If you’re a beginner looking to buy your first-ever drone, then you want to make sure it’s the perfect drone for you and that you get value for money. But with so many drones to choose from, finding the best drones for beginners is often far from easy.
As we know how hard it is for newbies to navigate the drone market, we’ve put together this guide comparing the best drones for beginners. We’ve covered all bases, from cheap to expensive drones and cameras to racing drones, to help you find your ideal entry-level drone.
Budget Pick  | Mid-range Pick  | Top Pick  |
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The Best Drones For Beginners in 2024 – Reviews
1. DJI Mini 3 – Best Overall
- Price: Check latest price at Amazon here
- Camera quality: 12 MP
- Zoom level: 4x
- Thermal Capabilities: N/A
- Flight time: 38 minutes
- Max speed: 39-46 mph
- Noise level: 70 dB
- Weight: 249 g
- Video: 4k
- Wind resistance: 38 kph (level 5)
Pros
Up to 51 minutes of flight with extended battery
Includes FlySafe and GPS features
Lightweight and easy to transport
High-quality photos and videos, up to 4k video
Cons
No obstacle detection
Singles color profile
More expensive than several other beginner drone options
Overall, I recommend the DJI Mini 3 as the best beginner drone. For a fair, affordable price, this drone offers plenty of high-end features and functionality, and at under 250 grams, it’s lightweight and free of bureaucracy.
You can use the DJI Mini 3 to capture stunning 4K videos and images with its 12MP camera. And, you can take it for a spin at night thanks to the night mode capabilities. Note, however, that night footage may not be as crisp, and that external lights may get a bit blown out.
38 minutes of flight time is not bad for recreational use, but you can also extend it up to 51 minutes with the intelligent battery plus accessory. That’s plenty of time for a fun drone flight wherever you may be.
The Mini 3 is relatively quiet just like most other DJI drones, so you won’t disrupt your neighborhood. The maximum speed is 46 mph, but be careful since there are no obstacle sensors.
Video: 4K HDR | Flight Time: 38 min | Max speed: 39-46 mph | True Vertical Shooting
2. Autel Evo Lite+ – Best beginner drone for business starters and videographers
- Price: Check latest price at Amazon here
- Camera quality: 20 MP
- Flight time: 40 minutes
- Max speed: 18 m/s
- Weight: 836 g
- Video: 6k
- Wind resistance: level 7
Pros
High-end 6K/30p video
MP crisp camera for sharp images
Fairly long 40-minute flight time
Cons
Premium price point
Stops if it reaches an obstacle, will not bypass during filming
Can only use “Pro mode” with auto settings (not AEB or HDR footage)
For budding photographers and videographers, the Autel Evo+ Lite emerges as our top choice. It has a 3-way advanced obstacle avoidance system, so you can confidently fly without fear of crashing.
This is nice, as when I first started I was definitely not as solid with the controls as I am now. And, if you ever lose track or face issues, the intelligent return function ensures your drone safely finds its way back.
Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, you’ll relish the 6K at 30p video quality, and the 20 MP camera. It delivers nothing short of sharp, vibrant images. There’s also Ultra Vision and Night Scene Mode modes.
The Autel Evo+ Lite outshines competitors like the Air 2s in aperture, zoom, and focus dimensions – which is very important to rememebr. And, with a generous 40-minute flight time, there’s ample opportunity to get that perfect shot.
Once you’re done capturing those perfect moments, Autel makes transferring your work a breeze. It’s super easy to transfer and upload videos to your smartphone via the Autel Sky app.
However, while the Autel Evo+ Lite comes with an array of benefits, it costs more than the DJI Air 2 or 3, for example. So this is a trade-off you should consider.
Furthermore, during filming, it will halt upon detecting an obstacle instead of circumventing it. And while the “Pro mode” boasts a multitude of features, it’s limited to auto settings, so it won’t work on AEB or HDR footage.
1" CMOS Sensor | Camera: 6K HDR | Flight Time: 40Min | Transmission: 7.4 Miles | No Geo-Fencing | 3-Axis Gimbal, 3-Way Obstacle Avoidance
3. DJI Mini 2 SE – Best Budget Drone for Beginners
- Price: Check latest price at Amazon here
- Camera quality: 12 MP
- Flight time: 31 minutes
- Max speed: 35.8 mph
- Weight: 249 g
- Video: 2.7k
- Wind resistance: level 5
Pros
Easy to use
Lightweight, around 249 g
High-quality 2.7k30 video
Remote and drone offer USB-C charging
Cons
No obstacle detection
Single color profile
Lack of “pro” settings, like cruise control or auto shutter speed
The DJI Mini 2 SE is my top budget beginner drone recommendation. This drone has been crafted perfectly for travel enthusiasts – its featherweight build makes it the go-to choice for on-the-go adventures.
