Whether you're looking to elevate your vlogs, home movies, or real estate videos, I'm here to help you explore the best drones for photography and video, and guide you through which models are still available after the FCC’s recent foreign drone ban. I'm an FAA-certified Part 107 remote pilot and have reviewed 71 drones over the last 12 years, focusing on camera quality, flight performance, and safety. Based on the models you can currently buy in the US, my top recommendation for most people is the DJI Flip, which is compact and provides excellent image quality for an affordable price, and the DJI Air 3S for pilots who fly professionally or are savvy with video editing. That said, these aren't the only models worth considering, so read on for more of my top picks, followed by everything you need to know before you start flying.
Overview
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Best Dual-Lens DroneDJI Air 3S
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Best Entry-Level Cinema DroneDJI Flip
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Best Small Drone With 360-Degree Obstacle AvoidanceDJI Mini 4 Pro
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Best 360-Degree Camera DroneDJI Avata 360
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Best Budget Drone for Vertical VideoDJI Mini 3
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Best Registration-Free Drone With Remote IDPotensic Atom 2
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Best Selfie DroneDJI Neo
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Best Racing DroneDJI Avata 2
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: Jim Fisher
Best Dual-Lens DroneDJI Air 3S
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The DJI Air 3S's twin lens camera system makes it one of the most versatile drones in its price class for video and photography. Its Quad Bayer camera system features a wide-angle lens for landscapes, plus a short telephoto lens that's good for inspections and real estate, both of which record stunning 10-bit video in SDR, HDR, or D-Log, and snap stills in JPG or DNG format. It's safe for beginners thanks to its 360-degree obstacle avoidance system, 45-minute battery life, and automated QuickShot flight paths. Pros can use it too, as it includes Remote ID and waypoint support. It's heavy enough to require FAA registration, but easily stows in a small shoulder bag so you can take it on location.
Who It's For
Content creators: The Air 3S records at up to 4K60 and delivers excellent picture quality for stills and video, more than enough to get great video for YouTube, social media, and even indie film projects. It's easy to fly, too, and includes all-around obstacle sensors so you can concentrate on your camera work without worrying about crashing into a tree.
Wedding pros, landscape artists, real estate photographers: If you use a drone to put food on the table, the Air 3S is a worthy investment. Its wide-angle lens captures epic landscapes and sunset shots, while the telephoto is handy for real estate photography. Wedding videographers can use it to add value to a package, as it's a great tool for getting an overhead view of an outdoor ceremony, while keeping the drone far enough away from guests as not to intrude on the festivities.
Industrial and home inspections: The short telephoto lens is uncommon among drones and is a good option for pros who use drones to inspect homes, roofs, bridges, and other infrastructure. It lets you get a tight, detailed view of an object with up to 50MP resolution.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions 3.5 by 4.0 by 8.4 inches Integrated Camera Integrated with Gimbal Live Video Feed 1080p Media Format Internal Media Format microSDXC Megapixels 50 Obstacle Detection Remote Dedicated with App Remote Dedicated with LCD Rotors 4 Video Resolution 4K Weight 1.6 Learn More DJI Air 3S Review -
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Best Entry-Level Cinema DroneDJI Flip
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The DJI Flip is the perfect choice for first-time drone pilots and aerial imaging enthusiasts. The drone has a 249g takeoff weight, so it doesn't need to be registered with the FAA and includes built-in propeller guards and forward obstacle sensors to support safe flight. The Flip includes a remote control in its basic configuration, but it can also be controlled using a smartphone app or on-aircraft controls. Camera quality is top-notch, too; the drone keeps pace with flagship smartphones, offering excellent 4K60 video and Raw or JPG stills at your choice of 12MP or 48MP resolution.
Who It's For
Beginners: The DJI Flip is our favorite drone for beginners. It weighs 249g, so it doesn't require FAA registration, and includes integrated propeller guards and forward obstacle sensors to help you avoid accidents. Photo and video quality are excellent; the Flip takes photos at 12MP or 48MP resolution and records stabilized 4K60 video with 10-bit color.
Photo and video experts: The Flip's camera supports the DNG photo format so you can capture Raw images and give your aerial photos a creative look in the editing room, and it has a flat D-Log M video profile that serves as a neutral standpoint for video editors who want to be able to adjust color and exposure.
