The $60 Hackable Drone

As is the case with most commercial electronics, the hardware and software that make up a drone are generally proprietary. That’s bad news for hardware hackers who want to learn about, improve, or extend the capabilities of their drones. But who cares? After all, you’re a hardware hacker, right? Just build your own! That might sound fine until you actually get into the details and expenses associated with a total DIY build. If you have any interests in life other than drone design, the DIY route might not be for you.

Fortunately, there is now another option called ESP-FLY that was just released by Seeed Studio. Unlike standard, off-the-shelf drones, the ESP-FLY was built to be hacked. It’s powered by accessible hardware that you can program and modify, and it’s cheap enough that you won’t be concerned about the occasional crash. Aside from that, it might just be the smallest drone on the market, which is pretty darn cool!

ESP-FLY is built around the XIAO ESP32S3 development board, which handles flight control logic and wireless communication. Paired with a custom sensor and motor driver module, the system includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for stabilization and dedicated circuitry for driving the brushed motors. This makes for a fully functional flight controller built from accessible, maker-friendly components.

A lightweight 3D-printed frame houses four coreless motors arranged in alternating clockwise and counterclockwise configurations for stable flight. Powered by a small 250mAh LiPo battery, the entire system weighs just 25 grams while still achieving a thrust-to-weight ratio of 2.7:1. Despite its size, it can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h and operate across multiple control modes.

Beginners can control the drone directly from a smartphone over Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for specialized equipment. More advanced users can switch to ESP-NOW or external radio systems for extended range, or even add a 5.8GHz FPV camera for immersive first-person flight. This adaptability makes it equally well-suited for learning, experimentation, and rapid prototyping.

Users assemble the flight controller by soldering together modular boards, installing motors into the frame, and flashing firmware using standard ESP-IDF tools. Once powered, the drone performs an automatic calibration, enabling stable flight within minutes of completion.

For makers looking to experiment without committing to a full-scale project, ESP-FLY may be the best way to get started. Kits are currently selling for $59.99.