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The Best Drones for Beginners are made for people who have never flown before and are easy and cheap to use. Even though they might not have as many features or the ability to make movies as higher-end models, these entry-level drones are a great place to start for people who want to learn how to fly. Many of them even come with cameras, so newbies can get some good footage while they’re learning how to fly.
A camera drone opens up a whole new world of aerial photography and filming, giving photographers and videographers a new way to look at things. These drones are great for people who are just starting out because they are easy to use and can do a lot of different things. In this piece, we’ll talk about the best drones for beginners and important things to think about when shopping for your first one. Prepare for an exciting trip into the world of flying drones!
Best Drones for Beginners Comparison Table
| Drone Model | Flight Time | Camera Resolution | Maximum Range | Intelligent Flight Modes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Mini 2 SE | Up to 31 min | 12 MP (4K video) | Up to 10 km | Yes |
| DJI Mini 3 Pro | Up to 40 min | 20 MP (4K video) | Up to 12 km | Yes |
| Ryze Tello | Up to 13 min | 5 MP (720p video) | Up to 100 meters | Yes |
| Autel Evo Nano+ | Up to 20 min | 12 MP (4K video) | Up to 6 km | Yes |
| Skydio 2+ | Up to 23 min | 12.3 MP (4K video) | Up to 3.5 km | Yes |
DJI Mini 2 SE
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Flight Time | Up to 31 minutes |
| Camera | 12 MP with 4K video recording |
| Maximum Range | Up to 10 km (FCC) |
| Intelligent Flight Modes | QuickShots, Panorama, and more |
| Weight | 249 grams |
If you want a drone you can fly confidently in complex environments with trees and other obstacles, it’s worthwhile to spend more on a beginner model with obstacle detection sensors and the DJI Mini 3 Pro fits the bill. The 249g drone includes three-way obstacle sensors for safer flight with automated navigation around obstructions.
The camera is also a step up from the Mini 2 and Mini 3. The 3 Pro sports a Quad Bayer sensor for 4K60 video and your choice of 48MP or oversampled 12MP still photos. The standard color profile provides pleasing video out of the camera, and you have the option to use a 10-bit flat look if you’ve got color grading skills.
The Good
- Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry.
- Impressive flight time for extended aerial exploration.
- High-quality camera capable of capturing stunning 4K videos.
- Wide range and reliable signal transmission for enhanced control.
The Bad
- Limited obstacle avoidance features compared to higher-end models.
DJI Mini 3 Pro
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Flight Time | Up to 40 minutes |
| Camera | 20 MP with 4K video recording |
| Maximum Range | Up to 12 km (FCC) |
| Intelligent Flight Modes | ActiveTrack 4.0, Hyperlapse, and more |
| Weight | 299 grams |
If you want a drone you can fly with confidence in places with trees and other obstacles, it’s worth spending more on a beginner model with sensors that can identify them. The DJI Mini 3 Pro is a good example of this type of drone. The 249g drone has three-way object sensors that make flying safer by automatically avoiding obstacles.
The camera is a step up from the Mini 2 and Mini 3. The 3 Pro has a Quad Bayer camera that can record 4K60 video and take either 48MP or oversampled 12MP photos. The normal color profile gives you nice-looking video right out of the camera, and if you know how to color grade, you can use a 10-bit flat look instead.
The Good
- Extended flight time allows for longer aerial sessions.
- High-resolution camera with advanced video recording capabilities.
- Extended maximum range for increased exploration possibilities.
- Advanced intelligent flight modes for capturing dynamic shots.
- Improved stability and control for smoother flight experiences.
The Bad
- Higher price point compared to entry-level drones.
