DJI Drones Podium: The Best of the Best, for Every Budget
When trying to evaluate the best drones in each category, there are several factors to consider: who the pilots are, how generous their budget is, and what they want to shoot – because the best drone for one pilot may not necessarily be the best for another. In the guide below, you will find a trio of products that form the ideal podium: the best high-end drone, the best overall drone for the price/quality ratio, the best drone at an affordable price.
Based on hundreds of flight hours, we believe the best drone currently is the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Weighing less than 250g, making it easier to fly even without a license, it still offers a full complement of features, including a reliable obstacle avoidance system and a camera that takes excellent aerial photographs. Safe and easy to fly for beginners, it is also the best product for those taking their first steps in the world of drones.
That said, we recommend reading about our other offerings as well. We take each drone into the real world, where it is tested long and hard by experts. We evaluate things like ease of use, image quality, and automated modes, as well as safety features. By sharing the pros and cons of each option, we’ve tried to make it as easy as possible for you to find the perfect drone.
If you don’t have time to read the full list of best drones, you can use the summary below for a quick overview of the best options for every buyer.
The best ever
With 360-degree obstacle avoidance and further improved image quality, the DJI Mini 4 Pro offers professional-level performance in a compact drone.
The best budget drone
If you don't need the sensors to avoid obstacles, the Mini 3 It's the best budget drone you can buy; small, lightweight, and more affordable than the Mini 4 Pro.
The best high-end drone
DJI Mavic 3 Pro , the world's first consumer triple-camera drone designed for aerial image creators, with all the flight and safety features you expect from industry leader DJI.
The best compact drone ever
DJI Mini 4 Pro
- Weight : 249 g
- Radio control : Yes (two options)
- Camera Resolution : 48 MP
- Flight duration : 34 minutes
- Range : 10km – 20km
Reasons to buy it:
- Improved video features
- Omnidirectional vision sensors
- Lightweight yet powerful
Reasons to avoid it:
- It's not a significant update
- The camera has a fixed aperture
Buy it if:
- You want the best lightweight drone with excellent image quality and obstacle avoidance capabilities in all directions.
- You have serious video needs: Support for 4K 100 fps slow-mo and D-Log M color profile.
Do not purchase if:
- You are already satisfied with your Mini 3 Pro.
- Open Space Flights Only: Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance is only useful in complex environments.
With a lightweight build and pro-level features, the DJI Mini 3 Pro was previously our favorite drone. The Mini 4 Pro builds on the same qualities to offer an even better, though not radically different, experience. If you already have a Mini 3 Pro, it may not be worth upgrading just yet. But if you’re upgrading from a different model or thinking about getting your first Mini-series drone, it’s a great choice. Its compact, foldable design is nearly identical to the Mini 3 Pro, as is its legal takeoff weight of 249g. It also retains the 1/1.3-inch sensor, which still offers excellent image quality.
Thanks to processing updates, it’s improved at handling noise in low-light conditions. Serious videographers will also welcome the new D-Log M color profile, which brings it closer to the Mavic 3. Obstacle avoidance tools now scan every direction, 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° to be superbly effective, making it an easy drone for beginners to fly with complete confidence. Those who can afford the DJI RC 2 controller option will have the best backpack-friendly drone package.
Best Budget Drone Without Obstacle Avoidance Equipment
DJI Mini 3
- Weight : 248 g
- Radio control : Yes (available without)
- Camera Resolution : 12 MP
- Flight duration : 38 minutes
- Range : 6-10 km
Reasons to buy it:
- Excellent image quality
- Small and lightweight construction
Reasons to avoid it:
- No tools to avoid collisions
- No subject tracking
Buy it if:
- It's your first drone.
- Want the best budget drone: The DJI Mini 3 is the best in its price range.
Do not purchase if:
- You need tools to avoid collisions.
- Flying in strong winds: The Mini 3 may have difficulty moving and drifting in windy conditions.
If this is your first purchase, the Mini 3 is the best budget drone you can buy: it’s small, lightweight, and much more affordable than the Mini 4 Pro. It lacks the obstacle avoidance features offered by its more expensive sibling, but if you feel confident enough to navigate obstacles without DJI’s automated safety feature, the budget option offers the same image quality: 4K video up to 30fps and excellent JPEG and raw images. Its 12MP sensor also rotates for vertical shooting, which is handy for social media. You won’t get log color profiles, which limits the Mini 3’s appeal to professionals who need more editing flexibility for their videos.
Another notable absence compared to professional drones is subject tracking. However, for beginners, DJI’s Quickshots feature is there, which allows you to plot an automated flight path and potentially capture engaging video footage. This is an easy drone to get started with, especially if you buy it with the optional controller and the downward-looking sensors and GPS, which help maintain a steady flight. You’ll get better image quality and stability in windy conditions with professional drones like the Mavic 3 Classic, but the Mini 3 is perfect for those on a budget.
The best high-end drone
DJI Mavic 3 Pro – Mavic 3 Pro Cinema
- Weight : 958 g (Mavic 3 Pro Cine, 963 g)
- Radio control : Yes
- Camera Resolution : 20 MP (Hasselblad camera), 48 MP (70mm medium telephoto), 12 MP (telephoto)
- Flight duration : 43 minutes
- Range : 15km (FCC), 12km (CE)
Reasons to buy it:
- Excellent Four Thirds camera
- Triple camera system
- Adjustable opening
Reasons to avoid it:
- More expensive than rivals
- Some features missing at launch
Buy it if:
- You need a versatile camera.
- Want the best DJI safety features
Do not purchase if:
- A single camera is sufficient.
- You don't need all the latest features.
DJI's new flagship drone has been named Best Camera Product of the Year at the 2023 TechRadar Choice Awards, and for good reason. It's the first consumer drone to feature three cameras, making it 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 cameras, along with its adjustable aperture and pro-level video formats and frame rates. That said, if you need more reach than this camera's main 24mm focal length, both the 3x and 7x telephoto cameras produce excellent images.
As a professional drone, the Mavic 3 Pro is incredibly easy to fly even in windy conditions and is accessible to all users, thanks to its excellent safety features and intuitive controls, although it falls into the European C2 drone category due to its weight. Another slightly sore point is the price, which is probably too high for beginners. However, it is a more portable and less expensive option for professionals than the Inspire 3, as well as being even more versatile.
How to choose the best drone for you
When choosing the ideal drone, budget is the obvious starting point. Flagship drones typically benefit from the largest sensors, highest video resolutions, and the latest professional features, but they typically cost thousands of dollars. Often the best value is found in the middle of the range, where models like the DJI Mini 3 Pro balance price, portability, and performance.
Beginners should consider drones with safety features like obstacle avoidance, which helps prevent mid-air collisions. Auto-flight modes make it easy to perform pre-programmed maneuvers without the need for professional skills. Likewise, drones with a follow-me mode make it easier to track a subject.
Most drones allow you to use your smartphone as a remote control, usually by pairing it with an included controller. If you’re an experienced pilot with specific control requirements, it’s worth checking which remote controllers are compatible with a particular model. Factors like flight time, range, and speed can be crucial, depending on your needs as a pilot.
For aerial photography and filming, it’s worth thinking about where you’ll be shooting. If you want to share your footage on social media, you might be happy with stabilized Full HD video. But if you’re producing a short film or have commercial purposes, you should look for a drone with a sensor large enough to record 4K footage, with support for color profiles for greater editing flexibility in post-production.
Finally, consider size and weight. Many of the drones described can be folded to fit in a backpack, making them easier to carry. Larger drones are, of course, less portable, but tend to be more stable in flight. Any drone weighing more than 250g must, however, be registered with the relevant authority.
What are the laws on flying drones?
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 over residential areas.
In several countries, such as the United States, drones weighing less than 250 g are exempt from registration with civil aviation authorities. While registration may not be mandatory, you must still follow local drone laws. This includes keeping your drone in sight at all times during flight.
The rules vary from country to country. Previously, in the EU, but also in the UK, drones weighing less than 250g were exempt from registration. From 2024, however, owners of any drone with a camera must register their aircraft with the relevant body and obtain a recognition ID.
If the drone weighs more than 250 g, you need to get a certificate. To get it, you need to pass an online test.
