9 Best RC Drones by Price – Cheap and Expensive

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Welcome to the most up-to-date drone buyer’s guide. There are 9 electric powered quadcopter reviews here in three categories. They are Best Budget (entry-level), Best Value (amateur), and High-end (professional/commercial) products. This introduction explains the different drone types available for any newcomers reading here. Experienced pilots may want to jump straight to the reviews.

We can place drones into 4 categories:

  1. Beginner drones
  2. Hobby drones
  3. Professional drones
  4. Racing drones

The rest of this short introduction explains what to expect from each type.

Budget
best-budget-rc-drone
SNAPTAIN S5C Camera Quad
4.7/5.0
Product Weight: 4.47 oz.
Max Range: 262 ft.
Easy to fly, altitude hold, prop guards, gesture control, gravity control.
Check Amazon
Best Value
best-value-rc-drone
DJI Mavic Air Camera Drone
4.8/5.0
Product Weight: 15.16 oz.
Max Range: 2.4 miles (4km)
Foldable controller, 8GB storage, Sphere Panoramas.
Check Amazon
Top Pick
top-value-rc-drone
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
4.9/5.0
Product Weight: 32 oz.
Max Range: 5 miles (8 km)
4K video, 12MP stills, long flight time, long range, fast speeds, internal storage.
Check Amazon

#1 Beginner Drones

The uninitiated often make mistakes buying their first drone. Sales pages can be full of hype, promoting easy-to-fly features and simple controls. Some are, but many others are not as novice-friendly as the ads suggest. The ideal beginner drone is affordable rather than cheap. It’s also sturdy and able to withstand those inevitable learner crashes and hard landings.

Novice-friendly features

Some makers call beginner quads entry-level or starter drones, but it all means the same. These models must be easy to fly and include some failsafe features.

Look for characteristics like the ones below:

  1. Headless mode: drone flies according to controls, not nose orientation
  2. 1-key takeoff and landing
  3. 1-Key return to home (RTH)
  4. Altitude hold: drone maintains set altitude (height)
  5. Low battery alarm
  6. Weak signal alarm

Some models will have an auto-return to home feature for low-battery and weak signals.

#2 Hobby Drones

Hobby drones are typically for keen amateurs with flying experience. Most models have cameras that can take superb aerial photos and high-quality video. Someone who buys at this level usually knows what they want. They understand what the specs mean and how the flight modes work. These flying robots have much longer flight times and flight ranges than beginner-drones.

#3 Professional Drones

These are high-end flying robots engineered with advanced features that have multiple uses. Prosumers and people who make money from aerial photography and filming buy professional drones. Other applications include search & rescue, agriculture, real-time surveillance, delivery, and many others. Most amateur pilots would love a professional drone, but few can justify the higher costs.

#4 Racing Drones

Quadcopter racing is quite a new phenomenon, and it’s taken off in a big way. Drone racing has become one of the fastest growing new sports on the planet. Races are in First Person View (FPV). FPV puts the competitor in the virtual pilot’s seat. They view live stream using an external screen, but the most immersive experience is with FPV goggles. Racing drones don’t look too pretty, but that’s okay.

A proper racing quadcopter is upgradable, tweakable, and built for speed. These machines are agile and crash resistant. They need to be with some reaching speeds up to 100 mph (161 kph).

About My ‘Best RC Drone’ Guide

There are too many drones available nowadays. Buying a new quad can be an overwhelming experience, even for experienced users. There’s just so much on offer with more models and brands flooding the market all the time. The products here are the result of careful research. They are favorites in their respective categories. That’s according to user feedback and expert opinions.

The table below shows these 9 popular models as they appear on the page.

RC Drones Comparison Table

Best Budget Drones

Our Best Budget drones are not cheap toys but affordable feature-packed quadcopters. They share some of the characteristics of higher-priced models but not to the same level. They offer surprisingly good value considering what they provide, though. The flight times tend to be on the short side, but spare batteries are reasonable. Consider quads in this category if you’re new to the hobby.

