Drone Buyers Guide 2022
We’ve been reviewing and writing about drones since 2016, and that means we have the straight facts to monitor features, prices, obsolescence and all the competition.
If you want straight forward recommendations on whether a drone is OK to buy, this is your best starting point!
- DJI
- Autel
- Parrot
- DJI FPV
- Mavic Pro Series
- Mavic Air Series
- Mini Series
- Smart Controller
- Phantom
- Spark
DJI FPV COMBO
RELEASE DATE MARCH 2 2021
Highlights:
- 1" CMOS Sensor
- 12MP Still Photos
- 4K60fps 150º FOV
- 120 Mbps bitrate
- Intuitive Motion Controller
- Emergency Brake & Hover
- 3 Flight Modes
- D-Cinelike
- 140Km/h Max Speed
- 20 Minute Flight time
Buy Now? YES
What would happen if a DJI Mavic drone mated with a Walkera F210 FPV Drone?
We think you'd end up with the best of both worlds and it would be called the DJI FPV Combo.
Released on March 2nd, 2021 the all-new DJI FPV drone is the company's first FPV drone and also the world's first 'turn-key' FPV system.
More like a 'hybrid' FPV system, the DJI FPV Combo is a high-performance aerobatic quadcopter designed to capture high-quality cinematic video.
With graduated flight modes making it easy for beginners to ease into FPV flying, DJI is opening a flood-gate of new users to the FPV sport.
The flight controls, modes and camera are so good, that this could be the 'everything drone' for a wide audience of drone pilots.
Bottom line: Absolutely buy the DJI FPV Combo. Power, fun and high-quality optics make this drone an absolute blast.
Latest DJI FPV Rumors & News:
DJI MAVIC 2 PRO
RELEASE DATE AUGUST 23 2018
Highlights:
- 1" CMOS Sensor
- 20MP Still Photos
- 4K30fps video
- 100 Mbps bitrate
- f/2.8-f/11 aperture
- 31 minute flight time
- OcuSync 2.0
- 10-Bit DLOG-M+10-Bit HDR Video
- 360º Obstacle Avoidance
- 8GB On-board Memory
Buy Now? YES
The Mavic 2 Pro was a major upgrade from the original Mavic Pro/Platinum drones, especially in video and image quality. OcuSync 2.0 gives epic signal strength with Smart Controller compatibility, full Obstacle Avoidance, and superior camera give this drone a long runway. Expect a Mavic 3 to drop in 2021, which should lead to price drops on the Mavic 2 Series. The Mavic 2 Series will have a long, useful life from here.
Latest Mavic 2 PRO Rumors & News:
DJI MAVIC PRO PLATINUM
RELEASE DATE AUGUST 31 2017
Highlights:
- 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor
- 12MP Still Photos
- 4K30fps video
- 60 Mbps bitrate
- f/2.2 aperture
- 31 minute flight time
- OcuSync 1.0
- 4dB Quieter than Mavic Pro
- Fwd & Down Obstacle Avoidance
Buy Now? NO
After releasing the Mavic Pro, DJI focused on developing quieter propellers and motor control software. The result was a quieter Mavic Pro with modestly better battery life. You can definitely 'get by' with a Mavic Pro Platinum, but new batteries and service will be a struggle from here.
Latest Mavic Pro Platinum Rumors & News:
DJI MAVIC PRO
RELEASE DATE OCTOBER 15 2016
Highlights:
- 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor
- 12MP Still Photos
- 4K30fps video
- 60 Mbps bitrate
- f/2.2 aperture
- 27 minute flight time
- OcuSync 1.0
- Fwd & Down Obstacle Avoidance
Buy Now? NO
The Mavic Pro was the first folding pro-sumer quad and ushered in the drone age for recreational flyers. Still used today by many creators, it was handed 'End of Life' status in 2019...meaning no more updates, service or production. Seriously, it's time to upgrade. Users complained of poor photo quality, and video bitrate too slow to compared to current models.
