The best drones make it easier than ever to take to the sky. Today's quadcopters are a cinch to pilot, and can take some impressive photos and videos. What's more, there's a drone out there to suit just about every need and price, whether you're a videographer, vlogger, or just want to have some fun.
I'm Nikita, a reviews writer and a licensed drone pilot who has been partaking in aerial photography for years now. Here at Tom's Guide, collectively, we've tested drones for more hours than we can count.
I believe the best drone overall is the DJI Air 3S. While not much has changed from the Air 3, you're getting amazing 4K video with great low-light performance, and even better stills, thanks to its dual-camera setup. However, because of its weight, you'll need to register it with the FAA.
If you want to avoid the feds, you'll want to check out the DJI Mini 4 Pro. At 249g, it's not only very small and light, but it also means you don't have to register it with the FAA. And, for its size, it takes really great photos and video. And if you're a beginner, then you'll want to check out the DJI Neo and HoverAir X1 Pro.
When buying a drone, there are a lot of things to consider, including flight time, what you want to do with the drone, and more. That's where our guide comes in. We've flown all the top models, evaluating their handling, controllers, endurance, camera quality, and more. Below are our top picks for drone pilots of every stripe.
Meet the testers
As part of the reviews team, I'm always testing mirrorless and instant cameras, but nothing makes me happier than testing the best drones. I put them through rigorous testing by analyzing features and pushing battery life to the limit, to answer the age old question: is it worth your money?
When he isn't overseeing evergreen content and ensuring Tom's Guide is running like a well-oiled machine, Mike loves testing the latest and best drones, electric scooters, and smart home gadgets. He's also very innovative, having found an unlikely use for his mini drones: checking his house's gutters for leaves.
The best drones you can buy today
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Best overall
The DJI Air 3S is one of my favorite drones. I enjoyed testing it and even today, I rarely go anywhere without it. It's the ideal drone for content creators, travel vloggers, photographers and even enthusiasts who want to have fun. Its ability to capture 4K/60fps video, shoot RAW photos and film in D-Log M to capture a wider dynamic range thoroughly impressed me in testing.
With the added ability to shoot 4K/120fps slow motion footage and even 9x16 video for social media, the Air 3S offers extensive creative possibilities. The dual camera system consists of a 50MP wide-angle camera and a 48MP medium tele camera with a 9x zoom. This drone is also equipped with next-gen smart obstacle avoidance and advanced return-to-home technology which works even in areas without satellite signals.
The Air 3S also one-ups its predecessor, the Air 3, with an upgraded 42GB internal memory and 10-bit D-Log M video recording.
In our testing, the Air 3S excelled in capturing both stills and video, especially in low-light conditions, and handled winds up to 12 m/s like a champ. The resulting footage was extremely stable. The responsive RC-2 controller made flying effortless too.
At $1,099, the Air 3S is a more affordable option compared to the $2,199 Mavic 3 Pro while still offering competitive features. The Fly More combo, with its additional batteries and shoulder bag, is great value for money too. The Air 3S weighs more than 249g though, which means you’ll have to register with the FAA in the U.S. and the CAA in the U.K. It’s handy to download the DJI Fly app to look up up-to-date flying restrictions too.
Overall, the Air 3S is a high-performance, feature-packed drone, perfect for anyone looking to capture professional-grade aerial content.
Read our full DJI Air 3S review.
Best mini drone
A step up from the DJI Mini 2 and Mini 3 is the DJI Mini 4 Pro, which is the same size and weight, but has a more advanced camera. Cleverly, the DJI Mini 4 Pro's camera can rotate 90 degrees, to make it easier to shoot vertical video and photos — great if you want to capture the entirety of a skyscraper, or want something easier to share on social media.
It's also excellent at tracking moving subjects, and, thanks to added object detection sensors, can avoid trees and other things as it follows you around.
What makes the latest in the series outstanding is its improved low light performance, producing usable footage without the noise and grain other drones deliver. Even better, we love how it has the best video transmission feed in any drone to date with its 1080p 60fps transmission — making the controls feel more responsive than ever before.
Read our full DJI Mini 4 Pro review.
Best camera drone
If you took the DJI Mavic 3 and sliced off the 28X digital zoom — and $500 — you'd get the DJI Mavic 3 Classic. Otherwise, everything we loved about the Mavic 3 is here in the Mavic 3 Classic — amazing camera quality, incredibly long flight time, and excellent obstacle avoidance.
