The best drones capture stunning aerial images for beginners and professional photographers alike, and they’re fun to fly, too. Whether you want to shoot birds-eye view videos or you see drones as the modern equivalent of model airplanes and just want to buzz through the skies, there’s a quadcopter out there for you. We’ve done the research (including some hands-on testing), and think the best drone overall is the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. It includes everything a pilot could want, from a triple camera system to built-in GPS and collision avoidance.
The best drones of 2024 are fun to fly, and take stunning photos and videos, too.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES/PHOTOS: RETAILERSBut you don’t have to spend over $2,000 on a drone to be happy. We’ve tracked down various affordable options that offer everything a beginner would need. After all, the right drone for you depends on what you’re looking to do with it. Read on to see our top picks of 2024 that cover a variety of specialties, skill levels and budgets.
Best Features
Amazon
Range: 17.4 miles | Max speed: 47 mph | Max flight time: 43 minutes | Camera: 20- or 48-megapixel still images, 5.1K video at up to 50 fps
Best for: Those looking to capture high-resolution aerial photography and videography.
I found this to be one of the very best drones currently on the market. The DJI Mavic 3 Pro packs an impressive 5.1K Hasselblad triple camera system—which can capture insanely detailed 5.1K video at up 50 fps and still images at up to 48 megapixels. The cameras sit on a 3-axis gimbal for maximum tilt, roll and pan control. Yes, it’s expensive, but the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is still within the budget of many experienced drone pilots looking to upgrade their equipment. What’s possible using the drone’s three cameras sets this drone apart from competitors in the same price range.
This drone’s enhanced omnidirectional sensors, built-in GPS and advanced auto-return feature also help its pilot avoid obstacles in complex environments. DJI’s ActiveTrack subject recognition technology accurately locks onto a moving object on the ground to track and film it with ease. When used with DJI Goggles (sold separately), you can enjoy an incredibly immersive, first-person view of your flights.
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Amazon
Range: 5.7 miles | Max speed: 36 mph | Max flight time: 31 minutes | Camera: 12-megapixel still images, 4K video at 30 fps
Best for: A compact but versatile drone with good video.
The DJI Mini 2 SE is affordable, making it ideal for amateur pilots and those looking for a sub-$500 price tag. Like the Mini 3 Pro, the Mini 2 SE folds and fits easily in your hand when folded. This drone really shines when in-flight. It can produce impressive and sharp aerial video and still images.
You can have the drone hover, circle or follow an object while filming. Unfortunately, it only senses obstacles below—not in four directions like the Mini 3 Pro. Everything you need to fly this drone fits into the included case.
What the reviews say: “Even though this is one of DJI's cheaper drones, it's on a league of its own for the price. The gimbal and the camera are phenomenal, and the drone itself is super stable. I flew it in front of a fan and it didn't move an inch without the controller.”
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Good Value
EXO Drones
Range: 315 feet | Max speed: 15 mph | Max flight time: 15 minutes | Camera: 6-megapixel still images, 1080p video at 30 fps
Best for: First-time pilots.
The EXO Scout steps up the toy drone category with a greater range of abilities than you might expect from a drone at this size and price, making it the all-time best drone for beginners. It has three flight speeds (7, 12 and 15 mph). The drone also handles auto takeoffs and landings. Plus, you can set an altitude hold mid-flight and take advantage of internal sensors to avoid crashes.
The camera shoots 1080p video or 6-megapixel still images. You’re able to tilt the camera up or down remotely using your smartphone and take advantage of a 10x digital zoom feature. On the downside, maximum flight range is just 315 feet and flight time is a mere 15 minutes per battery charge. We recommend purchasing the two or three battery kit from Amazon. Priced under $170, this drone is a good value if you’re looking for a budget-oriented option that’s simple to operate.
What the reviews say: “I’m new to the drone world and very much a novice. This product is very sturdy (yes, I have experienced many crashes already due to user error),” writes one buyer. “Definitely a good option if you are curious about drones but want to test it out without breaking the bank.”
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Amazon
Range: 100 feet | Max speed: 15 mph | Max flight time: 10 minutes | Camera: 12 megapixel still images, 2.7K video at 30 fps
Best for: Effortlessly shooting cinematic selfies from the air.
