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Best Drone for GoPro Hero Camera – Top 8 GoPro Drones

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As drones are becoming more and more sophisticated in terms of performance, features, security and technology, GoPro cameras are also becoming popular among drone enthusiasts. The best drones for GoPro cameras enable a dronie to capture top quality photographs and video footages.

The GoPro quadcopter that has been able to top the our charts in 2016 is the 3DR Solo because of its impressive flight duration. Moreover, it is one of the GoPro Drones that has been designed by engineers keeping in mind the GoPro cameras. The Follow Me mode and Orbit are some of the additional features that transform this drone into a fabulous device that has been able to create ripples among its widespread fanbase.

The DJI Phantom 2 GoPro Quadcopter is another option that boasts a prolific time of flight and accommodates the GoPro camera seamlessly while ensuring that the photographs and videos taken with it are of the highest quality possible.

However, if you have been affected by budgetary constraints and want to go for GoPro Drones that are affordable as well as rich in features, then Ionic Stratus Drone Quadcopter is a pretty decent choice.

Let’s go through our extensive list of best drones for GoPro cameras below.

#1 DJI Phantom 2 Quadcopter with Zenmuse H3-3D 3-Axis Gimbal for GoPro Video Camera

Specifications

  • Camera: No camera comes with this drone. It has been designed with the sole aim to support GoPro Hero cameras
  • Dimensions: 20 x 10 x 14 inches
  • Time of Flight: 25 minutes
  • Control Range: 300 meters
  • GoPro supported gimbal is also included
  • Payload: Can carry light-weight action cameras

Safe and Stable

A drone that is not able to ensure the security of the expensive and intricate camera equipment is of no use. The drone should be able to provide requisite security and safety to the camera and the payload attached to it. In addition to safety, the drone should be user friendly and very easy to maneuver.

This is exactly why DJI Phantom is our top most recommendation for a GoPro Quadcopter that is secure, remains steady during flight and produces top quality video footages that can blow anyone’s mind away.

The Return to Base feature in these amazing GoPro drones provides a fail-safe mechanism to ensure that even if you end up losing control of your device as a consequence of a certain malfunction in the device, you can get your beloved machine and the attached high-priced camera equipment back safe and sound. The drone is very stable in flight, includes an inbuilt Global Positioning System (GPS) and other splendid security features that further enhance the security of this tremendous device.

Ready to Fly

The drone comes in a ready to takeoff packaging, so that you don’t have to spend your precious time assembling it up and tuning it subsequently. You just have to connect the propellers, fit the batteries into the designated slots in the remote controller and get the batteries charged fully.

Great Gimbal

Bundled in the original packaging is the Zenmuse H3-3D 3-axis gimbal which has been engineered using cutting-edge technology. It provides pivotal support to the GoPro Quadcopter ensuring that the device remains as steady as possible during the flight and the photographs taken and videos shot with the whole assembly is smooth and flawless to the maximum possible extent.

Long Flight Time

Long durations of flight is a prerequisite for top quality GoPro drones and this is a trait that comes naturally to this fantastic machine. With a completely charged Lithium Polymer battery that come in the original packaging, a pilot can fly the DJI Phantom 2 drone for no less than 25 minutes. But, since the drone is a bit large in size, hence, it is more suitable for flying in open space. In case, you have to make your way through tighter niches, DJI Phantom 2 might not be the drone you are looking for.

Regarding First Person View

The DJI Phantom 2 drone does not boast a First Person View of its own. However, you can always purchase a number of add-ons such as the DJI Phantom FPV Kit for GoPro Hero (7 inch LCD display, 5.8 GHz, 500 feet range). This setup enables the pilot to capture high resolution pictures and videos using the First Person View and a GoPro camera. There’s a downside though; if you are using the WiFi of GoPro as First Person View, it may interfere with the DJI Phantom 2’s control as the controller as well as the GoPro operate in the same frequency band. Hence, we recommend you to get your hands on this kit for a First Person View.

What Sets it Apart from the Rest

As far as the flight is concerned, it is certainly on the higher side in contrast to other drones in the market, but considering the advanced features, enhanced flight duration and impeccable security measures set it apart from the rest of the pack. The DJI Phantom 2 GoPro Quadcopter has a lot of fans online who have established fan groups and communities throughout the world wide web. The pilots are able to captures sensationally stable videos because of the presence of the gimbal.

Video

Take a look at this video that has been shot with DJI Phantom 2 and GoPro Hero 4 camera.

Best GoPro Drone for GoPro

We believe that the DJI Phantom 2 quadcopter with Zenmuse H3-3D gimbal is a top-of-the-line drone for GoPro since it offers unmatchable quality, extended time of flight, failsafe security measures and an exquisitely designed gimbal that has been engineered in accordance with the GoPro Hero cameras.

Package Including GoPro Hero 4

The drone aficionados can also purchase the DJI Phantom 2 GoPro Drones with Zenmuse H3-3D gimbal alongside a GoPro Hero 4 camera. This infrastructure ensures that the pictures you take and the videos you shot are of unparalleled quality and unbeatable at all fronts.

Just to keep you updated though, this package is no more on offer!

Do You Want it Cheaper?

Since the DJI Phantom 3 series has been out from some time and has been able to create good vibes among the drone fans, hence you can get the DJI Phantom 2 series for reduced prices. The standard variant of the drone comes without the gimbal or the camera mount and can be bought at surprisingly reduced prices. The gimbal and the camera mount can be purchased as extensions. The DJI Phantom 2 performs efficiently with a GoPro camera while the time of flight without the camera mounted on top is about 28 minutes. This device provides scintillating video footage and has been tested for Hero 2, Hero3/3+ and Hero 4 cameras.

#2 Blade 350 QX3 RTF

Specifications

  • Camera: No camera is included
  • GoPro camera mount comes in the original packaging
  • Dimensions: 21.7 x 13.5 x 8.6 inches
  • Time of Flight: 15 minutes
  • Control Range: 300 meter
  • Payload: Can support light-weight action cameras

The Blade 350 QX3 GoPro Quadcopter is less-priced as compared to the advanced level drones presented in our list, this amazing drone still has plenty of skeletons in its closet to surprise you with its adroitness. If you are looking for great GoPro drones, then do not let this gem of drone go through your hands. Blade have fabricated this superb machine with an intention to make the seemingly laborious process of aerial photography and cinematography simpler. Its key features include Global Positioning System, easy to control and fine safety characteristics.

GoPro Ready

The Blade 350 QX3 includes a GoPro camera mount in the original packaging so that once you get your drone out of its packing, you just attach your GoPro camera up on its designated mount and go out capturing images and videos with the best drone for GoPro. The flight duration of 10 to 15 minutes with a fully charged battery and a 300 meter control range, make this splendid GoPro quadcopter a fierce rival of the mighty DJI Phantom 2.

Delivered Ready to Fly and Has Return to Home Function

The Blade 350 QX3 GoPro drones come ready to takeoff and includes a mast-mounted Global Positioning System antenna, that helps to enhance the performance rendered by the GPS system.

The Return to Home features ensures that the GoPro quadcopter is able to return to the base autonomously and make a landing on its own which becomes a very safe contingency plan in case of any uncalled for crash.

Moreover, the various flight modes that are programmed into the drone render the process of aerial photography and cinematography extremely simple. The modes of flight boast self-leveling feature and height-detecting sensors to ensure that the GoPro drones remain in a precise position during a hover.

Video

Watch this video captured with a Blade 350 QX3 and Hero 3 camera.

