Best DJI drone 2024: the finest flying cameras from its impressive range
We've ranked the best DJI drones you can buy right now
Scanning the skies for the best DJI drone? Whether you’re a novice pilot or a seasoned flyer, this list will help you get off the ground. A proven ace among drone makers, DJI has flying machines for every kind of aerial videographer. And because we’ve tested all of them, this guide is sure to help you land on the ideal DJI drone for your needs.
What’s the best DJI drone available right now? We think the DJI Mini 4 Pro is the top option for most pilots. A compact folding drone with pro shooting skills, it uses a stabilized CMOS sensor to shoot stable, noise-free footage in portrait or landscape. Automated modes, omni-directional obstacle avoidance and clever subject-tracking also make it simple to go solo.
If you’re a pro with deeper pockets, we’re also big fans of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. A powerhouse drone equipped with three cameras, it records 5.1K footage at up to 50fps. With superlative image quality and the ability to adjust aperture settings for creative flexibility, it’s a fantastic tool for serious aerial filmmakers. That said, the DJI Air 3 is also a fantastic all-rounder that arguably hits the price/performance sweet spot between the two models above.
Whatever type of DJI drone you’re interested in, we’ve tested all of the options featured below. Ranked on the basis of extensive flight time, you can be sure that each recommendation is airworthy. And with the help of our buying tips and price comparison widget, you can shop for a DJI drone in confidence.
If you're happy to check out other brands, we've got a best drones guide that also includes a handy How to Choose section with FAQs covering drone laws by region.
Tim is TechRadar's Cameras editor, with over 15 years in the photo video industry and most of those in the world of tech journalism. Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with all things camera related. He’s also worked in video production with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi.
The quick list
If you don’t have time to read our full list of the best DJI drones, you can read the round-up below for a shortcut to the top options for your needs and budget. If you find one that takes your fancy, use the links to jump to our full write-up.
Best sub 250g
The best sub-250g DJI drone
Packing the performance of bigger drones into convenient proportions, we think the DJI Mini 4 Pro is the best sub-250g DJI drone you can buy.
Best for beginners
The best DJI drone for beginners
If you don’t need the reassurance of collision avoidance, the Mini 3 is the best budget drone you can buy; small, lightweight and more affordable than the Mini 3 Pro.
Best for aerial photography
The best DJI drone for aerial photography
DJI’s flagship is the first consumer drone with three cameras; a main micro-four-thirds sensor with 24mm lens, together with 3x and 7x zoom options.
Best all rounder
The best DJI drone all-rounder
Hitting the sweet spot between affordability and performance, the Air 3 is a dual-camera drone with intuitive controls and a generous feature set.
Best to learn pilot skills
The best DJI drone to learn pilot skills
Capable of shooting immersive FPV 4K video. The advantage of shooting video with an FPV drone is that you can achieve the exhilarating first-person view that almost makes the viewer feel like they’re flying.
Best for speed
The best DJI drone for speed
The DJI Avata is capable of capturing up to 4K video at 60fps or higher frame rates at 2.7K or 1080p.
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Best for pros
The best DJI drone for pros
A seriously pro drone with excellent image quality, smooth and precise flights, and interchangeable lenses.
The best DJI drones 2024
Why you can trust TechRadar
Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best DJI drones in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
Best DJI drone sub 250g
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want DJI's best sub-250g drone: Excellent image quality and D-Log M color, Omnidirectional Obstacle Avoidance, plus impressive flight features combine to great effect
✅ You want consistency with your pro drone's video quality: Video capture using D-Log M color profile makes matching your video output across drones much easier.
❌ You can live without Omnidirectional Obstacle Avoidance: While this feature is useful to have, if you have no intention of flying in complex environments or close to obstacles you could opt for a cheaper alternative like in the Mini 3.
❌ You want the very best image quality: The Mavic 3 models boast a larger Four Thirds sensor Hasselblad camera with superior image quality.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro builds on the qualities of the Mini 3 Pro to become the new benchmark for what sub-250g drones can deliver.
One aspect of the Mini 4 Pro that can’t be ignored, though, is that despite being the closest Mini-series drone to the DJI Mavic 3 models and the DJI Air 3 in terms of flight and safety features, and some camera functionality, it’s more of an incremental update over the Mini 3 Pro than a radical upgrade; it looks remarkably similar, performs pretty much identically in flight, and even uses the same impressive 1/1.3-inch sensor. And for current Mini 3 Pro owners there could be a sense of frustration, as many of the camera upgrades could likely have been delivered via firmware updates.
This begs the question: if you’re a Mini 3 Pro owner, should you upgrade? And the simple if unhelpful answer is that only you can decide, with a little help from our DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 3 Pro article. The Mini 3 Pro remains a fantastic drone, despite not being quite as robustly featured as the Mini 4 Pro. But if you’re upgrading from an older model, or coming to the Mini series for the first time, the Mini 4 Pro is an excellent choice. Whether you’re a professional drone pilot using the Mini 4 Pro as a second drone who can benefit from the D-Log M video color consistency with your Mavic 3, or an enthusiast looking for something small and lightweight, the Mini 4 Pro is undoubtedly the best sub-250 g drone available.
- Read our in-depth DJI Mini 4 Pro review
Best DJI drone for beginners
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You’re a beginner drone photographer: The DJI Mini 3 is a great starting point if you’re new to drones, yet still delivers the same image quality as the Pro version.
✅ You’re on a budget: If you don’t have a huge amount to spend, the DJI Mini 3 is easily the best in its price bracket, offering a lot of value.
❌ Collision avoidance is needed: The Mini 3 doesn’t feature obstacle avoidance to keep you clear of trees, but the Mini 4 Pro does.
❌ You want to fly in strong wind: The Mini 3 can struggle and drift in strong winds whereas larger drones offer more stability.
If you don’t need the reassurance of collision avoidance, the Mini 3 is the best budget drone you can buy. Small, lightweight and more affordable than the Mini 3 Pro, it delivers identical image quality to its costlier sibling. Provided you’re confident to navigate in-flight obstacles without automated assistance, it’s a high-quality drone capable of capturing excellent JPEG and raw stills, as well as 4K video at up to 30fps. Helpfully, its 12MP sensor can also rotate to shoot in portrait.
A lack of Log profiles limits its appeal to professionals, while the absence of subject tracking marks another downgrade from the Pro version. That said, the Mini 3 still features Quickshots, which allow beginners to capture cinematic footage using automated flight paths. We found it an easy drone to pilot with the optional controller, with downward vision sensors and GPS to help with hovering. Stepping up to the Mavic 3 Classic would yield better image quality and increased stability in windy conditions, but with decent real-world flight times of 25 minutes, the Mini 3 ticks all the key boxes for budget buyers.
- Read our in-depth DJI Mini 3 review
Best DJI drone for aerial photography
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You need telephoto zoom: Twin telephoto lenses give the Mavic 3 Pro excellent versatility, with 166mm and 70mm cameras.
✅ You like to fly safe: The Mavic 3 Pro offers a suite of safety features, including collision avoidance and advance return to home.
❌ You’re a complete novice: The Mavic 3 Pro is easy to fly, but the Mini 3 offers a lot for beginners at a lower price and weight.
❌ You’re on a tight budget: As one of the most expensive consumer drones on the market, the Mavic 3 Pro is a premium option.
DJI’s new flagship is the first consumer drone with three cameras. This is two more than most pilots need. But if you’re an aerial photographer or videographer in search of the most versatile drone on the market, the results of our testing suggest the Mavic 3 Pro is the premium pick for you.
