10 Best Follow Me Drones

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Maybe you find it a bit spooky to have a flying robot hovering over your shoulder. I know some people do. But no one can deny that this is no longer the stuff of science fiction. It’s so cool, it’s beyond belief.

You can get the most amazing footage with a follow me drone. You can have it follow you while you ski, mountain bike, surf, or whatever else comes to mind. There are a lot of drones to choose from so we have written this guide to show you the best drones that will follow you.

Budget
best-budget-follow-me-drone
DJI Spark
4.3/5.0
Range: 100m
Flight time: 15 minutes
Has GPS stabilization and a return-to-home feature.
Check Amazon
Best Value
best-value-follow-me-drone
DJI Mavic Air
4.5/5.0
Range: 4 km
Flight time: 21 minutes
Great obstacle avoidance for better following.
Check Amazon
Top Pick
top-value-follow-me-drone
DJI Mavic 2
4.9/5.0
Range: 7 km
Flight time: 31 minutes
Lightweight, compact and has an obstacle avoidance system.
Check DJI.com

Auto Follow Drones in a Nutshell

Never before have we been able to record such graphic, quality video, and stills of our lives. It’s great fun, it’s artistic and it’s wonderful for posterity. No one can be unimpressed with modern drones.







Items by price:

Not All Drones Are Made Equal

follow-me-drones

Drones have become so popular—in all their forms —that every technology manufacturer wants a piece of the pie. The result is too many choices and no shortage of substandard models.

Some drones are too difficult to control, especially for inexperienced users. Others don’t perform as well as the hype. And there’ll always be those that shoot substandard video and stills.

It’s the purpose of this guide to break through the crap and highlight the best follow-me drones available right now. That means user-friendly devices that perform well and shoot great footage.

The 10 drones in this review guide include (in price order, cheapest to most expensive):

  • OA = Obstacle Avoidance While Following
  • FT = Flight Time

Best Follow Me Drones Comparison Table

Make and ModelCamera TypeMax FTOACheck Price
DJI Spark12MP Stills / 1080p / 30 Video16 minYesCheck Price
Hubsan H501S X41080P HD Camera20 minNoCheck Price
DOBBY Mini Pocket-Sized Selfie Drone Follow MeN/A9 minNoCheck Price
Flame Red DJI Mavic Air Camera Quadcopter85° FOV 12mp 4K21 minYesCheck Price
DJI Mavic Pro12 MP Photo 4K Video27 minYesCheck Price
Yuneec Typhoon H ProCGO3+ 4K Gimbal Camera25 minYesCheck Price
DJI Mavic 2 Pro Hasselblad Camera DroneHasselblad camera31 minYesCheck Price
DJI Mavic Pro Platinum Fly More ComboIntegrated 12MP 4K UHD30 minYesCheck Price
Autel Robotics EVO Follow Me Camera Quad12MP 4K UHD30 minYesCheck Price
Walkera Voyager 41080P HD Camera20 minNoCheck Price

Okay, that’s our introductions into auto-follow drones, tracking technology, and my top 10 picks. I’ll now break them down for you starting with models under $500.

FOLLOW ME DRONES UNDER $500

Follow-me drones under $500 can provide as much flight time, speed, and distance as some of the more expensive crafts. They may fall short in the quality of materials used, optical quality, and range of features. These are not things that’ll bother anyone at the entry level too much. My top picks in this price category present four exceptional value drones that follow you. They’ll give you lots of pleasure and record all your happy memories with very acceptable results.

1. DJI Spark

DJI SparkView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5

There’s something loveable about the DJI Spark. It’s a smart self following drone created with the beginner pilot firmly in mind. It’s tiny too, which can be a good or bad thing depending on who you are.

This belongs to a category of mini drones (palm-sized). It’s a whole 200g lighter than the Parrot Bebop 2m, which is currently its closest rival. This is the perfect model for people on the move.

The DJI Spark is another of those fun machines but with a serious side. You can control it by tapping controls from your smartphone or even by waving your hands around. Yes, you read that right.

I do like the manual options for leveling up and the Gesture Control Mode. Some users find it a bit too gimmicky. I think it’s valuable as long as you take time to practice using it properly.

The video is another plus point. The two-axis gimbal (pivoted support) steadies the high-quality 1080p video. My advice would be to make sure you’ve always got spare batteries with you though.

Unfortunately, you only get around 12-15 minutes flying time per charge. That means you really do need to prepare before you head out. If you don’t, you’ll set yourself up for a lot of disappointments.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 300g (10.6 oz.)
Battery: LiPo 3S Spark 1480 mAh
Charging Time: 90 minutes (1.5 hrs)
Control Range: 500m (1640 ft.)
Smartphone Range: 100m (328 ft.)
Max Flight Time: 15 minutes
Max Speed: 14 m/s (31 mph)
The Pros
Affordable price
Easy to fly
Compact and lightweight
Supports gesture controls
Lots of intelligent flight modes
GPS stabilization
Return-to-home feature
Obstacle avoidance feature
The Cons
No 4K video
Short battery life
Limited speed and range

2. Hubsan H501S X4

Hubsan H501S X4View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 3.9/5

If you’re an entry-level drone pilot, add the Hubsan H501S X4 to your shortlist. This is a great value-for-money Follow Me drone that’s pretty much ready to fly out of the box.

Don’t let the size put you off. It is notably bigger than the competition, but it’s still a breeze to control once it’s airborne. It’s actually easier to control than many smaller models.

This is easily the cheapest drone with follow me, signal loss protection, and altitude hold. The control range and flying time are even better than what you get on costlier crafts.

There are a few flight modes to explore including one for the complete beginner. This is a nice touch for anyone who needs time to get used to the controls before they take to the skies properly.

I particularly like the controller features of the Hubsan H501S X4. There’s a nice clear screen that lets you know how high up you are, along with your proximity to the drone.

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 410g (1 lb.)
Battery: Li-Po 7.4V 2300mAh
Charging Time: 150 minutes (2.5 hrs.)
Control Range: > 250 meters (273 yards)
Max Flight Time: 20 minutes
Max Speed: 20 m/s (45 mph)
The Pros
Precise GPS
Useful Flight Modes
Superb camera
Fairly quiet
Broad reach
Accurate Return to Home
Effective brushless motors
The Cons
FPV transmission can be weak
No image stabilization (IS)

3. DOBBY Mini Pocket-Sized Selfie Drone Follow Me

DOBBY Mini Pocket-Sized Selfie Drone Follow MeView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5

Meet the 4K ZEROTECH DOBBY. The company markets it as a mini selfie pocket drone, and it is that. But it’s also a capable 13MP high-def camera quadcopter for filming things other than people.

Dobby’s tracking mode uses the new Qualcomm Snapdragon Flight platform. This clever little quad recognizes faces that it then locks onto as it follows and films.

It’s an incredibly easy-to-use take-it-anywhere foldable camera quad. It’s also safe to fly indoors as well as outside. That’s all thanks to its small size, 199g lightweight, and foolproof flight controls.

The DOBBY app is called Do.Fun, and a fitting name. It’s intuitive, reliable, and easy to navigate. Users get to takeoff with a one-button press and then use screen strokes and tilts to fly the drone.

The most disappointing thing about ZEROTECH DOBBY is the short 9 minutes flight time. The fast 45 minute charging compensates somewhat for the short battery life.

The small portable design is a blessing and a curse. It’s a perfect travel quad, but it doesn’t handle too well when the wind picks up. That’s something to ponder if you live in a gusty part of the country.

It’s a stable little flyer in calm conditions, though, but pilot control and footage suffer when it’s windy. There’s also a handy return-to-home function for when pilots need to bring the quad back down.

