The Best Drones for 2022

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 use in 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.

And, now the bad news: You get what you pay for. If you want an aerial video platform that can capture stunning footage, you need to be ready 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.

How To Buy A Drone

We don’t focus on racing, industrial, or agricultural aircraft here—our coverage is squarely centered on imaging and video. The drones we review are ready-to-fly models, so you can use them right out of the box.

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.

You Can Trust Our Reviews

More About Our Picks

Best Entry-Level Drone

Bottom Line:

With long battery life, a robust wireless connection, and 4K video, the DJI Mini 2 is the best drone you’ll find for less than $500.

Pros

• Stabilized 4K camera
• Raw and JPG photo modes
• Automated Quickshots
• Long flight time
• Stronger motors and connection than Mavic Mini
• GPS and other safety features
• No FAA registration required

Cons

• Still no color profiles for JPGs and video
• Omits obstacle avoidance and HDR
• Doesn’t include ActiveTrack or Hyperlapse

Why We Picked It

The DJI Mini 2 is the best drone you can get for less than $500. It sports a stabilized, three-axis gimbal 4K video camera that also snaps 12MP photos, plus it 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 nearly half-hour flight times, though we wish DJI had worked obstacle detection into this model.

Who It’s For

The Mini 2 is the drone to get if you’re just starting out and want to record ultra-smooth 4K30 footage from the air or take aerial photos—Raw format is available for photogs who like to post-process. It’s very stable, even when flying near the 400-foot altitude limit, and streams live video from the camera to a smartphone app. Budget-minded shoppers can look to the DJI Mini SE, a near clone with a 2.7K video camera and JPG-only stills, as a $300 alternative.

Read Our Full Review

Best Drone for Most Creators

Bottom Line:

The palm-sized DJI Mini 3 Pro’s Quad Bayer camera snaps pleasing photos and records stabilized 4K60 footage, while its video toolkit makes you rethink what a tiny drone can do.

Pros

• Portable design
• 4K60 with digital zoom
• Vertical video and photo support
• Upward-tilting camera
• Three-way obstacle sensors
• Strong safety features
• Two remote control options

Cons

• Extended battery should be standard
• GPS lock-on takes some time
• Omits AirSense ADS-B system

Why We Picked It

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is the most capable ultralight drone on the market. Its 249g takeoff weight (with a 34-minute battery) means you can get around FAA registration, though creators who don’t mind forms and fees can add in an extended life battery to push flights beyond 45 minutes. Three-way obstacle sensors, automated flight modes, and 4K60 video round out the feature set. We especially like the APAS function, an autopilot that can navigate through complex spaces all by itself, for low-to-the-ground use.

Who It’s For

If you’ve looked at the Mini 2 and wanted a bit more, the Mini 3 Pro is a sensible step-up. 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 3 Pro to be a worthwhile upgrade. It’s also a good match for TikTok influencers because it supports vertical 9:16 video.

Read Our Full Review

Best Drone for Photographers

Bottom Line:

The DJI Air 2S is a small folding drone with a premium 1-inch sensor camera, 5.4K video, and a number of automated flight and safety features, making it a pro-minded alternative to the more affordable Mavic Air 2.

Pros

• 1-inch sensor camera
• Video at up to 5.4K quality
• Robust safety features
• Obstacle detection and avoidance
• Automated camera shots
• HDR, Log, and Standard video profiles
• AirSense transponder
• Half-hour flight time

Cons

• Doesn’t offer in-camera filtered looks
• 8GB internal storage isn’t much
• Remote doesn’t include EV control wheel
• App-based editing limited to 1080p output
• HDR HLG workflow for pros only
• Raw images don’t transfer to smartphones and tablets automatically

Why We Picked It

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.

Who It’s For

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.

Read Our Full Review

Best Drone for Cinematographers

Bottom Line:

The DJI Mavic 3 is a small folding drone with a Hasselblad camera that captures stunning video and stills, but you need to step up to the Cine version for ProRes recording.

Pros

• Four Thirds camera with Hasselblad color
• Lens offers 7x optical and 28x digital zoom
• 5.1K50 and 4K120 video
• 20MP Raw or JPG stills
• All-around obstacle avoidance
• Long flight times
• Strong safety features

Cons

• Expensive
• Base model offers only 8GB of storage
• Automatic APAS navigation not as good as Skydio
• Telephoto camera underwhelms
• Falls shy of 46-minute battery estimate

Why We Picked It

The DJI Mavic 3 sports the best drone camera of any foldable model. A big Four Thirds format sensor with a Hasselblad color profile delivers excellent footage and stills straight-out-of-camera. All-around obstacle sensors allow the drone to fly around obstructions, an integrated GPS keeps it steady in the air, and forty-plus-minute flying times make for safer flights. Dedicated pros can step up to the Cine version ($4,999), which adds 1TB SSD storage and ProRes 422 video.

