Holy Stone HS720G Review: Best Budget GPS Drone in 2026?

As a cinematographer who spends most days strapped into FPV goggles or managing heavy-lift rigs for broadcast, examining the budget consumer market is always a grounding experience. In 2026, the gap between "toy" and "tool" has narrowed significantly. Holy Stone HS720G review requests have been flooding my inbox at DroneNomad, primarily because aspiring pilots want to know whether they really need to spend $500 or more on a starter quadcopter.

The HS720G has been on the market for a while, yet it persists as a best-seller. Why? Because it occupies a unique middle ground—neither a cheap throwaway toy nor a premium platform, but something that undercuts industry giants significantly on price. After spending two weeks putting this drone through its paces, testing everything from its 2-axis gimbal performance to its GPS return-to-home reliability, I have a clear verdict on whether this is the best budget GPS drone in 2026 or if you're better off saving for an entry-level DJI.

Design and Build: The "G" Stands for Gimbal

When you unbox the HS720G, the first thing you notice is the design language. It borrows heavily from the folding geometry that revolutionized the industry, and it feels dense and surprisingly robust in hand. Unlike the hollow plastic of sub-$100 drones, the HS720G uses high-grade polycarbonate that feels like it can survive a tumble.

The controller is another highlight. It features an LCD telemetry screen—a rarity in this price bracket. This screen displays drone battery voltage, distance, height, and GPS satellite count directly on the remote, meaning you can still fly safely even if your phone app crashes or disconnects.

Holy Stone HS720G Specs: By the Numbers

Feature	Holy Stone HS720G	DJI Mini 2 SE (Competitor)
Camera Resolution	4K (3840x2160) @ 30fps	2.7K (2720x1530) @ 30fps
Stabilization	2-Axis Gimbal + EIS	3-Axis Mechanical Gimbal
Flight Time (Real World)	22-24 Minutes	28-30 Minutes
Transmission Range	~300-500m (Wi-Fi 5G)	~6km (OcuSync 2.0)
Takeoff Weight	377g	< 249g
Motor Type	Brushless 1503	Brushless
Price Class	$200 - $299	$299 - $349

Camera Performance: Does This Budget 4K Drone Deliver?

If you're reading a budget 4K drone review, you likely have one question: Does the footage actually look good? The answer is nuanced. The HS720G records at 3840x2160, which is technically 4K. However, resolution is only one part of the equation.

Because the gimbal is only 2-axis (pitch and roll), the drone relies on software-based EIS to correct yaw movements (left and right turning). In 2026, sensor technology has improved considerably, but EIS still introduces a crop factor and can cause digital artifacting in low light.

Daylight Performance

In bright sunlight, the HS720G performs admirably. Colors are punchy, albeit slightly oversaturated out of the box. The 2-axis gimbal does a fantastic job keeping the horizon level—the hallmark of cinematic footage. For hobbyists posting to YouTube or Instagram, the quality is more than sufficient.

Low Light Performance

This is where the budget sensor shows its limits. As I discussed in my analysis of ISO 3200 usability in 2026 sensors, smaller sensors struggle with noise. The HS720G introduces significant grain once the sun dips below the horizon. If you're chasing nightscapes, you'll need to look at higher-tier drones with 1-inch sensors.

"The best camera is the one you have with you, but the second-best camera is the one that stays stable in the wind. The HS720G's gimbal is its saving grace, elevating it above 90% of other toy drones on Amazon."

Flight Experience and Transmission

Flying the HS720G is a "slow and steady" experience. It isn't built for speed—it's built for positioning. GPS lock is generally reliable, though it can take one to two minutes to acquire satellites on a cold start, significantly slower than modern enterprise drones.

The Wi-Fi Transmission Bottleneck

The biggest weakness of the HS720G compared to premium competitors is its video transmission system. It uses 5GHz Wi-Fi to send the video feed to your phone. In urban environments with high interference, the video feed can become choppy after about 300 meters (roughly 1000 feet). In open rural areas, I managed to push it to 600 meters before lag became uncomfortable.

For comparison, DJI's OcuSync technology is radio-based and provides miles of clear range. If you plan to fly long range, this isn't the drone for you. However, for flying within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)—which is legally required anyway—the range proves adequate.

Smart Features: Follow Me and Waypoints

The "Ophelia GO" app provides the interface for the HS720G's smart features. In 2026, we expect a certain level of autonomy even in budget drones, and the HS720G delivers the essentials.

• Follow Me Mode: This uses the GPS signal from your phone to track you. It works well for walking or slow cycling, but it lacks the visual obstacle avoidance found in Skydio or DJI ActiveTrack systems. The drone will follow you in a straight line, even if that line goes through a tree.
• Point of Interest (Orbit): The drone circles a subject automatically. This feature works surprisingly smoothly and creates that classic "hero shot" look with minimal effort.
• TapFly: You can draw a path on the map, and the drone will follow it. This is great for planning shots without worrying about stick inputs.

Holy Stone vs. DJI Mini: The 2026 Showdown

This is the inevitable comparison: Holy Stone vs DJI Mini. Specifically, the DJI Mini 4K or Mini 2 SE, which occupy the closest price bracket.

The Case for DJI: DJI offers superior software polish, a 3-axis mechanical gimbal for smoother video, and a transmission system that's lightyears ahead. The Mini series also stays under 250g, meaning no registration fees or additional regulatory hassle. For a deeper dive on DJI pricing shifts, see our analysis on the DJI Mini series market movements.

The Case for Holy Stone HS720G: Holy Stone wins on the "all-inclusive" factor. For $299 (often on sale for $230), you get the drone, a carrying case, two batteries, and spare props. To get a similar Fly More Combo from DJI, you're often pushing $450 or more. Additionally, the HS720G's larger size and heavier weight actually provide slightly better stability in gusty wind compared to the featherweight Mini series.

According to DroneLife, the budget sector is shifting toward AI integration, but hardware reliability—like the HS720G's brushless motors—remains the foundation of a sound purchase.

Who Is This Drone For?

After extensive testing, I've identified three specific types of pilots who will benefit most from the HS720G:

1. The "Try Before You Buy" Pilot: You aren't sure if you'll enjoy drone photography. You don't want to spend $500 finding out. This drone gives you a 90% accurate taste of the hobby at roughly half the premium price.
2. The Parent: You want a drone for your teenager that's durable, has GPS safety nets like Return to Home, but won't devastate your finances if it ends up in a lake.
3. The Real Estate Beginner: You need basic aerial shots of properties. The 4K camera is sufficient for web listings, and the stability is professional enough for MLS requirements.

Final Verdict

The Holy Stone HS720G is a survivor. In a market that moves incredibly fast, it remains relevant in 2026 by nailing the basics: brushless motors, decent flight time, and a gimbal-stabilized camera in a package that feels premium. While it lacks the range and software sophistication of DJI, it offers a significantly lower barrier to entry for aspiring pilots.

If you understand its limitations—specifically the Wi-Fi transmission range and the FAA registration requirement—it's a fantastic learning platform. It forces you to be a more attentive pilot than "autopilot-heavy" drones do, which builds better skills in the long run.

For those looking to understand the technical differences between sensor sizes before buying, I recommend reading my guide on 48MP vs 20MP sensors to see exactly what you're trading off at this price point.