We’ve flown all kinds of drones, so we know what to look for when choosing the best drone: good image quality, reliable safety features, accessible flight controls and useful in-flight features. Based on our in-depth reviews, each of the drones recommended below ticks those boxes to some degree.
If we had to choose a drone to buy for ourselves, we’d go for the DJI Mini 4 Pro. It’s a feature-packed flying machine with collision avoidance sensors that makes it safe for beginners to fly. It also avoids most legal restrictions by landing at less than 250g. We think it’s one of the best DJI drones you can buy. That said, if you want a more advanced drone, you’re better looking at something like the DJI Mavic 3 Pro.
Our guide is designed to cover the best drones for every type of buyer, from novices to seasoned pilots. Each entry distills the results of our expert tests, including the benefits and drawbacks that we discovered in our full review. If you’re just getting started, we also suggest checking out our dedicated round-up of the best beginner drones.
Top 3 picks
If you don’t have time to read our full list of the best drones, you can use the summary below for a quick overview of the the best options for different buyers. When you find a drone that ticks your boxes, use the links beneath to jump to our full write-up.
The best overall
With 360 obstacle avoidance and improved image quality, the Mini 4 Pro packs pro performance into a compact drone under 250g.
The best budget drone
If you don’t need collision avoidance, the Mini 4K is the best budget drone you can buy, being small, lightweight and way more affordable than the Mini 4 Pro.
The best drone camera
The world’s first triple-camera consumer drone is one for aerial image makers, with DJI’s industry-leading flying and safety features to boot.
Best by use-case
The best all-rounder
The dual-camera DJI Air 3S hits a sweet spot: it’s relatively affordable yet still boasts top performance, great image quality and a deep feature set.
The best DJI Air 3S rival
Capable of shooting 5.4K footage at 30fps using a 1-inch sensor, it shares a remarkably similar spec sheet to the DJI Air 2S and is a decent alternative.
The best value camera
The Classic edition of the Mavic 3 lands at a lower price by losing the telephoto camera of its pricier sibling, yet keeps its class-leading 4/3 main sensor.
The best cheap drone
Simple, lightweight and affordable, the Ryze Tello is a fun drone for first-time flyers. Despite its budget price tag, the Tello offers plenty and reasonable flight time.
The best FPV drone
Upgraded Goggles and controls, sharper video and longer battery life make the second-gen Avata the best FPV drone you can fly straight out of the box.
Load the next 2 products…
10. BetaFPV Cetus Pro Kit
The best FPV drone for beginners
An accessible FPV kit, we think the BetaFPV is the best way for beginners to try first-person drone flight, complete with goggles and controller.
The best for quick selfies
Similar to the HoverAir X1, the Neo is DJI’s most exciting drone for years with multi-control options, including; controller-free, FPV, remote and app.
Timothy Coleman
Tim is TechRadar’s Cameras editor. With more than 15 years’ experience in the photo video industry, Tim has spent countless hours working with all kinds of camera kit. As a result, he’s gained a deeply technical knowledge of what makes a good camera – and that expertise extends to drones. Tim notes, “As you’ll find in the list below, DJI continues to dominate the drone market in 2024, producing excellent models for every niche – from entry-level to professional. That said, we’ve also covered options from a number of other drone manufacturers, particularly where they represent good value alternatives.”
The best drones 2024
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Below you’ll find full write-ups for each of the best drones in our list. We’ve tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
Best sub 250g compact drone
Image 1 of 5
DJI Mini 4 Pro sample images
Image 1 of 6
Buy it if:
✅ You want the best lightweight drone: With excellent image quality and obstacle avoidance in all directions, this is the most feature-packed sub-250g drone.
✅ You’re serious about video: Support for 4K 100fps slow-mo and the D-Log M color profile offers additional versatility and finer control of video output.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re already happy with your Mini 3 Pro: While the Mini 4 Pro has some new features, many will find that they don’t justify switching from the already capable Mini 3 Pro.
❌ You only fly in the open: Omnidirectional Video Sensing is useful, but only if you operate in complex environments with lots of obstacles.
