The Best Drones for Every Budget [Updated January 2021]

[Karlston]

The Best Drones for Every Budget

Whether you want to battle Star Wars spaceships or shoot a cinematic masterpiece, one of these picks is going to be perfect for you.

 

 

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. There are a dizzying array of drones available, but 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. 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 I've tested for every budget.

 

Be sure to check out our many other buying guides, including the Best Action Cameras and Best Compact Cameras.

 

Updated January 2021: We've added the DJI Mini 2 and a section on drones to avoid.

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  Photograph: DJI

  Best for Most People

  DJI Mavic Air 2

   

  The Mavic Air 2 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the drone most people should buy. It's portable and lightweight, but it still manages to pack in a brilliant half-inch sensor for high-quality images and video. Tons of automated features mean you can just fly and get the images you want, or shoot video and let the drone avoid obstacles and track your subject. You'll even get 60 frames-per-second 4K video—something that still isn't available in the more expensive Mavic 2 Pro—and Spotlight, a powerful automated flight mode pulled from DJI's pro-grade Inspire drone.

   

  $799 at DJI

  $799 at B&H Photo

   

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  Photograph: DJI

  Best Budget Drone

  DJI Mini 2

   

  DJI's Mavic Air 2 is our top pick because of its great collision-avoidance tech, but it is pricey. For a more affordable option, DJI's Mini 2 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the way to go. It flies better than its larger siblings, though wind gusts that wouldn't faze bigger drones like the Mavic 2 Pro will ground the Mini. The lack of collision-avoidance sensors makes it a better choice for more experienced fliers.

   

  Despite those caveats, the Mini 2 is still a great entry-level drone. It's fun to fly, shoots 4K 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 Mini 2 everywhere you go (and you don't need to register it with the Federal Aviation Administration).

   

  $449 at DJI

  $449 at Amazon

   

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  Photograph: DJI

  Best Luxury Drone

  DJI Mavic 2 Pro

   

  DJI's Mavic 2 Pro (9/10 WIRED Recommends) is in a class of its own—it's the best drone you can buy right now if price is no concern. The image and video quality are amazing, and the ability to travel—and track objects—at 45 miles per hour means you're not going to miss a shot. The omnidirectional obstacle-avoidance will keep the drone 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.

   

  $1,599 at DJI

  $1,599 at B&H Photo and Video

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  Photograph: Parrot

  Best Video on a Budget

  Parrot Anafi

   

  With a camera that tilts a full 180 degrees, a Hitchcock-style "dolly mode," and built-in zoom, the Parrot Anafi 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 machines. 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 more expensive options. Flight time is a solid 25 minutes, and it's hands down the quietest drone I've ever flown.

   

  $699 at B&H Photo and Video

  $700 at Best Buy

   

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  Photograph: DJI

  Stable Stalwart

  DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0

   

  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 four years. Still, if you're a video or drone professional, the Phantom 4 Pro V2 (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 Pro 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.

   

  $1,599 at DJI

  $1,599 at B&H Photo and Video

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  Photograph: Syma Toys 

  Best Toy Drone

  Syma X20 Mini Drone

   

  I'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 one—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.

   

  $37 at Amazon

  $30 at B&H Photo and Video

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  Photograph: Amazon

  Best Star Wars Drone

  Propel Star Wars X-Wing Starfighter

   

  Propel's X-Wing fighter drone is great 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). Also beware that the price of these fluctuates a lot, don't pay more than $60 for the X-Wing.

   

  $87 at Amazon

  $90 at Walmart

  $50 at Walmart (TIE Fighter)

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  Photograph: MANJUNATH KIRAN/Getty Images

  Drones to Avoid

  Save Your Money

   

  DJI is still selling the Mavic Mini, which was recently replaced by the Mini 2. The Mavic Mini is $50 cheaper, but it's not worth it at that price. Spend the extra money on the Mini 2 and you'll get a much better deal. If you find the Mavic Mini on sale for $300 or less, then it's a little more sensible.

   

  Then there's the "toy" drone market. The internet is awash with drones in the $50 to $150 price range. There are two reasons for this. First, well-made drones are still expensive. Even our budget pick is $450. But drones also share many components with smartphones, which means chips, camera sensors, and tiny lenses are cheap at the wholesale level. Cue a million knockoffs. Unfortunately, you do tend to get what you pay for.

   

  While two of the under-$100 models I've tested were fun to fly, the photos and video they produced were hot garbage. I also have my doubts about their long-term durability. I think most people would be better off buying one of the tiny toy drones above and save up for DJI's Mini 2. That said, if you don't care about creating content, just want to have fun flying, and don't mind taking a risk with a no-name brand of questionable quality, these "toy" drones might be worth a look.

 

The Best Drones for Every Budget