Getting into the drone hobby can feel a bit like jumping into the deep end of a pool. You’ve got ultra-cheap toys that break if you look at them wrong, and then you have professional rigs that cost more than a used car. Finding that sweet spot in the middle—a drone that’s capable, reliable, but won’t require a second mortgage—is the real challenge. That’s exactly where this Holy Stone Hs720e Review comes in. For years, Holy Stone has been the go-to brand for pilots looking to step up their game without emptying their wallets. The HS720E promises a 4K camera, GPS stability, and premium features, all at a price that seems too good to be true. So, is it? Let’s send it up and find out.
What’s in the Box? First Impressions
Right out of the gate, Holy Stone gets the presentation right. The HS720E comes packed in a high-quality, zippered carrying case that feels surprisingly premium. I still remember my first drone arriving in a flimsy cardboard box, so this is a huge plus for portability and protection.
Opening it up, you get a sense that this isn’t just a toy. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll find inside:
- The Holy Stone HS720E drone itself, neatly folded.
- The remote controller.
- Two intelligent flight batteries.
- A USB charging cable and hub (which can charge both batteries at once).
- Four spare propellers and a screwdriver for installation.
- A user manual that’s actually readable.
The drone has a satisfying weight to it. At just under 500 grams, it feels substantial and not at all fragile. The foldable design is fantastic, making it compact enough to toss in a backpack. The controller is also well-built, with a rechargeable battery and a sturdy phone mount. My first thought? This feels like a much more expensive package.
The Features That Actually Matter
Specs are just numbers on a page until you understand what they mean for your flight experience. The HS720E is packed with tech that, just a few years ago, was reserved for high-end models.
How Good is the 4K Camera with EIS?
The camera is the star of the show here. The Holy Stone HS720E boasts a 4K camera, but the real game-changer at this price point is the Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). EIS is a digital technology that smooths out the jitters and shakes from your video footage, which is a common problem with drones dealing with wind and minor turbulence.
Let’s be real: this isn’t going to compete with a DJI drone sporting a 3-axis mechanical gimbal. However, for a fraction of the price, the results are impressive. The 4K photos are crisp and vibrant in good lighting, perfect for sharing on social media. The video, thanks to EIS, is remarkably smooth and watchable. It’s the feature that elevates the HS720E from a simple flying machine to a genuine aerial photography tool for beginners and hobbyists.
Why Do GPS and Brushless Motors Make a Difference?
If you’ve ever flown a cheap, non-GPS drone, you know the constant struggle of fighting the wind and keeping it from drifting away. The HS720E’s GPS module changes everything.
GPS gives the drone spatial awareness. This means it can lock onto its position and hover perfectly in place, even with a bit of a breeze. This stability makes it incredibly easy for new pilots to fly with confidence. It also unlocks crucial safety and creative features:
- Return to Home (RTH): If you lose signal or the battery gets low, the drone will automatically fly back to its takeoff point. This feature is an absolute lifesaver.
- Follow Me: The drone can lock onto your position (via your phone’s GPS) and follow you, which is great for capturing action shots.
- Tap Fly & Point of Interest: You can set waypoints on a map for the drone to fly automatically, or have it circle a specific object.
Paired with the GPS are the brushless motors. In simple terms, they are more powerful, more efficient, and last significantly longer than the cheaper brushed motors found in toy drones. They give the HS720E the punch it needs to handle moderate winds and perform maneuvers crisply.
According to UAV technology analyst, Dr. Aris Thorne, “The democratization of features like brushless motors and GPS in drones like the HS720E represents a pivotal shift. It lowers the barrier to entry for safe and creative aerial photography, empowering a new generation of pilots.”
The Flight Experience: A Comprehensive Holy Stone HS720E Review
Talk is cheap, so let’s get to the important part: how does it fly?
Setting up is straightforward. You charge the batteries, download the Ophelia GO app, and connect your phone. The initial calibration, which involves turning the drone horizontally and vertically, takes about 30 seconds and is guided by the app. Don’t skip this step; it’s vital for GPS accuracy.
Once you take off, the stability is immediately apparent. The drone hangs in the air exactly where you leave it. Controls are responsive and intuitive. For absolute beginners, the “Beginner Mode” limits the drone’s range and altitude, creating a safe virtual fence while you learn the ropes.
The advertised flight time is up to 26 minutes per battery. In my real-world testing with some wind and a bit of aggressive flying, I consistently got around 20-22 minutes. With two batteries included, you’re looking at a solid 40 minutes of flying time per outing, which is fantastic for this class.
The video transmission (FPV) is sent to your phone and is generally stable up to about 500-600 meters. Beyond that, it can get a bit choppy, but the drone itself can be controlled from much further. For most recreational flying, this range is more than enough.
Who Should Buy the Holy Stone HS720E?
This drone hits a very specific, and very large, target audience.
- The Absolute Beginner: If you’re new to drones and want something you won’t outgrow in a month, the HS720E is an excellent choice. Its safety features and stable flight make it forgiving and easy to learn on.
- The Hobbyist on a Budget: For those who want to capture great-looking photos and videos without spending a fortune, this drone delivers incredible value.
- The Upgrader: If you’re coming from a sub-$100 toy drone, the HS720E will feel like a quantum leap forward in terms of performance, features, and camera quality.
It’s not for professional cinematographers or real estate photographers who need flawless, gimbal-stabilized 4K video for commercial work. But for everyone else, it’s a serious contender.
Before You Fly Checklist
Safety and preparation are key to a successful flight. Before every launch, I run through a quick mental checklist. It’s a great habit to build, no matter what drone you’re flying.
- [ ] Check weather conditions (avoid high winds and rain).
- [ ] Ensure both drone and controller batteries are fully charged.
- [ ] Inspect propellers for any damage or cracks.
- [ ] Make sure the camera lens is clean.
- [ ] Verify you are in a safe, open area away from people, airports, and power lines.
- [ ] Confirm your phone’s Wi-Fi and GPS are on.
- [ ] Perform the compass calibration before takeoff.
The Final Verdict
After extensive flying, this Holy Stone HS720E review ends on a high note. It’s a drone that punches well above its weight class. It successfully bridges the gap between cheap toys and expensive prosumer models by offering a robust feature set, reliable performance, and a genuinely good 4K camera with EIS.
It’s not perfect—a mechanical gimbal would be better, and the app could be a bit more polished—but for the price, the value is simply undeniable. It’s a fantastic platform for learning the fundamentals of aerial photography and for capturing your adventures from a breathtaking new perspective. If you’re ready to get serious about flying without your bank account getting serious with you, the Holy Stone HS720E is one of the best places to start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the real-world flight time of the Holy Stone HS720E?
While the official specification is up to 26 minutes, you can realistically expect between 20 to 22 minutes of flight time per battery, depending on factors like wind speed and how aggressively you fly. The package includes two batteries, giving you a total of about 40-45 minutes of air time.
2. Do I need to register the Holy Stone HS720E with the FAA?
Yes. In the United States, any drone weighing 250 grams (0.55 lbs) or more must be registered with the FAA. Since the HS720E weighs around 495 grams, registration is mandatory for recreational and commercial flying.
3. How far can the HS720E fly?
The remote control range is advertised up to 999 meters (about 3,200 feet). However, the FPV (First Person View) video transmission range to your phone is typically shorter, around 500-600 meters in ideal conditions. Always remember to keep your drone within your visual line of sight.
4. Is the Holy Stone HS720E good for beginners?
Absolutely. It’s one of the best drones for beginners due to its GPS stability, which makes it easy to control, and safety features like automatic Return to Home. The “Beginner Mode” also helps new pilots learn in a controlled environment.
5. How does the camera’s Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) perform?
The EIS on the HS720E does a very good job of smoothing out minor vibrations and shakes, resulting in much more watchable video than non-stabilized drones in this price range. It is not as effective as a 3-axis mechanical gimbal but represents a huge step up from unstabilized footage.