What Are The Best Hexacopter Drones?
If you?ve found your way onto this article, I think you?ll agree when I say:
Picking the right drone can be a tedious process. Finding the balance between budget and performance can be hard.
Luckily, we?ve compiled a list of the best Hexacopter drones currently available.
Whether you?re looking for a cheap toy grade drone or the best hexacopter for aerial photography, we?ve got you covered.
Due to hexacopters ability to carry heavier payloads and provide an all round more stable flight than quad copters, many drone pilots have taken to flying 6 rotor drones.
We?ll start off by having a look at the best hexacopter drones for beginners and make our way to more professional standard drones that are ideal for aerial photography.
Best Hexacopter Drones For Beginners List
5. Top Race TR-MQ6 ? Insanely cheap
Pros
- check?Extremely cheap
- check?Easy to fly
- check?Quick charge time
- check?Good flight time for a nano drone
?Cons
- ?Can?t fly in winds
- ?Short maximum range
Specs
- Flight time: 5-6 minutes
- Charge time: 20-minutes
- Maximum distance: 20 meters
- Dimensions: 5 X 5 X 1 inch
- Frequency: 2.4GHz
Features
- Nano hexacopter
- Headless mode
- 6-axis gyro stabilisation
- 3 directional flips
- Includes prop guards & spare set of propellers
About
To start off our list we?ve got a fantastic and budget friendly hexacopter for beginners.
The Top Race TR-MQ6 is one of the world?s first nano hexacopters and is a great entry-level drone for those looking to get to grips with piloting.
Costing less than $30 the TR-MQ6 has a lot to offer considering how cheap it is. The drone features a 6-axis gyro stabilisation that allows it to fly steady and correct its own balance after performing one of 3-directional flips.
The drone can sustain a 5-6 minute flight time, which isn?t too bad as it only takes about 15 minutes to charge. With a maximum range of 20 meters the Top Race is perfect for indoor flying.
The drone is lightweight and comes with prop guards and a spare set of propellers, so even if you do crash minimal damage will be sustained.
The red and greed LED lights located at the front and back of the drone help you maintain line of sight when flying outdoors.
You should also note that the drone might struggle to fly if it is windy outside due to its lightweight build.
Headless mode is also present to help prevent pilots from getting disorientated when in the air. The LED lights also help with this, as they allow the pilot to distinguish the front and back of the drone and therefore know which way it is facing.
Overall, the TR-MQ6 is a great little drone and definitely one of the best hexacopter drones for beginners. It?s cheap, easy to fly and durable.
Read Also: Best Fixed Wing Drones
4. WLToys Skywalker V323 ? Durable
Pros
- check?Extremely durable
- check?Easy to fly
- check?Perfect for any skill level pilot
?Cons
- ?Long charge time
- ?Large ? hard to transport
Specs
- Flight time: 9-12 minutes
- Charge time: 90 ? 120 minutes
- Maximum Range: 100-150 meters
- Dimensions: 80 x 80 x 11cm (L x W x H)
- Weight: 1.98kg / 4.3lb
- Frequency: 2.4GHz
Features
- Headless mode
- 360-degree flips
- Built in prop-guards
- 6-axis gyro stabilisation
About
Up next on our list of the best hexacopter drones we?ve got the WLToys V323, which is WLToys largest drone to date. This drone is incredibly easy to fly and perfect for any skill level pilots.
With 6-axis gyro stabilization the WLToys is able to perform a variety of 3 directional flips, which are both fun and easy to perform.
The drone is a pretty big fella, with a total wingspan of 32? in diameter. This wide build and 6 rotors make it extremely stable in the air and very easy to control. Headless mode is also available to help new pilots get to grips with flying a drone.
The WLToys features a respectable but not amazing flight time of 9-12 minutes and a maximumcontrol distance of 100-150 meters depending on conditions.
WLToys designed this hexacopter to be extremely durable, using ABS plastic and a moulded foam shell that protects the drones? propellers. This foam shell acts as built in prop guards and absorbs any impact from collisions; minimizing any damage taken to the drone.
Due to the drones? multiple motors and stable flight, cameras can be mounted underneath the body.
You should be aware that when you do this the motors would need to work harder to keep it in the air. Due to the fact that the WLToys uses brushed motors, this can cause them to burn out if you do not take breaks between flights.
The WLToys V323 is fantastic value for money, offering pilots both a fun and controlled flight. The drone is built to last and will provide many hours of entertainment, making it one of the best hexacopter drones around.
