Best Drones for Beginners

Whether professionally, as a hobby, or for creating content, flying drones is not easy. So what are the best drones for beginners?

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is the best overall beginner drone, whereas the DJI Avata is the best FPV beginner drone. DJI Mavic 3 Pro is also the top consumer drone for professional filmmakers, whether beginners or not.

There’s much more information to cover, such as why these drones are our top picks for beginners, what to remember when flying drones, and what to look for in a beginner drone, so let’s begin!

1. DJI Mini 3 Pro – The best overall beginner drone

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is one of the best overall drones for beginners and intermediate pilots looking to buy a drone to learn to fly, get into photography or filming, travel, or enjoy relaxed drone laws.

This drone has a lot of functions and performs well for the price.

The camera quality is excellent and above average for standard drones. Of course, there are drones with better camera sensors for professional filming.

However, if you need videos or images to add to your project and don’t want an intermediate drone, consider the Mini 3 Pro.

Size	145×90×62 mm
Weight	<249 g
Flight Time	– 34 mins with the Intelligent Battery – 47 mins with the Intelligent Battery Plus
Obstacle Avoidance	Yes, forward, backward, and downward, plus landing avoidance sensors
Autonomous Functions	Active Track 4.0 with follow-me mode (trace & parallel), Point of Interest, and other intelligent functions
Camera Sensor	1/1.3 inch CMOS
Photo Resolution	12 or 48 megapixels
Video Camera	Can film up to 4k at 60 frames per second
Transmission Range	Max 12 km (FCC, video)

✅ Pros

• It has a fantastic flight performance
• Can fly for a long time
• Perfect photo and video camera
• It’s portable and lightweight, as it’s under 250 grams
• Has several avoidance sensors
• It comes with intelligent flight functions
• Decent price
• Is compatible with the DJI RC 
• Can fly long-range

❌ Cons

• Not very resistant at high winds (small and lightweight)
• It’s already an older drone
• It does not have side and upward avoidance sensors

Why the DJI Mini 3 Pro is the best overall beginner drone

Being one of the most known and purchased drones of all time, the Mini 3 Pro is a drone you cannot go wrong with as a beginner. It’s much loved in the drone community.

With many pilots owning this drone, the overall experience has been highly positive.

We often review and write about the Mini 3 Pro on Droneblog, and we always mention that it’s currently one of the best overall beginner drones you can get.

2. DJI Mavic 3 Pro – Best professional beginner drone for filming and photography

Being one of the latest drones, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a professional drone made for photographers and filmmakers.

It also includes many safety features and intelligent functions, making this drone very suitable for beginners.

Despite the high starting price, this drone has an omnidirectional binocular sensing system to help you avoid collisions from any side, making the drone viable to fly even in challenging places.

But that’s not even the best part.

The Mavic 3 Pro has three fantastic cameras, one of which is a Hasselblad with a huge sensor, excellent for professional photographers and videomakers of any level.

Size	231.1×98×95.4 mm folded, without propellers
Weight	958 g
Flight Time	Max 43 mins
Obstacle Avoidance	Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance sensors
Autonomous Functions	Active Track 5.0, Advanced Return to Home feature, and several intelligent functions
Camera Sensor	– Hasselblad: 4/3 inch CMOS with 1-3x zoom – Medium Tele: 1/1.3 inch CMOS with 3-7x zoom – Tele Camera: 1/2 inch CMOS with 7-28x zoom
Photo Resolution	– Hasselblad: 20 megapixels – Medium Tele: 48 megapixels – Tele Camera: 12 megapixels
Video Camera	– Hasselblad: Max 5.1k at 50 frames per second or 4k at 120 frames per second – Medium Tele: 4k at 60 frames per second – Tele Camera:4k at 60 frames per second
Transmission Range	Max 15 km

✅ Pros

• Has one of the most advanced avoidance sensors, autonomous functions, and features that can be found in a consumer drone
• It comes with three advanced professional cameras, improved in the case of the Cine version
• Has the ability to zoom (hybrid) up to 28x for unique photos and videos
• It has complete anti-collision sensor coverage
• The frontal sensor can detect objects up to 200 meters ahead
• Unique flight performance
• It can fly for an extended period
• Despite the price, it’s a very beginner-friendly drone
• Excellent transmission range
• Compatible with both DJI RC and DJI RC Pro
• Very resistant to wind
• Can reach high flight speeds

❌ Cons

• High starting price
• Quite a heavy drone

Why the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is the best professional beginner drone for filming and photography

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is the successor of the Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Classic.

