The Best Drones for Every Budget
It's no exaggeration to say that drones have changed the way we view the world. They've taken once difficult and expensive moviemaking techniques and made them accessible to anyone. Videos that once required a camera crew, expensive cranes, and hours of filming can now be done in minutes by the best drones with the tap of a single "auto takeoff" button.
Drones aren't just flying cameras, though; they're also the modern version of remote-controlled vehicles, and again they've made flying easier and more accessible thanks to intelligent collision sensors that protect your investment from mishaps. While there are a dizzying array of drones available, there is a basic division to be aware of—cheaper drones, while fun, will never fly as well or deliver the kind of video and photo results possible with more expensive models. With drones, you get what you pay for, perhaps more than with any other tech I've tested. That said, if you're not worried about wowing YouTube with your sweeping panoramic masterpiece, you don't have to spend a fortune to get a good, fun drone. Here are the best drones for every budget.
Be sure to check out our many other buying guides, including the Best Action Cameras and Best Compact Cameras
Photograph: DJIBest for Most People
DJI Mavic MiniDJI's Mavic Mini is a serious drone, with really great features, at a price that doesn't break the bank. It flies nearly as well as its larger siblings, though wind that wouldn't faze the Mavic 2 Pro will ground the Mini. There's also no 4K video, and no front and rear collision avoidance sensors like you'll find in more expensive drones. Despite those caveats, the Mavic Mini remains my top entry-level drone. It's fun to fly, shoots good enough 2.7K video, and packs up smaller than many smartphones. That last bit is key because the best drone is the one you actually bring with you. At a mere 249 grams, it's easy to take the Mavic Mini everywhere you go.
Photograph: DJIA Worthy Upgrade
DJI Mavic AirIf you want to step up from the Mavic Mini, but don't need all the features of the much more expensive Mavic Pro, the Mavic Air (8/10 WIRED Recommends) is the drone for you. It's incredibly small, light, and portable, and it has 2-way (front and rear) obstacle avoidance. You also get 4K video and some very handy, intelligent flight modes that you won't find in the Mavic Mini. It won't stay aloft for quite as long (21 minutes versus 26 in my testing for the Mavic Mini), but everything else is a definite step up.
Photograph: DJIBest You Can Buy
DJI Mavic 2 ProDJI's Mavic 2 Pro (9/10 WIRED Recommends) is in a class of its own and is the best drone you can buy right now. The image and video quality are amazing, and the ability to travel—and track objects—at 45 mph means you're not going to miss a shot. The omnidirectional obstacle avoidance will keep you out of the trees, and the 25-minute flying time means you can stay aloft longer. It's expensive, but in this case you get what you pay for.
Photograph: ParrotBest Video on a Budget
Parrot AnafiWith a camera that tilts a full 180 degrees, a Hitchcock-style "dolly mode," and built-in zoom, the Parrot Anafi (5/10 WIRED Review) can shoot some footage no other drone on this page can manage. The downside is the footage isn't as sharp and clear as what you'll get from DJI's drones. Out of the box, the Anafi is very sluggish to fly, but head into settings and bump up the speed and it will fly just as well as the more expensive options. Flight time is a solid 25 minutes and it's hands down the quietest drone I've ever flown.
Photograph: DJIStable Stalwart
DJI Phantom 4 Pro+DJI's Phantom drones feel like monoliths from another era, and they may well be—the company hasn't released a significant update to the Phantom line in nearly three years. Still, if you're a video or drone professional, the Phantom 4 Pro+ (8/10 WIRED Recommends) is the drone to get. It's like flying a rock, and I mean that in the best way possible. The Phantom 4+ is stable and responsive; shoots incredible, cinema-quality footage; and is practically smart enough to fly without you. It may not generate much buzz these days, but the Phantom remains an excellent choice that won't let you down.
Photograph: Syma ToysBest Toy Drone
Syma X20 Mini DroneI've been flying drones for seven years now and I still get a little nervous every time I fly. If you've invested more than $1,000 in your drone, you'd be crazy not to be a little nervous. One of the best ways to get over that is to practice with a cheap drone like my favorite toy drone from Symatoys. The X20 is sold in a variety of configurations and rebranded by several companies, but it's all the same basic hardware. Don't pay more than $40. Be careful flying indoors as it can hurt when it hits you (ask me how I know that). It's a little different to fly compared to the bigger drones; if anything it's more difficult, but also a lot of fun.
Photograph: AmazonBest Star Wars Drone
Propel Star Wars X-Wing StarfighterPropel's X-Wing fighter drone is a great drone for Star Wars fans. There are actually three drones in this line: the X-Wing, a Tie X1, and a Speeder Bike. The best part is all of them have a "battle mode" so you can fly against friends and try to shoot them down. Get hit three times with the IR beam and your drone will auto land. Unfortunately, these have a learning curve when it comes to flying—a little tap of the control stick goes a long way— and mine had a habit of flying off at an angle immediately on takeoff. Holding a position is also a lost cause, but once you master the sensitive controls, these are fun to fly and fight.