Top Drones for Every Budget and Purpose in 2024

In 2024, the drone market offers a wide array of options catering to different budgets and purposes. Whether you’re an enthusiast seeking an affordable drone, a photographer in need of high-end equipment, or someone looking for versatile models, there’s something for everyone. This guide will help you navigate the best camera drones for beginners available this year, focusing on models that fit various budgets and serve a range of purposes.

Best Drones for Every Budget

Affordable Drones

Ryze Tello

Camera: 5 MP camera with 720p video
Flight Time: Up to 13 minutes
Features: Lightweight, easy to fly
Price: Budget-friendly
Why It’s Great: The Tello is perfect for beginners looking for an entry-level drone without breaking the bank. Its user-friendly design and decent camera make it a solid choice for casual flying.

DJI Mini SE

Camera: 12 MP camera with 2.7K video recording
Flight Time: Up to 30 minutes
Features: Compact design, simple controls
Price: Affordable
Why It’s Great: Offering a balance of performance and cost, the DJI Mini SE is ideal for those who want a quality drone without spending too much.

Mid-Range Drones

DJI Mini 3 Pro

Camera: 48 MP camera with 4K video recording at 60 fps
Flight Time: Up to 34 minutes
Features: Compact, advanced features
Price: Mid-range
Why It’s Great: The Mini 3 Pro combines high-quality imaging with a portable design, making it a versatile choice for both photography and casual flying.

Autel Robotics EVO Lite+

Camera: 50 MP camera with 6K video recording
Flight Time: Up to 40 minutes
Features: HDR video, obstacle avoidance
Price: Mid-range
Why It’s Great: With its impressive camera and extended flight time, the EVO Lite+ offers a good balance between cost and performance.

High-End Drones

DJI Mavic Air 2

Camera: 48 MP camera with 4K video recording at 60 fps
Flight Time: Up to 34 minutes
Features: Advanced obstacle avoidance, intelligent shooting modes
Price: High-end
Why It’s Great: The Mavic Air 2 provides exceptional image quality and advanced features, making it a top choice for serious photographers and filmmakers.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0

Camera: 20 MP camera with 4K video recording at 60 fps
Flight Time: Up to 30 minutes
Features: Mechanical shutter, obstacle sensing in 5 directions
Price: Premium
Why It’s Great: Known for its professional-grade capabilities, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is ideal for high-end aerial photography and videography.

Best Drones for Different Purposes

Photography

DJI Air 2S

Camera: 20 MP camera with 5.4K video recording
Flight Time: Up to 31 minutes
Features: Advanced obstacle sensors, intelligent shooting modes
Price: Mid-range
Why It’s Great: The Air 2S offers high-quality imaging and a range of features suitable for both professional and hobbyist photographers.

Skydio 2

Camera: 12 MP camera with 4K video recording
Flight Time: Up to 23 minutes
Features: Autonomous flying with advanced obstacle avoidance
Price: High-end
Why It’s Great: The Skydio 2 excels in autonomous flight and obstacle avoidance, making it great for capturing complex shots with minimal effort.

Videography

Autel Robotics EVO Lite+

Camera: 50 MP camera with 6K video recording
Flight Time: Up to 40 minutes
Features: HDR video, obstacle avoidance
Price: Mid-range
Why It’s Great: Its high-resolution video capabilities make the EVO Lite+ an excellent choice for videographers needing clear and detailed footage.

DJI Mavic 3

Camera: Dual-camera system with 4K video and 20 MP stills
Flight Time: Up to 46 minutes
Features: Advanced obstacle sensing, high-quality imaging
Price: Premium
Why It’s Great: The Mavic 3 offers professional-level video and imaging with extended flight time, perfect for high-end videography.

Versatile Drones

DJI Air 2S

Camera: 20 MP camera with 5.4K video recording
Flight Time: Up to 31 minutes
Features: Intelligent shooting modes, advanced drone sensors
Price: Mid-range
Why It’s Great: The Air 2S is versatile enough for a variety of uses, including casual flying, photography, and videography.

DJI Mini 2

Camera: 12 MP camera with 4K video recording
Flight Time: Up to 31 minutes
Features: Compact, easy to use
Price: Mid-range
Why It’s Great: The Mini 2 is a compact and capable drone suitable for various purposes, from travel to everyday use.