3. MJX X600 ? High build quality
Pros
- check?High quality build
- check?Good flight time
- check?One key return to home make it great for beginners
?Cons
- ?Can be hard to set up, the manual isn?t clear
- ?Although it can carry an action camera, it sometimes struggles and dramatically reduces the flight time
Specs
- Flight time: 7-9 minutes
- Charge time: 90-120 minutes
- Maximum Range: 100 meters
- Frequency: 2.4GHz
- Dimensions: 38.5 x 42.5 x 6cm (L x W XH)
- Weight: 2.3lb / 1.04kg
Features
- Headless mode
- One key return to home
- 6-axis gyro stabilization
- Can carry an action camera
About
This is the first of two MJX models on our list of the best hexacopter drones. MJX are pro?s when it comes to building insanely high quality toy grade drones and the X600 is no exception.
With a 7-8 minute flight time and a 100-meter range the MJX X600 provides pilots with a lot of freedom once in the air.
It?s easy to forget when flying the X600 that it?s a toy grade hexacopter as it feels extremely responsive and controlled whilst in the air. This is also due to the drones? 6-axis gyro stabilization that keeps it level throughout the flight.
The MJX X600 also sports the headless mode function that we have come to expect from this standard of drone.
The one key return to home function was a nice little addition by MJX, making the X600 stand out from many of its competitors.
In typical MJX fashion, the build quality of the X600 is incredible and can withstand all the inevitable bumps and knocks that come with learning to fly a drone.
?One of the only downsides the X600 is the complicated start up process and it?s unclear manual. Luckily there are a number of YouTube tutorials out there covering how to bind the transmitter to the drone, so it shouldn?t be too hard.
Although the drone is capable of carrying an action camera, this will reduce its flight time and I have heard a number of pilots claim that it can make the flight a bit unsteady.
If you?re interested in attaching an action camera, I would recommend hovering for a minute or so after take off, just to make sure it can handle the payload.
Lets just say the MJX X600 has a lot to offer, no matter your skill level. It?s easily one of the best hexacopter drones under $100 and will not disappoint.
2. UDI RC U845 ? Unique Design
Pros
- check?Unique design
- check?Inclusion of camera
- check?Live feed of video
- check?Decent battery life
- check?Extra battery for extended flight times
?Cons
- ?Takes a long time to charge (120-mins)
- ?Not a great maximum control distance
Specs
- Flight time: 6-9 minutes
- Charge time: 120 minutes
- Maximum Range: 50-80 meters
- Camera: 640 x 480 video, 1020 x 960 photograph
- Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.3 x 3.4 inches (L x W XH)
Features
- Headless mode
- 360-degree flips
- 6-axis gyro stabilization with posture control
- Real time FPV live feedback
- Get an extra battery alongside the drone
About
Up next we?ve got the awesome looking UDI RC U845, which bares a striking resemblance to a UFO.
The UDI can be controlled by either a transmitter or via a smartphone app. The smartphone can be connected to the transmitter and used to display the live feedback from the drones? camera, which allows you to do some nice FPV flying.
The camera itself is able to record videos in 640 x 480 pixels, which isn?t great but you can?t really complain for such an affordable drone.
The drone has a pretty average flight time of 6-9 minutes, however UDI also include an extra battery alongside the drone.
This allows you to essentially double your flight time, not bad! Not many drones include a spare battery, so it?s a great move by UDI!
The UDI U845 is easily one of the best drones for beginners.
It?s 6-axis gyro stabilisation and headless mode makes the drone incredibly easy and fun to fly.
The drone is also able to perform a series of 360-dgree flips in a number of directions and thanks to its gyro stabilisation; the drone will automatically correct itself once the manoeuvre is complete.
Unfortunately the UDI lets itself down slightly with its maximum range of 50-80 meters, however in my opinion the pros well outweigh the cons for this drone.
With a spare battery, a camera and FPV flying capabilities, the UDI RC U845 is one of the best hexacopter drones for all skill levels.
1. MJX X800 ? Insane value for money
Pros
- check?Insanely cheap
- check?Great value for money
- check?Gravitational mode is incredibly fun
- check?Durable
- check?Good control range
?Cons
- ?If you want to use it for FPV flying, you have to buy a camera separately
Specs
- Flight time: 10 minutes
- Maximum Range: 100 meters
- Charge time: 90-120 minutes
- Dimensions: 8.2 x 7.8 x 2.1 inches (L x W XH)
- Weight: 70.5g
Features
- One key flips
- Headless mode
- 3 speed modes ? beginner, intermediate & pro mode
- Gravitational control mode
- Searchlight for night flying
About
We?ve made it to the number one spot on our list of the best hexacopter drones for beginners. The reason we?ve ranked MJX X800 as number one is due to the sheer value for money it offers pilots. Although it?s cheap, it offers a lot in terms of both specifications and features.
