Concerned about drone noise? Then you’ve come to the right place. Before operating drones and becoming a drone pilot, it’s important to be aware of their noise levels.
Drones do make noise because of the spinning propellers. The amount of noise a drone produces can differ based on its size, type, and many other factors. While some drones are quiet, others can be loud.
Here are some of the best drones that make least noise:
| Pick Type | Drone |
| Best Budget-Friendly Quiet Drone | Parrot Anafi |
| Best All-Rounder Quiet Drone | DJI Mini 2 |
| Best Professional Quet Drone | DJI Mini 3 Pro |
In this guide, I’ll talk about drone noise, including analogies to help you understand the sound. I’ll also cover decibel levels using household objects and animals as references.
Plus, I’ll share tips for reducing drone noise and highlight some of the best quiet drones in the market. So, read on till the end to get all the details.
What Does A Drone Sound Like?
You can think of a drone sounding like a hummingbird, a swarm of bees buzzing around your head, or like a lawnmower running at a distance.
Several factors can influence how loud or quiet you hear a drone:
- Type: Different types of drones have varying noise levels. Racing drones, designed for speed and agility, often have powerful motors that generate significant noise. Speaking of racing drones, you may also like to check out my guide about do racing drones come with an Altitude hold feature? Now, In contrast, photography drones prioritize quietness to minimize disturbance to wildlife and people.
- Speed: Faster drone flights result in louder noise because propellers need to spin faster to maintain lift.
- Altitude: Drones produce louder sounds at lower altitudes since sound waves have less distance to travel and are more concentrated.
- Environment: The noise level of a drone can be influenced by the surrounding environment. Windy conditions tend to make drones louder compared to calm environments.
- Propeller design: The noise level can be affected by propeller design. Wider blade spans generate more noise than narrower ones.
- Motor design: The design of drone motors also impacts noise. Motors with higher RPM (rotations per minute) create more noise than those with lower RPM.
It’s important to note that these factors interact and can vary depending on the specific drone model.
By the way, if you ever get confused between RC helicopter and drones, don’t forget to check out this guide: Are RC Helicopters Considered As Drones?
How Loud Is A Drone?
| Objects: | Sound Level: |
| Drones | 70 – 80 dB |
| Honey Bees | 73 dB |
| Hummingbird Humming | 20 dB (from 10 m distance) |
| Lawnmower | 90 – 95 dB |
| Blender | 70 – 80 dB |
| Ceiling Fan | 60 – 70 dB |
| Vacuum Cleaner | 65 – 90 dB |
Are Drones Noisy Enough To Be A Nuisance?
Drones are usually associated with innovative technology, pleasure, or photography. Their noise levels are also important to take into account.
Depending on size and propeller count, drones make 70–80 dB. Honey bees buzz at 73 dB, whereas hummingbirds hum at 20 dB at 10 meters away.
A drone’s noise is similar to that of a kitchen blender or vacuum cleaner, which makes 70–90 dB.
Now imagine your neighbor mowing their grass at 90–95 dB. Is that lawnmower annoying? Well, a drone could potentially be equally irritating!
It’s important to note that the drone’s annoying potential relies on the listener’s distance. Drone noise is less bothersome in a yard or other remote places where people are at a distance.
However, a drone near others might be annoying, especially for noise-conscious individuals. If your neighbor flies their drone in their backyard when you’re trying to relax, the buzzing may sound like a ceiling fan at high speed (60–70 dB).
Drones are exciting and intriguing, but they may be as loud as other appliances including lawnmowers or blenders. To avoid bothering others, you must carefully operate your drone.
Here are some of the most popular places to fly drones:
- Parks
- Fields
- Beaches
- Open spaces
- Designated drone parks
- Airfields
- Private property with permission
Before operating a drone, please be sure to verify local rules. Drones may be prohibited in some regions. It’s also vital to be cautious of drone risks including accidents with persons or objects and aircraft interference.
Why Are Drones So Noisy?
The short answer: Propellers! These are the spinning blades connected to the motor that make the drone go up and move in different directions. How fast the blades spin determines how loud the drone is.
Now, let’s talk about the things that make drones noisy.
The shape of the propellers also matters. Propellers with simpler designs, like straight blades, are usually quieter than those with complicated shapes. Straight blades create smoother airflow, reducing turbulence and making less noise.
The casing around the motor can affect the noise too. Drones with motors inside sound-absorbing casings are quieter. The casing helps reduce the noise made by the motor, giving a more enjoyable flying experience.
Another thing to think about is how far you are from the drone. Like with any sound, the farther you are from the drone, the quieter it seems. So, if you’re bothered by the noise, staying a reasonable distance away can make it less noticeable.