In fact, we like the Mavic 3 Classic so much that we think it's the better option for most videographers — unless you really need ProRes video. The 28X zoom on the Mavic 3 is a neat trick, but it's ultimately not all that useful. So, save yourself half a grand and thank us later.
Read our full DJI Mavic 3 Classic review.
Best for beginners
The DJI Flip is perhaps the easiest drone to get a hang of, and it strikes a great balance between features and price among the drones we've tested. It costs less than $500 but you get 48MP images, 4K/60fps video, and a host of shooting and filming modes.
Unlike most of DJI's other drones, the Flip's rotors are encased in protective guards, so there's less chance of damaging the props if you run into something — a definite possibility, as this drone only has forward-facing obstacle avoidance. That's not as good as the Mini 4 Pro, which has 360 degrees of protection, but better than the Mini 3, which has none.
We really love its compact design. The rotors fold into the body (much like the HoverAir X1 Pro / ProMax) which makes the Flip look like a droid from Star Wars. The prop guards also protects things while they're in your bag.
Video performance of the Flip was comparable to that of the pricier DJI Mini 4 Pro. We were stunned at the detail and colors in the footage we shot. However, in a concession to the Flip's lower price, its flight time — still a considerable 31 minutes — is far less than that of the Mini 3, which can go for nearly an hour with its extended battery.
In short, the DJI Flip strikes the perfect middle ground, and its ease of use makes it the best drone for beginners.
Read our full DJI Flip review.
Best budget
If you're on a tight budget but still want a drone that takes great photos and records beautiful footage, then the DJI Neo should be on your radar. For an entry-level drone, the Neo is chock-full of pro specs. It's highly compact and portable, making it perfect for traveling.
With the RC-N3 controller or even just the DJI Fly app on your smartphone, the Neo is extremely easy to fly and control — although, it doesn’t feature object avoidance, so we had to be more careful when flying this drone as compared to some other models from DJI, like the Mini 4, which do have this feature. But obstacle avoidance comes at a premium, so we wouldn't expect a budget drone to feature it.
The Neo is capable of shooting 4K video at 30fps, and with DJI’s refined stabilization algorithm, this small-but-mighty drone captured buttery smooth footage and detailed stills in all of our flights. However, it lacks a genuine 3-axis gimbal, like you'll find on the Mini 3.
Also unlike DJI's other drones, there's no SD card slot — you have to make due with its 22GB of internal storage — but the Quick Transfer feature lets you quickly download the footage onto your phone. One last caveat: The Neo's flight time of around 18 minutes is about half that of DJI's other drones, but all of these are acceptable compromises given the low price and great video that this drone takes.
Read our full DJI Neo review.
Best selfie drone
Looking for a versatile drone that's super lightweight, can be flown hands-free, and features excellent subject tracking? The HoverAir X1 Pro is the best drone for the job, offering a great selection of features for the flier who wants more without having a lot of piloting experience.
What makes the X1 Pro unique is that it's incredibly compact, so much so that it can fit in a pocket. It's the best selfie drone for a few reasons. Like we said, it can be flown hands-free, thanks to preset flying modes which use AI subject tracking to follow you around. In our testing, it managed to keep us in frame even when there were obstacles in the way.
For its size, the X1 Pro impressed us with its ability to shoot 4K/60fps video and capture 12MP photos. It also boasts 32GB of internal storage. You can get accessories for the drone too, which improve your flying experience, namely the Beacon and JoyStick. Both work together to create either a one- or two-handed controller, and the Beacon increases the flight distance (up to 0.62 miles from 500m).
If you want to take thing a little further and are looking for 8K/30fps video, you can grab the X1 ProMax instead, which carries all of the X1 Pro's features and introduces higher-res video and 64GB of storage.
Read our full HoverAir X1 Pro review.
Best non-DJI drone
The Potensic Atom 2 is the ultimate DJI Mini 4K alternative. While we loved the first-gen Atom, the Atom 2 is a massive improvement as it introduces FHD slow-motion video shot at 120fps, and a larger 1/2-inch CMOS sensor which can capture brighter, better images at 48MP. This is a higher resolution than the Mini 4K which can take only 12MP photos.
Extremely easy to fly thanks to the redesigned controller and companion app (Potensic Eve), the Atom 2 features your usual bits and bobs: return-to-home technology, intelligent flight modes with AI subject detection, and 4K/30fps video. Similar to other drones in its price range, the Atom 2 doesn't feature obstacle avoidance so you'll need to be careful when flying it.
Another new feature that we haven't seen on many other drones is AI Night Mode, which boosts shadows to reveal more detail while smoothing out noise. It also boosts the maximum ISO from 6,400 to 25,600.
The Atom 2's flight time clocks in at 32 minutes which is similar to the DJI Mini 4K. If you want a non-DJI drone that doesn't break the bank, then the Atom 2 should be on your radar.
Read our full Potensic Atom 2 review.
Best accessory
Already own the DJI Neo or DJI Avata 2, or you've bought either and it's on its way to you? It's time to elevate your experience and experiment with first-person view (FPV) flying, and the cheapest way to do that is with the DJI Goggles N3.
These are the company's most beginner-friendly FPV glasses, compatible with its budget drones, Neo and Avata 2. You'll need either the DJI RC Motion 3 ($99) or the DJI FPV RC 3 ($199) to use the headset, and neither of them are very expensive.
The headset weighs 1.1 pounds (battery and headband included) which may sound like a lot, but the bigger footprint accommodates functional elements that enhance the user experience. The memory foam padding around the top reduces pressure against your forehead, making the Goggles N3 extremely comfortable.
Featuring head tracking, a 54° field of view and curved screen, and a defogging fan, the Goggles N3 offer an intuitive and immersive flying experience. The 1080P/60fps live feed is fantastic, crisp and clear, with a minimum latency of 31ms.
If you want to elevate your aerial videography, or take your budget drones to the next level, the Goggles N3 are well-worth investing in.
Read our full DJI Goggles N3 review.
Also tested
How to choose the best drone for you
Drones aren't just fun to fly. They can let you capture breathtaking footage, some in high-resolution 4K video. They're also more affordable than ever, as quality beginner models now cost less than $60. Good camera drones start at a few hundred dollars, and they're great for simple tasks like checking your gutters for leaves. More complex drones, starting at less than $1,000, offer customizable and programmable features, turning them into truly autonomous devices that can make their own decisions.
Drones aren't that complicated, but there are a few key features you should consider when you are shopping. There are also some key rules you need to follow when you take to the air.
Remote Control
Most drones use a remote control with two joysticks — a bit like one of the best PC game controllers. One stick controls what's called the attitude of the quadcopter, including roll (tilting left and right) and pitch (tilting up and down). The other stick controls throttle and the rotation of the quadcopter. A good remote control should fit well in the hand, with sticks resting comfortably under your thumbs and providing a smooth, responsive feel that allows you to guide the quadcopter by touch.
Some less expensive models skip the remote control, or offer it as an extra-cost feature, and instead use a smartphone connected via Wi-Fi and a flying app. These apps often provide a live video view from the quadcopter camera. However, apps don’t allow the precision of real controllers: It is easier for your thumbs to slip, possibly causing a crash.
Repairability
Despite what the ads tell you, drones crash all the time. A good drone will take an unplanned descent and ground interface (aka: a crash) in stride, without damaging the frame. It will also include shields to protect the rotors and electronics from harm.
Regardless, things still get broken sometimes, particularly racing drones. A good model will offer a ready supply of cheap parts like rotors and struts to replace the broken ones, and will make it easy to swap these parts out when required. The same is true of batteries.
Battery life
Most drones will last between 20 to 30 minutes on a charge, and are designed so that you can quickly swap out batteries. To ensure that you can keep filming, it's a good idea to purchase extra batteries. Just make sure to charge them beforehand!
Camera quality
Want to show off your aerial exploits? A camera, either built-in or add-on, can capture those dramatic vistas for posterity. The best drones will have cameras that can record video at resolutions of 4K or higher, but even budget models are getting better, able to capture video at 1080p. However, they tend to use smaller image sensors, so the quality won't be as good.
While not covered in this guide, there are professional drones which let you attach mirrorless or DSLR cameras, which provide even greater image quality that built-in cameras. However, these drones typically cost upwards of $2,000.