Considering the drone costs less than $30, you can?t really ask for much more. The drone sports a 10-minute maximum flight time and a range of 100m. Both of these specs completely blow the drones competition out of the water.
Many have praised the X800 for being beginner friendly, with it being many pilots first ever drone. The X800 has a 6-axis gyro stabilisation and comes installed with 3 speed settings.
These settings are beginner, intermediate and professional. As you progress and feel more comfortable behind the controller you can slowly increase the speed settings.
What makes the X800 unique and one of the best hexacopter drones for beginners is its gravitational control mode.
This is where you pilot the drone by tilting the transmitter in the direction you want it to go, kind of like using a Nintendo Wii. ?
This makes for an extremely fun flying experience that no other drone in this price category can offer.
As well as this, the MJX X800 also posseses a headless mode feature, which as we discussed earlier makes piloting the drone a bit easier.
You?re also able to pilot the MJX X800 at night time, thanks to its blue and orange LED lights that also help you to distinguish between the front and the back of the hexacopter. What?s more are the drones? searchlights, which can be enabled to help you see the drone when it is dark.
Its quite frankly incredible how much has been packed into this little drone, especially when you take into consideration its? cheap price tag. No other drone is able to compete with the value for money the MJX X600 offers, making it one of the best hexacopter drones currently available.
Best Professional Hexacopter Drones List
3. DJI Matrice 600 Pro ? For Professionals
Pros
- check?Allows high standard cameras to be attached, for example RED cameras, Sony A7 series and Panasonic GH4
- check?Delivers the highest quality footage
- check?Can carry an extremely heavy payload ? max take off weight 15.5kg!
?Cons
- ?Hard to fly, for experienced pilots ONLY
- exclamation-triangle?Extremely expensive for full set up
Specs
- Flight time: Without payload ? 32 minutes & with 5.5kh payload ? 16 minutes
- Maximum distance: 5km
- Camera: Requires own camera
- Dimensions: 8 cm ? 151.8 cm ? 72.7 cm
- Weight: 9.5kg
- Max speed: 45 mph
Features
- Retractable landing gear
- Dust proof propulsion system
- DJI Lightbridge 2 of HD live streaming
- Compatible with all Zenmuse cameras & gimbals
About
The DJI Matrice 600 Pro has become the go-to hexacopter for professional pilots looking to capture cinema quality aerial footage.
The drone is undoubtedly one of the best hexacopters for aerial photography and videography, but comes at a price. It is extremely expensive and when you consider that a separate camera, gimbal and transmitter are needed, the price is pretty astonishing.
As such, the Matrice 600 is tailored for high-end projects and production companies who are looking to record the best footage possible.
The drone is able to sustain a flight time of 32 minutes without a payload, which is reduced to 16-18 minutes with a 5.5kg payload attached.
The Matrice is compatible with all Zenmuse cameras and gimbals, which allows you to attach some pretty high quality cameras to the drone such as the Sony A7Rii.
With an incredible max take off weight of 15.5kg, the Matrice is truly a beast. Flying this thing is going to be pretty difficult and if you?re used to piloting a nimble Phantom 4, the Matrice will be a whole different ball game.
Again, I would only recommend this drone for experienced pilots who are comfortable piloting such a heavy aircraft.
The Matice has retractable landing gear, which provides an unobstructed view for the camera to rotate 360-degrees. It also possesses the latest Lightbridge 2 technologies that allows HD live streaming.
If you?re a professional or a production company looking for your next high quality drone for aerial photography and videography, the DJI Matrice 600 Pro will not disappoint.
2. Yuneec Tornado H920 Plus ? Expensive But Top Quality
Pros
- check?Includes 4k camera
- check?Camera is able to zoom
- check?Good flight time & control distance
- check?Easy to set up and fly
- check?Transmitter includes built in screen
?Cons
- ?Bulky & hard to transport, despite foldable rotor arms
- exclamation-triangle?Expensive
Specs
- Flight time: 24 minutes
- Maximum distance: 1.6km
- Camera: 4k video (with zoom lens) & 16 megapixel photographs
- Max speed: 40kph
- Frequency: 2.4GHz
- Weight: 11lbs / 5kg
Features
- Quick release pros for fast set ups
- Retractable landing gear
- Foldable rotor arms
- Includes Yuneec & Panasonic CG04 4k camera
- Intelligent flight modes
About
Up next on our list of the best hexacopter drones is the Yuneec Tornado H920 Plus. This is one of the best hexacopter drones for aerial photography and cinematography, however has been adopted across an array of industries.
