by 44 reviews.
Holy Stone HS360S GPS Drone Review: A Beginner-Friendly Aerial Marvel
The Holy Stone HS360S GPS Drone is a feature-packed quadcopter designed for both beginners and seasoned drone enthusiasts. With its 4K UHD camera, 10,000 feet transmission range, and FAA-compliant 249g weight, this drone promises an exceptional flying experience. Whether you're capturing stunning aerial footage or exploring advanced flight modes, the HS360S delivers on multiple fronts. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details based on real customer experiences.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
Ease of Use and Beginner-Friendliness
One of the standout features of the Holy Stone HS360S is its beginner-friendly design. Many customers praised how easy it was to set up and fly, even for those new to drones.
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Pros
- "It was simple to set up with the owner's guide and the quick start guide. I am new to drones and found it to be easy to fly and stable when flying."
- "My son just opened this drone kit and was able to operate it within 1/2 hour."
- The Follow Me Mode, Tap Fly, and Hand Gesture Shots make it accessible for beginners while offering creative options for more advanced users.
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Cons
- Some users faced initial connectivity issues. One reviewer noted, "I had issues getting it to connect but eventually downloaded the manual online and the directions were slightly better than what came with the unit."
Camera and Video Quality
The 4K UHD camera is a major selling point for the HS360S, and customers were generally impressed with the results.
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Pros
- "The picture quality is good, as well as the video quality."
- "The photos turned out great. I got this to take photos of our home that we are getting ready to sell by owner."
- The 90° adjustable camera and 85°FOV lens ensure wide-angle shots and stunning details.
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Cons
- A few users mentioned that the camera is fixed, which limits flexibility compared to drones with gimbal-stabilized cameras.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance is a critical factor for any drone, and the HS360S received mixed feedback in this area.
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Pros
- "The battery life when flying is also good, and battery changes went quick and easy."
- The inclusion of two batteries is a nice touch, allowing for extended flight sessions.
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Cons
- "Would have liked more flight time and shorter battery charging time."
- One customer reported a defective battery: "One of the batteries was a dud, it would not take a charge at all."
Durability and Build Quality
The Holy Stone HS360S is built to last, with a sturdy design that inspires confidence.
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Pros
- "The construction is top-notch and feels sturdy right out of the box."
- The foldable design and carry case make it highly portable and convenient for outdoor adventures.
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Cons
- No significant durability issues were reported, but some users noted that the drone’s lightweight design might make it less stable in windy conditions.
GPS and Smart Features
The GPS functionality is a game-changer, offering precise positioning and reliable performance.
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Pros
- "The GPS is incredibly accurate, ensuring the drone knows exactly where it is."
- The Auto Return Home feature is a lifesaver, especially for beginners.
- "Smart return has the drone shoot straight up in the air (above tree line) before heading back."
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Cons
- Users should be cautious with the Smart Return feature, as it can cause the drone to ascend abruptly, potentially leading to collisions in obstructed areas.
Conclusion: Is the Holy Stone HS360S Worth It?
The Holy Stone HS360S GPS Drone is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate users looking for a reliable, feature-rich drone. Its 4K UHD camera, GPS functionality, and beginner-friendly controls make it a standout in its price range. While there are minor drawbacks, such as limited battery life and occasional connectivity issues, the overall performance and value for money are hard to beat.
Final Verdict:
- Best For
Beginners, hobbyists, and those looking for a portable, FAA-compliant drone. - Not Ideal For
Professionals seeking advanced camera stabilization or extended flight times.
If you're ready to take your aerial photography to new heights, the Holy Stone HS360S is a fantastic investment. Happy flying!
Specification Holy Stone HS360S GPS Drones With 4K UHD Camera For Adults,FAA,249g Quadcopter Drone,10000 Feet Video Transmission,Auto Return,Follow Me, Brushless Motor,Beginner Mode, Special Gradient Color Edition:
Comments from Amazon:
So far so good. Easy to fly. Controls are simple. Picture is not bad for solid fixed camera. The drone performed better than I thought. Would have liked more flight time and shorter battery charging time.
This drone is under 250 grams and doesn't require registration. It is also very compact and comes with a nice carry case that holds the two included batteries and the controller. I am very pleased with this product and can highly recommend it. So far, it has been easy to learn to use it after the initial learning curve for the initial connection with the controller and drone. I had issues getting it to connect but eventually downloaded the manual online and the directions were slightly better than what came with the unit. It basically goes like this: turn on drone, turn on controller, wait up to 40 seconds, then plug in phone with app launched. At least that is the sequence that finally worked for me. Prior to that i had the phone plugged in and the app up prior to trying to turning on the controller and trying to connect to the drone and it wouldn't connect. Anyways, I quickly got used to flying the drone and have tested out the smart return and camera features with success; just note that smart return has the drone shoot straight up in the air (above tree line) before heading back. This means don't press that button until your verticals are completely clear. I really like the 10th anniversary gradient color edition that I ordered and have been having a good time with the drone. Please note that, if you are in the states, you need don't need to register this drone but you do need to take the TRUST test and get your certificate. Keep this on you (digitally on your phone) so that you can present it if the someone asks for proof. I even carry a precision pocket scale with me as this is a quick way to show that the drone is under 250 grams. Overall, I really am enjoying this drone as it is beginner friendly and compact.
After charging the batteries it only too a few minutes to set up the drone and I was off flying. It takes some getting use to, but being able to view everything on my iPhone is cool. I got this to take photos of our home that we are getting ready to sell by owner and I didn’t want to pay a photographer. The photos turned out great. Also, I plan to give it to my son who is 20 and in the Airforce, and I know he will have a blast with it. Great price compared to others on Amazon.
One of the batteries was a dud, it would not take a charge at all. They wanted me to send the whole thing back,I requested just to replace the battery.I ended up having to spend another $60 for a battery.Why send the whole damn thing back when they have the batteries in a warehouse somewhere.Would have been a lot easier for them to just send a replacement battery.
The Holy Stone HS360S is an incredible drone for those who are stepping into the drone world but feel confident about handling a solid piece of tech. The construction is top-notch and feels sturdy right out of the box. The external SD card support is a fantastic addition, and the flex mode adds versatility for different shooting conditions. What really sets this drone apart is its GPS—it’s incredibly accurate, ensuring the drone knows exactly where it is. Plus, it can fly impressively high! I’d caution against starting with a cheaper drone, as they can easily fly away and get lost, ultimately costing you more in the long run. With the HS360S, the "Return to Home" feature ensures it safely comes back when the battery is low. This drone strikes the perfect balance between price and performance, making it an excellent middle-range choice for new but capable drone enthusiasts. Highly recommend!
My son just opened this drone kit and was able to operate it within 1/2 hour. The height that it can climb to is amazing. And the pictures and video taken was amazing!
I ordered this drone as my Father's Day gift and received it in a timely manner. it was simple to set up with the owner's guide and the quick start guide. I am new to drones and found it to be easy to fly and stable when flying. the picture quality is good, as well as the video quality. The battery life when flying is also good and battery changes went quick and easy. How ever I am still new to the drone world and am learning more with every flight. Over all i am pleased with it and would recommend it to family and friends as an excellent first drone.