In our review, we found the image quality of the main 24mm Four Thirds camera – the same one used by the Mavic 3 Classic – the best. It’s also the winner in terms of adjustable aperture, formats and frame rates. That said, both telephoto cameras produce excellent images, and the option to zoom in 3x and 7x is fantastically useful in a range of scenarios.
Despite being a pro drone, we found the Mavic 3 Pro incredibly easy to fly, aided by excellent safety features that make it accessible to all users. However, its pro-tier video modes, as well as its price tag, make it overkill for beginners. Its weight also puts it into the restrictive C2 European drone category. But if you want a top-spec drone that’s more portable and less expensive than the Inspire 3, the Mavic 3 Pro offers it all – plus two telephotos.
- Read our in-depth DJI Mavic 3 Pro review
Best DJI drone for all rounders
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want a zoom lens: The Air 3 has two lenses, including a 3x telephoto that lets you get close to the action from a safe working distance.
✅ You fly in blustery conditions: In our tests, the Air 3 proved to have better wind resistance than the Mini 3 Pro, coping well with breezy situations.
❌ You want a starter drone: The DJI Air 3 is fine for beginners to fly, but novices might find the smaller and lighter Mini 3 more manageable.
❌ You want variable apertures: Both of the Air 3’s lenses have fixed apertures, which are particularly restrictive if you use ND filters.
With dual cameras and improved wind resistance, the DJI Air 3 represents a significant upgrade over the already capable Air 2S from 2021. A 720g take-off weight puts the Air 3 in Europe’s C1 category, meaning it’s subject to more restrictions than the sub-250g drones in this list. But you also get a lot of benefits for the extra baggage, including a generous 46-minute flight time.
In testing, we found image quality class-leading, as we’ve come to expect from DJI. Fixed apertures aren’t helpful for users of ND filters, but we found that the 3x zoom lens allows you to work at a safe and legal distance from subjects, a particularly useful feature if you’re recording wildlife.
Because the DJI Air 3 is a big drone, many novices will find the Mini 3 more manageable. That said, we think beginners will have no issue piloting the Air 3, thanks to its easy interface and useful safety features. As a middle ground between the more affordable Mini 3 Pro and the highly capable Mavic 3 Pro, it makes a lot of sense.
- Read our in-depth DJI Air 3 review
Best DJI drone to learn pilot skills
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want an FPV drone that ready out of the box: This FPV is ready to fly out of the box and comes packed with the expertise of a major drone manufacturer.
❌ You often fly drones alone: When flying any FPV drone outdoors, you must have an observer who can maintain visual line of sight of the drone, since you’re using either FPV goggles or a phone or tablet to view the camera feed.
❌ You want a racing drone: Considering the price of the DJI FPV and its weight, you really wouldn’t want to crash it from both a safety and financial point of view.
The DJI FPV is an intriguing new breed of drone. FPV (or First-Person View) drones are fast, fun and offer the most immersive flying experience possible, thanks to the inclusion of video goggles that give you a bird's-eye view from the sky. The trouble is, they're usually custom or self-built and not the easiest drones to fly – until now.
Thanks to DJI, anyone with a fair amount of pocket money to spend can now experience the exciting world of FPV drones with the DJI FPV. That means it's a great beginner drone for aspiring FPV drone flyers. It’s a huge amount of fun to fly, but how long will the novelty last? And is it as compelling as other drones like the DJI Mavic series?
The DJI FPV is mainly aimed at shooting immersive FPV 4K video, and there is the ability to shoot still images at a basic level – but you certainly shouldn’t buy this drone for that reason. The advantage of shooting video with an FPV drone is that you can achieve the exhilarating first-person view that almost makes the viewer feel like they’re flying.
The DJI FPV is capable of shooting 4K video up to 60fps and can also shoot 1080p at 120fps, which for the most part looks great. But even with lens correction turned on, the camera still captures the front propellers in video and stills. Another negative is that the battery only lasts for around 10 minutes in real-world situations, so you have to shoot fast.