Who It’s For

The Mavic 3 is ideal for cinematographers, indie filmmakers, vloggers, and other creative professionals. The drone is heavy enough to require FAA registration and you need an operator’s license to use it for paid work, but it’s still small enough to carry in a shoulder bag. If you work on location or travel to beautiful places, the Mavic 3 is a worthwhile splurge, and the Cine version is available for creators with ProRes workflows.

Read Our Full Review

Best Drone for Travel

Bottom Line:

The Parrot Anafi puts all emphasis on size—the small, folding drone is ideal for travel, thanks to 4K video capture, a small airframe, and USB charging.

Pros

• Very small.
• Charges via USB-C.
• 4K video with HDR.
• 3x digital zoom lens.
• Upward gimbal tilt.
• Big battery for 25-minute flights.

Cons

• No obstacle detection.
• Digital zoom cuts into 4K quality.
• Requires smartphone.
• Construction feels a little flimsy.

Why We Picked It

The Parrot Anafi debuted before ultralight drones took over the market, but despite its need for FAA registration, we like it quite a bit for drone pilots who want to pack light. The long, skinny form factor is a winner here—it’s easy to squeeze the Anafi into a rucksack and you can charge it with the same USB-C adapter you use for a smartphone. The camera is capable too, with 4K HDR video support and a gimbal that enables some upward tilt.

Who It’s For

Creators looking for a small drone with capable 4K video and stills should find a lot to like about the Anafi. It slides into small bags and luggage easily, and comes with a zippered protective case for travel. Customers looking to avoid DJI due to ethical concerns might also prefer this model; Parrot operates out of France.

Read Our Full Review

Best Drone for Long Flights

Bottom Line:

The Autel Robotics Evo Lite+ folding drone has strong battery life, obstacle detection, and support for 6K recording, though some rivals offer a more polished experience for less money.

Pros

• Stabilized 6K30 and 4K60 video
• 20MP stills in Raw DNG or JPG
• 1-inch camera with variable aperture
• Beefy battery for up to 40 minutes of flight
• Three-way obstacle sensors
• Automated camera moves and Hyperlapse
• GPS and automated return-to-home

Cons

• Color video profile isn’t configurable
• 8-bit flat video profile
• Screenless remote is a step backward from previous generation
• Doesn’t support autonomous navigation around obstructions

Why We Picked It

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.

Who It’s For

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(Opens in a new window) geofence.

Read Our Full Review

Best Drone for Adrenaline Junkies

Bottom Line:

DJI’s fast, sleek Avata drone is ideal for ground-hugging first-person and Cinewhoop video, though we have some concerns about its safety.

Pros

• Incredibly easy (and fun) to fly
• Sharp FPV goggles with diopter adjustment
• One-handed controller works well
• Great for POV shots
• Wide-angle lens and 4K60 video convey sense of motion

Cons

• Expensive
• Potentially dangerous
• Unsuitable for small, crowded areas
• Requires FAA registration for outdoor flight
• Slow to react to shifts in white balance
• Ethical concerns around DJI brand

Why We Picked It

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.

Who It’s For

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.

Read Our Full Review

Best Drone for Kids Learning to Code

Bottom Line:

The Ryze Tello is a toy quadcopter flyable via smartphone or laptop (using Scratch). Its video quality isn’t anything to write home about, but it’s a fun tech toy and learning tool.

Pros

• Inexpensive.
• Easy to fly.
• Programmable via Scratch.
• Bluetooth remote control compatibility.
• Automated flight modes.

Cons

• Pixelated, low-quality video.
• Limited control range.
• No GPS or return-to-home capability.

Why We Picked It

The Ryze Tello is more of a learning toy than a cinema tool. You can fly the small quadcopter with your phone or a controller, like many others, but this goes a step further with support for MIT’s Scratch coding platform. If you connect the Tello to a laptop running Scratch, it can execute commands and macros in sequence, giving kids a fun incentive to learn the basics of coding.

