The best drone 2025: top flying cameras for all budgets

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Our small team of certified drone pilots has tested all of the best drones over the last decade, since the DJI Phantom series made flying cameras available to consumers. Once niche and expensive, drones have come on a long way and now anyone can get off the ground and shoot impressive aerial footage.

The best drones have become a key tool in the arsenal of content creators and filmmakers, and the DJI Mini 4 Pro is a perfect example: it's a compact folding drone that's easy and safe to fly, with the help of obstacle avoidance sensors and effective subject tracking. Yet it also has some powerful features, including a catalog of cinematic video modes, plus it weighs less than 250g which makes it restriction-free and beginner-friendly.

Other drones tick different boxes, though: the DJI Avata 2 is the best choice if you want to try flying with an FPV drone, and the DJI Mavic 4 Pro packs the most versatile triple camera unit for prosumers. We've recommended our nine favorite drones for different use cases based on in-depth testing, as well as an also consider section for the other superb models we've piloted that didn't make the cut. We also keep our ear to the ground for rumored new models, so it could be worth checking out that list below before landing on your ideal drone.

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Why you can trust TechRadar's choices

Every single drone in this guide has been put through its paces by one of our expert team of reviewers. Most of our team is based in the UK, are certified with an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC), and collectively we have amassed several hundreds of hours of practice spanning the last 15 years.

We test all types of consumer and prosumer drones, ranging from budget sub-250g models to triple camera beasts. The quality of a drone's camera is a big area of focus, but we also fly for the adrenaline-filled fun of it.

Each drone in this guide has earned its place for particular reasons, whether that's down to the flying experience, ease of use, reliability, the features on board, or the camera quality. Our expert tester has written up an in-depth review which shares their experiences, and pinpoints why they recommended it.

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 drone overall

With 360 obstacle avoidance and improved image quality, the Mini 4 Pro packs pro performance into a compact drone under 250g.

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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.

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The best drone camera

The world's most versatile triple-camera consumer drone is one for aerial photographers, with DJI's industry-leading flying and safety features to boot.

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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.

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The best for aerial selfies

Spotting a gap in the market, HoverAir delivered this clever 4K drone with built-in propeller guards that takes off and lands from the palm of your hand.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The best DJI alternative for beginners

The Potensic Atom 2 is the best DJI alternative for beginners that we've tested, with advanced features versus the Mini 4K and excellent value.

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The best drones 2025

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 drone overall

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1. DJI Mini 4 Pro

The best drone overall

Weight:249g | Controller:Yes (two options) | Camera resolution:48MP | Flight time:34 minutes | Range:10km-20km

Improved video features

Omnidirectional Vision Sensing

Lightweight but powerful

Not a major upgrade

Camera has a fixed aperture

DJI Mini 4 Pro sample images

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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.

• Read our in-depth DJI Mini 4 Pro review

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Best budget drone without obstacle avoidance

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2. DJI Mini 4K

The best budget drone if you don't need obstacle avoidance

Weight:246g | Controller:Yes (available without) | Camera resolution:12MP | Flight time:31 minutes | Range:6-10km

Decent 4K video image quality

Excellent value 

Lacks collision avoidance

No Follow Me tracking 

DJI Mini 4K sample images

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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.

• Read our in-depth DJI Mini 4K review

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Best drone camera

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3. DJI Mavic 4 Pro

The best drone camera system, with a trio of lenses

Weight:2.34lbs / 1063g | Controller:Yes, RC2 | Camera resolution:28mm 100MP 4/3 sensor / 70mm 48MP 1/1.3-inch sensor / 168mm 50MP 1/1.5-inch sensor | Flight time:51 minutes, 6654mAh battery | Range:18.6 miles (FCC) / 9.32 miles (CE, SRRC, MIC)

Versatile gimbal movements

Superb triple-camera system

Main camera with adjustable aperture

Pricier than rivals

It's heavy and in the restrictive C2 European drone category

DJI Mavic 4 Pro sample images

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Buy it if:

✅ You need camera versatility:A triple-camera drone with an unmatched range of motion thanks to its 'Infinity Gimbal' – the best balance quality and versatility we've tested yet.

