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The original Parrot Bebop is worth considering only as an inexpensive used drone for casual flying or as a specific choice for its first-generation Skycontroller. Its 14MP still camera and 1080p video are dated, and a battery lasts about 11 minutes. The Skycontroller improves hands-on control and extends the Wi-Fi link, but its advertised range of up to 2km is theoretical—not a promise of usable range.
What the original Parrot Bebop offers
Parrot built the Bebop as a lightweight camera drone controlled over Wi-Fi, with GPS-assisted flight and the FreeFlight app. It uses a dual-core A9 processor and Linux, and Parrot published an open-source SDK. The original model weighs 390g without its protective hull or 410g with it.
| Feature | Original Bebop specification |
|---|---|
| Camera | 14MP JPEG, RAW and DNG stills; 1920×1080 video at 30fps in H.264 |
| Storage | 8GB onboard flash |
| Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac MIMO Wi-Fi in 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands |
| Navigation | GPS and GLONASS |
| Battery | 1200mAh lithium-polymer battery; Parrot specifies about 11 minutes per battery |
| Mobile platforms listed by Parrot | iOS, Android and Windows Phone |
These are original-Bebop specifications from Parrot’s technical data. The camera’s wide field of view and digital stabilization can suit casual scenic clips, but the resolution and feature set reflect an older generation. Compared with current camera drones, buyers should expect less capable imaging and fewer modern flight aids; that is a judgment based on the published specifications, not a direct performance test.
Does the Bebop need a Skycontroller?
No. You can fly the Bebop using Parrot’s FreeFlight app on a compatible phone or tablet. The first-generation Skycontroller is an optional alternative that adds physical joysticks, a tablet dock, a dedicated Wi-Fi range-extending link, and USB and HDMI connections, including HDMI output for FPV displays. Parrot describes it as an ARM dual-core, Android-based controller with 8GB of memory and Wi-Fi output up to 36dBm. Parrot’s technical data lists these controller details; The Guardian’s review also describes its joystick-and-tablet-frame design.
#1 Best Overall
- Enhanced 14 megapixel fish-eye lens offers 1080p video recording and stunning image capture
- 25 minutes of flight time thanks to a powerful 2700 mAh battery
- Equipped with powerful motors and a rear flash LED for flight in greater altitudes and better visibility.
- Parrot Sky Controller comes ready to connect to your phone or tablet. 2 joysticks make piloting easy, and the Wi-Fi extender increases your range to 1.25 miles.
- Requires registration with FAA. Visit their website for more info on how to register.
When the controller is useful
- You prefer tactile joystick control over touchscreen controls.
- You want a larger phone or tablet display mounted on the controller.
- You need the controller’s range-extending link or HDMI output for an FPV setup.
What it costs in convenience
The controller adds bulk, weight and another aging battery-powered device to check and maintain. If you value portability and can use the app, the drone-only setup is simpler. The Guardian noted that many buyers would choose the drone alone and control it with FreeFlight 3 on a phone or tablet.
How long does a Bebop battery last?
Parrot specifies about 11 minutes from one 1200mAh battery. Reviews reported similar practical figures: TechCrunch described roughly 12 minutes, New Atlas about 11 minutes, and The Guardian summarized flight time as around 10 to 12 minutes per battery. Those are published reports, not a guarantee for an old pack: age, condition and flight circumstances can affect runtime. The cited reviews are TechCrunch, New Atlas and The Guardian.
Rank #2
- Enhanced 14 megapixel fish-eye lens offers 1080p video recording and stunning image capture
- 25 minutes of flight time thanks to a powerful 2700 mAh battery
- Equipped with powerful motors for flight in greater altitudes
- Powerful rear flash LED for better visibility—even in the dark
- Requires registration with FAA. Visit their website for more info on how to register.
Plan around short flights rather than expecting a long session from one charge. New Atlas also observed longer endurance when a battery was used in the Skycontroller, but the available reporting does not establish a dependable controller runtime for every battery or unit.
What is the Skycontroller’s range?
Parrot advertises a theoretical range of up to 2km for the first-generation Skycontroller, explicitly subject to national regulations. Treat that as an ideal-condition ceiling, not a guaranteed flight distance. Line of sight, Wi-Fi interference, local frequency and power restrictions, firmware state, and the phone or tablet connection can affect the link. Parrot’s Bebop support center hosts documentation, including guidance to follow local Wi-Fi-frequency restrictions; the manufacturer’s range qualification appears in its technical data.
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Can you still use the Parrot Bebop app?
Parrot’s support center continues to host legacy Bebop resources, including user guides, firmware downloads, certificates of conformity, Skycontroller documentation and FreeFlight Pro documentation. That does not establish that the app remains available in every app store or will run on every current phone. Before buying, check the buyer’s specific phone or tablet, operating-system version and app availability, and confirm the drone can connect to the app. The support materials are available through Parrot’s Bebop support page.
Which battery fits the original Bebop?
Parrot’s original specification is a 1200mAh lithium-polymer battery. Because later Bebop models and controller generations are easy to confuse in used listings, do not buy based on a title that merely says “Parrot Bebop battery.” Confirm the drone is the original Bebop, then compare the replacement pack’s label, connector and voltage with the pack specified for that aircraft. The manufacturer’s published capacity is in its technical data.
Rank #4
- This drone with a camera equipped with f/2.4 wide angle ASPH lens, HDR, and up to 2.8 times digital zoom captures spectacular 4K videos, Full HD or 2.7K videos (2704x1520), and 21 MP photos without loss of quality. Additionally, you have a timer, a Burst mode that captures 10 photos per second, and wizards to take over professional settings
- The ANAFI Parrot Drone can have up to 25 minutes of filmed flight time thanks to an intelligent Li-Po battery that optimizes its life and charges 60% faster using the Power Delivery USB Type C charger; Operating Temperature range: -10°C to 40°C
- With its ultra-compact and lightweight carbon frame (320 g), this quadcopter drone unfolds in less than 3 seconds, reaches a speed of 55 km/h in sport mode and withstands bullets up to 50 km/h
- Equipped with a Parrot Skycontroller 3 folding remote control, the ANAFI Parrot Drone can be located at any time thanks to the activation of your smartphone’s vibrator when attention or immediate action is needed, as well as the Geofence, SmartRth, and Find My Drone functions
- Software updates can make changes to existing features, further enhance ANAFI’s reliability and performance, or offer new experiences. It is therefore important to have an updated FreeFlight 6 application and to accept the proposed software updates. Max charging power 24W
A used battery’s condition cannot be inferred from its advertised capacity. Look for swelling or connector damage, and verify that it charges and holds enough power for safe testing; do not fly with a damaged pack. A known-good spare is useful given the short published flight time, but the sources above do not certify any individual replacement battery or used unit.
What to check before buying a used Bebop
- Identify the exact generation. Confirm it is the original Bebop, not the Bebop 2, Bebop 2 Power or a later Skycontroller 2. The original controller and drone should be identified separately.
- Inspect the battery and charger. Ask for a clear battery-label and connector photo, check for swelling or damage, and confirm the charger is included and works.
- Check flight essentials. Verify the propellers, protective hulls and any required mounting hardware are present and intact.
- Check app compatibility before paying. Confirm the intended phone or tablet can install or run the required FreeFlight software and connect to the aircraft.
- Test the aircraft when possible. Check charging, GPS lock, takeoff, camera recording, Wi-Fi stability and return-to-home. These are practical buyer checks, not guarantees that a previously working drone will remain reliable.
- Assess the controller separately. If included, check joystick response, its battery and charging, tablet mounting and HDMI output if you plan to use it. Do not assume a listing’s “Skycontroller” means the first-generation controller for the original Bebop.
Is the Parrot Bebop still worth buying?
It can make sense for a hobbyist who finds a low-cost, working example, wants a basic older aerial camera, or specifically values the original Skycontroller’s physical controls. It is a poor fit if long flights, current automated tracking, obstacle avoidance, modern image quality or dependable support for a current phone are important. These trade-offs follow from the Bebop’s published specifications and its legacy app and hardware ecosystem.
Best Value
- The Parrot Bebop 2 Charger ensures optimal battery charging.
- Charging time approximately 1 hr per battery
- Fly for up to 25 minutes on a single charge
Historical prices should not be mistaken for today’s used-market value: Parrot’s launch-era recommended prices were €499 for the Bebop, €499 for the Skycontroller and €899 for the combined package. Those figures are listed in Parrot’s product reference document; they are not current prices.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
