Whether you’re shooting stills or video, the best drone models make it easy to shoot cinematic aerial images. We’ve flown all of the top drones for countless hours, to test everything from camera quality to flight controls in the real world. Our favorite options are ranked in the list below.
Based on our tests, we think the best drone for most people is the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Weighing less than 250g, it offers an impressive set of features for such a compact model, including a capable camera and omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. It’s also safe and easy for novices to pilot, making it one of the best beginner drones.
It’s not the cheapest option, though. That's why we’ve also tested drones in a range of different price brackets. If you’re looking for a cheap, simple choice to get off the ground, we suggest looking at the Ryze Tello, which we recommend for buyers with a limited budget.
If you’re a professional pilot with more to spend, we think the triple-camera DJI Mavic 3 Pro is one of the most versatile flying machines on the market for aerial photography and video. It even won the best camera device of the year at the TechRadar Choice Awards 2023, ahead of dedicated mirrorless cameras.
Whether you want a budget starter drone or a pro-grade model with top-flight skills, you’ll find your ideal option in our expert guide. We’ve also shared some top buying advice to help you select your perfect drone. If you’re getting airborne for the first time, take a look at our dedicated beginner’s drone guide.
Written by
Written by
Timothy Coleman
Cameras EditorTim is TechRadar's Cameras editor, with over 15 years in the photo video industry and most of those in the world of tech journalism. Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with all things camera related. He’s also worked in video production with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi.
The quick list
If you don’t have time to read our full list of the best drones, you can use the round-up below for a quick overview of the the best options for your needs and budget. If you find a drone that takes your fancy, use the links to skip down to our full write-up.
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best drones in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
Best compact drone overall
(Image credit: DJI)
Buy it if:
✅ You want the best lightweight drone: With excellent image quality and obstacle avoidance in all directions, this is the most feature-packed sub-250g drone.
✅ You’re serious about video: Support for 4K 100fps slow-mo and the D-Log M color profile offers additional versatility and finer control of video output.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You’re happy with the Mini 3 Pro: While the Mini 4 Pro has a few new features, many users will find that they don’t justify switching from the already capable Mini 3 Pro.
❌ You only fly in the open: Omnidirectional Video Sensing is useful, but only if you operate in complex environments with lots of obstacles.
With a lightweight build and pro-grade features, the DJI Mini 3 Pro was previously our favorite drone. The Mini 4 Pro builds on its qualities to deliver an even better experience, albeit not a radically different one. If you already own a Mini 3 Pro, it probably doesn’t justify an upgrade. But if you’re switching from a different model or buying your first Mini series drone, it’s an excellent choice.
Its small, folding design is almost identical to the Mini 3 Pro, as is the regulation-friendly 249g takeoff weight. Also the same is the 1/1.3-inch sensor, which still delivers excellent image quality. Thanks to processing updates, we found it even better at handling noise in low light. Serious videographers will also welcome the new D-Log M color profile, which offers greater consistency with the Mavic 3.
Obstacle avoidance is now omnidirectional, meaning the Mini 4 Pro is even safer than its predecessor when it comes to operating indoors or near trees. We also found ActiveTrack 360° highly effective, making it an easy drone for beginners to fly confidently. If you can afford the DJI RC 2 controller option, you’ll have the best backpack-friendly drone bundle.
Best budget drone without obstacle avoidance
(Image credit: DJI)
The best budget drone if you don’t need obstacle avoidance
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
Weight:
248g
Controller:
Yes (available without)
Camera resolution:
12MP
Flight time:
38 minutes
Range:
6-10km
View at BHPhotoView at AdoramaView at Amazon+
Great image quality
+
Small, lightweight build
-
No collision avoidance
-
No subject tracking
Buy it if:
✅ You’re a drone beginner: The DJI Mini 3 is a great starting point if you’re new to drones, yet still delivers the same image quality as the Pro version.
✅ You’re on a budget: If you don’t have a huge amount to spend, the DJI Mini 3 is easily the best in its price bracket, offering a lot of value.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You need collision avoidance: Unlike the Mini 4 Pro, the Mini 3 doesn’t feature the added safety net of obstacle avoidance to keep you clear of trees.
❌ You want to fly in strong wind: The Mini 3 can struggle and drift in windy conditions; you’ll find more stability from the Evo Lite+.
If you don’t need the reassurance of collision avoidance, the Mini 3 is the best budget drone you can buy. Small, lightweight and more affordable than the Mini 4 Pro, it delivers identical image quality to its costlier sibling. Provided you’re confident to navigate in-flight obstacles without automated assistance, it’s a high-quality drone capable of capturing excellent JPEG and raw stills, as well as 4K video at up to 30fps. Helpfully, its 12MP sensor can also rotate to shoot in portrait.
