The Holy Stone HS190 is a compact, foldable nano drone designed primarily for beginners and kids. Its simplicity, portability, and ease of use make it an appealing choice for those new to drone piloting or looking for a fun indoor flying experience. Despite its budget-friendly price, the HS190 offers several exciting features that enhance its usability and fun factor. In this detailed Holy Stone HS190 drone review we will discuss Design and Build Quality, Key Features, Performance and Battery life of this drone.

Design and Build Quality

The HS190 is small and lightweight, making it highly portable and easy to carry around. It folds neatly into its controller, which also doubles as a carrying case. This clever design ensures that the drone is protected and ready to fly whenever you are. However, it's important to note that the propeller guards, while useful, can be somewhat flimsy, and the propellers themselves are prone to damage.

The drone's LED lights add a nice touch, especially for nighttime flights, although they may not be as effective during the day. The overall build quality is decent for the price, but like most budget drones, it's best suited for gentle use.

Features

The HS190 is packed with features that make it an excellent starter drone:

1. One-Key Takeoff/Landing: This feature simplifies the flying process, making it easier for beginners to get the drone in the air and bring it back down safely.
2. Altitude Hold: This feature allows the drone to maintain a steady height, letting users focus on directional control rather than constantly adjusting the altitude.
3. Headless Mode: This mode is perfect for beginners as it ensures that the drone's orientation is always relative to the pilot, reducing the confusion that can arise from traditional drone controls.
4. 3D Flips and High-Speed Rotation: For those who want a bit of excitement, the HS190 offers the ability to perform flips and quick rotations, adding an element of fun to the flying experience.
5. Three Speed Modes: The adjustable speed modes allow users to start slow and gradually increase the speed as they gain confidence in their flying skills.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the HS190 delivers a smooth and enjoyable flying experience. Its controls are responsive, and it handles well in indoor environments. However, it may struggle outdoors, especially in windy conditions due to its lightweight design.

One downside noted by some users is that the drone can drift off course, even after calibration. This requires frequent adjustments, which can be frustrating for beginners. Additionally, the drone's built-in battery, while convenient, means that users have to wait for it to recharge before flying again, as there is no option to swap out the battery.

Battery Life and Charging

The HS190 comes with a built-in battery that offers around 5-7 minutes of flight time on a full charge. While this is typical for drones of this size, it does mean that flight sessions are relatively short. The charging time is approximately 40-50 minutes, so it's essential to plan your flying sessions accordingly.

One drawback is that the drone cannot be charged while in its carrying case if the prop guards are attached. This minor inconvenience can be a bit annoying, especially if you’re on the go.

Who Is It For?

The Holy Stone HS190 is best suited for beginners, kids, and anyone looking for a fun, easy-to-fly drone. Its affordable price point makes it an excellent choice for those who want to try out drone flying without a significant investment. It's also a great option for indoor flying, where its small size and maneuverability shine.

However, this drone is not for experienced pilots or those looking to capture aerial footage, as it lacks a camera. If you’re after advanced features or longer flight times, you may want to consider other models in Holy Stone’s lineup.

Buy Holy Stone HS 190 Drone Here

Comparison with Similar Drones

When evaluating the Holy Stone HS190, it's essential to compare it with other drones in its price range and category. Here are a few similar drones and how the HS190 stacks up against them:

1. Cheerwing CW4: Like the HS190, the Cheerwing CW4 is a beginner-friendly drone. However, the CW4 comes with a built-in camera, which gives it an edge for those interested in basic aerial photography. The downside is that it doesn't offer the same level of portability as the HS190, which folds into its controller. If portability is a priority, the HS190 might be a better option.
2. Syma X20: The Syma X20 is another competitor in the nano drone category. It shares many features with the HS190, such as altitude hold and headless mode. However, the HS190 has the advantage of offering more flight modes and the ability to perform flips and high-speed rotations. Additionally, the HS190's foldable design gives it a portability edge over the Syma X20.
3. Potensic A20: The Potensic A20 is a mini drone that is often compared to the HS190 due to its beginner-friendly nature. While both drones are similar in terms of ease of use, the A20 has a slightly longer flight time. However, the HS190 wins in terms of fun features like 3D flips and speed modes, making it a more versatile option for kids and beginners.

In conclusion, the HS190 holds its ground well against other nano drones in its category. Its unique folding design, coupled with its fun features, makes it a compelling choice for those seeking an affordable and portable drone.

User Experiences and Testimonials

Customer feedback is crucial when evaluating the performance and reliability of any product. Here are some testimonials from users who have purchased and flown the Holy Stone HS190:

• Ease of Use: Many users have praised the HS190 for its user-friendly controls, making it an excellent choice for kids and beginners. One user mentioned that their 8-year-old daughter had no trouble flying the drone after just a few minutes of practice.
• Portability: The foldable design has been a standout feature for many customers. One reviewer mentioned how convenient it was to take the drone on vacation, as it fit easily in their backpack.
• Durability: While most users agree that the HS190 is reasonably durable for its price, some have pointed out that the propellers and guards can be fragile. A few users recommended purchasing extra propellers just in case.
• Fun Factor: The ability to perform flips and high-speed rotations has been a hit among younger users. One reviewer stated that their kids loved showing off the drone's tricks to their friends, making it a popular toy for playdates.
• Battery Life: As expected for a drone of this size, battery life is relatively short. Several users mentioned that the 5-7 minute flight time was a bit limiting, but they appreciated the quick charging time.

Overall, the HS190 has received positive reviews from customers, particularly for its ease of use, portability, and fun features. However, some users have pointed out the need for careful handling due to its lightweight and somewhat fragile build.

Read my detailed article on other Holy Stone Drone Reviews.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Like any drone, the Holy Stone HS190 requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Here are a few maintenance tips to keep your drone in top shape:

1. Clean the Propellers: After each flight, especially if flown outdoors, clean the propellers to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. This will help prevent any performance issues.
2. Inspect for Damage: Regularly check the drone for any signs of wear and tear, particularly the propellers and propeller guards. If you notice any damage, replace the parts immediately to avoid further issues.
3. Calibrate Before Flight: If the drone starts drifting off course, recalibrate it according to the user manual. Calibration ensures that the drone maintains a steady and controlled flight.
4. Store Properly: When not in use, store the drone in its controller case to protect it from damage. Avoid storing it in extreme temperatures, as this can affect the battery life.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with proper maintenance, you may encounter some common issues with the HS190. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

• Drone Drifting Off Course: If the drone drifts, try recalibrating it. Ensure that you're flying in a wind-free environment, as the lightweight design makes it susceptible to wind interference.
• Short Battery Life: While the HS190’s battery life is relatively short, ensure you're fully charging it before each flight. Avoid overcharging, as this can degrade the battery over time.
• Propeller Damage: If you notice the propellers are not spinning correctly or have become damaged, replace them immediately. You can find replacement propellers online or through Holy Stone’s customer service.

Accessories and Add-ons

While the Holy Stone HS190 doesn’t come with many accessories, a few add-ons can enhance your flying experience:

1. Extra Propellers: Since propellers can be prone to damage, it's a good idea to have a few extra sets on hand. They are inexpensive and can be easily replaced.
2. Carrying Case: Although the drone folds into its controller, you might want to invest in a small carrying case that holds both the drone and the controller, offering extra protection during travel.
3. Propeller Guards: If you plan on flying indoors or in tight spaces, consider adding extra propeller guards. They help protect both the drone and surrounding objects from damage.
4. Extra Batteries: While the HS190 comes with a built-in battery, some users opt to carry an external power bank to recharge the drone on the go, minimizing downtime between flights.

Final Thoughts

The Holy Stone HS190 is a well-rounded beginner drone that offers a lot of fun in a small package. Its features, combined with its affordability, make it an excellent choice for those new to the world of drones. While it does have a few limitations, such as limited flight time and occasional drifting, these are balanced out by its ease of use and portability.

Buy Holy Stone HS 190 Drone Here

For those interested in purchasing the Holy Stone HS190, it can often be found at a very affordable price online, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Whether you're buying it as a gift for a child or for yourself to learn the basics of drone flying, the HS190 is a reliable and enjoyable option.