DJI has been leading the consumer drone revolution since the beginning. With innovative hardware, top-tier software, and a diverse model line that defines the cutting-edge, DJI’s market dominance is well-earned. And most enticing of all, there’s a DJI drone for every type of flier.
I’ve been a professional drone pilot for over 8 years, and I’ve tested dozens of different brands and models. Through all the near-crashes and near-losses, I’ve learned which drones are best and which drones should probably stay on the ground. DJI always makes it to the top of my list, since few competitors can beat the reliability and quality of a DJI flight.
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I’m a videographer, so I’m partial to models designed for aerial photography. To tackle this bias, I collaborated with my team of fellow drone and camera experts here at Pocket-lint. Together, we came up with the following list of the top DJI drones in 2024. Now let’s get you airborne.
Best DJI drones: Tested by our experts
DJI Mini 4 Pro
1. Best overall DJI drone
A tiny drone with massive power
With long flights, pro-level video recording, and an incredibly small, compact size, the DJI Mini 4 Pro does it all.
- Under 250g and tiny
- Up to 34-minute flights
- Up to 4K 100fps recording
- Fantastic value for the price
- Less wind resistance than larger drones
When I started my career in aerial videography, professional-grade drones were bulky, basic, and wildly expensive. But with DJI’s Mini 4 Pro, all those downsides have disappeared. It certainly earns both its mini and pro monikers, too, since its compact 249-gram body captures gorgeous 4K footage at 100fps.
DJI Mini 4 Pro: Aerial perfection
Our favourite Mini drone gets a healthy upgrade for 2023.
There are tons of impressive specs to unpack here, so I’ll focus on the highlights. The 45-minute max flight time is a boon for videographers looking to take long, sweeping shots, and the advanced stabilization system ensures that the footage is smooth as butter and sharp as a knife. You can also thank the 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and its insanely-fast f/1.7 lens.
Flying the Mini 4 Pro is worry-free, since the omnidirectional obstacle sensors stop the drone in its tracks should it detect an imminent collision. It’s a noticeable improvement over the obstacle avoidance systems of the past. (I speak from experience when I say that you don’t want an unreliable OAS.) Folded up, it’s palm-sized, meaning you can pop it in a backpack or purse and have it ready to go. The only drawback to the small, lightweight design is a slightly greater weakness for wind. It can remain stable in a breeze, but strong gusts will likely wobble it around.
That being said, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is a top-tier drone, and the price is more than reasonable for the professional quality. It flies fast and steady, and it’s packed with all the latest and greatest tech from DJI. What more could you ask for?
DJI Air 3
2. Best dual-camera DJI drone
Two cameras are better than one
The Air 3 doubles up the cameras and boosts the flying abilities, making at perfect middle ground between the Mini and Mavic series drones.
- Dual camera system
- 46-minute flights
- Up to 4K100p video recording
- Not quite the camera power as the Mavic 3 Pro, though the lower price reflects that
If you’re looking for something a little more professional, with a much higher wind resistance, then your best bet is the DJI Air 3. This drone offers a balance between the affordability of the Mini 3 Pro and the professional specs of the Mavic 3 — and that includes all the high performance of both.
DJI Air 3: Make mine a double
The DJI Air 3 brings dual-camera drones into the mainstream. Could it be the perfect choice for aspiring aerial photographers?
The Air 3 has dual cameras, so you can select between the standard wide-angle drone shot and a much closer 70mm equivalent telephoto. This adds a whole new dimension to your drone shots, and can really make your footage stand out from the crowd.
It’s also a beast when it comes to slow motion, offering up to 4K 100fps recording for some really impressive action shots. In fact, there are a lot of high-end features that expand your aerial videography capabilities, and the price is fairly accessible.
DJI Mini 2 SE
3. Best budget DJI drone for beginners
Earn your wings without paying a fortune
The DJI Mini 2 SE boasts a 2.7K video resolution and a super affordable price, making it the perfect choice for beginners on a budget.
- Highly affordable
- 31-minute flight time
- Automatic modes create memorable videos easily
- Impressive 2.7K max video resolution
- Lacks an obstacle avoidance system
For those new to the drone game or who simply can’t afford the premium prices of the pro models, the DJI Mini 2 SE will serve nicely. It’s a full-fledged smart drone, with advanced software and user-friendly control systems, yet it comes at a bargain. And perhaps most surprisingly, its camera can capture 2.7K videos, so its specs aren’t too far off from the professional models.
DJI Mini 2 SE added to palm-sized drone range
Small but perfectly formed drone can take 12MP pics and 2.7K video.
Another perk for beginners is the sub-250g weight, which means you don’t have to register it with the US government to fly legally. You should still look up your local laws and regulations, but it’s a convenient feature nonetheless. It’s also portable and small, as well. Folded up, it occupies about the same amount of space as a can of soda, so travelers can easily take it along on their adventures.
The automatic modes, called Automatic Pro Shots, are definitely a highlight. Simply tapping one of the presets sends the drone whizzing through the air on a programmed course, capturing captivating videos as it goes. The memorable footage is ideal for showing off vacations, outdoor events, weddings, and other celebratory moments worth saving.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro
4. Best DJI drone for professional video
Soar into the big leagues with the best
This flagship is the reigning champion of aerial videography, with a versatile triple-camera system for recording 5.1K videos in immaculate quality.
