The Best Drones for 2024

By Elisabeth Christ
Updated April 2024

As drone technology continues to evolve, 2024 promises some of the most advanced models yet, perfect for both enthusiasts and professionals. Whether you're capturing breathtaking landscapes or engaging in high-stakes film production, the right drone makes all the difference. We’ve scoured the latest offerings from industry leaders like DJI and Autel to bring you a detailed look at the top contenders. Explore how these models compare in terms of performance, image quality, and user-friendly features to find the best drone that fits your aerial photography and video needs.

Best Overall: DJI Mavic 3 Pro

✓ DJI RC remote available
✓ Hasselblad L2D-20c camera
✓ Omnidirectional obstacle-avoidance sensors
✓ Up to 5.1K50 video resolution

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Best for Value: Autel Robotics Evo Lite+

✓ Lightweight construction and aerodynamic design
✓ 1-inch camera
✓ 3-axis stabilization gimbal
✓ 3-way obstacle sensors

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Best for Beginners: DJI Mini 3

✓ 3 package options
✓ QuickShots support
✓ 90° camera gimbal rotation
✓ Up to 51 minutes of flight with ‘Plus’ battery

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Best for Quality on a Budget: DJI Air 3

✓ Great image quality
✓ SmartPhoto mode
✓ Obstacle detection & AirSense
✓ Portable & lightweight

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Best for FPV Drone: DJI Avata

✓ Protective built for rugged flight
✓ Goggles integrated
✓ 20GB of internal storage
✓ Up to 4K60 video resolution

Buy on Amazon

#1 Best Overall: DJI Mavic 3 Pro

DJI Mavic 3 Pro

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro, priced at $2,199, exemplifies advanced engineering with its foldable design and a sophisticated two-toned color scheme. Its compact when folded, making it highly portable despite its robust feature set which includes quick-release, self-tightening propellers and a camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal for stabilization.

This model stands out with its superior image capturing capabilities enabled by the Hasselblad L2D-20c camera, which features a 4/3 CMOS sensor capable of delivering crisp 20MP resolution images. Furthermore, the drone includes a variety of zoom capabilities, enhancing its versatility in different shooting environments.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro

In terms of performance, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is equipped with comprehensive safety and navigation systems such as all-around obstacle avoidance sensors and Advanced Pilot Assist System (APAS 5.0). These features, combined with Active Track 5.0, allow for following subjects smoothly and accurately.

The drone also boasts impressive video capabilities with options for 5.1K50 and 4K120fps recording, making it suitable for professional filmmaking. Battery life is another strong point, with up to 43 minutes of flight time on a single charge under ideal conditions, extended further by optional high-capacity batteries.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Best Overall

✓ DJI RC remote available
✓ Hasselblad L2D-20c camera
✓ Omnidirectional obstacle-avoidance sensors
✓ Up to 5.1K50 video resolution

Buy on Amazon

#2 Best for Value: Autel Robotics Evo Lite+

Autel Robotics Evo Lite+

The Autel Robotics Evo Lite+ strikes an appealing balance between price and performance at $1,549. It features a lightweight and aerodynamic design with a range of color options and is equipped with a 1-inch sensor camera that offers a variable aperture.

This design not only allows for great portability but also protects the integrated gimbal during transit. Its 3-axis stabilization and 3-way obstacle sensors ensure smooth footage and safe operation, albeit lacking upward and side-facing sensors which limits its obstacle detection to frontal paths.

Autel Robotics Evo Lite+

Functionality extends with features such as automated camera moves and Hyperlapse, supported by the Autel Sky app on Android and iOS devices. While the remote does not have a built-in display, it promises a strong connection, requiring an attached smartphone for live camera views.

The Evo Lite+ can record up to 40 minutes on a single battery, offering users ample time to execute complex shots. Its camera capabilities include 6K30 and 4K60 video recording, and 20MP stills, making it ideal for both hobbyists and professionals seeking high-quality output without the hefty price tag of higher-end models.

Autel Robotics Evo Lite+

Best for Value

✓ Lightweight construction and aerodynamic design
✓ 1-inch camera
✓ 3-axis stabilization gimbal
✓ 3-way obstacle sensors

Buy on Amazon

#3 Best for Beginners: DJI Mini 3

DJI Mini 3

The DJI Mini 3 offers an affordable entry point into the drone market, starting at $469. It features a compact and lightweight design with a distinctive white color with grey accents.

