The SYMA X20 is a compact, beginner-friendly mini drone designed for indoor use. It features easy controls like altitude hold, one-key takeoff/landing, and headless mode, making it ideal for kids and new pilots. While it lacks a camera, GPS, and obstacle avoidance, it offers fun features like 360° flips and LED lights. With a short 5-minute flight time and basic build, it's best suited for casual flying and learning the basics.

SYMA X20 Drone Review : The Perfect Pocket Drone for Beginners and Indoor Flying
Specs
- Camera: No camera included
- Battery: charges in ~50 min (Built-in 3.7 V 180 mAh Li‑Po)
- Flight Time: ~4–5 min flight
- Range: About 20 m
- Obstacle Avoidance & GPS: None - basic sensors only (gyro, altitude hold)
- Portability & Build Quality: Compact (10.5 × 10.5 × 2.5 cm, ~22 g), durable but simple
Pros
- Very beginner-friendly with simple controls.
- Compact and lightweight, great for indoor use.
- Features like altitude hold and headless mode make flying easier.
- Performs fun 360° flips with one button.
- Affordable price for a feature-rich mini drone.
Cons
- Short flight time, only about 5 minutes per charge.
- Long charging time (up to 70 minutes).
- Not suitable for outdoor use due to wind sensitivity.
- Charging port is fragile and may break easily.
- Durability can decline after repeated use.
Table of Contents
What is it?
The SYMA X20 Drone is a pocket-sized quadcopter designed for ease of use, portability, and fun. Measuring just about 105 × 105 mm, this mini drone fits comfortably in your hand, making it ideal for travel or quick indoor flights.
Manufactured by SYMA, a brand known for producing reliable and affordable entry-level drones, the X20 delivers a balance between simple controls and enjoyable flight features. Its built-in altitude hold, one-key takeoff and landing, and 360° flip capabilities make it a great choice for beginners, kids, and casual flyers who want to enjoy drone piloting without the steep learning curve.
While it’s primarily meant for indoor use, it can be flown outdoors in completely calm conditions. Some variants even come with a basic 480p camera for casual aerial shots, though the X20 is marketed mainly as a fun toy drone rather than a professional photography tool.
Standout Features
The SYMA X20 Drone may be small, but it comes packed with features that make it a joy to fly:
1. Pocket-Sized Design
At only 4.1 inches across, the X20 can be stored in your pocket or small bag. Its lightweight ABS plastic body is durable enough to withstand minor crashes, which is great for beginners.
2. Altitude Hold
This feature lets the drone maintain its height automatically without constant throttle input, making hovering smooth and stable – perfect for learning basic maneuvers.
3. One-Key Takeoff & Landing
With just a single button press, the X20 can launch or land automatically. This is a big plus for kids or first-time pilots who might struggle with manual takeoffs.
4. 360° Flips & Rolls
For added fun, the X20 can perform flips in all directions with the press of a button, impressing friends and family without requiring advanced flying skills.
5. LED Navigation Lights
Bright LEDs help keep track of the drone’s orientation during low-light flights, adding both safety and style.
6. Safety Functions
Features like over-current protection and low-battery auto-landing prevent motor burnout and reduce the risk of damaging the drone.
7. User-Friendly Remote Control
The compact controller is simple to operate, with responsive joysticks and labeled buttons. On the X20-S variant, there’s even a gravity control mode where you tilt the controller to steer the drone.
SYMA X20 Vs HASAKEE Q9s
SYMA X20 | HASAKEE Q9s |
---|---|
Camera: No camera included | Camera: Also lacks a camera |
Battery & Flight Time: Built-in 3.7 V 180 mAh Li‑Po, ~4–5 min flight; charges in ~50 min | Battery & Flight Time: Comes with 2 × 3.7 V 500 mAh batteries (~7 min each) for extended flight |
Control Range: About 20 m | Control Range Up to 60 m reported |
Obstacle Avoidance & GPS: None — basic sensors only (gyro, altitude hold) | Obstacle Avoidance & GPS: None — lacks GPS or obstacle avoidance |
Portability & Build Quality: Compact (10.5 × 10.5 × 2.5 cm, ~22 g), durable but simple | Portability & Build Quality: Larger (≈17.5 × 17.5 × 5 cm, ~306 g with batteries), sturdy ABS build with prop guards |
Extra Features: Altitude hold, headless mode, one-key takeoff/landing, 360° flips, LED lights | Extra Features: Same core features plus three speeds, LEDs, one-key return, two batteries for longer play |
Amazon Price | Amazon Price |
Is This Drone Right for You?
