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Over the last 15 years, the fast-paced market of consumer drones has completely changed the way that we're able to view and experience the world around us. Drones have opened new perspectives, sparking creativity and fueling productivity for photographers, videographers, professionals, and enthusiasts alike.
From steep to cheap, we've tested over 50 drones since 2016, and this review highlights our latest test group. With hundreds of flight hours under our belt and close collaboration with professional drone pilots, professional photographers, videographers, and drone enthusiasts, we've put in the work to help you make a confident decision choosing the right drone for you.
In our testing, the DJI Air 3S stood out with its two-camera payload capable of capturing 4k video at up to 120 frames per second, 50 MP high detail stills, 45-minute battery life, and superior subject tracking performance that sticks to tracking subjects like glue, all for just over a thousand bucks. The DJI Flip offers superior value to experienced pilots or beginners alike, keeping its weight below 249 grams and having the flexibility to be flown with or without a controller. The versatile Flip is also capable of capturing 4k video and 48 MP stills, but doesn't capture near the detail that the Air 3S does with its larger sensor camera payload.
Surprisingly, very few of the drones in our testing lineup include cases, and to best protect your investment, we suggest checking out our review of the best camera bags, which features many models that are compatible with drones. If you are a photographer, another creative way to capture unique stills is with a trail camera, especially for wildlife or in remote locations.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on December 1, 2025, with an entirely new test group and results, and are anxiously awaiting the release of the DJI Mavic 4 Pro & Mini 5 Pro in the US to add them to our review.
The DJI Air 3S delivers well above what its price might suggest, with features and performance comparable to other flagship drones with much higher price tags. The Air 3S carries a two-camera payload that features a primary camera with a large one-inch CMOS sensor, allowing it to capture crucial details in low light and high contrast shots where others miss out, 50 MP still images. The secondary 1/1.3 inch CMOS tele camera allows it to zoom up to 3x with no reduction in its 4k video quality and digitally zoom up to 9x. It has up to 45 minutes of battery life and a large 42 GB internal storage The Air 3S comes with the DJI RC-N3 Controller, which has a largely adjustable phone clamp to conveniently mount your phone to run the DJI Fly App and has a toggle switch on the controller that allows you to conveniently switch between flight modes on the fly to make adjustments to the drone's response to control input with Cine, Normal, and Sport Mode options. Our tester, Kolby, noted several times, “I love how DJI has integrated a storage solution for the controller-to-phone cable into the controller so it's always conveniently located with the controller and can't be forgotten.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Takeoff Weight
721 g
Maximum Video Resolution
4K
Manufacturer Claimed Max Flight Time
45 minutes
Measured Diagonal Size, Folded & Unfolded Without Propellers
15 1/4" unfolded
7 3/4" folded
Camera Sensor(s)
1" CMOS, 1/1.3" CMOS
The DJI Air 3S surprised us by delivering the most consistent subject tracking of any drone in our entire testing lineup, even those that cost more than double its price. From tracking yourself while hiking to following a rider on a dirt bike, it adheres to subjects like glue and follows reliably, capturing stunningly stable video - another testament to the stable flight performance of the Air 3S. It features a unique array of sensors that incorporate visual, LiDAR, and infrared sensors to provide dependable, omnidirectional object avoidance, which you can rely on, except when flying in Sport Mode, which disables obstacle avoidance. Although the Air 3S is significantly cheaper than many other drones with similar performance, it is still a sizeable investment. Those on a tighter budget or perhaps looking for something smaller and more manageable to start with should consider the DJI Flip that folds down to a convenient size, can be flown with or without a controller, and can still capture 4k video, although its camera sensor is quite a bit smaller than the primary sensor on the Air 3S and is less capable. The Air 3S is an investment, but the performance it delivers makes it a great value for those who can unleash its potential.
