Starting your journey with drones? We’ve got the perfect guide for you! In this blog post, we’ve ranked the top 5 best drones for beginners based on ease of use, camera quality, and unique features. Whether you’re looking for drones for indoor flying, drones for filmmaking, drones with follow-me features, or drones compatible with GoPros, we’ve selected the best options. Let’s dive in to find out which one suits you best!
#1. DJI Mini 2
The DJI Mini 2 is our top pick for beginners, combining excellent camera quality with impressive flight stability. It’s lightweight and portable, making it perfect for on-the-go use, while features like GPS and QuickShots make it a great option for capturing stunning shots with ease. Ideal for beginners who want a reliable, high-quality drone for both indoor and real estate photography.
Features
- Camera: 12MP photo, 4K video at 30fps
- Battery Life: Up to 31 minutes of flight time
- Weight: 249g (no registration required in the US)
- Range: 10km with OcuSync 2.0
- Additional Features: GPS, automated quick-shot modes, stable in moderate wind
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Excellent camera quality for the price
- Long battery life
- Easy-to-use app with pre-set modes for beginners
Cons
- No obstacle avoidance
- Limited to 4K at 30fps (for more advanced filmmakers, this might be restrictive)
Best For
- Best drones for indoors (in spacious areas)
- Best drones for real estate (thanks to its high-quality camera and portability)
#2. DJI Air 2S
For those looking to start with a powerful drone that can handle more advanced filming, the DJI Air 2S is a fantastic choice. It boasts a 5.4K camera and robust follow-me mode, perfect for action shots and high-quality filmmaking. Although slightly more expensive, this drone provides exceptional value with its long-range capabilities and intelligent features.
Features
- Camera: 20MP photo, 5.4K video at 30fps
- Battery Life: 31 minutes
- Weight: 595g
- Range: 12km with OcuSync 3.0
- Additional Features: Intelligent HDR, Follow-Me mode, obstacle sensing in four directions
Pros
- Superb image quality and advanced camera capabilities
- Excellent flight stability and range
- Follow-me mode for dynamic shotsIdeal for semi-professional filmmakers
Cons
- Heavier than most beginner drones
- Higher price point
Best For
- Best drones for filmmaking
- Best drones with follow-me, thanks to obstacle detection and tracking capabilities
#3. Holy Stone HS720E
The Holy Stone HS720E offers a balanced mix of features at an affordable price, including a 4K camera, GPS, and follow-me mode. It’s a well-rounded choice for beginners wanting a durable, feature-rich drone. This drone is best suited for those looking for a follow-me option on a budget without sacrificing camera quality.
Features
- Camera: 4K EIS camera with image stabilization
- Battery Life: 23 minutes per battery (comes with two batteries)
- Weight: 495g
- Range: 1km
- Additional Features: GPS, Follow-Me mode, Return-to-Home, waypoint mode
Pros
- Affordable with solid camera stabilization
- Long battery life with two batteries included
- Suitable for beginners and hobbyists
- Great customer support
Cons
- Heavier and larger than some other beginner drones
- No obstacle avoidance
Best For
- Best drones with follow-me for a budget-friendly option
- Best drones for beginners who want a well-rounded, feature-rich drone without breaking the bank
#4. Parrot Anafi
The Parrot Anafi is a compact and powerful drone ideal for beginners who want to explore aerial photography and videography. Its standout feature is a 180° vertical tilt gimbal, allowing you to capture unique, upward-facing shots. The Anafi delivers impressive 4K HDR video quality, great color depth, and 21MP photos, making it perfect for filmmakers who want more creative flexibility. With a foldable design and a weight of only 320 grams, this drone is highly portable and easy to carry on any adventure. Although it lacks obstacle avoidance, the Parrot Anafi’s lightweight build, quiet operation, and Follow-Me mode make it an excellent choice for beginners seeking an affordable yet capable drone.
Features
Camera: 21MP photo, 4K HDR video at 30fps with a 180° vertical tilt gimbal
Battery Life: Up to 25 minutes of flight time per charge
Weight: 320gRange: 4km with Wi-Fi connection
Additional Features: GPS, Follow-Me mode, foldable design, 3x digital zoom, quiet operation
Pros
- Excellent 180° tilt gimbal for unique camera angles
- Lightweight, compact, and easy to carry
- Long battery life
- Supports 4K HDR video with great color depth
- Quiet operation compared to other drones in its category
Cons
- No obstacle avoidance
- Limited flight range compared to higher-end drones
- Requires a smartphone for full control and FPV
Best For
- Best drones for filmmaking, especially if you’re looking for a unique camera angle with the 180° gimbal tilt
- Best drones for beginners who want a high-quality camera without a steep learning curve
#5. Ryze Tello (by DJI)
The Ryze Tello is an excellent entry-level drone, great for learning the basics. With its compact size and ease of use, it’s perfect for indoor flying. While it lacks some advanced features, it’s incredibly affordable and ideal for beginners who want to learn the basics before moving on to more advanced drones.
Features
- Camera: 5MP photo, 720p HD video
- Battery Life: 13 minutes
- Weight: 80g
- Range: 100m
- Additional Features: Vision positioning, easy app-based controls, programmable with Scratch coding
Pros
- Incredibly affordable
- Lightweight, durable, and easy to fly
- Compatible with VR headsets for FPV
- Great for learning basic drone controls
Cons
- Limited range and battery life
- No GPS or follow-me features
Best For
- Best drones for indoors (ideal for tight spaces)
- Best drones for beginners who want to practice basic flight skills on a budget
Conclusion
Whether you’re taking your first steps in drone flying or looking for something more specialized, these drones offer a range of features that cater to beginners and hobbyists alike. From indoor-friendly options like the Ryze Tello to follow-me drones perfect for capturing moving subjects, the choices are endless. Choose the one that best aligns with your goals, and enjoy the thrill of flight!