The best DJI drones in 2023: the top drones from the top drone brand

Choosing the best DJI drone deal isn't the easiest decision. As the market leader they not only have an extensive selection of drones, but to some extent, they guide the prices. 

A wise consumer might balance recently discontinued models when preparing a shortlist. Never fear, we're here to help. In this definitive list of the best DJI drones, we'll reveal exactly what you'll get for your money, including which available older model might represent a great deal. 

It's no surprise DJI drones top our list of the best drones (opens in new tab) around. From a bit of high-flying fun to the ultimate selfie-drone; from a photographer’s favorite through to industrial and educational quadcopters, DJI has at least one offering in every area. There’s even a drone for crop spraying! 2023 has seen more choices come with the DJI Avata (opens in new tab) for dramatic yet accessible FPV, and a pro-standard Mini drone.

It’s also important to be mindful of the latest drone rules (opens in new tab) on registration, which in many places means that there is more paperwork involved with drones weighing more than 250g.

After weight (because of regulation), we’d suggest you consider portability, and of course, photographic capability, which is why we’ve shared as many camera specs as possible. Larger sensors are great for aerial landscape photography in dawn and dusk, while for action fans the maximum frame rate will be more of an issue. 

Finally don’t forget those drone cameras have to handle a lot of light, so be prepared to budget for a pack of ND filters; DJI include them in a number of their ‘Fly More’ kits and they’re well worth adding to your shopping list since no drone will offer as much exposure value control as you’d need without them.

The best DJI drones in 2023

Image 1 of 4

The 2022 arrival of the Mini 3 Pro made us re-think the Air 2S’s former position at the top of this list. It manages to offer the same or better specifications in nearly every practical category. Sure, the sensor isn’t as big, but in exchange, the camera can be rotated to portrait, and – crucially – the drone (with a standard battery) is 249g. The camera isn’t at all bad, either, with a sensor nearly 0.8 inches across the diagonal and dual native ISO which produces excellent low-light video, at least at frame rates up to 30fps.

Creatives are blessed with a device that can be taken to most places and operated without a license in FAA territory, yet can capture 48MP stills or 4K @ 60fps, shoot in D-Log, and has a full selection of DJI’s intelligent flight features including obstacle avoidance which doesn’t need to stop.

We’re also huge fans of the new DJI RC which launched with this drone; it is a relatively light controller (just 5g heavier than the standard remote) but with a built-in 5.5” display. 

See our full DJI Mini 3 Pro review (opens in new tab) for more details

The Mavic 3 is a powerful machine and priced accordingly, but while its “hybrid zoom” is a handy tool for surveying, it isn’t a feature that will excite a lot of photographers. This “classic” version ditches the relatively low-resolution zoom camera and retains the 4/3 Hasselblad camera on more or less the same airframe (including C1 certification). Video recording with a 10-bit D-log, plus all the low-light benefits of the large sensor, is retained.

That means creators who would only have used the 24mm EFL camera can pay a little less to get the 15 km range, advanced return to home (avoiding and re-routing around objects), and the excellent battery life of the Mavic 3 without really losing out. In fact, compared to the original’s launch, there are some advantages – the subject tracking, panorama capture, and other functions are all working from day one, and are pretty high-end.

Read our full DJI Mavic 3 Classic review for (opens in new tab) more details

We were big fans of the Mini 3 Pro on its debut, so it’ll be no surprise that we’re also impressed by the closely related Mini 3. That said, we should also point out that – even allowing for inflation – we’re looking at a very real jump in the Mini 2’s pricing. Yes, that buys you a bit more strength against the wind and longer battery life, but it still feels a little pricey.

This is DJI’s Mini 3 Pro at a more palatable budget; still not cheap, but by dispensing with the lesser-used features DJI has created a version that is easier to justify for many. It has great battery life and can survive a bit of a breeze while shooting 4K video in portrait or landscape. Just remember to avoid obstacles yourself!

