Drone Buying Guide

So, you want to buy your first drone but have no idea where to start? You're in the right place! This buying guide will walk you through your options so you can make an informed choice.

Note: All product links are affiliate links that help me produce more content for this website.

Your First Drone

If you are here, you have probably already started researching the different drone options. You have probably noticed many cheap options ($0-$199) on Amazon and more expensive options from DJI. You might be wondering what the difference is because, at first glance, they seem to be advertising the same specifications: 4K videos at 60FPS, 30-40 minute flight times, and FAA certification.
Be warned! Most of these sub-$200 drone options are junk. The listed specs do not match their real-world counterparts, and the build quality will not last. The software lacks all the features you would want in a drone. These drones will be a poor introduction to the world of drones and leave you disappointed. Some of the most significant issues these cheap drones tend to have are lost-link issues, poor GPS connection (if they even have GPS capabilities in the first place), poor app support, low flight range, awful camera quality, and poor materials and construction. These drones should be treated as toys (but don't be fooled; they're still subject to all FAA or other local regulator rules).

Now, with that disclaimer out of the way, let's start looking at drones worth purchasing. To decide what drone is right for you, you first need to evaluate what the purpose of the drone will be. Are you planning to fly for fun and take pictures/videos of your hikes? Do you want to do real estate photography? Do you need a thermal camera for search and rescue missions or building inspections? Do you want to feel like a fighter pilot in the cockpit with an FPV drone?

Let's start by looking at the size of the various drones available. We'll separate them into a few categories: Consumer Drones, Professional Drones, Racing/FPV Drones, Heavylift Drones, and NDAA compliant drones. FPV drones will be covered in brief on this page with more details on a dedicated post. The same will go for Heavylift and NDAA compliant drones, as these are much more specialized than what a typical consumer will be interested in.

Consumer Drones

Ultralight Sub-250g Drones

Many drones are advertised as below 250g. Why 250g? Most regulators use this value as the cutoff for some rules and regulations. For example, recreational drones below 250g are not subject to the aircraft registration and Remote ID process in the US. However, this does not mean they are exempt from all other rules and regulations, but we'll get into them here.

These tiny drones are compact for easy transportation but still quite powerful in their capabilities. Some modern drones in this class, like the DJI Mini 4 Pro, include advanced obstacle-detection features, high-quality cameras, and impressive flight times.

Most people new to drones will want a drone in this category. These drones tend to have the best price-performance ratio. You will get good daytime image quality, flight time, and transportability for hobby flying. The biggest drawback of these ultralight drones is their wind resistance. The low weight of these drones means they are easily pushed by the wind, leading to potential flyaways or lower stability in high winds.

The table below lists options that are worth purchasing. As always, you get what you pay for. The Potensic Atom series includes the Potensic Atom LT at the lowest end, which can sometimes be sold for $169.99. However, this drone lacks a 3-axis gimbal, obstacle avoidance sensors, and high-quality GPS. At the high end, the DJI Mini 4 Pro will have advanced obstacle avoidance, a fully featured software with intelligent flight modes, object tracking, GPS positioning, and more.

For this category, my recommendation is to get the DJI Mini that fits best into your budget. This will give you the most software features and best performing drone to give you the best introduction to drones. Autel is a good secondary option. The HOVERAir X1 series can be a good option if you want only a simple Follow Me type drone as they have great person/object tracking capabilities.

Advanced Drones

Advanced drones are the natural next step from basic consumer models, stepping firmly into the realm of higher end hobby use and some lower end professional use. This category includes the DJI Air series, as well as equivalent models from competitors like Autel. These drones deliver more refined imaging capabilities, advanced obstacle detection, and sophisticated flight modes that give you greater creative and technical control in the field.

The biggest advantage of these advanced drones is their balance between high-performance features and relatively accessible operation. With enhanced sensors, longer flight times, multiple cameras, and intelligent software integrations, models in this category allow you to capture cinematic footage or detailed aerial surveys with precision. Whether you choose a DJI Air or an Autel EVO, you’re getting a better camera and software system than most of the drones in the ultralight category.

However, there are trade-offs to consider. While these drones offer professional-level features, their price points are noticeably higher than entry-level models. Their advanced systems may also have a steeper learning curve for beginners and might require more diligent maintenance and firmware updates. Additionally, while DJI provides a broad ecosystem of support and accessories, some competitor models may not have as extensive a support network, so it’s important to weigh the benefits against your specific needs and budget. You'll notice some lower end models in this list (Ruko). These are mostly included as they weigh more than the ultralight series. They noticeably have lower capabilities in relation to their cameras, software, and support.

Enterprise Drones

Professional Drones

Professional drones are built for mission-critical applications and specialized tasks, where every feature is designed to meet exacting standards. This group includes the DJI Enterprise Series, such as the M30T and Matrice 4T, alongside high-end offerings from competitors. These drones are often equipped with features like thermal cameras, hot-swappable batteries, global shutters, and advanced obstacle avoidance systems that enable precise industrial inspections, search and rescue missions, and detailed mapping projects.

One of the key strengths of professional drones is their tailor-made feature set. With integrated thermal imaging, high-resolution sensors, and the ability to swap batteries quickly in the field, these drones are engineered to operate in challenging environments and deliver real-time data critical to specific tasks. Whether you’re flying a DJI M30T or considering competitor models from Autel Robotics, you benefit from a machine that’s built to handle the rigors of professional use, ensuring reliability and performance when you need it most.

That said, the benefits come with a few challenges. Professional drones are a significant investment and come with complex systems that often require specialized training to operate effectively. Their sophisticated hardware and software integrations can lead to compatibility issues or increased maintenance demands. While these drones offer unparalleled capabilities for professional applications, they may be overkill for casual users or those with limited operational needs.

FPV & Racing Drones

FPV & racing drones are all about delivering an immersive, adrenaline-fueled flying experience that puts you in the cockpit. In this category, you have options like the user-friendly DJI Avata 2 and a wide range of custom-built or traditional FPV drones from other manufacturers. These drones offer rapid response times and agile maneuverability, ideal for racing or acrobatic flight that lets you push the limits of aerial agility.

The major advantage here is the incredible level of control and immersion that FPV drones provide. With dedicated FPV headsets and customizable flight modes, you can achieve high speeds and execute precision maneuvers that make each flight an exhilarating adventure. For newcomers, the DJI Avata 2 offers a simple setup and intuitive controls, while more experienced pilots can opt for custom builds that allow for detailed tweaks to performance, durability, and overall racing efficiency.

On the flip side, these drones come with their own set of challenges. Models like the DJI Avata 2, while easy to use, tend to be more fragile compared to robust, custom-built FPV rigs. Custom setups, though highly configurable, demand a good deal of technical know-how to assemble, maintain, and repair after inevitable crashes in the high-intensity racing environment. This means that while FPV and racing drones offer a unique and thrilling experience, they also require a willingness to invest time and money into repairs and upgrades. For these reasons, the below list will only include the DJI Avata 2 and a separate FPV page will go into much more depth for FPV drones.

Heavylift Drones

Heavylift drones are designed for the big leagues, where carrying large payloads is the order of the day. These machines are purpose-built for industrial, agricultural, and logistical applications, making them ideal for tasks like crop spraying, package delivery, or supporting construction projects. With models like the DJI Agras and Flycart series, heavylift drones are becoming more accessible but still expensive.

The primary strength of heavylift drones is their impressive payload capacity, which unlocks a range of commercial applications that lighter drones simply cannot handle. Their robust construction, specialized attachments, and extended flight times allow them to perform demanding tasks with efficiency and precision. Advanced navigation and stabilization systems further ensure that even when burdened with heavy loads, these drones maintain safe, reliable performance in challenging environments.

Despite their capabilities, heavylift drones are not without downsides. Their increased size and weight often result in reduced agility and higher susceptibility to wind and other environmental factors, limiting operational flexibility. Additionally, these drones carry a premium price tag, and the cost of maintenance, specialized training, and regulatory compliance can be significant. For businesses considering heavylift drones, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits of payload capacity and efficiency against the higher investment and operational demands.

NDAA/Blue UAS Drones

NDAA/Blue UAS drones occupy a unique niche in the market, designed specifically to meet the rigorous standards required for US government and defense work. Certified under stringent guidelines like the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) or Blue UAS standards, these drones are trusted for their safety, security, and operational integrity. Their certification makes them a go-to choice for sensitive applications, though it also means they come with a heftier price tag than their commercial counterparts.

One of the standout benefits of NDAA/Blue UAS drones is their enhanced security and reliability. Engineered with advanced encryption, fail-safe mechanisms, and rigorous testing protocols, these drones are built to operate securely in high-stakes environments. Whether used for surveillance, search and rescue, or other government operations, their cutting-edge technology in imaging and communication ensures that mission-critical tasks are carried out without compromise and offer a level of trust and performance that standard models can’t provide.

However, the specialized nature of these drones also brings some challenges. Their high cost can be prohibitive for smaller agencies or private organizations, and the complex certification processes often result in less flexibility for customization and rapid innovation. Additionally, the advanced systems and stringent regulatory requirements can lead to a steeper learning curve and more limited aftermarket support compared to non-certified commercial drones. For those who require uncompromising security and performance, though, the benefits of NDAA/Blue UAS drones make them a worthwhile investment.