The anti-interference features give you crystal-clear visuals, and the long flight range is handy, too.
If you’re a beginner on a budget, the easy-to-understand instructions and tutorials are honestly so good that no matter how new you are, you’ll be fine. Even to start it’s a one-tap system, so there’s nothing complex at all.
The DJI Fly app, packed with soundtracks and filters, lets you quickly curate stellar content. It’s then super easy to capture and share this professional-grade video on social media – the interface makes this extremely simple to do.
However, there are some downsides. For example, there’s no obstacle detection. It also lacks advanced settings like cruise control or auto shutter speed. Even so, for its price point, this drone is a gem that many beginners will love.
Video Capture: 4K | Battery Life: 31 min | Weight: 4.12 lbs (1.9 kl) | Product Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 6.4 inches
4. Radclo Mini – Super budget beginner option
- Price: Check latest price at Amazon here
- Camera quality: 12 MP
- Flight time: 22 minutes
- Max speed: 35.8 mph
- Weight: 1.06 lbs
- Video: 1920X1080 pixels
Pros
One key takeoff for easy flight
Highly rated with over 4,000 reviews on Amazon
Can control with a phone app, which is great for beginners
Highly durable so it can withstand bumps
Built in obstacle avoidance
Cons
Comparatively shorter flight time
Can give off a “low-end” feel
The Radclo Mini is a super cost-effective drone tailor-made for you if you’re on a tight budget.
Whether you’re capturing serene landscapes or documenting personal moments, its 1080P HD camera does justice to both pictures and videos, despite costing under $100. There’s 3 adaptable speed modes, so you can customize how you want to fly based on the speeds you’re comfortable with. If you’re a beginner, obviously start slow with a speed you can handle.
I’m personally super impressed that for the price, you get smartphone connectivity. You can seamlessly control the Radclo Mini with your phone using their app.
Stability is another strong area. Its altitude hold function ensures consistent flight levels, reducing the chances of unexpected dips or rises.
Overall, this drone is decently user-friendly, but the main benefit is how cheap it is. If you have the budget, obviously still upgrade to one of the DJI Minis, but if that isn’t realistic then the Radclo Mini will suffice.
While its camera might not compete with more upscale drone models, it’s great for capturing everyday memories. Whether you’re young or old, you’ll love flying around and capturing views, people, and everything else you can spot.
FPV Foldable Drone with Carrying Case | 2 Batteries |,90° Adjustable Lens | One Key Take Off/Land | Altitude Hold | 360° Flip | Toys Gifts for Kids |
5. Ryze Tech Tello – Best Budget Drone for Beginners
- Price: Check latest price at Amazon here
- Camera quality and zoom: 5MP, 1x zoom
- Speed: 17mps
- Flight time: 13 minutes
- Size: 98 × 92.5 × 41 mm
- Weight: 80g
Pros
- Automatic take off and landing
- Budget-friendly pricing
Cons
- No GPS or return-to-home capability
You have to be particularly careful when buying cheap drones, as if you don’t choose wisely you could end up with a flimsy model that doesn’t last long.
However, the Ryze Tech Tello is developed in partnership with DJI, the world’s largest drone maker. So while it’s cheap, it’s built by a company known to be reliable and that make some of the best video drones for beginners.
This is a decent option if you’re looking to take your first steps into drone photography or videography. The Tech Tello has an advanced Intel-14 core image processor and can capture 5MP imagery and HD720 videos, which is good quality for such a cheap drone.
It’s also very easy to fly. You can control the drone with the controller or through the Tello App, and you can simply slide the screen to make it perform cool drone stunts like 8D flips. You can even start flying by simply tossing it into the air from your hand!
There are also some great features, such as EZ shots, which help you capture pro-level photos and videos and instantly share them on social media.
The Tech Tello has a flight time of up to 13 minutes, is very small and light for easy portability, and has propeller guards for added safety.
So, whether you’re an adult looking to get into drone flying or are looking for a decent drone for kids, the Tech Tello is the perfect cheap beginner drone.
