April 2024
Video Drones: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of video drones rankings posted by key online experts, as of April 2024.
Summary
On 3 Apr 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 86 video drone endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
37 video drones were endorsed in total, only 16 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 3 Apr 2024, DJI Mini 4 Pro takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed video drone with 6 expert endorsements. 4 experts out of 6 recommended it as the '#1 video drone' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
DJI: 19 video drones
(#1 is DJI Mini 4 Pro)
-
Autel Drones: 3 video drones
(#1 is Autel Evo Lite Plus)
-
Holy Stone: 2 video drones
(#1 is Holy Stone HS720E)
-
Ryze Robotics: 1 video drones
(#1 is Dji Ryze Tello)
-
HoverAir: 1 video drones
(#1 is HoverAir X1)
Price breakdown
At a glance - April Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Video Drone |
PCMag
|
CNET
|
Digital Camera World
|
TechRadar
|
Man of Many
|
Wirecutter
|
T3
|
Tom's Guide
|
WIRED
|
BestReviews
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
+1 | $1159 |
DJI Mini 4 Pro
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
5
|
4
|
-
|
|
2
|
+1 | $1099 |
DJI Air 3
|
4
|
-
|
2
|
3
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
3
|
-2 | $880 |
DJI Air 2S
|
3
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
9
|
-
|
1
|
|
4
|
+1 | $2199 |
DJI Mavic 3 Pro
|
5
|
-
|
5
|
4
|
-
|
2
|
4
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
5
|
-1 | $410 |
DJI Mini 3
|
6
|
-
|
4
|
2
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $1399 |
Autel Evo Lite Plus
|
7
|
-
|
6
|
5
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $969 |
Dji Avata
|
9
|
4
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $475 |
DJI Mini 2
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
-
|
|
9
|
+1 | $980 |
DJI FPV
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
10
|
-
|
3
|
|
10
|
+4 | $195 |
Dji Ryze Tello
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
7
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | Check price |
Autel Evo Nano Plus
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
+1 | $1259 |
DJI Mavic 3 Classic
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
+2 | $479 |
HoverAir X1
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
-5 | $2049 |
DJI Mavic 3
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
+1 | $279 |
DJI Mini 2 SE
|
2
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
+1 | $600 |
PowerVision PowerEgg X Wizard
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked DJI Mini 4 Pro #1 in April 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best video drones” rankings.
- Out of those, 4 experts ranked DJI Mini 4 Pro as #1.
PCMag
Best Drone for Most Creators / Editors' Choice
|
Small, portable design
249g takeoff weight sidesteps registration requirements
4K60 video in SDR, HDR, or D-Log M
Supports vertical video and upward camera tilt
Two remote control options
|
Doesn't include AirSense transponder
Extended battery option puts it above registration weight limit
|
Digital Camera World
A full set of pro functions in an ultra-light drone / Editor's Choice
|
All-round collision sensors
Good quality AI for orbiting etc.
Camera switches to optical portrait mode
4K 60fps shooting capability
Up to 200fps slow-mo
|
Light drones subject to gusts
Priced to match Pro drones too
Fly More kit doesn’t include filters
|
TechRadar
The best compact drone for most people
|
Improved video features
Omnidirectional Vision Sensing
Lightweight but powerful
|
Not a major upgrade
Camera has a fixed aperture
|
T3
Best drone overall
|
Ideal consumer drone
Exceptional camera
Superb performer
Brilliant feature set
Under 250g in weight
|
Not the cheapest mini drone you can buy
|
Tom's Guide
A tiny drone with the best video transmission feed
|
Much better low light performance
Smoother video transmission feed
Vertical video mode
|
Most expensive in the Mini series
|
We ranked DJI Air 3 #2 in April 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best video drones” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked DJI Air 3 as #1.
PCMag
Best Obstacle Avoidance System
|
Wide-angle and mid-telephoto camera stack
Sharp 4K footage with standard, flat, or HDR color profiles
Gimbal-stabilized cameras with 60-degree upward tilt
All-around obstacle avoidance
Hyperlapse, slow-motion, and waypoint flight features
Long battery life
|
Fixed-aperture lenses
Requires FAA registration
Meager 8GB of internal storage
|
Digital Camera World
Dual camera drone for switchable zoom makes this hard to beat
|
Dual-cameras offer creative choice
All-round collision sensors for safety
4K 100fps slow motion
Long-range and long battery life
|
HLG and D-Log M 4:2:0 best output
Smaller sensor than Air 2S
|
TechRadar
The best all-round drone for aerial photographers
|
Dual cameras
Excellent wind resistance
Generous flight times
|
C1 European weight rating
Fixed aperture lenses
Large protruding camera
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend video drones.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of video drones, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for April 2024 ranking
PCMag
CNET
Digital Camera World
TechRadar
Man of Many
Wirecutter
T3
Tom's Guide
WIRED
BestReviews
We ranked DJI Air 2S #3 in April 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best video drones” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked DJI Air 2S as #1.
PCMag
Best for Photographers
|
1-inch sensor camera
Video at up to 5.4K quality
Robust safety features
Obstacle detection and avoidance
Automated camera shots
HDR, Log, and Standard video profiles
AirSense transponder
Half-hour flight time
|
Doesn't offer in-camera filtered looks
8GB internal storage isn't much
Remote doesn't include EV control wheel
App-based editing limited to 1080p output
HDR HLG workflow for pros only
Raw images don't transfer to smartphones and tablets automatically
|
CNET
Best all-round drone
|
Great image quality, long flight times, helpful automated flying modes
|
No ability to shoot video or photos in portrait orientation
|
T3
Best mid-range drone
|
Sensational camera and shoots in 5.4K
Four-sided obstacle avoidance
Lightweight and compact
Quiet to fly
|
Fiddly licensing required
|
Tom's Guide
Large 1-inch image sensor means better images
|
Easy to fly
Good flight time
Larger image sensor
|
Shorter flight time than others
|
BestReviews
Best of the Best
|
Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 4.0, and Point of Interest 3.0 modes automatically follow a target. Gorgeous 5.4K HDR video. Lifelike color range. Film from 7.5 miles away. User-friendly remote control.
|
Best for professional videographers.
|
We ranked DJI Mavic 3 Pro #4 in April 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best video drones” rankings.
PCMag
Best Drone for Pro Video and Cinema
|
Stabilized, triple-camera array
Wide-angle Four Thirds camera with Hasselblad color
Midrange 3x lens shows excellent picture quality
Up to 5.1K30 or 4K120 video
All-around obstacle sensors
Includes a companion app and a remote with a built-in screen
|
Base model has just 8GB of onboard storage
Falls shy of promised 43-minute flight time
Only the pricey Cine model supports ProRes
|
Digital Camera World
The most powerful folding drone money (and plenty of it) can buy
|
Triple camera system for zoom and wide
Main camera has a 4/34ds sensor
Excellent 60fps live video feedback
|
Average looking telephoto
ProRes video recorded onto unswappable memory
|
TechRadar
The best premium drone
|
Superb Four Thirds camera
Adjustable aperture
Telephoto lens
|
Pricier than rivals
Some missing features at launch
|
T3
Best premium drone
|
Amazing triple lens camera system
Exceptional video possibilities
Stunning photos
Supreme flyer
Exceptional remote controller
|
OTT for most users
Not cheap
|
We ranked DJI Mini 3 #5 in April 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best video drones” rankings.
PCMag
Best for Creators on a Budget
|
Good-looking 4K30 video
Support for vertical video and upward gimbal tilt
12MP stills in Raw DNG or JPG
38-minute flights with standard battery
51-minute extended battery available
249g build for registration-free flight
Built-in GPS and FlySafe safety features
|
Omits obstacle detection
Limited to one color profile
Doesn't support Hyperlapse or ActiveTrack
|
Digital Camera World
A great choice for the beginner and often often found cheaply
|
Very portable
Registration-free in USA, China, and more
Easy-to-fly
Raw photos
|
Limited tracking features
Feature enthusiasts should go for the Mini 4 Pro
No collision sensors
|
TechRadar
The best budget drone if you don’t need obstacle avoidance
|
Great image quality
Small, lightweight build
|
No collision avoidance
No subject tracking
|
Tom's Guide
Vertical video for less
|
Can shoot vertical video
Extremely long flight time
Easy to fly
Light and agile
|
Fewer obstacle avoidance sensors than Mini 3 Pro
Light weight makes is susceptible to wind gusts
|
We ranked Autel Evo Lite Plus #6 in April 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best video drones” rankings.
PCMag
Best Drone for Long Flights
|
Stabilized 6K30 and 4K60 video
20MP stills in Raw DNG or JPG
1-inch camera with variable aperture
Beefy battery for up to 40 minutes of flight
Three-way obstacle sensors
Automated camera moves and Hyperlapse
GPS and automated return-to-home
|
Color video profile isn't configurable
8-bit flat video profile
Screenless remote is a step backward from previous generation
Doesn't support autonomous navigation around obstructions
|
Digital Camera World
Folding mid-weight drone with 5.4K video and adjustable aperture
|
5.4K
Adjustable aperture
Night mode
|
Props can get in shot when flying fast
Plasticky controller
Subject tracking could be better
|
TechRadar
A versatile rival to the DJI Air 2S
|
1-inch sensor with adjustable aperture
40-minute flight time
|
Costs more than Air 2S
No D-Log profile
|
We ranked Dji Avata #7 in April 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best video drones” rankings.
PCMag
Best Drone for Adrenaline Junkies
|
Incredibly easy (and fun) to fly
Sharp FPV goggles with diopter adjustment
One-handed controller works well
Great for POV shots
Wide-angle lens and 4K60 video convey sense of motion
|
Expensive
Potentially dangerous
Unsuitable for small, crowded areas
Requires FAA registration for outdoor flight
Slow to react to shifts in white balance
Ethical concerns around DJI brand
|
CNET
Best FPV drone for exhilarating first-person flying
|
Easy to fly with the motion controller, exhilarating flight experience, smaller and safer design
|
FPV flying can cause nausea, extra flight restrictions depending on location
|
TechRadar
The best FPV drone
|
Crash-resistant design
New Goggles ideal for small drone
Large sensor produces good footage
|
No manual mode with standard controller
Annoying microSD card slot placement
|
T3
Best drone for cinematic shots
|
Immersive experience
Shoots in 4K
Small and portable
Perfect for FPV flying
|
18 minute flight time
Lengthy set up
Not cheap
|
Tom's Guide
Best small FPV drone
|
Fast
Easy to fly
Everything included
|
Goggles somewhat uncomfortable
Short flight time compared to other DJI drones
Requires extra controller for manual mode
|
We ranked DJI Mini 2 #8 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best video drones” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked DJI Mini 2 as #1.
CNET
Best beginner drone
|
Pocket-friendly size, easy to fly, relatively affordable price
|
Better camera quality on other models
|
Tom's Guide
Best drone for most people
|
Relatively inexpensive
Long battery life
Easy to fly
|
More susceptible to wind gusts
|
We ranked DJI FPV #9 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best video drones” rankings.
T3
Best FPV drone
|
Highly immersive and loads of fun
Incredible speed
Steers like a wasp
Excellent safety features
|
Requires balls of steel
Not cheap (and expensive to repair)
|
Tom's Guide
Best drone for aspiring racers
|
Very fast
Easy to fly (at the beginner level)
Three skill levels
Great FPV goggles
|
Shorter flight time than other DJI drones
|
BestReviews
Feature-packed
|
Features an inovative motion controller. VR-compatible. Super-wide 4K camera. Max range of 6.2 miles. Optimized for beginners. Customizable LEDs. Emergency brake. Simple setup.
|
At only 20 minutes of flight per change, additional batteries may be a good investment.
|
We ranked Dji Ryze Tello #10 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best video drones” rankings.
TechRadar
The best cheap drone for novices
|
Responsive flight controls
Lightweight and compact
|
Choppy video transmission
Unstable in wind
|
Tom's Guide
Best drone under $100
|
Small, fast drone
Easy to control
Comfortable remote control
|
Scratch programming language is tricky to set up
Short battery life
|
We ranked Autel Evo Nano Plus #11 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best video drones” rankings.
PCMag
Best 249g Drone Without Geofence
|
4K30 video with gimbal stabilization
Camera supports 12MP and 50MP photos
Automated quick shots and Hyperlapse
Up to 28 minutes of flight time
Three-way obstacle sensors
GPS with return-to-home functionality
|
Raw photos are tricky to process
Overprocessed look to video
Log profile is only 8-bit
|
TechRadar
The best DJI Mini 3 alternative
|
Big sensor and bright lens
Collision detection
Stunning video and stills
|
Fragile
Still missing subject-tracking
|
T3
Best DJI-alternative premium drone
|
Large 0.8-inch CMOS sensor
Excellent for low light shooting
Stunning 4K video and 50MP stills
Three-way obstacle avoidance
|
Doesn't deal with high winds well
|
Tom's Guide
The best camera drone not made by DJI
|
Comes in multiple colors
Small and light
Good video and photo quality
|
More expensive than DJI Mini 3 Pro
|
We ranked DJI Mavic 3 Classic #12 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best video drones” rankings.
Digital Camera World
Get a Mavic 3 for less (if you can do without the zoom)
|
Camera has 4/34ds sensor
Excellent 60fps live video feedback
5.1K video
Stand-out battery life
ARPS 5.0 subject tracking
|
Misses out on the hybrid camera zoom
5.1K maxes out at 50fps
|
T3
Best drone overall
|
Impeccable flight characteristics
Shoots incredible 5.1K footage
And 20MP stills in RAW or JPEG
Four-way obstacle avoidance
Wide range of autonomous flight settings
|
Still quite pricey by consumer drone standards
No zoom camera
|
Tom's Guide
Best camera drone
|
Amazing camera quality
Long flight time
Great obstacle avoidance
|
Lacks 28x zoom of Mavic 3
|
We ranked HoverAir X1 #13 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best video drones” rankings.
Digital Camera World
A drone that can follow you and take video without any help
|
Rotors inside a safety cage
Brilliant folding design
Automatically follow you and records
|
Needs a phone for first use
Not ideal for younger kids because
|
T3
Best drone for selfies
|
Perfect for personal use
Excellent 2.7K camera
Image stabilisation
Wide rage of automatic flight modes
No controller required
Pocket sized
|
Not especially cheap
|
Tom's Guide
Doesn't require a lot of flying experience
|
Ultra lightweight and compact
Doesn't require controls
Good subject tracking
Durable
|
Expensive for its size
Very sensitive to wind
|
We ranked DJI Mavic 3 #14 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best video drones” rankings.
CNET
Best drone for serious photographers
|
Superb image quality, superb flight times, relatively compact size
|
Higher price puts it out of reach for many
|
TechRadar
The best value camera drone for enthusiasts
|
Excellent Hasselblad sensor
Impressive safety features
|
Still an expensive option
Flight time shorter than claimed
|
Tom's Guide
28X digital zoom
|
+Amazing camera quality
+28X digital zoom
+Long flight time
|
-Much pricier than the model it replaces
|
We ranked DJI Mini 2 SE #15 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best video drones” rankings.
PCMag
Best Entry-Level Drone / Editors' Choice
|
Doesn't require FAA registration
Palm-sized, lightweight design
Produces silky smooth 2.7K30 video
Around 30 minutes of flying time per charge
USB-C charging for drone and remote
|
Omits obstacle detection and Hyperlapse features
SDR video profile is limiting for some scenes
|
Digital Camera World
In terms of real cameras, the Mini 2 SE is a flying bargain
|
Side-steps registration fees
GPS and Altitude Hold
Mini SE (slightly) better in wind than predecessor
|
JPEG stills only
No forward collision sensors
|
We ranked PowerVision PowerEgg X Wizard #16 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best video drones” rankings.
T3
Best weatherproof drone (that can land on water)
|
Lands and takes off from water
Good range of autonomous modes
Handles very well
Also serves as a stabilised land camera
|
Camera not up to DJI spec
Not as portable as the DJI Mini and Air 2
|
Tom's Guide
Best drone for the water
|
Can land, take off on water
Able to fly in poor weather conditions
Can be used as camcorder
|
Slow flier, especially when using pontoons
Video quality not best-in-class
|