Read our full DJI Mini 3 review (opens in new tab) for more details

The Mini 2 is a reimaging of the DJI Mavic Mini (opens in new tab) (see below); it takes a well-engineered ultra-light airframe (the weight is non-negotiable) and addresses the areas that drone geeks complained about. Well, the ones who usually flew much more expensive drones were mentioned, anyway. Principally these were: the radio range, the response to crosswind, and an assortment of camera features. 

The Mini 2 has essentially the same fantastic OcuSync controller from the Mavic Air 2 and later, with automatic frequency hopping. Together with more powerful motors and improved software, this drone can handle Force 5 (not too bad for such a light craft). Photographers have been rewarded with Raw, Exposure Bracketing (though only 3 stops), and DJI’s spectacular automated panorama features, while video enthusiasts finally have 4K under 250g (and a shiny logo near the lens to prove it), topped off with digital zoom (useful to have, not essential to use).

The drone also sports a hue-changing light for, er… well, it’s fun to change the color using the remote. We once speculated that it might gain more use, but with the arrival of the Mini 3 Pro, its clear extra features will come at a higher price (if not a higher weight). The Mini 2 is still a very sensible option.

Read our full DJI Mini 2 review for more details

DJI’s second FPV drone strikes a better balance between form and function than its predecessor while managing to keep the costs down. The 4K 60fps camera, with one axis powers stabilizer and digital making up the rest, does all that’s needed in terms of video quality, while the “cinewhoop” style frame makes things safer. Better yet, this is done without forward vision sensors. While they're a good idea on a typical photography drone, they can cramp the FPV style by slamming the breaks rather than capturing a cinematic near-miss.

For most, this will be a better choice than DJI’s previous FPV drone – so much so that we’ve dropped the other from this list. That said, the DJI Motion Controller, however instinctive, does limit Avata’s full potential. Adding an RC with sticks will unleash the fastest mode and allow some amazing stunts.

Read our full DJI Avata review (opens in new tab) for more details

What makes the standard Mavic 3 such a brilliant device is that, while still being bigger than some telephoto lenses, the entire thing can be stuffed into a kit bag and taken traveling. It doesn’t look noticeably bigger than the older Mavic 2, but it sits more proudly from the ground, helping protect the lenses of the dual-camera gimbal; the system has a large sensor (4/3rds) camera which more than exceeds the old Pro version and bolstered by a 12-megapixel zoom camera for closer views (albeit of less exceptional quality).

The drone has also matured in terms of flight time, hovering for an exceptional 40 minutes (or ploughing forward for 46), and vision sensors (collision avoidance) which use up to 200m “sight” to plot the best return to home route. Sadly not all the software was quite there in time for launch; DJI has promised much in terms of tracking subjects while avoiding, for example, trees, (like a Skydio). This has already improved with one major update, so we’re inclined to trust DJI here, but we won’t know for sure until later in winter 2022 and it wasn’t a great precedent to set in terms of delaying core features.

All that said, in terms of still and D-log video (we’ll cover the Cine edition separately in this list,) this really amounts to a big compact drone.

Read our full DJI Mavic 3 review (opens in new tab) for more details 

The 2021 arrival of the Air 2S pushed the Mavic 2 Pro from the top spot in this list by offering the same or better specification in nearly every category  (The Mavic 3 is too pricey to reclaim it). There is no adjustable aperture or exploitation of the Hasselblad brand, but in the context of aerial photography, these are pretty thin legs to support the ‘Pro’ as any better than the Air 2S. The drone does feature easily swapped lens filters, and matching ND filters are even included in DJI’s Fly More pack, which largely solves that.

On the other hand, the latest hardware and software developments have equipped the Air 2S with the best collision and tracking system on any similar drone – finally a drone you might trust to follow you through some trees and keep a high-end camera on you. The recording itself is also of exceptional quality, with D-Log M and HDR video at up to 5.4K 30fps and a full choice for filmmakers (4K 60fps and 1080p at 120fps amongst them), at up to 150mbps – again higher quality than many pricier models in DJI’s range.