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a premium drone with a hefty price tag. But it is hard to fault this model, with its versatile three-camera payload, 43-minute battery life, and rock-solid flight performance. The Mavic 3 Pro carries three distinct camera sensors stabilized by a three-axis gimbal, all with different focal lengths, catering to different disciplines of photo and video capture. This unique configuration allows the primary 4/3 CMOS sensor to capture crystal clear 5.1k video, with its large sensor providing a wide dynamic range, effortlessly bringing out detail in high contrast and low light conditions. The other two smaller camera sensors allow the Mavic 3 Pro to capture lossless zoomed 4k video up to 7x magnification, digitally zoom up to 28x, and capture 48 MP still images. The Mavic 3 Pro is a powerhouse for creativity and productivity with exceptional flight performance, stability, and superb obstacle avoidance that confidently protects you from collisions.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Takeoff Weight
937 g
Maximum Video Resolution
5.1K
Manufacturer Claimed Max Flight Time
43 minutes
Measured Diagonal Size, Folded & Unfolded Without Propellers
16 1/4" unfolded
8 1/2" folded
Camera Sensor(s)
4/3" CMOS, 1/1.3" CMOS, & 1/2" CMOS
Our tester said, “I love that the controller has a big and bright screen. Not needing to use my phone really brings some simplicity to flying the Mavic 3.” The controller enables you to pilot the Mavic 3 Pro in three distinct flight modes, which can be adjusted on the fly to make controls and movements slower and smoother, or faster and more sensitive. Although the Mavic 3 is an incredibly capable drone, it is very expensive and has a large number of sophisticated tuning settings that some may not be able or willing to take full advantage of. The DJI Air 3S is less than half the price of the Mavic 3 Pro. Although it is less capable overall, the Air 3S carries a two-camera payload capable of capturing 4k video and 50 MP stills with a generous battery life of 45 minutes, a large 42 GB internal storage, and exceptional flight performance. If you're not concerned with price but are looking for the bleeding edge of technology in a consumer drone with rock-solid stability, exceptional obstacle avoidance, and three professional-grade cameras, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro should be at the top of your list.
The DJI Flip is a cleverly designed folding drone that's highly portable, measuring only seven inches diagonally when folded, making it small enough to fit in your pocket. The Flip is also lightweight, weighing only 245 grams, and can be flown with or without a controller. Our tester praised the versatility of the Flip and said, “The controllerless flight of the Flip makes it so convenient to use. I love being able to have it take off from the palm of my hand, capture what I'm doing, and then catch it in my hand and feel confident I got some solid video.” The Flip carries a three-axis gimbal stabilized 1/1.3 inch sensor that captures smooth, stable 4k video and 48 MP stills.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Takeoff Weight
245 g
Maximum Video Resolution
4K
Manufacturer Claimed Max Flight Time
31 minutes
Measured Diagonal Size, Folded & Unfolded Without Propellers
12 1/4" unfolded
7" folded
Camera Sensor(s)
1/1.3" CMOS
Being lightweight and portable does come with some downsides. The DJI Flip delivered steady and stable flight performance during most of our testing, but when the weather picks up, it has poor wind resistance. When it comes to obstacle avoidance, the Flip features a 3D infrared sensing system to protect it from collisions. The system works well, but is forward-facing and has limited capability when moving from side to side or backwards. If you're after better obstacle avoidance performance and have some flexibility in your budget, the DJI Mini 4 Pro does a better job of delivering omnidirectional obstacle avoidance while remaining under 249 grams, and it has a rotating camera payload for true 4k vertical shooting. Despite these considerations, the Flip is a convenient and versatile drone that makes a great starting point for new pilots or a capable and portable option in your aircraft arsenal.
The Force1 Scoot Toy is a unique controllerless drone designed for entertainment that bucks the norm by flying around erratically, responding to motion from the user to direct where it will go next. The entire drone is encased in a durable but flexible plastic webbed shell that provides protection for the drone and protection for you from the propellers. The Scoot features several LED lights, including some that notify you of battery status and others that change color just for fun. It features an internal gyro for simple stabilization and can be calibrated by shaking it a few times and then setting it on a flat surface until the middle LED glows solid blue. Getting the Scoot up in the air is simple, and all you have to do is toss it up, and it will start flying. It's even capable of performing flips if you place your hands on each side of it and then swipe quickly underneath. The Scoot loses a lot of altitude when performing a flip, so it's best done when it's higher up in the air.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Takeoff Weight
32 g
Maximum Video Resolution
N/A
Manufacturer Claimed Max Flight Time
8 minutes
Measured Diagonal Size, Folded & Unfolded Without Propellers
4 1/4"
Camera Sensor(s)
N/A
Although the Force1 Scoot Toy can be a lot of fun, it does not have an interchangeable battery and has a relatively short battery life of just eight minutes before needing to charge for about an hour. Our tester Kolby noted, “The protective case around the Scoot does a decent job of protecting from finger strikes and crash damage, but little fingers can find their way in if you're not careful, and it is something to keep in mind if you're getting this for your kids.” For those looking for a more traditional drone experience rather than a toy, check out the DJI Neo, which is a feature-rich controllerless drone capable of subject tracking, capturing 4k video, and taking off and landing in the palm of your hand. For a budget-friendly toy, the Force 1 Scoot Toy Drone is both entertaining and exciting, and it's durable, making it a great gift for kids or a unique toy to bring to the park.
