Best drone 2024: transform your perspective

Welcome to the world of the best drones, where aerial videography and photography have been revolutionised for both pros and hobbyists alike.

Curating a guide such as this is a big responsibility, which is why I take my job seriously, not only by testing the models listed thoroughly but also by asking experts for their input.

Modern drones are like flying tripods, perfect for capturing holiday scenes and travel adventures. Some models even autonomously follow you, capturing high-res footage as you conquer ski slopes or navigate rugged terrain on a mountain bike.

The best drone right now – at least, the one we like the most – is DJI's Mini 4 Pro. It's compact, with a sensational camera and flying performance, perfect for any self-respecting amateur pilot. If you need something meatier, check out the DJI Mavic 3 Classic. For fun selfie shots, we can't recommend the dinky HoverAir X1 more.

The best drone to buy right now

Best overall

When choosing the best drone for you, the options are often DJI vs DJI. This camera drone roundup is full with DJI drones, ranging from the more affordable to premium models – how come the DJI Mini 4 Pro is at the top, though?

Many features tip the scale in favour of the DJI Mini 4 Pro. First, it's a sub-250g drone, meaning in many countries, you don't need additional licences to fly it. It's a joy to fly, too, with a whole host of automatic manouvers pre-loaded on the controller/drone.

Plus, there is that gorgeous camera, which really sets apart the Mini 4 Pro from similarly-sized drones. It can shoot videos in up to 4k resolution @ 100 fps, which is more than you need for most of the content you might capture with such a dinky drone.

Flight time is a commendable 34 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery, which can be extended to 45 minutes using the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. Put it all together, and you have yourself a drone that's pretty much unbeatable at this price point!

Read our full DJI Mini 4 Pro review.

Best for high-res video

The Mavic 3 Classic is, to all intents and purposes, exactly the same drone as the Mavic 3 – it’s the same shape, size and weight, and it shares the same onboard specs and flight characteristics.

In fact, the only difference between the two is that the new Classic variant comes without the 28x hybrid tele-zoom camera that sits atop the Mavic 3’s main 4/3 CMOS f/2.8-f/11 Hasselblad camera. This means that the Classic is capable of shooting exactly the same pin-sharp 5.1K imagery as the Mavic 3’s main camera while costing quite a bit less.

For anyone unfamiliar with the specs of the standard Mavic 3, the Mavic 3 Classic folds into a tidy package for transport and comes equipped with omnidirectional obstacle sensing, 9-mile HD video transmission and a plethora of smart, fully autonomous flight features, including active tracking, MasterShots, QuickShots, Hyperlapse and Panorama.

When it comes to shooting high-resolution footage that’s fit for most broadcast media or stills sharp and detailed enough to grace the cover of a glossy magazine, the new Classic is an absolute shoo-in. In fact, at this price, it’s almost a steal.

Read our full DJI Mavic 3 Classic review.

Best for selfies

The HoverAir X1 is the first pocket-sized 2.7K camera-equipped drone to not require a hand controller at any time, although it also works in conjunction with an app for further functionality. Designed for close proximity selfies – the HoverAir X1 has a flight range of between 10 and 50 feet – this little foldable pocket rocket is unquestionably the most accomplished personal drone to date and for several reasons.

The drone’s lattice cage makes it incredibly safe for users while protecting the four tiny propellors from damage. And since it weighs just 125 grams and folds in half, it’s ultra easy to carry around, too.

The HoverAir X1’s camera is remarkable given its titchy dimensions – it not only shoots crisp 2.7K footage, but the addition of a gimbal-like shock mount and onboard digital image stabilisation ensures that footage remains level and cinematically smooth, even in breezes up to 15mph. Amazingly, it will also record ambient audio without the sound of the props in the background – simply talk into your phone’s microphone, and the audio is automatically synced to the visuals.

If you’re in the market for a lightweight drone to film yourself and friends in a myriad of close proximity situations, you almost certainly won’t find a better model than this little cracker. Warmly recommended.

Read our full HoverAir X1 review

Best for cinematic shots

The DJI Avata 2 sets a new standard for FPV (First Person View) flying with its immersive experience and intuitive control. Equipped with amazing flight characteristics, it allows users to perform flips and drifts effortlessly, delivering stunning aerial footage.

With front and rear obstacle sensing, robust design, and easy-to-use flight control, it offers a seamless flying experience for both beginners and experienced pilots.

One of its standout features is the DJI Goggles 2, which provides a comfortable fit and stunning image resolution, enhancing the immersive flying experience. The Motion 3 controller adds to the ease of use, offering intuitive control and precise manoeuvrability.

In terms of pricing and availability, the Avata 2 is offered in different packages, including the Fly More Combo with additional accessories. While it's priced competitively, it delivers exceptional value for its performance and features. A top choice for enthusiasts and professionals looking for an exhilarating FPV flying experience.