Great Choice but Consider Investing in a Gimbal

If you are planning to purchase an additional GoPro camera, then the Blade 350 QX3 is a very fine choice. Blade brings to you the Blade BLH7910 GB200 Brushless Gimbal which is a pretty cool piece of equipment and offers amazing compatibility with GoPro cameras. In addition, the top quality security measures that have made to ensure its safety by the manufacturers are eye-catching while affordability is another feature that makes this device a brilliant choice to be had in your collection of the best drones for GoPro Hero camera.

#3 Ionic Stratus Drone Quadcopter

Specifications

  • Camera: No camera is included
  • Support is provided for all modes of GoPro Hero camera
  • Dimensions: 50.5 x 18 x 21 inches
  • Time of Flight: 10 minutes
  • Control Range: 150 meter
  • Payload: Can support light-weight action cameras

The Ionic Stratus GoPro Quadcopter is probably the most reasonably priced drones to have made to our list. It certainly does not boast the time of flight and control range as high as its competitors but it gives a pretty good value for one’s money. It ensures that the beginner pilots enjoy a decent flight experience and are able to have fun while taking pictures and shooting videos with an action camera. If you keep additional batteries up your sleeves, you can certainly extend your flight experience.

No Gimbal

Unlike many of the GoPro Drones out there in the market,  no pivotal support is provided with the drone which accounts for videos recorded with jerks at certain occasions. The camera is mounted on the quadcopter in a rubber framework that does dampen the vibrations of the device during the flight. However, if you are in a mood to attach a separate gimbal on the drone, you can always remove the rubber mount without any fuss.

Here’s a video of the Ionic Stratus Drone Quadcopter with a Hero 3 Black camera.


This amazing device provides a control range of around 150 meters and is able to perform a number of exciting maneuvers such as the 3D flips.

When you consider its price and compare it with the quality flight experience that it furnishes to the pilot, it is indeed a pretty cool drone. However, it comes without a gimbal of its own which indicates that it is mainly designed to target the rookie dronies. There have been a few reports of its poor performance in gusty weather conditions in terms of its flight and landing.

#4 3DR Solo Quadcopter

Specifications

  • Camera: No camera is included
  • A gimbal is available for purchase for GoPro Hero camera
  • Dimensions: 9.23 x 16.52 x 16.42 inches
  • Time of Flight: 20-25 minutes
  • A camera mount that supports the GoPro cameras
  • Payload: Can support light-weight action cameras

In the search of the best drone for GoPro Hero camera, we come to this newly released GoPro Quadcopter called Solo which is being touted as the world’s first smart drone. The GoPro Drones feature a couple of similar 1 GHz processors and offers some amazing attributes that can produce tremendously professional grade video recordings. The Solo is a great addition in the drone market and certainly throws the gauntlet to its serious challengers, DJI Phantom 2 and Phantom 3. As opposed to numerous drones that have been mentioned in this list, this device has been engineered keeping in mind the GoPro camera which can be sold with a gimbal. However, remember that the gimbal can be bought as an add-on. This drone also allows you to stream your First Person View video in High Definition from your GoPro device to the iOS or Android powered smartphone or tablet.

Functions

Solo comes with tons of awesome features such as the Orbit function in which the drone locks the camera on a target object and captures footage while revolving around it in circles and performing circumambulation. Another feature called the Cable Cam locks the camera on a virtual cable while you can control the camera from a distance. With such exquisite features in your armory, you can carry out any trick that is used by cinematographers in Hollywood movies.

Gimbal

The Solo GoPro Quadcopter also allows the drone enthusiasts to purchase the Solo Gimbal as an additional product which will lend stability and steadiness to their drone and hence produce some cool, smooth and solid images and videos.

What Sets it Apart

The Solo GoPro drones have been manufactured taking into consideration the GoPro cameras. Hence, you are able to maneuver your camera via the gimbal while you can easily use the First Person View without having to invest in any additional equipment. The 3DR Solo is an amazing device that lets the pilots shoot some astounding photographs and videos and in our opinion, it is by far the best drone for GoPro that produces highly professional, innovative and creative video footages.

#5 3DR IRIS+ (915) Quadcopter

Specifications

  • Camera: No camera is included
  • A gimbal is available for purchase for GoPro Hero camera
  • Dimensions: 18 x 25 x 6 inches
  • Time of Flight: 16-22 minutes
  • A camera mount that supports the GoPro cameras
  • Payload: Can support light-weight action cameras

3D Robotics have again come up with this superb IRIS+ GoPro Quadcopter that can let you produce top notch images and videos that will leave your audience bewildered. What really sets it apart from its competitors is its Follow Me feature that enables the drone to follow you wherever you go, covering your every single move and hence is one of those ideal GoPro drones that are meant to be made for adventure sports.

The autonomous flight feature in this superb machine is also exceptional. So, you just have to tell the quadcopter to go to a certain destination and it will go there all by itself without any external help. And in doing so, the GoPro quadcopter will also keep its camera steady by means of a fine 2 axis gimbal.

In case your batteries run out of juice or the GoPro drones somehow get lost by exiting the control range, it has the unimaginable ability to return to its base; thereby providing it the much needed security features.

GoPro Ready

The GoPro camera compatible mount on the drone enables the pilot to attach the GoPro with minimum possible fuss to the drone. Besides, the Tarot T-2D Brushless Gimbal kit is not bundled in the original package and can be purchased as an extension. It supports GoPro Hero camera series.

Ready to Fly

The IRIS+ quadcopter comes in the ready to takeoff packaging. All you have to do after unboxing your beloved drone is to attach the propellers, charge the batteries and you are good to go.

Why I Like It

What makes it the best drone for GoPro is its phenomenal features called the Follow Me mode that makes the drone follow you during your mad adventures while you are swimming, surfing, riding your bike, scaling mountains, hiking, skiing and other such spectacular stuff. It is an all-in-one camera team that does not need any cables or wires. It is a pretty good substitute to the DJI Phantom 2 despite boasting a slightly short time of flight. However, it includes some attractive features that make it a very fine GoPro quadcopter.

#6 Walkera QR X350 Pro RTF FPV DEVO F7 For GoPro

Specifications

  • Camera: No camera is included
  • Time of flight is around 23 minutes
  • Comes with a mount that supports GoPro cameras
  • Payload: Can support light-weight action cameras
  • Includes a G-2D gimbal
  • Also comes with a First Person View system that is compatible with GoPro

And our pursuit for the best drone for GoPro has brought us to our next drone which is the Walkera QR X350 that has been produced by a Chinese manufacturer called Guangzhou Walkera Technology. This enterprise has been able to make a name for itself in the world of drones within a pretty short span of time. The new Walkera QR X350 provides a flight duration of around of 23 minutes which is quite a remarkable development from the old Walkera X350 that used to provide a time of flight of just around 5 minutes.

The Walkera QR X350 GoPro drones come with a First Person View system in the original packaging that transmits a live feed of the in-flight video to the controller. Also, the drone aficionados can get a mount and a gimbal that supports GoPro cameras.

Optimized for GoPro

Bundled within a single package for the same price are included the gimbal, a mount and a GoPro transmitter which is quite an amazing deal. Since the First Person View technology operates in the 5.8 GHz frequency, so it does not interfere with the Radio control system of the GoPro quadcopter. The Walkera QR X350 comes as ready to takeoff device and one can immediately set up the GoPro camera after unboxing.

Safety Features

We always welcome GoPro drones that portray the Return to Base feature since it ensures the safety of typically expensive camera equipment. We believe that DJI Phantom drones are way faster and easier to set whizzing through the air but when it comes to those who are new to the art of flying drones, the Walkera QR X350 is a pretty impressive choice. We would go so far as to claim that it provides a unique flying experience and might turn out to be just a touch swifter and agile as opposed to its contemporaries.