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 7 oz. (198g)
Dimensions: 5.3″ x 2.6″ x 1.4″
Battery: 970mAh (removable)
Charging Time: 45 minutes
Control Range: 100 meters (109.3 yards)
Max Flight Time: 9 minutes
The Pros
Easy to control
One-button take-off landing
Voice, pat, and throw takeoffs
Facial recognition
Small and foldable (pocket-sized)
Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
Return to Home (RTH)
Designed for aerial selfies
Decent camera
No FAA registration needed
The Cons
Short flight time
Not stable in winds
Quite expensive due to above

OK, that brings us on to the next category, follow you drones less than $1000

FOLLOW YOU DRONES UNDER $1000

I’ve listed two follow me drones in the $500-$1000 price range. These are flying machines for the more serious hobbyist. The overall build is more robust and the range of features tends to be better than the cheaper models. Expect some neat flight intelligent modes too.

4. Flame Red DJI Mavic Air Camera Quadcopter

Flame Red DJI Mavic Air Camera QuadcopterView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

The great thing about a flame-red quadcopter is that it’s easy to see in the sky. It also looks cool and stands out from the rest. But DJI’s Mavic Air is more than a good-looking, well-engineered bird.

This travel-friendly flying robot is a capable gimbal-stabilized camera quad. It’s lightweight, portable, and super-easy to use, even for novice pilots. The footage is impressive and high-quality by default.

This drone has a Follow Me mode called ActiveTrack, which senses up to 16 preselected subjects. You then choose the one you want to track and let the magic happen.

DJI’s ActiveTrack keep paces and flight precision no matter how the subject moves. Skateboarding, jumping, running, or whatever else, you can relax knowing it’s all caught on video.

There are plenty of other remarkable features with the Mavic Air too. It gives users various panorama options, slow-motion video, DJI QuickShots, and HDR still photos.

The 21 minute flight time is disappointing for a camera quadcopter in this category. It wouldn’t be so bad if the Intelligent Flight Batteries came down to more affordable levels, but they hold their price.

Most users need at least one spare battery in their kit. Another, less serious gripe is the noise this thing makes for a small bird. Its high-pitched whine is due to the hardworking, small-sized props.

Overall, the DJI Mavic Air still impresses and provides as much fun as when it first hit the shelves. It comes in three colors, i.e., Flame Red, Onyx Black, and Arctic White.

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 15.16 oz. (430g)
Dimensions: .6 x 7.2 x 2.5”
Battery: 11.55 V 2970mAh LiPo
Charging Time: 55 minutes
Control Range: 2.4 miles (4km)
Max Flight Time: 21 minutes
Max Speed: 19.2 m/s (43 mph)
Camera: 85° FOV 12mp 4K
Stabilizing Gimbal: 3-axis
The Pros
Compact, foldable design
High-quality drone camera
Effective stabilizing gimbal
Hand gesture control
Palm launch
Auto filming modes
Obstacle avoidance
Fast charging time
The Cons
Average flight time
Loud whining

5. DJI Mavic Pro

DJI Mavic ProView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

If you’re into small powerful follow me drones, then consider the DJI Mavic Pro. When folded up it’s not much bigger than a jar of coffee. This is a great little machine for serious videographers and photographers.

The DJI Mavic Pro is a simple craft to master despite its sophistication and professional appeal. Its Tripod Mode is child’s play. All you do is follow whatever the app instructs you to do. That’s it!

This quadcopter has so much going on that some call it the Swiss army knife of drones. But don’t let its power, elegance and impressive features overwhelm you. It really is a very user-friendly craft.

DJI Mavic Pro is one of the few machines that have obstacle avoidance built-in. Although it’s a great feature, remember that the drone can only see what’s in front of it, not behind or at either side.

The advanced gimbal settings let you take full control of the gimbal tilt wheel to ensure you get the smoothest footage out of all your movements.

Compared to a lot of powerful drones the flying time of the DJI Mavic Pro is impressive. You get something like 30 minutes under optimal conditions. Some drones only give you 10-12 minutes.

To sum up the DJI Mavic Pro, you have 4K ultra HD distortion-free video, long flying range, and a decent flight time. There’s also obstacle avoidance, precision hover, and image stabilization.

Like any drone, the DJI Mavic Pro is not without a few downsides. The smaller size – though appealing to many – can be a turn off for others. It’s also more difficult to keep an eye on it.