Recreational fliers: The Flip's lightweight build means that you don't have to register it with the FAA prior to flight, making it a good choice for anyone who flies drones for fun or as a hobby. It does not include Remote ID broadcast, however, so it is not suitable for anyone who earns money from flying drones.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions 3.1 by 11.0 by 9.2 inches Integrated Camera Integrated with Gimbal Live Video Feed 1080p Media Format Internal Media Format microSDXC Megapixels 48 Obstacle Detection Remote Dedicated with LCD Remote Smartphone/Tablet App Rotors 4 Video Resolution 4K Weight 8.8 Learn More DJI Flip Review -
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Best Small Drone With 360-Degree Obstacle AvoidanceDJI Mini 4 Pro
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is one of the most capable ultralight drones on the market, only surpassed by the newer Mini 5 Pro. 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, which extends flight time 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. I especially like the APAS function, which helps the drone navigate complex spaces on its own, even at low altitudes.
Who It's For
Content creators: The Mini 4 Pro's dual-aspect camera rotates and swaps between widescreen and vertical formats, making it an ideal drone for content creators who want to capture video for both a YouTube channel and a TikTok or Instagram Reels feed. It's exceptionally easy and safe to fly, too, so you don't have to be an expert to get good results.
Beginners: I recommend the Mini 4 Pro for newbies because it includes 360-degree obstacle sensors, a long-lasting battery, and doesn't require FAA registration. It gives you some room to grow, too, as its video engine is good enough to satisfy expert-level editors, and it has Remote ID when used with its extended run battery, so you can keep going if you opt to get your FAA certificate.
Licensed pilots: Drone owners who hold an FAA certificate can use the Mini 4 Pro, but with one caveat—they must use the extended-life battery to enable its Remote ID broadcast. That's not a huge bar to clear, though, so don't count out the Mini 4 Pro if you want a lightweight drone for real estate, weddings, or other paid gigs.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions 2.4 by 3.5 by 5.7 inches Integrated Camera Integrated with Gimbal Live Video Feed 1080p Media Format microSDXC Megapixels 48 Obstacle Detection Remote Dedicated with App Remote Dedicated with LCD Rotors 4 Video Resolution 4K Weight 8.8 Learn More DJI Mini 4 Pro Review -
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Best 360-Degree Camera DroneDJI Avata 360
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Avata 360 is the first dual-lens, 360-degree camera drone from DJI. Its camera system captures the entire world around it in 8K quality and supports single-lens 4K recording. It's a good approach that lets you record 360 for shots where you want to reframe footage to add pans and Little Planet effects using the DJI Studio editing app, and in 16:9 for scenes where you just want an aerial shot. The Avata works with either a handheld remote with a built-in display, or a headset with a one-handed motion controller, so it's all in all more flexible than the similar Antigravity A1, which only records in 360 degrees, offers just one remote control option, and costs a lot more than the DJI.
Who It's For
Beginners: The Avata 360 includes a reliable GPS, flies confidently on breezy days, and includes obstacle detection and avoidance so it's a safe, easy drone for creators just getting started with aerial capture. It weighs about a pound, though, so you'll need to register it with the FAA before sending it up into the air.
Savvy editors: It can take a little effort to learn to edit 360-degree video if you haven't tried before. If you've already used a 360-degree camera, you'll feel right at home, though, and the DJI Studio software makes it easy to pan, zoom, and reframe the spherical video in ways that will wow your audience.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions 2.2 by 7.8 by 9.7 inches Integrated Camera Integrated without Gimbal Live Video Feed 1080p Media Format Internal Media Format microSDXC Megapixels 120 Obstacle Detection Remote Dedicated with FPV Goggles Remote Dedicated with LCD Rotors 4 Video Resolution 8K Weight 1 Learn More DJI Avata 360 Review -
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Best Budget Drone for Vertical VideoDJI Mini 3
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The DJI Mini 3 is one of the better entry-level drones available. Its camera is excellent, supporting 4K30 video with an HDR look in either vertical or landscape orientation, as well as a 60-degree 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 appreciate the 38-minute flight times, although we wish DJI had incorporated obstacle detection into this model.
Who It's For
Recreational fliers: The Mini 3 weighs just 249g, so it doesn't require FAA registration, and is a good choice for drone pilots who fly for fun. Its safety features include an integrated GPS that keeps the Mini 3 steady in the air and supports a return-to-home function, although note that it omits optical avoidance.
Content creators: If you want to make videos for both YouTube and TikTok, the Mini 3 is a good choice. Its 4K30 camera switches between widescreen and vertical aspects on the fly, so you can easily grab wide and tall clips during the same flight.
