Looking for the best drones at the best value? Most people focus on price, then on features and specifications. Look no further than here.
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Contents:
Ryze Tech Tello
DJI Mini 2 SE
DJI Mini 3
DJI Mini Pro 4
Autel Robotics EVO Lite+
DJI Air 3
DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Cheapest for those on an extreme budget:
#7 Ryze Tech Tello
Lazada link
This list mostly comprises of DJI drones, and for good reason; it corners over 75% of the drone market, and with their relatively long history focusing on unmanned vehicles, it makes sense. That isn’t to say there isn’t a market for other drone brands and especially for the budget variety. Ryze is by far the cheapest reliable drone (still powered by DJI) for those in the market. Here are the specs:
Pros:
– Budget friendly for beginners/entry level
– Lightweight at only 80grams
Cons:
– No Frills. 5MP camera 720P video. Spotty images.
– 13 minute battery life
– Because it’s lightweight, it’s easily blown by the wind.
Cheapest DJI Drone:
#6 DJI Mini 2 SE
Lazada link
So with those last comments you decided you want something more name brand huh? This drone runs for maybe over twice as much as the Ryze, but you get slightly better performance. Weighing in at just under 249 g, it provides more stability for when weather conditions are a bit more windy. The flight time is also significantly improved at ~31 minutes. Great overall price/performance-wise.
Pros:
– Very compact, shoot it fits in your hand
– Good battery life jump from previous entry
– Beginner/Entry Level friendly
– Decent camera/video quality
Cons:
– No obstacle avoidance
Best Mid-Range Drone:
#5 DJI Mini 3
Lazada link
A big jump in camera quality here (4k); the DJI Mini 3 boasts a 38 minute battery life at just under 249grams. With the added return to home functionality and better video quality, this is more ideal for more serious vloggers or video enthusiasts with out all of the unnecessary functionality of more expensive models. There’s an RC version which costs a bit more, but has onboard video on the controller itself; otherwise, you can just use your phone for drone video captures.
Pros:
– Still a great entry level drone with improved everything from the last 2: better video/photos/battery life
– Just under 249 grams makes it so you don’t have to register the drone.
– Return home functionality is more useful than you think
Cons:
– No subject tracking
– No obstacle avoidance
– Big price jump from the Mini 2 SE
Best Drone Overall:
#4 DJI Mini Pro 4
Lazada link
If you’re looking for a medium in terms of price, quality, and performance, the DJI Mini Pro 4 is it. It has 360 degree obstacle avoidance, great photo and video quality and is actually pretty good in terms of low light captures. The difference between the Pro and non Pro is that this version has subject tracking (can follow a subject as they move), and also avoids obstacles that it could potentially run into. If this price range is in your budget, I say go for it; however, if you already have the Mini Pro 3, there’s not much reason to upgrade.
Pros:
– Obstacle avoidance finally
– Subject tracking
– Great video and photo quality
– 34 mins battery life
– Weighs under 249 grams so you don’t need to have it registered
Cons:
– The price is a bit more of a commitment
– Optimizing for a better/bigger battery requires you to register it
High End Alternative to DJI:
#3 Autel Robotics EVO Lite+
Lazada link
Not into DJI or just have certain complaints against them? Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ is the one for you; the app is easily downloaded in the Google Play store. It also features obstacle avoidance with good camera and video quality with a battery life lasting around 40 minutes. Before you complete your purchase though, make sure to read the overall customer reviews on the Amazon website and see if it’s something you can commit to.
Pros:
– On paper, specs wise, you get more value for your purchase
– 6K Video quality with a 1 inch camera
– Return home functionality with obstacle avoidance
– Great battery life for performance
Cons:
– In my personal opinion, there’s a reason why DJI tops most of this list
– Video and photo is a bit more subpar than I would like, despite it boasting a better camera lens
High End DJI for the More Serious Video Editors:
#2 DJI Air 3
Lazada link
Boasting a medium tele lens & wide angle dual primary cameras, the DJI Air 3 provides breathtaking shots both for photos (48MP) and video (at 4k60fps). Needless to say, at this price range, it has obstacle avoidance, subject tracking, and 46 minutes of battery life.
Pros:
– 46 minutes of battery life, subject tracking, obstacle avoidance
– Expandable storage via MicroSD card
– Still lightweight at 720 grams and fits in most bags.
Cons:
– Limited internal storage capacity at 8GB
– A bit on the pricey end.
– Because of the weight, it does require to be registered
DJI Flagship Model. Spare no expense:
#1 DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Lazada link
So you have the funds to go all out hm? Well this is DJI’s Flagship Drone. At around twice the price of the DJI Air 3, the Mavi 3 Pro flaunts 3 cameras and a Hasselblad branded main camera. With 43 minutes of flight time and obstacle avoidance, in air stability, and a distance of up to a 15 kilometer range and at 4k Quality, it almost doesn’t get any better than this.
Pros:
– 3 Cameras with a Hasselblad branded main camera
– Heavier drone 958 grams provides better stability in most weather conditions
– Flagship model and easy to use.
– Performance both on drone specs AND camera/video specs
Cons:
– Most expensive model
– Weight requires registration
– Flight time is actually less than advertised at just over 35+ mins
| Drone Model | Rise Tech Tello | DJI Mini 2 SE | DJI Mini 3 | DJI Mini Pro 4 | Autel Robotics Evo Lite+ | DJI Air 3 | DJI Mavic 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Affordable | Mid-range | Mid-range | High-end | High-end | High-end | High-end |
| Camera Resolution | 5 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP | 48 MP | 20 MP | 48 MP | 20 MP |
| Video Resolution | 720p | 2.7K/30FPS | 4K/30FPS | 4K | 6K/30FPS 4K/60 | 4K/60FPS | 5.1K/50FPS |
| Flight Time | ~13 minutes | ~31 minutes | ~31 minutes | ~31 minutes | ~40 minutes | ~30 minutes | ~46 minutes |
| Max Range | ~100 meters | ~6.2 miles | ~6.2 miles | ~6.2 miles | ~7 miles | ~7.5 miles | ~9.3 miles |
| Obstacle Avoidance | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Intelligent Flight Modes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |