The Best Mini Drones
With almost daily innovations, drones are getting smaller, lighter, and easier to use. Even models from a few years ago look bulky and cumbersome compared to today's mini drones. If you want to go mini, you've come to the right place. Here, we've assembled a list of our favorite mini drones, with a range of options spanning the most advanced to the kid-friendliest.
What to Look For
Drones come in a vast range of shapes and sizes, as some are more like toys while others can deliver professional-grade photos and videos. So to narrow down the search, we asked a few guiding questions: Is it beginner friendly or more advanced? Is the price fair? Is it safe for kids to use? Does it have a camera? How long does the battery last during a flight? Our favorite option came from DJI, who secured their place as the king of consumer drones with their DJI Mini 3 Pro. It can capture beautiful 4K video at 60fps, and the 34-minute flight time lets you keep the camera running. But if the price is too lofty, there are plenty of excellent affordable drones, such as the UFO 4000 from Force1. There’s a lot to consider, so let’s dive in to the reviews.
DJI Mini 3 Pro
Tiny yet powerful
If you’re already familiar with the drone industry, you’ve probably heard the name DJI. They have a reputation for cutting-edge remote control technology, obstacle avoidance, user-friendly controls, and (most importantly) professional-grade camera systems. All those accolades are present with the DJI Mini 3. It’s a great choice for enthusiasts and professionals since the camera can capture 4K video with top-tier stability. It would take us more than a single article to unpack all the greatness of the DJI Mini 3 Pro, so we recommend checking out its specs for yourself.
Pros:
- Automatic and manual exposure controls
- 48MP photography
- Folds up into a super compact size for transportation
- Battery lasts up to 34 minutes per flight
- Tons of intelligent features in the app
- Intuitive controller with built-in screen
Cons:
- Pretty expensive
DJI Mini SE
Afford to soar
With a considerable price difference from the DJI Mini 3 Pro, the Mini SE is a budget-friendly drone with a lot to offer. It has a 2.7K camera and a battery life of up to 30 minutes per flight, so it can still deliver excellent aerial photography and lengthy videos. Add to that the “Scale 5” wind resistance, and you have a drone that’s stable, easy to fly, and capable of professional-level photography. Best of all, it clearly earns its “mini” status, as the weight is less than 249 grams. Whether you’re shopping on a budget or simply need a less expensive DJI model for peace of mind, this is an excellent choice.
Pros:
- Fairly inexpensive
- Controls are beginner-friendly
- Surprisingly durable, as it may even survive light crashes
- Robust safety features
Cons:
- The controller lacks a built-in screen, so you have to connect it to a smartphone or tablet
Force1 UFO 4000 Mini Drone for Kids
No insurance policy necessary
If you want to fly something that doesn’t cost a heap of money, Force1’s UFO 4000 is a mini drone that brings that peace of mind. It’s more of a toy than the more advanced models on our list, but it’s still a great way to practice and have fun. And it’s far from cheaply made. The four-channel remote control keeps a strong connection while you fly, and the directional controls are super responsive and reliable. Ideal for beginners and youngsters, this little UFO is worth every penny.
Pros:
- Extremely durable, even after a minor crash
- The propellers spin within a shock-absorbing guard to protect people and furniture
- Appropriate for little kids (with adult supervision)
Cons:
- There’s not an entirely automatic landing feature, so you have to land it manually and turn off the motors with a button
Force1 Scoot Hand Operated Drone
Safe and fun for kids
This toy is quite different from what you might traditionally imagine a drone to be. Instead of using a controller to fly, you can wave at the onboard sensors to send it hovering in whichever direction you like. It’s safe, too, since the protective cage keeps young pilots from getting their little fingers whacked by the propellers. And when playtime is over, you can simply “catch it” with a light grab. Affordable and fun, this mini drone is a fascinating herald of the future of play.
Pros:
- The cage has narrow slots to protect the hands
- The hands-free controls give it a sense of magic
- Super inexpensive
- Includes obstacle avoidance sensors to avoid crashes
Cons:
- Stray hairs can get caught in the cage, so you still have to monitor youngsters to make sure they’re flying safely
DoDoeleph Mini Drone
There are mini drones, and then there’s DoDoeleph’s mini drone. This thing is so tiny that it can fit in a large pocket. It’s a fantastic little toy that you can safely use indoors, thanks to the protective bumpers around the propellers. Of course, the propellers are still exposed from certain angles, so you should still supervise youngsters while they fly. But even adults can enjoy this zippy little drone, as the controls are surprisingly sensitive and intuitive to use.
Pros:
- Includes a really cool “360° Stunt Flip” feature, which completely rolls the drone mid-flight
- Automatic landing and take-off
- Robust in the face of collisions
Cons:
- It only has a flight time of about 5 minutes per battery charge
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kids use mini drones?
This depends on the model of the drone. The more expensive, advanced models are usually designed for professional-grade aerial photography, so they should only be trusted with experienced and responsible users. Even toy drones require a degree of responsibility, so always consider the safety risks before letting your little one take over the controls. Most drones come with a suggested age range as well.
Is it legal to fly mini drones in public spaces?
Again, this depends on the model of the drone and the local laws. We strongly encourage remote pilots to check the rules and regulations of their city and state before taking off. And, as always, safety is paramount.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.