Ryze Tello
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Flight Time | Up to 13 minutes |
| Camera | 5 MP with 720p video recording |
| Maximum Range | Up to 100 meters |
| Intelligent Flight Modes | Throw & Go, 8D Flips, and more |
| Weight | 80 grams |
Ryze’s Tello is a cheap, small, and light drone that was made in collaboration with DJI. It is perfect for learning the basics. You can handle it with a smartphone running the Tello app and Wi-Fi, or you can use a Bluetooth gaming controller, though the range will be shorter. We like that our tests have shown it to be a quick and lively flyer. That makes it a good way to learn how to fly a twin-stick quadcopter, with all its ups and downs. It even has sensors to keep it from moving when it should be still, and the 13-minute battery life isn’t too bad.
Not everything is good. The drone can only fly a short distance (much less than the 100m Ryze says it can go, more like 30m), and even the smallest breeze will send it in the direction the wind is blowing. The 720p video camera isn’t very good either, and since it doesn’t have any local storage, it sends all video and photos straight to your phone. This means that if your Wi-Fi link goes in and out, the video will be choppy.
The Good
- Affordable and perfect for beginners or indoor flying.
- Lightweight and portable design.
- Easy to fly with intuitive controls and stable flight performance.
- Fun flight modes for exciting aerial maneuvers.
- Compatible with programming platforms for educational purposes.
The Bad
- Limited flight time and range compared to more advanced models.
- Basic camera capabilities with lower resolution.
Autel Evo Nano+
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Flight Time | Up to 20 minutes |
| Camera | 12 MP with 4K video recording |
| Maximum Range | Up to 6 km (FCC) |
| Intelligent Flight Modes | Waypoint, Orbit, and more |
| Weight | 249 grams |
In the sub-250g drone group, the Autel Evo Nano+ competes with the DJI Mini 3 Pro. That isn’t easy in and of itself, especially since the second one is so close to perfect. The Evo Nano+ is a good beginning drone on its own, which is a plus.
During our tests, we found that it performs better in low light than our current top pick, the DJI Mini 2, thanks to its sensor. It also performs about the same in windy situations. That makes it easy for us to suggest, especially if you like taking pictures of sunsets and cityscapes at night, or if you need a high-performance drone that doesn’t weigh too much and is legal in Europe.
The Good
- Compact and foldable design for easy portability.
- Good flight time for its size.
- High-resolution camera with 4K video recording.
- Long-range control for extended exploration.
- Advanced flight modes for creative shots.
The Bad
- Limited obstacle avoidance capabilities.
Skydio 2+
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| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Flight Time | Up to 23 minutes |
| Camera | 12.3 MP with 4K video recording |
| Maximum Range | Up to 3.5 km |
| Intelligent Flight Modes | Cinematic mode, Follow mode, and more |
| Weight | 775 grams |
The Skydio philosophy is less about a pilot directing a flying camera and more about letting the camera do the work. So, the device has cameras all around it that let it build an internal picture of its surroundings and avoid hurdles. It also has a main 4K camera.
Because a lot of the software is built around orbiting or tracking someone, the drone is not cheap, but it is cheap for all the technology it has. Why? Because you can only control it with your phone. Software is a big part of the Skydio experience, and it’s easy to charge, sync, and set up with USB-C. You can plan or make keyframed flights and other amazing videos on the fly, and they are all surprisingly easy to use.
The Good
- Excellent obstacle avoidance with advanced AI technology.
- High-resolution camera with impressive video recording capabilities.
- Extended flight time for longer aerial sessions.
- Intuitive flight modes for cinematic shots and dynamic tracking.
- Robust and durable construction.
The Bad
- Heavier compared to other compact drones.
- Higher price point for its advanced features.
FAQs
A: Yes, there are drones for beginners that are made for kids and have easy-to-use settings and safety features. But it’s important for parents to watch, and it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s age suggestions and rules.
A: Many beginner drones are compatible with smartphones, so you can use an app to direct the drone. This gives you an easy-to-use interface for flying and getting to other functions.
A: Some newbie drones can do simple tricks like flips and rolls, but most of them are more focused on being stable and easy to use. Drones that are made for flying acrobatics are usually the ones that can do advanced stunts and tricks.