The best camera drones will also mount their cameras on a gimbal, so that your image stays steady as the drone is flying around. If video is your priority, look for a drone that has a three-axis gimbal; that will give you the most stable image.
Some drones also offer first-person view (FPV), sending a pilot's-eye view from the drone itself to a phone or tablet. Some models offer video goggles for the ultimate pilot-seat flying experience.
Features
Drones are getting smarter; now, instead of just flying around based on manual inputs, you can program drones to fly pre-programmed routes, or even follow specific objects, such as people and vehicles, thanks to AI-powered subject detection. Depending on your needs, it's worth examining what features a drone has before buying one.
FAA regulations
If you want to fly a drone in the U.S., there are a number of rules and regulations you need to follow. For starters, any drone weighing more than 250 grams (0.55 pounds) needs to be registered (it's a $5 fee), and have to carry your license with you while flying the drone. Here's how to Register Your Drone with the FAA. However, there are certain areas in the U.S. where you can fly drones without having to register them. You can find those locations on this FAA map.
There are also restrictions as to where you can fly drones. The most important two are:
1. Never fly around or above people
2. Always keep your drone in sight / maintain visual line of sight (VLOS)
The FAA has a full list of safety guidelines for model aircraft that you should check before you take off. Mapbox provides a great interactive map of no-fly areas, and local RC (Remote Control) aircraft clubs may list fields that they use.
If you're planning to fly a drone for non-recreational purposes (i.e., if you're using it for a business purpose), the laws are a bit more stringent. You can find all the information at the FAA's site for drone pilots.
How we test the best drones
When we take a new drone out for a spin, we evaluate it based on a number of factors:
- Design: How well is the drone built, and does it look good? If it comes with a controller, we take a look at its ergonomics and responsiveness.
- Durability/Repairability: Face it. You're going to crash your drone at least once, but a good model should be able to survive a few mishaps without a problem. And, if something happens to break (it's usually a rotor), how easy is it to repair?
- Flight Performance: How easy is the drone to fly? Is is stable when hovering, or does it require a lot of stick work? How does it respond to your commands?
- App: How intuitive is the app? What sort of features are available?
- Camera Quality: If the drone has a camera, then how good are the photos and videos it takes?
- Flight Time: How long can the drone stay in the air before its battery runs out? This varies a lot based on the size of the drone, but the best drones have batteries that last up to 25-30 minutes, and expensive ones can fly for as long as an hour.
- Price: Obviously, we don't expect a $50 drone to perform as well as a $1,000 drone, so we take its cost into consideration when rendering a final verdict.
Drone FAQ
How long does a drone battery last?
It all depends on the type of drone you buy. Drones that look like airplanes, which can use the air to stay aloft, can remain airborne for a long time. However, drones that look more like helicopters — most drones have four rotors — can only stay up for about half an hour at best. However, flight time is slowly improving, and the best drones can stay in the air for around 40 minutes.
What are the different types of drones?
Drones generally fall into the following categories:
Mini or micro drones, which can fit in the palm of your hand, make great starter drones. Because of their size, they'll usually only have a couple minutes of flight time.
Racing drones, which are slightly larger, and are incredibly light, fast and nimble. Most racing drones are hand-built and easily repairable, as they tend to crash into things often. They're almost always used in conjunction with a pair of FPV goggles. Like mini drones, their flight time is often less than 10 minutes.
Camera drones are purpose-built to take video and photos. They will have a gimbal-mounted camera and software that allows them to track people or objects, or fly predetermined routes. These drones will generally have the longest flight times.
Toy drones can include mini drones, but generally cost less than $100. Many will have cameras, but video quality will be far worse than what you'll find with a camera drone. Their flight time will average around 10 minutes, and will have few autonomous features. However, they're great for learning the basics.
Other camera buying guides
Be sure to check out all of our camera picks:
Best mirrorless cameras | Best cameras | Best DSLR cameras | Best action cameras | Best waterproof cameras | Best point-and-shoot cameras | Best instant cameras | Best cheap cameras | Best GoPro camera | Best GoPro accessories | Best 360 cameras | Best iPhone lenses | Best iPhone tripods |DSLR vs. mirrorless | Best Nikon accessories | Best Sony a6000 accessories
The best apps and software for editing, managing, and sharing your photos:
Best photo organizer apps | Best photo storage sites | Best photo editing software | Best photo editing apps | Best photo collage apps
