It's no exaggeration to say that the best drones have changed the way we view the world. They've taken once-difficult and expensive moviemaking techniques and made them accessible to anyone. Videos that previously required a camera crew, expensive cranes, and hours of filming can now be done in minutes with the tap of a single Auto Takeoff button.
Drones aren't just flying cameras, though; they're also the modern version of remote-controlled vehicles. Again, they've made flying easier and more accessible, thanks to intelligent collision sensors that protect your investment from mishaps. Cheaper drones, while fun, will never fly as well or deliver the kind of video and photo results possible with more expensive models. You get what you pay for. That said, if you're not worried about wowing YouTube with your sweeping panoramic masterpiece, you don't have to spend a fortune to get a good, fun drone. Here are the best drones I've tested for every budget.
The elephant in the room is the fact that the biggest drone maker was just barred from selling its products in the US. We're still recommending DJI drones for anyone outside the US, and we have more information about the ban below, along with alternative options.
Be sure to check out our many other buying guides, including the Best Action Cameras, Best Compact Cameras, and Best Mirrorless Cameras.
Updated December 2025: We’ve added the DJI Mini 5 Pro, DJI Neo 2, DJI Mini 4K, Antigravity A1, and Potensic Atom, and added information about the DJI ban.