Latest Mavic Pro Rumors & News:
DJI AIR 2S
ANNOUNCEMENT DATE APRIL 15 2021
- 1" CMOS Sensor
- 20MP Still Photos
- 5.4K30fps video
- 120 Mbps bitrate
- f/2.8 (fixed)
- Smart Controller compatible
- 31 minute flight time
- OcuSync 3.0
- HDR Video, Images Panos
- APAS 4.0
- 4K60p
Buy Now? YES
The new Air 2S drops the Mavic moniker, and adds improved camera features that exceed the standard set with the Mavic 2 Series. Priced under $1000 for the basic kit or $1299 for the Fly More Combo we're happy to recommend the Air 2S as one of the best drones you can have in your kit for a day of filming. With 120 Mbps write speed you know your video is being recorded at the highest quality. DJI has made the Air 2S compatible with the super-popular Smart Controller and it shares batteries and many accessories with the Mavic Air 2. At 31 minutes the Air 2S battery matches the Mavic 2 Series. If you liked the Mavic Air 2, or even the Mavic 2 Series, you'll love the new Air 2S. Like all pro-sumer drones released by DJI since 2020 the Air 2S has added ADS-B manned aircraft awareness for extra safety.
DJI Air 2S is a powerful combination of features and value that will be hard to beat. The only thing more difficult is deciding which of DJI's drones to buy today.
| Order the DJI Air 2S at DJI Online Store |
Latest Air 2S Rumors & News
DJI MAVIC AIR 2
ANNOUNCEMENT DATE APRIL 27 2020
- 1/2" CMOS Sensor
- 12MP 48MP Still Photos
- 4K60fps video
- 120 Mbps bitrate
- f/2.8
- 34 minute flight time
- OcuSync 2.0
- HDR Video, Images Panos
- APAS 3.0
- 240fps Slow Motion
Buy Now? YES
The Mavic Air 2 is DJI's first folding quad capable of recording video at 4K60fps, and has the highest write speed of any of DJI's pro-sumer drones. At 34 minutes the Mavic Air 2 battery life also highest. Don't let the compact size of the Mavic Air 2 fool you. Able to record 8K HyperLapse video, Smart Controller compatilibility with OcuSync 2.0 as well as ADS-B manned aircraft awareness the Mavic Air 2 is one of DJI's finest pro-sumer drones. The Mavic Air 2 has quick become one of our favorite drones.
Latest Mavic Air 2 Rumors & News
DJI MAVIC AIR
ANNOUNCEMENT DATE JANUARY 23 2018
- 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor
- 12MP Still Photos
- 4K30fps video
- 100 Mbps bitrate
- f/2.8
- 21 minute flight time
- Wifi RC Signal
- 8GB Internal Storage
- APAS
- 120fps Slow Motion
Buy Now? YES
Launched as the first compact, folding quad with a 4K camera, the sleek Mavic Air was extremely popular. Video & still photos were decent, but issues with the wifi based RC signal was a popular complaint. Now discontinued, it's been lapped in features and quality by newer drones like the Mini 2.
Latest Mavic Air 2 Rumors & News
DJI MINI 2
RELEASE DATE NOVEMBER 4 2020
Highlights:
- 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor
- 12MP Stills (JPG & RAW)
- 4K30fps video
- 100 Mbps bitrate
- up to 4x digital zoom
- 31 minute flight time
- OcuSync 2.0 10KM Range
- under 250g
- Level 5 Wind Resistance
- 8GB On-board Memory
Buy Now? YES
The original Mavic Mini was super popular, and for good reason. But one year after the Mavic Mini was released DJI gave it an upgrade that made the new Mini 2 way more drone than anyone expected in a sub-250g package.
It's not only the best travel drone, it keeps a lot creators flying who don't want to pursue a license.
Better brain. Better wind resistance. Better video. More functions. What's not to like?
Latest Mini 2 Rumors & News:
DJI MAVIC MINI
RELEASE DATE OCTOBER 29 2019
Highlights:
- 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor
- 12MP Stills (JPG)
- 2.7K30fps video
- 40 Mbps bitrate
- 30 minute flight time
- WIFI RC Transmitter
Buy Now? NO
The Mavic Mini quickly found a place in our gear bag alongside bigger, more powerful drones. But we found ourselves reaching for the Mini more and more as it quickly became one of our favorite small drones. Technically you can still buy the Mavic Mini, but why would you? Almost every feature in the Mini 2 is better than the Mavic Mini.
