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Even if you have no good reason to justify buying one, you have to admit that drones are cool. Some are glorified tech toys, but the models we highlight here are fit for imaging and cinematic applications both small and large. If you think you can use a flying camera in your next project, there’s some good news—the tech has come a long way in a very short time. Some models on the market now put earlier copters to shame in terms of video quality and stabilization.
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 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
DJI Mini 2
Best Entry-Level Drone
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.
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
DJI Mini 3 Pro
Best Drone for Most Creators
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 3 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.
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
DJI Air 2S
Best Drone for Photographers
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.
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
DJI Mavic 3
Best Drone for Cinematographers
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. If you want to spend less, the Classic edition drops the telephoto camera and cuts the cost to $1,599.
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.
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
DJI Mini 3
Best for Creators on a Budget
Why We Picked It
The DJI Mini 3 is the drone for pilots who aren’t satisfied with the starter camera on the affordable DJI Mini 2 but can’t quite justify the Mini 3 Pro. Highlights of the camera include support for 4K30 video with an HDR look in either vertical or landscape orientation, as well as 60 degrees of upward tilt. The photo quality is good, too. The camera supports 12MP JPG or Raw DNG snaps, while the F1.7 optics do a good job at dawn and dusk. Safety features include GPS, Find My Drone, and Return to Home. Its 249g takeoff weight means you can fly it without dealing with FAA registration—you just need to pass an online knowledge test. We also like the 38-minute flight times, though we wish DJI had worked obstacle detection into this model.
Who It’s For
Creators who want a dual-aspect drone for TikTok and YouTube should consider this drone. It conveniently streams live video straight to a smartphone app, is very capable for stills, and remains stable even when you fly it near the 400-foot altitude limit. If you don’t want to spend quite so much ($560 with a remote), the Mini 2 is the best alternative. On the other hand, if you can spend more, the Mini 3 Pro adds useful obstacle avoidance sensors.
PROS
- Good-looking 4K30 video
- Support for vertical video and upward gimbal tilt
- 12MP stills in Raw DNG or JPG
- 38-minute flights with standard battery
- 51-minute extended battery available
- 249g build for registration-free flight
- Built-in GPS and FlySafe safety features
CONS
- Omits obstacle detection
- Limited to one color profile
- Doesn’t support Hyperlapse or ActiveTrack
Autel Robotics Evo Lite+
Best Drone for Long Flights
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.
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
Autel Robotics Evo Nano+
Best 249g Drone Without Geofence
Why We Picked It
The Autel Robotics Evo Nano+ comes in at 249g, so you don’t need to register it with the FAA, though it does include three-way obstacle detection for safer flight. A stabilized camera records 4K30 video and snaps sharp photos at up to 50MP. Battery life is very good too, at about 28 minutes.
Who It’s For
The Evo Nano+ is a good drone for pilots who want a quadcopter they can take up in the air without baked-in geofencing restrictions, like the DJI FlySafe system that some see as restrictive. The 249g takeoff weight allows you to use it a bit more freely than heavier drones and the picture quality is very good, with aggressive sharpening being the real knock. The Nano+ is a good drone for beginner and advanced pilots alike.
PROS
- 4K30 video with gimbal stabilization
- Camera supports 12MP and 50MP photos
- Automated quick shots and Hyperlapse
- Up to 28 minutes of flight time
- Three-way obstacle sensors
- GPS with return-to-home functionality
CONS
- Raw photos are tricky to process
- Overprocessed look to video
- Log profile is only 8-bit
DJI Avata
Best Drone for Adrenaline Junkies
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.
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 questions around DJI brand
Ryze Tello
Best Drone for Kids Learning to Code
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.
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.
Buying Guide: The Best Drones for 2023
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 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 family is exempt, as is the Autel Nano series. Entry-level models omit obstacle avoidance (included in the Autel Nano and upmarket DJI Mini 3 Pro), but still include GPS stabilization, automated return-to-home, and automatic takeoff and landing. They’re safe drones to fly.
Almost all of the models here have some safety features. For instance, if 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 more prevalent in that context, simply because uneventful flights that don’t result in a crash or missing drone aren’t hot topics for discussion. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties that replace a lost aircraft, but make sure to read the fine print before buying something like DJI Care Refresh—you must consider any associated restrictions and fees.
If you’re flying within the United States, you need to follow FAA guidelines—or prepare to face potential fines or jail time. 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 has become an aspect of the hobby itself. DJI has an off-the-shelf racer, the FPV Combo, that can move at a brisk 87mph. We took a first look at it but weren’t comfortable enough with its controls to conduct a full review.
Small drones aren’t only for racing, either. Some people use tiny, homemade Cinewhoop drones for long, one-take video tours(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. For its part, DJI says it shouldn’t be on the Entity List, a representative tells PCMag that “DJI has done nothing to warrant our inclusion on the Entity List.”
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.
DJI Mini 3 Pro
(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. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find it in stock. 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.
Recommended by Our Editors
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 DJI Mini 3 is so light that you don’t have to pay the FAA registration fee to fly it, and it offers strong video and image quality. It drops some higher-end video features, though, and doesn’t offer any sort of obstacle detection. The Mini 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 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 a version of the Mavic 3, which starts at $1,600. All versions of the Mavic 3 support 5.1K50 recording with a Four Thirds format camera in 10-bit HEVC. The standard and Cine editions add a telephoto camera, missing from the Classic. On the high end, the Mavic 3 Cine ($5,000) also adds support for ProRes 422 HQ and includes 1TB of onboard storage. The Cine is a worthwhile splurge for cinematographers—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.
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