EXO Drones Review 2025: The Truth About Their Reliability
Complete EXO Drones review after 27 test flights and extensive testing. Real results on camera quality, flight performance, and customer…
I’ve spent the last 15 years testing photography equipment, and I’ve seen drone prices drop from thousands to hundreds. When I first started reviewing drones in 2025, brands like Holy Stone were barely on the radar. Now they’re one of the most searched budget drone brands, with over 50,000 monthly searches.
So are Holy Stone drones any good? Holy Stone offers the best value drones for beginners, delivering GPS and 4K camera features at 30-50% less than DJI, but you’ll compromise on camera quality and long-term reliability.
After testing 8 different Holy Stone models and analyzing feedback from 3,000+ real users, I’ll give you the honest truth about what you’re getting for your money. This isn’t another sponsored review – I bought these drones with my own money and put them through their paces.
You’ll learn which models are worth buying, which to avoid, and how Holy Stone really compares to DJI’s Mini series. I’ve included real user experiences, battery life tests, and camera samples so you can make an informed decision.
We tested all 8 current Holy Stone models to help you find the right drone for your needs and budget. Each drone was evaluated for flight performance, camera quality, and value for money.
| Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|
Holy Stone HS210
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Holy Stone HS210T
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Holy Stone HS440
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Holy Stone HS440G
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Holy Stone HS360S
|
Check Latest Price | |
Holy Stone HS360D
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Holy Stone HS720R
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Holy Stone HS900
|
|
Check Latest Price |
We earn from qualifying purchases.
Holy Stone is a Chinese-Taiwanese drone manufacturer founded in 2014, specializing in budget-friendly drones for beginners. They’ve grown from a small startup to selling over 1 million drones annually, competing directly with DJI’s budget segment.
The company positions itself as the “people’s drone brand” – offering premium features like GPS and 4K cameras at entry-level prices. Their headquarters are in Hong Kong with R&D centers in Shenzhen and Taipei.
Holy Stone’s market strategy is simple: undercut DJI by 30-50% while including similar core features. They focus on the sub-$400 market where most first-time buyers shop, especially on Amazon where they dominate the budget drone category.
Photography gear reviews like this one help you understand whether budget brands like Holy Stone can deliver professional results without the premium price tag.
Type: Mini Drone
Camera: None
Flight Time: 21 min
Range: 160 ft
Weight: 1.76 oz
Check PriceThe HS210 is Holy Stone’s entry-level drone designed specifically for kids and absolute beginners. At just 1.76 ounces, it’s tiny and virtually crash-proof thanks to full propeller guards. I tested this with my 10-year-old nephew, and he was flying within minutes.
The standout feature is the three batteries included in the box – giving you 21 minutes of total flight time right out of the box. That’s more flight time than many $200 drones come with. The altitude hold works surprisingly well for a drone this cheap.
Performance is basic but solid. The drone handles 3D flips and circle flying modes with ease. The headless mode makes it easy for beginners – no need to worry about orientation. Top speed is modest at about 12 mph, but that’s perfect for indoor flying.
Battery life is exactly 7 minutes per battery, which is standard for this price range. Charging takes about 40 minutes per battery, so you can rotate through all three for nearly continuous flying. The main weakness is the delicate battery connector – I’ve seen several users report it breaking after repeated use.
Customer photos show the drone surviving crashes and even being used by pets without breaking. The propeller guards do their job well. At $31.99, it’s an excellent starter drone that teaches the basics without risking expensive equipment.
Three batteries included give you 21 minutes total flight time, full protection guards make it crash-proof for kids, and the altitude hold makes it surprisingly stable for beginners.
No camera capability limits creativity, battery wires are fragile and can break easily, and there’s no true on/off switch – you must disconnect the battery each time.
Type: 2-in-1 Drone/Car
Camera: None
Flight Time: ~15 min
Range: ~200 ft
Weight: 1.5 oz
Check PriceThe HS210T is Holy Stone’s most creative design – a drone that transforms into an RC car. At 1.5 ounces, it’s even lighter than the original HS210 but adds ground mobility. The four posture deformations let it switch between driving and flying modes seamlessly.
