Best Drones | 2024

The best drones have forever changed the game when it comes to aerial photography and video. Long gone are the days when you had to charter a helicopter to get skyborne shots – now, it’s the work of moments to send a little quadcopter up into the air and capture what unfolds. These days, drone-shot images regularly find their way into photography competitions, and drones have been wholeheartedly embraced by the filmmaking industry.

If you want to get hold of a drone yourself, it’s easier than ever, as there are plenty of choices out there. DJI is undoubtedly the market leader, producing a huge range of drones from lightweight beginner models to highly specialised premium tools for filmmakers. However, we’ve also seen a number of innovative drones from rival firm Autel, with innovative features that make them well worth considering.

Some key features to look for in a drone are as follows:

Weight - This is hugely important for a drone, naturally, as it’s going to be spending its time in the air. However, there’s a legal component too, as the rules you have to follow when flying are different depending on whether a drone weighs more or less than 250g (this is why you see a lot of drones weighing around the 249g mark). You can check out the full Civil Aviation Authority drone guidelines here. 

Other than the legalities, there are reasons to consider the weight of the drone you buy. Lighter ones are more portable and easier to carry, while heavier ones tend to be more stable and able to withstand high winds.

Sensor size - Just as with regular cameras, the size of a sensor in a drone’s camera affects the quality and in particular the dynamic range of the images it produces. Cheaper, smaller drones tend to use sensors around the 1/1.3-inch or 1/2.3-inch mark. As you slide up the scale, you start to see larger 1-inch sensors, and top-end drones for broadcast like the DJI Inspire series sport full-frame chips.

Automatic flight features - As drones are getting more sophisticated, many are acquiring features designed to take a bit of the work out of flying – and protect themselves from harm. Many modern drones have automatic obstacle avoidance sensors that mean they can prevent themselves from slamming into trees, lampposts and so forth. Automatic “Return to Home” functionality when battery life gets low is also common, preventing the drone from getting lost. Some drones can also track and follow subjects, and automatically execute complex flight manoeuvres around them.

There’s plenty more to say, but we’ve delayed long enough already – so let’s take a look at some of the best drones you can buy in 2024…

Quick Navigation

Best Drone for Photography

Drone photography is one of the most exciting disciplines to be in right now. While drones have their uses in a number of disciplines, they excel particularly in landscape photography, and nowadays it’s very common to see more than a few drone shots on the shortlists for competitions like Landscape Photographer of the Year. We’ve always appreciated the drone shots that have been submitted in our community competitions, as they always deliver a striking perspective and something truly different.

We’ve picked out a few different options for this section – as well as one of DJI’s latest drones, we have a budget-friendly choice for those who have less to spend, and a terrific drone from Autel with powerful night-time shooting modes. Whichever you choose, you’ll be ideally equipped to capture stunning airborne imagery – and we hope to see your efforts in one of our future competitions!

Pros:

• High-quality 1-inch CMOS sensor
• Powerful night-time shooting modes
• 12-bit DNG RAW

Cons:

• App/software not as polished as DJI’s
  
  

For high-end photo quality, Autel’s EVO II Pro drone is an excellent choice. With a 1-inch CMOS sensor, it’s capable of capturing 20MP images – plenty of resolution for most purposes – and can do so in 12-bit DNG format, resulting in incredibly vivid colour rendition. 

It especially comes into its own in low light thanks to a feature that Autel calls “Moonlight Algorithm 2.0”. This is really just a fancy term for a Night Mode – but thanks to its f/2.8 maximum aperture, ISO ceiling of 44,000 and HDR capabilities, the EVO II Pro has quite a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes to a night mode.

Flight-wise, the Autel EVO II Pro benefits from 19 groups of sensors that allow it to build a three-dimensional map of its surroundings for optimal flight-pathing. Thanks to SkyLink 2.0 video transmission, you can also fly the EVO II up to 15km away and still get a clear video feed.

