What does it mean? Well, as its name suggests, this simple mechanism has only one purpose – holding the current altitude of your drone. While this might sound simple, there’s a lot of technology underneath this feature, enough to make your head spin. But, at the end of the day, precise hover and stability are of utter importance for a good drone, and that’s exactly what altitude hold brings to the table.
However, not all advertised “altitude hold” features are the same. You see, for a real altitude hold that works perfectly all the time, your drone needs access to GPS data. But, some manufacturers advertise their flimsy hovering feature as altitude hold to confuse buyers into thinking it’s the real deal. As a matter of fact, you can find more info about this matter in the section below.
How GPS powered altitude hold works?
Real altitude hold, or how some like to call it, GPS-powered altitude hold is what you want! This technology basically collects data from your drone’s GPS module and reads it to understand at what altitude it’s currently flying. In other words, you don’t have to constantly align your throttle stick to keep your drone in one position – altitude hold does that for you.
Is there an altitude hold on drones without GPS?
Yes, there is. It’s often called a simple hovering feature. Even though this feature comes in handy with drones that have no GPS, it’s still miles below real altitude hold. As such, I hate it when manufacturers refer to it as altitude hold, it’s a nasty trick to deceive potential buyers. That’s why, in the list below, you can be sure all drones have GPS and come equipped with GPS-powered altitude hold feature.
Conclusion
And there you have it guys! What’s your favorite high altitude drone?. If you still can’t make up your mind, then I rest my case. Jokes aside, I really do hope I managed to help you make your decision. Buying your first drone is a tough job because you can easily make a mistake if you’re not well informed. With this being said, keep in mind that these drones are just my humble opinion. But go ahead, check them out on Amazon and you’ll see that they have a whole heap of satisfied customers backing me up.
Finally, I’d like to thank you guys for reading this article and sincerely hope that it shed some light on the topic.
Until next time,
Happy flying!
Larry achieved great results working as an instructor at our partnering company where he prepared students for Part 107 exams.
Proud father of two beautiful kids, which is pretty much explaining why he's not publishing as often on DronesGlobe as he used before.
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