✅ 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:If the Mavic 4 Pro's main camera will do, you could save yourself a packet by opting for the Mavic 3 Classic instead – they are practically the same.

❌ You're more into flying than filmmaking:The versatile triple camera unit is the Mavic 4 Pro's trump card. Yes, it's a capable flying machine too with advanced safety features, but its target audience is aerial image makers.

The Mavic 4 Pro upgrades the Mavic 3 Pro with a refined triple camera unit and a redesigned gimbal which provides the most versatile range of motion we've experienced yet; 160 degrees of tilt, 90 degree rotation for vertical shooting, plus a 360 degree range of movement on the roll axis – what DJI calls an 'Infinity Gimbal'. The fact that the Mavic 3 Pro won best camera product of the year in the TechRadar Choice Awards 2023 , and the Mavic 4 Pro is even better, says it all.

The Mavic Pro line is the only consumer drone to feature three cameras, ideal for aerial photography and filmmakers who need the most versatile drone on the market. The Mavic 4 Pro's main camera is pretty much the same one used by the Mavic 3 Classic, but with an improved 25MP Micro Four Thirds sensor for the best image quality of the three cameras, together with an adjustable aperture, pro-tier video formats and frame rates.

If you need the extra reach from the main 28mm focal length of this camera, both 3x and 7x telephoto cameras produce excellent images too. Put simply, the Mavic 4 Pro is the best camera drone we've tested to date. It is also incredibly easy to fly even in windy conditions and accessible to all users, thanks to its excellent safety features and intuitive controls, which now includes LiDAR obhect sensing, as debuted in the Air 3S, plus improved 51 minutes battery life. The result is a heavier drone, in the restrictive C2 European drone category, and a pricier drone that makes it overkill for beginners, even if it's a more portable and less expensive option for pros than the Inspire 3 . At launch, the Mavic 4 Pro isn't available in the US, which means the Mavic 3 Pro remains the best camera drone for US pilots.

• Read our in-depth DJI Mavic 4 Pro review

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Best all-round drone for aerial photographers

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4. DJI Air 3S

The best all-round drone for aerial photographers

Weight:724g | Controller:Yes | Camera resolution:12/50MP | Flight time:45 minutes | Range:10-20km

Dual cameras

Excellent wind resistance

Generous flight times

C1 European weight rating

Just a minor update of the Air 3

Large protruding camera

DJI Air 3S sample images

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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.

• Read our in-depth DJI Air 3S review

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The best selfie drone

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6. HoverAir X1 Pro

The best drone for selfies

Best for:Aerial selfies | Camera resolution:4K / 60pvideo, 12MP photos | Range:N/A | Weight:191.5g | Battery size:1,920mAh | Controller:No

Super quick start up

Decent subject tracking

Max flight speed lags behind other drones

Relatively pricey

HoverAir X1 Pro sample images

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Buy it if:

✅ You have no drone experience whatsoever:It takes just seconds to get airborne and flying, no experience needed.

✅ A selfie stick doesn't cut it:Keeping you in the center of the shot with excellent tracking features while recording smooth 4K video – you'll get next-level selfies

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want top flight performance:The X1 Pro is designed for steady aerial selfies rather extreme flight speed and manouevers.

❌ You want the best value:DJI's Neo costs much less and it has more flight options. However its video quality doesn't match the X1 Pro.

HoverAir invented a new kind of drone that has resonated with content creators in particular – a selfie drone. Its latest model, the X1 Pro, is like a supercharged selfie stick which takes off and lands from the palm of your hand, complete with supremely clever automated subject tracking that keeps you in the center of the action.

The tiny X1 Pro comes into its own for getting you aerial footage of your adventures, be it tracking you on a bike ride of chilling at the beach. You don't need any experience – seriously you can be airborne in seconds, while propellor guards make it a safe drone to fly in close proximity.

The X1 Pro upgrades the HoverAir X1 with a sturdier flight experience, a higher wind resistance, a much better battery life, plus higher resolution 4K video. Naturally it's heavier, but still super lightweight at 191.5g, which means its restriction-free and ideal for beginners.