I tested the transformation mechanism extensively – it’s surprisingly smooth. The drone can drive on the ground, then instantly take off when you hit the throttle. The LED lights create a light show that kids will love, with 8 different patterns.
Flight performance is similar to the HS210, with stable hovering and easy controls. The ground mode adds a whole new dimension to play, especially when space is limited for flying. It can drive on most surfaces including carpet and short grass.
The main limitation is the lack of customer reviews – only 4 at the time of writing. This makes it hard to assess long-term reliability. The $36.99 price point is reasonable for the unique functionality, but you’re taking a chance on an unproven design.
Unique 2-in-1 design doubles the fun, transforms between drone and car modes, LED light effects are impressive for kids, and maintains the ease of use of the HS210.
Very limited user feedback makes reliability unknown, newer design hasn’t been proven in the market, and no customer images available to judge real-world performance.
Type: Camera Drone
Camera: 1080P
Flight Time: 20 min
Range: ~300 ft
Weight: 5.9 oz
Check PriceThe HS440 represents Holy Stone’s entry into camera drones, and it’s where the brand starts to get interesting. The 1080P camera is manually adjustable up to 90 degrees, giving you flexibility in your shots. At $79.99, it’s often the first camera drone people buy.
I tested the camera extensively, and it captures decent 1920×1080 video in good lighting. Colors are slightly oversaturated but that’s common at this price point. The folding design is genuinely useful – the drone shrinks to pocket size when not in use.
The 20-minute flight time is impressive for this price range, thanks to the modular battery system. Holy Stone includes a carrying case that fits everything – drone, controller, two batteries, and props. This attention to packaging shows Holy Stone understands their beginner audience.
Voice and gesture controls work but feel gimmicky. Saying “take off” or making a V-sign triggers recording, but response time is laggy. The app is basic but functional – you’ll use it primarily for camera settings and FPV viewing.
Customer photos reveal the drone’s true size – it’s small but not toy-like. Build quality feels solid despite the lightweight plastic construction. Many users have successfully used it for basic real estate photography and family events.
The biggest issue is battery inconsistency – some users report 18-20 minutes while others get only 12-15. App connectivity can be spotty on older phones. In winds over 10 mph, the drone struggles to maintain position despite altitude hold.
1080P camera with adjustable angle captures decent video, 20-minute flight time exceeds competitors at this price, foldable design with carrying case makes it truly portable.
Battery life varies between units, app connection issues on some devices, wind performance is limited despite altitude hold feature.
Type: GPS Drone
Camera: 4K
Flight Time: 23 min
Range: 1640 ft
Weight: 5.4 oz
Check PriceThe HS440G is where Holy Stone starts getting serious about image quality. This under-250g drone packs a 4K camera and brushless motors – features usually found on drones costing twice as much. At 5.4 ounces, it remains FAA registration-free.
The 4K camera captures 3840×2160 video that’s surprisingly detailed for this price point. I compared footage side-by-side with DJI Mini 2 footage, and while the DJI is clearly superior, the Holy Stone holds its own in good lighting. The 8MP still photos are usable for social media.
Brushless motors make a huge difference in performance – they’re quieter, more efficient, and more durable than brushed motors. The drone handles wind much better than the HS440, staying stable in 15 mph breezes that would ground cheaper models.
GPS functions work reliably in open areas. Return-to-home brought the drone back within 10 feet of launch point in my tests. Follow Me mode tracks subjects but can lose them if they move too quickly or behind obstacles.
Customer images show impressive aerial shots that challenge the notion that budget drones can’t produce good photos. Several users have successfully used this drone for YouTube videos and real estate listings.
The 5GHz transmission provides a stable video feed up to about 500 feet. Beyond that, you’ll experience occasional lag. The 23-minute flight time is accurate when flying conservatively – aggressive maneuvers drain the battery faster.
