The Ultimate Guide to DJI Drones: Top Picks, Market Dominance, and Buyer's Tips

Why DJI Dominates the Drone Market

Ever wondered why DJI drones pop up everywhere when you're looking for a quality drone? Well, it's not just you. DJI holds a whopping 77% of the US drone market share. That's right, nearly 8 out of 10 drones flying around are from DJI. But hey, don't let that number fool you into thinking you need to empty your pockets for your first drone. There are other fantastic brands out there offering quality without the hefty price tag. You can read more in this article about the best cheap drones.

Now, I've been in the drone community for a decade, and I've seen the rise of DJI.
Their drones? Top-notch. But their prices? A bit on the higher side.
And it's not just about the price. With such a dominant position, there's a risk of reduced choices for us, the consumers.

Remember the shortage of the DJI Mavic Mini and Mavic Air? If there were more big players, DJI would've been pushed to meet the demand faster.

But let's not just focus on DJI. Brands like Holy Stone and ZLRC are also making waves. They account for the remaining 23% of the market, and trust me, they're worth checking out.

In a nutshell, while DJI might be the kingpin, the drone world is vast and exciting. So, whether you're a newbie or a pro, there's always something new to explore. On the note of newbies, here's a list of the best beginner drones.

The Best DJI Drones

Read more about each of our top recommended DJI Drones and see how they are different from each other, who they are for, and what features we think are important to highlight in order to make an informed decision.

DJI Mavic 3 - Professional aerial photography

The DJI Mavic 3 is a game-changer. With its dual camera system, it offers both a four-thirds image sensor and a secondary camera with hybrid zoom. This drone is the true successor to the Mavic 2 Pro, boasting a 20-megapixel Four-Thirds sensor that captures stunning 5.1k video. The distinction between the Classic and Pro versions lies in their recording capabilities, with the Pro offering Apple ProRes 422 HQ recording to an onboard 1TB SSD.

Here’s a list of the best drones with cameras

• Weight: 1.98 lb
• Dimensions (unfolded): 12.2 x 9.6 x 4.6 inches
• Dimensions (folded): 8.7 x 4.1 x 3.8 inches
• Controller: Yes, included
• Camera: 5.1K/50fps video
• Battery life: 46 minutes
• Max range: 9.3 miles
• Max speed: 42.5 mph

Buy it here

DJI mini 2 - Lightweight budget aerial photography

The DJI Mini 2 is a remarkable evolution from its predecessor, the Mavic Mini. While it retains the lightweight advantage, it now boasts 4K video capture, Raw photos, and an extended radio control range. Its design is sleek, and the improved motors ensure better stability, even in crosswinds. The drone's ability to capture panoramas and its QuickShot modes make it a versatile tool for content creators. However, it's not just about the specs; the Mini 2 offers a seamless flying experience, making it a top choice for those seeking a balance between functionality and ease of use.

• Weight: 8.78 oz
• Dimensions (unfolded): 9.6 x 11.4 x 2.1 inches
• Dimensions (folded): 5.5 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches
• Controller: Yes, included
• Camera: 12 megapixels, 4K video at 30fps
• Battery life: 31 minutes
• Max range: 6.2 miles
• Max speed: 35.8 mph

Buy it here

DJI Mini 3 Pro - Compact with advanced features

This is a great drone for aerial photographers, social media enthusiasts, and drone pilots looking for advanced features in a lightweight package. The DJI Mini 3 Pro is a game-changer in the sub-250g drone category. It boasts a 4K 60fps camera, forward, backward, and downward vision sensors, and the unique ability to shoot in true vertical orientation, perfect for social media. The drone's dual native ISO camera ensures quality imagery, and its APAS 4.0 collision avoidance system is a testament to DJI's innovation. The Mini 3 Pro's camera can capture 48MP RAW photos, making it a formidable contender in the lightweight drone market. Its design, while quirky, ensures easy setup and a smooth flying experience.

• Weight: 8.8 oz
• Dimensions (unfolded): 14.3 x 2.8 x 9.9 inches
• Dimensions (folded): 3.5 x 2.4 x 5.7 inches
• Controller: Yes, included
• Camera: 4K/60fps video
• Battery life: 34 minutes
• Max range: 7.5 miles
• Max speed: 36 mph

Buy it here

DJI Avata - Best High-Quality FPV Drone

This is a really cool and unique drone that combines the best of two worlds. Offering FPV excitement and high-quality aerial footage for creatives looking for dynamic cinematic shots.
The DJI Avata is a bridge between traditional drones and the thrilling world of FPV.
Its design, reminiscent of the 'whoop' frame with built-in propeller guards, is both functional and robust. The 1/1.7-inch sensor captures stunning 4K videos, making every twist and turn look cinematic. Its flight characteristics, especially in Sport mode, offer exhilarating speeds akin to the Mavic 3. The drone's confidence-inspiring design and 18 minutes of flight time make it a top choice for those venturing into FPV. Especially considering the kit includes everything you need to fly FPV.

If you want to find alternative FPV drones, check out our list of the best FPV drones

• Weight: 14.5 oz
• Dimensions: 7.1 x 3.15 x 7.1 inches
• Controller: Yes, included
• Camera: 4K/60fps video
• Battery life: 18 minutes
• Max range: 6 miles
• Max speed: 60 mph

Buy it here

DJI FPV Combo - Fast Racer Drone

The DJI FPV Combo is a thrilling departure from DJI's traditional lineup, offering a genuine FPV experience combined with the brand's signature reliability and tech prowess. This drone isn't just about speed, though it can reach up to 87mph; it's about immersion. The goggles transport pilots straight into the cockpit, providing a real-time view from the drone. This is especially exhilarating when performing acrobatic maneuvers. While it might be a bit intimidating for complete beginners, those with a bit of drone experience will find the FPV Combo to be a unique blend of excitement and cinematic potential.
Basically, DJI has created an option for Adrenaline junkies and drone enthusiasts who crave an immersive first-person view in a racing format.

• Weight: 1.6 lb
• Dimensions: 10 ×12.3 × 5 inches
• Controller: Yes, included
• Camera: 1080p/120fps, 4K/60fps video
• Battery life: 20 minutes
• Max range: 6.2 miles
• Max speed: 87 mph

Buy it here

DJI Inspire 2 - Best for professional filmmakers

The DJI Inspire 2, a behemoth in the drone world, is not one to shy away from making its grand presence felt. Unlike its compact counterparts, the Inspire 2 boasts a design that doesn't fold down, making it a statement piece in the skies. Its unique T-shaped arms allow the camera to rotate freely, offering an unobstructed view, a feature that truly sets it apart.

This drone is tailored for professionals who crave creative control, a realm where even the latest Mavics can't tread. With options like the Zenmuse X4S, X5S, and X7 cameras, filmmakers and photographers are presented with a plethora of choices. The Inspire 2's dual batteries and redundant systems ensure safety, while its impressive speed of 58mph surpasses even the Mavic 3. However, its sheer size and weight, tipping the scales at over 4000g, make it a challenge to transport. Despite its grandeur, the Inspire 2 does come with its quirks, like the magnesium alloy hull that seems keen on nicking fingers. Yet, its unparalleled aerial capabilities, combined with features like Spotlight Pro for tracking subjects, make it a top choice for professionals seeking unmatched aerial cinematography.

For the enthusiast, the Inspire 2 might seem like an overkill, but for professionals, especially those aiming to make a lasting impression, this drone is a game-changer.

• Weight: 7.58 lb
• Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 21 inches
• Controller: Yes, included
• Camera: 5.2K/30fps video (with the Zenmuse X7 camera)
• Battery life: 27 minutes
• Max range: 4.3 miles
• Max speed: 58 mph

Buy it here

DJI Ryze Tello - For kids and beginners

Finally, the DJI Ryze Tello is a delightful little gadget that's more than just a toy. It's like the charming younger sibling in the DJI family, eager to impress and surprisingly adept. Weighing in at a mere 80g, the Tello is the embodiment of portability, fitting snugly in the palm of your hand. But don't let its diminutive size fool you.

This drone is perfect for beginners and kids, offering a gentle introduction to the world of drones without overwhelming them. Its 720p camera won't be winning any awards, but it's more than sufficient for capturing those fun moments at the park or in the backyard. What truly sets the Tello apart from other drones in its category is its 13-minute flight time, a feat that many pricier drones struggle to achieve. Plus, its integration with the Tello app offers educational opportunities, allowing users to program flight patterns using Scratch, a beginner-level coding tool.

While it might not boast the advanced features of its bigger siblings, the Tello shines in its simplicity and user-friendliness. It's an ideal choice for those dipping their toes into the drone world or seeking a fun, affordable gadget for weekend adventures.

If you want to find alternative brands to DJI to toy drones or when buying a drone for your child, check out our list of the best drones for kids

• Weight: 2.8 oz
• Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.6 x 1.6 inches
• Controller: No, uses smartphone
• Camera: 720p video
• Battery life: 13 minutes
• Max range: 328 ft
• Max speed: 17.9 mph

Buy it here

Complete Buyers Guide For DJI Drones

Choosing the right DJI drone boils down to understanding your needs. Are you a professional videographer or a hobbyist looking to capture family moments? Consider flight time, camera quality, and other specs that align with your requirements. And, of course, budget plays a crucial role. But remember, investing in a drone is about getting value for your money. Whether you're eyeing the high-end Mavic series or the more budget-friendly Mini versions, ensure it aligns with your goals.

My recommendation before you buy your first drone is to first think about your budget.
We usually say to ourselves that we’re willing to pay one price, but then when we’re in the store, we end up paying quite a lot more because there was some fantastic feature that we got for half the price. But did we really need that feature?

Then think about what it is that you want to do with your drone.
If you can get a clear picture of what it is that you want to do, it’s much easier to find that drone.
Compared to looking at all the options and then asking yourself which one it is that you like the most.

In the end, it doesn’t matter if a drone has the ability to fly 60mph if you're going to fly it indoors. but if you haven’t decided on what it is that you want to achieve with your drone, 60 mph might sound amazing.