Let’s face it—losing a drone is a nightmare. You’re out flying, capturing stunning footage, and suddenly… where did it go? This is where the Return to Home (RTH) feature saves the day. Like a loyal pet (but with propellers), an RTH-enabled drone finds its way back to you, whether it’s low on battery, out of range, or you are calling on it.
How Does Return to Home Work?
Many modern drones use GPS-based RTH, which records the takeoff location and guides the drone back when needed. There are three main types of RTH:
- Smart RTH – You press a button, and the drone flies back like it forgot its lunch at home.
- Failsafe RTH – If the drone loses signal, it automatically returns instead of ghosting you.
- Low Battery RTH – The drone decides, “Nope, not risking it,” and flies back before the battery dies.
Drones with Return to Home That We Recommend
DJI Mini 4 Pro
- GPS-based smart RTH
- Obstacle avoidance for safe returns
- Ultra-portable with 4K HDR video
Holy Stone HS900
- Precision RTH with improved accuracy
- 4K camera for crisp footage
- Excellent low-light performance
Holy Stone HS720R
- GPS-assisted return home
- 4K EIS camera stabilization
- Affordable and beginner-friendly
Why You Need an RTH Drone
If you value your investment (and your sanity), an RTH feature is a must-have. Whether you’re a pro pilot or a weekend flyer, it ensures your drone always knows its way back—so you don’t have to go on a rescue mission.
Looking to buy a drone? Whether you’re looking for a drone with RTH function or a more basic drone, check out our drone reviews to find the best option for your needs! See our top picks here.