1. Holy Stone Mini RC Drone HS170 Predator

Holy Stone Mini RC Drone HS170 PredatorView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

The Holy Stone Mini HS170 Predator is an excellent choice for first-time pilots. Think of it as a training quadcopter. It has some beginner-friendly features bundled into an affordable package.

  • Best feature 1: Headless mode
  • Best feature 2: 3 different speed modes
  • Plus points: Easy to fly, return to home button, colorful LEDs, 6-axis gyro, fast charging
  • Minus points: Short flight time, no altitude hold

What We Like About the HS170 Predator

The Predator is an easy little quad to fly for first-timers. It comes equipped with a headless mode security system. That lets new users focus only on the control sticks and not the drone’s orientation. And the 3 different speed modes allow novice users to practice and progress at their pace. The return-to-home button on the controller is invaluable if you need to bring the bird back in a hurry.

Another nice touch is the colorful LEDs for nighttime flying. Beginners can also enjoy 1-button flips & rolls thanks to the 6-axis stabilizing gyro.

The Not So Good

Short flight times are typical with entry-level quads, and the Predator’s no exception. Expect around 6–8 minutes in ideal conditions. Charging time is fast at only 45 minutes, though. There isn’t an altitude hold function, which is a shame. But then this is a low-cost quad, so something has to give.

View on Amazon

Tech Specs
Brand: Holy Stone
Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 1.6 x 5.3”
Product Weight: 12.6 oz.
Camera: None
Max Range: 164 ft. (50 meters)
Battery: 3.7V 350mAh Li-ion
Max Flying time: 6+ minutes
Charging time: 45+ minutes
The Pros
Easy to fly at entry-level
Headless mode
3 speed modes
Return to home button
Colorful LEDs for night flying
6-axis stabilizing gyro
Fast charging time
The Cons
Short flying time
No altitude hold

2. Best Budget: SNAPTAIN S5C FPV Drone W/ 720P HD Camera

SNAPTAIN S5C FPV Drone W/ 720P HD CameraView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

My next Best Budget drone goes to the ready to fly (RTF) SNAPTAIN S5C. It’s a feature-packed 720P HD camera quad and a brilliant first drone for anyone over ten years of age.

  • Best feature 1: Headless mode
  • Best feature 2: 1-key takeoff and landing
  • Plus points: Easy to fly, altitude hold, prop guards, gesture control, gravity control
  • Minus points: Short flight time, vague manual

What We Like About the SNAPTAIN S5C

SNAPTAIN’s camera drone lets raw novices fly with confidence. It has a headless mode and an emergency stop function. Altitude hold, 1-key takeoff/landing, and low signal warnings are other beginner-friendly features. The included propeller guards help to protect the delicate blades. And the high-quality ABS material adds to the quad’s crash-resistance.

Snaptain Era App

Snaptain’s Era Android/iOS free app offers a plethora of advanced features. They include hand gesture control, voice control, and gravity control. Trajectory Flight is another high-tech feature. You simply draw a flight path on a smartphone screen, and the drone follows. The 3D mode gives pilots the ultimate immersive First Person View (FPV) experience. For that, you need VR glasses (not included).

The Not So Good

Flight time is only 8–9 minutes on a single charge. Charging takes around 90 minutes, so you may want to invest in one or two extra batteries. The main disappointment isn’t with the drone but its guide. It’s scant and can leave a lot of new users guessing. My advice would be to skip the manual and find a video tutorial on YouTube instead.