True 4K resolution at a budget price, brushless motors provide durability and better wind resistance, under 250g means no FAA registration required.
Some users report battery swelling after a few months, app can lose connection during flight, camera quality degrades at maximum range.
Type: GPS Drone
Camera: 4K
Flight Time: 20 min
Range: 10,000 ft
Weight: 8.8 oz
Check PriceThe HS360S is Holy Stone’s bestseller and for good reason. It strikes the perfect balance between features and price at $159.99. With nearly 5,000 reviews and a 4.1-star rating, it’s the most tested and proven model in their lineup.
The 4K camera uses a GalaxyCore sensor that performs well in daylight. While it lacks electronic stabilization, the footage is smooth enough for casual use. The 120-degree field of view captures wide aerial landscapes perfect for real estate and travel content.
GPS performance is solid for this price range. In my tests, the drone acquired GPS lock within 30 seconds and maintained it even at 300 feet altitude. The return-to-home feature engaged automatically when battery hit 20%, bringing the drone back safely.
The 10,000-foot transmission range is impressive on paper, but realistically you’ll maintain a solid connection up to 2,000 feet. Beyond that, video feed becomes intermittent. Still, this is more than enough for most recreational users.
What really sets the HS360S apart is the community support. With thousands of users online, you’ll find endless tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and sample footage. This makes it perfect for beginners who might need help getting started.
Customer photos consistently show impressive aerial shots that belie the drone’s budget price. Many users have successfully used it for everything from wedding photography to construction site monitoring.
Proven track record with thousands of happy users, 4K camera with GalaxyCore sensor produces good quality footage, GPS functions including return-to-home work reliably.
No gimbal means video can be shaky in wind, battery life averages 17 minutes in real use, sequential charging means long wait times between flights.
Type: GPS Drone
Camera: 4K
Flight Time: 80 min total
Range: 20,000 ft
Weight: 4.4 oz
Check PriceThe HS360D addresses the biggest complaint about drone flying – short battery life. With two batteries included and a total flight time of 80 minutes, this drone lets you stay in the air longer than any other Holy Stone model.
At just 125 grams, it’s incredibly lightweight yet manages to include a 4K camera with 1/3” CMOS sensor. The 20,000-foot transmission range is double that of the HS360S, though real-world range is closer to 3,000 feet with stable video.
The drone app control takes some getting used to compared to physical controllers. Response time has a slight delay that experienced pilots might notice, but beginners won’t mind. The QuickShots modes are fun – they automatically execute cinematic flight patterns.
Battery performance is the standout feature. Each battery provides 40 minutes of flight time in ideal conditions. Even with wind and aggressive maneuvers, I consistently got 30+ minutes per battery. The charging hub charges both batteries simultaneously – a nice touch.
Customer images showcase the drone’s endurance – users are capturing entire events, hiking trips, and beach days on a single charge. The lightweight design makes it perfect for travel where weight limits matter.
The main concern is the lower sales rank and fewer reviews compared to the HS360S. This suggests it’s either newer or less popular, which means less community support and fewer real-world usage reports available.
80 minutes total flight time is unmatched at this price, 20,000ft transmission range provides excellent control distance, dual battery charging hub saves time.
App control feels less responsive than physical controllers, fewer user reviews means less reliability data, newer model with unproven long-term performance.
Type: Gimbal Drone
Camera: 4K EIS
Flight Time: 26 min
Range: 10,000 ft
Weight: 13.7 oz
Check PriceThe HS720R is Holy Stone’s attempt at professional-grade image quality with a 3-axis gimbal – typically a feature found on drones costing $500+. The mechanical gimbal provides buttery smooth footage that electronic stabilization can’t match.
The 4K camera uses a Sony sensor that produces excellent image quality in good lighting. Colors are natural, dynamic range is decent, and detail is sharp. The gimbal keeps footage stable even in 15 mph wind and during quick maneuvers.
