Whether you're a drone enthusiast, a photographer looking to expand your arsenal and skills, or just someone looking for a little fun in the air, this comparison guide will help you find the right drone for your needs. For you, we've searched for the drones offering the best value for money. We also give you all the information you need to make the right choice.
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Our selection
"4K camera with 3-axis stabilizer, 12 MP photo module, 31 minutes of autonomy, real-time video transmission via OcuSync 2.0 HD or QuickShots system, the DJI…"
"The Potensic A20 is a mini-drone that can be flown by children, with an acceptable autonomy and great maneuverability. Beginners will also find their account…"
"For those with practice and demanding users in terms of maneuverability and photo quality, the Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo drone offers the best…"
"The Parrot Anafi Extended tracking drone is sold with 3 batteries. But its major asset remains its 4K HDR camera rotating 180° with 2.8X lossless…"
4K camera with 3-axis stabilizer, 12 MP photo module, 31 minutes of autonomy, real-time video transmission via OcuSync 2.0 HD or QuickShots system, the DJI Mini 2 does not make the lace.
318 £ on AmazonLike the DJI Mavic Mini, the Mavic Mini 2 weighs in at 249g, which is about as much as an apple. This ultra-compact drone will change the way you capture subjects for your photos and videos. Agile, the device embeds a 12MP photo sensor. And for video, take advantage of the 4K camera at 30 fps with 3-axis motorized gimbal. It's clear that the Mavic Mini 2 is not kidding when it comes to shooting.
This drone has a range of 10 km thanks to Ocusync 2.0. Beyond this distance, HD video transmission is no longer possible or will be subject to interference. In addition, the DJI Mavic Mini 2 can withstand level 5 winds, reach an altitude of 4,000 m and fly for 31 minutes. The Quickshots function allows you to shoot or record professional quality videos with just a few clicks.
The Potensic A20 is a mini-drone that can be flown by children, with an acceptable autonomy and great maneuverability. Beginners will also find their account with this very affordable model.
27,99 £ on AmazonThis mini-drone is a quadricopter. For the protection of children or people in the vicinity of the flight area, it has protective frames, is more resistant to shock and is more stable. In addition, it comes with a remote control and is easy to fly. The Potensic A20 has an altitude hold option for stabilized flight. A button is used for the take-off and landing of the aircraft. In case of a problem, you will only have to press the emergency button and the drone will return to the takeoff area and land. This feature prevents you from losing it.
3 speed levels can be selected to perfectly fit your flying style. The manufacturer has equipped this model with 2 removable and rechargeable batteries. You also get 2 more pairs of spare propellers in case you need them. Even though the Potensic A20 is a mini drone for kids and beginners, professionals will be able to have great fun with this device.
For those with practice and demanding users in terms of maneuverability and photo quality, the Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo drone offers the best of what DJI has, minus the CareRefresh option.
651 £ on AmazonApart from the Care Refresh option that offers up to 2 replacement units over a period of one year, the Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo represents the best that DJI has to offer. Its 48MP CMOS sensor displays crystal clear detail. On top of that, the 3-axis gimbal ensures smooth 4K video at 60 fps. And let's not forget Spotlight 2.0 for the camera to fix an object in flight, ActiveTrack 3.0 for optimal object centering and POI 3.0 for dynamic subject tracking.
This drone can even make hyperlapses in 8K! As for autonomy, you will be able to fly longer, 34 min exactly. At the front, back and bottom, sensors detect obstacles to prevent accidents. In addition, the OcuSync 2.0 system can transmit the video signal up to 6 km, so you can broadcast live with a Full HD resolution of 1080p.
The Parrot Anafi Extended tracking drone is sold with 3 batteries. But its major asset remains its 4K HDR camera rotating 180° with 2.8X lossless zoom and 21MP photo sensor.
679 £ on AmazonAny specific needs?
The best value drone for professionals
The best value drone for photography
Your guide :
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| THE BEST | FOR CHILDREN | PROFESSIONAL | FOR PHOTOGRAPHY | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
8/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
DJI Mavic Mini 2
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Potensic A20
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DJI Mavic Air 2
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Parrot Anafi Extended
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4K camera with 3-axis stabilizer, 12 MP photo module, 31 minutes of autonomy, real-time video transmission via OcuSync 2.0 HD or QuickShots system, the DJI Mini 2 does not make the lace.
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The Potensic A20 is a mini-drone that can be flown by children, with an acceptable autonomy and great maneuverability. Beginners will also find their account with this very affordable model.
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For those with practice and demanding users in terms of maneuverability and photo quality, the Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo drone offers the best of what DJI has, minus the CareRefresh option.
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The Parrot Anafi Extended tracking drone is sold with 3 batteries. But its major asset remains its 4K HDR camera rotating 180° with 2.8X lossless zoom and 21MP photo sensor.
