19 April 2024
Whether you’re capturing stills or video, the best drone cameras make it easy to shoot stunning aerial images. We’ve flown the top drones for hundreds of hours, testing each model in-depth to find the best option for every pilot and budget. From the results, we’ve ranked our favorites in the expert guide below. Based on our tests, we think the best drone for most people right now is the DJI Mini 4 Pro. For a compact drone that weighs less than 250g, it offers an impressive set of features, including an excellent camera and reliable obstacle avoidance. It’s also safe and easy for first-timers to fly, making it one of the best beginner drones. That said, if you’re looking for a basic, budget choice to get off the ground, we recommend the Ryze Tello.
Our guide is designed to help your ideal drone. We’ve covered a spectrum of models in the list below, each extensively tested by our experienced team. We assess factors such as image quality, flying modes and ease of use, as well as those all-important safety features, in a range of real-world scenarios. You can find out more about ow we test the best drones at the bottom of this page, together with in-depth buying advice. If you’re a novice pilot, check out our dedicated beginner’s drone guide.
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.