With a lightweight build and pro-grade features, the DJI Mini 3 Pro was previously our favorite drone. The Mini 4 Pro builds on its qualities to deliver an even better experience, albeit not a radically different one. If you already own a Mini 3 Pro, it probably doesn’t justify an upgrade. But if you’re switching from a different model or buying your first Mini series drone, it’s an excellent choice. Its small, folding design is almost identical to the Mini 3 Pro, as is the regulation-friendly 249g takeoff weight. Also the same is the 1/1.3-inch sensor, which still delivers excellent image quality.
Thanks to processing updates, we found it even better at handling noise in low light. Serious videographers will also welcome the new D-Log M color profile, which offers greater consistency with the Mavic 3. Obstacle avoidance is now omnidirectional, meaning the Mini 4 Pro is even safer than its predecessor when it comes to operating indoors or near trees. We also found ActiveTrack 360° highly effective, making it an easy drone for beginners to fly confidently. If you can afford the DJI RC 2 controller option, you’ll have the best backpack-friendly drone bundle.
Best budget drone without obstacle avoidance
Image 1 of 5
DJI Mini 4K sample images
Image 1 of 2
Buy it if:
✅ You’re a first time buyer: The DJI Mini 4K is a great starting point if you’re new to drones, with decent 4K video and flight features.
✅ You’re want the best cheap drone: For less than $300 / £300, you get a well equipped 4K drone with 3-axis gimbal and decent flight performance.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re typically gung ho: The Mini 4K doesn’t feature collision avoidance like the Mini 4 Pro, so the daring will likely get into scrapes quickly enough.
❌ You want decent subject tracking: Despite having Quickshots flight moves, the Mini 4K doesn’t have the same sophisticated tracking features as the Mini 4 Pro.
First time buyers can’t go wrong with the Mini 4K – it is the best budget drone you can buy at under $300 / £300. It is a carbon copy of the DJI Mini 2 SE, only it comes with higher resolution 4K video to the Mini 2 SE’s 2.7K video. The Mini 4K also shoots 2.7K up to 60fps and video bitrates are higher, so its videos are less compressed, plus you get a 2x digital zoom. Otherwise, the drones are identical; a regulator-friendly 246g take-off weight, 3-axis gimbal and stable flight performance considering the tiny size.
If money is no object, the Mini 4 Pro is the best beginner drone you can buy. It has omnidirectional object avoidance and advanced Follow Me subject tracking, plus a larger sensor and slightly better image quality overall. If you’re typically gung ho, you might get into a few scrapes flying the Mini 4K given the lack of obstacle avoidance or need to be extra cautious to avoid objects, especially when flying over bodies of water. However, the Mini 4K is admirably robust and a third of the price of the Mini 4 Pro while being equally capable in many ways. Its battery life is excellent, despite not fulfilling the 31 minute measured times it can go longer than rivals, plus DJI’s Quickshots flight moves get you dynamic video sequences around your chosen subject.
All in all, we found the Mini 4K to be an excellent beginner drone, perhaps the best, and a decent second drone for advanced pilots.
Best drone camera
Image 1 of 5
DJI Mavic 3 Pro sample images
Image 1 of 3
Buy it if:
✅ You need camera versatility: The only triple-camera drone perfectly balances quality and versatility.
✅ You want DJI’s best safety features: DJI’s most advanced collision avoidance plus advanced return to home ensure accident-free flying.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ A single camera will do: The Mavic 3 Pro’s main camera can also be found for less on the Mavic 3 Classic.
❌ You don’t need all the bells and whistles: There are highly capable and cheaper drones available, while lighter models come with fewer restrictions.
The Mavic 3 Pro won best camera product of the year in the TechRadar Choice Awards 2023, and with good reason. It’s the first consumer drone to feature three cameras, ideal for aerial photography and filmmakers who need the most versatile drone on the market. The Mavic 3 Pro’s main camera is the same one used by the Mavic 3 Classic and its 20MP Four Thirds sensor offers the best image quality of the three, together with an adjustable aperture, pro-tier video formats and frame rates. That said, if you need the extra reach from the main 24mm focal length of this camera, both 3x and 7x telephoto cameras produce excellent images.
As a pro drone, the Mavic 3 Pro is also incredibly easy to fly even in windy conditions and accessible to all users, thanks to its excellent safety features and intuitive controls, although its in the restrictive C2 European drone category because of how heavy it is. Another sticking point is its price that makes it overkill for beginners. However, it’s a more portable and less expensive option for pros than the Inspire 3, plus it’s even more versatile.