Licensed pilots: The Mini 3 includes Remote ID, making it suitable for pilots who earn a living with a drone and hold an FAA sUAS pilot certificate. If you have a monetized YouTube channel, make money from real estate photos, or offer drone footage as part of a wedding package, you should be licensed. Just note that you will need to purchase the extended 51-minute battery to access Remote ID.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions 2.4 by 3.5 by 5.7 inches Integrated Camera Integrated with Gimbal Live Video Feed 1080p Media Format microSDXC Megapixels 12 Remote Dedicated with App Remote Dedicated with LCD Rotors 4 Video Resolution 4K Weight 8.8 Learn More DJI Mini 3 Review -
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Best Registration-Free Drone With Remote IDPotensic Atom 2
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Potensic Atom 2 proves that DJI isn't the only brand capable of producing a good drone. The 249g quadcopter avoids registration requirements, captures high-quality video and still images, and includes the Remote ID module required for professional use. It has a 4K30 camera with a three-axis gimbal for smooth, steady video, and snaps stills at 12MP or 48MP resolution, with a Raw DNG option available for shutterbugs. It proved reliable in testing, featuring a long-lasting 32-minute flight battery and a dedicated remote control.
Who It's For
Beginners: The Atom 2 is a good drone for beginners. Its camera captures good-looking photos and stabilized 4K30 video, and its price is quite attractive, especially when you remember that it includes a remote control in the box. It doesn't have obstacle avoidance, so you'll need to take some care when flying near trees or buildings, but even so, the Atom 2 is a fine choice for your first drone.
Recreational fliers: As long as you're flying as a hobby, you don't have to register the Atom 2 with the FAA since it weighs just 249g.
Licensed pilots: The Atom 2 is one of the few 249g drones available with built-in Remote ID, which means that it's appropriate for FAA sUAS license holders to use for real estate photography, monetized YouTube channels, stock footage sales, and other types of paid drone work.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions 2.3 by 3.5 by 5.6 inches Integrated Camera Integrated with Gimbal Live Video Feed 1080p Media Format microSD Megapixels 48 Remote Dedicated with App Rotors 4 Video Resolution 4K Weight 8.8 Learn More Potensic Atom 2 Review -
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Credit: Jim Fisher
Best Selfie DroneDJI Neo
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The DJI Neo is the drone to get if you mostly care about quick selfies and landscape videos. It's lightweight, compact, and features built-in propeller guards, making it safe to launch and land from the palm of your hand. It rolls smooth, steady 4K video, flies for about 18 minutes on a fully charged battery, and can be flown manually with either a smartphone app or a dedicated remote control (sold separately). Its video profile isn't as good as we've seen from other DJI drones, however, but it's good enough for social media, and mollified by the $199 starting price.
Who It's For
Beginners: The tiny DJI Neo is a good drone for beginners. It includes built-in propeller guards and, if you're nervous about getting behind the controls, it basically flies itself. The drone lets you access several automated flight paths with the push of a button and takes off from and lands in the palm of your hand. It is light enough to sidestep registration, and doesn't cost much either, though you'll have to buy a remote separately if you want one.
Selfie takers: The Neo's on-drone controls let you take quick selfie videos without having to open an app or connect a remote control. If you want a drone that flies itself and can spice up your social profile, the Neo is it.
Recreational fliers: The Neo weighs less than 249g, so it doesn't require FAA registration in the US. It's a great drone for flying for fun. You can fly it manually using your smartphone, or purchase a dedicated remote for a more tactile flight experience and extended range control. Pros should skip this one as it doesn't include the Remote ID feature required for sUAS certificate holders.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions 1.9 by 5.1 by 6.2 inches Integrated Camera Integrated with Gimbal Live Video Feed 1080p Media Format Internal Megapixels 12 Remote Smartphone/Tablet App Rotors 4 Video Resolution 4K Weight 4.8 Learn More DJI Neo Review -
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Best Racing DroneDJI Avata 2
Why We Picked It
The DJI Avata 2 is an FPV drone that displays the camera view through a set of low-latency VR goggles with head tracking. A Type 1/1.3 nose-mounted camera records at 4K60, while its motion-sensitive remote supports 30mph flight for thrill seekers. Built-in prop guards keep it flying after minor bumps, downward-facing sensors enable low-to-the-ground flights, and an upgraded battery provides up to 23 minutes of operating time between charges. If you slow things down a bit, you can even channel your inner Scorsese and Welles with Cinewhoop-style long takes.