6. DJI Mini 2 – Best Beginner Drone for Aerial Photography
- Price: Check latest price at Amazon here
- Camera quality and zoom: 12MP, 4x zoom
- Speed: 36 mph
- Flight time: 31 minutes
- Size: 245 × 289 × 56 mm
- Weight: 249g
Pros
- 31 minutes of flight time
- Stabilized 4K camera & RAW photos
Cons
- No active tracking
As we mentioned in our introduction, not all beginners are looking for budget drones. If you’re looking for a high quality camera drone, you’re going to need to spend a fair amount. That’s why we’ve picked DJI Mini 2 – a very high quality camera drone that’s cheaper and more beginner-friendly than other models on the market.
This drone has an incredibly powerful camera that is capable of capturing 12MP photos and 4k/30fps video, with 4x zoom. It has a 3 axis motorized gimbal that helps to ensure smooth footage, even in rough conditions.
You can stream HD video from up to 10km away with the Mini 2 — far further than the 4km offered by most other mini drones. You can automatically record videos with filters and soundtracks, and there are also three panorama views for capturing images from various perspectives.
As this is a mini drone with a weight of 249 grams, it’s very easy to carry around and you don’t have to register with the FAA before you fly it. Despite its small size, it’s powerful and can fly for up to 31 minutes at a time, which is very impressive.
There are also some fantastically intuitive features that make this the best DJI drone for beginners. With automatic takeoff, smart return to home and precise hovering, it’s very simple to control the drone with just a few simple clicks. The drone also has smart anti-interference functions to help you fly safely.
What Makes a Good Drone for a Beginner?
There are several things to consider when buying your first drone.
One of the main ones is the size and weight of the drone. This is because in many areas you can fly mini drones without the restrictions that surround larger drones.
For smaller drones only, check out our ranking of the best mini drones
Another very important factor is how easy the drone is to fly – you don’t want to start off with a complex, difficult to control drone.
Luckily, many of the best drones for beginners have smart flight features, such as one key take off and landing. Many also have companion smartphone apps, allowing you to easily control the drone from your mobile and even draw flying routes with your finger.
Of course, most beginners also prioritize a reasonable price. After all, few people will want to splash out thousands of dollars on their first drone, as there’s more risk of new flyers crashing and damaging them. That’s not to say all beginners are looking for cheap drones, though, which is why we’ve still included some very high quality yet reasonably priced drones on our list.
You also need to consider what kind of drone you want — and the specific features you need.
For example, are you looking for a camera drone that can record 4K video, a mini drone to perform ticks with, or a racing drone that can reach high speeds and maneuver tight angles?
Now you know what makes a drone suitable for beginners, let’s take a look at our top picks. We’ve considered all the above factors so that you can be sure to find your perfect beginner drone.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Drone As A Beginner
For many beginners, drone shopping can quickly get overwhelming. There are many potential reasons to buy a drone, including for recreational photography, fun flying experience, racing, and more.
Cost
Pricier drones typically have advanced features, but if you’re a beginner, you might not need them all right away.
The Winners: For those on a tight budget, the Ryze Tech Tello are two of the cheapest drones for beginners.
Ease of Use
A beginner-friendly drone should be easy to set up, operate, and maintain. Ease of use includes intuitive controls, clear manuals, and perhaps even tutorial modes.
The Winners: The DJI Mini 2 and DJI Mini 2 SE are known for their user-friendly interfaces and straightforward controls, making them a great choice for novices.
Safety Features
Safety features like obstacle avoidance, return-to-home, and geofencing ensure that beginners can fly with confidence. Beginners should seek drones with features that minimize the risk of crashes or flyaways.
The Winner: The DJI Mini 3 boasts an array of safety features, offering a secure flying experience for beginners.
Flight Time
Longer flight times allow beginners to spend more time practicing without constant recharging. Drones with short battery lives can be frustrating for new users, as they’ll need to recharge frequently. This disrupts the learning process.
The Winner: The Autel Evo Lite+ offers a respectable flight time, allowing beginners ample time in the air between charges.
Cameras
For many, the appeal of drones is the ability to capture aerial footage. A drone with a good camera captures clearer images and smoother videos. Additionally, stabilized cameras (like those on gimbals) ensure shake-free footage even when it’s windy.
The Winner: The Autel EVO Lite+ offers a high-quality camera with stabilization, making it ideal for beginners looking to delve into aerial photography.
