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Whether you are a professional photographer or filmmaker or just an enthusiast who enjoys the exhilarating experience of capturing breathtaking imagery, the best drones can highly elevate your photos and videos. Our top pick, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro offers everything you need to be an accomplished drone pilot, from a triple camera system to built-in GPS and collision avoidance in a quadcopter design. The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is the best drone you can get right now.
While the DJI Mavic 3 Pro should keep you satisfied in most aspects, you don’t necessarily need to spend that much. For well under half that price, you can find options such as the EXO Cinemaster 2 with excellent photo and video quality for short-range production. Or if you’re just learning how to fly a drone, the EXO Scout is a great choice for beginners. Whatever your needs, here are the best drones you can buy in 2024.
Best Drone Overall: DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Best Budget Drone: DJI Mini 2 SE
Best Drone For Beginners: EXO Scout
Best Selfie Drone: HoverAir X1
Best Compact Drone: DJI Mini 3 Pro
Best Midrange Drone: DJI Air 3
Best Drone For Photography: DJI Mavic 3 Classic
Best Drone Overall
Everything You’d Want From A Drone—Including 5K Video
Best Overall Amazon DJI Mavic 3 Pro Range: 17.4 miles | Max speed: 47 mph | Max flight time: 43 minutes | Camera: 20- or 48-megapixel still images, 5.1K video at up to 50 fps
Best for: Those looking to capture high-resolution aerial photography and videography.
Pros: 5.1K video capture Maximum 47 minutes of flight 17.4-mile range
Cons: Premium price Expensive accessories
Based on our testing, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro packs an impressive 5.1K Hasselblad triple camera system—which can capture insanely detailed 5.1K video at up 50 fps and still images at up to 48 megapixels. The cameras sit on a 3-axis gimbal for maximum tilt, roll and pan control. Yes, it’s expensive, but the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is still within the budget of many experienced drone pilots looking to upgrade their equipment. What’s possible using the drone’s three cameras sets this drone apart from competitors in the same price range. This drone’s enhanced omnidirectional sensors, built-in GPS and advanced auto-return feature also help its pilot avoid obstacles in complex environments. DJI’s ActiveTrack subject recognition technology accurately locks onto a moving object on the ground to track and film it with ease. When used with DJI Goggles (sold separately), you can enjoy an incredibly immersive, first-person view of your flights.
Best Budget Drone
An Excellent Bird’s Eye View Without Breaking The Bank
Amazon DJI Mini 2 SE Range: 5.7 miles | Max speed: 36 mph | Max flight time: 31 minutes | Camera: 12-megapixel still images, 4K video at 30 fps
Best for: A compact but versatile drone with good video.
Pros: Low price Great video Solid features for the price
Cons: Only senses obstacles below Lacks digital zoom
The DJI Mini 2 SE is affordable, making it ideal for amateur pilots and those looking for a sub-$500 price tag. Like the Mini 3 Pro, the Mini 2 SE folds and fits easily in your hand when folded. This drone really shines when in-flight. It can produce impressive and sharp aerial video and still images. You can have the drone hover, circle or follow an object while filming. Unfortunately, it only senses obstacles below—not in four directions like the Mini 3 Pro. Everything you need to fly this drone fits into the included case.
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