Despite the expense, it’s a fantastic choice to obtain professional images and videos and fly with all the extra safety features and intelligent autonomous functions.

For instance, when the return to home is initiated, and there are obstacles between the drone and the home point, the Mavic 3 Pro will attempt to create a new path toward home and avoid objects on the way. 

This drone packs the latest technologies and cameras that can be found in any consumer drone. 

3. DJI Air 2S – Best balanced drone

The DJI Air 2S is another well-known drone because it has a fantastic camera sensor for professional filming, suitable avoidance sensors, and can film at a very high resolution while maintaining a relatively low price compared to professional drones.

In terms of performance, Air 2S is between the Mini 3 Pro and Mavic 3 Pro, but when comparing prices, it’s very close to the Mini 3 Pro.

Therefore, we consider the Air 2S a fantastic balanced drone offering you intelligent features, good flying performance on top of safety features, and a large camera sensor that’s suitable for most new pilots.

Size	180×97×77 mm folded
Weight	595 g
Flight Time	31 mins
Obstacle Avoidance	Forward, downward, backward, and upward anti-collision sensors
Autonomous Functions	Yes, Active Track 4.0 with follow-me mode and other intelligent functions
Camera Sensor	1-inch CMOS
Photo Resolution	20 megapixels
Video Camera	Can record up to 5.3k at 30 frames per second
Transmission Range	Up to 7.4 mi or 12 km, depending on the remote controller

✅ Pros

• It has one of the largest camera sensors and video recordings for a drone in this price range
• Comes with four-direction obstacle avoidance sensors
• It’s a very beginner-friendly drone
• Can fly for a decent amount of time
• Easy to set up and fly
• Is compatible with DJI RC and DJI RC Pro
• Has several good autonomous functions
• Excellent transmission range
• Outstanding flight performance
• Good wind resistance

❌ Cons

• It’s already two years old
• The price may not be beginner-friendly
• It does not have side sensors
• It weighs more than 250 grams

Why the DJI Air 2S is the best-balanced drone

The Air 2S has a unique camera sensor and filming capability at a fair price, whereas many other drones have smaller camera sensors. 

This drone also comes with an upward anti-collision sensor, making it perfect for flying inside forests and places with many obstacles.

Most features and parts behind this drone are found only in more expensive drones. The Air 2S offers a little bit of everything with the latest technologies.

4. DJI Mini 3 – Best budget drone for beginners

Many new drone pilots are looking for a beginner-friendly drone that is not very expensive.

For that, we have the DJI Mini 3, which is the newer version of the Mini 3 Pro, but with a few modifications.

We don’t get obstacle avoidance or an excellent camera sensor with the Mini 3, but we do have a meager starting price, making this drone very accessible for most pilots.

It’s quickly gained popularity due to good flight performance for the low price.

Size	148×90×62 mm folded without propellers
Weight	248 g
Flight Time	– 38 mins with the Intelligent Battery – 51 mins with the Intelligent Battery Plus
Obstacle Avoidance	None, only landing sensors
Autonomous Functions	Several autonomous functions
Camera Sensor	1/1.3-inch CMOS
Photo Resolution	48 megapixels
Video Camera	Can record up to 4k at 30 frames per second
Transmission Range	6.2 mi or 10 km (FCC, free of interference)

✅ Pros

• It’s a very affordable little drone 
• Weights under 250 grams
• Excellent camera for the price
• Can fly for a long time
• Fantastic flight performance 
• It’s a relatively new drone
• Three-axis mechanical gimbal
• Loved by the drone community

❌ Cons

• It doesn’t have avoidance sensors
• Although it can film in 4k, it can record up to 30 frames per second with this resolution
• Doesn’t come with a follow-me mode
• It has the older DJI video transmission module, the O2 version

Why the DJI Mini 3 is the best budget drone for beginners

The Mini 3 is a drone that many new pilots can afford and is a good choice if you’re just starting out flying drones but are unsure if you will stick with the hobby.

The Mini 3 can travel and fit in your backpack. Moreover, you can even enjoy relaxed drone laws for sub-250-gram drones.

5. Autel EVO Nano Plus – Best bundle drone

When buying a drone as a beginner, sometimes we may have to acquire additional accessories and parts, propellers, batteries, etc., just to ensure we can properly learn to fly, film, and have an immersive experience.

But each of these accessories costs more and more, and in the end, can add up quite a lot!

Suppose you’re looking for a bundle to have them all. In that case, we recommend you check the Autel EVO Nano Plus, which is a fantastic small drone with good flight performance, camera capabilities, flight time, and unique features. 

