It’s no exaggeration to say that the best 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 previously required a camera crew, expensive cranes, and hours of filming can now be done in minutes 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. Again, they’ve made flying easier and more accessible, thanks to intelligent collision sensors that protect your investment from mishaps. Cheaper drones, while fun, will never fly as well or deliver the kind of video and photo results possible with more expensive models. 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.
The elephant in the room is the fact that the biggest drone maker was just barred from selling its products in the US. We’re still recommending DJI drones for anyone outside the US, and we have more information about the ban below, along with alternative options.
Be sure to check out our many other buying guides, including the Best Action Cameras, Best Compact Cameras, and Best Mirrorless Cameras.
Updated December 2025: We’ve added the DJI Mini 5 Pro, DJI Neo 2, DJI Mini 4K, Antigravity A1, and Potensic Atom, and added information about the DJI ban.
What About the DJI Ban?
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On December 23, 2025, DJI was added to the Federal Communications Commission’s “Covered List”—a move that effectively prohibits the Chinese drone giant from launching new products in the US. The ban stems from a national security audit mandated by Congress that was never completed, largely because no government agency was ever assigned to conduct it.
The good news for existing DJI owners in the US is that their drones will continue to function. However, the long-term implications remain unclear: future software updates could be restricted, and even products currently sitting on store shelves may become unavailable for purchase. The ban encompasses DJI’s entire product lineup—not just drones, but also gimbals, action cameras, and microphones.
DJI has consistently rejected the US government’s security concerns over its relationship with the Chinese military, framing the situation as a byproduct of wider US-China trade tensions. The company continues to push for a proper audit, but for now, if you’ve been eyeing a DJI product, your window to buy may have already closed.
That’s bad news for US consumers, because DJI’s drones offer the best value for money and the company’s competitors rarely come close in terms of performance. That’s not to say there aren’t other viable options—I’ve included a couple of non-DJI models below for this reason.
Flying Within the Law
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Above a certain size and weight, drones are subject to some fairly strict laws regarding how and where they can be flown. You may need to register your drone, apply for a permit, pass an exam, or label your drone with personal details before getting it airborne. These laws differ depending on which country you’re in. Ensure you check local regulations carefully before flying. For the US, UK, and EU, more details can be found here: US FAA, UK CAA, and EU EASA.
In general, laws become more restrictive the heavier the drone, and sub-250-gram (8.8-ounce) drones tend to fall into a largely unrestricted category with relatively few legal hoops for pilots to negotiate. That’s why so many manufacturers offer lightweight drones.
What Else Do You Need?
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To get the most out of a drone, it may be worthwhile to invest in a few optional accessories.
Batteries: The first thing I’d probably buy is spare batteries, as drone battery life tends to be fairly short, and having extras in your pocket greatly extends flying time. For a less immediate solution, you could buy a high-capacity power bank to recharge your drone’s battery while you’re out and about.
ND filters: If you’re filming in bright sunlight and want greater control over shutter speed (which can help achieve pleasing effects like motion blur), neutral density filters are an essential camera add-on. These are generally made to fit specific models of drones.
Carrying case: While drones are often hardier than they look, a dedicated carrying bag or case keeps your expensive investment well protected, while often leaving space for extras like controllers, cables, batteries, memory cards, and spare propellers. The bags that DJI bundles with its drones in its Fly More Combo packages are excellent quality, but any camera bag with customizable interior pockets would work well, too.