- 43-minute flight time per battery
- Three cameras: 24mm, 70mm, and 166mm
- Apple ProRes support
- Up to 5.1K50p video resolution
- Expensive
- Extra batteries and accessories are also pricey
If you ask any expert what the best drone is, it’s almost a guarantee that they’ll say the Mavic 3 Pro (if they answer the DJI Inspire 3, you can then ask them for $16,000 to cover the cost). The Mavic 3 line has several variants, with the Classic, Pro Cine, and various Fly More bundles, but the Mavic 3 Pro is the most popular. With a base price of around $2,200, it sets the gold standard for independent aerial videography.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro: Triple lens triumph
DJI’s top-tier consumer drone sports a triple camera array to allow for some unique perspectives. We put it to the test.
My first DJI drone was the Mavic 2 Pro, which was the most cutting-edge model on the market at the time. Now, some six years later, the Mavic 3 Pro makes its predecessor look like a toy. With three gorgeous cameras, it expands aerial filmmaking possibilities to new heights. Use the Hasselblad 24mm camera for wide, sweeping shots, and switch to the 70mm and 166mm cameras when you want to zoom in closer to your subjects from afar. And when you capture all that at 5.1K resolution, the footage is spectacular.
Yet for a professional camera drone, the Mavic 3 Pro is surprisingly easy to control. It has a slew of presets, settings, and camera modes, and it can take some time to master it all. But once you learn the ropes, the flying experience is a breeze and the professional results are well-worth the investment.
DJI Avata
5. Best DJI FPV drone
Fulfill your need for speed
If you want to crank up the fun to the next level, the DJI Avata is the best way to find your feet with FPV flying.
- Up to 4K 60fps recording
- Can reach 60mph in manual mode
- Amazing FPV flying
- Up to 18-minute flights
- FPV flying means a much higher risk of crashing
The DJI Avata is an entirely different type of drone to the other models in DJI’s lineup. It’s what’s known as an FPV drone, which stands for first-person view, and these types of drones are typically flown with video goggles on your head to give an immersive flying experience.
DJI Avata: The cinewhoop goes mainstream
The Avata promises to be an all-in-one cinewhoop solution that’s easy to set up, fly and film with. We’ve been putting it to the test.
Popularized by RC hobbyists, FPV drones have historically had a very steep learning curve, with fully manual controls, no sensors and no return-to-home functionality. The DJI Avata is a much more accessible way to enjoy this thrilling style of flight, as it has simplified controls with the Motion controller, altitude hold, emergency braking, return to home and more.
It’s not all just about fun flying, though, the Avata is capable of capturing stunning shots that just aren’t possible with DJI’s other drones. Diving and swooping like a bird gives a unique perspective on your subject. Just be warned, crashes come with the territory, so this style of drone is not for the faint of heart.
The bottom line: Which is the best DJI drone?
We think most people will be best served by the DJI Mini 4 Pro. It’s compact and easy to carry, it has fewer restrictions on its usage, and it’s super easy to fly thanks to its obstacle avoidance sensors. At the same time, it can capture stunning images, and it boasts specs that are on the same tier as the more expensive models, too.
DJI Mini 4 Pro
Editor’s Choice
That said, the Mini 4 Pro won’t be the perfect drone for everyone. It’s a pricey option, so those looking to save money might want to consider the Mini 3 instead. On the other hand, if you’re looking for the best image fidelity and expect to fly in some windy conditions, then you’ll want to check out the Mavic 3 Pro.
How we chose the best DJI drones
With so many unique models in DJI’s lineup, it can be challenging to pick out the perfect drone for your needs. In an effort to help, here are a few things we recommend thinking about before you take the plunge.
What do you need a drone for?
Choosing the right DJI drone is all about honing in on the specs that matter to you. What was it that tempted you to buy a drone in the first place? Do you want to capture stunning videos for your YouTube channel, or are you more interested in taking photographs? Maybe you just want to fly for the thrill of it?
Most of the differentiation between these models comes in the form of video and photo specifications, so if you figure out what you’re likely to want from your drone, then it should help to narrow down your options. And if you just want to fly for fun, then a cheaper option will serve you well, or an FPV model, if you’re feeling adventurous.
As an example, we love being able to film ourselves with ActiveTrack, which means we’re mainly interested in drones that have obstacle avoidance sensors. And since not everybody is a professional in need of the Mavic 3 Pro’s triple-camera system, the Mini 2 SE and Air 3 are also great options.
What’s your budget?
DJI drones aren’t exactly cheap. But even the more affordable options offer high-end specs. A great example is the DJI Mini 2 SE, which can capture 2.7K video with rich colors and smooth motion. And yet, it’s our budget pick. It’s one of my favorite aspects of the DJI legacy, since even those with limited funds can still score an advanced drone with an excellent camera. Professionals will likely seek to invest in a more expensive model like the Mavic 3 Pro. Nonetheless, every DJI model comes at a bargain when you consider the power of these cutting-edge drones.
What are the local regulations?
Before you commit to a purchase, it’s worth checking what you can fly legally in your region. A heavier craft will usually require you to have some kind of certification before you take to the skies, whereas you might find that a drone from the Mini series is much less restricted.
We have a guide to the regulations in the UK and the US, but if you’re elsewhere in the world, be sure to check with your local aviation authority.
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