Its small, folding design is almost identical to the Mini 3 Pro, as is the regulation-friendly 249g takeoff weight. Also the same is the 1/1.3-inch sensor, which still delivers excellent image quality. Thanks to processing updates, we found it even better at handling noise in low light. Serious videographers will also welcome the new D-Log M color profile, which offers greater consistency with the Mavic 3, The Ryze Tello is fundamentally an enjoyable drone to fly on a calm day, zipping along at a rapid chop and reacting nimbly to intuitive inputs. The limited range is somewhat restrictive but, provided you don’t mind choppy video, it’s nevertheless the best starter drone around.

You’re happy with the Mini 3 Pro: While the Mini 4 Pro has a few new features, many users will find that they don’t justify switching from the already capable Mini 3 Pro. If you don’t need the reassurance of collision avoidance, the Mini 3 is the best budget drone you can buy. Small, lightweight and more affordable than the Mini 3 Pro, it delivers identical image quality to its costlier sibling. Provided you’re confident to navigate in-flight obstacles without automated assistance, it’s a high-quality drone capable of capturing excellent JPEG and raw stills, as well as 4K video at up to 30fps. Helpfully, its 12MP sensor can also rotate to shoot in portrait. Unobstructed, free of interference, and when FCC-compliant. Maximum flight range specification is a proxy for radio link strength and resilience. Always follow local rules and regulations and fly your drone within your visual line of sight unless otherwise permitted.

Several variants of DJI controllers are available for the Avata. These include standard remotes that will likely appeal to traditionalists, as well as motion-sensitive options like the DJI RC Motion 2, which sees the drone respond to the pilot’s hand movements. This will be the more intuitive option for many learners. When the aircraft is between 3 m and 20 m from the Home Point, it will return to the Home Point at the current altitude with the RTH at Current Altitude option enabled (the default setting in DJI GO 4) if flying at or above 2.5 m. It will ascend to 2.5 m then return to home if flying lower than 2.5 m. If RTH at Current Altitude is disabled in DJI GO 4, the aircraft will land automatically when the aircraft is between 3 m and 20 m from the Home Point.

Because the DJI Air 3 is a big drone, many novices will find the Mini 3 more manageable. That said, we think beginners will have no issue piloting the Air 3, thanks to its easy interface and useful safety features. As a middle ground between the more affordable Mini 3 Pro and the highly capable Mavic 3 Pro, it makes a lot of sense. Despite being a pro drone, we found the Mavic 3 Pro incredibly easy to fly, aided by excellent safety features that make it accessible to all users. That said, its pro-tier video modes, as well as its price tag, make it overkill for beginners. Its weight also puts it into the restrictive C2 European drone category. But if you want a top-spec drone that’s more portable and less expensive than the Inspire 3, the Mavic 3 offers it all – plus two telephotos. You need collision avoidance: Unlike the Mini 3 Pro, the Mini 3 doesn’t feature the added safety net of obstacle avoidance to keep you clear of trees. Technically a step down from the Mavic 3, the Classic edition lands at a lower price by losing the telephoto camera of its pricier sibling. While it’s not a budget choice, this simplified setup makes the Classic a more cost-effective option for videographers. It retains the excellent 4/3 main sensor, which we think is the best camera available on a folding drone. You only fly in the open: Omnidirectional Video Sensing is useful, but only if you operate in complex environments with lots of obstacles.You’re a complete novice: The Mavic 3 Pro is easy to fly, but the Mini 3 offers a lot for beginners at a lower price and weight. A complete yet affordable FPV kit, we think the BetaFPV is the best way for beginners to try first-person drone flight. The bundle comes with a full FPV setup, including goggles, batteries and a console-style controller, which you can also use to practice in simulators. You want to fly in the wind: Due to its low weight, the Tello doesn’t deal with anything more than a slight breeze.

The shooting speed in Shallow Focus is slower when the aircraft is connected to the remote controller than that when the aircraft is connected to DJI GO 4. You want high-quality footage: Video is a weak point of the Tello, with 720p footage often appearing choppy and compressed. You plan to fly in built-up areas: Because it weighs more than 250g, the Lite+ is subject to more restrictions on where you can fly it.

You have a limited budget: It costs less than the original modes, but the Classic remains an expensive drone, especially factoring in the Fly More Kit. You’re on a tight budget: As one of the most expensive consumer drones on the market, the Mavic 3 Pro is a premium option. Keeping this drone juiced up is no problem. It has a built-in, rechargeable lithium-polymer battery that charges via the included USB cable. Just plug it in, charge it up for about an hour, and then you get a flight time of around 5 to 6 minutes – pretty impressive for such a tiny aircraft! As for the controller, that just needs 4 AA batteries (not included). With a lightweight build and pro-grade features, the DJI Mini 3 Pro was already our favorite drone. The Mini 4 Pro builds on its qualities to deliver an even better experience, albeit not a radically different one. If you already own a Mini 3 Pro, it probably doesn’t justify an upgrade. But if you’re switching from a different model or buying your first Mini series drone, it’s an excellent choice.