Best drone accessories under $50: 5 add-ons for safer, smoother flights

Experienced pilots tend to say the same thing: the flight is decided before the propellers spin. A quick wind check, a spare memory card and a phone that stays put on the controller matter more than they sound. 

The fun part is that the useful extras for any drone setup are cheap, and every one on this list comes in under $50.

Best drone accessories under $50

Gadinsider has compiled five drone accessories for pilots at any level. The list includes a TopTes wind speed meter, a Gigastone two-pack of memory cards, a STARTRC magnetic phone stand for DJI controllers, an airdrop release device from Beciquook and a set of LED strobe lights. 

With the holiday season approaching in the United States, small add-ons like these are also a common choice for anyone shopping for a drone owner.

1. TopTes TS-301 digital anemometer

The TopTes TS-301 is a handheld wind speed meter with a 2.26-inch backlit LCD screen. It is aimed at drone flying, sailing, kite flying, golf and HVAC checks. It also reads temperature and humidity.

Key features and specs

• Screen: 2.26-inch backlit LCD
• Wind units: 6, including mph, knots, km/h, m/s, ft/s and ft/m
• Humidity range: 0.0% to 99.9% RH
• Temperature range: -4.0°F to 140.0°F
• Auto shut-off: After 10 minutes of non-use
• Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Material: ABS
• In the box: 3 AAA batteries, user manual and carry pouch

Performance

The important part of the listing for a pilot is that he should have a quick look prior to his take-off. The listing includes mph, which is very convenient for pilots in the USA since this is the standard unit for measuring wind speed in the country. The listing notes that the readings from temperature and humidity sensors should stabilise within 30 minutes of a change of the environment.

Pros

• Six wind speed units, including mph
• Also reads temperature and humidity
• Batteries and carry pouch included

Cons

• No accuracy figure is stated.
• Temperature and humidity sensors need at least 30 minutes to adjust.
• The wind speed measuring range is not listed

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TopTes TS-301 digital anemometer — View at Amazon

2. Beciquook universal drone airdrop system

The Beciquook is a small release device that straps to the underside of a drone and drops a payload by remote control. The drone is not included. The listing says the remote works within 1 km.

Key features and specs

• Weight: 1.06 ounces
• Compatibility: DJI Mini 4, Mini 3, Mini 2, Air 2, Air 2S, Mavic 3, Mavic 2 and Spark, per the listing
• Not suitable for: DJI Phantom 3/4 and Inspire 1/2
• Install: Velcro, adjusted to the drone model
• Remote range: Within 1 km, per Beciquook
• Battery: 800 mAh; about 3 hours to charge by USB-C
• Hook: Adjustable position
• In the box: Release device, data line, nylon string and remote control
• Colour: Grey

Performance

The drop happens automatically via a different remote control, meaning that it functions independent of the controls of the actual drone. Beciquook includes applications such as bait for fishing, gifts and rings; these are the suggestions by the seller. Additional weight impacts the performance of the drone, yet no maximum payload is provided, so ensure that your drone can handle it.

Pros

• Small and light, at 1.06 ounces
• Separate remote control
• USB-C rechargeable

Cons

• No maximum payload is stated.
• Not suitable for some DJI models
• The listing says Wi-Fi in the specs but describes a separate remote.

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Universal drone airdrop system — View at Amazon

3. Gigastone 128GB micro SD card, 2-pack

This is a two-pack of 128GB microSDXC cards rated A1 and V30 for 4K video. The listing names drones, dash cams, security cameras and tablets as compatible devices. Gigastone offers a 5-year limited warranty.

Key features and specs

• Capacity: 128GB per card, 2 cards
• Speed: Read up to 95MB/s, write up to 40MB/s, per Gigastone
• Ratings: A1, V30, UHS-I Class 10
• Video: 4K recording support
• Adapters: 2 SD adapters included
• Format: exFAT; older devices may need FAT32
• Durability claims: Waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof and X-ray proof, per Gigastone
• Warranty: 5-year limited

Performance

One advantage with a two-pack is that it provides you with an alternative card to switch to while recording footage for the whole day. V30 is a designation for video recording, so the important write speed of 40 MB/s should be the main focus for drone footage. The seller mentions that the card may require reformatting to FAT32 in older gadgets.

Pros

• Two 128GB cards and two SD adapters
• V30 and A1 ratings for 4K video
• 5-year limited warranty

Cons

• Write speed is up to 40 MB/s.
• Older devices may need reformatting to FAT32.
• Durability claims are the seller's

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GIGASTONE 128GB micro SD card 2-pack — View at Amazon

4. 4 pcs wireless LED strobe lights with remote

This is a set of four rechargeable LED strobe lights with a remote control, meant for drones, cars, bikes and boats. The listing does not name a brand. It offers 8 colours and 10 flash modes.

Key features and specs

• Pack: 4 lights, 1 remote
• Colours and modes: 8 colours, 10 modes
• Remote range: Within 7 metres, with memory function
• Charging: USB, about 1 hour for a full charge
• Run time: 30+ hours in flash mode; as little as 2 hours for red and 4 hours for white in the most power-hungry mode, per the listing
• Standby: Over a year uncharged, or about 1.5 months when activated
• Water resistance: IP65, with a plug for the charging port
• Mounting: Velcro or rubber ring
• In the box: 8 rubber rings, 4 Velcro stickers, USB cable, user manual

Performance

This pack of four allows you to mount lights on various areas of the drone, bike, or car. This is highly dependent on the mode because 30 hours is only applicable when in flash mode. There is no mention of any brightness level in the product details, so do some research on that too. The rules for night flying vary from one location to another.

Pros

• Four lights and a remote in one set
• Eight colours and ten modes
• IP65 water resistance and USB charging

Cons

• No brand name in the listing
• Brightness is not stated, and run time varies by mode.
• Remote range is limited to 7 metres.

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4 pcs wireless LED strobe lights with remote control — View at Amazon

5. STARTRC adjustable magnetic phone stand for DJI RC-N controllers

The STARTRC is a foldable magnetic phone stand for DJI RC-N1, N2 and N3 controllers. A magnetic plate sticks to the back of the phone, and the base fixes to the controller with 3M adhesive.

Key features and specs

• Compatibility: DJI RC-N1, N2, N3 and X1, per the listing; the text also mentions SKYROVER S1
• Mounting: 3M adhesive base, with magnetic attachment
• Rotation: 360°, in portrait or landscape
• Design: Foldable
• In the box: Two magnetic plates and one 3M replacement adhesive
• Colour: Black with Silver

Performance

This device allows mounting a phone without having to push it into a clip, and because it is foldable, it can be stored in a flat position inside a flight bag. According to STARTRC, the mounting bracket does not cover any buttons and does not interfere with user interface access. The phone should be equipped with a magnetic plate, which will be included in the package.

Pros

• Magnetic attachment, with no clamp
• 360° rotation and foldable design
• Two magnetic plates and spare adhesive included

Cons

• For specific DJI controllers only
• Adhesive mounting makes repositioning harder.
• Weight and size are not listed.

Today's best deals

Adjustable magnetic phone stand for DJI RC-N1/N2/N3 remote control (STARTRC) — View at Amazon