Latest Mavic Mini Rumors & News:
SMART CONTROLLER
RELEASE DATE JANUARY 10 2019
Highlights:
- For OcuSync 2.0 Drones
- 5.5" HD Screen
- DJI GO Share
- Built-in Mic & Speaker
- Works -4F to 104F
- Ultra-Bright 1000 cd/m2
- Mavic 2, Mavic Air, P4PV2
- Livestream to Social Medai
- HDMI Port Outputs 4K 60fps
- 5000 mAh BAttery
Buy Now? YES
Introduced in 2019 as an option when the Mavic 2 Series was launched. Super-bright screen is more than 2x brighter than any iPhone or iPad. Epic cold weather performance. No plugs or cords to fail or be misplaced, and it connects faster than smartphone connected controller.
Compatible with DJI Mavic 2 Pro/Zoom, Mavic Air 2, and Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
We highly recommend the Smart Controller, it is our preferred accessory for our OcuSync 2.0 enabled drones.
Latest Mavic 2 PRO Rumors & News:
DJI PHANTOM 4 PRO V2.0
RELEASE DATE MAY 8 2018
Highlights:
- 1" 20MP Sensor
- OcuSync 2.0
- 4 Axis Obstacle Avoidance
- 4.3 Mile Range
- 30 Minute Flight Time
- 4K50fps
- Flight Autonomy
- 45 mph Top Speed
- Subject Tracking
- 14fps burst photo
Buy Now? YES
Featuring a 1-inch CMOS sensor that can shoot 4K/60fps videos and 20MP photos, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 grants filmmakers absolute creative freedom. The OcuSync 2.0 HD transmission system ensures stable connectivity and reliability, five directions of obstacle sensing ensures additional safety, and a dedicated remote controller with a built-in screen grants even greater precision and control. A wide array of intelligent features makes flying that much easier. The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is a complete aerial imaging solution, designed for the professional creator.
The extended, fixed landing gear make hand launching and landing a breeze.
Latest Phantom 4 Pro V.20 Rumors & News:
PHANTOM 4 ADVANCED
RELEASE DATE APRIL 13 2017
Highlights:
- 1" CMOS Sensor
- 20MP Still Photos
- 4K60fps video
- 100 Mbps bitrate
- f/2.8-f/11 aperture
- 30 minute flight time
- Lightbridge
- Mechanical Shutter
- Fwd & Down Obstacle Avoidance
Latest Phantom 4 Advanced News:
PHANTOM 4 PRO
RELEASE DATE OCTOBER 15 2016
Highlights:
- 1" CMOS Sensor
- 20MP Still Photos
- 4K60fps video
- 100 Mbps bitrate
- f/2.8-f/11 aperture
- 30 minute flight time
- Lightbridge
- Fwd Rear & Down Sensors
Buy Now? NO
Discontinued by DJI, the Phantom 4 Pro was responsible for bringing in the pro-sumer drone age. Loved for it's robust frame, excellent optics and ease of use you can still find this in use by die-hards.
Lack of OcuSync, full obstacle avoidance and ongoing software updates make the P4P on a path to it's grave.
DJI assigned 'End of Life status' to the Phantom 4 Pro in 2018.
Latest Mavic Pro Rumors & News:
SPARK
RELEASE DATE APRIL 15 2017
Highlights:
- 1080p30fps Video
- 12MP Stills
- 16 Minute Flight Time
- 1.2 Mile Range
- Use with Phone or Controller
- Gesture & TapFly Control
- Subject Tracking
- 31 Mph Top Speed
Buy Now? NO
Groundbreaking when released for it's small size and convenience, the Spark was the first 'entry level' drone by DJI. And it was really just a proving ground for the next wave of folding, compact drones like the Air and Mini. Plagued by a weak wifi controller that connected to the smartphone by wifi.
It was fun while it lasted, but we're glad that DJI quickly engineered smarter, smaller, better drones and let the Spark drift into obscurity.