DJI has since launched its own selfie drone, the DJI Neo, which could be the better pick if you can live without the X1 Pro's robustness and 4K video specs, plus it offers more flight control options and it costs less. However, the X1 Pro's image quality and automated flight fun makes it our top pick for aerial selfies.

Read our in-depth HoverAir X1 Pro review

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Best value camera drone for enthusiasts

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6. DJI Mavic 3 Classic

The best value camera drone for enthusiasts

Weight:895g | Controller:Yes | Camera resolution:20MP | Flight time:46 minutes | Range:15KM

Excellent Hasselblad sensor

Impressive safety features

Still an expensive option

Flight time shorter than claimed

DJI Mavic 3 Classic sample images

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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.

• Read our in-depth DJI Mavic 3 Classic review

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Best cheap drone for novices

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7. Ryze Tello

The best cheap drone for novices

Weight:80g | Controller:Optional | Camera resolution:5MP | Flight time:13 minutes | Range:100m

Responsive flight controls

Lightweight and compact

Choppy video transmission

Unstable in wind

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.

• Read our in-depth Ryze Tello review

• Find the best deals on Tello drones with our Tello promo codes .

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Best FPV drone

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8. DJI Avata 2

The best FPV drone

Weight:377g | Controller:Optional | Camera resolution:12MP | Battery size:2,150 mAh | Range:13km (FCC), 2km (CE), 10km (SRRC)

Incredible image quality

Solid flight times

Easy and stable to fly

Awkward manual handling

Imperfect controller ergonomics

DJI Avata 2 sample images

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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.

• Read our in-depth DJI Avata 2 review

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Best compact DJI alternative

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9. Potensic Atom 2

The best DJI alternative for beginners

Best for:Beginners on a budget | Camera resolution:12MP / 48MP | Range:10km / 6.2 miles | Weight:90z / 249g | Battery size:2,230mAh / 32 mins flight | Controller:Yes

Fast, powerful, excellent build

Good subject tracking

48MP/8K photos in JPEG only

No histogram for exposure

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Buy it if:

✅ You're a beginner on a budget:The Atom 2 is priced like the DJI Mini 4K but it comes with more flight features, making it one of the best sub-250g drones available.

✅ You want stablized 4K video:The Atom 2 shoots 4K video up to 30fps and its camera stabilized with a 3-axis mechanical gimbal – that's not something you easily find at this price point.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You'd like advanced safety features:For safety features, the Atom 2 is more in line with the DJI Mini 4K, in that it lacks collision avoidance. That advanced feature only comes in pricier drones, like the DJI Mini 4 Pro.

❌ You want the most polished flying experience:As capable as the Atom 2 is, DJI drones even the Mini 4K feel like a more polished package overall.

If you're looking for your first drone and hoping for a DJI alternative with standard folding quadcopter design, we think the Potensic Atom 2 is the best model available. Tipping the scales under 250g, the Atom 2 sits in a largely restriction free drone category, and it goes toe-to-toe with the DJI Mini 4K. In some regards, it even surpasses the Mini 4K, all while representing five star value.

In testing we loved the Atom 2's complete feature set, which includes a 3-axis gimbal-mounted camera which can shoot stabilized 4K video up to 30fps – video quality is excellent, and includes sticky subject tracking, which is especially impressive at this price point, plus an array of DJI-style Quickshots flight moves, ready at the push of a button for next-level aerial moves. Aerial photographers are equipped with 12MP stills in Raw & JPEG formats too, although at the time of writing 48MP stills are JPEG only.

There are further photograpghy and video modes to sink your teeth into, such as an interval timer for capturing timelapse videos. The Atom 2 wasn't fully armed at launch – Potensic said it's adding further improvements like Log color profile – these are flat profiles that get the most possible detail from a scene, but need color grading afterwards. Overall, the Potensic Atom 2 is a majorly impressive beginner drone at an attractive price point – if DJI doesn't work for you for whatever reason, Potensic has proved to be an excellent alternative.

Read our in-depth Potensic Atom 2 review

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Also consider

We've reviewed numerous other drones which didn't quite make the cut, above. Here are a few honorable mentions to consider:

Best DJI rival – Autel Evo Lite+ : 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).

Best for aerial photographers in the US – DJI Mavic 3 Pro :With the Mavic 4 Pro currently unavailable in the US, advanced pilots in this region looking for the ultimate versatile camera experience are best served by the triple camera Mavic 3 Pro, with its 28mm main camera, plus two telephoto cameras.

Best for multiple flight controls – DJI Neo : The Neo is DJI's smallest and cheapest drone ever. It's also one of the most exciting: it takes off from your palm with no need for a controller, plus it's equipped with AI subject tracking and face recognition. It can also be controlled with your phone using DJI's Fly app.

Best beginner FPV kit – BetaFPV Cetus Pro Kit : A complete yet affordable FPV kit, we think the BetaFPV is the best way for beginners to try first-person drone flight, complete with goggles and controller. Delivered ready to fly, the drone itself is incredibly light, yet also tough enough to withstand reasonable impacts.

Best DJI Mini 4 Pro alternative – Autel Evo Nano+ :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 decent 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.

Upcoming drones

TechRadar has its ear to the ground, which means we usually know what drones are on the horizon before they are launched.

Of course, there's no guarantees with drone rumors , but there are prolific and oft reliable leakers who tease out product details in the build up to launch – we often cover these news stories.

Take the DJI Mini 5 Pro . It could arrive as early as August 2025, and based on DJI's track record, it will likely trouble our best drones list, reportedly adding vented motors and LiDAR sensors to the feature set of the Mini 4 Pro, which already tops our list.

Then there are the drones that we know about but aren't available for testing yet, such as Zero Zero Robotics's V-Copter Falcom Mini – a neat-looking bi-copter that could challenge DJI's supremacy in this market.

At the time of writing, these are two of the most exciting models that we hope to be in the hands of our expert reviewers soon.

How to choose the best drone for you

How to choose the best drone for you

BudgetWhen 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 4 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.

WeightKeep 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 attract registration requirements (see below). Drones under 250g, such as DJI's Mini-series are, essentially, restriction-free.

Flight featuresBeginner 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.

ControllersMost 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.

VideoIf 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.

What are the types of drones?

There are several types of drones, and overall among categories.

Folding quadcoptersPossibly the most popular type of drone is a folding quadcopter. With four propellors and a compact fold-away design, these drones are usually equipped with a decent camera and handy flight moves. These are the best all-rounder drones.

FPVFirst person view drones are designed for the thrill of flight over camera performance, delivering unrivalled flight speed and agility. These racing drones are designed to be used with a headset for a truly immersive flight experience, just don't expect to record hollywood-grade videos with them.

Selfie dronesHoverAir introduced a new kind of drone, the X1, which is designed to keep you or your subject in the center of the action. Armed with propellor guards, typically tiny and with limited power, selfie drones are great for short video content where a selfie stick doesn't cut the mustard. DJI followed HoverAir with the Neo.

Other typesNot all drones feature four propellors – take the V-Copter Falcon series of bi-copter drones. The propellors sit in a V shape above the drone for what its makers say is better agility and acceleration than quadcopters. We're looking to test these drones when they are available.

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 £11 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 have banned their use by government agencies.

In 2024, it looked like a ban was being extended to consumer drones too, but at the time of writing, a DJI drone ban hasn't come into effect.

That means it's still perfectly legal for private customers to buy and fly DJI drones in the US, even with uncertainty if DJI will be banned from selling its products on the consumer market.

Another factor that could affect DJI drone availability in the US is heavy tariffs place on Chinese imports. Again, at the time of writing, big retailers like Amazon are still selling the company's existing drones as usual.

That said, we could finally be at a tipping point – DJI's Mavic 4 Pro drone has not been launched in the US yet. Will consumers in the US miss out on future models?

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 4K alternative for beginners, the Potensic Atom 2. HoverAir makes the best selfie drones, like the X1 Pro , while the Cetus X is a superb FPV drone for beginners.

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. The majority of our team is A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) certified.

How to test drones

How we test drones

Why you can trust TechRadar

☑️ 10s of dronesreviewed
☑️ 15 yearsof product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 productsreviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hourstesting 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.