Another great benefit with this superb device is that it comes ready to takeoff and one does not have to sweat over attaching the GoPro to the drone. Overall, this tremendous machine is giving a tough fight to the DJI Phantom 2 devices. As a matter of fact, Walkera have upped the ante with the release of Walkera QR X350.

You Want it Cheaper?

For those of you who have been troubled by budget woes, try out the standard version of Walkera QR X350 Pro without the Gimbal and First Person View system.

#7 CXHOBBY CX-20 Professional RC Quadcopter

Specifications

  • Mount that is compatible with GoPro cameras
  • Time of flight is about 15 minutes
  • Payload: Engineered to carry lightweight adventure cameras
  • Chinese manufacturers are throwing serious challengers to the European tech giants as our quest for the best drone for GoPro continues. CXHobby CX-20 has been produced by the Chinese firm called the Cheerson Hobby and is a low-cost device but certainly provides a lot of functionalities in contrast to its price. As far as the appearance is concerned, it looks pretty much like DJI Phantom GoPro drones.

The biggest advantage that you get with the Cheerson CXHobby CX-20 GoPro quadcopter  is its price since beginners can manage to be a bit reckless while learning. Despite boasting a substantially low price, it should be kept in mind that CXHobby is not a toy drone by any means and is a pretty intricate and sophisticated piece of technological equipment.

The professional version of CX-20 offers a flight duration of about 15 minutes and flies with high intensity LED lights for better orientation during flights. It boasts a size almost equivalent to the DJI Phantom and has a speed of about 10 meters per second.

This machine does not include its own camera but comes with a mount compatible with GoPro cameras.

Safety Features

If your battery suddenly runs out of juice, the drone will indicate the low battery power and if you continue to ignore that alert signal, the drone has the potential to make a landing of its own accord. Besides, if you, somehow, happen to lose connection with the drone, it can autonomously return to base.

Ready to Fly

The professional version of the CX-20 GoPro drones comes in the ready to takeoff packaging but does require a bit of assembling at the outset. We highly recommend you to go through the instructions manual to avoid any uncalled for crashes during flight. You can also check out the instructional disk that comes along in the package.

The CXHobby CX-20 GoPro quadcopter  has struck the right chords with its audience and has claimed plenty of plaudits and appreciation with regard to performance and price. It is being regarded as a low-cost alternative to the DJI Phantom drones. However, be ready to observe a slight flimsiness in the structure of the drone as the DJI Phantom drones are pretty well built and hard to replicate in terms of quality as well as performance.

#8 Ghost Drone Aerial 2.0

Specifications

  • Completely stable GoPro compatible 3-axis gimbal and mount included
  • Time of flight: 25 minutes
  • Payload: Can carry lightweight action cameras
  • Produced by Indiegogo, Inc, Ghost is a crowdfunded product that is being touted as the easiest drone to fly and ranks eighth in our list that looks out for the best drone for GoPro! The Ghost Aerial 2.0 has been released just recently and similar to the Ghost 1 GoPro quadcopter, it does not come with a controller. Rather it is maneuvered by the pilot’s iOS or Android powered mobile handheld device.

The Ghost 2.0 GoPro drones originally come with 4K sports camera but it can replaced and room can be made to mount the GoPro camera onto the drone. The 3-axis gimbal provides support for Hero 3, Hero 3+ and Hero 4 actiona cameras.

By triggering the night mode on, you can switch on the high intensity LED lights of the drone and hence can track your beloved device during night time flying as well.

Similar to other GoPro drones such as the AirDog and the IRIS+, it can be set to the Follow Me mode and the amazing machine follows you around, recording video footages, while you enjoy yourself in skiing, surfing, swimming, hiking or other adventure sports. The device boasts a pretty impressive time of flight of about 25 minutes.