The DJI Avata 2 is the only dedicated FPV drone in our testing lineup and is quite unique in the world of FPV drones, with several features that make it much more accessible than most others on the market. The Avata 2 can be flown in three different modes: Normal, Sport, and Manual. Manual mode requires the purchase of a DJI FPV Controller, but the included DJI RC Motion 3 Controller allows flight in both Normal and Sport flight modes. Our tester loved the motion controller and said, “The motion controller makes flying the Avata 2 quite easy to learn and helped me gain confidence quickly.” As you gain confidence flying the Avata 2, you can enter Easy ACRO Mode, which allows you to perform a variety of flips and spins while returning to an assisted flight mode and even allows you to pause your flight and hover in place at the touch of a button.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Takeoff Weight
385 g
Maximum Video Resolution
4K
Manufacturer Claimed Max Flight Time
23 minutes
Measured Diagonal Size, Folded & Unfolded Without Propellers
9 3/4"
Camera Sensor(s)
1/1.3" sensor
The Avata 2 is quite powerful and has solid wind resistance, even though it is fairly small, measuring just under ten inches diagonally. It's quite durable, and all the details of its build feel sturdy. We especially appreciate the integrated propeller guards for a drone with so much flight freedom and no obstacle avoidance. With only a single-axis gimbal, much of the video stability is left up to the flight performance of the Avata 2 and its pilot, but the 1/1.3 inch camera sensor captures super-wide 4k video quite well. Although the Avata 2 does a great job of coaching you through flying it before unlocking its full potential, it's not a drone we'd suggest for new pilots unless you're dead set on flying FPV exclusively. Between the headset, the drone, the controller, and a device wired to the headset that runs the DJI Fly App, getting the Avata 2 airborne is a more involved process than most. For new pilots, we'd suggest checking out the DJI Flip, which has more forgiving and traditional flight controls and even controllerless flight capabilities. That said, if you're looking for snappy FPV flight capability, high performance, and fast-paced, unique video, the DJI Avata 2 delivers that and then some.
The pocket-sized DJI Neo is an ideal drone for those who often find themselves on solo adventures or for those new to the world of drones, with its controllerless flight capabilities and the ability to capture smooth 4 K video with a vertically stabilized 1/2-inch camera sensor. The Neo is compact and lightweight, weighing only 135 grams and measuring seven inches diagonally, and takes off and lands right in the palm of your hand. Our tester said, “I love how small and simple the Neo is. I never feel like I question bringing it or not because it's so convenient to carry and use.” The Neo has two buttons, one for power and the other for mode selection, which allows you to choose from popular modes like subject tracking, dronie, and rocket. It features full-coverage propeller guards to protect it in the event of a crash and is overall quite durable.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Takeoff Weight
135 g
Maximum Video Resolution
4K
Manufacturer Claimed Max Flight Time
17 minutes
Measured Diagonal Size, Folded & Unfolded Without Propellers
7"
Camera Sensor(s)
1/2" sensor
The DJI Neo does a great job of capturing smooth, stable video, but with only a single-axis gimbal, much of the video stability depends on the flight performance. For such a small drone, the Neo is quite composed in flight but has poor wind resistance. The Neo shines with flowy subject tracking, but is better with slower-moving subjects, like a person walking. Faster-moving subjects, like a biker, sometimes get out of frame or outrun the Neo. With a similar controllerless experience and flight modes, the HOVERAir X1 is a solid alternative to the Neo. It is significantly faster than the DJI Neo, but can also be overly reactive in its subject tracking. Overall, the Neo is a stable, compact controllerless drone that consistently captures smooth 4k video if your use case doesn't outrun it.