Best all-round drone for aerial photographers
Image 1 of 5
DJI Air 3S sample images
Image 1 of 5
Buy it if:
✅ You want to keep your distance: The Air 3S has two lenses, including a 3x telephoto that lets you get close to the action to make videos from a safe working distance.
✅ You need a sturdy drone for windy conditions: The Air 3S is physically larger than the Mini 4 Pro and has better wind resistance for breezy weather.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ This is your first drone: The weighty DJI Air 3S sits in the C1 category of drones and that comes with flying restrictions that you don’t get with sub-250g drones like the Mini 4 Pro.
❌ You shoot a lot of video: Both of the Air 3S’s lenses have fixed apertures, which are particularly restrictive for shooting video with ND filters in variable light.
Clearly sitting between the Mini series and Mavic Pro series of DJI drones is the Air series, and the latest model is the Air 3S. Novices will find a sub-250g model like the Mini 3 more manageable than the Air 3S, but you can enjoy much better wind resistance with the larger model, plus a generous 45-minute flight time. We also think beginners will get to grips quickly with the Air 3S’s easy interface and safety features such as obstacle avoidance.
As a drone with 724g take-off weight, the Air 3S is placed in Europe’s C1 category and that comes with flight restrictions, meaning you need to keep a greater distance from people and animals and events to be safe and legal. However, you can still get close to the action thanks to the Air 3S’s 3x telephoto lens with 70mm (approx) focal length. Like the Air 3, the Air 3S is a dual camera drone and the main camera is improved, with a much larger 1-inch sensor (to the 1/1.3-inch sensor of the Air 3). That means better image quality in challenging light, especially at nighttime. You also get obstacel sensing with LiDAR which performs better at night, plus more built-in memory to store your 4K videos and (up to (50MP) photos.
The Air 3S is a minor update of the Air 3 and not worth the upgrade if you already own the older model, but those new to the Air series should go for the older model, as our Air 3S vs Air 3 article suggests. Ultimately, the Air 3S is an iterative update of the already class-leading Air 3, without a price hike.
The best DJI Air 3S alternative
Image 1 of 5
Autel Evo Lite+ sample images
Image 1 of 5
Buy it if:
✅ You want aperture control: Unlike the DJI Air 3S, the Evo Lite+ offers aperture adjustment, making it then best camera for the price.
✅ You like to fly for longer: Up to 40 minutes of flying time means the Evo Lite+ give you more flexibility to adjust for the perfect shot.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You already have the DJI Air 3S: With a similar camera and feature set, marginal upgrades don’t offer a compelling reason to switch to the Lite+.
❌ You plan to fly in built-up areas: Because it weighs more than 250g, the Lite+ is subject to more restrictions on where you can fly it.
As the flagship flying machine from Autel’s latest line-up of DJI rivals, the Evo Lite+ goes directly up against the Air 3S. Capable of shooting 5.4K footage at 30fps using a 1-inch sensor, it shares a remarkably similar spec sheet. But it also both leapfrogs the Air 3S and the Mavic 3 Pro with its 40-minute flight time and adjustable aperture (ranging from f/2.8 to f/11). The Lite+ model does lack the fourth-axis stabilization of its Evo Lite sibling, but the larger pixels on its sensor give it better light-gathering potential in dim conditions.
Pro drone videographers might think twice about the lack of 10-bit video and D-Log profile, while the omission of side sensors for obstacle avoidance is a shame. But in all other respects, we found the Lite+ to be an impressively versatile piece of flying camera equipment in our review. For the money, its 20MP sensor is probably the best camera available on a drone today, which gives the Air 2S some serious competition.
Best value camera drone for enthusiasts
Image 1 of 5
DJI Mavic 3 Classic sample images
Image 1 of 3
Buy it if:
✅ You need a quality foldable drone: Equipped with a Hasselblad 20MP 4/3 camera, the Mavic 3 Classic delivers the best image quality in its class.
✅ You want lots of safety features: Like all Mavic 3 models, the Classic features an arsenal of safety features to help you avoid airborne obstacles.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You have a limited budget: It costs less than the original modes, but the Classic remains an expensive drone, especially factoring in the Fly More Kit.
