Best Drones to Buy in 2018

From where we stand, drones are some of the most awesome gadgets on the entire market right now. Not only can you use them to perform ultra-cool stunts when flying, but you can also level up with breathtaking aerial photography or cinematography. In most cases, drones serve as a consistent, long-term investment. With this aspect in mind, how do you know what the best drones to consider are?

After hours of analysis, we are proud to present your ultimate guide for finding the best drones in 2018. Our list ranges from the best drones under 100 dollars for easing into the craft to top-of-the-line professional drones for expanding your career. Each entry has been awarded based on certain criteria, so you can easily point out the drone of your dreams.

Brief Glossary of Frequent Terms

There are several acronyms that often pop up when researching the best drones. For those who are new to the field, here are some of the most common ones and what they stand for.

UAV = Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (correct term for “drone”)

RC = Remote Control

FPV = First Person View

VPS = Vision Positioning System

Best Drones 2018

10. Parrot Airborne Cargo MiniDrone Travis – Best Mini Drone

We’ll kick off our list with the best mini drone with camera this year, the Travis model crafted by Parrot. This little guy is a dream come true for kids (and the big kids that we adults prove to be), with just 7.3 x 7.1 x 1.6 in dimensions. There are plenty of cool features that recommend it for its best micro drone status.

In addition, it doubles as one of the best drones under 200 dollars available. Actually, it is currently on sale for just a few bucks above $100 on Amazon. Even more so, you can add an external battery charger to your cart for about an extra $25 and stay stress-free.

Main Features

• Built-in mini camera (VGA, 480 x 640 px)
• Neat acrobatics options, from 90 degrees, to 180 degrees and even 360
• 3 axis gyroscope & accelerometer
• Control through the FreeFlight 3 app, available for free download
• Package includes stickers for customization and space for attaching small items (like Legos)

Design & Usability

The fact that the Travis is such a small drone gives it major portability points. It was smartly designed for being able to carry other tiny items, such as Lego pieces. Another child-friendly feature is that it comes with all sorts of stickers for creating your very own drone. Also, its design is shock resistant, a much-needed quality when aiming for stunts.

The Parrot Airborne Cargo MiniDrone Travis is also easy to use, provided the child can work with a tablet or smartphone. You can download the FreeFlight 3 app free of charge on the App Store, Google Play or Windows Store, making it accessible for any smartphone user. Use the app to take pictures and download them through Bluetooth directly to your device.

Quality & Performance

Aside from being among the best drones under 200 dollars, the Travis is the best small drone on our list, with exceptional quality in relation to size. Sure, it’s not the techiest drone on the market, but it’s surprisingly pleasing for its price and specs. Even when you have Legos attached, you can still carry out stunts without it being weighed down. Therefore, it provides quality family fun for children and adults alike.

However, you always get what you pay for. In other words, the affordability might result in poorer performance compared to pricier competitors. While the 3-axis gyroscope and accelerometer allow you to steer clear of turbulence, you have a limited flight time of just 9 minutes. A notable downside is that we do not recommend it for outdoor use, as more than one customer reported the drone flying away and never coming back.

9. 3DR Solo – Best Drone for GoPro

If you’re not yet familiar with the world of drones, you should know that the GoPro is hands down the best camera for drone use. But once you get your best drone camera all bought and settled, what drone should you choose for it?

If you order the 3DR Solo on Amazon, you get an amazing deal that significantly cuts costs. In the end, you can get it for as little as about $375 new or $270 used (like new). Batteries serve as an essential aspect regarding best drones, so you might want to throw in the 3DR Solo Smart Battery in your cart before checkout.

Main Features

• “The World’s Frist Smart Drone”, as advertised by 3DR
• Pushbutton flight feature
• Smart Shots through 2 computers (1 GHz each)
• Wireless HD video streaming on your smartphone or tablet
• User-friendly video game-like controller, making it also one of the best RC drones

Design & Usability

One of the top design features that the 3DR Solo boasts is the uber cool controller, highly similar to a video game controller. The drone was designed to go hand in hand with GoPro models HERO3 and HERO4, thanks to the 3-axis Solo Gimbal stabilizer (sold separately). The controller has dials for the Solo Gimbal, as well as two joysticks for flying like a boss.

The intuitive controller is perfect for novices who want to get a good grip on their first drone experiences, making the model one of the best drones for beginners. The fact that it resembles a controller that most are already familiar with helps novices operate the drone with ease. Even though it requires a hands-on approach with accessories, creative users will have endless fun with it.

Quality & Performance

There’s no doubting that the 3DR Solo is well-built. However, quality issues slide in when it comes to customer service. We normally wouldn’t focus on an aspect that’s not directly related to the product so much, but the top voted Amazon reviews stress upon the horrible experience with 3DR support. In addition to being incredibly difficult to get in touch with them in the first place, refunds and other replacements seem near to impossible.

Nevertheless, if you’re lucky enough to avoid any tech issues, the 3DR Solo just might be the best drone for photography to meet your needs. It’s powered by two 1 GHz computers, reportedly making it the first smart drone in the world. You get gorgeous photos with ease, owing to the Smart Shot feature. Furthermore, you can begin and end recording effortlessly through the Solo Gimbal.

8. Parrot BeBop 2 – Best FPV Drone for Travelers

Main Features

• Full FPV kit with Cockpit glasses headset and Parrot Skycontroller 2 RC
• Built-in camera for 14-megapixel photography and 1080p full HD videography
• Travel-size dimensions – 3.5 x 12.9 x 12.9 inches
• 3-axis system for digital stabilization
• High battery life (25 minutes through 2700mAh battery)

Design & Usability

If you’re a gadget nerd like we are, you will be absolutely thrilled with the FPV experience you get with the BeBop 2 bundle. Not only is the drone itself sleek, but the video game-style design of the Skycontroller is awesome. Moreover, the Cockpit glasses will make you enjoy reality as much as you would VR.

As far as usability is concerned, the BeBop 2 is a joy for any pilot with a bit of experience. However, if you’re at your first drone flight, you may have some difficulties until you get a hand of the features. You have to calibrate the drone before you fly and wait until you receive a GPS lock. Nonetheless, it’s all smooth sailing after you get used to things.

Quality & Performance

The BeBop 2 is comfortably situated between beginner best drones and hi-tech pro models. While it’s not a cheap or easy UAV, it’s definitely one of the more moderately priced drones on our list. It’s fantastic that you can get some lovely aerial shots with the drone, but some users who focus on photo quality might not be pleased with the 14-megapixel limitation.

The 3-axis stabilization system helps you enjoy even flying patterns, with as little turbulence as possible. The nifty-looking Skycontroller 2 is also a performance win for the BeBop2, as you can operate the best drone with camera from as far as 1.2 miles away. Additionally, taking off and landing are obtained through just one button.

7. Hubsan X4 H107L – Best Recreational Drone

This is easily the best personal drone if you want to make a kid happy, controlling a cool gadget indoors. However, don’t expect it to work wonders for any other purpose than playing. This is specifically why we labeled it as the best recreational drone, especially for parents looking for original gift ideas for their children. At around $35 on Amazon, it’s clearly one of the best drones under 100 dollars you can get.

Main Features

• LED features for boosted visual fun
• 2 flying modes for beginners (Normal) and experienced users (Expert)
• Flight control system with 6 axes
• Easy-to-use remote control for children
• Extensive in-box accessories:
  • 4 GHz LCD transmitter
  • Battery (3.7v 240 mah)
  • Spare blades (white and blue, 2 each)
  • Protection guard for blades
  • Hubsan wrench
  • Charger (USB)

Design & Usability

The Hubsan H107L is huge eye candy for kids, designed in royal blue and with bi-color blades. It’s a neat little toy that any youngster will enjoy, also thanks to the cool-looking remote control. It has pocket-sized dimensions (3″ x 3″ x 1″) and barely weighs more than a pound. These smart specs help you keep it in the sky with ease, as opposed to other heavier models.

Furthermore, it’s one of the best drones for beginners of all ages. If you’re just getting started, you can explore the Normal mode until you sharpen your flying skills. After that, the Expert mode will help you take things to the next level (literally). You can use the sticks to experiment with flips and other stunts that will provide hours of fun family time.

Quality & Performance

From a quality point of view, you honestly can’t expect a $35 product to be top of its class. Nevertheless, you get amazing value with the Hubsan H107L, even if it’s highly affordable. The drone is surprisingly durable for its tiny price tag, particularly owing to the blade guards. In a nutshell, it’s the perfect drone to start learning how to fly.

Although the flight time is indeed very limited (up to 8 minutes), the batteries are removable and inexpensive. In other words, you can have two or three extra batteries at hand and quickly switch them when your flying time is up. This is a major advantage compared to other models with built-in batteries.

6. Autel Robotics X-Star Premium – Best Commercial Drone

Believe it or not, you can enjoy the top quality of this professional drone for just about $700 (used but in a very good state) on Amazon. The fact that you can use one of these drones for jobs for such a low price makes it a serious competitor for the best drone under 1000 dollars prize. If you want a brand new one, you’ll be paying something in the $1,500 range. In any case, it’s easily the best value drone for the flying time, as you’ll soon find out below.

Main Features

• 4K Camera for ultra HD shots
• 3-axis removable gimbal for super smooth shots
• 25-minute flight time
• Smart-flight features including Orbit, Follow or Waypoints
• Free Starlink app for getting a live video stream in HD on your smartphone or tablet

Design & Usability

The X-Star Premium is a beautiful UAV, from all points of view. Not only is it nicely designed in bright orange, but you can also get an alternative in white if you’re looking for subtlety. The remote controller used for operating the drone is highly intuitive, with buttons that require just one touch for actions. The case is also premium, with features like being zippered, slightly hard and splash-proof.

Using the X-Star Premium is a breeze, even for the most inexperienced fliers. Taking off and landing are extremely easy to perform, although some users pointed out potential instability issues. This should be the least of your worries, as the acclaimed customer support team from Autel Robotics is committed to improving every product.

Quality & Performance

When you’re dealing with a 4K HD video feature, you can only imagine how stunning your aerial photos (12MP) and films (up to 1080p120) turn out. Even more so, both the gimbal and the camera can be removed with ease if you ever want to upgrade your accessories without replacing the drone. Its high quality and low price for the technology make it a strong competitor for other renowned brands in the field. It just may be the best drone for photography for you.

One of the most exciting features regarding the X-Star Premium is the long flying time (25 minutes). Throughout this period, you can monitor your surroundings through HD live streaming with the free app provided by Autel Robotics. Feel free to download it on the App Store for Apple smartphones, or Google Play for Android devices. However, please note that some users with Android 7 mentioned some compatibility problems.

5. DJI Inspire 1 Pro – Best Drone for Photography & Videography

Now, brace yourselves, because the price tag is consistent with the quality. It is, by far, the most expensive drone on our list, sold for around $4,500 new on Amazon. Still, you can get one in mint condition for about $2,500. Don’t be afraid of the price – this beauty will offer extreme performance and an exhilarating experience for pros who value quality over quantity.

Main Features

• 4k camera included
• 360-degree shooting with incredible stability
• DJI Lightbridge provides live HD video streaming wirelessly
• Resistance to altitude (flies up to 15,000 feet) and temperature (sub-zero)
• Flying time ranges from 18 to 25 minutes

Design & Usability

This gem was designed to impress even the pickiest of UAV fliers. It is undoubtedly a professional drone that can be used for jobs and other high-level projects, with a premium 4K camera and 3-axis gimbal incorporated in the design. Needless to say that the overall design is incredibly sleek and chic, an advantage for professionals who value the product as a whole.

Both customers and authoritative voices in the industry applaud DJI for making some of the most intuitive best drones on the market. Even though their models are highly technical, they can be easily used by any type of flier, even if they’re just starting out. You can use both the remote control and the touch screen for operating the drone.

Quality & Performance

A quick YouTube search for footage instantly proves that the DJI Inspire 1 Pro is the best drone for video, with breathtaking images every time. In addition to their recent sensor size upgrade, DJI has now made the Inspire 1 Pro with an interchangeable lens option. This provides the WOW factor for professional photographers and cinematographers, with infinite possibilities for aerial shots.

Another feature that stood out for us was the new and improved VPS the Inspire 1 Pro comes with. You enjoy more stability than ever, without the need for GPS for the process. Moreover, from the remote controller, you can manage the aperture of the lens, focus, shutter speed, and ISO, all manually. The benefits are truly limitless with the Inspire 1 Pro, possibly the best drone for photography on a professional level.

4. DJI Phantom 3 Standard – Best Drone under 500 Dollars

As if that wasn’t enough, this drone best buy is actually a bundle, with a multitude of accessories included in your package. In addition to the DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone, you get no less than the following:

• HD camera
• 32GB MicroSDHC
• Card reader
• Propeller with self-tightening function
• Propeller guards
• Cloth for cleaning

Main Features

• 7K high-quality camera for aerial stills and films
• 25 minute flying time
• Plenty of flying modes, from Follow Me, to Waypoint and more
• DJI Go app provides smooth live streaming
• Bundle includes everything you need to start flying in an instant

Design & Usability

The Phantom 3 Standard is very well-designed and comes with an abundance of accessories that make it ready to fly. The bundle product we linked above literally gives you everything you need to take it out of the box and start having fun. The only potential design concern is that it has a plastic aspect and that the gimbal and camera are positioned very low. Nevertheless, there haven’t been specific reports with damage caused by these factors.

Using the Phantom 3 Standard is a sheer joy for kids and adults all the same. Even though it is packed with cool features that pros will adore, it’s easy enough that a 14-year-old can fly it effortlessly. It shares the intuitive advantage that all DJI best drones have, making it another one of the best drones for beginners you can invest in.

Quality & Performance

Don’t let the price fool you; DJI has packed the Phantom 3 Standard with top quality tools. As one of the best drones with camera integration, it shoots in beautiful 2.7K, which is a major pro for a UAV in its price range. Even though there were two or three complaints about the stabilizers or other parts, these customer concerns are very few compared to the benefits described.

The performance of the Phantom 3 Standard is more than satisfying for enthusiasts, with GPS assistance that will keep you on track. You can download the DJI Go app for free on Google Play or the App Store for your Android and Apple devices. With the app, you get a live view in spectacular HD on your smartphone or tablet, with all the monitoring features you’ll ever need.

3. Cheerwing Syma X5SW-V3 – Best Drone for Beginners

One of the benefits that make it crowned the best starter drone is that it weighs just 0.26 pounds, requiring no FAA registration. It’s also the 3^rd best-selling quadcopter on Amazon, with hundreds of reviews to attest to the positive user experience. And, let’s be honest, the low price adds to its value

Main Features

• 360 stunt feature (rolling, flips)
• 6-axis gyro system
• 165-foot remote control distance
• Headless mode
• iOs & Android support for the free SYMA FPV app

Design & Usability

This cute little quadcopter was designed with a 6-axis flight control system for nice stability for the price you pay. The 2-joystick remote control that comes with the X5SW-V3 allows you to comfortably attach your smartphone and enjoy real-time video transmission. Numerous users also praised this cheap drone for its durability, particularly for the low price.

The fact that it’s so easy to use makes it the best entry level drone by far. It includes smart features for beginners, such as Headless mode, which helps you keep track of the head and tail. Another cool perk is that the associated app is compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems. Download it free of charge on Google Play or the App Store, according to your device.

Quality & Performance

Quality is highly debatable when you’re dealing with an affordable drone like the X5SW-V3. No, you won’t be getting ultra HD streaming or techy features galore, but you will be enjoying outstanding value for the money you invest. Let’s be honest; $50 is nothing for a drone, especially one that delivers pleasing quality for hobbyists.

Even though the battery time is more than limited (7 minutes at most), you can have fun with 360 degree rolling and other nifty stunts during this time. It comes with an HD camera that does its job just fine, but don’t expect amazing shots with a 0.3 MP. In a nutshell, the X5SW-V3 is amazing for beginners and those who want to play with the best drones instead of using them professionally.

2. DJI Phantom 4 – Best Drone with Camera

Currently, the Phantom 4 isn’t nearly as expensive as you would expect it to be. It’s one of the best drones under 1000 dollars you can get on Amazon, which is excellent considering the features it has.

Main Features

• 4K Ultra HD at 30 fps filming
• 1080p at 120 fps for slow motion
• 4000 x 3000 px (12.0MP) photography
• GPS technology provides taking off and landing automatically
• Up to 45 mph flight speed

Design & Usability

From the moment you lay your eyes on the Phantom 4, you know you’re dealing with a top quality product. It’s sleekly designed, in all white and with a remote control with 2 joysticks for easy operation. The Phantom 4 was designed to be one of the most intelligent camera drones, specifically with the avid photographer or videographer in mind.

Needless to say that it’s very easy to use, especially thanks to the smooth stabilization offered in P mode. In addition, the DJI Go app we spoke about when reviewing the Phantom 3 Standard is the same one used for the Phantom 4. It makes it effortless to record aerial footage, but also to edit and even share your shots directly from the app.

Quality & Performance

DJI and quality have become synonymous in the drone industry. The impressive photo and video specs we briefly presented in the features section allow you to appreciate this model as a reliable visual tool for awe-inspiring footage. Aside from the quality of their products, DJI shines through excellent customer service that is always praised by their clients.

Another huge benefit is that you get extended flying time – up to 28 minutes. Throughout your entire flying experience, stabilization is ensured, regardless of flight mode. On this note, Sport mode is extremely exciting, as you can go super fast without endangering your investment. Please take note of the potential bugs, however, as multiple users have pointed out fly offs and sky drops.

1. DJI Mavic Pro – Best Drone of 2018

On this site, it is currently about $1,250, but with loads of accessories included. Before you fret about its 4-figure price tag, you should know that it’s a professional model and one of the best drones money can buy. It may not fit into everybody’s budget, but those who want to get serious about their drone game should definitely consider the Mavic Pro.

Main Features

• Smart features such as TapFly or ActiveTrack create memorable flying and shooting experiences every time
• Genuine 4K imagery
• VPS, GPS and GLONASS combo for extreme precision
• Extended speed (up to 40 mph) and flight time (up to 27 minutes)
• Mavic Pro Fly More Combo includes:
  • 2 spare propellers
  • 2 spare batteries
  • 1 car charger
  • 2 charging hubs
  • 1 shoulder bag
  • 1 battery-to-power-bank adapter

Design & Usability

DJI went above and beyond with the design of the Mavic Pro. Even though it’s quite a small drone as is (12 inches all around), it can fold down to the size of “a bottle of water”, as the manufacturers advertise. This is a significant quality for frequent travelers who can’t afford to have large equipment taking up space.

If you want to further boost the usability of your investment, we recommend getting the Fly More Combo described above. Not only are you prepped for flight directly out of the box, but you also pay notably less than if you would have purchased the accessories separately. As for general usability, just imagine that it will take you 2-3 minutes to get it stable and flying.

Quality & Performance

Don’t let the compact size of the Mavic Pro fool you. In this case, less means more, and the small dimensions pack in astounding quality. The recurring, number 1 advantage is the unparalleled stability of the Mavic Pro, which deserves a round of applause of its own. The overwhelming amount of 5-star reviews(86%!) support the unrivaled quality of this professional drone.

There’s no doubt that the performance of the Mavic Pro is just as appealing as its overall quality. Literally, no complaints can be found about the user experience, with an abundance of super cool features to play with. Gorgeous images, incredibly smooth and fast flights, and long battery life all make every Mavic Pro experience magical.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, there are so many best drones out there that you’re bound to find your dream buy sooner than you think. Nevertheless, we strongly recommend that each customer takes time to weigh the pros and cons of any drone on their shortlist. Here are some core criteria to consider:

• Objective – Are you planning on operating the drone for recreational or professional use?
• Budget – How much do you want to spend on your drone, considering your objective?
• Level – Are you a beginner or an expert drone pilot?
• Technology – How much do the tech features weigh in for you?
• Visuals – Do you want to use the drone for aerial shots? On a hobby or pro level?
• Personal Preferences – Would you prefer a smaller, lighter drone or one that is equipped with more equipment?

As a parting thought, we also recommend our guides for the best smart watches and best Bluetooth wireless speakers to all you gadget-lovers out there.

With these details settled, we warmly invite you to add any other best drones that we didn’t talk about. Feel free to drop a comment with your all-time favorite model this year below!