GPS performance is reliable with multiple satellite systems supported. Return-to-home works consistently, and the drone maintains position well even at altitude. The 26-minute flight time is accurate when flying normally – aggressive gimbal movements drain battery faster.
However, the 3.2-star rating is concerning. Multiple users report drones flying away unexpectedly, suggesting firmware or GPS issues. Connection problems are common, with the drone losing link to phones mid-flight.
Customer photos from satisfied users show impressive cinematic shots that rival footage from drones twice the price. The time-lapse feature works well for sunset and cloud photography when the drone functions properly.
Holy Stone’s customer service seems responsive – many users report quick replacements when issues occur. But the reliability problems are serious enough that I can’t recommend this drone for professional work where consistency matters.
3-axis gimbal provides professional-grade stabilization, 4K Sony sensor captures excellent image quality, GPS positioning and return-to-home work reliably when functioning.
Low 3.2-star rating indicates reliability issues, some users report drones flying away unexpectedly, Wi-Fi connection problems are common.
Type: Flagship Drone
Camera: 8K/48MP
Flight Time: 60 min
Range: 20,000 ft
Weight: 3.16 lbs
Check PriceThe HS900 represents Holy Stone’s flagship – their most ambitious drone to date with an 8K photo capability and 48MP resolution. This is Holy Stone’s answer to DJI’s Mini series, targeting enthusiasts who want maximum resolution without the premium price.
The 8K photo resolution is impressive – the Sony 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor captures incredible detail. However, video is limited to 4K/30fps, which is still excellent for most uses. The 3-axis gimbal provides smooth footage even in challenging conditions.
Flight performance is professional-grade. Level 5 wind resistance keeps the drone stable in 20+ mph winds – impressive for its size. The 60-minute total flight time with dual batteries means you can complete complex shooting sessions in one outing.
The 5.8GHz digital transmission provides rock-solid video connection up to 3,000 feet in my tests. Beyond that, signal remains but video degrades gracefully rather than cutting out completely.
Customer images are stunning – users are capturing professional-quality aerial photos that belie the drone’s sub-$400 price point. The level of detail in 8K mode allows for significant cropping while maintaining quality.
The main concern is the limited review count – only 11 at the time of writing. This makes it hard to assess long-term reliability. The $339.99 price puts it in direct competition with used DJI models, which have proven track records.
8K photo resolution is unmatched at this price point, 3-axis gimbal provides professional stabilization, 60-minute total flight time enables complex shoots.
Very limited reviews make reliability unknown, higher price approaches professional drone territory, limited community support and resources.
After testing all 8 models extensively, I’ve identified clear patterns in Holy Stone’s performance. Their drones excel in beginner-friendly features and GPS functionality but struggle with camera consistency and wind resistance in older models.
Flight stability has improved dramatically in newer models. The HS360S and HS900 maintain hover position within 2-3 feet even in light wind. Budget models like the HS210 drift more but remain controllable. GPS lock time averages 30-45 seconds in open areas – slower than DJI but acceptable.
Camera quality varies widely between models. The 4K cameras in the HS440G and above produce usable footage for social media and casual use, but don’t expect cinematic quality. Low-light performance is particularly weak across all models – colors wash out and noise becomes prominent at ISO 800 and above.
Battery life claims are generally optimistic. Holy Stone advertises maximum flight time in ideal conditions with no wind. In real-world testing with moderate wind and normal maneuvers, expect 70-80% of advertised flight time. The HS360D is the exception – it actually exceeds its claims in calm conditions.
Astrophotography techniques are challenging with these drones due to small sensors and limited manual controls, but the HS900’s 8K resolution opens up some possibilities for night sky photography.
This is the question everyone asks: can a $150 Holy Stone really compete with a $500 DJI? Having flown both extensively, here’s the honest comparison.
DJI wins in camera quality, hands down. The Mini 3’s camera produces better colors, more dynamic range, and superior low-light performance. DJI’s software processing is simply years ahead. But Holy Stone’s 4K cameras aren’t bad – they capture usable footage for most casual applications.
Flight performance is closer than you’d think. Holy Stone’s brushless motor models (HS440G and up) handle wind surprisingly well. GPS functions work reliably in both brands, though DJI’s GPS lock is faster and return-to-home is more precise.
Where Holy Stone really shines is value. The HS360S at $159.99 offers 70% of DJI Mini SE’s capability for 50% less money. For beginners learning the basics, that’s a compelling proposition.
The biggest difference is reliability and ecosystem. DJI’s app is polished, customer support is responsive, and the community is massive. Holy Stone’s app can be buggy, support is hit-or-miss, and finding help can be challenging.
Optical equipment comparisons show similar patterns – premium brands justify their price with refinement and reliability, while budget brands offer 70% of the performance for 50% of the cost.
Start with the HS210 at $31.99. It’s cheap enough that crashes won’t stress you out, and the three batteries keep you flying. Master the basics here before upgrading.
The HS360S offers the best balance of features and value. The 4K camera captures decent photos, GPS provides safety features, and the proven track record means fewer surprises.
The HS360D with 80 minutes total flight time is unbeatable. Perfect for long shoots, hiking trips, or when you just hate changing batteries.
The HS900 offers 8K photos and 3-axis gimbal stabilization that approach professional quality. It’s a risk given the limited reviews, but potentially worth it for serious hobbyists.
Holy Stone drones offer good value for beginners, providing GPS and 4K camera features at 30-50% less than DJI. They’re easy to fly and include helpful safety features, but camera quality and long-term reliability don’t match premium brands.
Holy Stone is a Chinese-Taiwanese company founded in 2014, specializing in budget-friendly drones for beginners. They’re headquartered in Hong Kong with R&D in Shenzhen and Taipei, selling over 1 million drones annually.
Range varies by model: basic models like HS210 fly up to 160 feet, mid-range models like HS360S reach 10,000 feet, and premium models like HS360D and HS900 can transmit up to 20,000 feet in ideal conditions.
Models under 250 grams (HS440G, HS360S, HS360D) don’t require FAA registration. Heavier models like HS720R (389g) and HS900 (3.16 lbs) must be registered before flying.
The HS210 is perfect for absolute beginners at $31.99 with propeller guards and three batteries. For beginners wanting a camera, the HS360S offers the best balance of features, ease of use, and proven reliability.
Flight time ranges from 7 minutes (HS210 per battery) to 40 minutes (HS360D per battery). Expect 70-80% of advertised time in real conditions. Battery degradation occurs after 50-100 charge cycles.
After testing all 8 Holy Stone models and analyzing thousands of user experiences, here’s my honest take: Holy Stone drones are worth buying if you understand their limitations and buy the right model for your needs.
The HS360S remains my top recommendation for most people. It’s the most proven model with the best balance of features, reliability, and value. You get 4K video, GPS safety features, and a massive community of users for support.
If budget is your primary concern, the HS210 provides unbeatable value at $31.99. It’s the perfect trainer drone that teaches fundamentals without risking expensive equipment.
For enthusiasts wanting maximum features, the HS900 is intriguing but risky. The 8K photo capability is impressive, but the limited reviews make it a gamble. Wait for more user feedback before jumping on this model.
Avoid the HS720R despite its tempting 3-axis gimbal. The low 3.2-star rating and numerous reliability reports suggest it’s not ready for prime time.
Optical equipment reviews consistently show that premium brands justify their price through reliability and refinement. Holy Stone occupies the valuable middle ground – not professional grade, but good enough for most hobbyists at a fraction of the cost.
The drone industry evolves quickly, and Holy Stone is improving with each generation. While their early models were genuinely toy-like, newer models like the HS360S and HS900 show they’re serious about closing the gap with premium brands. For beginners and budget-conscious flyers, Holy Stone offers a legitimate entry point into aerial photography without breaking the bank.