The HoverAir X1 isn’t your typical drone. Rather than guiding it with controls on your phone or using joysticks on a remote control, the HoverAir is a selfie drone—launch it from the palm of your hand and it’ll follow you, orbit you or zoom far overhead to take bird’s eye video. So while you can’t use this drone for recreational flying or to shoot cinematic videos of your neighborhood, it’s ideal as a sort of flying selfie stick to capture footage of you riding a skateboard or hiking the side of a mountain.
The drone’s magic is in its simplicity. A single button on the drone lets you choose from among a half-dozen flight modes. It comes with two batteries, though each one only gives you about 10 minutes of flight time. And a plastic cage completely encases the propellers, so when it flies into a tree, it won’t get damaged. Just keep in mind it probably will fly into things—it has no collision avoidance, and doggedly tries to track you even if stuff gets in between.
What our experts say: “More than once the drone crashed into a tree because it was following my bike through dense trees. I picked it up and restarted the flight, no harm, no foul. It seems virtually indestructible,” says executive editor Dave Johnson. “Unexpected bonus: You can actually fly the drone manually using controls in the app on your phone, or via an optional tiny remote. But the real magic here is using it as a selfie drone to get shots you’d never be able to capture with your phone and a selfie stick.”
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Amazon
Range: 7.5 miles | Max speed: 35.8 mph | Max flight time: 34 minutes | Camera: 48-megapixel still images, 4K video at 60 fps
Best for: Newbies seeking an easy-to-tote drone with a great flight range.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro weighs a mere 2.8 ounces and fits in your palm when folded, making it great to pack for your next trip. Its flight time lasts up to 34 minutes, and it has a flight range of 7.5 miles. With the extra-cost Plus battery, it can stay airborne for a lofty 47 minutes. Like other DJI models, the DJI Mini 3 Pro has convenient features like automatic takeoff and smart return to home.
The camera sits on a 3-axis gimbal and can capture content in portrait or landscape mode. Its specs impress: It has a 4x digital zoom, a wide 180-degree field-of-view and can shoot 4K video at up to 60 fps. Detailed and sharp still images can be shot at a massive 48 megapixels. Despite its small size, this drone can withstand winds of up to 23 mph. Its compact size comes in handy in many regions, as the Mini 3 Pro may be small enough to bypass local regulatory rules.
What the reviews say: “The DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone has been an absolute game-changer for me as I explore my new town. This lightweight and powerful drone have provided me with incredible aerial views and an opportunity to capture high-quality shots that showcase the beauty of my surroundings.”
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Amazon
Range: 12.4 miles | Max speed: 21 mph | Max flight time: 46 minutes | Camera: 48-megapixel still images, 4K video at up to 100 fps
Best for: Tech enthusiast looking for a drone with more features for less.
DJI’s Air 3 is a good option for those looking for a more premium drone than the beginner-friendly DJI Mini 3 Pro, but aren’t ready to splurge on the pricey DJI Mavic 3 Pro. For a couple hundred dollars more than the DJI Mini 3 Pro, the Air 3 adds a second camera lens and several advanced features, including omnidirectional obstacle sensing and waypoint—a feature that lets you plan flight routes and shooting actions in advance, plus save those routes to be repeated later. All to say, this drone opens more creative doors than the Mini 3 Pro, while being nearly half the price of the more premium Mavic 3 Pro.
What the reviews say: “I have to say Air 3 has brought my creative vision to new heights. It is a remarkable piece of equipment. While it comes with a higher price tag, it's definitely worth it,” writes one reviewer.
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DJI
Range: 18.6 miles | Max speed: 47 mph | Max flight time: 46 minutes | Camera: 20-megapixel still images, 5.1K video at up to 50 fps
Best for: Capturing impressive aerial photos and video without needing expert drone piloting skills.
The DJI Mavic 3 Classic is an extremely powerful yet somewhat scaled down version of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. You get excellent photo and video capture capabilities, combined with solid flight range, top speed and maximum flight time. It uses GPS, Galileo and BeiDou for navigation and has 8GB of internal storage for capturing video and still images during flights. The camera has 3x digital zoom capabilities and has an 84-degree field of view to capture great images and video. You also get a burst shooting mode that can capture 3, 5 or 7 frames-per-second. Video shooting resolution can get up to 5.1K at 50fps.
