It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner in the drone market or an experienced professional, we have compiled a list of the best waterproof drones for every possible customer. Waterproof drones are a great way to expand
Waterproof drones are a great way to expand you field of work and see streams, lakes and seas as a challenge and not as obstacles. At this point you should know the distinction between the water resistant and completely waterproof drones. The first ones will get home safely during rain or snow, but the latter are the ones you want to take with you on a fishing, surfing or any other water-related trip. Only the waterproof drones are capable of amphibious landing on any surface, and we are here to show you which of these are the best on the market.
Table of Contents
- Parrot Hydrofoil Drone
- JJRC H31 Drone
- Swellpro Splash Drone 3
- Goolsky Q353 Triphibian Drone
- QUADH2O Drone
- GP Toys NextX H2O Aviax Drone
- ProDrone PD4-AW Quadcopter
DRONE MODEL | APPROXIMATE PRICE ON AMAZON | FLIGHT TIME | CAMERA | |
---|---|---|---|---|
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7878" /> | PARROT HYDROFOIL | $88.99 | 9 Minutes | VGA mini camera (480X640) |
e-7881" /> | Goolsky Q353 Triphibian Goolsky Q353 Triphibian | $89.99 | 9 Minutes | - |
content/uploads/2017/10/71r2Lx0K5YL._SL1500_-400x400.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="150" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-7879" /> | JJRC H31 | $29.99 | 10 Minutes | No camera |
QUADH2O | $27.99 | 10 Minutes | - | |
class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-7883" /> | GP Toys NextX H2O Aviax Drone | $51.55 | 10 Minutes | - |
class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-7880" /> | Swellpro Splash Drone 3 | $1,689.00 | 15 Minutes | HD |
ProDrone PD4-AW Quadcopter | - | - |
PARROT HYDROFOIL Waterproof Drone
What is it?
Parrot has once again demonstrated its ambition in the drone market with the Hydrofoil models. There are two variants, the NewZ, and the Orak, and they perfectly combine top performances and aggressive design. Hydrofoil can actually be used as a regular unit, or with an extra support locked to the hull when it becomes water-ready.
How does it work?
This drone will make it easy for you to enjoy it. When you unpack it, all you have to do is secure the foils to its bottom, download the FreeFlight 3 app, and you will be ready to work or enjoy.
As you can probably see on the pictures, the build is very light and aerodynamic, but it is also sturdy, with minor issues. Sometimes, the foils can get a little loose when hitting a more solid surface. This is something you should be aware of when operating it.
When we come to the battery life, which is always the main issue with drones, this one doesn’t stand out. Firstly, when charging, if you are plugged into the mains, the battery will be fully charged in half an hour. However, when charging by a USB port, it will take you three times longer. Once charged, the Hydrofoil lasts shorter than expected. On the water, you can drive it around for up to five minutes, and in the air it’s more or less the same.
You should also keep in mind that the surface of the water needs to be very still, because the manufacturer didn’t provide the information about what happens when the water gets to the internals of the drone. Nothing good, probably.
In the air, on the water
Once in the air, or on the water, you will soon forget about the minor issues of this model. Although its specifications say that the top speed is 10km/h on the water, the actual drive feels much faster. Considering its light weight, it handles really well in the role of a hovercraft.
Keep in mind that this is a small drone so flying it can be pretty fun. You can do a lot of maneuvers once in the air, but be advised, the onscreen joystick can lag a bit, and you should probably stick to open spaces. The menu for in-air tricks is easily accessed, but, for instance, the full 360-degree turn option can fully drain your battery.
Bottom line
If you don’t plan to fly it in extreme conditions, the Hydrofoil is certainly a fun little drone, but if you are anywhere near a serious drone flyer, it has some serious setbacks which will probably keep you away from buying it.
JJRC H31 Waterproof drone
What is it?
JJRC is known for making some of the best drones in the toy and hobby market, and the H31 model looks to fit just nicely in that tradition. Right from the start, you should know that although this drone is advertised as “waterproof”, you should be careful about landing it on water. It actually belongs in the category of water-resistant drones.
How does it work?
On the first look, you will notice that the designers did their best job of making something unique. This one really stands out from the crowd. Assembly is straight-forward and you will be ready for flying in 3 minutes. Although the design looks fragile and slim, the actual drone is very tough and durable. It will endure some serious beating, not that we encourage it. The controller is very similar to the previous JJRC products with basic functions that work well.
In the air
This thing is seriously light so don’t take it out in windy conditions. On the other hand, as we mentioned, it’s “waterproof” option really only means you can fly it in the rain and snow. It is very nimble and fun for flying, and the time in the air is somewhere between 6 and 8 minutes with a range of about 100 meters.
Bottom line
At the end of the day, the H31 is just a perfect little drone for beginners. It has all the features it needs and is your door to the flying world. Just don’t land it on any water or your flying dreams will soon sink.
Swellpro Splash Drone 3
What is it?
When it comes to waterproof drones, with Splash Drone 3, we are entering the big-boys game. This thing doesn’t like compromises and it feels completely at home in any water environment. You can fly it in the rain and snow, land it on water or just surf the waves, it doesn’t care, it actually enjoys it. It also has some awesome features for fishing, and basically any water sport.
How does it work?