Latest Spark Rumors & News:
- EVO Nano Series
- EVO II 8K
- EVO II PRO 6K
- EVO II Dual 8K+Thermal
- Smart Controller
Where To Buy:
EVO Nano+
ANNOUNCEMENT DATE SEPTEMBER 28 2021
- 1/1.28" CMOS Sensor f/1.9
- 50MP still photos
- 4 auto modes
- 3-way obstacle avoidance
- 16x digital zoom
- Dynamic tracking
- 28 minute flight time
- 249 grams
- 10km Range
- 4K 24/25/30
- 2.7K image transmission
Buy Now? YES
Autel has really stepped up with the Nano Series of drones, bringing features only seen in more expensive pro-sumer drones. With 3-way obstacle avoidance and active subject tracking the Nano Series launches as better than the DJI Mini 2. We've rated the Nano Series as the Best Drone Under 250 Grams in our inital review.
Also available in the Nano version with 1/2" camera sensor and 48 megapixels, the Autel Nano drones are going to be a big hit with drone enthusiasts who want a micro drone with high-end features and performance without having to settle for less.
PROS:
- 50MP still photos
- 2.7K image transmission
- 3-way Obstacle Avoidance
- Dynamic active tracking
CONS:
- more expensive than Mini 2
- no onboard memory
- 3 minutes less battery life than Mini 2
We add the Autel EVO Nano+ to the Drone Buyers Guide with a Buy Now rating, and we highly recommend this drone.
Latest EVO Nano Rumors & News:
Where To Buy:
EVO Nano
ANNOUNCEMENT DATE SEPTEMBER 28 2021
- 1/2" CMOS Sensr
- 48MP still photos
- 4 auto modes
- 3-way obstacle avoidance
- 16x digital zoom
- Dynamic tracking
- 28 minute flight time
- 249 grams
- 10km Range
- 4K 24/25/30
- 2.7K image transmission
Buy Now? YES
Autel has really stepped up with the Nano Series of drones, bringing features only seen in more expensive pro-sumer drones. With 3-way obstacle avoidance and active subject tracking the Nano Series launches as better than the DJI Mini 2. We've rated the Nano Series as the Best Drone Under 250 Grams in our inital review.
Also available in the Nano+ version with larger camera sensor and more megapixels, the Autel Nano drones are going to be a big hit with drone enthusiasts who want a micro drone with high-end features and performance without having to settle for less.
PROS:
- 48MP still photos
- 2.7K image transmission
- 3-way Obstacle Avoidance
- Dynamic active tracking
CONS:
- more expensive than Mini 2
- no onboard memory
- 3 minutes less battery life than Mini 2
We add the Autel EVO Nano to the Drone Buyers Guide with a Buy Now rating, and we highly recommend this drone.
Latest EVO Nano Rumors & News:
Where To Buy:
EVO II 8K
ANNOUNCEMENT DATE JANUARY 7 2020
- 8K Video
- 48MP Stills
- Remote with 3.3" OLED Display
- 120fps Slo-Mo up to 2K
- 4x Lossless Zoom
- 8GB Internal Storage
- 40 minute flight time
- 12 Sensor Obstacle Avoidance
- 5.6mi Range
- 4K HDR Video
- 10-Bit A-Log
Buy Now? YES
We got hands-on with the Autel EVO II at CES 2020 in Las Vegas and it was incredible. (See our Youtube report here) With the 'base' 8K EVO II model, Autel has lapped DJI in several key metrics including battery life and video resolution.
Autel hasn't garnered the attention we think they deserve for developing an ultra high quality family of folding drones that more than meets the needs of consumer, commercial and enterprise customers. The EVO II Series even allows operators to easily swap gimbals depending on your mission requirements.
Also available is the EVO II PRO with a larger 1" 6K camera and the EVO II DUAL that pairs the base 8K camera with a decent thermal camera.
If you're considering a DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic 2 Enterprise or Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, you really need to take a look at the Autel EVO II Series.