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Dimensions (L x W x H)
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18.8 x 14.4 x 14 cm
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12.9 x 10 x 8.2 cm
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18 × 9.7 × 8.4 cm
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24 x 17.5 x 6.5 cm
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Weight
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249 g
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240 g
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570 g
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320 g
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Picture/video module
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12 Mpx / 4K
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48 Mpx /4K, 8K
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21 Mpx / 4K
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Transmission distance (video signal)
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10 km
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6 km
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4 km
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Maximum flight time
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31 min
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6 min
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34 min
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25 min
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The flight time, autonomy in layman's terms, varies according to the model of drone. It should be considered according to how you plan to use the drone. In general, the larger the drone, the longer it will fly. Professional drones offer up to 30 min of flight time, while kids' drones can only fly for about 5-7 min on a single charge. If you want to fly longer, carry extra batteries with you.
Again, the ideal flight range depends on how you plan to use your drone. Professional drones can fly up to 2 km, while advanced drones have a range of about 500 m, and cheap drones can have a range of only about 30 m. If you want to use a drone for photography or video, the range becomes especially important, as a longer range will allow the drone to reach places that a human simply could not. If, on the other hand, you're just planning to fly for fun somewhere where you can keep the drone in sight, a long range may not be very important to you.
Somedrones have an easy-start feature to simplify launches. Drones with a "return home" button are also great for beginners, as they automatically return to you using GPS. Entry-level drones are smaller and lighter, making them easy to transport. Professional drones used for commercial purposes are heavier. You need to consider the weight, especially if you travel a lot on foot.
Adrone that offers the best value is one with readily available replacement parts. As a general rule, the more popular the drone, the more widely available replacement parts will be. Drones, even expensive ones, wear out over time, and even a relatively minor accident can damage some of your drone's components. It may even be a good idea to buy some spare parts at the same time you buy your drone so that you have some on hand when you need them.
Notalldrones come with camera/video modules. Some are too small or simply don't need them. But most modern drones come with an onboard camera/video module or the ability to mount an external module (digital camera, GoPro, smartphone, etc.). If the drone you're considering comes with its own camera, you have a few more criteria to consider. Check the specifications of the camera, paying attention to the photo/video resolution, shutter speed, frame rate, aperture and image stabilization. All of these factors affect the quality of the photos and videos you will capture.
In addition to the basic features, a drone can have other features that will make your flying experience more enjoyable. Here are some of the most common additional features found on a drone:
There is no point in having a drone that doesn't know where it is going. The built-in GPS navigation can help your drone find its way. On some models, it is even possible to pre-program routes and let your drone navigate by itself. This is especially useful if you want to photograph a particular area over several days. In addition, many natural elements (mountains, trees) can interfere with the communication between your drone and the controller you are using. This is why some professional drones have a "Return to Departure Point" mode that allows them to record their routes and automatically return from where they took off.
A gimbal is a device that keeps the camera built into your drone stable and lets it rotate independently of the machine's movements. The three axes, pitch, roll and yaw, describe the different movements a gimbal can make. A three-axis gimbal will help your drone's camera remain stable even when the machine is in flight. This is especially important if you are shooting video footage.
Headless mode is a useful feature that makes flying much easier for beginners. Let's assume that when you start your machine, you and the drone are both facing the same direction. Pressing your controller to the left will cause the plane to move to the left, and pressing the right will cause the machine to move to the right. But what happens when your drone turns around? Suddenly, your left is its right and vice versa. And the design of many drones makes it hard to tell which end is the front and which is the back. You can quickly get into trouble if the machine goes left when you meant to go right.
Headless mode solves this problem by defining a specific direction in which the drone should stick. No matter which direction the drone is facing, pointing it to the left will always make it go left and pointing it to the right means it will always go right. This can mean the difference between crashing or landing safely, especially if you are a novice drone pilot.
Professional drones are recommended for pilots with some experience, though some of the included technologies help make flying incredibly easy. Designed for professional photographers, filmmakers, site assessors and more, these drones are the most advanced available, offering uncommon results. They offer an easier way to capture images from hard-to-reach places.
Photo drones are the stepping stone between professional drones and entry-level drones. Often featuring similar technologies to professional drones, such as obstacle avoidance and return to the starting point, these drones work incredibly well and are perfect for serious and passionate amateur photographers. They also work well for professional use, if you don't want to break the bank on a professional model, bringing a great return on investment.
Ifyou're looking for a great way to get started with drone flying, there are beginner drones that offer good flying capabilities to help you learn to fly. They offer more basic technology, although some of these drones can be surprisingly powerful and may even include high-end features such as collision avoidance or an adjustable camera. We'll also classify kids' drones in this category of beginner drones.
Drone racing is becoming increasingly popular, with official races held around the world, so what makes a good racing drone? Designed for speed, these drones can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h. Their compact dimensions make them extremely agile. With such high flight speeds, it's important that these drones are responsive, with features that help you stay in control.
Drones are devices more intended for professionals. They were designed above all for observations and shots at altitude. For this, they are helped by their powerful engine and their improved stabilization capacity. Their prices vary enormously and can reach 1000 euros and more. Moreover, their use requires prior authorizations, depending on its use.
A mini drone is a compact model, ideal for people wishing to learn this type of hobby. They are easy to handle thanks to their 4 propellers and a remote control with all the basic functions. You can take pictures or film for a price starting at 200 euros or less. However, you will have to fly in calm places without too much wind by respecting an altitude of 150 m. This is the regulation!
Ultimately, the choice depends on your use. If you are a professional and want to use a drone for commercial purposes, you should choose the right equipment to optimize your work. If you want to fly for fun, a mini-drone will do perfectly.
You see your home almost every day, but have you ever seen what your home looks like from above? Probably not, and that's the huge advantage of drones, especially the ones that offer the best value. This unique perspective will give you fantastic photographs that will take your breath away.
There's nothing like the feeling of putting your drone in the air and sailing through the sky freely like a bird. Perhaps this feeling comes from humanity's ancient desire to be able to fly. If you like to get your adrenaline pumping, you can even participate in first-person drone (FPV) racing. You're sure to find a few in your area.
It's rare that a hobby can easily be profitable, but drones offer many opportunities to make money, for example, photography, filmmaking, mapping, 3D modeling, precision farming, real estate advertising, structure and equipment inspection, etc. And that's just the tip of the iceberg for making drone use lucrative.
Let's face it, a lot of photos and videos on social media these days are pretty boring simply because there are so many of them, so it can be hard to stand out. With the aerial photography capabilities of a drone, you'll have no worries about making your photos the main topic of conversation on the web.
Drones are becoming essential educational tools in many countries around the world, as they help teachers deliver interactive and engaging lessons to their students. In addition, students themselves are finding great use for the drone as part of their project at school.
In our opinion, the best brands of drones quality/price ratio in 2022 are :
It is the world leader in the drone market. It is not insignificant, DJI distinguishes itself by the quality of the cameras embedded in its devices. The Chinese manufacturer makes it a point of honor to constantly innovate. And when it comes to value for money, you won't find better elsewhere.
Withno less than 20 devices listed, Hubsan is not a newcomer to the world of drones. It offers high quality devices and provides active support on the manuals and firmware of its products
TechRC offers products suitable for everyone, young and old. The drones manufactured by Tech RC have nothing to be ashamed of when compared to the competition. The brand is particularly known for its high-performance entry-level drones.
With26 years of experience in the world of technology, Parrot holds its own against the Chinese giant DJI in the field of drones. It is a true flagship of French and European technology.
They know about remote-controlled aviation! Indeed, Yuneec started by making remote control aircraft in its early days. That was 15 years ago! This manufacturer based in China has, therefore, an increased knowledge on the latest generation flying objects.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Make sure you always keep an eye on your drone
While it may be tempting to fly off to explore the landscape beyond your field of vision, French regulations governing drone use state that you must always keep the drone visible to the naked eye and within your field of vision.
Don't go too high
Inaddition to always keeping the drone in your field of view, French regulations governing the use of drones also state that you must not exceed an altitude ceiling of 120 m.
Always check the weather conditions before flying
Whilea drone may very well stabilize when the wind picks up or when it rains, and unless you're really a seasoned pilot, wait until the wind has died down before you take off your drone. In addition to having difficulty flying, it can be a waste of time to fly when conditions are unstable, as the images can often be too shaky.
Inform people before you start recording
Insome situations where you know everyone involved, such as a wedding, there won't be a problem. However, if you're flying over a larger area like a beach, it's going to be more difficult to do. Use common sense and make sure people can see you at all times so they know who is in charge of the drone.
Always check your drone's battery before you take off
Youneed a full charge to maximize your flight time, but make sure you have enough battery to get your drone back to you.
Today, modern dronesare all quadcopters. This means that they use 4 rotors or propellers on a horizontal plane to fly. You can also encounter hexacopters, which have 6 propellers and octocopters which have 8. Most drones are controlled via dedicated controllers or via a smartphone or tablet.
Agimbal is a small tool that uses motors and sensors to react to any sudden movement such as tilt or pitch. It is this device that keeps the built-in camerastable and ensures smooth images. High-end photo drones come with a 2- or 3-axis gimbal.
Anyonewho is at least 14 years old can fly a drone. On the other hand, a child under 14 can still fly a suitable drone in case the child built the drone himself and weighs less than 250g or if another child of at least 16 years old is present. But the prerequisite step to be able to fly a drone is to register as a drone pilot on the DGAC (Direction générale de l'aviation civile) website.
Youshould consider buying a drone that offers the best value if you are already an enthusiast of remotely operated vehicles (car, boat, helicopter, etc.), if you are a photography or video professional who is looking for a new perspective on shooting, and if you have a commercial interest in the drone industry or the technologies used. Of course, it's perfectly fine to give a drone to your child for their birthday.
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