Yuneec worked alongside the well-known camera manufacture Panasonic to create the CC04 4k camera that comes alongside the drone.
The camera is able at shoot 4k videos, takes 16 megapixel photographs and also is able to zoom. This is pretty uncommon amongst drone cameras and a nice touch by Yuneec.
The Yuneec Tornado has a 24-minute maximum flight time and a maximum range of 1.6km. This provides pilots with a lot of freedom in the air to explore and scope out new shots.
The drone itself is incredibly easy to fly and is suitable for both beginners and professionals alike.
The drone sports automatic take off and landing, one key return to home and a number of intelligent flight modes that deliver amazing cinematic footage.
The transmitter comes with a built in screen and runs an android operating system. You can also connect to Google Maps and use this to plan out a pre-determined flight path using waypoint mode.
Unfortunately, the Yuneec Tornado has a pretty hefty price tag. This is to be expected with such a high quality drone. In my opinion it?s worth every cent as it is one of the best hexacopter drones around and allows pilots to shoot some incredible aerial footage.
Yuneec are also known for their exceptional customer service, something DJI is not. This is worth considering when deciding between a DJI and Yuneec UAV.
?1. Yuneec ?Typhoon H? – Best Value For Money
Pros
- check?Tonnes of high quality features
- check?360 degree camera movement
- check?Retractable landing gear
- check?Great customer support
?Cons
- ?Bulky hard to transport
- exclamation-triangle?Transmitter is ?
Specs
- Flight time: 25 minutes
- Camera: 4k, 1080p @ 120 FPS & 12.4 megapixel
- Max Distance: 1.6km
- Max speed: 70kph
- Frequency: 2.5GHz with 5.8GHz
- Weight: 3.7lb / 1.7kg
Features
- RealSense Obstacle Avoidane
- Smart modes
- 360 degree camera movement
- Retractable landing gear
- Foldable Arms
- Dual operator compatible
About
So, we?ve made it to the final item on our list of the best hexacopter drones, the Yuneec Typhoon H.
The Yuneec Typhoon is currently one of the top consumer drones on the market. It comes with a reasonable price tag and packed full of high quality features that make it one of the best hexacopters for aerial photography and cinematography.
The drone features retractable landing gear that allows the drones? 360-degree rotating camera to have a completely clear and unobstructed view. This is a great feature for filmmakers, as it allows them to control and rotate the camera, without having to move the drone.
With duel operator control, you can take your shots to the next level. One person is in charge of piloting the drone, whilst the other operates the camera.
?This feature is pretty much unheard of at this price range and another reason why it?s one of the best hexacopters for photographers and filmmakers.
The Yuneec Typhoon H possesses a 4k camera that can also shoot 12.4 megapixel photographs. The drone itself is able to fly for up to 25 minutes from a single charge and reach a maximum range of 1.6km, both of which are extremely impressive specifications.
The drones? rotor arms are also foldable, allowing it to become more compact. Unfortunately, the drone is pretty tall, so even folded down it is quite bulky ? one of the only downsides to the Typhoon.
Yuneec have also included a number of smart features that make the drone incredibly easy to pilot and delivers professional standard footage. These include orbit me, point of interest, journey, curve cable cam, follow/ watch me and dynamic return to home. Of course, it comes with the typical automatic take off and landing that is expected from this standard of drone.
As well as this, the Yuneec Typhoon H comes installed with the latest Intel RealSense technology. This uses the drones sensor to create a virtual 3d environment, which is then used to autonomously avoid obstacles.
If you?re looking for a professional grade hexacopter that won?t break the bank, the Yuneec Typhoon H is a fantastic option. It is built to a very high quality, packed with professional grade features and is extremely easy to fly. What more could you want?
What is a Hexacopter Drone?
??Hex? stands for ?Six?, so a hexacopter is simply a drone with six motors. ?Quad? stands for ?Four?, so a quadcopter is a drone with four motors.
?Skilled Flyer
Hexacopter VS Quadcopter Drones
Due to a hexacopter having 2 more motors and propellers, they are more powerful than their quad copter counterparts. This means that they are generally able to carry heavier payloads and are more stable in the air.
Potentially the biggest advantage of using a hexacopter over a quad copter is the drones? ability to continue flying in the event of a motor failing. If a quad copters motor were to fail, the drone would more than likely come crashing down to the ground.
Whereas a hexacopter would be able to make its way back to the pilot and land safely.
Best Hexacopter Drones Round Up
Thanks for taking the time to read our article on the best hexacopter drones. As always if you have any questions or recommendations please feel free to comment below.
Happy flying!
Related Reading