This drone is particularly appealing for travelers and hobbyists due to its small size and the inclusion of a dome-shaped gimbal protector that ensures durability during transportation. Despite its smaller form, the Mini 3 doesn’t compromise on camera quality, featuring a new F/1.7 aperture lens that significantly enhances low-light performance.

DJI Mini 3

Operationally, the Mini 3 lacks obstacle avoidance and ActiveTrack features, focusing instead on straightforward functionality with enhancements like downwards ground detection sensors and native vertical shooting capability. It supports 4K HDR video and provides various photo shooting modes, catering to the needs of social media enthusiasts and content creators who require flexibility in framing and high-quality output.

With a flight time of up to 38 minutes, extendable to 51 with a higher capacity battery, the Mini 3 is a standout choice for those seeking the best value in a less complex drone model.

DJI Mini 3

Best for Beginners

✓ 3 package options
✓ QuickShots support
✓ 90° camera gimbal rotation
✓ Up to 51 minutes of flight with ‘Plus’ battery

Buy on Amazon

#4 Best for Quality on a Budget: DJI Air 3

DJI Air 3

Priced at $1,099, the DJI Air 3 is a mid-range drone that combines versatility with advanced features. It sports a darker grey exterior and an aerodynamic shape that enhances its wind resistance, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor conditions.

The inclusion of a 3-axis gimbal and dual-lens camera setup, featuring both a 24mm F1.7 lens and a 70mm F2.8 telephoto lens, allows users to capture a wide range of video and photo content. The Air 3's obstacle sensing system and improved Ocusync 4 connectivity ensure reliable operation and safety during flight.

DJI Air 3

The Air 3 excels in both automated and manual flight capabilities, supported by technologies such as Advanced Autopilot Assist System (APAS 5.0) and ActiveTrack for following subjects. Its image and video quality are top-notch, with capabilities for 4K100 video recording in 10-bit color and various profile options including D-Log and HLG.

With a battery life offering up to 46 minutes of flight time, and additional features like Find My Drone and FlySafe geofencing, the Air 3 is an excellent choice for drone enthusiasts looking for a high-performing model without stepping into the highest price bracket.

DJI Air 3

Best for Quality on a Budget

✓ DJI RC remote available
✓ Hasselblad L2D-20c camera
✓ Omnidirectional obstacle-avoidance sensors
✓ Up to 5.1K50 video resolution

Buy on Amazon

#5 Best for FPV Drone: DJI Avata

DJI Avata

Best for FPV Drone: DJI Avata The DJI Avata is uniquely positioned in the drone market, starting at $629 for the drone only. This model is tailored for a first-person view (FPV) experience, supported by the new DJI Goggles 2 and the DJI Motion Controller, which come included in higher tier packages.

The Avata's design is compact and robust, featuring an 18cm square frame with blades protected by rings, making it less prone to damage during adventurous flights. Its accessibility to the USB-C port and microSD card slot, though awkward, does not detract from its overall user-friendly design. .

DJI Avata

Performance-wise, the Avata shines with its 1/1.7in CMOS sensor that delivers 4K video at 60fps, providing a significant enhancement in light capture and dynamic range. This model introduces users to an immersive flying experience with the capability of manual control adjustments via the touchpad on the Goggles 2.

Although it has a limited hovering time of 18 minutes, the overall experience it offers is unparalleled, especially for those interested in engaging more dynamically with their drone flying activities through high-quality FPV capabilities.

DJI Avata

Best for FPV Drone

✓ Protective built for rugged flight
✓ Goggles integrated
✓ 20GB of internal storage
✓ Up to 4K60 video resolution

Buy on Amazon

Compare Drones

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right drone in 2024 depends largely on your specific needs, whether that's high-end film production or casual aerial photography. For unmatched image quality and professional-grade features, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is the best choice. Beginners or those on a tighter budget will find great value in the DJI Mini 3. If you're looking for something that balances performance with portability, consider the DJI Air 3. For those intrigued by immersive flight experiences, the DJI Avata with its FPV capabilities is unparalleled.

If you like to read more about Drone Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:

DJI Mini 4 Pro vs DJI Air 3: Which Drone is the Best for You?

DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 3 Pro: 7 Key Differences