As a bonus, it comes with the best bundle ever found with a drone.

Size	140×90×50mm folded
Weight	249 g
Flight Time	28 mins
Obstacle Avoidance	Yes, 360-degree (frontal, backward, and downward anti-collision sensors)
Autonomous Functions	Dynamic Track 2.1 with several autonomous functions, including follow-me mode
Camera Sensor	1/1.28 inch for the PLUS version (this)
Photo Resolution	50 megapixels
Video Camera	Max 4k at 30 frames per second
Transmission Range	6.2 mi (10 km)

✅ Pros

• It’s an inexpensive drone with great features
• Has a fantastic camera sensor for the price
• It comes with avoidance sensors and autonomous functions
• The drone comes in a great bundle
• Can fly for a decent amount of time
• Excellent photo resolution
• Good transmission range
• It’s a well-known drone loved by the community
• Very beginner-friendly
• Sub-250-gram drone
• It’s foldable
• Does not have any active geofencing map

❌ Cons

• Does not record 60 frames per second in 4K
• Lacks upward and side avoidance sensors
• The follow-me mode may present some issues where the drone warns you it doesn’t have space to follow you, even if it does

Why the Autel EVO Nano Plus is the best bundle drone for beginners

The Autel EVO Nano Plus is a fantastic bundle that cannot be matched, from the drone to the extra batteries, carrying case, MicroSD cards, charger, propellers, and other accessories.

Furthermore, the drone has a fantastic flight performance compared to similar DJI drones and is excellent for beginners as well.

6. DJI Avata – Best FPV drone for beginners

The DJI Avata is the best FPV drone for beginners if you want to fly in places and spaces where no other drone can and enjoy an immersive FPV experience.

DJI has released only two FPV drones (so far): DJI FPV and Avata.

While the DJI FPV is made for long-range, fast cinematic flights, the Avata, on the other hand, is the opposite.

You can fly at slow speeds, close to people and objects, and take fewer risks when flying FPV because of the duct guards (it’s a Cinewhoop drone).

There are no other FPV drones existent as simple to fly as the Avata, and it’s the easiest way for a beginner to start flying FPV.

Size	180×180×80 mm
Weight	410 g
Flight Time	Max 18 mins
Obstacle Avoidance	None
Autonomous Functions	None, except for the return-to-home feature and auto landing
Camera Sensor	1/1.7 inch CMOS
Photo Resolution	N/A, can just snapshot with 4000×3000 resolution in JPEG
Video Camera	Can film 4k at 60 frames per second or in 2.7k at 120 frames per second
Transmission Range	Max 10 km (FCC) video transmission range

✅ Pros

• It’s the most beginner-friendly FPV drone
• Can fly in Normal, Manual, and Sport modes (acro)
• You can freestyle with this drone
• Has excellent transmission image range and low latency
• You can acquire unique FPV drone footage with the built-in camera
• Can shoot in slow-motion in 2.7k at 120 frames per second
• Has an emergency brake button
• It’s the easiest way to get into FPV 

❌ Cons

• The drone, goggles, motion controller, and remote controller can get pricy as an entire kit
• You need to learn to fly acro FPV in simulators before flying Avata in Manual mode
• You can’t take sharp turns or fly in high winds because it can tumble
• It’s not the best drone to freestyle
• It does not have avoidance sensors nor any intelligent modes (except for the RTH feature)

Why the DJI Avata is the best PV drone for beginners?

Avata is the only beginner-friendly FPV drone. 

Although the older DJI FPV may be an alternative, with the Avata, you can safely fly near people, indoors, objects, and in places where other drones simply cannot fly freely, such as a forest.

Suppose you want to start freestyle with a drone. 

There are better options in that case, but if you’re looking for a straightforward FPV drone to fly, Avata should be the answer.

7. DJI Mini 2 SE – Best entry-level beginner drone

If you’re not looking for fancy specs and just want a simple drone that’s as cheap as possible (even cheaper than the DJI Mini 3), the DJI Mini 2 SE is your entry-level budget drone.

With a few more limitations than the Mini 3, the Mini 2 SE is one of the latest DJI drones. It offers decent flight performance and specs.