Who It's For
Thrill seekers: The Avata 2 flies fast, it goes up to 31mph with an autopilot assist using its included pistol grip remote, and if you're skillful enough to take full manual control, you can push it to 60mph with an optional joypad-style controller. I won't blame you if you get an adrenaline rush when you're behind the controls.
Licensed pilots: The Avata 2 features built-in Remote ID, making it suitable for use if you hold an FAA sUAS certificate. You can also use the drone for fun, but you'll need to register it, as it weighs more than 249g. Just remember to enlist a visual observer for drone flights, as you're not allowed to use FPV goggles without a spotter on hand.
Learn More DJI Avata 2 Review
Compare Specs
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Rating |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
3.5 Good |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding | |
Best For | Best Dual-Lens Drone | Best Entry-Level Cinema Drone | Best Small Drone With 360-Degree Obstacle Avoidance | Best 360-Degree Camera Drone | Best Budget Drone for Vertical Video | Best Registration-Free Drone With Remote ID | Best Selfie Drone | Best Racing Drone | Best Dual-Lens Drone | Best Entry-Level Cinema Drone | Best Small Drone With 360-Degree Obstacle Avoidance |
Dimensions | 3.5 by 4.0 by 8.4 inches | 3.1 by 11.0 by 9.2 inches | 2.4 by 3.5 by 5.7 inches | 2.2 by 7.8 by 9.7 inches | 2.4 by 3.5 by 5.7 inches | 2.3 by 3.5 by 5.6 inches | 1.9 by 5.1 by 6.2 inches | 3.5 by 4.0 by 8.4 inches | 3.1 by 11.0 by 9.2 inches | 2.4 by 3.5 by 5.7 inches | |
Weight | 1.6 | 8.8 | 8.8 | 1 | 8.8 | 8.8 | 4.8 | 1.6 | 8.8 | 8.8 | |
Rotors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Obstacle Detection | |||||||||||
Integrated Camera | Integrated with Gimbal | Integrated with Gimbal | Integrated with Gimbal | Integrated without Gimbal | Integrated with Gimbal | Integrated with Gimbal | Integrated with Gimbal | Integrated with Gimbal | Integrated with Gimbal | Integrated with Gimbal | |
Video Resolution | 4K | 4K | 4K | 8K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K | |
Megapixels | 50 | 48 | 48 | 120 | 12 | 48 | 12 | 50 | 48 | 48 | |
Media Format | microSDXC, Internal | Internal, microSDXC | microSDXC | Internal, microSDXC | microSDXC | microSD | Internal | microSDXC, Internal | Internal, microSDXC | microSDXC | |
Remote | Dedicated with App, Dedicated with LCD | Smartphone/Tablet App, Dedicated with LCD | Dedicated with App, Dedicated with LCD | Dedicated with LCD, Dedicated with FPV Goggles | Dedicated with App, Dedicated with LCD | Dedicated with App | Smartphone/Tablet App | Dedicated with App, Dedicated with LCD | Smartphone/Tablet App, Dedicated with LCD | Dedicated with App, Dedicated with LCD | |
Live Video Feed | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p |
Buying Guide: The Best Drones for 2026
Are Camera Drones Banned in the US?
The past calendar year was a rough one for creators who rely on consumer camera drones for work, and shutterbugs who appreciate how an aerial landscape photo can stand out versus one captured from ground level. Throughout 2025, drone pilots were staring down the barrel of a US ban on Chinese brands Autel and DJI.
On Dec. 22, the FCC went further than everyone expected and added all new foreign-made drones to its Covered List. The Covered List is a big deal: Once a product, product category, or brand is added, it prevents it from obtaining FCC authorization, meaning it can't be sold or imported into the US. DJI isn't taking the action lying down; it filed a lawsuit challenging the FCC's actions on Feb. 24, 2026. The suit doesn't change anything immediately, but there's now a chance the courts will overrule the FCC.
I've put together a detailed FAQ that hopefully answers any questions you may have. For now, at least, foreign drones that were previously approved by the FCC are still legal to buy and fly in the US, and those that have been cleared by the FCC but aren't yet on sale are safe. In a statement, FCC chair Brendan Carr specifically said that consumers can still buy and fly drones previously approved by the agency.
So you can take some comfort in the fact that there are still fantastic camera drones available for sale in the US. I've highlighted the best I've tested in this piece, and there are others that I've not yet gotten my hands on that look great on paper—the entry-level DJI Neo 2, midrange Mini 5 Pro, and professional Mavic 4 Pro all received FCC clearance ahead of foreign drones being added to the Covered List. My colleague at our sister site CNET reviewed the Mavic 4 Pro and had only good things to say about it.
We're already starting to see drones arrive in other regions, not just the US. The HoverAir Aqua was a hit during its crowdfunding phase, but didn't receive FCC clearance before the Covered List changes, so it's likely not coming to the US. I say 'likely' because the FCC did carve out exceptions to the rule, but only for drones specifically approved by the Department of Defense or Homeland Security. I don't expect either agency to pay attention to a waterproof selfie drone, but stranger things have happened.
Meanwhile, at least in the near term, US companies won't be able to pick up the slack. Some industrial and military drones are made in the US, but nothing that normal people would buy.
Watch this space for future developments. I update this story regularly to make sure the drones I recommend are still in stock and available for purchase at retail, and I will keep you posted on the real-world effects of the FCC's regulatory changes. I expect it won't be long before we start seeing DJI drones in other markets, not just the US. The writing is on the wall. The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 video camera, released in April, failed to obtain FCC authorization, so it isn't allowed to be sold in the US.
What Are the Rules for Owning a Drone?
With many tech products, you can just open the box and start using them. But that's not the case with drones. You need to learn the rules about flying, take an online test, and (depending on how much your drone weighs) register it with the FAA prior to your first flight. That may seem daunting to pilots just starting, but I'll walk you through the basics here. (For more details, read our complete guide to US drone regulations.)
First, if you're flying your drone for recreational purposes, you can operate under these rules. There are nuances to where and when you can fly your drone, so you should always use one of the FAA's B4UFLY apps or SkyVector's live temporary flight restriction (TFR) map to check if flights are legal. This is especially important now that DJI no longer enforces a geofence in restricted airspace.
Generally, you are OK if you:
- Fly at or below 400 feet
- Keep your drone within sight
- Don't fly in restricted airspace
- Don't fly near other aircraft, especially near airports
- Don't fly over groups of people
- Don't fly over stadiums or sporting events
- Don't fly near emergency response efforts such as fires
- Don't fly under the influence or within 8 hours of consuming alcohol
Pay extra attention to the warning about flying around wildfires. DJI made headlines in a very bad way during the recent LA wildfires when a private operator illegally flew a Mini 3 drone in an area that was under a TFR. The drone collided with the wing of a specialized firefighting plane, taking it out of commission at a critical time. Don't be like that idiot.
All pilots must take a free online knowledge test, called the Trust test, before their first flight. If you buy a lightweight (249g) drone, you can skip registration and get flying once you've passed the test. However, if your drone weighs 250g or more, you must register it on the FAA DroneZone website; for recreational pilots, the cost is $5 per operator. Once you receive your registration number, you must label your drone with it (use a Sharpie or a printed label).
The rules and regulations are stricter if you plan to fly for a living. If you have a monetized YouTube channel, take photos of properties for real estate listings, or offer drone snaps as part of your wedding package, you need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the FAA. You must pass a paid ($175) exam at a testing site and undergo a background check to obtain this type of license. Commercial pilots must follow the same basic rules as recreational flyers and are required to register each drone they own, at a cost of $5 per aircraft. Additionally, all drones flown under commercial rules must support Remote ID broadcast for operation, so pro pilots will need to take extra care when choosing an aircraft.
Are Drones Safe to Fly?
The drones I recommend are both safe and easy to fly. All of our suggestions include four-rotor designs with GPS-assisted stabilization, allowing them to hover perfectly in place. The GPS feature also supports automatic return-to-home and landing, reducing the likelihood of losing your drone if communication between the aircraft and remote control is disrupted.
Obstacle detection isn't included on every drone, but it's becoming increasingly common. The mid-entry DJI Flip includes forward obstacle sensors, for instance, though the company reserves 360-degree detection and automated avoidance for upmarket entries like the Mini 5 Pro, which can autonomously alter course to avoid trees, fences, and other obstructions. It's an important feature to have if you're flying below the treetops, especially for beginners, as it can help avoid an accident.
Flyaways still happen, however—there are horror stories on various web forums—and there's always a chance you'll have to come in for an emergency landing and try and find your drone amongst the brush or unfamiliar territory. Recent DJI models have a Find My Drone feature that shows where your drone is on a map (and makes it beep loudly if it still has battery life).