Best Drone for Filmmaking

If you’ve watched basically any TV other than Bargain Hunt in the past few years, you’ll probably appreciate how drones have been embraced by the video industry. And you know what? There probably actually has been a drone shot in at least one episode of Bargain Hunt (we’re not going to watch them all to find out). Since high-quality drone footage is so accessible, it doesn’t require a huge budget. So, if you’re a scrappy filmmaker or video content creator who wants to introduce a little aerial spice into their repertoire, these are the drones for you.

Our list in this section includes brand new models from DJI, as well as a compelling alternative from Autel. We’ve kept our choices here relatively mid-budget – these are the drones that will get great video results without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for something more high-end, scroll down to find our section covering the best professional drones. Otherwise, read on!

Pros:

• Weighs less than 250g
• Useful automated shooting modes
• Stabilised 4K 30p video

Cons:

• No 10-bit video (Log mode is 8-bit)
• DJI Mini 3 Pro arguably offers more features
  
  

For filmmakers who want a drone that slips beneath the 250g cut-off, we can happily recommend the Autel EVO Nano+. Thanks to its 3-axis gimbal, the Nano+ can produce smooth and cinematic footage with ease, and its Dynamic Track 2.1 system can follow not just human subjects, but also animals and vehicles (something not all of them can do).

The 50MP CMOS sensor in the Nano+ delivers 4K video in absolutely gorgeous quality. Sure, other drones have more resolution, but if you don’t need 6K or 8K (and you probably don’t) you’ll be delighted by the great look and crisp colours of the footage you get. There’s digital zoom functionality up to 16x as well – though you probably won’t want to venture beyond the mid-range in order to avoid compromising the quality too much. Obstacle avoidance features also make this one a good choice for less experienced pilots.

Best Drone for Travel

Drones are obviously fantastic things to have for travel, enabling you to get spectacular aerial shots of your far-flung destinations, and in most cases stowing down well enough to fit in an airline carry-on bag. However, you do have to be careful when travelling with a drone, as regulations differ from country to country, and you can’t necessarily rely on that sub-250g rule to protect you when you’re no longer in the UK. Make sure you do your research on your destination before you pack the drone.

Of course, you may not want a lightweight drone for travel – something a little more robust, something less likely to get snatched by a gust of wind, may be the order of the day. So, in this section we’ve included a couple of options: a truly lightweight drone that’s easy to take everywhere with you, and a more sophisticated option for those willing to trade portability for quality. After all, everyone travels differently!

Pros:

• Impressive battery life
• Steady even in high winds
• Does great at night

Cons:

• On the heavier side (despite the name)
  
  

Don’t let the name fool you – weighing in at 835g, the Autel EVO Lite+ is firmly in the mid-size category as far as drones go. This is by no means a bad thing, as the EVO Lite+ is capable of sturdily holding its own even when conditions get windy and letting the 3-axis gimbal do its work of getting you some smooth, steady video. It has a 1-inch CMOS sensor, and like other Autel drones, it benefits from the “Moonlight Algorithm” that maximises quality when shooting in low light.

As long as you don’t mind the weight, the Autel EVO Lite+ delivers the kind of shooting versatility that makes it a terrific choice for travel – where you have to be prepared for the unexpected. Its long battery life allows for 40-minute flight times, and it’s capable of automatically following subjects with Dynamic Track 2.1.

Best Drone for Beginners

If you’re someone who isn’t too au fait with the latest technology, it’s easy to assume that drone photography will be too complex for you. However, this really isn’t the case – drones are getting more user-friendly than ever, and there are plenty of great choices in the mid-range budget-wise that make for a wonderful starting point to learn the ropes.

Automated shooting modes can enable you to get spectacular shots, with automated tracking to hone in on your chosen subject, while obstacle avoidance can take a lot of the pressure off your piloting skills. While beginner-friendly drones won’t have quite the same level of depth and sophistication in their camera setups, the models we’ve picked here are still more than capable of obtaining spectacular imagery of the world below. 

We’ve picked out a couple of drone options that offer an easy learning experience for novice pilots, while also providing room to grow. Even after you learn the ropes, you’ll get many hours of enjoyment out of these drones – not to mention plenty of spectacular images.

Pros:

• High-quality 1-inch sensor
• Intelligent autonomous flying modes
• Very quiet in operation

Cons:

• Non-adjustable aperture
• Too light for high winds
  
  

While it’s a little more expensive, the DJI Air 2S is definitely worth considering if you’ve got the budget. It’s essentially designed to be a drone for everyone – easy enough to use for novices to get to grips with, but offering high enough photo and video quality to satisfy experienced users. It’s built around a 1-inch sensor with 20MP of resolution, and its top-end video resolution is 5.4K at 30p, with the 10-bit Dlog-M colour profile that can record up to a billion colours.

Usinga fixed-aperture f/2.8 lens, the DJI Air 2S has a somewhat simpler camera setup than many of its contemporaries. The ND filters bundled in the Fly More combo are a way to get creative with shooting aesthetics, and make it easier to handle tricky lighting situations such as shooting directly into the light.

Best Professional Drone

Lastly, we’re picking out the best drones for filmmakers who need the ultimate in quality, responsiveness and control. With large sensors, big resolutions and professional codecs, these drones are designed to offer broadcast-quality video to those who need it.

There have been new arrivals on this particular scene, with DJI recently introducing both a dedicated cine version of its new triple-camera Mavic 3 Pro, and the latest model in its premium Inspire series, the DJI Inspire 3, with 8K video, a full frame sensor and DJI’s DL lens mount. 

Naturally, these drones are priced at the point where no one but a professional is realistically going to be looking at them. But with navigation and tracking that are second to none, these models represent the next generation of aerial videography, and even if you’re not in the market, you’ve got to admire the craftsmanship on display here. 

Pros:

• Full-frame 8K sensor
• ProRes RAW and CinemaDNG 
• Highly accurate navigation and tracking

Cons:

• Pro-level price
  
  

For the ultimate in pro aerial filmmaking right now, look no further. The DJI Inspire 3 is an absolute beast – bearing the DJI Zenmuse full-frame gimbal camera, it’s capable of capturing images with incredible detail, with more than 14 stops of dynamic range. At its full 8K resolution, you can shoot at up to 75fps, and the camera supports both ProRes RAW and CinemaDNG (the latter up to 25fps in 8K). With the DL lens mount, you can also take advantage of DJI’s range of monocoque carbon fibre lenses.

Of course, DJI hasn’t shirked its duties in making this drone fly like a dream. It’s equipped with nine sensors, and has a RTK (real-time kinematic) positioning system that works with GPS to ensure pin-point precision. The flight time is 28 minutes, and the O3 Pro Video Transmission System enables long-range control, with a maximum transmission range of up to 15km.

FAQs

What should I consider before buying a drone?

Before buying a drone, it’s best to consider your purpose, budget, skill level and the regulations in your area. Do you want to take aerial photography or shoot video? Researching the laws and regulations in your area regarding drone usage is important because there are some locations where it is illegal to fly a drone.

What types of drones are available?

There are various types of drones available, including camera drones, racing drones, toy drones, and professional drones. Here at Wex, we specialise in camera drones for aerial photography and videography. 

What features should I look for in a drone?

Consider the flight time (battery life), camera quality, range, stability, GPS capabilities and the ability to perform specific manoeuvres. It’s worth also considering the controller type (dedicated remote or smartphone app) and the drone's compatibility with your smartphone or tablet.

Do I need any permits or licenses to fly a drone?

The regulations regarding permits and licenses for drone flying vary by country and even by region. In many places, recreational drone flying does not require specific permits or licenses, but commercial use may require certification or registration. It's important to research and adhere to the local regulations in your area.

What are the safety guidelines for flying drones?

Safe flight guidelines include but are not limited to always flying your drone within line of sight, and avoiding flying near airports or restricted airspace. Respect the privacy of others, fly in appropriate weather conditions, and maintain a safe distance from people, buildings, and vehicles.