Read our full DJI Air 2S review (opens in new tab) for more details

We noted at the beginning of the Mavic 3’s mention (above) that its size made it an exceptional device for a 4/3-sensor camera. That compact nature is just as important in the Cine edition which has the same camera but rebuilds the internals to find space for a 1TB SSD and the throughput to handle ProRes 422 HQ video. If you need this format, you’re likely to understand that (and its price), though we did think it a little odd that DJI didn’t even offer the choice of going without the Pro remote, it is one fewer thing to set up.

The new video transmission system, O3+, brings a notable improvement in live view to both Mavic 3s – 60fps rather than 30fps for the 1080P stream which makes on-screen composition greatly more fluid and natural. The drone shares the same faster, more powerful, and more capable airframe too (and the same late firmware features). We see this as nipping at the heels of the Inspire 2 (opens in new tab) as much as it provides a necessary update for Mavic 2 videographers (though if you don’t need ProRes, it’s a lot to pay for bragging rights).

DJI has taken the Mavic Mini innards and put them into the pretty similar Mini 2 airframe and re-christened it the ‘Mini SE’ - and this extremely well-priced model is, at last, available to buy worldwide.

The Mavic Mini was always a good deal; the proper camera with gimbal, altitude control, GPS, a remote controller, and subject-tracking QuickShots all for less than a pair of batteries for the Inspire 2. Sure, the camera has smaller optics, but it can remain aloft for a good while and (without feeling cheap) can actually serve as its own charger using nothing more than a USB socket. 

The 2.7K video matches an above-average phone, though the dynamic range could be better. Manual exposure is an option too, making it at least interesting for people wanting to experiment with quality drones while keeping the budget reasonable. In essence, though, this is as easy to use as a flying phone camera, which works well so long as you’re in low wind and don’t stray too far.

Read our full DJI Mavic Mini review (opens in new tab) or read DJI Mini 2 vs Mavic Mini (opens in new tab) | DJI Mini 2 vs Mini SE (opens in new tab) for more details 

The Mavic 2 Pro took advantage of DJI’s acquisition of iconic camera manufacturer Hasselblad back in 2017 – incorporating Hasselblad's processing algorithms into the best camera found on any compact drone. 

Although finally overshadowed by the recent launch of the Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine, cinematographers will appreciate the support for 10-bit Dlog-M and HDR video (allowing post-processing), while photographers will be equally excited by the high ISO shooting and rich quality provided by the large image sensor. 

While many pros might not mind carrying bigger equipment, the ability to be able to sneak this into a spare lens bay in a camera bag provides multi-tasking pro photographers with a whole new dimension. If you can source them, DJI’s Occusync technology means the Mavic 2s can be paired with the company’s stunning (but ultimately unpopular) FPV Goggles, making this truly a great drone to experience piloting.

Read our full DJI Mavic 2 Pro review (opens in new tab) for more details

The Mavic 2 Zoom is built on the same folding body as the Mavic 2 Pro, but the camera takes a different approach. The lower resolution sensor is still perfectly capable of 4K video but taps out at 4000 x 3000-pixel stills. Sure, pros will say it misses a little of the nuance, and with normal 8-bit rather than 10 there is less room for color grading if that’s your thing, but in exchange, it’s not only cheaper but features a 2x optical zoom lens (no loss of resolution). 

That’s great because it ties so well with DJI’s software to create the dolly zoom “horror movie” effect and a cunning panoramic stitching system, not something yet re-created with the Mavic 3. Constantly adjusting the zoom isn’t good practice as a pilot – it’ll confuse you – but then you should always watch the drone, not the screen. 

Horror effects aside, there are digital zooms on the Air and Air 2S & Mavic 3 drones, so this is really more of an ‘if you find it at a bargain price’ option than an ideal choice now. 

Read our full DJI Mavic 2 Zoom review (opens in new tab) or read DJI Mavic 2 Pro vs Zoom (opens in new tab) for more details 

The Mavic Air 2 is the predecessor to the Air 2S which is, well, better. The Air 2 was great too though – it replaced one of DJI’s most flawed drones, the Air 1 (one to avoid), and the Air 2 can be found with varying price differentials. Unlike the Air 1, the Air 2 is worth having if you find it for a good price, though photography-wise there isn’t really a benefit against the lighter Mini 3 Pro (also 48 megapixel 4K@60fps) so consider that when comparing prices. As a drone it introduced the basic airframe of the Air 2S and although it does not have quite such advanced tracking features (it lacks the upward facing collision sensors, so it can’t see as far forward). 

You also get an excellent controller that can also keep your phone charge topped up as you fly, useful if you’re planning more stops on your outing (this is found with the Air 2S and Mini 3 too, of course). Overall, if sensor size and collision avoidance are less important than any saving you can find, this drone is worthy of serious consideration; the extra weight will help stability against the Mini 3 but in that case, you’d really need to be in a tight spot not to find the extra funding for the Air 2S.

Read our full DJI Mavic Air 2 review (opens in new tab) for more details 

The Phantom’s chunky body isn’t as portable as the Mavic, but it’s stable and the system comes with a big, pro-feel controller. Backpacks are available for this size craft, too. That extra heft brings a camera that largely outperforms the Mavic 2 Pro, even without “Hasselblad” written on it. The main improvement is a mechanical shutter and generous buffer (it can manage a 14fps burst at 20 megapixels).

Videographers may bemoan the 8-bit limit, but on the plus side, the Phantom can capture 4K video ay 60fps, making for flawless slow-mo. The props now sport low-noise winglets and collision sensors that can be used by the AI to plot swooping flights. The chunky pro-sized controller has room for an iPad as a monitor, so – while you can opt for a 5.5” built-in 1000-nit screen, you’re better off with a monitor hood and an iPad Mini.

This is the kind of tech so gorgeous and exciting a Luddite would rethink their life goals at first sight. Apparently eschewing their usual creative goals, DJI has put everything into making this a speedy stunt-capable drone that can more than hold its own in the world of FPV racing; it has a top speed of 140kph and the first 100 of that can be reached in a blinding 2 seconds (for reference, a Formula 1 car takes about 2.6 seconds to accelerate the same amount).

Not forgetting their photography customers (and perhaps understanding that an ordinary racer costs somewhat less), this drone has also been equipped with a much more capable camera system than usually seen on similar drones. The standard practice is to strap a GoPro to the top and recover the footage later, but here a single-axis gimbal (still one more than most FPV racers) has been paired with software to achieve a system capable of capturing excellent 4K video at 60fps, meaning this drone might be for more than just racers.

Read our full DJI FPV Combo review (opens in new tab) for more details

If the Air 2S is a “creative compact,” this is a high-end DSLR. Unlike an SLR, though, the entire camera assembly is removable too, so you can choose between the X45S 4K camera unit, or one of two interchangeable lens cameras: the Zenmuse X5S and X7. This means you can opt to fit, and remotely control, a Micro Four Thirds (opens in new tab) zoom lens over the X5S’s stunning sensor; Olympus does a great one, by the way.

The large aircraft is powered by two (expensive) batteries and features other backup systems. It can also capture CinemaDNG or Apple ProRes video onto SSD-based memory cards (backing up to MicroSD card (opens in new tab) at the same time). All of this is aided by 360-degree unobstructed camera rotation, lending itself to dual-operator flights, or fly-bys with automated object tracking.

The pilot can choose from a forward-facing FPV camera or the main camera, which might be pointed anywhere! The only real worry is that the Inspire 2 airframe hasn’t seen an update for a while (and one was rumored for late 2022). We also certainly wouldn’t recommend buying this for the cheaper Zenmuse X4S camera since the Mavic 3 is cheaper and flies longer, but if you can see the case for an interchangeable lens and have (or can pass on) the budget the Inspire 2 is still tough to beat. Just plan your battery time.

Read our full DJI Inspire 2 review (opens in new tab)| DJI Mavic 3 Cine vs Inspire 2 (opens in new tab) for more details

Found in DJI’s store, but not strictly their line-up (it’s under the Ryze brand), this compact drone nonetheless has much in common with its bigger brothers; it can hold position using downward visual sensors rather than GPS. It can also do stuff a Mavic Mini won’t: perform “8D” Stunts (flips in a number of directions), for example.

The camera is built-in, so impressive software stabilization keeps the 720p video fairly stable; the signal is recorded on your phone (subject to signal errors) rather than an SD card, and there is a selection of social-friendly EZ Shots (a bit like QuickShots on DJI’s pricier drones). This isn’t a photographer’s drone though, it’s for fun – where it excels. It’ll also brighten up learning, with Scratch, a visual programming language, and a complete SDK. Also check out the cool-looking Marvel Iron Man version of this drone, which looks like it has come out of Tony Stark's labs.

The Tello EDU is the same aircraft – with a cool partially transparent shell – but sold with a more sophisticated SDK (software development kit) that offers the chance to do more with the 14-core processor, chief among which is swarm flying. Swift Playgrounds allows control of up to four aircraft at once – be your own wing commander! You’ll also find, in the box, mission pads which the drones can fly over & respond to via the optical flow sensor.

Read our full DJI Ryze Tello review (opens in new tab) for more details

After a long wait, the Mavic 3 has emerged in Enterprise form; the skeleton of the consumer and cine editions made useful for serious business. The 12-megapixel optical zoom sits next to the main camera to provide hybrid zoom inspections, while the mechanical shutter means you don’t need to stop while capturing a crisp image making clean mapping fast. The only real change to the shell is a beacon light at the back and a different camera protector which makes room for the RTK add-on.

The thermal (Mavic 3T) option has a smaller main image sensor but makes room for a 30fps thermal camera with point and area temperature measurement. Pilots can make use of live split-screen at up to 28x zoom for safe distance monitoring. The RC-Pro has a 4x processor power bump too.

Beyond the commercial drone’s long battery life, the Enterprise versions offer a flight interface designed for enterprise in DJI Pilot 2. DJI also has a suite of other applications, including FlightHub 2 for the management of a fleet and DJI Terra for 3D processing and mapping. 

Developed from the bird-of-prey like Inspire 2, this less beautiful but more practical series of drones serve as a more flexible platform onto which customers could add not only DJI’s range of Zenmuse cameras (including a few the Inspire 2 can’t handle) and other first-party accessories like searchlights, but developers are welcome to create third-party payloads too. (Programmers have even adapted the Matrice to detect illegally parked vehicles.) This is, in every sense, a stable platform in the sky. It also has sensors in all directions.

We suspect that if you need the technology here, you know it. There are some circumstances now where the Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced, below, might be an adequate (and more portable) alternative, but the weather protection and flexibility means this aircraft will always be able to do more.

For some commercial applications, it’ll also be worth thinking about the newer Matrice M30 – which looks like a fat Mavic 3 with dual batteries – it’s certainly a more portable way to get a thermal camera, but it looks like DJI prefers to sell directly rather than through normal channels.

How we test drones

Our drone tests are carried our in the field (opens in new tab), allowing us to assess the quadcopter for its flight performance, easy of use, and its image quality. All our drone reviews are overseen by Adam Juniper (opens in new tab) who is one of the UK's leading experts in drone, and who has written several books on flying drones, including The Drone Pilot's Handbook.

Read more: 

The best drones (opens in new tab)
The best drones for kids (opens in new tab)
Best thermal drones (opens in new tab)
Best drones for travel (opens in new tab)
The best drone accessories (opens in new tab)
Best drones for beginners (opens in new tab)
Best underwater drones (opens in new tab)
The best indoor drones (opens in new tab)
Best travel drones (opens in new tab)
The best camera insurance (opens in new tab)