Whether you need one or want one, there's no denying that drones are a pretty cool item to have. Although some drones are considered more like toys, there is a wide selection of drones available, even fit for cinematic applications.
Drone technology has fast come along with many boasting 4K video recording and high-quality features. However, many of these can be found on entry-level and mid-range sets, too.
Here are the best drones for any budget.
The DJI Inspire 2 Drone offers some of the best video performance from a drone on the market. Although great for enthusiasts, it's also an excellent choice for video production companies.
This DJI drone includes obstacle avoidance, dual-operator control support, sport mode, alongside other advanced features. As you can switch lenses, you can get creative with the footage and shots you capture.
Keep in mind, though, that you will need a pretty powerful computer to edit CinemaDNG or ProRes video capture, which is another expense in itself.
- Retractable landing gear
- 360-degree camera rotation
- 5.2K video
- Brand: DJI
- Camera: 20MP
- App: DJI GO 4
- Speed: 58mph
- Weight: 7.58lbs
- Range: 7km
- Connectivity: DJI Lightbridge
- Battery: 27 minutes
- First-Person View (FPV): Yes
- Interchangeable cameras
- CinemaDNG and ProRes recording
- Obstacle detection and avoidance
- High-performance computer required for video editing
The DJI Mini 2 offers a robust wireless system and motors that result in a strong entry-level drone. Even on windy days, this little drone can take a beating.
The 4K camera is mounted at the front, remaining stable during flight modes. However, if you're in sport mode, you need to be aware of obstacles as the drone won't stop if anything is in its path.
You can set a geofence to keep the DJI Mini 2 within a specific remote control radius. This is an ideal feature for beginners, coupled with an ample flight time of up to 31 minutes.
- Three-axis motorized gimbal
- Can resist level 5 winds
- 12MP camera
- Brand: DJI
- Camera: 12MP
- App: DJI Fly
- Speed: 35mph
- Weight: 0.53lbs
- Range: 10km
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Battery: 31 minutes
- First-Person View (FPV): No
- GPS and safety features
- Long flight time
- Automated quick shots
- Doesn't include obstacle avoidance
The Ryze Tech Tello is a fun toy and isn't designed for professional video or photo capture. However, despite its entry-level position, it's an incredibly durable piece of equipment that's ideal for beginners.
The 5MP camera captures social media-ready shots, and you can quickly view the resulting captures on your smartphone. The camera also shoots 720p video. Fortunately, it's a fantastic learning tool for kids, too.
Scratch, a programming tool designed for kids, is a fun way to get started and program your new drone. Using this software, you control where it goes and how. Given the affordable price, if you were to crash it into a roof, you won't be so disheartened.
- Share videos and photos from your smartphone direct to social media
- Mobile programming app (Scratch)
- Durable
- Brand: DJI
- Camera: 5MP
- App: N/A
- Speed: 18mph
- Weight: 0.18lbs
- Range: 100m
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Battery: 3 minutes
- First-Person View (FPV): No
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
- Automated flight modes
- Low-quality video
The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom provides long flight times, smooth 4K video recording, automated shots, and obstacle detection. There's no doubt this is a solid choice of drone for enthusiasts.
You can shoot in multiple frame rates, including 24, 25, or 30FPS at 4K UHD quality. For stills, the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom supports HDR, and you can shoot in JPG mode coupled with HDR for smoother images.
The DJI Go 4 App is free to download for iOS and Android. Once installed, you can log flights, enable automated shots, and begin a time-lapse. If you're willing to spend a little more on a better drone, the option is there, but this is a stable choice for professional quality.
- 24-48mm optical zoom camera
- Smart controller with 1080p display
- Displays battery status
- Brand: DJI
- Camera: 12MP
- App: DJI GO 4
- Speed: 48mph
- Weight: 2lbs
- Range: 18km
- Connectivity: OcuSync 2.0
- Battery: 31 minutes
- First-Person View (FPV): No
- 2x optical zoom lens
- Obstacle detection
- Raw and HDR photos
- Could do with more internal memory
The Holy Stone HS120D is a user-friendly drone tailored towards beginners. It's priced affordably, allowing most people on a budget to enjoy its useful features.
The build quality is pretty impressive for the price, with smooth and seamless performance and a 2MP camera. The Holy Stone HS120D offers better recording quality than other drones in the same price bracket.
The Holy Drone app is handy to activate features like FPV mode, offering more control. The default mode via the app is beginner, but you can take this off and set your preferred parameters.
- Follow Me mode and custom path
- GPS auto return
- Fly up to 300m height
- Brand: Holy Stone
- Camera: 2.1MP
- App: Holy Drone
- Speed: Adjustable
- Weight: 0.49lbs
- Range: 300m
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Battery: 8 minutes
- First-Person View (FPV): Yes
- Easy to fly
- Comes with two batteries
- Affordable
- Larger phones can block the photo and camera shoulder buttons
The RUKO F11Pro is an impressively affordable drone with lots of features and decent specifications. The 30-minute battery is a charm, coupled with a replacement battery included in the box for up to 60 minutes of flight time. The 4K camera offers smooth, clear photos and videos.
However, unlike more expensive alternatives, the color can sometimes encounter issues. The RUKO F11Pro is neatly foldable, but it could do with a gimbal for further image stabilization. This drone is ideal for enthusiasts who want to start their journey or beginners who have never flown before.
- Includes an extra battery to extend flight time to 60 minutes
- Follow Me mode
- 5GHz FPV
- Brand: Ruko
- Camera: 8.3MP
- App: SJ GPS Pro
- Speed: 26.8mph
- Weight: 1.1lbs
- Range: 500m
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Battery: 30 minutes
- First-Person View (FPV): Yes
- Level 7 wind resistance
- Foldable for easy carrying
- Lots of features at an affordable price
- Remote doesn't hold charge consistently
The Autel Robotics EVO 2 drone is designed for professionals and commercial pilots. The 8K video and 4x zoom will appeal to advanced users alongside the ability to shoot in 48MP.
There's a steep learning curve involved, so beginners should stay away from this and consider something like the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom. However, those who can get to grips with the features will enjoy no geofencing constraints and the option to change cameras.
Given the expected use, the app and remote control come with many adjustments, making them generally unsuitable for casual users but excellent for professional flyers. The level of detail and quality in captures is outstanding, even during the night.
- Smart remote control with OLED display
- 8K HDR video
- 4x lossless zoom
- Brand: Autel
- Camera: 48MP
- App: Autel Explorer
- Speed: 45mph
- Weight: 2.5lbs
- Range: 9km
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Battery: 40 minutes
- First-Person View (FPV): No
- Ability to create 48MP stills with HDR
- Long battery life
- Modular design
- App is overly complicated
FAQ
Q: Are Cheap Drones Worth It?
Cheap drones are a great introduction to flying, and they are an ideal choice for kids and beginners. You'll save hundreds of dollars by not splashing out on an expensive drone only to find you prefer different features or crash it.
There are drones to suit all budgets, and cheaper drones don't always mean lower quality. You can even get your hands on a 4K drone for under $300.
Q: Are Expensive Drones Easier to Fly?
More expensive drones are easy to fly in many cases because they offer more advanced features like GPS, hovering stability, and obstacle avoidance. However, budget drones are easy to set up and fly, which is great practice if you plan to invest in a more expensive drone later on.
Q: Are Drones Repairable?
If your drone breaks, you should first check to see if it's under warranty. However, it's often cheaper to repair a drone yourself, and you can do so quite easily by obtaining spare parts online. For example, if you crash your drone and break a propeller, you should be able to source a replacement one and install it.