Gimbal Included

The Ghost 2.0 Aerial GoPro quadcopter comes with an aircraft grade 3-axis gimbal made of aluminium that ensures that the drone remains steady during the course of its flight and is compatible with Hero 3, Her 3+ and Hero 4 cameras. What is really beneficial about this setup is that the gimbal is mounted at the time of manufacture and you don’t have to spend your precious time assembling it.

Safety Features

In case you lose connection or communication with the Ghost 2.0, the Return to Base feature is triggered automatically. These fabulous GoPro drones are also able to withstand the pressures and impact of rain and wind while propeller guards are also bundled together in the original packaging.

Android and iOS

A pilot can control this fantastic Ghost Aerial 2.0 GoPro quadcopter via an iOS or Android powered smartphone or tablet through the Ghost Drone app. Bundled together in the original packaging is the G-box that provides an extended range of communication with the controlling device and the drone at a range of up to 3,280 feet (1 Km).

Great for Beginners

The Ghost 2.0 is a very user friendly device that does not require too much experience and expertise in terms of flying drones around. You just need to be in possession of a smartphone and you can access real time flight parameters through the app. The Waypoint mode makes it very easy to issue commands to the drone while Flight Planning feature can also be accessed through a single tap.

EHANG will soon be launching four new models of Ghost 2.0 and one of them is expected to include a camera alongside the technology to use Virtual Reality goggles.

Bonus: Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Quadricopter

Specifications

  • Camera: 720p high-definition live video broadcasting to mobile handheld device
  • Dimensions: 23 x 0.5 x 23 inches
  • Flight Duration: 12 minutes
  • Control Range: 50 meters
  • Payload: Not designed to carry lightweight action cameras

As we search for the best drone for GoPro, we come across a bonus feature on our list. It is the Parrot AR. Drone 2.0 which quite a low cost proposition and can be controlled with the help of an iOS or Android powered mobile handheld device. It boasts a very small size which makes it pretty easy to navigate across small tight places.

Includes Camera

The Parrot AR. Drone 2.0 GoPro quadcopter comes with a high definition camera that is capable to provide a live feed of the flight right down to your smartphone or tablet. Since a camera mount does not come in the original packaging, so you will have to buy a camera mount if you plan to mount your own action camera. However, there’s a downside of adding too much weight to this lightweight drone. The altitude and battery power will have to be sacrificed if you attach camera mounts to these Parrot AR. 2.0 GoPro Drones.

Ready to Fly

The Parrot AR. Drone 2.0 is available in read to takeoff packaging and provides a control range of around 50 meters with a time of flight of about 12 minutes.

Good for Beginners

These GoPro drones have been tailor-made for beginners who are learning how to fly drones. They are very easy to fly and one does not have to do a lot of assembling after unboxing. The integrated Global Positioning System based tracking is also available in this GoPro quadcopter which ensures that the potential paths of flight are mapped out with ease.

Cheap and Fun, but You Need a GoPro Mount

Despite being made without the GoPro in mind, the Parrot AR. Drone 2.0 is a low cost option and provides a wonderful flying experience. Its small size enables the pilots to access tight locations via this drone easily. Moreover, without the gimbal mounted on the device, the recorded video is likely to be extremely shaky.

Video

Here’s a video of the Parrot AR. Drone 2.0 with the GoPro Hero 2 camera on a rather gusty day.

Warning: Not Very Strong

Since the Parrot AR. Drone 2.0 is unable to carry even lightweight payloads, hence you ought to get a camera mount that is very light in weight. If forced to carry large payloads, you might see your investment crashing down the ground. We wanted to include this amazing device in our list as a cheap drone but it does have its shortcomings.

Update on Best Drone for GoPro Hero Camera

A new version of the Parrot AR. Drone 2.0 known by the name of Power Edition has been launched of late which offers an astounding time of flight of 36 minutes.

We will continue to update this exhaustive list as new drones are launched by the manufacturers. If you think that we have missed out on some good products available in the market, then do share your opinion with us through your valuable comments in the comments section.