- Read our in-depth DJI FPV Review
Best DJI drone for speed
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You're starting out flying FPV drones: This drone has been designed to make FPV flying easier for those that are starting out.
✅ You want a kit that's ready out of the box: The DJI Avata's headset, controller and drone are all designed to work optimally together.
❌ You're a solo pilot: There are strict rules in most regions about flying FPV drones with an extra observer in direct line of sight.
❌ You haven't tried FPV before: FPV drones are wild experience that you might not take to, and so it can be worth trying out with a budget-friendly option first.
The DJI Avata is an expensive entry point into the world of first person view drones that packs FPV hardware but also the kind of video chops of a camera drone. Falling into both drone types, it might not satisfy either objective as effectively as more dedicated solutions. That said, the second iteration of the DJI Avata addresses some of the flaws of its 2021 predecessor, offering a sturdier flying experience that you'll need for such high-speed flight, even if its max speed doesn't quite match. At 410g it's half the weight of its the first gen model, plus it also sports a better camera.
Depending on what bundle you buy, you can get the Avata with the DJI Motion Controller and latest DJI Goggles 2, or you can fork out extra for DJI's FPV Remote Controller 2. If you don’t get motion sick and have the space to let the Avata off its leash then it can be a blast to fly, and you can now get much better quality photo and video quality as on the move. If you're not sure about FPV drones, it could be wise to start off with a cheaper option to see if you like the experience, like the BetaFPV Cetus X.
- Read our in-depth DJI Avata Review
Best DJI drone for pros
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You produce professional drone footage: The Inspire 3 has the tools needed for truly pro productions, including dual-operator control.
✅ You demand the upmost precision: With precise flight accuracy, the Inspire 3 was made for the highly complex environments such as crowded film sets.
❌ You’re not making money from piloting: This is a ludicrously capable and expensive drone that's no toy.
❌ You need a compact drone: The bulky Inspire 3 is heavy to carry, slow to setup and comes with legal flight restrictions.
The DJI Inspire 3 is a serious drone for seriously professional shoots and complex shoot environments. It offers precise control down to flight accuracy of 10mm, plus dual operator control. It's bulky and heavy, requires time to setup – in short, this is no consumer drone; it's built for professional environments such as film sets and commercial inspections.
Camera-wise it's a similar setup to DJI's full-frame and interchangeable lens Ronin 4D 8K, meaning image quality is fantastic and next level compared to the other consumer drones in the guide. The stabilized Zenmuse X9-8K Air Gimbal Camera can shoot 8K up to 75fps in ProRes Raw in either full-frame or Super 35, plus 4K at up to 120fps in all but the CinemaDNG codec, which tops out at 100fps in 4K. Aerial photographers are well catered for too – you can also shoot photos in raw and JPEG, with up to 14 stops of dynamic range. This is 5-star quality all the way.
- Read our in-depth DJI Inspire 3 review
How we test DJI drones
How we test DJI drones
While the cameras are the main focus of the DJI drones we review, we also test their flying performance to see how easy they are to operate. We check their stabilization in the air, their responsiveness and their top speed. Perhaps most importantly, we also assess their obstacle avoidance – which is particularly crucial if you want a drone that automatically tracks and follows a subject.
After testing the drone's battery life claims based on some real-world flights, we then move onto their cameras. We shoot a range if clips at different resolutions and frame-rates, including high-contrast scenes to push their dynamic range to the limit, plus some low-light scenes. Automated flight modes are also tested to see whether they're genuinely useful or fun gimmicks.
These videos are then assessed on a calibrated monitor, along with the drone's still photos (which we shoot in maximum resolution in both JPEG and raw, at various ISOs).
When it comes to image quality, we look at detail, sharpness across the frame, and high ISO noise handling, to see which conditions you can reasonably expect to shoot usable video and stills in. We then combine these results with our overall impression of the drone's design, features and value to produce our final verdict.
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Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.
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