For amateur pilots, the omnidirectional binocular vision system, supplemented by infrared sensors at the bottom of the drone, help to prevent crashes. The drone comes with a remote control, battery, charger and everything else needed to start flying. While you don’t get the three Hasselblad camera setup that the new Mavic 3 Pro has, this Classic version is significantly more affordable and comes with enough features that it makes our top billing.
What the reviews say: One camera operator writes, “This simple unit takes some of the most amazing footage I’ve ever seen and has the ability to wander nearly a mile away with no disconnection issues! Definitely a sound investment.”
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EXO
Range: .5 miles | Max speed: 27 mph | Max flight time: 28 minutes | Camera: 10-megapixel still images, 4K video at 30 fps
Best for: Affordably capturing video with crisp resolution, rich color and smooth stabilization.
To be blunt, the still image shooting capabilities of the EXO Cinemaster 2 are nothing special. But content creators who primarily shoot video love the 4K video shooting capabilities, especially since this drone can generate impressive results with its built-in Sony sensor. Designed for amateur pilots, you easily shoot cool films with Follow Me, Circle Me, Sport Mode and Pin-Route Fly modes. The drone also has Return to Home, Auto Takeoff, Auto Land and Hover Hold modes.
In addition to receiving the drone, smart controller, travel case, spare propellers and all charging cords, you also get three batteries—all for less than $500. You need to purchase a microSD memory card separately to store your video and photo content.
What the reviews say: “Easy to use, easy to manipulate, takes bada** videos,” says one buyer, while another calls the drone’s photos and videos “amazing.”
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MOST POPULAR
DJI
Range: 3.1 miles | Max speed: 60.4 mph (manual mode) | Max flight time: 18 minutes | Camera: 48-megapixel still images, 4K video at up to 60 fps
Best for: Casual drone enthusiasts who want a first-person view when flying.
While it’s not inexpensive, the DJI Avata Pro-View Combois definitely one of the most remarkable drones we’ve tested. Using the supplied DJI Googles 2, you get an immersive first-person view as your drone soars through the sky. It’s easy to capture 48-megapixel still images, or up to 4K video at up to 60 fps—with a 155-degree field of view. Thanks to the enhanced RockSteady and Horizon Steady features, you wind up with video that’s both smooth and sharp.
This drone has a classic quadcopter design that relies on the intuitive DJI Motion Controller which makes piloting rather easy. Other useful features include a propeller guard, emergency brake button and downward sensors for flight safety and low altitude flying. What we particularly like about this drone are its weight (0.9 pounds), compact size (7.1 x 7.1 x 3.2 inches) and its built-in GPS. Initial setup can be confusing, but DJI’s tutorial videos help smooth the process.
What our experts say: “Words can’t possibly do justice to the thrill of zipping a few feet off the ground at 25 mph, dashing over a lake and flying past sailboats, then lifting high in the air and swooping back down towards the water,” says Johnson. “There’s a real excitement to flying the Avata, all the more compelling because of the controls’ simplicity.” For more details, you can read his full DJI Avata review.
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Amazon
Range: 10.4 miles | Max speed: 87 mph | Max flight time: 20 minutes | Camera: 12-megapixel still images, 4K video at 60 fps
Best for: First-person flying with VR goggles.
The DJI FPV Drone provides a very different experience. FPV stands for first person view—and it’s this perspective that sets this drone apart from the crowd. While you can buy the drone on its own, this model comes in a bundle that includes the DJI FPV Drone, DJI FPV Goggles V2 and a DJI FPV Remote Controller 2. The drone itself has obstacle sensing and avoidance, plus an emergency brake and hover. This model costs less than the DJI Avata, but it has longer range and faster speed. The Avata has a superior camera setup, however.
When used with a smartphone, you can pilot the drone with a first-person viewing perspective shown on your smartphone screen. But when you use the immersive FPV Goggles, your perspective makes you feel as if you’re whooshing through the sky in stereoscopic virtual reality. This drone tops out at a maximum flight speed of 87 mph. Its camera captures 4K video at 60fps with a 150-degree field-of-view lens.
What the reviews say: “My first day flying the DJI FPV drone was epic,” writes one reviewer. “I haven't felt this excited about a drone or as anxious about what would happen since the first time I flew my Phantom 2. Its capabilities as a video-centric camera is limited only by the pilots imagination and skill.”
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There’s no single best drone; it all depends on how you plan to use it. Regardless of your budget or your drone flying skills, you’ll want to consider factors like design, camera quality and flight range to name a few.
Piloting a drone can be fun, but there are some important things to consider before making your ... [+] purchase
gettyA drone’s flight time is determined by its battery life. While all drones rely on rechargeable batteries, how long each battery lasts determines how long it can stay airborne. While having extra fully charged batteries on hand allows you to extend your experience flying, you need the drone to return to you before you’ve depleted its battery. Unfortunately, low-cost and even mid-priced drones have an average flight time under 30 minutes, and many models don’t have swappable batteries—something to consider if you want to extend the drone’s usefulness with multiple flights during an outing.
If aerial photography or videography is important to you, choose a drone whose camera has a higher-than-average resolution and that shoots 4K or better video at a high frames per second (fps). The higher the frame rate, the more cinematic your slow-motion video can look, for example. Also, look for a camera mounted on a three-axis gimbal. This provides better image stabilization and the ability to control the camera’s shooting angle remotely during a flight. A gimbal translates to smoother and sharper footage without requiring extra skill.
There are many different types of drones on the market today, from camera drones to racing drones. However, most drones you’ll come across have a quad-copter design, meaning they rely on four propellers. These are easier to pilot and are more forgiving to inexperienced pilots trying to keep a drone in the air. Some drones fold up for easy transport, while others require you to carry it in a bulky carry case.
Drones are either controlled by a mobile app or its own remote control. A drone’s companion mobile app lets you operate it and its camera while in flight. This is where you can also pre-plan your drone flight and manage anti-collision features.
In general, lower-end drones are piloted exclusively using a mobile app on a smartphone, while more advanced drones, like the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, come with their own remote control unit which is also battery powered and has its own full-color display built in.
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is an example of a mid-size, higher-end drone that comes with its own handheld ... [+] remote control unit.
Jason R. Rich For ForbesMany drones have built-in crash-avoidance sensors that help you steer clear of obstacles like trees. These sensors are especially handy for beginners who need the extra peace of mind. They also help make sure you’re not going to lose your drone far from where you’re piloting it.
Whether you’re looking for a micro drone or a flying behemoth, there’s likely a option out there for you. Drones range from a few ounces to nearly 50 pounds. Generally, the smaller, light weight models are best for travel. They also tend to cost less than larger ones, making them a good option for budget conscious shoppers. On the other hand, larger drones are usually more durable. They’re also more stable in the air, meaning they’re a good pick for photography.
The drone’s top speed may be important if you want it to follow you while you ride a bike or if you want to use it for drone racing. Most drones can fly between 15 and 45 mph. And if you’re looking for something faster, we recommend the DJI Avata Pro View Combo since it can top 60 mph. Remember though, an equally important consideration is the drone’s range from the phone or controller. Many drones can only travel several miles before automatically turning around and returning home when they lose contact with you.
Not sure if you need a license to fly a drone? Not to get overly technical, but drones are governed by the FAA under the administration’s Part 107 certification. Thankfully, Part 107 specifies that you only need a drone license if you use your drone for commercial applications. If you are a hobbyist using a drone for recreational use, you don’t need a license. Keep in mind, though, that if you ever anticipate making money from video you recorded using a drone, you’ll need to license it. You can learn more at the FAA’s drone pilot website.
While the right drone for you depends on a number of factors like your intended use, price point, skill level and more, we consider the DJI Mavic 3 Pro the best drone for most people because of its advanced camera system, built-in GPS and easy-to-use design.
DJI and EXO dominate our list for a reason; drones from both companies offer superior quality cameras and a solid overall flight experience. They also offer models for a variety of budgets and skill levels, so there’s something for nearly any pilot.
It’s easy to spend several thousand dollars on a pro-level drone that’s loaded with features. However, unless you have the need and skill set to use one of these drones, you’re better off sticking with a more affordable model. Focus on finding a model which fits within your budget, including any desired accessories such as extra batteries. With this in mind, most drone users end up with a model in the $300 to $1,000 price range.
But you can find dozens of different models—sometimes even from a single brand—with various costs and benefits to sift through. After test-flying 33 drones, we’ve concluded that the DJI Air 3 is the best because it combines a high-quality main camera, useful telephoto camera, and the latest autonomous technology in a light-enough and relatively affordable package.
