Urban Outfitters Is Now Selling $100 'Designer' Drones: Are They Worth It?

By Raizel Albano
Urban Outfitters' 'designer' drones.
Urban Outfitters' 'designer' drones.  Value Walk.

Urban Outfitters is now joining the drone bandwagon with its customized hipster 'designer' drones selling at $100 each (and when on sale, at $59.99).

Designed by TRNDlabs, the 'designer' drones feature the standard throw-and-shoot capability where the round spaceship-like device can fly, shoot photos and videos, and be manned by a remote controller. Flight time is around 20 minutes each time, and each drone is equipped with a two-megapixel camera. These drones are available in three color variations: blue, green and marble.

TRNDlabs Founder and CEO Gerard Nieuwenhuis says there is a justification with these expensive drones: "You will find that (our drone) has a better camera, longer battery life, flies more stable, comes in a fancy box that is perfectly giftable vs a flimsy box to keep things cheap, and easy-to-understand user guide instead of a 'Chinglish' leaflet..." However, Nieuwenhuis also admits that the company is now developing a cheaper-packaged drone to lower the price.

TRNDlabs, as the name implies, is "an international lifestyle brand that creates and manufactures stylish gadgets and fashionable tech." This very much explains why there is much favor on aesthetics even on the drone's packaging.

Nieuwenhuis adds, "Putting a color/design on a phone case, pair or earbuds, speaker and loads of non-tech goods (especially clothing), while delivering a quality product at a higher price seems to be widely accepted, but perhaps not (yet) for drones? Guess someone has to move first and take the heat."

Drones of the same size and capacity usually sell for an average of $28 when bought on online retail. The 'designer' drones being sold by Urban Outfitters are therefore a far outcry from the norm.

Some who have made the purchase are happy with the drones, saying, "Very good drone, camera is good enough for this price and because it is so light, you really learn to fly with this little guy!" Another says, "The flying is intuitive and smooth... This is the coolest, most fun I have had in ages. Well done TRNDlabs!"

However, some find the expensive drones ridiculous, with other purchasers saying the drone is "way too overpriced for what you get." Another disappointed customer says, "As usual the customer has to take the brunt of poor manufacture and brilliant salesmanship."

TRNDlabs is the only manufacturer of drones for Urban Outfitters. Urban Outfitters is a US-based multinational clothing company with products geared for "bohemian, hipster, ironically humorous, kitschy, retro and vintage" style lovers.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo