Holy Stone HS360S SPYDI sub 250g Drone The best under $200 drone I've ever flown! Beginner drone!

[@DavidEmerling79]

I have this drone. When they say it may take 40 seconds, they aren't kidding. I thought the same thing you thought, "Something's wrong," but I'll bet you didn't wait 40 seconds. Even after the controller connects with the drone, it often takes the drone a little longer to get a GPS signal. You have to wait for it to say "ready for flight" in the upper left hand corner. It says "searching ..." before it says "ready for flight." If you're in GPS MODE (the default mode), it won't fly until you have *both* a controller-drone connection AND a GPS signal to the drone. If you force it into ATTI MODE (attitude mode), you can fly it instantly without waiting for the GPS signal. I always wait, however. It usually takes about 15 seconds or so at the max. Sometimes it's immediate. I guess it depends where the satellites are at the time. I never had the gimbal issue that you were dealing with. "Up an in" for compass calibration. "Up and out" for leveling (undocumented). "Down and in" to start the rotors. If you don't have an SD card in, it will still record on your phone. It always records on your phone, even if you do have an SD card in. It will record on both.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I really liked the little HS360S. Thank you for your well thought out comment and tips for flying the drone. I'll pin this one.

[@RDsRCReviews]

This one is a winner at the price. I'm looking forward to reviewing this one as soon it is arrives. Great job as always Marcus

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you, Ryan! You're going to like this one.

[@BananerRepublic]

this is clearly not 4k... not 2.5k, not 1080p..... maybe 720 if you lucky

[@Dirt47]

You talked me into this one! Bought one yesterday and you're right, 4k @ 20fps is weak and it's shaky, but 2.7k @30fps is much nice and it's much smoother! Thank you sir!

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Yes, for the money it's hard to beat! Thank you!

[@georgekelly1948]

As you know, I won’t be buying this drone, but I always like to see you out flying at Kleiner Park. Cheers, buddy.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you George! I had fun with this little drone. 😀

[@chefgav1]

Why won’t you be buying?

[@georgekelly1948]

@@chefgav1 Hi, Chef. I have a Mini 2, a Mini 3 Pro, and an Air 3. I am pretty well covered for now. Cheers.

[@ssb73q]

Hi Marcus, nice initial review of the Holy Stone HS360S. This looks like a great starter drone. Showing your experience using the drone cold is just what a beginner needs. I went through eleven toy drones before getting my first quality drone. IMO starting with a toy drone is a natural part of the evolution of embracing the drone hobby. Good work!

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Yes, a new flier will have a good experience with this drone.

[@andycalm2052]

Great review buddy keep up the good work!

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you very much Andy!

[@johnolson7436]

Thanks for this Marcus, I have been asked several times what drone they should by for the kids. This drone appears to be the answer. Most people I know would not spend over $300 for a first drone. If they have more than one kid most drones are beyond the budget.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you, John. This is not a bad choice for a first drone.

[@matttrella262]

I ordered mine last night after my 3rd drink. I am brand new to this but I need a new hobby. I am very excited about getting mine great video. I will be ordering a few extra batteries.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

It's a fun little drone. You'll enjoy it!

[@michaelgilbert4005]

Thanks for sharing this drone with us. I now have a deeper appreciation for DJI.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I love my DJI drones, and so does my credit card company! 😀

[@cliff.allister]

@@IdahoQuadcopter 🤣

[@BAMDrones-MichaelBelshe]

Not a terrible drone for the price. Also, love the Storm Troopers on your cell phone wallpaper! Thanks for sharing!

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Ha! Good eye Michael! I took that Storm Trooper picture while on Rise of the Resistance. 🙂

[@mr.boutdoorsmisadventures7464]

Great little review Marcus! nice to see Holy Stone trying to make better drones. I had to laugh at your pre trip Comment. I am also a retired trucker.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Yes, those pre-trip inspections go well with drones. 😀

[@mr.boutdoorsmisadventures7464]

@@IdahoQuadcopter Yep just sold my Air 2, I am that much close to that Air 3.

[@Astrohurricane]

Seems like a great deal for a beginner or a child whose parents either don't want to or can't afford to spend big $$$'s on a first drone. When you start out the fun is in the flying not the video recording. Also gives a massive amount of respect for how good the gimbal stability is on DJI's drones.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Yes, this is a starter drone only. 👍

[@breezeaire]

I bought mine back last summer and un boxed today, learning curve and im not off ground yet. Turning the controller on is I did not see instructions for that connecting a phone is iffy Hope to fly tomorrow

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

It is an easy to fly little drone. Enjoy it!