One of the DJI Neo's weaknesses is wind, as you can see it struggles to stay in control as our tester topped this ridge. Credit: Kolby Anderson
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This video was flown entirely using ActiveTrack on the DJI Air 3S, showcasing its impressive subject tracking. Credit: Kolby Anderson
How We Tested
We continuously monitor and research all the top drones on the market, honing in on new models and focusing on the ones most likely to provide consumers with the best experience with the least amount of hassle. We maintain an objective testing process by purchasing all models in our review at full price from standard retailers and putting them all through the same test plan. We put in hundreds of hours of flight time, gathering side-by-side comparisons of video footage and still photos in various lighting conditions, and perform an exhaustive analysis of every feature and setting. We fly them in ideal weather, windy days, and everything in between to determine how versatile they are. We assess captured footage for image color quality, clarity, and stability. We evaluate their flight performance, portability, and overall utility. For more info on our drone testing process, check out our How We Test article.
We divided our testing criteria into four key rating metrics:
Image Quality (40% of overall score weighting)
Flight Performance (30% weighting)
Usability (20% weighting)
Portability (10% weighting)
Using the Easy ACRO mode with the Avata 2 will help you perform flips and tricks with ease. Credit: Kolby Anderson
Why Trust GearLab
Our drone testing team over the years has included several drone pilots, photographers, and media industry professionals. Most recently, FAA-certified commercial remote pilot Kolby Anderson has spearheaded our drone testing. Kolby has been flying drones since 2015 in both the construction and real estate industries, capturing aerial footage for a wide variety of uses, including marketing media, construction material quantity assessment, and time-lapse progress media for commercial construction projects. Piloting drones is second nature to Kolby, and he personally piloted each drone in our testing lineup to ensure the best comparison and contrast of our latest group of drones.
Valuable contributions were also made by Zach Lovell and Austin Palmer. Zach is a detail-oriented Mountain Guide, writer, photographer, and gear reviewer with published print and online work. He is one of the primary writers at GearLab, combing through an extensive amount of testing data and distilling that information into a digestible series of articles to best communicate our testing findings to the public. Austin Palmer is the lead product tester at GearLab and brings the experience of thousands of product tests to the table. In this review, his efforts were critical to maintaining consistency in testing and data analysis.
Using a landing pad is always a good idea to protect your investment, especially when taking off in remote locations with dirt and dust. Credit: Kolby Anderson
Analysis and Test Results
In less than a decade, small aerial vehicles — colloquially referred to as drones — have evolved from the stuff of spy and sci-fi novels to gaining widespread commercial and recreational use, fostering enjoyment among scores of everyday consumers. If you've ever thought of joining this aerial renaissance, our testing results will help lead you to the perfect model for your needs and budget.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
In our testing and assessment of drones, price is not factored into the rating. That being said, we understand that drones can be quite expensive and that cost is always a consideration. Our testing data revealed many interesting insights that suggest that oftentimes, spending the most money on a flagship model isn't necessarily going to get you the best drone for your needs.
The DJI Air 3S is rock solid when hovering in the air and has great wind resistance. Credit: Kolby Anderson
The DJI Air 3S is a prime example of a mid-range priced drone that performs well above what its price might imply, delivering great value to consumers. The Air 3S was barely edged out by the flagship DJI Mavic 3 Pro in performance, with the Mavic 3 Pro costing more than double that of the Air 3S. Although the Mavic 3 Pro is overall a better drone, the Air 3S offers a much better cost-to-value ratio, with the improvements in the Mavic 3 Pro's capabilities diminishing returns unless you absolutely need its three-camera payload or 5.1 K video capability.
Make sure to remove the gimbal cover from the DJI Flip before unfolding the wings as it will automatically turn on once fully unfolded. Credit: Kolby Anderson
The DJI Flip is also an incredible value, boasting a unique and highly portable folding design, as well as versatile flight performance that allows it to be flown with or without a controller. The Flip is arguably the best drone for most new pilots, as well as those looking to get the best performance they can on a budget. The Flip carries the same 1/1.3 inch sensor as the DJI Mini 4 Pro but also shares much of the controllerless functionality of the DJI Neo, making it a versatile and capable drone available at a great price.
The DJI Air 3S makes capturing majestic landscapes easy with its automated flight patterns, like orbit, used in this video. Credit: Kolby Anderson
Image Quality
Our assessment of image quality involves capturing numerous photos and videos in varied circumstances to evaluate how well each drone handles conditions such as bright sunlight, low light, and whether they're affected by propeller intrusion, as well as the stability of their gimbal. We compare similar footage captured by each drone in our testing lineup and examine it side by side to assess clarity, color accuracy, stability, and dynamic range. Gimbals play an important role in each drone's ability to keep the camera stable and level while the drone is in flight. Most gimbals are one of two popular configurations: single-axis or three-axis. Single-axis gimbals allow for vertical stabilization, while three-axis gimbals stabilize vertically and horizontally, or more commonly known in aviation as pitch, yaw, and roll. Drones can be a lot of fun to fly, but the resulting video footage is the primary objective for most users.
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro unsurprisingly leads the pack in our evaluation of image quality, thanks to its impressively capable three-camera payload that captures 5.1k video and 48 MP stills, though it's closely followed by the DJI Air 3S, which is quite impressive with its 4k video capture and 50 MP stills, and it costs less than half the price. The Mavic 3 Pro's primary camera features a 4/3-inch CMOS sensor, the largest in our entire testing lineup, which is responsible for its exceptional detail capture and impressive highlight retention in various lighting conditions. The Air 3S's primary camera uses a smaller one-inch CMOS sensor, and although it isn't quite as capable as the Mavic 3 Pro, it is still capable of delivering professional-quality footage. They both feature the same size secondary 1/1.3 inch CMOS sensor medium tele camera that allows them to loselessly zoom up to 3x and maintain their 4k video resolution. The Mavic 3 Pro boasts an even greater range with its third and smallest 1/2-inch CMOS camera sensor, demonstrating that it has the most versatile camera payload in our testing lineup.
The one-inch CMOS camera sensor of the Autel EVO II Pro V3 allows it to capture up to 6k video. Credit: Kolby Anderson
On paper, the Autel EVO II Pro V3 should be at the top of the chart for image quality, with its large 1-inch CMOS camera sensor and 6k video capability, but when it came down to it, it doesn't have the dynamic range that both the DJI Mavic 3 Pro and DJI Air 3S demonstrated. Additionally, we discovered a dead zone between slow-speed adjustments and high-speed adjustments, which makes it very difficult to consistently capture smooth video while adjusting the gimbal. The larger gimbal movements feel sticky and are slow to stop after the control input stops. Although the 6k video capability is a large draw, the EVO II Pro V3 image quality felt like a letdown and is only capable of capturing 20 MP stills.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro comes with a piece of fitted foam and a plastic cover to protect the camera gimbal when not in flight. Credit: Kolby Anderson
Despite its modest size, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is a solid performer with its 1/1.3 inch CMOS sensor, which is also the same camera sensor found on the DJI Flip. Both are capable of capturing 4k video and 48 MP still images, but the Mini 4 Pro sets itself apart with its ability to rotate its camera 45 degrees and record true vertical 4k video. Both the Flip and the Mini 4 Pro do a great job of capturing high clarity and detailed footage, but their sensor size ultimately limits their ability to capture lighting details that larger camera sensors excel at. That being said, both are extremely capable and can capture professional-grade footage and stills in the right hands.
This video showcases one of the Easy ACRO mode tricks called the Powerflip performed by the Avata 2. Credit: Kolby Anderson
Flight Performance
In order to evaluate flight performance, we put each drone through a series of tests to review how well it takes off, lands, hovers, how responsive each is to control input, and how well its obstacle avoidance sensors work. Having a dependable, responsive, and predictable drone enables you to capture incredible videos and photos. Running through hundreds of takeoffs and landings, we test all aspects of flight performance, completing several lengthy flights in a variety of circumstances with each model while pushing the limits with its obstacle sensors.
Our flight performance testing concluded with several impressive performances. Most notably, the DJI Air 3S and the DJI Avata 2, closely followed by the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. The Avata 2 is fairly small compared to the larger flight-ready footprints of the Air 3S and Mavic 3 Pro, but it makes up for it with very powerful motors and aggressive flight capabilities that fare well in windy conditions, allowing it to cut through the air and effortlessly perform flips, spins, and drifts. The FPV flight performance of the Avata 2 is unmatched by the other two top performers, which makes sense because their intended uses are quite different.
You can see that the second the DJI Mavic 3 Pro takes off, it settles and hovers with confidence. Credit: Kolby Anderson
The DJI Air 3S slightly edges out the DJI Mavic 3 Pro in flight performance, with a slightly larger battery life of 45 minutes compared to the Mavic 3 Pro with 43 minutes. The Air 3S outpaces its bigger brother slightly with snappier response times and a more dialed-in, refined feel. The main difference between these two is that the Air 3S delivers impressive flight performance applicable to a variety of use cases. The Mavic 3 Pro is still impressive and comparable, but it feels more suitable for cinematic capture, prioritizing smooth, professional video quality over all other attributes. Both are formidable drones in the air and capable of delivering professional-grade video capture. If you think you'll use the subject tracking feature more often for quickly moving subjects, we'd suggest the Air 3S.