Size	138×81×58 mm folded without propellers
Weight	246 g
Flight Time	Max 31 mins
Obstacle Avoidance	None
Autonomous Functions	Active Track with several intelligent functions
Camera Sensor	1/2.3 inch CMOS
Photo Resolution	12 megapixels
Video Camera	Can film 2.7k at 30 frames per second or in FHD at 60 frames per second
Transmission Range	Max 6.2 mi or 10 km (FCC) video transmission range

✅ Pros

• It’s a fantastic entry-level drone with amazing performance
• Very affordable for any pilot
• Beginner-friendly drone
• Level 5 wind-resistant
• Has several autonomous functions
• Three-axis gimbal
• Lightweight (sub-250-gram) and portable
• Can fold

❌ Cons

• Does not have a 4k camera
• Doesn’t come with a follow-me mode
• It does not have any avoidance sensors
• The older O2 transmission system

Why the DJI Mini 2 SE is the best entry-level budget drone

For pilots looking for a simple drone to start flying, there is no better one for the price than the Mini 2 SE.

Although the Mini 3 is slightly more expensive and comes with a 4k camera, it is not an entry-level budget drone, whereas the Mini 2 SE is the cheapest DJI drone you can get with today’s technologies.

You will have a few limitations, surely, but with the Mini 2 SE, you can learn to fly in no time, and it is a decent drone to grab and take with you anywhere.

Note: Are you looking for an entry-level non-DJI drone? You may want to check the following article:

» MORE: Potensic Atom SE Drone Review

Choosing a beginner drone – what to look for?

A beginner drone doesn’t mean a cheap drone, as most people may think. 

In fact, a beginner drone has specific functions and hardware to help beginners learn to fly a drone.

DJI has been king in creating drones for all levels of knowledge and experience and the software to assist beginner pilots, from limiting flight distance and speed to APAS systems, guides, and tutorials.

Here are some points to consider as you shop for a beginner-friendly drone.

Ease of use

There’s no doubt that a beginner drone should be easy to use and maneuver. 

From software limiting to guides and even a simple interface, all these help a beginner fly the drone better, understand drone functions, and learn the basics in no time.

We all were beginners once, but a few years back, flying a drone was more challenging for a beginner than today.

That’s why most drones on the market, with a few exceptions, have simple but detailed interfaces and specific functions to help a beginner fly their drone.

Avoidance sensors and autonomous functions

These are other factors that will contribute to the ease of use of a drone, including:

• Avoidance sensors will help the drone avoid collisions by braking in front of an object or avoiding and going around it.
  
  This is extremely useful for beginners to help the drone stay in the air and increase new pilots’ confidence.

• Autonomous functions, such as Active Track, follow-me mode, orbit, point of interest, and so on, are independent functions to help any pilot obtain professional videos where the drone will perform diverse operations.

For most drones, these avoidance sensors work only when flying a drone in normal mode with a limited speed because of limited short-range detection and computing power. 

Of course, avoidance sensors will improve with each update. These sensors can map in real-time even faster and help beginners better fly their drones and avoid unwanted crashes.

If you want to read more about obstacle avoidance sensors, please have a look at the following article:

» MORE: Obstacle Avoidance in DJI Drones (Explained for Beginners)

Camera performance

There is no doubt that the main reason you may have acquired a new drone or want to get one is to film and photograph.

That’s why the camera performance of a drone will matter a lot.

Look for decent camera sensors that can film at a resolution of 4k and a minimum of 30 frames per second and photograph at a minimum of 20 megapixels.

Nowadays, these specs are more than enough for any beginner drone pilot to create fantastic content.

Battery life

The battery life is another essential factor when looking for beginner drones. 

This is because, as beginners, our drones need to stay in the air as long as possible for us to learn how the drone flies.

Some drones can fly more than 45 minutes per battery, so this won’t be an issue.

Beware that if you’re looking for the best FPV drone for beginners, things may change, as FPV drones do not fly as long as standard GPS drones.

Weight and regulations

The drone’s weight matters for a beginner, not only to transport it anywhere but in general. Lightweight drones under 250 grams may benefit from relaxed laws and regulations.

Although these laws and regulations apply in most countries, please always check your country or state drone laws to ensure this applies to you.

Price

It would be silly to buy an expensive drone and not like the hobby, as it can impact your financial status.

Invest in something more affordable to start with unless you can afford it.

The remote controller

Why would the remote controller be essential to consider when acquiring a beginner drone? Don’t they all have the same function?

In theory, any compatible remote controller will work just fine, but if we’re looking for simplicity in flying, as we discussed earlier, a controller with an incorporated screen may be ideal.

For instance, DJI has a controller called DJI RC, compatible with several of their drones. It has an incorporated screen, removing the need to set up and use a mobile phone.

Using a mobile phone to connect with a drone controller will require initial setup, installation of apps, additional cables, etc. 

If possible, simplify your life when you want to learn to fly drones and acquire a controller with an incorporated screen

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