To sum it up, the main reason drones are noisy is the propellers. Their size, shape, and the casing around the motor all affect how loud they are. Also, how close you are to the drone makes a difference in how noisy it sounds.
Do More Propellers In A Drone Mean Less Noise?
Usually, drones that have more propellers make less noise compared to those with fewer propellers. That’s because when a drone has more propellers, each one doesn’t have to work as hard. They can spin at a slower pace, and that makes less noise.
A Youtuber tested this out for real to see the difference in noise between a drone with three blades, one with five blades, and another with six blades.
They found out that the drone with three blades made more noise than the one with five blades, and the five-blade drone was noisier than the six-blade drone.
The amount of noise lessened from the drone with three blades to the one with five, and it went down even more with the six-blade drone. While these differences might not be big, having more blades on a drone can help to lower the noise it makes.
Here’s why drones with more blades might make less noise:
- Less air disturbance: When a drone has more blades, it spreads the air around it more evenly. This causes less air disturbance, which is a big reason for the noise drones make.
- Slower blade speeds: The more blades a drone has, the less hard each blade has to work. This means they can spin more slowly, and slower spinning creates less noise.
- More lifting power: The more blades a drone has, the more lifting power it has. This means it can fly slower, and slower flying also makes less noise.
But remember, the number of blades isn’t the only thing that changes how much noise a drone makes. The size and kind of blades, the speed of the drone, and where it’s flying can also affect the noise level. But out of all these things, the number of blades is one of the most crucial factors.
How To Make A Drone Quieter?
Drones have gained immense popularity in various fields, from aerial photography to delivery services. However, their noise levels can be disruptive and bothersome in some cases. If you’re looking to reduce the noise produced by your drone, here are the top seven tips to consider:
#1. Increase the Number of Propellers:
One effective way to make drones quieter is to increase the number of propellers. Quadcopters, which have four propellers, are common, but drones with six or more propellers, such as hexacopters, distribute the noise more evenly.
This helps reduce the intensity of the sound and creates a smoother flying experience.
#2. Use Drone Shrouds:
Drone shrouds can absorb and redirect the sound produced by the drone. These shrouds are designed to minimize noise pollution by absorbing the drone’s frequencies and deflecting the sound upwards. This method is particularly useful for minimizing noise impact on people on the ground.
#3. Purchase Low-Noise Propellers:
Many aftermarket companies offer low-noise propellers specifically designed for different drone models. These propellers are engineered to produce less noise without compromising performance.
When purchasing propellers, ensure they are compatible with your drone model and provide a secure fit to avoid stability issues.
#4. Reduce Imperfections on the Surface:
Small imperfections, numbers, or imprints on the surface of the propellers can contribute to noise production.
By carefully sanding down these imperfections, you can create smoother surfaces that generate less unwanted sound. This method can help reduce the occurrence of additional frequencies and overtones during flight.
#5. Use Brushless DC Motors:
Brushless DC motors are known for their efficiency and low noise output compared to brushed motors. These motors use electronic commutation, eliminating the friction and sparking that contribute to noise production.
By opting for brushless DC motors, you can significantly reduce the overall noise level of your drone.
#6. Balance Your Propellers:
Imbalanced propellers can cause vibration, leading to increased noise during flight. To ensure a smooth and quieter operation, use a propeller balancer to balance your propellers.
This process involves redistributing the weight of the propeller blades to achieve a more even distribution and minimize vibration-induced noise.
#7. Use Larger, Slower-Spinning Propellers:
The speed at which propellers spin directly affects the noise they produce. Faster-spinning propellers generate more noise.
By using larger propellers, you can maintain the same level of lift while reducing the spinning speed. Slower-spinning propellers result in reduced noise levels, making your drone quieter during flight.
Implementing these tips can help you significantly reduce the noise generated by your drone. However, it’s important to balance noise reduction with safety and performance.
Are There Any Quieter Drones?
| Quietest Drones: | Sound In Decibel: |
| DJI Mini 3 Pro | < 65 dB |
| Parrot Anafi | < 65 dB |
| DJI Mini 2 | < 65 dB |
DJI Mini 3 Pro
Noise: If you are looking for the quiet drone in the market, then DJI Mini 3 Pro is your way to go because it is a super quiet drone, producing sound levels of below 65 decibels.
Camera: The DJI Mini 3 Pro has a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and a 24mm f/1.7 lens. It can record 4K video at up to 60fps and 12MP photos. The camera also has a number of features that can help you take better photos and videos.
By the way, if you’re into night photography then I highly encourage you to read this article on the best drones for taking night-time shots.
Flight Time: The DJI Mini 3 Pro has a maximum flight time of 34 minutes. This is longer than many other drones in its class, and it is thanks to a number of factors, including its lightweight design and its efficient battery.
