Ryze Tello (Powered by DJI)
by Ryze/DJI
The Ryze Tello, powered by DJI's flight technology, is one of the best entry-level drones for beginners, kids, and coding enthusiasts.
Technical Specifications
- 720p HD photo and video capture
- DJI flight control technology for stability
- EZ Shots: Circle, Up & Away, 360, Bounce
- Automatic takeoff and landing
- 8-direction throw-and-go launch
- Programmable with Scratch and Python (Tello SDK)
- Compatible with GameSir T1d controller
- 80g ultra-lightweight design
Pros
- ✓ Extremely easy for beginners to fly
- ✓ Stable flight thanks to DJI flight technology
- ✓ Fun EZ Shot modes create dynamic footage automatically
- ✓ Lightweight and safe for indoor flying
- ✓ Affordable price point for a DJI-backed drone
- ✓ Great educational tool for coding with Python/Scratch
- ✓ Prop guards included for added safety
Cons
- ✕ No GPS, so outdoor flying in wind is tricky
- ✕ Battery life is short (around 13 minutes)
- ✕ Video quality is only 720p, not 4K
- ✕ No obstacle avoidance sensors
- ✕ Range is limited compared to pricier drones
- ✕ Controlled via smartphone app by default, no stick controller included
Ryze Tello (Powered by DJI)
- Easy beginner flight
- DJI-powered stability
- Fun automated shots
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The Ryze Tello, developed in partnership with DJI and powered by Intel, is a compact toy drone that punches well above its weight class, making it a favorite entry point for beginners and hobbyists alike. Weighing just 80 grams, this palm-sized quadcopter feels approachable and safe, thanks to its lightweight build and propeller guards, yet it delivers surprisingly capable performance. It's equipped with a 5-megapixel camera capable of shooting 720p HD video, allowing users to capture aerial footage and photos with more clarity than most toy drones in its price range. DJI's flight control technology gives the Tello impressive stability, even for first-time pilots, while features like automatic takeoff and landing simplify the flying experience considerably. What sets the Tello apart from typical toy drones is its blend of accessibility and genuine technical depth. It supports fun, easy-to-use flight modes like Bounce, Circle, Up & Away, and 8D Flips, letting users perform tricks with a simple tap on their smartphone screen through the Tello app. But it also appeals to more curious, tech-savvy users through programmability—Tello supports Scratch programming for beginners and Python-based coding through its official SDK, making it a popular educational tool for teaching kids and students the basics of coding and robotics in a hands-on, engaging way. This dual identity as both a beginner-friendly toy and a legitimate learning platform is a big part of its lasting appeal. Battery life is modest, offering around 13 minutes of flight time per charge, which is typical for drones of this size and price point, and the Tello connects via Wi-Fi directly to a smartphone, eliminating the need for a separate remote controller in most use cases (though it is compatible with certain external controllers for enhanced handling). Its range, hovering accuracy thanks to onboard sensors, and overall build quality feel remarkably refined for a toy-class drone, which explains why it's frequently recommended as one of the best drones for kids, students, and adults exploring the hobby for the first time. Priced affordably compared to DJI's higher-end consumer drones, the Ryze Tello remains a standout choice for anyone wanting a fun, reliable, and slightly educational introduction to the world of flying cameras and remote-controlled aircraft.
Customer reviews
Got this for my son and ended up loving it myself. Super stable indoors, easy to fly, and the EZ Shots make even beginner footage look cool.
Flies beautifully inside but any bit of wind outside makes it hard to control since there's no GPS. Still, for the price, it's fantastic.
My daughter uses this to learn Python through the Tello SDK. It's both a toy and an educational tool. Solid build quality too.
13 minutes of flight time goes by quick. Bought extra batteries which I'd recommend to anyone getting this drone.
Not 4K but the 720p video is decent for casual flying and sharing clips online. Great intro to the DJI ecosystem.