Who It’s For

This is the one drone on the list that’s safe enough for tweens and teens to fly. The Tello doesn’t have much power and its 720p camera isn’t one you’d ever use for a vlog. But its low cost is appealing to parents shopping for a learning toy, even if some kids might just prefer flying around to programming commands.

Read Our Full Review

What Are the Rules for Owning a Drone?

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 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 SE, Mavic Mini, and Mini 2 are all exempt, as is the Autel Nano series. The lightweight DJIs omit obstacle avoidance (included in the Autel Nano), 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 your control signal is interrupted 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 2S
(Credit: Jim Fisher)

Flyaways still happen, however—there are horror stories on various web discussion forums. Of course, negative experiences are amplified in this 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 be prepared to face potential fines or jail time. There are no-fly zones(Opens in a new window) set by the FAA, 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.

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 ages. But with the recent surge in popularity, quadcopters that would simply be sold as RC products are now being tagged 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’s 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 give a full review.

Small drones aren’t only for racing, either. Some people use tiny, homemade Cinewhoop drones for long, one-take video tours(Opens in a new window). GoPro sells an ultralight version of its flagship 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 in 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.

We didn’t test the Snap Pixy, a toy drone made to work with Snapchat. The market spoke, though, and reports indicate Snapchat has already ended production, just a couple of months after the little yellow quad debuted.

Which Brand of Drones Is Best?

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 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(Opens in a new window) for aiding the Chinese government’s surveillance of the persecuted Uyghur ethnic group in what is considered a continuing genocide(Opens in a new window). If that leaves you feeling icky, consider an alternative.

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.

Parrot Anafi and remote
(Credit: Jim Fisher)

France-based Parrot offers the Anafi, another good folding drone; it’s a solid option for consumers wary of buying tech from Chinese firms. Skydio is another company to consider. The company runs out of California and its drones are made for adventurers who want automatic tracking. They help you get aerials without a camera operator but aren’t as well-suited for cinematography as DJI’s drones.

Sony recently jumped into the market with its 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 of thousand on a camera and gimbal.

The Best Small Drones

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.

Autel Evo Lite+
(Credit: Jim Fisher)

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 control experience. Make sure you get one with a real remote.

There are some standouts in the class. The DJI Mavic Air 2 and Air 2S offer as much power and imaging prowess as you can find in an older Phantom model but in a much smaller package. Size doesn’t compromise their performance in any way. It’s not just DJI, either. The Parrot Anafi is svelte, charges via USB-C, and supports 4K HDR video.

The DJI Mini 2 is so light that you don’t have to pay the FAA registration fee to fly it, and its video and images are of strong quality. It drops some higher-end video features, though, and doesn’t offer any sort of obstacle detection. The Mini 3 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 one to consider if you care more about FPV action than cinematic video.

Skydio 2
(Credit: Jim Fisher)

The Skydio 2+ is a modest update to the Skydio 2 we reviewed last year. It has all the same basic features, but adds antennas for stronger communication, and uses a higher-capacity battery. The price has been cut too, from $1,349 to $1,099 for the basic kit, but you need to budget more if you want to get a package with a remote control and extra flight batteries.

The Ryze Tello isn’t a good drone for videographers, but Scratch programming support makes it an appealing first drone for teens learning to code.

The Best Drones for Professionals

The DJI Inspire 2 should appeal to professional cinematographers, news organizations, and independent filmmakers. And it’s priced as such—its $3,000 MSRP doesn’t include a camera. Our review is based on the discontinued Zenmuse X4S camera configuration. If you’re buying the drone today, you can get it with the Zenmuse X5S for use with swappable Micro Four Thirds lenses or the X7S to use with DJI’s proprietary Super35mm lens system.

If you want a smaller drone with high-end video, think about the DJI Mavic 3. It starts at around $2,200 and supports 5.1K50 recording with a Four Thirds format camera in 10-bit HEVC. You can step up to the Mavic 3 Cine, a $5,000 kit, to add support for ProRes 4:2:2 HQ and 1TB of onboard storage. We give the edge to the Cine edition for high-end users—the upgraded video toolkit and bundled Pro RC remote justify the cost.

DJI also has the Matrice line, built for industry and to carry heavier cameras. They’re the UAVs to look at if you want to fly a full-frame mirrorless or RED cinema camera around. The Matrice 600 starts at $6,600 without a gimbal. As mentioned earlier, Sony’s Airpeak S1 can also carry big cameras, but it’s closer to the Inspire series in size—welcome news for location work.

Explore More About Drones

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.