The Splash Drone 3 is 100% waterproof and it has a certificate to prove it. It has loads of smart flight options such as Return to Home, Mission Planning and, most of all, Follow Me, which is great for all of your adventures on the water. While you enjoy your time, it will always be silently by your side. With its 4K camera that works perfectly fine underwater, your videos will be crystal clear, but the most interesting feature is the modular payload release mechanism. With it, you can attach up to 1 kg of cargo, transport it and release it simply by pressing a button. This option can also be used in rescue missions to deliver a life jacket to the victim. It also comes with a 2 axis gimbal which will help you make stable shots.
In the air
The transmitter for the Splash Drone 3 is improved from the previous model, and you can feel the difference right away. It provides you with a live video and all the data from the flight is coming in real time for a perfect and smooth flying, or sailing in this case. All of this is combined with a flight time of up to 15 minutes and 1 kilometer of range so you can be assured that this is one serious flying machine.
Bottom line
Basically, if you are looking for a top-end waterproof drone with the best feature list on the market, look no more. It will cost you money, but the Splash Drone 3 is made so you wouldn’t have to think about anything and just sit back and relax.
Goolsky Q353 Triphibian Amphibious drone
What is it?
This drone fits into the category of toy drones, and in this regard, it is above all, a very fun machine to have and play with. Along the way, it will help you to record some awesome videos too.
How does it work?
It is 100% waterproof, and it actually has three different modes: Air, Land and Water. This means that, besides flying, you can sail on the water and even run it on the land. It also has a headless mode so it doesn’t matter if you land it upside down, it can still recover and take off. That applies to water also which is not that common.
In the air
It is very nimble and can find its way home even from tightest spaces. You can fly it up to 150 meters, and the batteries will last for 6-7 minutes in the air.
Bottom line
This is a neat little toy drone that is well-built and has all the necessary features to lure you into the art of drone-flying.
Goolsky Q353 Triphibian 2.4G 6-Axis Gyro Air-Ground-Water RC Quadcopter Headless Mode RTF Drone
Unique design to support air / ground / water mode.
100% waterproof, even upside down in the water, it can easily roll up.
LED flash light enables you to fly in the dark at night and easy to identify the head and tail.
Price: $74.99
QUADH2O
What is it?
If you are really serious about your selection of drones, QuadH2O is something you will probably like. Keep in mind that you will have to assemble it yourself, but this will give you all the more control to tailor this waterproof drone to your own measures. This product is for the professionals ready to dedicate themselves to making a one of a kind, personalized machine.
How does it work?
With QUADH20, you will be able to make 4K videos at high flying speeds of up to 45mph. And after that, you can calmly land it on the water, and use its GPS positioning to find it. It has a really nice controller with a 7” color monitor, and beside the onboard Sony 1/3 Super HAD II CCD camera, there’s room for an extra GoPro. With the setup of two active cameras, your recording options are doubled.
In the air
Since this is a DIY flying machine, its flight characteristics depend on your configuration. But, with the recommended parts, its flight time is 10 minutes with a range of 1.000 meters.
Bottom Line
The QUADH20 is one of the most expensive drones on the market but with its characteristics and durability, it has all the right to be just that. It will enable you to record aerial shots in best possible quality regardless of the weather conditions. This is one of the premium products on the market which will only be interesting to experienced users with serious background in the industry.
GP Toys NextX H2O Aviax Drone
What is it?
GPTOYS H2O Aviax is a good little starter machine that can show you in full capacity what it means to have a 100% waterproof drone. If you are looking for a way of making underwater footage, you are at the right place.
How does it work?
One of the coolest features of this model is that it can dive into the water to the depth of up to 7 meters which is more than enough for some awesome underwater shots. Headless mode makes sure it will take-off from any position it finds itself in, and the super bright LED lights are suitable for flying during night. They will also make some very cool effects during nigh underwater shots. However, it has to be said that flying under windy conditions is not advised since it is such a small quadcopter.
In the air
Once airborne, it can do a 360� flip, you can put it in cruise control, and as mentioned above, it has headless mode which is very useful, especially on a drone like this that just screams for dangerous maneuvers. You can control it from 100 meters away, and the battery can provide you the flying time of around 8 minutes.
Bottom line
This is a perfect starter machine that would be ideal for an enthusiast who loves making aerial and underwater dynamic shots of good quality and have some good fun along the way.
ProDrone PD4-AW Quadcopter
What is it?
ProDrone is a drone manufacturer from Japan with a vast number of different products. With PD4-AW, they wanted to create a serious industrial drone with customizable options for different purposes. It is completely waterproof and can land on any kind of water surface.
How does it work?
The most interesting feature of this drone is that it can be operated attached to a long power cable and provide unlimited flying time. Through this cable, you can also transmit the footage and control the quadcopter, and the line can also serve as a safety in case of emergency. It can, of course, be used with batteries. It has a payload of 3.5 kilos which you can drop where you like by pressing a button on the controller.
In the air
This thing is pretty fast with a maximum speed of 60km/h, and it can fly to the height of 5,000m. It can also mount two operating cameras at the same time for an extra filming options.
Bottom line
This is above all an industrial drone which is perfect for helping you during fieldwork. Its payload feature is perfect for carrying and laying electric cable, and with unlimited flying time when connected to the cable, when you start using it for your daily job, it will become irreplaceable.
The Verdict
As with most drones, you’ll want to buy, it mostly comes down to your budget. If you’re happy spending some money of a good waterproof drone, you don’t have to worry much, go for the best and forget the other lower quality drones. However, there is still a good waterproof drone for every budget, just see that it has the most essential features for you and then push the Buy Now button 🙂