Check out our full DJI Avata 2 review.

Also consider: The first-gen DJI Avata is a brilliant FPV drone with intuitive controls, impressive camera performance, and exhilarating speed. Although setup can be time-consuming, its ready-to-fly design and stunning footage make it worth the investment for drone enthusiasts.

Best premium

This is the prosumer drone we’ve all been waiting for. Yes, the drone itself is the same as the current Mavic 3 but this one takes aerial videography and photography to a much higher echelon. You get three cameras with this drone: a wide-angle 24mm Hasselblad with an aperture range of f/2.8-f/11 and an 84˚ field of view; an all-new 3x 70mm medium tele camera with a 35˚ field of view and a fixed aperture of f2.8; and a 166mm 7x zoom lens with a large-ish aperture of f3.4.

This means you can create amazing widescreen landscape shots, zoom in a little to add a striking shallow depth of field or zoom in from afar to shoot wildlife without any disturbance from the drone. You also get premium resolution – 5.1K at up to 50 frames per second and 4K at up to 120fps – and huge images from 20 megapixels to 48MP.

If you’re looking for a do-it-all pro-spec camera drone that flies supremely well and delivers impeccable imagery flight after flight, this is the model for you.

Now read our full review of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Best DJI-alternative

The little Evo Nano+ is a sterling choice of camera drone for both amateurs and prosumers, as well as anyone who wants to enjoy the thrills of high-quality aerial cinematography on a relative budget and without the need to apply for a special license to fly it. In fact, we like it so much that we awarded it Best Drone at the 2022 T3 Awards (although it's a seriously close-run thing with the DJI Mini 3 Pro). 

The Plus boasts a wide f1.9 aperture and RYYB filtering, which means it will shoot stunning footage in low-light conditions and in full 4K video and 50MP for stills. This dinky drone clocks in at under 250g, which means you won’t need to jump through as many legal hoops before taking to the skies. The sharpness and clarity of the Nano+ are exemplary for a drone of this size and weight, hence why we think this drone is perfect for amateur filmmakers and anyone looking for a camera drone that’s light as a feather and small enough to slip into a coat pocket.

Read our full Autel Evo Nano+ drone review

Best mid-range

Released in April 2021, the DJI Air 2S is a sensational camera drone in every respect. Despite being lightweight and eminently portable, this foldable drone packs some incredible onboard tech, including a 1-inch CMOS sensor that enables you to capture strikingly sharp images and video. The Air 2S will shoot 5.4K video at 30fps or 4K at 60fps and 150Mbps, as well as 20MP stills (by comparison, the older but still worthy Mavic Air 2's half-inch CMOS sensor can manage 4K/60fps at 120Mbps and 12MP stills). The Air 2S also flies absolutely beautifully (and quietly), comes with four-way obstacle sensors to help you avoid collisions, and boasts some impressive advanced in-flight features. 

Head to our DJI Air 2S review for more of what we thought of it, or see how it matches up against its predecessor in our DJI Air 2S vs DJI Mavic Air 2 comparison. 

How to choose the best drone for you

In order to figure out which is the best drone for you, it really helps to understand a bit about how different types of drones work. In a nutshell, drones rely on rotors for propulsion and control. The faster these rotors spin, the greater the upward lift. The movement of a drone can be changed by altering the speed of one or more of its rotors. 

These rotors are powered by motors which can be 'brushed' or 'brushless'. The difference? Brushed motors use a mechanical process (a 'commutator') to move the magnetic field that turns the rotors. Brushless motors, which are usually found on more expensive drones, are generally preferable and rely more on electronics rather than additional physical parts, such as the brushes in the commutators, to generate power. This means they generate less friction (and bear in mind that friction slows the motor down), produce less heat and provide better all-around performance. 

Another important factor to take into consideration is skill level. Beginners should look for more rugged models, as well as features such as rotor protectors and one-touch recall controls. But don’t make the mistake of assuming smaller, lighter drones are better for beginners – these drones are often designed for those keen to perform complex aerial manoeuvres and might well be trickier to control. 

Finally, remember to look for drones with the features you’re specifically keen on, and no more. Opting for a drone which boasts features you don’t need and won’t use will mean you’ll spend more on a drone which will weigh more and won’t perform in the way you want it to.

How we test the best drones

We test drones rigorously, evaluating factors like flight performance, camera quality, battery life, and ease of use. In the field, we assess stability, maneuverability, and response to controls, ensuring they handle well in various conditions.

We examine features like obstacle avoidance and follow-me modes for effectiveness. We scrutinise image and video quality, looking at clarity, colour accuracy, and stabilisation.

Battery life is tested through multiple flights, gauging how long each drone can stay airborne on a single charge. We also consider user experience, including setup process, app functionality, and overall intuitiveness.

FAQ