Best Drones for 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	DJI Air 3S	dual-camera system with excellent obstacle avoidance
Best value	Potensic Atom 2	capable 4K drone under $500
Best for travel	DJI Mini 5 Pro	compact design with 1-inch sensor
Best for beginners	DJI Flip Fly More	integrated prop guards and easy operation
Best 360-degree	Antigravity A1 Infinity	unique spherical video capture
Also recommended	DJI Mini 4 Pro	top sub-250g pick with great 4K video
Also recommended	HoverAir X1 ProMax	ultra-compact and safe for travel
Also recommended	DJI Avata 2	immersive FPV drone with built-in guards
Also recommended	DJI Neo 2	affordable entry point with LiDAR safety

How we chose and tested

We evaluated drones based on camera quality, flight performance, safety features, and real-world usability. Each model was assessed for image and video capabilities, battery life, obstacle avoidance systems, and overall value. We considered factors like weight regulations, ease of use for beginners, and professional features for advanced users.

The best drones right now

DJI Air 3S - Best overall

The DJI Air 3S delivers professional-grade aerial photography in a package that's accessible to serious hobbyists and content creators alike. Its dual-camera system provides creative flexibility, while advanced obstacle avoidance keeps flying safe and stress-free.

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Key highlights

Dual-camera setup with wide and telephoto lenses
360-degree obstacle avoidance with LiDAR front sensing
Up to 45 minutes of flight time
4K/60fps HDR video
Advanced subject tracking for moving targets

Pros

Excellent image quality from both cameras
Reliable obstacle detection in various lighting conditions
Long battery life for extended shooting sessions
Intuitive controls suitable for intermediate pilots

Cons

Higher price point than entry-level models
Requires FAA registration due to weight
Advanced features may overwhelm complete beginners

Who it is for: Serious hobbyists, content creators, and photographers who want professional results without the complexity of cinema-grade drones.

Skip if

You're on a tight budget or need a drone under 250 grams for simplified regulations.

DJI Mini 5 Pro - Best for travel

The DJI Mini 5 Pro packs a 1-inch sensor into a sub-250g frame, making it the ideal travel companion for photographers who want quality without bulk. It maintains the weight advantage for easier regulations while delivering noticeably better image quality than previous mini drones.

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Key highlights

1-inch image sensor for improved low-light performance
Sub-250g weight for simplified regulatory compliance
Omnidirectional obstacle sensing with LiDAR
4K/60fps HDR video with vertical shooting capability
42GB of built-in storage

Pros

Excellent image quality for its size class
No FAA registration required for recreational use
Compact folding design for easy packing
Improved wind resistance over previous models

Cons

More expensive than other mini drones
Smaller sensor than full-sized camera drones
Limited availability in some regions

Who it is for: Travelers, vloggers, and photographers who prioritize portability without sacrificing too much image quality.

Skip if

You need the absolute best low-light performance or work primarily in controlled professional environments.

Potensic Atom 2 - Best value

For under $500, the Potensic Atom 2 delivers impressive 4K video and 48MP photos that compete with more expensive mid-range options. It's a well-made drone that offers most of what beginners and casual users need without breaking the bank.

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Key highlights

48MP camera with 1/2-inch CMOS sensor
4K/30fps HDR stable videos
3-axis gimbal for stable footage
Approximately 21 minutes of flight time
GPS tracking for automatic return home

Pros

Excellent value for the features offered
Good image quality for the price
Stable flight performance in moderate winds
Includes remote control in basic configuration

Cons

Lacks advanced obstacle avoidance systems
Shorter battery life than premium models
Limited advanced flight modes

Who it is for: Budget-conscious buyers, first-time drone owners, and casual users who want good quality without premium pricing.

Skip if

You need professional-grade features, advanced obstacle avoidance, or the longest possible flight times.

DJI Flip Fly More - Best for beginners

The DJI Flip Fly More provides nearly everything you'd want in a starter drone, including integrated prop guards for safe palm launches. It squeezes a capable 4K camera into a 249g airframe that avoids some regulatory hurdles.

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Key highlights

Integrated propeller guards for safe operation
4K camera with 3-axis gimbal
Palm launch and landing capability
Under 250g for simplified regulations

Pros

Very safe for beginners with prop guards
Easy to learn with intuitive controls
Good image quality for starting out
No FAA registration needed for recreational use

Cons

Limited advanced features
Not suitable for professional work

Who it is for: First-time drone pilots, families, and casual users who prioritize safety and ease of use.

Skip if

You need professional features, advanced tracking, or plan to fly in complex environments regularly.

Antigravity A1 Infinity - Best 360-degree

The Antigravity A1 Infinity creates an entirely new category as the world's first 360-degree drone, allowing you to capture spherical video and choose your framing after the flight. It's a unique tool for creative professionals who want to experiment with immersive perspectives.

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Key highlights

360-degree spherical video capture
Shoot first, frame later workflow
Unique "small world" and other creative effects
Compact folding design
AI-powered flight modes

Pros

Revolutionary approach to aerial cinematography
Endless creative possibilities in post-production
Compact and portable design
No need to frame shots perfectly while flying

Cons

Specialized use case may not suit everyone
Higher learning curve for editing workflow
Premium price for niche functionality

Who it is for: Creative professionals, experimental filmmakers, and content creators looking for unique perspectives.

Skip if

You need traditional aerial photography, work with tight deadlines, or prefer straightforward shooting workflows.

Also Good

DJI Mini 4 Pro - top sub-250g pick with great 4K video.
HoverAir X1 ProMax - ultra-compact and safe for travel.
DJI Avata 2 - immersive FPV drone with built-in guards.
DJI Neo 2 - affordable entry point with LiDAR safety.

How to Choose

Consider these factors when selecting your drone:

Weight matters: Drones under 250 grams (like the Mini 5 Pro) don't require FAA registration for recreational use in the US, making them simpler for travel and casual flying.
Camera quality vs. needs: A 1-inch sensor (Mini 5 Pro) significantly improves low-light performance over smaller sensors, but consider if you really need it versus a good 1/2-inch sensor (Potensic Atom 2).
Obstacle avoidance level: Basic detection (DJI Flip) helps beginners, while 360-degree systems (Air 3S) enable advanced autonomous flying and tracking.
Battery life reality: Manufacturer claims (45 minutes for Air 3S) are best-case; expect 20-30 minutes in real use with camera operation and wind.
Regulatory compliance: Check current FAA rules and any import restrictions, as regulations have changed recently for certain manufacturers.

FAQ

Do I need to register my drone with the FAA?

In the US, drones over 250 grams require FAA registration for recreational use. Drones under 250 grams like the DJI Mini 5 Pro don't need registration for recreational flying, though commercial use still requires certification.

How important is obstacle avoidance for beginners?

Very important. Basic systems like on the DJI Flip help prevent crashes while learning. More advanced 360-degree systems like on the Air 3S are valuable but not essential for first-time pilots.

What's the real battery life I can expect?

Manufacturer claims are under ideal conditions. In real use with camera operation, wind, and temperature variations, expect 20-30 minutes for most consumer drones. Always buy extra batteries for longer sessions.

Can I fly drones in national parks?

Generally no. Most national parks in the US prohibit drone flying to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check local regulations before flying in any protected or public space.

How has recent regulation affected drone availability?

Earlier this year, regulatory changes affected availability of some models from certain manufacturers. However, many excellent drones remain available, and new options continue to enter the market from various brands.