A lack of Log profiles limits its appeal to professionals, while the absence of subject tracking marks another downgrade from the Pro version. That said, the Mini 3 still features Quickshots, which allow beginners to capture cinematic footage using automated flight paths. We found it an easy drone to pilot with the optional controller, with downward vision sensors and GPS to help with hovering. Stepping up to the Mavic 3 Classic would yield better image quality and increased stability in windy conditions, but with decent real-world flight times of 25 minutes, the Mini 3 ticks all the key boxes for budget buyers.
Best all-round drone for aerial photographers
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if:
✅ You want a zoom lens: The Air 3 has two lenses, including a 3x telephoto that lets you get close to the action from a safe working distance.
✅ You fly in blustery conditions: In our tests, the Air 3 proved to have better wind resistance than the Mini 3 Pro, coping well with breezy situations.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want a starter drone: The DJI Air 3 is fine for beginners to fly, but novices might find the smaller and lighter Mini 3 more manageable.
❌ You want variable apertures: Both of the Air 3’s lenses have fixed apertures, which are particularly restrictive if you use ND filters.
With dual cameras and improved wind resistance, the DJI Air 3 represents a significant upgrade over the already capable Air 2S from 2021. A 720g take-off weight puts the Air 3 in Europe’s C1 category, meaning it’s subject to more restrictions than the sub-250g drones in this list. But you also get a lot of benefits for the extra baggage, including a generous 46-minute flight time.
In testing, we found image quality class-leading, as we’ve come to expect from DJI. Fixed apertures aren’t helpful for users of ND filters, but we found that the 3x zoom lens allows you to work at a safe and legal distance from subjects, a particularly useful feature if you’re recording wildlife.
Because the DJI Air 3 is a big drone, many novices will find the Mini 3 more manageable. That said, we think beginners will have no issue piloting the Air 3, thanks to its easy interface and useful safety features. As a middle ground between the more affordable Mini 3 Pro and the highly capable Mavic 3 Pro, it makes a lot of sense.
Best premium drone
(Image credit: Future | James Abbott)
Buy it if:
✅ You need telephoto zoom: Twin telephoto lenses give the Mavic 3 Pro excellent versatility, with 166mm and 70mm cameras.
✅ You like to fly safe: The Mavic 3 Pro offers a suite of safety features, including collision avoidance and advance return to home.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You’re a complete novice: The Mavic 3 Pro is easy to fly, but the Mini 3 offers a lot for beginners at a lower price and weight.
❌ You’re on a tight budget: As one of the most expensive consumer drones on the market, the Mavic 3 Pro is a premium option.
DJI’s new flagship is the first consumer drone with three cameras. This is two more than most pilots need. But if you’re an aerial photographer or videographer in search of the most versatile drone on the market, the results of our testing suggest the Mavic 3 Pro is the premium pick for you.
In our review, we found the image quality of the main 24mm Four Thirds camera – the same one used by the Mavic 3 Classic (below) – the best. It’s also the winner in terms of adjustable aperture, formats and frame rates. That said, both telephoto cameras produce excellent images, and the option to zoom in 3x and 7x is fantastically useful in a range of scenarios.
Despite being a pro drone, we found the Mavic 3 Pro incredibly easy to fly, aided by excellent safety features that make it accessible to all users. That said, its pro-tier video modes, as well as its price tag, make it overkill for beginners. Its weight also puts it into the restrictive C2 European drone category. But if you want a top-spec drone that’s more portable and less expensive than the Inspire 3, the Mavic 3 offers it all – plus two telephotos.
The best DJI Air 2S alternative
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if:
✅ You want aperture control: Unlike the DJI Air 2S, the Evo Lite+ offers aperture adjustment, making it then best camera for the price.
✅ You like to fly for longer: Up to 40 minutes of flying time means the Evo Lite+ give you more flexibility to adjust for the perfect shot.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You already have the DJI Air 2S: With a similar sensor and feature set, marginal upgrades don’t offer a compelling reason to switch to the Lite+.
❌ You plan to fly in built-up areas: Because it weighs more than 250g, the Lite+ is subject to more restrictions on where you can fly it.
As the flagship flying machine from Autel’s latest line-up of DJI rivals, the Evo Lite+ goes directly up against the Air 2S. Capable of shooting 5.4K footage at 30fps using a 1-inch sensor, it shares a remarkably similar spec sheet. But it also both leapfrogs the Air 2S and the Mavic Pro 2 with its 40-minute flight time and adjustable aperture (ranging from f/2.8 to f/11). The Lite+ model does lack the fourth-axis stabilization of its Evo Lite sibling, but the larger pixels on its sensor give it better light-gathering potential in dim conditions.
Pro drone videographers might think twice about the lack of 10-bit video and D-Log profile, while the omission of side sensors for obstacle avoidance is a shame. But in all other respects, we found the Lite+ to be an impressively versatile piece of flying camera equipment in our review. For the money, its 20MP sensor is probably the best camera available on a drone today, which gives the Air 2S some serious competition.
Best value camera drone for enthusiasts
(Image credit: DJI)
Buy it if:
✅ You need a quality foldable drone: Equipped with a Hasselblad 20MP 4/3 camera, the Mavic 3 Classic delivers the best image quality in its class.
✅ You want lots of safety features: Like all Mavic 3 models, the Classic features an arsenal of safety features to help you avoid airborne obstacles.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You have a limited budget: It costs less than the original modes, but the Classic remains an expensive drone, especially factoring in the Fly More Kit.
❌ You need a small drone: Its relatively compact, but the Mavic 3 Classic is still much larger and heavier than something like the Mini 4 Pro.
Technically a step down from the Mavic 3, the Classic edition lands at a lower price by losing the telephoto camera of its pricier sibling. While it’s not a budget choice, this simplified setup makes the Classic a more cost-effective option for videographers. It retains the excellent 4/3 main sensor, which we think is the best camera available on a folding drone.
You don’t get the 1TB SSD or Apple ProRes recording of the Cine edition, but we think its ability to capture 5.1K video in Normal, HLG and 10-bit profiles will be plenty for most videographers. And thanks to the larger sensor, noise handling is fantastic across the full ISO range.
You also get all of the flight and safety features of the original Mavic 3 models. While this isn’t a beginner drone, we found in testing that collision avoidance, subject tracking and automated Quickshots made the Classic easy to pilot with confidence – even if real-world battery life proved shorter than the claimed 46 minutes. If you’re fine with a 1-inch sensor, the DJI Air 2S is more affordable. But if you want the best image quality from a foldable drone, the Mavic 3 Classic is the best choice.
Best cheap drone for novices
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if:
✅ You want a cheap starter drone: With a simple app and responsive controls, the Tello is an affordable way to master the basics of drone flight.
✅ You want a drone to travel with: Tiny dimensions and a featherweight build make the Ryze Tello easy to carry in a backpack.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want to fly in the wind: Due to its low weight, the Tello doesn’t deal with anything more than a slight breeze.
❌ You want high-quality footage: Video is a weak point of the Tello, with 720p footage often appearing choppy and compressed.
Simple, lightweight and affordable, the Ryze Tello is a fun drone for first-time flyers. Despite its budget price tag, the Tello offers plenty: the battery delivered a reasonable 13 minutes of flight time in testing, while downward-facing light sensors allow the Tello to hover in place and perform a handful of automated tricks.
Our review found image quality from the nose-mounted 5MP camera to be less impressive, with limited dynamic range and noticeable compression artifacts when streaming 720p HD video. Because video is beamed directly to your smartphone, the frame rate is affected by any drop in connection strength.
That said, we found the app refreshingly simple. It offers a straightforward way to pilot the Tello, with an on-screen twin-stick setup that’s rewardingly responsive. The theoretical range is 100m, but 30-40m is more realistic – which, given how even the slightest breeze can blow the 80g Tello off course, is not necessarily a bad thing.
The Ryze Tello is fundamentally an enjoyable drone to fly on a calm day, zipping along at a rapid chop and reacting nimbly to intuitive inputs. The limited range is somewhat restrictive but, provided you don’t mind choppy video, it’s nevertheless the best starter drone around.
Best FPV drone
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if:
✅ You want to try flying an FPV drone: The DJI Avata is designed to make FPV flight easy for beginners, flying slow enough to be safe.
✅ You want a ready-to-fly FPV drone: The DJI Avata is good to go right out of the box, complete with a headset and controller.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You usually fly drones alone: Rules in most regions require a spotter to maintain a line of sight while flying an FPV drone.
❌ You have a limited budget: While the DJI Avata comes with everything you need to fly, it represents a serious investment.
If you’re looking to explore the increasingly popular niche of first-person drone flight, we think the DJI Avata is the best FPV drone out there. Using a compatible controller and pair of DJI Goggles, you can fly indoors or out while shooting impressive 4K/60p video. Pro shooters will enjoy support for DJI’s flat D-Cinelike profile, too.
Besides one frustrating design decision – placing a microSD card slot inside one of the Avata’s blade rings – our review found it to be a well-built drone with impressive crash resistance, courtesy of its propellor guards. We felt it was easy to fly after just a few practice runs.
Several variants of DJI controllers are available for the Avata. These include standard remotes that will likely appeal to traditionalists, as well as motion-sensitive options like the DJI RC Motion 2, which sees the drone respond to the pilot’s hand movements. This will be the more intuitive option for many learners.
Either way, you’ll be able to fly the Avata at top speeds of 60mph, while capturing unique footage. As long as you’re aware of its limitations – you’ll need a spotter if you’re shooting outdoors – the DJI Avata is an ideal choice for fledgling FPV pilots.
Best compact DJI alternative
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Buy it if:
✅ You want to shoot in low light: Thanks to a generous 1/1.28-inch sensor, the Evo Nano+ is able to capture more light in dark conditions.