[@breezeaire]

I've crashed twice but at least I got it off the ground my own fault thinking I know how to fly when I surely don't for anyone that's new the app has a little gift box upper right corner select one of those gifts it'll go to an email you'll get something back from I selected extra battery Will be here today

[@robertbdrone6835]

Another great video from my friend Marcus let’s get that bird in the air

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you Robert!

[@AndThenSome71]

Fantastic video as always. That really is a nice drone for the price.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you! Yes, it's a good starter drone. 👍

[@jimanderson4865]

Hi Marcus.....This would make a great stocking stuffer for that price........👍

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

True enough, it's less than the cost of a battery in some of my other drones. 🙂

[@randyhickman9932]

Great video! I bought one as a beginner. I can't get the follow me feature to work. I am sure I am doing something wrong. I push the little man button and draw a box around me, but I don't know if I need to be doing anything else at that point to make it follow me. Do you have a suggestion? Thanks

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

It sounds like you're activating the tracking feature correctly. I'm not sure what the issue might be? Thank you for watching!

[@jbl91762]

what phone are you using. I bought this but app would not work with my android.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

The HS Fly app.

[@davedennis5537]

Im debating between this HS 360s or the HS 900 getting

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I like them both, the 360S is much more affordable.

[@sammygizmo7087]

Great review. Thank you for letting us know about other brands. But I'm really a DJI fan boy. Best regards from Cebu, Philippines 🎉

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I agree Sammy. This little Holy Stone is a beginner only drone.

[@sammygizmo7087]

@@IdahoQuadcopter I enjoy your review and the lovely scene you have while flying those drones. Take care my friend.

[@LaurentCARATY]

Hi sir, did you try to setup the transmitter in mode 1? Do you know how to exactly. The manual instruction make me wrong

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I've never tried that. You may want to contact Holy Stone support.

[@LaurentCARATY]

I will answer myself, found it! First Switch on the drone, next push and get pressed the picture Switch during switch on the emitter. After some Times the emitter display "mode R". Finaly confirm by release and pushing the picture Button again. This process IS very very different from the manual .....

[@LaurentCARATY]

@@IdahoQuadcopter yes, made it. But I found by multiple testings. I put my results in the coms

[@billlewis7669]

Actually I would get car (drone) sick. But I learn so much. Thank you

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Ha! No gimbal on this little guy Bill! 🙂

[@Mackie-tm7sb]

How is this one comparing to the HS175D?

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

This one flies great!

[@chriswhite58]

Maybe I missed it but what is the screen on the remote for?

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I should have shown that more. It just shows the drone telemetry.

[@FoxFaderWorld]

Why are these videos still interesting after all these years 😊? Nevertheless this is great value in a GPS drone. Nice one.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Ha! Thank you Fox! 🙂

[@malcolmm7880]

I’ve been nervous to get my up in the air. My first drone thanks for the video

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

You will do great. This is an easy drone to fly. 👍

[@JackBQuick79]

What is the best app to use for this particular drone?

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

HS Fly.

[@SBoth_]

What aftermarket remote/radio works with this drone

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I do not know.

[@capeRCouple]

The funsnap diva 2 se is also a decent budget drone for those wanting to test the hobby and was around the same price,no gimbal but had eis and was pretty decent considering the cost,it flew really good too but had a low altitude of only 30m and a range of about 150m or so but overall it was ok for what it is.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

They claim 3KM range on this one. I've never tried a funsnap. 👍

[@gildoubrava5998]

Is there an emergency turn off motors? BECAUSE I TRIED and they stayed on, hard to grab it when its doing that, while turning it fights you.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

The left stick all the way down usually does it.

[@cliffchamberlin6851]

What app were you using?

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

HS Fly.

[@paulpennock3946]

I have 2 360 S Doran’s and I am almost afraid to fly them because you’re not sure what they will do. Price is beside the point.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I thought it was a nice little drone!

[@paulpennock3946]

I don’t know how they call it a beginner drone it’s not easy to fly. Save up your money and buy a really good drone. It’s your choice.

[@henrytaaffe7058]

class review sir.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you!

[@myquadcopter7363]

all that needs is a 3 axis gimbal then it's a massive winner

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

It needs a gimbal so badly!

[@kevinsoliday7405]

This looks like a very good drone for the price

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

It's priced right for sure. 👍

[@SJMDronesMedia]

It’s junk

[@ChuckD05]

So it only zooms on the phone screen?