View on Amazon

Tech Specs
Brand: SNAPTAIN
Product Dimensions: 13.9×9.7×3.3.”
Product Weight: 4.47 oz.
Camera: 60° wide-angle 720P HD
Max Range: 262 ft. (80 meters)
Battery: 3.7v 550 mAh Li-ion
Max Flying time: 7+ minutes
Charging time: 90 minutes
The Pros
Easy to fly at entry-level
Built-in FPV camera
Snaptain Era App
Headless mode
3D mode (FPV)
1-key takeoff and landing
Altitude hold
Low signal warning
Prop guards
Gesture control
Gravity control
Voice Control
Trajectory Flight
The Cons
Short flight time
Vague user’s manual

3. Potensic D50 1080P Camera Quadcopter

Potensic D50 1080P Camera QuadcopterView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The third Best Budget pick is a popular and exceptional GPS FPV Drone called the Potensic D50. Its built-in 1080P F-HD 5G WiFi camera provides seamless live video transmission.

  • Best feature 1: 3 Speed modes
  • Best feature 2: Altitude Hold
  • Plus points: Return to Home (RTH), Follow Me, Draw the Dot, Gravity Sensor Mode
  • Minus points: Average battery life, need to calibrate for every flight

What We Like About the Potensic D50

The learning curve is a tad steeper compared to the previous two, but it’s still quite easy to grasp. The three different speed modes let you practice at 11 mph, 14 mph, and 22 mph. The automatic GPS return to home (RTH) is another welcome feature. Auto-RTH kicks in when the drone flies close to its outer range and with low battery levels. That includes the transmitter battery as well.

Feature-Packed Budget Drone

Potensic packs a lot of features into its D50, considering the price. Download the app and control the drone with your smartphone in Gravity Sensor Mode. Other app features are Follow Me, Draw the Dot, and Track the Drone. That last feature is invaluable if the quad comes down and you’re not sure where it is. The D50 also has an impressive 984 ft. (300 m) flight range.

The Not So Good

The Potensic D50 has the best flight time of the budget drones here, but it’s still quite short. You will get 10–15 minutes at best, so consider extra batteries. The biggest complaint from users is that you must calibrate the drone for each new flight. It’s not difficult, but it is a hassle.

View on Amazon

Tech Specs
Brand: Potensic
Product Dimensions: 14 x 12 x 8”
Product Weight: 6.4 oz.
Camera: 1080p HD
Max Range: 984 ft. (300 meters)
Battery: 1500 mAh LiPo
Max Flying time: 15 minutes
Charging time: 200 minutes
The Pros
GPS FPV RC Quadcopter
Feature-packed drone
3 different speed modes
Altitude hold
Auto Return to Home (RTH)
Follow Me Mode
Draw the Dot
Gravity Sensor Mode
Track the Drone
Long flight range for its class
The Cons
Average battery life
Calibrate every flight

Best Value Drones

Drones in this category are favorites within the community. They’re an excellent choice for aerial photography, videography, or free flight. The brands are well-known names and world leaders in the industry. My 3 Best Value camera quads in this section make perfect travel companions. They also fly longer and further than the budget options above.

1. Holy Stone HS700 RTF FPV 1080p HD Quad

Holy Stone HS700 RTF FPV 1080p HD QuadView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The Holy Stone HS700 is a compact, lightweight First Person View (FPV) 1080p camera quad. It comes packed with the features that pilots demand from a drone in this category.

  • Best feature 1: Powerful brushless motors
  • Best feature 2: GPS Follow Me
  • Plus points: Easy to fly, altitude hold, RTH, custom flight path, FPV, GoPro compatible
  • Minus points: No prop guards, long charging time

What We Like About the HS700

Holy Stone’s HS700 camera quad is a popular choice for many. It’s quick to launch using 1-key start and easy to fly at the entry-level with its headless mode. The powerful brushless motors are reliable, long-lasting, and quiet for a drone. Quick-release props (no screws) make replacing blades a cinch. The flight time is 20 minutes on a single charge, and the range is an impressive 3280 ft. (1000 m).

Feature highlights include a GPS Follow Me mode, altitude hold, and app-controlled custom flight path. The 3 return-to-home (RTH) features are also welcome. They include a 1-key return and 2 auto-RTH for low-power and signal loss. A modular battery pack makes removal and replacing straightforward.

Camera and Live Streaming

The model comes with a reasonable 5G 1080P detachable camera. It has a wide 110° field of view (FOV) to capture panoramic views. The real-time live video transmission is consistent up to a range of 1300 ft. (396 m). You can save the aerial footage to the 8GB MicroSD card inside the camera. GoPro owners can also attach HERO 2/3/4 cameras to the mount if they prefer.

The Not So Good

There aren’t any prop guards with the HS700. That means you must be extra mindful of the spinning blades. It also makes them more vulnerable to breakage, which is why the drone comes with a spare set. The charging time is insane at 5+ hours, so extra batteries are a necessity.

View on Amazon

Tech Specs
Brand: Holy Stone
Product Dimensions: 15.2 x 15.2 x 6.1”
Product Weight: 1.34 lbs.
Camera: Advanced 5G 1080P Full-HD
Max Range: 328 ft. (100 meters)
Battery: 2800mAh LiPo
Max Flying time: 20 minutes
Charging time: 300 minutes (5+ hrs.)
The Pros
Easy to fly at the entry-level
Detachable camera
Powerful brushless motors
GPS Follow Me
Altitude hold
Auto return to home (RTH)
Manual RTH
Custom flight path
First Person View (FPV)
GoPro compatible
Quick-release props
The Cons
No prop guards
Long charging time

2. DJI Spark Camera Quad, Fly More Combo

DJI Spark Camera Quad, Fly More ComboView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

DJI’s Spark is a cute and incredible, high-performing camera drone. It can take stunning 12MP aerial stills and shoot 1080P video to be proud of. It also features DJI’s famous signature technologies.

  • Best feature 1: Plethora of DJI flight modes
  • Best feature 2: 12MP, 1080p FPV camera
  • Plus points: Hand launch, hand gestures, ActiveTrack, TapFly, quick edit & share
  • Minus points: 2-axis gimbal, average flight time, costly batteries

What We Like About the DJI Spark

The Spark is a favorite camera quadcopter for folks who like to travel light. It’s tiny enough to go into a large pocket or small bag. Best of all is that you can have it airborne and shooting within seconds. That’s thanks to its palm launch and hand gesture controls (no remote needed). And the popular ActiveTrack feature lets you get on with the action while the spark follows and films.

Smartphone control also gives you a plethora of DJI standard and Intelligent Flight Modes. They include things like TapFly (tap and fly), Quickshot, and many others to explore. The Edit & Share feature in the DJI GO 4 app has a bunch of automatic templates and filters. Edit & Share helps you to upload your Spark videos to social media in seconds.

The Not So Good

The Spark has 2-axis gimbal stabilization that does a great job of steadying the camera while filming. However, it’s not as effective as a 3-axis, which is most noticeable when flying at higher speeds. The footage is perfectly steady at average speeds, though. The flight time for the DJI Spark is low-average at only 16 minutes. Extra batteries are expensive at around 80 dollars apiece at the time of writing.

View on Amazon

Tech Specs
Brand: DJI
Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 5.6 x 2.16”
Product Weight: 10.58 oz.
Camera: 12MP 1080P
Max Range: 1.2 miles (1.93 km)
Battery: 11.4V 1480mAh
Max Flying time: 16 minutes
Charging time: 80 minutes
The Pros
Easy to fly camera quad
Many flight modes
Gimbal stabilized camera
Obstacle avoidance
Palm launch
Hand gesture control
Return to home (RTH)
ActiveTrack
TapFly
Quick sharing to social media
The Cons
Only 2-axis gimbal
Average flight time
Costly batteries

3. Best Value: DJI Mavic Air Camera Quad W/ Remote Controller

DJI Mavic Air Camera Quad W/ Remote ControllerView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

The DJI Mavic Air makes the third slot for Best Value drones. It’s ultra-compact and lightweight like the Spark above, but with the advantage of foldable arms.

  • Best feature 1: Ultra-compact, foldable design
  • Best feature 2: 3-axis gimbal 12MP 4K camera
  • Plus points: Foldable controller, 8GB storage, Sphere Panoramas, obstacle avoidance
  • Minus points: Average flight time, MicroSD slot awkward to access, noisy

What We Like About the DJI Mavic Air

DJI’s Mavic Air shares some similarities with the Spark only it has better everything. There’s the 3-axis gimbal, 4K camera, and unique foldable design. Even the remote control is foldable. Folding parts also help to protect the equipment during transit. The Mavic Air is an easy bird to pilot and lots of fun too. Control options include hand gestures, smartphone/tablet, and dedicated controller.

Filming with the Mavic Air

DJI’s little quad shoots 4K video at 30fps (frames per second). The UHD footage is of exceptional quality. And the onboard camera takes tack-sharp 12MP photos. This little drone can stitch 25 images together in 8 seconds. The result of that is the most amazing, jaw-dropping 32MP Sphere panoramas. There’s plenty of storage options too with a MicroSD card slot and 8GB of internal storage.

The slow-motion video is a loved feature by those who film high-speed activities. And the front, rear, and bottom sensors prevent the Mavic Air hitting obstacles as it flies. That means you can concentrate on filming and less on flying. DJI has packed all its usual Intelligent and Standard Flight modes into this little bird. It’s not the cheapest small 4K camera drone around, but it does offer excellent value.

The Not So Good

The Mavic Air has a max flight time of 21 minutes. That’s an improvement on the Spark, but it’s still only average. Extra batteries are expensive and add considerably to the cost. The MicroSD card slot is welcome, but it can be awkward to access. The final gripe is the noise this quad makes. It’s no louder than the Spark or Mavic Pro, but it has an annoying high-pitched whine to it.

View on Amazon

Tech Specs
Brand: DJI
Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 7.2 x 2.5”
Product Weight: 15.16 oz.
Camera: 85° FOV 12MP 4K
Max Range: 2.4 miles (4km)
Battery: 11.55 V 2970mAh LiPo
Max Flying time: 21 minutes
Charging time: 55 minutes
The Pros
Ultra-compact, foldable quad
Foldable controller
Gimbal stabilized camera
8GB storage
MicroSD card slot
32MP Sphere Panoramas
Slow-motion video
DJI Flight Modes
Obstacle avoidance system
The Cons
Average flight time
MicroSD slot awkward
Noisy

High-End Drones

High-end drones are ideal for prosumer, professional, and commercial use. These models look, feel, and function like something out of Hollywood. Their application has no limits other than the pilot’s imagination. They offer cinematic-quality footage, long flight times, and incredible control ranges.

1. Autel Robotics EVO Folding 4K Camera Quad

Autel Robotics EVO Folding 4K Camera QuadView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

First on the list of high-end drones is the Autel Robotics EVO. It’s a beautiful looking 4K camera quadcopter with a compact, folding design. This quad supports DCI and UHD formats.

  • Best feature 1: Portable, foldable design
  • Best feature 2: 3-axis stabilized 12MP 4K camera
  • Plus points: Unique OLED controller, long flight time, long range, OA, RTH, cinematic-quality
  • Minus points: Few safety restrictions, awkward card door, no internal memory

What We Like About Autel Robotics’ EVO

You can fly the Autel Robotics’ EVO with or without a smartphone. The included controller is unique with its built-in 3.3” OLED color screen. You can use the screen to view telemetry data, remaining battery life, and the camera’s live feed. The quad can fly for up to 30 minutes on a single charge and boasts an incredible 4.3 miles (6.9 km) control range.

Dual GPS and GLONASS satellites ensure flights are safe and free from crashes. The effective obstacle avoidance (OA) protection is forward, rear, and bottom. This quad has the usual failsafe features you’d expect of a drone in its class. There’s a manual return to home (RTH) and two auto RTH for low battery and weak or lost signal. The free app unleashes all the EVO’s exciting features.

Free Autel Explorer App

Pilots can download the Autel Explorer app to any modern Android and iOS smartphone. You can then attach the device to the included controller. That gives you access to all the advanced settings and autonomous flight features. They include things like Viewpoint, Dynamic Track, Waypoints, first person view (FPV), and more.

Filming with the EVO

EVO’s has a powerful 4K 3-axis gimbal stabilized camera that boasts 60fps (frames per second). You can expect cinematic-quality video that’s buttery smooth and highly professional. The 12MP photos display crystal-clear details and vivid colors. The EVO has a card slot and comes with a 32GB MicroSD card to store the footage. That’s enough space to record 4K video for about 1 hour.

The Not So Good

Not all experienced pilots appreciate the flight restrictions forced upon them by DJI drones. Some are sure to welcome the absence of these with the EVO. You can fly as high as the quad takes you. There aren’t any enforced no-fly zones either. But these things can be dangerous in the hands of less educated pilots. A lesser con is that the memory card door is overly tight and thus awkward to open.

View on Amazon

Tech Specs
Brand: Autel Robotics
Product Dimensions: x
Product Weight: 30.4 oz.
Camera: 12MP 4K Ultra-HD
Max Range: 4.3 miles (6.9km)
Battery: 13.05V 4300mAh LiPo
Max Flying time: 30 minutes
The Pros
Portable, foldable design
Unique OLED controller
Long flight time
Long flight range
Supports DCI and UHD formats
Obstacle avoidance
3 return to home (RTH)
Cinematic-quality video
Tack-sharp stills
The Cons
Few safety restrictions
Awkward card door
No internal memory

2. Top Pick: DJI Mavic 2 Zoom Camera Quad 2-Battery Bundle

DJI Mavic 2 Zoom Camera Quad 2-Battery BundleView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

Almost every drone enthusiasts like the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom camera quadcopter. It sports a high-quality build, has incredible filming capabilities, and a compact, foldable design.

  • Best feature 1: Professional filmmaking drone
  • Best feature 2: 4x zoom, including a 2x optical zoom (24–48mm)
  • Plus points: 4K video, 12MP stills, long flight time, long range, fast speeds, internal storage
  • Minus points: Restricted internal memory, no portrait mode

What We Like About the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom

DJI’s Mavic 2 Zoom and Mavic 2 Pro quads are the new standard that drone manufacturers aspire to. The Zoom version gives aerial photographers opportunities to shoot with new perspectives. The drone is expensive, but anyone who exploits all the features can surely justify its price tag. It has an obstacle avoidance system to protect it from all directions. That includes front, rear, upward, and down.

DJI has packed its Mavic 2 zoom with all the usual flight features and autonomous modes. The fast 45 mph speed in Sport mode gets the quad to its destination and back again in no time. You can expect a little over 30 minutes of flight on a single charge, and a control range of 5 miles (8 km).

Filming with the Mavic 2 Zoom

The 12MP camera with its 1/2.3” CMOS sensor doesn’t disappoint. It supports High-Dynamic-Range (HDR) to provide more details in dark and bright areas. The 4K video is smooth, sharp, and of cinematic quality. But it’s the 4x zoom with 2x optical zoom that makes this quad stand out. The 24mm–48mm focal range gives pilots dynamic perspectives from wide-angle to mid-range.

The Not So Good

The Zoom has an 8GB internal storage capacity that’s welcome but lacking. After all, recording 100Mbps video will fill 8GB in around 15 minutes. You won’t want to leave the home without a MicroSD card in its slot. Another negative—for some—is that there isn’t a portrait mode with the Mavic 2 Zoom.