The DJI Mavic Pro is a tough little machine but it’s not so good against blustery winds. This is something to think about if you’re a professional who needs to shoot outdoors against tight deadlines.

But overall, the size and portability of this auto follow craft makes it a surefire winner. It’s certainly a popular choice for serious hobbyists and professionals with a thousand bucks to spare.

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 735g (1.6 lbs.)
Battery: 2970mAh
Charging Time: 60+ minutes
Control Range: 4.3 mile (7 km)
Max Flight Time: 27 minutes
Max Speed: 18 m/s (40 mph)
The Pros
Many features but easy to learn
Lightweight and compact
Excellent flight time
Fast recharging battery
Quiet compared to some models
Flexible Gimbal
Hand gesture mode
Obstacle avoidance system
Live stream videos
The Cons
Narrow field of view (FOV)
Not easy to launch from grass
Full experience needs smartphone

6. Yuneec Typhoon H Pro

Yuneec Typhoon H ProView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

If you thought the previous drone looked cute and friendly, the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro is quite the opposite. It looks a bit like a giant insect for want of a better description.

I know I jest about the looks of some drones. But let’s not forget aesthetics, ergonomics, and all that other stuff matters to some people as much as functionality.

If you like the way the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro looks, it will please you to know it’s a top performer as well. It’s a follow-me drone designed to please everyone from beginners to advanced.

Prosumers are the most interested buyer. That’s because it’s one of the most advanced videography and aerial photography drones around at the moment in this price range.

Flying the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro is a piece of cake. The big 7″ integrated display screen on the all-in-one controller helps. Here you can easily manage real-time recording of every flight.

Enjoy a full 360° view of the world you’re filming in flawless quality. Seriously, you would usually only have videography experiences like this with high-end, higher priced professional crafts.

There are plenty of intelligent task modes to explore too. You’ve got Orbit Me, Point Of Interest mode, Journey, Curve Cable Cam, Follow Me / Watch Me, and a Dynamic Return to Home mode.

This is likely the best Aerial Videography Hexacopter you’ll find right now for under $1000.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6F5Z8eV9yQ

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 1950g (4.3 lbs.)
Battery: 4S 14.8V LiPo Battery (POWER 4)
Charging Time: 1 hr 50 minutes plus
Control Range: > 1.6 km (1 mile)
Max Flight Time: 25 minutes
Max Speed: 19.4 m/s (43.5 mph)
The Pros
Six-rotor design
Rotating 360° 4K video camera
Raw and JPG image capture
Modular design
Advanced gimbal settings
Can carry heavier payloads
Retractable landing gear
Good operating range
Includes obstacle avoidance
Supports dual-operator control
Online community support
The Cons
Price tag
Comes down too fast
Quite heavy

FOLLOW YOU DRONES UNDER $2000

Makers of follow me drones between $1000-$2000 target the prosumer level. These are high-quality machines with lots of bells and whistles to boot. My tip here is to only invest in one of these awesome auto-follow drones if you really need what they offer. Always know what it is you want to achieve as it will help you make the right decision.

7. DJI Mavic 2 Pro Hasselblad Camera Drone

DJI Mavic 2 Pro Hasselblad Camera DroneView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

DJI’s beautiful and much sought-after Mavic 2 Pro is a high-quality camera quad with a difference. It comes packed with everything an aerial videographer could wish for and more to boot.

Consider the Mavic 2 Pro if you’re into serious travel photography and video projects. This foldable drone is everything that was good about the popular Mavic 1, only quieter and better.

The Mavic 2 Pro’s Follow Me mode is ActiveTrack, and there are 3 options. Pilots draw a simple box around the subject using the DJI GO 4 app. You then choose between Profile, Trace, or Spotlight.

In Profile mode, the Mavic 2 Pro follows and films the subject from an exact angle and distance. Trace mode follows at a set distance but not at an angle. Spotlight turns off automated tracking but keeps the camera on the subject. The latter allows the user to adjust flying positions using the controller.

The drone comes equipped with a 20MP camera made by the world-leading Hasselblad brand. It excels in low light and has an excellent dynamic range. Both image and video quality are outstanding.

Flight time is an incredible 31 minutes in perfect conditions. This drone can reach 45mph, which gets to where you want to film—and back—real fast. The control distance is also amazing.

Other highlights include obstacle avoidance on all sides and the dedicated controller. The drone also has three return-to-home (RTH) features. They are Smart RTH, Low Battery RTH, and Failsafe RTH.

Most owners of the DJI Mavic 2 Pro consider it to be excellent value, and it is. But it’s also expensive to the point where it’s price puts it out of reach for a lot of people. Another negative is the 8GB internal storage. High-quality video and stills take up lots of space, so more would have been better here.

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 32 oz. (907g)
Dimensions: 12.67 x 9.52 x 3.30”
Battery: 15.4V 3850mAh LiPo
Charging Time: 90 minutes (1.5 hrs.)
Control Range: 11 miles (17.7 km)
Max Flight Time: 31 minutes
Max Speed: 20.11 m/s (45 mph)
The Pros
Lightweight, compact design
Superior tracking
Obstacle avoidance
Quality Hasselblad camera
4K HDR video
Extended flight time
Incredible flight range
Quiet for its class
Impressive safety features
The Cons
Expensive
Only 8GB internal storage

8. DJI Mavic Pro Platinum Fly More Combo

DJI Mavic Pro Platinum Fly More ComboView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

This Follow Me capable drone is the DJI Mavic Pro Platinum, which comes with a smart carry case. It’s another compact, foldable camera quadcopter aimed at those serious about aerial videography.

The ActiveTrack follows its subject whatever it’s doing and however it moves. One of the favorite tracks is when the drone films jaw-dropping video as it flies perfect circles around its subject.

DJI’s Fly More Combo here includes all you need to start flying. There are 3 flight batteries, smartphone connectors, a car charger, and a remote controller in the box.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the smartphone display tells you everything about the flight. It looks busy at first, but it doesn’t take long to get familiar with all the data and indicators.

Platinum’s dedicated foldable remote has a clamp to accommodate most smartphones. Other parts include a battery-to-power bank adapter, extra props, and a 4-battery charging hub.

DJI’s Platinum has an extra 3 minutes flight time and is 60% quieter compared to the original Mavic. The extended control range is about the same. There’s also the distinct platinum finish, of course.

The drone boasts all the DJI safety features. It uses GPS positioning, has an ultra-stable auto-hover, and a Beginner Mode for new pilots. The latter limits speed, some functions, height, and distance.

There are other exciting Smart Modes to explore and ways to exploit this incredible craft. But then it is quite an expensive drone because of the high-quality construction and sophistication.

The biggest gripe—as with all DJI drones—is the high cost of batteries. Fortunately, this bundle includes three batteries and a bunch of other useful extras (see above).

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 26.24 oz. (744g)
Dimensions: 14.9 x 12.13 x 6.88”
Battery: 11.4V 3830 mAh LiPo 3S
Charging Time: 60+ minutes (1+ hrs.)
Control Range: 4.3 miles (7km)
Max Flight Time: 30 minutes
Max Speed: 17.8 m/s (40 mph)
Camera: Integrated 12MP 4K UHD
Stabilizing gimbal: 3-axis
Controller: 2.4 GHz to 2.483 GHz
The Pros
High-quality gimbal camera
Portable collapsible design
Extended flight time
Long control distance
DJI goggle compatibility
Quiet flier
Tap & gesture controls
Obstacle avoidance
Fast top speed
Intuitive DJI GO App
The Cons
Quite pricey
High cost of batteries

9. Autel Robotics EVO Follow Me Camera Quad

Autel Robotics EVO Follow Me Camera QuadView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

Autel Robotics’ EVO is the camera quadcopter that put the cat among the pigeons. It gave—and continues to provide—the DJI alternatives with some serious competition.

Dynamic tracking is EVO’s visual recognition Follow Me mode. The quad latches onto its target, e.g., a person or a moving thing, and then follows it like a faithful old dog.

This ultra-portable 4K quad shoots at 60fps (frames per second). Its fixed camera has a wide 2.8 aperture and a 94° angle of view. The drone has foldable arms and a similar form to DJI’s Mavic.

The EVO—like its DJI counterparts—boasts a plethora of Intelligent Flight Modes. And its forward, rear, and down-facing avoidance sensors do a great job of avoiding obstacles.

There are no shortcomings in other areas, either. The control range is 4.3 miles (7km), flight time is around 30 minutes, and it has a top speed of about 45 mph.

No phone? No problem, thanks to the EVO remote. It’s like most others, with the difference being its built-in OLED screen. It not only displays all critical data but also serves as a flight monitor.

The EVO camera quad doesn’t have—at the time of writing—any altitude or no-fly zone restrictions. Experienced pilots may welcome that, but it could prove problematic for novice users.

Another negative is no onboard memory. There is a MicroSD slot, though the card door is a pain to open. At least this drone set includes 32GB and 64GB cards, so you’re good to go.

Lots of EVO fans have also been DJI devotees. Many still are. So, it’s refreshing to hear positive feedback for a DJI competitor. That’s because many think DJI has dominated the market for too long.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 30.4 oz. (862g)
Dimensions: 7.8 x 3.8 x 4”
Battery: 13.05V 4300mAh LiPo
Control Range: 4.3 miles (6.9km)
Max Flight Time: 30 minutes
Camera: 12MP 4K UHD
Field of View (FOV): 94°
Max Speed: 20.1 m/s (45 mph)
The Pros
Foldable travel-friendly design
Cinematic quality video
Failsafe RTH features
Obstacle avoidance system
Bright OLED controller
Extended flight time
Extended control range
Supports DCI and UHD formats
The Cons
No fly-zone restrictions
No onboard memory
Awkward MicroSD card door

FOLLOW YOU DRONES OVER $2000

I’ve only included one follow me drone in the over $2000 category. This is the last of the prosumer tracking drones. It offers high-quality zoom optics and an unlimited control range among other things. You’ll either want this drone or have no need for it and choose one of the more affordable options.

10. Walkera Voyager 4

Walkera Voyager 4View on Ebay

Editor’s Rating: 4.1/5

They market the Walkera Voyager 4 as a prosumer (advanced enthusiasts) follow me drone. The upgraded model stands out from the pack because it has an 18x optical telephoto zoom lens.

With its mega zoom lens the Walkera Voyager 4 is a different beast, but why bother? Well, it means you can zoom in on people, places, things, and events from quite a long way off. This might cause some privacy issues later, especially as you can control this drone from anywhere in the world.

However, these are not things that really interest the follow me drone enthusiast. You don’t have to worry—the Walkera Voyager 4 has a standard lens version with stunning 4K UHD video.

This is a high-quality drone with a sleek look. Even the controller is a beautiful ergonomic design with quality rubber grips for comfortable handling. Few could fault its design or its functionality.

The intelligent Follow Me Modes include: Altitude Hold, Circle Flight, Destination Planning Waypoint, Back to Base and Fly Around Object mode.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 3200g (7.1 lbs.)
Battery: 22.2V 4500 mAh
Charging Time: Avg. 90 minutes
Control Range: Unlimited
Max Flight Time: 20 minutes
Max Speed: 20m/s (45 mph)
The Pros
360 degrees rotation
Unlimited control range
Powerful flight APP
4G wireless internet
Multiple flight modes
4K video (standard lens version)
Retractable landing gear
Detachable gimbal
Impressive battery life
Ultra-light (carbon fiber) materials
The Cons
High price tag
Challenging for the novice

Final Words

This concludes my top ten follow-me drone picks for now. There are others, but these are the most sought after and most praised follow me drones in their price range.

The exciting new Follow Me Technology is more than just a fad—it’s a way of life for many. It’s certainly widened the appeal of drones with the freedom, flexibility, and ease of use.

Once you start to record your life events with your own drone you’ll probably wonder how you ever managed without it. It’s going to be similar to the mobile phone revolution that kicked off in the 1990s.

I’ll revise this guide periodically when there is something new to write about that deserves attention. Please bookmark this page and check back for updates.