The DJI Air 3S carries a two-camera payload to allow you versatility while in the air. Credit: Kolby Anderson
The DJI Mini 4 Pro also delivered a notable flight performance, especially given its relatively small size. It's twitchy but stable when taking off, hovering, and landing, and you can tell that it has to work harder to keep things composed due to the lighter weight. That said, it does quite well for its size and makes for a great drone if you don't often find yourself flying in windy circumstances. The DJI Neo and HOVERAir X1 are both handheld drones with small footprints that fly surprisingly well, especially given their small, highly portable sizes. The Neo is quite a bit slower than the X1, but is smoother in its movements, whereas the X1 is quite aggressive and oftentimes overcorrective in its flight movements.
The controller of the Autel EVO II Pro V3 has two large antennas that you extend before flying it to boost the range. Credit: Kolby Anderson
The Autel EVO II Pro V3 deserves an honorable mention for its exceptional flight performance. It's quite large and formidable in flight, with great stability and power, but there seems to be some work needed to further refine the controls. They can be twitchy and then sluggish, making it a bit unpredictable to fly. The controls feel almost sticky in their response to input, and as you begin your flight, the controller-to-drone connection seems to struggle, even when fairly close together. The laggy, unstable connection between the drone and controller ruins otherwise rock-solid flight stability and performance of the EVO II Pro V3.
There is a soft silicone cover that goes over the DJI Flip's camera payload, which can be difficult to take off after removing the plastic gimbal guard. Credit: Kolby Anderson
Portability
Drone designs can vary widely. Some are small and compact, with few moving parts, while others have folding arms or propellers, and some fold in half completely. Our portability testing involves reviewing the form factor of these drones to rate how portable they are, as well as how safely and securely they can be transported. Camera gimbals can be quite delicate and are easily damaged, so it's important that they are protected when not in use.
The DJI Neo and HOVERAir X1 controllerless drones are both undeniably portable, but each takes a unique approach. The Neo doesn't have any folding or moving parts, but is very lightweight, weighing only 135 grams, and measures seven inches diagonally. The X1 weighs only 127 grams and, when folded, measures just under eight inches diagonally, but has a more rectangular shape, similar to a phone, whereas the Neo is essentially a square. These two tied as our top performers in terms of portability. The Neo is simpler and less prone to damage, with no moving parts and a plastic guard that covers the camera gimbal for transport. However, it has a less convenient shape, although we found it can still fit in most pockets. The X1 folds down to a more convenient shape for transport and includes a soft bag to protect it, but lacks a camera gimbal guard. Additionally, its folding mechanism is prone to damage, especially when it has landed on the ground, allowing dirt to enter the hinge mechanism.
Both the DJI Neo and HOVERAir X1 are pocket-sized drones capable of taking off from the palm of your hand.
The Force1 Scoot Toy was also a top performer in this metric, being extremely lightweight at only 32 grams and plenty small to fit right in your pocket, measuring just over four inches diagonally. The Scoot is a controllerless drone that doesn't have a camera, so transporting it is quite simple. The caveat is that Scoot does not have a removable battery and has a very short battery life of only eight minutes. So, regardless of its portability, you'll be limited to using it where you can charge it if you want to fly for longer than eight minutes. The DJI Flip closely trails the top performers in terms of portability, utilizing a unique folding design that makes it highly portable and convenient for transport. We love that the Flip can be flown with or without a controller, so you don't always need to bring it along. If you prefer to fly it with a controller, the joysticks can be removed and tucked into small indentations in the controller body, making it more convenient to transport.