❌ You need a small drone: Its relatively compact, but the Mavic 3 Classic is still much larger and heavier than something like the Mini 4 Pro.
Technically a step down from the Mavic 3, the Classic forgoes the telephoto camera of its pricier sibling. While it’s not a budget choice, this simplified setup makes the Classic a more cost-effective option for videographers. It retains the excellent 4/3 main sensor, which we think is the best camera available on a folding drone. Though this isn’t a beginner drone, we found in testing that collision avoidance, subject tracking and automated Quickshots made the Classic easy to pilot with confidence – even if real-world battery life proved shorter than the claimed 46 minutes.
You don’t get the 1TB SSD or Apple ProRes recording of the Cine edition, but we think its ability to capture 5.1K video in Normal, HLG and 10-bit profiles will be plenty for most videographers. And thanks to the larger sensor, noise handling is fantastic across the full ISO range. You also get all of the flight and safety features of the original Mavic 3 models. If you’re fine with a 1-inch sensor, the DJI Air 2S is more affordable. But if you want the best image quality from a foldable drone, the Mavic 3 Classic is the best choice.
Best cheap drone for novices
Image 1 of 5
Buy it if:
✅ You want a cheap starter drone: With a simple app and responsive controls, the Tello is an affordable way to master the basics of drone flight.
✅ You want a drone to travel with: Tiny dimensions and a featherweight build make the Ryze Tello easy to carry in a backpack.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You need to fly conifdentally outdoors: Due to its low weight, the Tello doesn’t deal with anything more than a slight breeze.
❌ You want high-quality footage: Video is a weak point of the Tello, with 720p footage often appearing choppy and compressed.
Simple, lightweight and affordable, the Ryze Tello is a fun drone for first-time flyers. Despite its budget price tag, the Tello offers plenty: the battery delivered a reasonable 13 minutes of flight time in testing, while downward-facing light sensors allow the Tello to hover in place and perform a handful of automated tricks. Our review found image quality from the nose-mounted 5MP camera less impressive, with limited dynamic range and noticeable compression when streaming 720p HD video to your smartphone.
That said, we found the app refreshingly simple. It’s a straightforward way to pilot the Tello, with an on-screen twin-stick setup that’s rewardingly responsive. The theoretical range is 100m, but 30-40m is more realistic – which, given how even the slightest breeze can blow the 80g Tello off course, is no bad thing. On a calm day, it’s an enjoyable drone to fly, zipping along at a decent rate and reacting nimbly to inputs. The limited range is somewhat restrictive but, provided you don’t mind choppy video, it’s still the best starter drone around.
Best FPV drone
Image 1 of 5
DJI Avata 2 sample images
Image 1 of 3
Buy it if:
✅ You want a safe start to FPV: The Avata 2 offers all the thrills of first-person flight, with the reassurance of features like return to home.
✅ You want high-quality video: With better dynamic range than the original, the Avata 2 can record fantastic FPV footage.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re an experienced pilot: If you’re familiar with freestyle drone flight, you won’t need DJI’s additional safety features.
❌ You have a limited budget: If you want a simple FPV kit to learn with, you might find better value from the BetaFPV Cetus Pro below.
The DJI Avata was already our favorite first-person drone, and the sequel only makes it better. If you’re looking for a forgiving route into the immersive world of FPV flight, we think the Avata 2 is a top choice. We found it intuitive to fly in our review, with the addition of an Easy ACRO mode making aerial maneouvres more accessible for beginners. The updated Motion Controller 3 is both simple to operate and precise enough for indoor flight – although experienced users will prefer the optional DJI Remote Controller 3 for fully manual flight.
The Avata 2 is longer, flatter and more aerodynamic than before. This helps it to achieve longer flight times of up to 23 minutes, and also makes it quieter than the original Avata. Thanks to an enhanced 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and 10-bit D-Log M support, we were able to shoot higher quality 4K/60p footage, with improved dynamic range revealing more detail in the shadows. Footage streamed to the upgraded DJI Goggles 3 also proved crisp, courtesy of a new video transmission system that makes it easier to spot potential obstacles.
Best compact DJI alternative
Image 1 of 5
Autel Evo Nano+ sample images
Image 1 of 6
Buy it if:
✅ You want to shoot in low light: Thanks to a generous 1/1.28-inch sensor, the Evo Nano+ is able to capture more light in dark conditions.
✅ You want to avoid restrictions: Although it’s a high-performance drone, the Nano+ weighs in at less than 250g, which makes it easier to fly legally.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re a fan of DJI: If you’ve known and flown DJI drones before, the DJI Mini 4 Pro represents the more natural option, and it’s a little cheaper.
❌ You use third-party software: Unlike DJI, Autel doesn’t currently allow other companies to develop software tools for its drones.
DJI’s Mini 4 Pro is our top pick in the sub-250g category, but if you want a compact drone from an alternative manufacturer, the colorful Evo Nano+ is a nice choice. With a big sensor and bright lens, our tests found that its camera performance trumps the DJI Mini 3, particularly in low-light situations. We also found that results after dark were much improved by locking the exposure to ISO 3200. The Autel fly app has improved considerably since we first reviewed the drone, with a more streamlined interface for stills and video.
Despite ducking under 250g, the Nano+ handles windy conditions fairly well. It felt highly controllable in testing, with three-way obstacle avoidance boosting our confidence, even if bright sunlight sometimes gave false proximity warnings. Its body feels less robust than the Lite+ (above) but rigidity improves when the battery is inserted. Overall, the Evo Nano+ is a superb small drone capable of producing stunning 4K/30p video. If you’re looking for a compact DJI alternative that flies below most registration requirements, the Evo Nano+ should be on your radar.
Best FPV drone kit for beginners
Image 1 of 5
BetaFPV Cetus Pro Kit sample images
Image 1 of 2
Buy it if:
✅ You want a ready-to-fly kit: With a drone, controller and goggles in the box, the Cetus Pro Kit makes it easy to get off the ground.
✅ You want an affordable FPV drone: Bundled with everything you need at a reasonable price, this is a fantastic first FPV kit.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want to shoot FPV videos: Though the Cetus Pro has a camera, it’s used only for the FPV feed and can’t capture stills or video.
❌ You don’t want to crash a drone: Crashes are part of FPV flying and you’ll need to accept that likelihood before flying the Cetus Pro.
We think the BetaFPV is the best way for beginners to try first-person drone flight. A complete yet affordable FPV kit, the bundle comes with goggles, batteries and a console-style controller, which you can also use to practice in simulators. Delivered ready to fly, the drone itself is incredibly light, yet also tough enough to withstand reasonable impacts – which is good, because first-person flying makes crashes more likely. Turtle Mode also means it can right itself remotely.
Three speed settings and three flight modes offer flexibility for learners to improve. We found Normal to be the easiest to fly, while Manual/Acro proved the most difficult, requiring careful control and throttle regulation. Besides the potential nausea associated with FPV flight, there are two main drawbacks with the Cetus kit: battery life is limited to just 4-5 minutes per charge, and there’s no option to record stills or video. But if you want an affordable way to sample the FPV experience, we still think it’s a top option.
The best selfie drone
Image 1 of 5
DJI Neo sample images
Image 1 of 3
Buy it if:
✅ You want a fun second drone: The Neo is a bundle of fun but it isn’t as robust for proper drone piloting as other options such as the Mini 4K.
✅ You want aerial selfies on the fly: Aerial selfies were never easier – the Neo takes off from your palm with no need for a controller and is equipped with AI subject tracking and face recognition.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’d like advanced photo and video features: Photo and video specs are beginner-friendly and no more – your 4K video and JPEG photos come as they are, with limited editing scope.
❌ You want stable flight performance: It’s tiny and with guarded propellor design the Neo is more affected by wind than larger drones.
The Neo is DJI’s accomplished rival to the HoverAir X1 selfie drone, being both its smallest and cheapest drone ever. It’s around half the weight of DJI’s sub-250g drones like the Mini 4K and Mini 4 Pro, has propellor guards so you can fly safely in tight spaces, and comes with advanced subject tracking and face detection features that make quick aerial selfies an absolute doddle. Seriously, even if you’ve never used a drone before, the Neo will be up and airborne from the palm of your hand, performing flight moves and capturing 4K aerial selfies within minutes, and you don’t even need a controller.
Where the Neo trumps the HoverAir X1 is its multiple flight options – it can also be controlled using your phone using DJI’s Fly app, one of DJI controllers and even its FPV Goggles, although those are pricey extras. Neo isn’t for everyone; it’s less stable than other beginner drones like the Mini 4K, its battery life is limited, plus its image quality isn’t quite as good. However, if you want drone flight to be simple fun, or capture quick selfies, then the Neo is an excellent first drone or a second drone to complement your larger drone that provides a longer laster and more stable flight experience. DJI really pulled one out the bag with the Neo, it’s so much fun.
Read our in-depth DJI Neo review
Also consider
We’ve reviewed a whole range of drones, which means there are other options which almost made it into this list. Here are a few honorable mentions to consider.
Best entry-level DJI alternative – DJI Mini 3: With no Mini 4 on the market, the DJI Mini 3 is a good option if you’re looking for an entry-level DJI drone. It doesn’t have collision avoidance sensors and stills are limited to 12MP, but it remains a compact drone that’s straightforward to fly and affordable for first-time buyers.
Best DJI Neo alternative – HoverAir X1 Pro: A miniature selfie drone with fantastic tracking performance, the X1 Pro makes it easy to capture quality 4K/60p video selfies. It costs more than the DJI Neo and it’s not the best in windy conditions, but impressive in-app manual flight controls mean there’s more to it than the more basic HoverAir X1.
How to choose the best drone for you
How to choose the best drone for you
When choosing your ideal drone, budget is the obvious place to start. Flagship drones usually benefit from the largest sensors, highest video resolutions and latest pro-grade features, but these will usually set you back thousands. You’ll often find the best value by looking in the middle of the range, where models like the DJI Mini 3 Pro balance price, portability and performance. If you’re a novice in search of an affordable drone to get started, the Ryze Tello offers a decent experience for just $99 / £99.
Beginner fliers should consider drones with safety features like obstacle avoidance, which help to prevent mid-air collisions. Automated flight modes also make it easy to pull off set-piece manoeuvres without the need for professional flying skills. Similarly, drones with a follow-me mode take the effort out of tracking a subject.
Most drones allow you to use a smartphone as a controller, usually by inserting it into an included handset. If you’re a seasoned pilot with specific control requirements, it’s worth checking what remotes are compatible with a given model. Factors such as flight time, range and speed can also be crucial, depending on how you plan to fly.
If you plan to shoot aerial photos and videos, it’s worth thinking about how you plan to use your images. If you’re shooting to share on social, you might be happy with stabilized Full HD footage. But if you’re producing a short film or even working commercially, you should look for a drone with a large sensor that’s capable of recording 4K footage, with support for color profiles for greater editing flexibility.
Finally, keep size and weight in mind. Many of the drones above can be folded down to fit in a backpack, which makes them easier to travel with. Larger drones are less portable but tend to be more stable in the air. Any drones that weigh more than 250g are likely to attract registration requirements (see below).
What are laws around flying a drone?
Drone laws exist to ensure a high level of safety in the skies, especially near sensitive areas like airports and national parks. They also aim to address privacy concerns that arise when camera drones fly in residential areas.
In several regions, such as the United States, drones weighing less than 250g are exempt from registration with civil aviation authorities. While registration might not be mandatory, it’s still necessary to follow local drone laws. This includes the requirement to keep your drone within sight at all times when airborne.
Different countries have different rules. Previously, in the UK, drones weighing less than 250g were exempt from registration. This has changed: owners of any camera-equipped drone must now register their aircraft with the Civil Aviation Authority and obtain an Operator ID. This registration carries an annual fee of £10.33 for individuals aged 18 and above.
If your drone exceeds 250g in weight, you will also require a Flyer ID. To obtain this, you need to pass an online test featuring 40 multiple-choice questions. The answers can be found in the Drone Code and are intended to promote safer flying practices.
For drones weighing less than 250g without a camera, neither ID is necessary. That said, you still need to comply with the UK’s drone laws. According to the Drone Code, this means maintaining visual contact with your drone, flying no higher than 120m above the ground, staying at least 150m away from populated areas, and avoiding restricted airspace, typically found near airports.
Are DJI drones illegal in the US?
In December 2020, the US government placed Chinese drone maker DJI on its ‘Entity List’ – the same trade blacklist that Huawei landed on in 2019. It is now prohibited for US federal agencies to purchase or use DJI drones, and several states, including Florida, have banned their use by government agencies.
However, it’s still perfectly legal for private customers to buy and fly DJI drones in the US, and there’s no sign that DJI will be banned from selling its products on the consumer market. The trade blacklist simply restricts its access to US technologies for future products. So while it may affect DJI’s supply chains, all the big retailers like Amazon are still selling the company’s drones as usual.
The decision of whether or not to buy DJI drones is a personal one, but we are very happy to continue recommending its flying cameras. DJI itself has strongly refuted the US blacklist decision, saying it “has done nothing to justify being placed on the list”. It has also stated that “DJI is not a military company in China, the United States or anywhere else.”
Who makes the best drone?
For many years, DJI has been the standout brand for drones with cameras. And while that continues to be the case, the Chinese company has come under fire in recent times – both from increased competition and run-ins with the US government. This hasn’t changed our opinion of whether or not you should buy a DJI drone (as you can read above), but it is good to finally see some healthy competition in the drone space.
In the US, Skydio became a standout brand for obstacle-avoidance powers, which make it a strong contender for those who need ‘follow me’ functionality. Sadly, Skydio recently closed its doors and is no longer in the consumer drone business – that’s one less DJI rival. More recently, we’ve been impressed by the offerings from another Chinese company, Autel, which is making very good DJI rivals at different price points, while Potensic released an excellent DJI Mini 3 alternative for beginners the Potensic Atom. For now, we still think DJI is the best overall brand for drones, but there are now lots of alternatives, particularly if you have a specific use case for a flying camera.
Meet the team
Collectively, our team of reviewers has amassed hundreds of hours safely testing all types of consumer drones in UK and US skies, for all budgets and use cases, covering the latest and greatest models since consumer-level drones became a thing.
James Abbott is a professional photographer and freelance photography journalist. He contributes articles about photography, cameras and drones to a wide range of magazines and websites where he applies a wealth of experience to testing the latest photographic tech. He’s one of our top go-to drone experts.
A versatile photographer since 2008 with clients including Adidas, Heineken and McLaren F1, Nico is passionate about sharing his knowledge also on his blog. Having flown camera drones since 2013, he made the jump into the FPV drones rabbithole in 2022 and is loving every minute of it (including the odd crash).
Sam has been writing about tech and digital culture for over 20 years, starting off in video games journalism before branching out into the wonderful worlds of consumer electronics and photography. Over the years he has written for Wired, Stuff, GQ, T3, Trusted Reviews and PC Zone, and now lives on the Kent coast in the UK – the ideal place for a camera reviewer and drone pilot to ply their trade.
Tim Coleman
As Cameras Editor, Tim looks after all cameras content on Tech Radar. This includes buying guides, opinions, reviews and news, and covers anything from mirrorless cameras to film and smartphones. He has been cutting his teeth in the photo and video industry for almost 20 years.
Mark is an expert on 3D printers, drones and phones. He also covers storage, including SSDs, NAS drives and portable hard drives. He started writing in 1986 and has contributed to MicroMart, PC Format, 3D World, among others.
How to test drones
How we test drones
Why you can trust TechRadar
☑️ 10s of drones reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech
While the cameras are the main focus of the drones we review, we also test their flying performance to see how easy they are to operate. We assess safety features including the effectiveness of obstacle avoidance, how stable they are in flight especially in breezy conditions, actual top speeds, subject tracking features and if there’s any latency – there’s are all key considerations for high performing drones.
After testing the drone’s battery life claims based on some real-world flights, we then move onto their cameras. Taking flight in daylight hours and in low light allows us to properly check image quality, along with shooting like-for-like videos using the drone’s array of color profiles, maximum resolution (be it Full HD, 4K, 5,3K or in some cases 8K) and at the various frame rates available. Automated flight modes are also tested to see whether they’re genuinely useful or fun gimmicks.
These videos are then assessed on a calibrated monitor, along with the drone’s still photos (which we shoot in maximum resolution in both JPEG and raw, at various ISOs). What makes a good image? The lens should give crisp detail ideally from edge to edge with minimal fall-off in the corners, while at the other extreme the camera sensor should handle noise well at the high ISOs needed for low light shooting. Those tests tells us the reasonable limits of the drone’s camera. We then combine these results with our overall impression of the drone’s design, features and value to produce our final verdict.