Best Drone with Automatic Return:
- Best Overall: DJI Mini 2
- Best Budget-Friendly: Mavic Air 2s
- Best Value: Swellpro Spry+
- Most Durable: Autel Evo 2
- Editor’s Choice: Hubsan Zino
So, you’re on the hunt for a drone that can do something pretty cool – return to home automatically. And you know why that’s a game-changer, right? Safety, convenience, and a whole lot of beginner-friendliness. In the ever-evolving world of drones, there’s a wide range to choose from in 2021, spanning the spectrum from the big-budget DJI models to some wallet-friendly options. But with all these GPS drones with home return floating around, which one should you pick?
Well, worry not, my fellow drone enthusiast. I’ve got you covered. Having personally tested a boatload of these flying wonders, I’m here to break down the basics of Return to Home technology (RTH) and introduce you to my top camera drone picks that come with this awesome feature, promising some truly jaw-dropping footage. Let’s dive right into it!
drones that come back to you
Table of Contents:
What Exactly is Auto Return to Home (RTH)?
Now, you might think you already know the answer to this question, and in essence, you probably do. But there’s more to it than meets the eye. Let’s unpack it a bit.
Return to Home (RTH) is a drone’s nifty ability to autonomously find its way back to the spot where it originally took off from. So, it’s not exactly your home sweet home – it’s wherever you launched the drone, be it a cozy nook beside a tree in the park or the rooftop of your building.
The Two Types of Return to Home:
When it comes to RTH, there are two main flavors:
GPS Return to Home
This is the real deal, folks, and it’s what we’re going to dive deep into. GPS Return to Home requires your drone to have a GPS module and at least a couple of satellites in its corner. It’s the kind of tech you can rely on in real-life situations.
With GPS, you’re not just getting RTH; you’re also unlocking a treasure chest of other features like waypoints and circling maneuvers. But hold on to your hats – these fancier flight modes are typically found in the pricier DJI drones.
GPS RTH shines when you’re out on a drone-fishing adventure and need your trusty bird to wing its way back to you.
How does GPS RTH work? Simple. The drone records the exact spot where it took off from, and when RTH gets the green light, it makes a beeline straight back to that very point. It usually happens at a predetermined altitude, or it can match your current altitude. And hey, some drones even let you tweak these settings.
If you’re serious about long-range flying, you might want to check out my article on the Best Long Range drones for the ultimate drone experience.
No GPS Return to Home (One Key Return)
Now, here’s where things get a bit more basic. The One Key Return Home feature, often seen on the cheaper drones that lack GPS, is essentially the drone’s way of pressing its own “Back” button. It tries to find its way back to you, but here’s the kicker – it doesn’t always nail the orientation.
In my books, it’s a bit of a trickster move. After all, you could achieve the same effect by simply pulling the left stick towards you. And if the drone isn’t facing the right way, well, it’s a recipe for disaster.
There’s a whole different ballgame when we’re talking about underwater drones, though. They’ve got a tether cable to yank them back from the watery depths. But even then, a regular waterproof drone can come equipped with GPS.
TOP 8 Best Drone with Automatic Return:
Alright, drum roll, please! Here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for – my top 7 drones that come back to you, all decked out with Return to Home goodness. These babies are sorted by price, so no matter your budget, you’ll find something that floats your drone boat.
1. DJI Mini 2 – Best 4K RTH Drone under 250g
The DJI Mini 2 kicks things off with a bang. It’s the best affordable long-range drone you can lay your hands on, boasting a jaw-dropping 10km range. Yes, you read that right – 10km!
- Camera: 4K
- Battery Life: 31 minutes
- Range: 10 km
- Gimbal: 3-axis
This pint-sized wonder, weighing in at under 250g, has become my all-time favorite. It’s got a 10km range for our friends in the USA, Canada, and Australia (FCC territory). In Europe, it’s still a hefty 6km. Plus, the price tag of this RTH drone is nothing short of a steal. This is the most durable drone with return home feature you should buy.
2. Mavic Air 2s – Best Pro RTH Drone (on a budget)
The Mavic Air 2s and DJI Mini 2 are the dynamic duo in my drone collection. The Mavic Air 2s is a real “bang for your buck” pro drone in 2023. It’s a step up from the DJI Mini 2, packing in superior sensor quality, obstacle avoidance, active track, and a plethora of precise GPS and flight modes. And yes, RTH is part of the package.
- Camera: 4K at 50fps
- Battery Life: 31 minutes
- Range: 12 km
- Gimbal: 3-axis
The Mavic Air 2s rocks a half-inch camera sensor that handles low light like a champ and shoots 4K at 50fps. It’s got a lot of tech onboard to make your flying life easier, from active tracking to waypoints. And did I mention the top-notch obstacle avoidance? This RTH drone has it all.
3. Swellpro Spry+ – Best Waterproof RTH Drone
The SwellPro Spry+ is a beast when it comes to durability and waterproof prowess. It’s the best waterproof RTH drone you’ll find that won’t break the bank. This drone’s toughness comes from its unique electronic image stabilization and robust frame – it’s not foldable, but it’s built like a tank.
- Camera: 4K
- Battery Life: 17 minutes
- Range: 0.5 km
- Gimbal: Electronic Stabilization
What sets this RTH drone apart is its ability to land on water and even swim underwater thanks to its propellers. Plus, it returns to the controller’s location, so you can keep moving, and it’ll follow you.
4. Autel Evo 2 – Pro RTH That’s Not DJI
The Autel Evo 2 may be the priciest bird on the list, but it’s packed with specs that justify the tag. It’s an alternative to the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, offering an impressive mix of return to home, extended battery life, superb camera options, and top-notch sensors.
