Almost all drone pilots agree that DJI drones lead the pack in camera quality, battery life, flying range, and stability – among other specifications. DJI own 54% of the drone market, and dominate consumer drones.
Nevertheless, drone flyers have begun turning their heads toward the best non-DJI drones.
Some cite DJI’s restrictive security systems like the “no-fly zones” and their cost. For others, it’s just a matter of testing the specifications of a DJI alternative.
But what drones compare to DJI?
Autel, Hubsan, Parrot, and Yuneec are the market leaders for drones comparable to DJI. Holystone is another manufacturer that’s practically neck in neck when it comes to DJI, with the differences between their drones being wafer-thin.
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Please keep reading to learn more about the various non-DJI drones available on the market, and what features make them the perfect DJI alternative.
Best Non-DJI Drones
DJI drones, especially professional ones, have dominated the market for almost a decade.
However, with time other drone companies have emulated the innovative technologies that keep DJI drones at the apex of the consumer market.
So, what is a DJI alternative? It’s a non-DJI drone whose specifications almost match its DJI rivals.
Besides professional drones, the makers of the best non-DJI drones have predominantly focused on toy drones, camera drones, follow-me drones, and mini drones.
Let’s unpack the list.
Best Non-DJI Toy Drone
Due to its immense focus on professional drones, DJI only has a few drones that may make sense to children.
Essentially, a toy drone has easy-to-fly modes and can be used indoors. Such drones are small, lightweight, and can only fly over short distances.
DJI Mini SE is one of the few drones that can be classified as toy drones. It’s the perfect choice for drone pilots who are just starting.
However, it’s a bit sophisticated for a toy drone.
Holystone joins the fray with a stunning and more affordable option—the HS420! It’s the best non-DJI drone in the toy category.
Holystone HS420
- Price: Check latest price on Amazon
- Camera quality: HD 1280 x 720P (Video/Photo)
- Speed: 2 speed modes Low/High
- Battery life: 6 minutes (per battery)
- Thermal capabilities: none
- Max speed: 55 km/h in sport mode
- Weight: 0.353 oz (10 gr)
- Video: 720p
- Wind resistance: N/A
The Holystone HS420 is a tiny toy drone that’s great for entertaining children while taking pictures.
This toy camera has a decent video capture resolution of 720p HD, and its 1280×720 images are solid as well.
The Holystone HS420 breaks from the tradition of fixed cameras for toys. The drone user can tilt the camera at 90 degrees.
With a simple hand motion, children can shoot selfies with the drone without any specialized training.
The HS420 DJI alternative can fly a distance of 100 meters and can go as high as 30 meters.
Most DJI toy drones have you paying for an 8D flip feature, but that can be a bit complex for children.
Instead, the HS420 has a 3D flip feature at the touch of a button, where it can flip the drone 360º in the air for cool tricks – providing an easier training ground for new pilots.
That said you still get cool features like flying via waypoint, altitude hold, and headless mode.
Moreover, safety features like the emergency stop and propeller guards help prevent accidents and collisions, perfect for pilots in training.
Portability is also a plus for this gadget. It’s only 12 ounces in weight and can fit in a tiny space in your bag or pocket.
This mini drone has an HD FPV camera for kids/adults or beginners. It's a pocket RC quadcopter with 3 batteries, toss-to-launch, gesture selfie, altitude hold, circle fly, and high speed rotation
Read more: Latest Top Of The Line Drones for Kids
Best Non-DJI Mini Drone
DJI mini drones are quite famous for their affordability and stunning features.
Even with their small frames, they have powerful software that makes them function more or less like their more prominent and expensive DJI counterparts.
Mini drones appeal to those pilots who are always on the move but need a gadget with high-definition cameras and automatic shot capture.
So what is a good alternative to DJI?
Autel and Exo have stepped up their efforts and delivered great drones