Drones aren’t just fun to fly. They can let you capture breathtaking footage, some in high-resolution 4K video. They’re also more affordable than ever, as quality beginner models now cost less than $60. Good camera drones start at a few hundred dollars.
More complex drones, starting at less than $1,000, offer customizable and programmable features, turning them into truly autonomous devices that can make their own decisions. Plus, a new class of racing drones has started hitting the scene.
We’ve tested dozens of drones, evaluating them based on design, ease of use, camera quality, durability and flight time, to bring you our list of top picks.
After a faulty launch which saw some of its drones falling from the sky, GoPro is once again selling its Karma drone. The company said that a faulty battery latch caused some of its drones to abruptly lose power mid-flight. In a statement on its website, GoPro said that it redesigned the latch to ensure the battery stays in. The Karma is available for $799, or $1,099 with a GoPro Hero5 Black camera.
Among all the drones that arrived over the holidays, the best drones generated the most excitement. Three models are available: An X-Wing fighter, a TIE Interceptor, and a speeder bike. Each cost $239, and can do battle with each other via built-in IR blasters (an optional upgrade to actual lasers—which look awesome—is coming later). The drones, which are hand-painted, come in a Collector’s Edition display box, which lights up and starts playing the Star Wars theme when opened.
Also check out the $749 DJI Mavic Pro, another folding drone that comes with a 4K camera, and our current favorite camera drone, which you can control using nothing more than hand gestures.
3D Robotics (3DR) is no longer selling a consumer version of the 3DR Solo (our current top pick for pros), but will continue to support the consumer model for the foreseeable future, and is still providing a one-year hardware warranty. As a result, it’s pretty inexpensive, even when you factor in the cost of a GoPro camera. Get it while supplies last.