✅ You want to avoid restrictions: Although it’s a high-performance drone, the Nano+ weighs in at less than 250g, which makes it easier to fly legally.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You’re a fan of DJI: If you’ve known and flown DJI drones before, the DJI Mini 4 Pro represents the more natural option, and it’s a little cheaper.
❌ You use third-party software: Unlike DJI, Autel doesn’t currently allow other companies to develop software tools for its drones.
DJI's Mini 4 Pro is our top pick in the sub-250g category, but if you want a compact drone from an alternative manufacturer, the colorful Evo Nano+ is a nice choice. With a big sensor and bright lens, our tests found that its camera performance trumps the DJI Mini 2, particularly in low-light situations. We found results after dark were much improved by locking the exposure to ISO 3200, too.
Despite ducking under 250g limit, the Nano+ handles windy conditions fairly well for such a small drone. It felt highly controllable in testing, with three-way obstacle avoidance boosting our confidence, even if bright sunlight sometimes gave false proximity warnings. Its body feels less robust than the Lite+ (above) but rigidity improves when the battery is inserted.
The Autel fly app has improved considerably since we first reviewed the drone, with a more streamlined interface for stills and video. Overall, the Evo Nano+ is a superb small drone capable of producing stunning 4K/30p video. If you’re looking for a compact DJI alternative that flies below most registration requirements, the Evo Nano+ should be on your radar.
Best FPV drone kit for beginners
(Image credit: James Abbott)
The best FPV drone kit for beginners
Our expert review:
Weight:
45.8g
Controller:
Yes
Camera resolution:
N/A
Flight time:
5 minutes
Range:
80m
+
Affordable FPV kit
+
Robust build quality
-
Limited battery life
-
Can’t shoot photo of video
Buy it if:
✅ You want a ready-to-fly kit: With a drone, controller and goggles in the box, the Cetus Pro Kit makes it easy to get off the ground.
✅ You want an affordable FPV drone: Bundled with everything you need at a reasonable price, this is a fantastic first FPV kit.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want to shoot FPV videos: Though the Cetus Pro has a camera, it’s used only for the FPV feed and can’t capture stills or video.
❌ You don’t want to crash a drone: Crashes are part of FPV flying and you’ll need to accept that likelihood before flying the Cetus Pro.
A complete yet affordable FPV kit, we think the BetaFPV is the best way for beginners to try first-person drone flight. The bundle comes with a full FPV setup, including goggles, batteries and a console-style controller, which you can also use to practice in simulators.
Delivered ready to fly, the drone itself is incredibly light. FPV flight makes crashes more likely, but the Cetus is built tough enough to withstand most impacts. Turtle Mode means it can right itself remotely, while three speed settings and three flight modes offer flexibility for learners to improve. We found Normal to be the easiest to fly, while Manual/Acro is the most difficult, requiring careful control and throttle regulation.
Besides the potential nausea associated with FPV flight, there are two main drawbacks with the Cetus kit. Battery life is limited to just 4-5 minutes per charge, making backup cells a necessity, and there’s no option to record stills or video. But if you want an affordable way to sample the FPV experience, we still think it’s the top option.
How to choose the best drone for you
When choosing your ideal drone, budget is the obvious place to start. Flagship drones usually benefit from the largest sensors, highest video resolutions and latest pro-grade features, but these will usually set you back thousands. You’ll often find the best value by looking in the middle of the range, where models like the DJI Mini 3 Pro balance price, portability and performance. If you’re a novice in search of an affordable drone to get started, the Ryze Tello offers a decent experience for just $99 / £99.
Beginner fliers should consider drones with safety features like obstacle avoidance, which help to prevent mid-air collisions. Automated flight modes also make it easy to pull off set-piece manoeuvres without the need for professional flying skills. Similarly, drones with a follow-me mode take the effort out of tracking a subject.
Most drones allow you to use a smartphone as a controller, usually by inserting it into an included handset. If you’re a seasoned pilot with specific control requirements, it’s worth checking what remotes are compatible with a given model. Factors such as flight time, range and speed can also be crucial, depending on how you plan to fly.
If you plan to shoot aerial photos and videos, it’s worth thinking about how you plan to use your images. If you’re shooting to share on social, you might be happy with stabilized Full HD footage. But if you’re producing a short film or even working commercially, you should look for a drone with a large sensor that’s capable of recording 4K footage, with support for color profiles for greater editing flexibility.
Finally, keep size and weight in mind. Many of the drones above can be folded down to fit in a backpack, which makes them easier to travel with. Larger drones are less portable but tend to be more stable in the air. Any drones that weigh more than 250g are likely to attract registration requirements (see below).
(Image credit: DJI)
Drone laws exist to ensure a high level of safety in the skies, especially near sensitive areas like airports and national parks. They also aim to address privacy concerns that arise when camera drones fly in residential areas.
In several regions, such as the United States, drones weighing less than 250g are exempt from registration with civil aviation authorities. While registration might not be mandatory, it’s still necessary to follow local drone laws. This includes the requirement to keep your drone within sight at all times when airborne.
Different countries have different rules. Previously, in the UK, drones weighing less than 250g were exempt from registration. This has changed: owners of any camera-equipped drone must now register their aircraft with the Civil Aviation Authority and obtain an Operator ID. This registration carries an annual fee of £10.33 for individuals aged 18 and above.
If your drone exceeds 250g in weight, you will also require a Flyer ID. To obtain this, you need to pass an online test featuring 40 multiple-choice questions. The answers can be found in the Drone Code and are intended to promote safer flying practices.
For drones weighing less than 250g without a camera, neither ID is necessary. That said, you still need to comply with the UK’s drone laws. According to the Drone Code, this means maintaining visual contact with your drone, flying no higher than 120m above the ground, staying at least 150m away from populated areas, and avoiding restricted airspace, typically found near airports.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
In December 2020, the US government placed Chinese drone maker DJI on its ‘Entity List’ – the same trade blacklist that Huawei landed on in 2019. It is now prohibited for US federal agencies to purchase or use DJI drones, and several states, including Florida, have banned their use by government agencies.
However, it’s still perfectly legal for private customers to buy and fly DJI drones in the US, and there’s no sign that DJI will be banned from selling its products on the consumer market. The trade blacklist simply restricts its access to US technologies for future products. So while it may affect DJI’s supply chains, all the big retailers like Amazon are still selling the company’s drones as usual.
The decision of whether or not to buy DJI drones is a personal one, but we are very happy to continue recommending its flying cameras. DJI itself has strongly refuted the US blacklist decision, saying it “has done nothing to justify being placed on the list”. It has also stated that “DJI is not a military company in China, the United States or anywhere else.”
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
For many years, DJI has been the standout brand for drones with cameras. And while that continues to be the case, the Chinese company has come under fire in recent times – both from increased competition and run-ins with the US government. This hasn’t changed our opinion of whether or not you should buy a DJI drone (as you can read above), but it is good to finally see some healthy competition in the drone space.
In the US, Skydio became a standout brand for obstacle-avoidance powers, which make it a strong contender for those who need ‘follow me’ functionality. Sadly, Skydio recently closed its doors and is no longer in the consumer drone business – that's one less DJI rival. More recently, we’ve been impressed by the offerings from another Chinese company, Autel, which is making very good DJI rivals at different price points, while Potensic released an excellent DJI Mini 3 alternative for beginners the Potensic Atom. For now, we still think DJI is the best overall brand for drones, but there are now lots of alternatives, particularly if you have a specific use case for a flying camera.
(Image credit: DJI)
How to test drones
While the cameras are the main focus of the drones we review, we also test their flying performance to see how easy they are to operate. We check their stabilization in the air, their responsiveness and their top speed. Perhaps most importantly, we also assess their obstacle avoidance – which is particularly crucial if you want a drone that automatically tracks and follows a subject.
After testing the drone's battery life claims based on some real-world flights, we then move onto their cameras. We shoot a range if clips at different resolutions and frame-rates, including high-contrast scenes to push their dynamic range to the limit, plus some low-light scenes. Automated flight modes are also tested to see whether they're genuinely useful or fun gimmicks.
(Image credit: Future)
These videos are then assessed on a calibrated monitor, along with the drone's still photos (which we shoot in maximum resolution in both JPEG and raw, at various ISOs). When it comes to image quality, we look at detail, sharpness across the frame, and high ISO noise handling, to see which conditions you can reasonably expect to shoot usable video and stills in. We then combine these results with our overall impression of the drone's design, features and value to produce our final verdict.
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. Read our editorial mission
Read on for the top drones we've tested, followed by everything you need to know about choosing the right model for your needs and budget.
We don't focus on racing, industrial, or agricultural aircraft here—our coverage is squarely on imaging and video. The drones we review are ready-to-fly models, so you can use them right out of the box.
The bad news? You get what you pay for. If you want an aerial video platform that can capture stunning footage, you need to spend some cash, anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Because drones are such pricey propositions, it pays to do your research before buying one.
Even if you have no good reason to justify buying one, you have to admit that drones are cool. Some are glorified tech toys, but the models we highlight here are fit for imaging and cinematic applications both small and large. If you think you can use a flying camera in your next project, there's some good news—the tech has come a long way in a very short time. Some models on the market now put earlier copters to shame in terms of video quality and stabilization.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
4.5 Outstanding
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is the most capable ultralight drone on the market. It weighs just 249g with its standard battery (good for around 34 minutes of flight time), so you don't have to register it with the FAA. Creators who don't mind forms and fees should opt for the extended life battery, however, which pushes flights beyond 45 minutes. Full 360-degree obstacle avoidance, automated flight modes, and a Quad Bayer camera with 4K60 HDR video round out the feature set. We especially like the APAS function, which helps the drone navigate through complex spaces all by itself, even at low altitudes.
If you've looked at the Mini 3 and wanted a bit more, the Mini 4 Pro is a sensible step-up option. Drone enthusiasts, cinematographers looking to add a B-camera for aerials, and creators who don't mind spending a bit more for smart obstacle avoidance should find the Mini 4 Pro to be a worthwhile upgrade. It's also a good match for TikTok influencers because it supports vertical 9:16 video.
GET IT NOW
$959.01 Amazon
$759.00 DJI
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DJI Mini 4 Pro Review
4.0 Excellent
The DJI Mini 2 SE is the best drone you can get for less than $350. It sports a stabilized 2.7K video camera that snaps 12MP photos, and also includes GPS and Find My Drone functions. Its 249g takeoff weight means you can fly it without dealing with FAA registration—you just need to pass an online knowledge test. We also like the Mini 2 SE's nearly half-hour flight times, stable performance at its 400-foot altitude limit, and reliable connection to the required smartphone app. We just wish DJI had managed to build in obstacle-detection sensors.
The Mini 2 SE is the drone to get if you're just starting out and want to record ultra-smooth 2.7K30 footage from the air. Raw format imaging is also available for photogs who like to post-process.
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$299.00 Amazon
$299.99 Best Buy
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DJI Mini 2 SE Review
4.0 Excellent
The DJI Air 2S has a camera with an oversized Type 1 (also called 1-inch) sensor for much better 20MP stills than you can get from the DJI Mini series drones. It supports 5.4K30 and 4K60 video with HDR, flat, or standard profiles, plus it can snap photos in Raw or JPG format. DJI's strong safety features are here too, including GPS location, obstacle sensors, ADS-B to warn you of nearby manned aircraft, and a 30-minute battery.
The Air 2S is a compelling drone for stills-first creators. The Type 1 sensor may lag behind Quad Bayer chips in pixel count, but captures a wider dynamic range, so photogs have more leeway for edits to exposure. Video pros should appreciate the 5.4K resolution and choice of three profiles too, but you may want to step up to a Mavic 3 for more serious cinema work. Keep in mind that you must register this drone with the FAA.
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$899.00 Walmart
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DJI Air 2S Review
4.0 Excellent
The DJI Air 3 puts both a 24mm wide-angle and 70mm mid-telephoto lens on its gimbal-stabilized camera, giving pilots lots of creative options. Its 360-degree obstacle avoidance system is a boost for automated camera moves and follow-me flights, and makes the drone all but crash-proof for manual flight. Long battery life, sharp 4K video, and good still image quality complete the package.
If you think the DJI Mini 4 Pro's single camera is too limiting but don't want to spend a huge amount on the Mavic 3 Pro, the Air 3 is the in-between drone to get. It matches the Mini 4 Pro's main camera in picture quality, so the second camera is the main reasons to upgrade.
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$1,099.99 Amazon
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DJI Air 3 Review
4.0 Excellent
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro's big Four Thirds format sensor with a Hasselblad color profile delivers class-leading footage and stills straight out of the camera. All-around obstacle sensors allow the drone to easily bypass obstructions; an integrated GPS keeps it steady in the air; and 35-minute flying times (in testing) make for safer flights. Film producers can upgrade to the Pro Cine ($4,799) edition to get a 1TB SSD, ProRes 422 video support, and the RC Pro remote, while anyone on a budget can opt for the $1,599 Classic edition, which drops the telephoto cameras and internal storage.
The Mavic 3 Pro is ideal for cinematographers, indie filmmakers, vloggers, and other creative professionals. It's heavy enough to require FAA registration and you need an operator's license to use it for paid projects, but it's still easy to bring along for location work.
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$2,199.00 Amazon
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DJI Mavic 3 Pro Review
4.0 Excellent
The DJI Mini 3 is the drone for pilots who aren't satisfied with the starter camera on the affordable DJI Mini 2 but can't quite justify the Mini 4 Pro. Highlights of the camera include support for 4K30 video with an HDR look in either vertical or landscape orientation, as well as 60 degrees of upward tilt. The photo quality is good, too. The camera supports 12MP JPG or Raw DNG snaps, while the F1.7 optics do a good job at dawn and dusk. Safety features include GPS, Find My Drone, and Return to Home. Its 249g takeoff weight means you can fly it without dealing with FAA registration—you just need to pass an online knowledge test. We also like the 38-minute flight times, though we wish DJI had worked obstacle detection into this model.
Creators who want a dual-aspect drone for TikTok and YouTube should consider this drone. It conveniently streams live video straight to a smartphone app, is capable for stills, and remains stable even when you fly it near the 400-foot altitude limit. If you don't want to spend quite so much ($560 with a remote), the Mini 2 is the best alternative. On the other hand, if you can spend more, the Mini 4 Pro adds useful obstacle avoidance sensors.