They provide perspectives that you’d otherwise be able to re-create only with expensive equipment such as cranes or dollies, which is why these cheap, lightweight marvels have become a staple of many online creators’ gear lists.
If you’re an aspiring aerial photographer or videographer, drones are your ticket to the sky.
This easy-to-fly drone provides a 6K camera and 40 minutes of flight time, and unlike DJI drones, it has no known security concerns. But the video quality isn’t as crisp or colorful.
This drone offers DJI’s autonomous features (minus obstacle avoidance) and a 4K camera that can shoot in portrait or landscape, and it all comes in a tiny package weighing less than 250 grams.
If you want the best cameras in a drone, get this one. Its main camera has a larger sensor than that on our top pick, and it adds 70mm and 166mm-equivalent lenses to capture more distant subjects.
This drone offers impressive value, combining the 360-degree obstacle avoidance from the more expensive Mavic 3 Pro with two fantastic cameras.
We fly drones through trees and at other objects that can get in their way to see if the drones detect them and avoid crashing.
We’ve made photos and videos with all 30 of the drones we’ve tested since 2016 and compared them each time to see which results are the best.
The DJI Air 3 is easy to fly, has an ample 46-minute battery life, and is equipped with two cameras, giving you options for more varied and interesting shots than its predecessor. We recommend the Fly More combo option because it’s the only package that includes the DJI RC 2 controller, which features a built-in screen and is a marked improvement over the standard controller that relies on your phone’s screen for live view.
The Air 3 can sense and avoid obstacles approaching from all directions, adding side sensing that our previous pick lacked. These new sensing abilities make the ActiveTrack feature, which directs the drone to autonomously follow and film a subject while also avoiding obstacles, easier to use in more situations.
It can hold its position steadily, even in moderate winds, so you can focus on your cinematography. And the Air 3 can go with you almost anywhere. Measuring 8 by 3.5 by 3.25 inches folded and weighing roughly 1.5 pounds, it fits well in most standard size backpacks.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTThe DJI Mavic 3 Pro takes many of the best features of the Air 3 and, for a little more than twice the price, ups the camera count to three. Not only do you get a Hasselblad-branded 24mm-equivalent wide-angle lens with a Four Thirds sensor, but there are also two telephoto lenses: a 70mm-equivalent with a 1/1.3-inch sensor and a 166mm-equivalent with a 1/2-inch sensor.
Thanks to the comparatively huge sensor on the main camera, the Mavic 3 Pro can capture more detail than our other picks and in a much wider band of lighting conditions. As a result, it produces better images right out of the camera but also gives editing software more data to work with to improve the images even further.
This model can capture vibrant, detailed still images with its three cameras, and its video—at up to 5.1K resolution—looks more color-accurate than that of the competition. It also has a 43-minute battery life, which isn’t the longest we’ve ever seen (our top pick beats it by a bit) in our tests but comes pretty close.
If you’re just getting into drone photography, especially for personal use, the DJI Mini 3 is a fantastic starter package. Though it costs less than half as much as our top pick, it still offers a 4K camera, a long (38-minute) battery life, and a compact, lightweight build that just slides under the FAA’s 250-gram limit.
The Mini 3’s camera and sensor aren’t as high-quality as those of the Air 3, but the f/1.7 aperture provides surprisingly good image quality in lower-light conditions.
This model also comes with all the important features you need from a video drone, such as image and flight stabilization, an included controller, and smart flight modes, in which the drone flies itself to easily capture cinematic shots. But it lacks the obstacle-avoidance sensors of more expensive models.
You have the option to extend the battery life to 51 minutes via DJI’s Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, but using that add-on makes the drone heavy enough that you have to register it with the FAA.
This easy-to-fly drone provides a 6K camera and 40 minutes of flight time, and unlike DJI drones, it has no known security concerns. But the video quality isn’t as crisp or colorful.
$1,099
fromAmazon
If you are avoiding the DJI brand due to security or human-rights concerns, or if you want a 6K camera, we recommend the Autel Robotics Evo Lite+.
This drone can fly for up to 40 minutes with autonomous options similar to those of DJI drones. And unlike the DJI Fly app, the Autel Sky app is available for direct download from the Google Play store.
However, we still prefer DJI drones for their value and image quality.