- Camera: 6K/8K
- Battery Life: 40 minutes
- Range: 9 km
- Gimbal: 3-axis
Autel Evo 2 is bulkier than most drones but packs a punch with its camera options, long battery life, and advanced flight features. It’s a solid choice for those who want something other than DJI in their lineup.
5. Hubsan Zino – Best Camera RTH Drone under $300
The Hubsan Zino has long held the crown as my top pick for drones under $300. And it’s for a good reason. This drone offers exceptional 4K footage stabilized by a 3-axis gimbal, various flight modes, waypoints, and a reliable RTH feature when the battery is running low.
- Camera: 4K
- Battery Life: 40 minutes
- Range: 5 miles
- Gimbal: 3-axis
Zino’s 3-axis gimbal provides smooth footage, and its flight modes, including Waypoints and return to home on low battery, make it a fantastic value for the price.
6. Bugs B12 – Best GPS EIS Camera Drone under $200
Meet the Bugs B12 – an impressive drone from MJX that consistently makes it to my list of favorites. MJX has a reputation for crafting solid drones with camera and gps, and the Bugs 3, one of my all-time favorites, is proof of that.
- Camera: 4K
- Battery Life: 20 minutes
- Range: 600m
- Gimbal: 2-axis
This drone is the king of GPS EIS camera drones under $200, offering excellent electronic image stabilization, which eliminates the need for a mechanical gimbal. It’s affordable and packs a punch.
7. SG906 Pro 2 – Best 3-Axis Stabilized Drone under $150
The SG906 Pro 2 is in the same ballpark as the MJX Bugs B12. You can choose between these two, depending on which one’s cheaper at the time of purchase. The SG906 Pro 2 boasts a 3-axis stabilized camera, a step up from EIS in my book.
- Camera: 4K
- Battery Life: 30 minutes
- Range: 1 km
- Gimbal: No gimbal
This drone offers fantastic value for the price, delivering a more stable camera experience than its competitors. It’s a steal for under $150!
8. Eachine Ex5 – Best Cheap RTH Drone under 250g
If staying under 250g is crucial for you (think less red tape when it comes to registration), then the Eachine Ex5 is your golden ticket. It’s a cheap drone with return home feature that won’t put a dent in your wallet.
- Camera: 1080p
- Battery Life: 30 minutes
- Range: 1 km
- Gimbal: No gimbal
While the Ex5 lacks image stabilization, it more than makes up for it with its budget-friendly price, solid GPS, and return to home feature. It’s perfect for those looking for a lightweight, accessible drone.
FAQs [drones with gps and return home]
In case you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to dive deep into the drone world, here are quick answers to some burning questions:
What is the drone return to home accuracy?
Usually, RTH accuracy is around 1 to 2 meters from the takeoff point. Cheaper drones might have an accuracy of up to 5 meters.
What autopilot flight modes are there?
GPS drones can offer a range of autopilot modes, including waypoints, return to home, circle flight, follow me, and creative quickshots.
Can you set a return to home altitude for a drone?
Absolutely! Most drone apps allow you to set the return to home altitude. They typically have both a minimum and maximum height.
Can Racing FPV drones return to home?
Nope, racing FPV drones usually don’t have GPS, so they can’t return to home. There are exceptions, but it’s not common.
How do I use RTH?
You can activate RTH by pressing a button on the controller or it can trigger automatically when the battery is low or if the signal is lost.
Avoid Flyaways: Low Battery RTH and Lost Signal
Two crucial scenarios where Return to Home (powered by GPS) becomes your drone’s guardian angel:
1. Low Battery RTH: When your drone’s battery reaches a critical level, RTH kicks in automatically to prevent a disastrous crash. Expensive drones return to home like DJI’s can even calculate the exact battery needed for a safe return, but most budget-friendly options trigger RTH when the battery dips below 20%.
2. Lost Signal: It’s a fact of life – signal loss happens. If your drone has GPS, it’ll hang tight in its current spot. But what if you can’t regain that signal? Fear not! Many drones have an automatic return to home feature for when signal is lost. Trust me; it’s a game-changer.
How to Spot Good GPS in Drones?
So, what’s the secret sauce to identifying top-notch GPS in drones? Here are the three telltale signs:
- No “Toilet Bowl Effect”: A good GPS drone won’t dance in circles around its original point of takeoff, which can lead to collisions.
- Precision in RTH: When your drone returns home, it should land within a meter or two of its takeoff spot. That’s a sign of excellent GPS performance.
- Steady Hover: A quality GPS drone should remain rock-steady in one place, minimizing shake and movement for smoother video capture.
So there you have it, my fellow drone enthusiasts. The sky is the limit when it comes to choosing the perfect drone with Return to Home technology. Whether you’re looking to capture breathtaking aerial footage or simply explore the world from above, these RTH-equipped drones will take your flying experience to new heights. Happy droning!
See Also:
- DJI Spark vs Mini 2 vs Mavic Air 1 Specs
- DJI FPV Goggles V1 vs V2
- DJI Mavic Air 2 Vs DJI Mini 3 Pro Specs
- DJI FPV Controller 1 vs 2
- DJI Avata vs DJI Air 2s Specs
- DJI O2 vs O3
- DJI Integra vs Goggles 2 vs V2
- DJI Tello vs DJI Tello Edu Specs
- DJI GO 4 vs DJI Fly vs DJI GO
- DJI Fly More Kit vs DJI Fly More Kit Plus
- Drone That Follows You
- FIMI X8 SE 2022 V2 vs DJI Mini 3 Pro
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