Pros:
- Quiet
- Powerful camera
- Long flight time
- Foldable design
- Lightweight
- Easy to fly
Cons:
- Internal storage is limited to only 1.2 GB
- Lacks top obstacle avoidance sensors
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is a great drone for anyone who wants a powerful and versatile camera drone that is also quiet and easy to fly. It is perfect for capturing stunning aerial footage of your adventures, and it is small enough to take with you wherever you go.
If you are looking for a great camera drone, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is a great option.
>> Check Current Price Here (on Amazon)
Parrot Anafi
Noise: Parrot Anafi is another drone that fits into the quiet drone category. Wth under 65 dB sound production, its sound level is comparable to a normal conversation.
Camera: The Parrot Anafi drone has a 4K HDR camera with a 180-degree vertical tilt. This allows you to take stunning aerial photos and videos from any angle. The camera also has a 3x optical zoom, so you can get closer to the action without losing quality.
Flight Time: You get around 32 minutes of flight time with the drone (which, in normal conditions, would be around 22 minutes) Of course, it’s not that impressive but still decent enough for a drone.
Pros:
- 4K HDR video recording
- 180-degree vertical tilt
- 3x optical zoom
- Electronic image stabilization
- F/2.8 aperture
- 1/2.4-inch CMOS sensor
- 21MP still photos
- Compact and foldable design
- Easy to fly
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Obstacle avoidance feature not available
- Build quality is not robust
- Battery charging could be slow
If you are looking for a quiet drone at a decent, budget friendly price, then you can check out the Parrot Anafi Drone. It has good camera features and compact design making it a suitable pick for any drone hobbyist.
>> Check Current Price Here (on Amazon)
Side note: If you’re into drone photography and looking for affordable options, I encourage you to read my complete guide on the best cheap drones for photography. It is packed with useful information and could help you find a drone that meets both your photography needs and budget.
DJI Mini 2
Noise: The Mini 2 is also very quiet. It produces a sound close to 65 decibels, which is simply like an open office noise. This makes it a good option for flying in areas where noise is a concern
Camera: The Mini 2 has a 12MP camera that can shoot 4K video at 30fps. It also has a 3-axis gimbal that helps to keep the camera stable even when the drone is in motion. This results in smooth, professional-looking footage.
Flight Time: With DJI Mini 2, you can expect to get 30-31 minutes of flight time – decent enough for a drone.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- 4K camera with 3-axis gimbal
- Quiet
- Long flight time (up to 31 minutes)
- Easy to fly
- Affordable
Cons:
- No obstacle avoidance sensors
- Limited range (only up to 10 kilometers)
- Not as durable as some other drones
DJI Mini 2 is a great option for people looking for a quiet, small, lightweight drone that can capture stunning aerial footage. If you are looking for a drone with obstacle avoidance sensors or a longer range, you may want to consider a different model.
However, if you are looking for a great all-around drone that is affordable and easy to fly, the DJI Mini 2 is a great option.
>> Check Current Price Here (on Amazon)
Now, all these drones mentioned above are relatively quieter options in the market, but what if you’re searching for an option that doesn’t need your phone to operate?
Well, then I highly encourage you to explore this detailed guide on drones that don’t need a phone. These drones typically come with a standalone controller, providing a seamless flying experience without the hassle of phone connectivity.
Final Thoughts
In short, drones do produce noise and that’s because of their propellors. Drones vary in size, kind, and noise. When flying drones near humans or wildlife, it’s crucial to be careful of their noise levels.
Drones sound like hummingbirds, bee swarms, and lawnmowers. Drone noise depends on kind, speed, altitude, surroundings, propeller design, and engine design.
Increase the number of propellers, use drone shrouds, buy low-noise propellers, eliminate propeller surface flaws, use brushless DC motors, balance propellers, and use larger, slower-spinning propellers to reduce drone noise. These suggestions reduce noise and improve flying.
Finally, there are drones available in the market that are quieter. DJI Mini 3 Pro, Parrot Anafi, and DJI Mini 2 are some examples. These drones have strong cameras, decent flight period, compact build, and are easy to use.
FAQs:
What Does A Drone Sound Like At Night?
Drones typically sound like a swarm of bees or humming sound if you are in its close proximity. At night, the sound of a drone is more easily noticeable because there is less ambient noise to compete with it. You can report any unknown drones to respective authorities.
Do Drones Sound Like Helicopters?
No, Drones do not sound exactly like helicopters. Drones generally have a higher-pitched and less intense noise compared to helicopters.
Can You Hear The Sound Of Drone Flying Above You?
Yes, you can hear the sound of a drone flying above you, especially if it is in close proximity. Drones produce audible noise, although the volume and intensity may vary depending on the drone’s size and distance from the listener.