Who Should Buy It
The SYMA X20 is a great match if you:
- Are a beginner who wants an easy and forgiving drone to start with.
- Want a safe indoor flying experience for kids or family.
- Need a compact travel-friendly quadcopter for fun on the go.
- Enjoy short casual flights and stunts like flips.
- Prefer low-maintenance drones with built-in safety features.

SYMA X20
The SYMA X20 is a compact, beginner-friendly mini drone designed for indoor use. It features easy controls like altitude hold, one-key takeoff/landing, and headless mode, making it ideal for kids and new pilots.
Who Should Skip It
You might want to look elsewhere if you:
- Need long flight times (the X20 averages only 5-8 minutes per charge).
- Want high-quality photography or video (its camera variants are basic at best).
- Plan to fly outdoors often, especially in windy conditions.
- Prefer drones with replaceable batteries for extended use.
User Review Highlights
The SYMA X20 has received a lot of praise for its ease of use and fun factor, but it’s not without its limitations.
Positive Reviews
- Beginner-Friendly Controls: Many users love how simple the drone is to fly, especially with altitude hold and one-key takeoff.
- Durable Build: Reviewers note it survives small crashes without significant damage.
- Perfect for Kids: Parents often recommend it as a safe first drone for children.
- Great for Indoor Fun: Its small size and stable hover make it ideal for flying inside the home.
An Amazon review:
“I love it! It’s easy to control and fly. The battery is built-in and charges quickly. I could fly it for about 5–6 minutes. It’s not good for outdoors in wind, but indoors it’s perfect.”
Critical Feedback
- Short Flight Time: The built-in 180 mAh battery lasts only around 5–8 minutes, which some find too limiting.
- No Replaceable Battery: Because the battery is built-in, you have to wait for it to recharge before flying again.
- Limited Outdoor Use: Even a slight breeze can make it difficult to control.
- Basic Camera Quality (if equipped): The optional 480p camera is suitable only for casual snapshots, not professional footage.
An Amazon review:
“Fun little drone, but the battery life is short. You get a few minutes of flight, and then it needs a recharge. Not great outside unless it’s completely calm.”
Final Verdict
The SYMA X20 Drone is a fantastic entry-level mini quadcopter for anyone looking to have fun indoors. It’s affordable, easy to fly, and durable enough for beginners, making it a perfect first step into the drone hobby.
That said, it’s not designed for long flights, outdoor adventures in windy conditions, or professional photography. If your expectations match its strengths – quick, safe, and fun indoor flights – the X20 will likely put a smile on your face.
Bottom Line: For under $50, it’s hard to find a more beginner-friendly drone that’s this compact and enjoyable to fly. Just keep in mind the short battery life and stick to indoor use for the best experience.
FAQs
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How long does the SYMA X20 Drone fly on a single charge?
The SYMA X20 offers about 5 to 8 minutes of flight time per full charge, depending on usage and flying conditions.
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Can I replace the battery in the SYMA X20?
No. The SYMA X20 has a built-in battery, so you cannot swap it out. You’ll need to recharge before your next flight.
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How long does it take to charge the SYMA X20 Drone?
It takes approximately 50 minutes to fully charge the built-in 180 mAh battery using the included USB charging cable.
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Is the SYMA X20 suitable for outdoor flying?
The X20 can be flown outdoors in completely calm weather, but it’s mainly designed for indoor flying due to its lightweight build.
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Does the SYMA X20 have a camera?
Some variants of the SYMA X20 include a basic 480p camera, but the standard version does not. The camera quality is toy-grade and not meant for professional photography.