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DJI Mini 3 Review
3.5 Good
The Autel Evo Lite+ uses a Type 1 sensor camera for picture quality that's competitive with the DJI Air 2S, with the additional benefit of a variable aperture to cut incoming light without the need for ND filters. The folding drone can fly for around 40 minutes on a full battery and supports three-way obstacle sensors to prevent midair accidents.
The Autel Evo Lite+ is a capable camera drone for creators who don't want to support DJI. Its 6K camera is capable and, although we wish we could fine-tune the video profile, a flat look is available if you want to edit for color. Its price is a knock against it, though, considering the Air 2S costs around $1,000, but you might find the Lite+ to be worth it for extended flight times and to sidestep DJI's sometimes restrictive Fly Safe geofence.
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Autel Robotics Evo Lite+ Review
3.5 Good
The Autel Robotics Evo Nano+ comes in at 249g, so you don't need to register it with the FAA, though it does include three-way obstacle detection for safer flight. A stabilized camera records 4K30 video and snaps sharp photos at up to 50MP. Battery life is very good too, at about 28 minutes.
The Evo Nano+ is a good drone for pilots who want a quadcopter they can take up in the air without baked-in geofencing restrictions, like the DJI FlySafe system that some see as restrictive. The 249g takeoff weight allows you to use it a bit more freely than heavier drones and the picture quality is very good, with aggressive sharpening being the real knock. The Nano+ is a good drone for beginner and advanced pilots alike.
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Autel Robotics Evo Nano+ Review
3.5 Good
The DJI Avata is an FPV drone, one in which you see the camera view through a set of VR goggles, not on a smartphone screen. A nose-mounted camera, motion-sensitive remote, and 30mph Sport mode are there for thrill seekers. Meanwhile, built-in prop guards keep it flying after minor bumps and downward-facing sensors make low-to-the-ground flights possible. You can slow down and take your time too, if you like, for Cinewhoop-style long takes to channel your inner Scorsese and Welles.
The Avata is a drone for those who want fast-paced, close-to-the-ground, and elaborately choreographed footage. Take the Avata up high and you might see some wobble in the camera that you don't get with cinema drones, but you can also bank and turn to convey a sense of motion. We like that it's easy enough for anyone to pick up and fly, though pros can swap a dual-stick remote for fully manual flight at 60mph. On the other hand, we're a bit put off by just how easy it is to crash; make sure you have a safe place to fly it.
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DJI Avata ReviewBuying Guide: The Best Drones for 2024
The rules of the air vary from region to region—we've covered what to know for flying in the US. But, typically, if your drone weighs 8.8 ounces (250g) or more, you need to register it before you can fly it outdoors legally—even over your own property. You also need to pass a free basic knowledge test online that's pretty easy to ace.
The DJI Mini 2 SE weighs 249g, so you don't need to register it, but you still need to take the Trust test to fly (Credit: Jim Fisher)
You don't need to register some mass-market drones (those that are lighter than 250g), but you still need to take the Trust test. The DJI Mini family is exempt from registration, as is the Autel Nano series. Some entry-level models omit obstacle avoidance (something you get with the Autel Nano and upmarket DJI Mini 4 Pro) but still include GPS stabilization, automated return-to-home, and automatic takeoff and landing. They're safe drones to fly.
Almost all of the models here have some safety features. For instance, if something interrupts your control signal or if the battery gets down too low (most drones can only fly for around a half-hour between charges), most of these drones will start to head back to the takeoff point and land.
DJI Air 3 in flight (Credit: Jim Fisher)
Flyaways still happen, however—there are horror stories on various web forums. Of course, negative experiences are more prevalent in that context, simply because uneventful flights that don't result in a crash or missing drone aren't hot topics for discussion. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties that replace a lost aircraft, but make sure to read the fine print before buying something like DJI Care Refresh—you must consider any associated restrictions and fees.
If you're flying within the United States, you need to follow FAA guidelines—or prepare to face potential fines or jail time. The FAA sets no-fly zones, so don't take off if you're near an airport without notifying the control tower first. And, even if you're out in the middle of nowhere, don't take your drone above 400 feet. Most are set to obey these regulations out of the box, but controlling a quadcopter is just like driving a car—even if you didn't see that speed limit sign, you're still liable to pay the ticket.
Several products on the market sell as drones but don't quite fit that description. Remote-controlled aircraft have been around for ages. But with the recent surge in popularity, companies are now tagging those products as drones. These don't include GPS stabilization, return-to-home functionality, and other automated flight modes that make a drone a drone.
DJI Avata (Credit: Jim Fisher)
Drone racing enthusiasts often build their aircraft from kits or parts. Doing so requires some skill with a soldering iron and screwdriver, but it has become an aspect of the hobby itself. DJI has an off-the-shelf racer, the FPV Combo, that can move at a brisk 87mph. We took a first look at it but weren't comfortable enough with its controls to conduct a full review.
Small drones aren't only for racing, either. Some people use tiny, homemade Cinewhoop drones for long, one-take video tours. GoPro sells an ultralight version of its action cam, called the Hero10 Bones, for DIY drone builders who want the best video quality for these types of shots.
DJI's second FPV model, the Avata, dances between racer and Cinewhoop in attitude. Its built-in prop guards, slim form, and 4K60 camera make it possible to fly in tight confines, and you can push the speed to around 30mph with autopilot assistance if you're looking for a thrill ride.
DJI models currently dominate our top picks and there's a good reason for that. The company is simply a few steps ahead of its competition right now and offers products at a lot of price levels. It made a huge splash with its iconic Phantom series, and its folding Mini and Air lines (formerly called Mavic) are the best small drones we've tested.
Its pro lines offer a lot more power for a lot more money. Its Inspire and Matrice models can carry heavier payloads, including interchangeable lens systems. They're overkill for most consumers, however, and not nearly as convenient to carry.
Some pilots are sour on DJI, though. Its FlySafe geofencing system adds an authorization requirement to areas with flight restrictions. Professional operators who are allowed to fly may find the process of getting up in the air to be too cumbersome with a DJI drone.
And, from an ethical standpoint, the US treasury flagged DJI for aiding the Chinese government's surveillance of the persecuted Uyghur ethnic group in what is considered a continuing genocide. If that leaves you feeling icky, consider an alternative. For its part, DJI says it shouldn't be on the Entity List: A representative tells PCMag that "DJI has done nothing to warrant our inclusion on the Entity List."
DJI Mini 4 Pro (Credit: Jim Fisher)
There are a few other brands you can explore. The Autel Robotics Evo drone family is a good alternative. Autel is also a Chinese firm, but the US government hasn't singled it out in the same manner as DJI. Its Evo Nano series competes with DJI Mini drones, and larger Evo Lite drones match up with DJI Air models in size and capabilities. You pay a bit more for Autel on average and its drones aren't quite as finely polished, but the company's models have proven capable in testing.
Other companies that previously made consumer drones are now out of the game. Parrot, Skydio, and Yuneec now make only unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for use in agriculture, enterprise, and industry.
Sony sells the Airpeak S1, a big bird that works with Alpha mirrorless cameras and compact cinema models like the FX3. It's meant for the most demanding photographers and moviemakers—the drone starts at $9,000 and then you need to spend a couple thousand dollars on a camera and gimbal.
For a long time, the DJI Phantom series was about as small as you could go if you wanted to get a full-featured drone that maintains stability in the air and includes strong safety features. That's no longer the case. Hikers and travel photographers appreciate a small, light kit, and they can now get a drone that fits into a backpack.
Of course, not every small drone is a top flyer. Some are barely capable of getting off the ground and require you to use your smartphone as a remote control, which makes for a sloppy flying experience. Make sure you get one with a real remote.
Autel Evo Lite+ (Credit: Jim Fisher)
The DJI Mini 3 is so light that you don't have to pay the FAA registration fee to fly it, and it offers strong video and image quality. It drops some higher-end video features, though, and doesn't offer any sort of obstacle detection. The Mini 4 Pro adds obstacle sensors and comes in under registration weight with its standard battery—though we recommend you fork up the $5 FAA fee and use the drone with its longer-lasting (but heavier) extended runtime battery. You also have to register the Avata, but we consider it a small drone, and it's a good choice if you care more about FPV action than cinematic video. DJI also sells the budget-minded Mini 2 SE for starter pilots; it supports 2.7K30 video and flies for up to 30 minutes on a charge.
DJI recently upgraded its long-running Inspire 2 with a new airframe and camera. The Inspire 3 is now its big, quad-rotor model for cinema production. The drone features a full-frame, 8K camera that can take DJI or Sony lenses and supports CinemaDNG and ProRes Raw recording. Its bottom-mounted camera and retractable landing gear are also advantages because they enable more complex camera and aircraft movements compared with drones that have nose-mounted cameras.
If you want a smaller drone with high-end video specs, think about a version of the Mavic 3, which starts at $1,600 for the Classic edition or $2,200 for the Pro. All versions of the Mavic 3 support 5.1K50 recording with a Four Thirds format camera in 10-bit HEVC. On the high end, the Mavic 3 Pro Cine ($4,799) sports a triple camera stack and adds support for ProRes 422 HQ with a 1TB SSD for onboard storage. The Pro Cine is a worthwhile splurge for cinematographers—the upgraded video toolkit and bundled Pro RC remote justify the cost.
DJI offers Matrice drones for industry and enterprise, as well as Agras drones for agriculture. As mentioned earlier, Sony's Airpeak S1 can carry big cameras but is closer to the Inspire series in size, so it's just as good for location work.
Ultimately, you can't go wrong with any of the models we list here. For the latest field-tested drone reviews, check out our drone coverage. And, if you just bought a quadcopter and are looking to get started, read our guide on how to fly a drone.
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