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ZDNET tested the best drones and chose our top picks based on flight time, video resolution, and more, for aspiring aerial photographers and hobbyists.
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Drones are amazing. I can purchase a flying, stabilized 4K camera that slips into my pocket for a few hundred dollars. This is a technology that was the stuff of dreams a few years ago. But now, thanks to companies such as DJI and Autel, dreams have become reality.
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My top pick for the best overall drone is the DJI Mavic 3 Pro due to its ultra-high definition recording, excellent frame rate, and long-lasting battery. But I've also included other top drones for you to consider based on ZDNET's research and my own personal experience. I'm a licensed and insured drone operator who has put in many hundreds of hours flying these drones for testing, work, and fun.
The best drones of 2023
What is the best drone?
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is ZDNET's top choice for its ultra-high definition recording, excellent frame rate, and long-lasting battery. The dual camera array is great for both aerial photography pros and newcomers alike, though the steep flight learning curve may be difficult for some beginners.
Drone | Price | Obstacle avoidance | Camera resolution |
DJI Mavic 3 Pro | $2,999 | Omnidirectional | 5.1K |
DJI Mini 4 Pro | $1,159 | Omnidirectional | 4K |
DJI Air 3 | $1,100 | Omnidirectional | 4K video |
DJI Mini 3 | $609 | None | 4K |
*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.
Which is the right drone for you?
Whether you're into aerial photography as a hobby or a professional photographer or videographer looking to add something new to your list of services, drones are a great way to expand your skills. To help decide which drone best suits you and your lifestyle, use case, or what have you, consider the following:
Choose this drone… | If you want… |
DJI Mavic 3 Pro | The best prosumer/consumer drone available. It also has a wide-angle camera that supports the new 10-bit D-Log M color mode, allowing the sensor to capture up to one billion colors. |
DJI Mini 4 Pro | A high-end drone that's super portable, or the best sub-250g drone available. It is a very capable drone that you can slip into a pocket and take with you on your adventures. |
DJI Air 3 | A highly-capable all-rounder that's more affordable than the Mavic 3 Pro. This is an enthusiast-level drone with prosumer features |
DJI Mini 3 | A budget drone that doesn't compromise on camera quality. It has a rated flight time of 38 minutes with the included battery. |
How did we choose these drones?
I'm a licensed and insured drone operator, and rather than spending a bit of time reviewing these drones, I've put in many dozens of hours flying these drones, both for testing, flying for fun, and carrying out commercial work.
- Durability: I've put these drones through their paces in many countries around the globe, flying them in cold weather, windy weather, and into the mouths of active volcanoes. I know what they are capable of, and these drones will deliver quality photos and video under even the toughest conditions.
- Obstacle avoidance: As well as testing the camera and flight characteristics, I've spent a lot of time testing the obstacle avoidance sensors. While I don't think that any drone operator should rely on these for day-to-day use, they're a handy safety feature in case things go wrong.
- Price: I considered various DJI drone models at different price points that will be more budget-friendly or more high-end/enthusiast, depending on your skill level and what you are looking for.
Are drones easy to fly?
Yes! Modern drones are really easy to fly.
That doesn't mean that there isn't a learning curve, and I highly recommend spending time learning to fly -- pick a large wide open area like a park or beach so you can get used to what your drone is capable of delivering.
Are the sensors on drones foolproof?
No.
While they're good and can do things like avoiding people and trees and stuff like that, they can be fooled by things like branches, power lines, and telephone wires.
Obstacle avoidance sensors are a safety feature, not something that you should rely on all the time.
Can you fly drones in the rain?
No!
Drones are not rated as waterproof, and rain -- and even fog -- can damage the delicate electronics in the drone. While you'll see videos on YouTube of people flying in rain and snow, I don't recommend it.
Are there alternative drones worth considering?
While DJI is the biggest name in consumer drones, there are other players. Another brand worth keeping an eye on is Autel. I've tested a few of these drones from Autel, and while I've not put as many hours into them as I have with their DJI counterparts, there's one model worth considering. Moreover, here are few other drones worthy of a closer look.
Best foldable alternative
Autel Nano EVO+
This drone features a foldable and compact body weighing only 249g, with a 1/1.28-inch(0.8-inch) CMOS sensor for 50MP photos and Ultra HD 4K HDR video 30fps.
Best immersive alternative
DJI Avata Explorer
When you combine this drone with the included goggles and motion controller, you get a first-person view to your drone's flight.
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