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Yeah, I noticed that too. 🙂 Strange indeeed.

[@eddiemcgeetheoldwoodshop6091]

Wonder if the controller will work with the hs720g

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

You'd have to ask Holy Stone. I doubt it though.

[@HappyNiceTree]

Thank you for this test. I have this drone and im very happy with it. It works as designed. One battery pack is poor, of course. But one thing....in US you dont need a registration. BUT: in the EU you have to do it! IN EU-Law you need a registration for UAS above 249 Gramm AND for drones with camera. Just for EU-Fan of your channel. ;-)

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you! This drone is a great bargain no matter what. 😀

[@CommentingTheTruth]

Now $199. Anything comparable around $150??

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I've seen this one on sale once in a while for $100.

[@scrub8353]

Hey brother.. good to see your video...

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Hey, thank you!

[@xprsso_dprsso7235]

Is it possible to buy another battery

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

You might try Amazon.

[@kevinsoliday7405]

Super awesome

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@myd0gr3x]

what does 2.7 30fps video look like?

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I didn't try it.

[@Nine_883]

I had a few. Companies like Holy Stone sell more drones for DJI than anything else. If you get the bug you will be buying a DJI drone in a few weeks. It can become an addiction.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Yes, this little drone will get a lot of people started.

[@JohnnieDroneFlyer]

It’s $199 now. seems like a great lil drone

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I've seen it as cheap as $108 Mr. Johnnie.

[@votesmatter]

Ours keeps on saying max distance when its not really that far away....im sure that can be fixed in the settings....have not got that far yet ....my 8 year old has been flying it really well to never fly one before.....

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Yes, it's a great flying drone! 👍

[@votesmatter]

Not bad for the money....we figured it all out today....deff will cover some distance for sure...I was surprised

[@BlairAir]

OH NO! Not another Holy Stone! My first drone was a Holy Stone! Sounds like a great song 🎵 title!

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Ha! This one's not bad John!

[@BlairAir]

Absolutely. For the cost of an Air 3 BATTERY!

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

😅🎶

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Looks like a much better connection than the Atom SE! 👀

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Way better Kris! The RC Saylors have a discount code that gets this one down to $109.99. A beginner will have a good experience with this drone.

[@carlosvieira7620]

Great review like always, but the wrong drone.,sorry to say, but the walkera t210 mini would make a better, and more Interesting review, for about the same price! So please Mrs Marcus can you do us a favor and do a video on the walkera t210 mini???? From one of your Loyal fan,thanks!

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Maybe they'll send me one for review.

[@jroar123]

I guess that you could use software to steady out the video. All in all I would say not to waist your money. So far the DJI mini pro 3, which is not the latest version, might be the best way to go. Having said that, I think the quality of the video from this Holy Stone is spot on great. The video is just too jerky to be usable. Okay, so other than this drone, which one really competes with DJI mini pro 3/4?

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Yes, this little drone is screaming, "I need a gimbal"! 😁

[@justforlaughs8988]

My video recording on this drone is horrible and i dont know whats wrong i recorded to my phone using the app and its all pixelated 😢i dont know what im doing wrong

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

For best quality save to the SD card.

[@justforlaughs8988]

@@IdahoQuadcopter but I only have a phone

[@lauren301]

The video and photos actually appear to be pretty good despite not having a gimbal and considering the price.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I agree Lauren. I saw no jello, and absolutely no frame dropping.

[@jackindixie5787]

Marcus, Thanks for the review. Good stuff! QUESTION: What display device are you using in this video that is attached to the controller? Is it a cellphone or mini tablet? Manufacturer name and model number please? Looks like the perfect size and would work for me if it's within my retiree budget. My iPhone 14 display is too small for an old fella like me. Also in the video I noticed the cable between the controller and display device is disconnected and hanging free. Were you able to fly without the cable being connected? The HS360S was my first drone. I recently ordered the HS720R (three-axis gimbal) and should be here next week.) Sure wish the HS720R was compatible with the HS360S controller and APP! I really like the HS360S controller's display and the 'feel of the controls'.). Also IMHO....the HS Fly APP is more user friendly than the Ophelia GO APP used by the HS720R. Thanks again! Jack

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you! I was using my iPhone 14 as well. If I had the cable disconnected it was a mistake. You do need to fly with the cable intact.

[@tomholloway2701]

Is the controllers screen a touch screen?

[@oyaji-nikki]

ありがとうございます😊

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you for watching!

[@shsechas]

This HS is not bad for the price, but of course you get what you paid for. The video looks pretty decent until you start flying it around. once flying around it was about as stable as my first $50 SYMA drone. I can't say it's not good for the price, however you might not enjoy the hobby at all after watching your video. On a strict budget. Go for it!!!

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Yes, this one is for beginners, or those that are not worried about stable video.

[@shsechas]

@@IdahoQuadcopter You're the best Marcus! 😯

[@JimJensen]

Marcus I just ordered one on Amazon for $108 this morning your link is bogus look at some of the other YT videos out already about this.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Send me that purchase link for $108 Jim. I'll use it in my video description. I'm always interested in getting folks the best deal.

[@JimJensen]

@@IdahoQuadcopter tried looking for your email and was unable to find it. Really didn't want to show a others channel discount here. $80 off + the $10 coupon Amazon

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

@@JimJensen Hit me up at [e-mail]

[@volestoat]

Holy hell on earth

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

It's a great little drone!

[@nightlightabcd]

It says it may take up to forty seconds to pair, and they are not kidding. Most people think it's not pairing bit it is, just let it be and soon it will say GPS. HolyStone is offering a free battery. When you fire up your HS360S, you will see a banner for a free battery. If not call them. They will want a screenshot of your product review and one of the seller review, submit them and your new free battery is on the way. You say this is a great starter drone, where as I started with a no name brand Chinese knockoff, then moved up to 4DRC, which I still like to fly, then on to HolyStone.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Great tip about a free battery. 👍

[@chriswedgworth]

Holy cow

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

🙂👍

[@jeremynguyen2346]

Hey Marcus Crawford

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

👍

[@jeremynguyen2346]

@@IdahoQuadcopter how are you

[@BASSstarlet]

What?

[@ryanhell921]

I believe the instruction manual says it may take 40 seconds to connect

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Yes, it takes a while, but it does connect.

[@kevinsoliday7405]

great video on this drone but I'd rather get a DJI 2 Minne SE

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Good choice!

[@billgrace9415]

If you are a 107 you have to Regester all your drone regardless of its weight.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

This drone is aimed at beginners and recreational fliers. 👍

[@stevewknowles4861]

good starter drone for the beginner on a budget, brushless motors, gps & a bag. but don't show em a mini 3 pro or they will sulk.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Ha! Yep, it's no Mini 3 Pro for sure. 😀

[@shsechas]

You are still better off buying a cheaper DJI mini drone if you want to see if you like the hobby.

[@everettmoore6391]

I never had the holy stone hs360s I mite get it for christmas

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Nice, I hope Santa brings you one! 🎅

[@MattysDroneWorld]

Nice review buddy! Isn't that amazing, a cheap drone like this can have a telemetry screen on the remote, but dji can't do it? Makes no sense lol...

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I saw another deal that takes it down to $109.99. It's a great first drone.

[@starhawke380]

$200 and no gimbal? Not even a 2 axis gimbal? Amazon currently has the Fimi X8 mini V1 for $200. Way better craft.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I've seen it as cheap as $108.

[@starhawke380]

That would probably be worth it then!@@IdahoQuadcopter

[@waypointnewengland]

You drove the price up to $199.99-$10.00=$189.99 with your review.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

If you also use the discount code I supplied, it gets it down to $159.99.

[@waypointnewengland]

@@IdahoQuadcopter Thanks, but I think that I will wait until the HS360S Pro comes out.

[@autisticdrone.]

An interesting video. This drone looked like a cheapo imitation of a DJI. A beginner would be better off putting that money towards a DJI mini 2, or Mini 3 pro. otherwise they end up buying both the cheapo and a DJI. as they will be so impressed with the concept of flying a drone., then end up spending more money in the long run. Buy cheap, buy twice. The dark colour of this drone is not particularly nice either. My very first drone is a DJI Air 2 which I have had for nearly 2 years, that’s how I began, I bought a mini 2 about three months ago, both are very good drones. Laws are different in the US than here in UK. The uk government wants money from every drone pilot each year , we have to pay for a operator ID each year, (a registration number ) The same number is used each year. ‘We can only fly sub 250g drones near buildings and people, but in the countryside / coast you can fly the heavier, more powerful drones . But we do not have to record the location where we take off from , yet . Maybe the US government will charge all US drone users a registration fee in the future.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Yes, those drone regs are always changing. 👍

[@ericneilson1198]

If DJI is your thing, personally I'll never, ever buy Chinese.

[@mhmphotography400]

Holy crape batman this drone is awful.....don't waste your 150.00 double it up and find your self a DJI mini 2 SE......That's it just my opinion take it as you like, Peace out.......

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

You missed the point of the video, so many even the $339 for the Mini 2 SE is out of reach. Thank you for stopping by.

[@shsechas]

@@IdahoQuadcopter Not a beginner drone. Just a budget drone!

[@johnk7649]

Excellent (and quite fair) review, Marcus. One correction though - you are not an old man!!! I'm a few years younger and I too have trouble reading those manuals!!

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Ha! That damn small print! 😂

[@cliff.allister]

Great video and effort from you but again.... ...those budget drones might be good to get into the hobby of flying drones and this guy seems to be flying OK but the video is way too jerky to use it for anything. Just watching it makes you dizzy! So if you are happy to just fly a drone and do not need any video, this drone might be right for you. But if you want any kind of picture or video forget it! The HS360S might be OK to practise your flying skills and the range and flight time both look good. Just don´t think you could use it for anything more than that!

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I agree Cliff, the video is just not much without a gimbal. I will say however, I see no jello, and there was no frame dropping at all. I encouraged Holy Stone to put a gimbal on this one.

[@cliff.allister]

@@IdahoQuadcopter With a gimbal and then maybe at a 100 $ higher price it would indeed be a drone that could scare DJI. 😉 A sub-250 with reasonable video quality (good enough for YT, at least) and acceptable flight time and range for under 300.- $ would surely be a winner!

[@jesusgjchuza6491]

😎🤝

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you Jesus!

[@I-LOVE-EARTH]

Good grief...read the instructions first. Your lack of preparation is just burning your battery life.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I understand my vlogging style isn't for everyone. Half Chrome does a great review here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIqoiJuogZZ3r7M

[@barrycrane5908]

This review did not to justice to the HS360S Drone. You make it look very cheap and difficult when most of the problems were due to you not following the simple directions. First you started the drone then decided to attach your phone and start the app. You read that it takes about 40 seconds to connect then complained after five seconds. Then you skipped the proper calibration. I had never touched a drone in my life and had this thing up and flying around the neighborhood in 15 minutes. Not a single problem.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I wish I had your talent for flying drones. 🙂

[@allensmith3203]

You can get this for under $120

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Unsually Holy Stone posts an instant coupon on Amazon that will bring the price below $120.

[@barriepresseien1535]

Marcus,that was the worst review I've ever seen you do.I think you should have familiarized yourself with the drone before you flew it,as you used up all your battery power before you even launched it. It won't launch with the camera down,and you didn't recalibrate the level when you restarted it. I think you should have attached that instruction card before you began.I've been following you for years and I felt I was watching a comedy. How about flying it a few times and creating a new review??

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate your patronage.

[@theskateguard7693]

With this as my introduction to the channel it was pretty rough makes me feel like i can get more thought out reviews elsewhere. This just seems thrown together like he doesn't care about the done and is doing the review just because.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

@@theskateguard7693 And yet you watched. Thank you!

[@thedjihobbyguygray3361]

They are selling that same drone on TikTok for $40

[@BASSstarlet]

It must be a copy!

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I doubt it.

[@RDsRCReviews]

It is definitely not the same drone or it is a scam

[@chriskryder2994]

I wouldn't trust any $40.drone on TikTok way too many horror stories

[@mickhawkes2882]

Yeah.Probably a fiver on Temu.😂

[@gmivisualsjason3729]

Oh if only it had a Gimble.....

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

🙂 So true!!

[@gmivisualsjason3729]

@@driewiel Gimble covers provided will protect the gimble....as will putting the drone in its case.

[@gmivisualsjason3729]

@@driewiel I do both.....

[@dronehome-world3167]

no gimbal ! it is not worth

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

It flies so much better than any C-Fly drone that I've ever tested. 🙂 It does need a gimbal badly.

[@Tom-xp7dl]

Well I guess I have no interest in this drone. Here is a guy that flies drones all the time and he seems to have had a very bad time getting the drone up and running. I guess this drone is too complicated.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

For the price it's not a bad little drone. 👍

[@kevinsoliday7405]

Maybe a catastrophe but get her up

[@johnsmiley2922]

You really should have been better prepared for this video......pitiful....

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

My definition of pitiful is people who have nothing better do do than leave rude comments.

[@johnsmiley2922]

@@IdahoQuadcopter Are you actually going to say you were prepared for this video???