Latest EVO II Rumors & News:
Where To Buy:
EVO II PRO 6K
ANNOUNCEMENT DATE JANUARY 7 2020
- 6K Video & 20MP Phgotos
- 1" CMOS Sensor
- f/2.8-f/11 aperture
- Remote with 3.3" OLED Display
- 120fps Slo-Mo up to 2K
- 8GB Internal Storage
- 40 minute flight time
- 12 Sensor Obstacle Avoidance
- 5.6mi Range
- 4K HDR Video
- 10-12 Bit A-Log
- 4x Lossless Zoom
Buy Now? YES
For professionals that need more control, the EVO II PRO 6K Drone from Autel offers you a gimbal camera with a variable aperture of f/2.8 to f/11, giving you wide-ranging adjustment over how much light gets into the 6K 1" sensor. The camera delivers ISO ranges up to 6400 for video and up to 12,800 for photos. As for resolution, the 6K gimbal can achieve up to 5472 x 3076 in video and up to 5472 x 3648 stills.
The EVO II drone provides hi-end specifications and abilities well beyond videography and photography. The 7100mAh battery lets it fly for up to 40 minutes at a time, the motors can fly in Ludicrous Speed mode at up to 44.8 mph, and you can transmit HD footage back to the controller's 3.3" OLED screen from up to 5.6 miles away. While flying and tracking, 12-sensor omnidirectional obstacle avoidance is coupled with a dual-core processor, as well as AI machine learning to let the EVO II navigate itself around the environment safely while still getting the shot.
If you're considering a DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic 2 Enterprise or Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, you really need to take a look at the Autel EVO II Series.
Latest EVO II Rumors & News:
Where To Buy:
EVO II Dual 8K + Thermal
ANNOUNCEMENT DATE JANUARY 7 2020
- 8K Video & 48MP Phgotos
- FLIR Boson Sensor
- f/2.8-f/11 aperture
- Remote with 3.3" OLED Display
- 120fps Slo-Mo up to 2K
- 8GB Internal Storage
- 38 Minute Flight Time
- 12 Sensor Obstacle Avoidance
- 5.6mi Range
- 4K HDR Video
- 10-12 Bit A-Log
- 4x Lossless Zoom
Buy Now? YES
Combining high-end visible and invisible imaging, the EVO II Dual 8K Thermal Imaging Drone Bundle from Autel Robotics gives you an aerial video and still image solution for a variety of professions. Using the FLIR Boson sensor, the EVO II Dual can record thermal videos at 640 x 512 resolution at a smooth 30 Hz from up to 146' away. It's an ideal feature for industrial inspection, such as on power lines or solar panel arrays, as well as for first responders in emergency situations.
If needed, the thermal image can be integrated into a standard video via picture-in-picture mode for easier tracking of a subject or structure's location. However, regular RGB video from the EVO II Dual is anything but standard. The drone is capable of filming in resolutions up to 8K, as well as up to 4K with HDR, for professional results. High-resolution still images can be pulled from the 8K footage, or you can capture 48MP images directly with the EVO II Dual's sensor. If the drone can't get close enough to get the shot, its equipped with 1-8x (up to 4x lossless) digital zoom to get in close from a distance.
If you're considering a DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic 2 Enterprise or Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, you really need to take a look at the Autel EVO II Series.
Latest EVO II Rumors & News:
SMART CONTROLLER
RELEASE DATE APRIL 28 2021
Highlights:
- For EVO II Series Drones
- 7.9" UHD Screen
- Custom Android OS
- 13KM Transmission
- Works -4F to 104F
- Ultra-Bright 2000 cd/m2
- HDMI, USB-A & USB-C output
- 128GB Internal Storage
- 4.5 hour battery life, 2hr fast charge
- 8-Core Processor
Buy Now? YES
Designed for the AUTEL EVO II Series of drones, the Smart Controller will make every drone enthusiast take notice.
Autel should see increased traction in it's category-leading EVO II Series drones because of this new device. Almost every feature built into the Smart Controller far exceeds DJI's Smart Controller, which is now over 2 years old.
Bigger, brighter screen. 8x more internal storage. Longer range. Faster processor. 80% longer battery life. Customizable OS. Removable antennae. We love everything about the Autel Smart Controller!
Latest Autel Rumors & News:
- ANAFI
ANAFI
RELEASE DATE JUL 1 2018
Highlights:
- 1/2.4" CMOS Sensor
- 21MP Stills (JPG & RAW)
- 4K24fps video
- 100 Mbps bitrate
- 180º Vertical Tilt
- 25 minute flight time
- 4KM Range
- Level 5 Wind Resistance
- up to 2.8X Lossless digital zoom
Buy Now? NO
With the Anafi 4K Portable Drone from Parrot, you always have the ability to take stunning aerial videos and pictures. The ultra-compact and portable Anafi weighs a little over 11 oz and can fit into a backpack. It's designed to unfold and start flying in less than three seconds. Once in the air, Anafi can take stunning 4K videos with 100 Mb/s bit rate, and 21MP HDR-enhanced still photos. Anafi features 3-axis image stabilization to help keep all your footage and pictures stable and clear. With the addition of a 180° gimbal, tracking A.I., and a host of photo modes, the Anafi can give you professional-quality results anytime, anywhere.
We rank the Parrot ANAFI as a 'do not buy'. It's almost 3 years old and overdue for a refresh or replacement. Compared to newer models from competitors, the ANAFI is missing important features such as obstacle avoidance sensors and 4K framerate options.
We recommend the DJI Mavic Air 2 over the Parrot ANAFI
Latest ANAFI Rumors & News:
ANAFI
RELEASE DATE JUL 1 2018
Highlights:
- 1/2.4" CMOS Sensor
- 21MP Stills (JPG & RAW)
- 4K24fps video
- 100 Mbps bitrate
- 180º Vertical Tilt
- 25 minute flight time
- 4KM Range
- Level 5 Wind Resistance
- up to 2.8X Lossless digital zoom
Buy Now? NO
With the Anafi 4K Portable Drone from Parrot, you always have the ability to take stunning aerial videos and pictures. The ultra-compact and portable Anafi weighs a little over 11 oz and can fit into a backpack. It's designed to unfold and start flying in less than three seconds. Once in the air, Anafi can take stunning 4K videos with 100 Mb/s bit rate, and 21MP HDR-enhanced still photos. Anafi features 3-axis image stabilization to help keep all your footage and pictures stable and clear. With the addition of a 180° gimbal, tracking A.I., and a host of photo modes, the Anafi can give you professional-quality results anytime, anywhere.
We rank the Parrot ANAFI as a 'do not buy'. It's almost 3 years old and overdue for a refresh or replacement. Compared to newer models from competitors, the ANAFI is missing important features such as obstacle avoidance sensors and 4K framerate options.
We recommend the DJI Mavic Air 2 over the Parrot ANAFI
Latest ANAFI Rumors & News:
ANAFI
RELEASE DATE JUL 1 2018
Highlights:
- 1/2.4" CMOS Sensor
- 21MP Stills (JPG & RAW)
- 4K24fps video
- 100 Mbps bitrate
- 180º Vertical Tilt
- 25 minute flight time
- 4KM Range
- Level 5 Wind Resistance
- up to 2.8X Lossless digital zoom
Buy Now? NO
With the Anafi 4K Portable Drone from Parrot, you always have the ability to take stunning aerial videos and pictures. The ultra-compact and portable Anafi weighs a little over 11 oz and can fit into a backpack. It's designed to unfold and start flying in less than three seconds. Once in the air, Anafi can take stunning 4K videos with 100 Mb/s bit rate, and 21MP HDR-enhanced still photos. Anafi features 3-axis image stabilization to help keep all your footage and pictures stable and clear. With the addition of a 180° gimbal, tracking A.I., and a host of photo modes, the Anafi can give you professional-quality results anytime, anywhere.
We rank the Parrot ANAFI as a 'do not buy'. It's almost 3 years old and overdue for a refresh or replacement. Compared to newer models from competitors, the ANAFI is missing important features such as obstacle avoidance sensors and 4K framerate options.
We recommend the DJI Mavic Air 2 over the Parrot ANAFI
Latest ANAFI Rumors & News: