Kmart Drone Review Australia: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Searching for a drone with camera from Kmart? Wondering if a low-cost drone with camera is worth the purchase? With so many budget-friendly options in Kmart’s toy and electronics aisles, it can be tempting to snap up a $20–$59 quadcopter and hope for the best. But do these drones actually perform? And are they suitable for anything beyond casual indoor play? In this post, we take a closer look at the full range of Kmart drones in Australia, covering specs, reviews, common issues, and who they’re really suitable for. We’ll also explore why these drones, while basic, might be the perfect first step for children who are curious about flying and technology.
What Drones Are Available at Kmart Australia?
Kmart currently sells a variety of budget-friendly drones, including:
- RC Quadcopter with Camera – $49
- Nano Drone – $20
- Remote Control Quadcopter – $29
- RC Wi-Fi Folding Quadcopter – $59
- Remote Control Quadcopter with Camera – $49
- Radio Control Foldable Quadcopter – $59
- Stunt Quadcopter – $25
- Hand Operated Light Up Drone – $15
These drones are aimed primarily at children aged 8 and above. Most models include basic flight features such as 360-degree flips, altitude hold, and LED lighting. A few of the more expensive models advertise having built-in cameras that connect to smartphones.
What to Expect from a Drone with Camera at Kmart
While the idea of getting a drone with a camera at Kmart for under $60 is appealing, it’s important to set realistic expectations. The camera quality is typically very low-resolution, often with laggy feeds and unreliable connections. Pairing the drone to a phone app can be hit or miss, and the video output, if it works, is grainy and shaky at best. In essence, these cameras are more for novelty than utility. Don’t expect to shoot clear footage or capture Instagram-worthy aerial shots.
What Real Buyers Are Saying
Online reviews and forums are full of feedback from parents and first-time users. Some common points include:
- Battery life is very short, often 5–7 minutes per charge.
- Many drones are hard to control and may drift unpredictably.
- Outdoor performance is poor – even a light breeze can send the drone flying off course.
- Assembly instructions are often vague or incomplete.
- Camera pairing frequently fails.
Despite this, a recurring theme among reviews is that these drones can still be a lot of fun – for a short while. For kids, the thrill of taking flight, doing a flip, or landing safely can make up for some of the limitations.
A Great First Step into Drones for Kids
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of a Kmart drone is its potential as an introduction to flying. If you have a child interested in tech, aviation, or remote control toys, a $25–$60 drone is a relatively low-risk way to let them explore that curiosity. Flying a drone – even a simple one – teaches basic coordination, spatial awareness, and patience. Many kids also begin to understand concepts like wind resistance, altitude, and the importance of gentle handling. For children aged 8 to 12, this type of toy can be a fantastic way to build confidence before moving to more expensive equipment. It also creates a valuable learning opportunity for parents and children to explore safety rules together. Understanding where and how to fly responsibly, and why certain areas are restricted, can lead to deeper interest in aviation or even future career paths.
Battery Life and Charging
Kmart drones generally provide 5–7 minutes of flight on a full charge. This is enough time for some quick experiments and fun, but not much more. Many units come with a USB charger, but charging often takes over an hour. Some drones use built-in rechargeable batteries, while others require AA batteries for the remote. It’s a good idea to stock up before gifting one, as nothing disappoints more than running out of battery after the first flight.
Indoor vs Outdoor Use
Although many product descriptions mention outdoor use, in practice, these drones are best suited for indoor environments. They’re very lightweight, which makes them vulnerable to wind. Several buyers report drones being carried away even on calm days. Indoors, you can create a safe flying zone for kids in a lounge room, garage, or hallway. Add a few soft obstacles, and you’ve got a basic drone course that encourages control and precision. This is a safer and more manageable way for kids to practise flying.
Common Issues
Based on buyer feedback, here are a few common issues with Kmart drones:
- Fragility: Drones often break or come apart on impact. In some cases, parts can be reattached; in others, the drone stops working entirely.
- Flyaways: Some models have no emergency stop or return-to-home feature. If they catch a gust of wind, they may be lost for good.
- Erratic controls: Drones may drift, spin, or become unresponsive, especially after crashes.
- Limited features: Altitude hold, flips, and obstacle avoidance are advertised but not always effective.
- Packaging: Poorly packaged items may arrive damaged or missing components.
However, some users note that crashing and repairing these drones can be part of the learning experience. Children learn about troubleshooting, basic repairs, and even cause-and-effect.
Are Kmart Drones Worth It?
That depends entirely on your expectations. If you’re looking for:
- A drone that takes smooth video footage
- Long flight times
- Outdoor performance in varied weather
- Reliable smart features
…then you’ll be disappointed. But if you want:
- A fun and affordable gift for a child
- A first step into drone controls and flight principles
- A toy to use indoors in short sessions
- A way to test a child’s interest before buying a better drone
…then yes, a Kmart drone could be worth it. Just understand the limitations before you buy, and make sure your child does too.
Legal Considerations
Even a cheap drone must follow Australian rules for safety and airspace. CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) outlines clear guidelines, even for toy drones. These include:
- Keep the drone in line of sight
- Don’t fly higher than 120 metres
- Stay at least 30 metres from other people
- Don’t fly over people or near emergency operations
For full rules, visit droneflyer.gov.au. Teaching children to follow these rules from the beginning creates safe habits that will serve them well if they pursue the hobby further.
Final Verdict: A Fun Entry-Level Toy with Some Surprises
Kmart drones are not suitable for serious photography, long-term outdoor use, or professional learning. They are, however, accessible, affordable, and occasionally surprising in the joy they can bring to young flyers. For under $60, you get a crashable, flyable, sometimes fixable toy that can ignite interest in aviation and tech. The biggest value might not be the drone itself, but the spark of curiosity it lights in the person flying it.
Want to learn how to fly drones properly or take your drone skills further? Check out our RePL training course and get certified with professional instructors in Australia.