View on Amazon

Tech Specs
Brand: DJI
Product Dimensions: 18.2 x 12.2 x 9”
Product Weight: 32 oz.
Camera: 12MP 4K 24–48mm zoom
Max Range: 5 miles (8 km)
Battery: 3850 mAh LiPo
Max Running time: 31 minutes
Charging time: 90 minutes
The Pros
Professional filmmaking drone
Compact, foldable design
4x zoom w/ 2x optical zoom
4K video, 12MP stills
Raw & HDR stills
Obstacle detection
Long flight time
Long flight range
Fast speeds in Sport mode
The Cons
Only 8GB internal storage
No portrait mode

3. Cinematic DJI Inspire 2 Camera Quadcopter

Cinematic DJI Inspire 2 Camera QuadcopterView on BH

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

The DJI Inspire 2 camera quadcopter is a highly-professional filming drone. It’s the tool to have if you shoot fast-moving action that demands Hollywood-quality footage.

  • Best feature 1: 5.2K gimbal cameras compatibility
  • Best feature 2: Dual battery design
  • Plus points: Fast flier, advanced obstacle sensing, propulsion system, DJI flight features
  • Minus points: High cost of remote, no side or back sensors, high price tag

What We Like About the DJI Inspire 2

This is the kind of fast-moving quad you’d expect to see on a professional movie set. It comes equipped with DJI’s Intelligent Flight Modes and failsafe features. The Inspire 2 is compatible with high-end 5.2K gimbal cameras. The dual battery design is a reassuring addition to this costly bird. If one battery fails for whatever reason, the second takes over and lets the pilot safely land the quad.

Advanced Obstacle Sensing

DJI’s Inspire 2 has an advanced obstacle sensing system. It functions with all Intelligent Flight Modes, normal flight, and when return-to-home (RTH) is active. The detection system keeps the quad and its expensive cameras safe and protected, whether flying indoors or outside. Here’s how it works:

  • Downward/forward vision systems detect obstacles from 98ft. (30m)
  • Upward-facing infrared sensors can scan obstacles from 16ft (5m)

The Ultimate Action Drone

The speed of this quad adds further to its appeal as a cinematic-quality filmmaking tool. It has a propulsion system that can thrust it to 58 mph (93 km/h). Descents can travel at 29 ft./sec and ascents at 19 ft./sec. Acceleration goes from 0–50 mph in only 4 seconds. That makes it an action filmmaker’s dream machine.

Standout Flight and Filming Features

I could write an entire eBook about this incredible quadcopter and all that it offers. Unfortunately, a comprehensive assessment is beyond the scope of these mini reviews.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the Inspire 2’s most popular flight and filming features:

  • Spotlight Pro (powerful tracking)
  • Smart Return to Home (RTH)
  • Lightbridge video transmission system
  • Broadcast mode
  • TapFly
  • ActiveTrack
  • Long flight time
  • Long flight range

The list goes on. Follow the link if you’d like to check out all the features and specs.

The Not So Good

If you can’t afford the remote, then you probably can’t afford the drone. Even so, the dedicated controller is outrageously pricy at over 700 dollars. Another negative is the absence of back or side obstacle sensors. That’s a pity since this is a drone that costs around $3000.

View on BH

Tech Specs
Brand: DJI
Product Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 21”
Product Weight: 8.82 lbs.
Max Range: 4.3 miles (7 km)
Battery: 22.8V 4280 mAh 6S LiPo
Max Flying time: 27 minutes
Charging time: 90 minutes
The Pros
5.2K gimbal cameras
compatibility
Dual battery design
Advanced obstacle sensing
Powerful propulsion system
DJI Intelligent Flight Modes
Retractable landing gear
360-degree camera rotation.
Smart Return to Home (RTH)
Lightbridge video transmission
Long flight time
Long flight range
The Cons
Pricy remote
Pricy drone
No side or back sensors
0/50 ratings