Removable joysticks make the DJI controllers convenient for transport as well as protecting them from damage when not in use. Credit: Kolby Anderson
Although quite varied in size and weight, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, DJI Air 3S, and DJI Mini Pro 4 are all comparable in terms of portability, as they feature folding arms that can be stowed during transport and unfolded for flight. All of the controllers have removable joysticks that can be stowed in small indentations in the controllers to make them flat and safe to transport. The largest is the Mavic 3 Pro, which weighs 937 grams and measures 8.5 inches diagonally when folded. The Air 3S sits in the middle, weighing 721 grams and measuring just under eight inches diagonally when folded. The smallest and lightest is the Mini Pro 4, weighing just 244 grams and measuring just under six inches diagonally when folded. Each of these three has a plastic gimbal shield form-fitted to best protect the camera in transport.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a small drone capable of big-time performance with 4k video capability. Credit: Kolby Anderson
Usability
Our usability metric encompasses various tests that take a deep dive into each drone's feature set, including return-to-home accuracy, media transfer workflow, and app interfaces. Drones that score well in this metric have a user-friendly app and controls, straightforward and simple access to the captured media, and are easy for end-users to fly in a variety of circumstances.
The DJI Air 3S is the whole enchilada when it comes to usability. The mode selection on the controller on all DJI Drones lets you select between three different flight modes: Cine, Normal, and Sport, which gives you a huge range of adjustability for flight and control speed for a variety of circumstances. The DJI Fly app interface is extremely polished and caters to its creative audience, providing a clear understanding of all the features available to them. We love that you can access the storage of the Air 3S without having to power it on. Everything about the Air 3S feels well thought out and curated for simplicity and creativity. The feature that stood out the most in our testing of the Air 3S is its incredible subject tracking ability. It stuck with subjects, whether they were slow, fast, moving up and down, or even turning 180 degrees and heading in a completely different direction. The Air 3S is truly an amazing and capable drone that excels at everything it was made to do.
The sophisticated obstacle awareness system of the DJI Air 3S inspires confidence when flying in close quarters. Credit: Kolby Anderson
Sharing many of the same well-implemented features as the dominant DJI Air 3S, the Mavic 3 Pro is nearly as great as the Air 3S but is not quite as versatile as it seems more focused solely on cinema-style shooting and ultra-smooth video capture than anything else. We were surprised to see that the Mavic 3 Pro's subject tracking was too slow and struggled in our testing, even though it costs more than double what the Air 3S does. The DJI Flip is another top performer in usability thanks to its clever folding design and versatile capabilities, which allow it to be flown both with and without a controller. Being able to unfold it, take off from the palm of your hand, ride a line on your mountain bike, and then catch it back in your hand, all while capturing a killer video, is pretty amazing and quite efficient. One downside of the Flip is its return-to-home performance, which was less than ideal, landing about three feet away from where it originally took off during our testing. Aside from that, it's extremely impressive how a drone at its price range can perform as well as it does.
The phone clamp on the DJI controllers is adjustable to fit many different sizes of devices, even with cases on. Credit: Kolby Anderson
The DJI Mini Pro 4 mirrors much of the capability of the DJI Flip, and both of them are under 249 grams. If you're not concerned with weight or the regulations around it, you can get a Plus battery to extend your flight time from 34 minutes to 45 minutes. Another standout feature of the Mini 4 Pro is its ability to rotate its camera payload 45 degrees, allowing for 4 K video capture in true vertical format without compromising resolution. This feature is particularly beneficial for creators, as it saves editing time and improves video quality.
Don't forget a USB-C cable when going out to fly the DJI Avata 2! You can't fly without it to connect your device to the DJI Goggles. Credit: Kolby Anderson
The capabilities of the DJI Avata 2 are unmatched by any other drone in our testing lineup with its FPV flight, but it's worth noting that the Avata 2 is quite a bit more time-consuming to get up in the air with extra peripherals that have to be charged and connected together before being able to fly. Although you'll use the DJI Goggles to view a live feed from the drone's camera, you still need a device running the DJI Fly App that must be connected to the headset via a USB-C cable. Unfortunately, this cable is not included with the Avata 2. Once you get in the air, the Avata 2 is the most accessible FPV drone to date with self-stabilization in normal and sport modes, a pause button to stop all control inputs and hover, and an Easy ACRO mode that helps even beginners perform flips and drifts easily.
The Avata 2 effortlessly cuts through the skies, delivering a unique and playful flight experience. Credit: Kolby Anderson
Conclusion
Drones are incredible pieces of technology that have brought some of the tools and capabilities previously only available to professional filmmakers into the hands of creative hobbyists and small business professionals. We understand that buying a drone can be a stressful and confusing experience. However, we feel confident that our exhaustive and objective side-by-side comparison of the best current models available on the market will help you decide which one is best for you. Happy (and safe) flying!