What Are the Types of Drones?
Several products on the market sell as drones but don't quite fit that description. Remote-controlled aircraft have been around for a long time, for instance. With the recent surge in popularity, companies are now tagging those products as drones. These features don't include GPS stabilization, return-to-home functionality, and other automated flight modes that distinguish a drone from other devices.
Many racing drones fall under this umbrella. Enthusiasts often build their own racing copters 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. Those of us who aren't good at building rigs can look to a ready-to-fly racer instead. DJI has one racer in its catalog, the small Avata 2, that can go as fast as 60mph. It ships with a motion controller and a set of FPV goggles for flight control, a notable difference compared with most drones that rely on handheld remotes with touch screens.
Small drones aren't only for racing, either. Some people use tiny, homemade Cinewhoop drones for long, one-take video tours. DJI sells the O4 Air Unit Pro camera module for DIY drone builders who want the best video quality for these shots. Again, for pilots who don't want to build a Cinewhoop drone, the DJI Avata 2 and Neo support slower speeds and are small enough to navigate through tight spaces for one-shot videos.
Which Brand of Drones Is Best?
DJI models currently dominate our top picks, and there's a good reason for this. The company is simply a few steps ahead of the competition, offering products at various price levels. Its camera quality is unbeatable, with even basic models supporting 10-bit color sampling, 4K resolution, and Raw photography. It also excels in aircraft design, as its drones utilize higher-grade plastics than those I've tested, are perfectly stable in flight, and offer excellent battery life. Add a slick app interface that lets you use your phone or tablet to control the drone and its camera, and you've got a winning formula. Even though future DJI drones aren't going to make it to the US, its existing line is fantastic, and generations ahead of competitors.
As mentioned, HoverAir's waterproof Aqua drone won't make it to the US, but its X1 Pro and ProMax selfie drones are available stateside. I haven't yet reviewed them, but if you're after a simple drone for short-range, self-recorded videos, give them a look.
Potensic is gaining traction as a quality alternative. Its original Atom drone was well received, and I was impressed enough by the Atom 2 to award it a 4-star rating and include it among our recommended models. Potensic uses lighter-grade plastics than DJI, but the Atom 2 has a good camera and performs reliably in testing.
Insta360, a prominent name in action cameras, lent its expertise in 360-degree video capture and editing to a recent startup, Antigravity. It's only had one release to date, the A1, which proved to be fun to use and captures video that's unlike any other camera drone. Antigravity promises that there's more to come, though, given the timing of its debut, I don't expect future releases to come to the US.
Other companies that previously made consumer drones are now out of the game. Autel, Parrot, Skydio, and Yuneec now make only unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for use in agriculture, enterprise, and industry. GoPro and Sony attempted to enter the drone market with the Karma and Airpeak S1, respectively, but have since exited the space entirely. The Karma is no longer available, and Airpeak sales ended in March 2025.
The Best Small Drones
Most consumer drones are small enough to carry in a backpack or camera sling. Folding airframe designs are the standard, even among drones that are heavy enough to require registration. When someone is looking for a small drone, they are generally seeking a light 249g flyer. These drones are not required to be registered in the US and are also less regulated abroad.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is the best 249g drone I've tested; it has a dual-aspect video camera and all-around obstacle sensors. The Flip is nearly as good for a lower price. Oddly enough, the Flip omits the vertical camera flip feature from the Mini 3 and the Mini 4 Pro, but it's the most affordable DJI drone you can get that has both prop guards and forward obstacle detection.
If you're on a stricter budget, the DJI Neo is a good pick for recreational pilots. The Neo is tiny and launches from your hand. It is best used for quick selfie videos and includes a half dozen automated flight paths. The Flip and Neo don't include Remote ID, so licensed pilots should avoid them.
The Best Drones for Professionals
DJI's Inspire 3 is its big, quad-rotor model for cinema production. The drone features a full-frame 8K camera that supports DJI and 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. DJI also offers the Matrice drones for industry and enterprise, as well as the Agras drones for agriculture.
If you're looking for a smaller drone with high-end video specifications, the Mavic 4 is the best option. I haven't tested the Mavic 4, but my colleague at CNET did and was impressed with its performance. The Mavic 4 Pro includes a 6K60 Four Thirds sensor camera with Hasselblad color science, and an innovative gimbal that adds a spinning effect shot.