The gimbal tilt control is smooth. There is a video button on the left shoulder and a camera shutter on the right.
(Image credit: Future)Thanks to legal restrictions on freedom (or those which might be on the way) it's sometimes important to look for an alternative to DJI, the world leader in consumer & prosumer drones.
Most of the time, you'd simply look for the best camera drone, the best beginner drone, or best thermal drone out there, but not everyone has that luxury.
Some organizations in America connected to national security are already banned from buying DJI drones simply because they're Chinese – and a wider ban in the US is looking more and more likely. (If you're interested in the politics & politicians, read the FAQ below, and I got the chance to have a very open interview with DJI's Head of Policy on this situation)
Fear not, however. There are still some options for most different drone types, especially if you're still prepared to buy Chinese but not DJI.
This is a guide to the best alternatives to DJI drones you can buy.
Adam was building drones when DJI was just another company online selling parts like all the other hobby firms in what was a super-niche area. He is our resident expert on drones (but also boasts a law degree). He is the author of several books on the subject including bestsellers The Complete Guide to Drones and The Drone Pilot's Handbook.
Top Picks
Cheap and powerful
The Potensic Atom boasts 4K and a gimbal for stable video, plus a brilliantly designed phone holder/controller, smart software with a full set of features, and elegant accessories.
Best pro
Ready for a worksite, with adaptable software that includes waypoint mission planning (and mapping missions), it has a high-quality optical camera alongside the thermal one.
USA-Legal DJI Clone
If you need something as DJI-like as possible, then Anzu have licensed DJI's tech & apps, but is producing it outside of China so you're legally OK!
It'll follow you
It's smart, it's light, it's safe, and it'll loyally follow you without the effort of flying it before landing in the palm of your hand without the risking hurting you—genius.
Best all-in-one FPV kit
A kit that gives you what you need to experience and understand FPV, with a few more options than the more child-friendly 'Lite' set. A brilliant start for any FPV novices.
6K creative's camera
Autel's EVO Lite+ should have weight with photographers and videomakers, with an adjustable aperture and a good solid battery life it can get impressive RAW images or high-res video.
Best overall
✅ 4K stable video on a budget: This isn't a pricey drone but it has a 3-axis gimbal like all good camera drones.
✅ You want a lot of features: The software actually boasts features the market leader doesn't unlock on its budget option like waypoints.
❌ You want to use filters: There isn't an obvious point to fit an ND filter.
Potensic have upped their game with the release of the Atom series – there is this model and the even cheaper Atom SE which lacks the gimbal. Given this is also a good price, I'd much rather have a gimbal and enjoy the advantage of smoother video.
Before this drone there were plenty of Potensic products, but all were concentrated on the 'toy' sector; this has a higher standard of industrial design and could comfortably compete with the DJI equivalent – which I'd see as the Mini 4K. In fact it was probably this drone that forced that company into catch up in terms of delivering 4K.
I'm a massive fan of the controller design, which pulls out and extends, forming a sprung grip around your phone (which serves as a monitor). It feels a bit like a portable video game system in hand, which is a good thing (those things are built to last!). All the components are high-quality too, like the battery charging hub in the Fly More kit which has individual charge indicators.
Potensic is still a Chinese company, but it isn't DJI. They've taken the best inspiration from that company's design– which is no bad thing – but this is their own product, with its own software.
| Features | 4K camera, rich software features including subject tracking | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Stylish folding airframe, smart controller, decent app | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Sharp video, effective 3-axis gimbal | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Excellent prices, especially in the fly more kit | ★★★★★ |
Read my full Potensic Atom review (or the cheaper, non-stabliszed Atom SE review)
Best pro
✅ You are worried about jamming: Anti-interference and anti-jam tech is featured
✅ You do 3D mapping: The 3D mapping mission system is easy-to-use
❌ You don't want to watch 30 minutes of video: There are a lot of features – you need to learn about them
❌ You are on a tight budget: The batteries are charged at a premium price as well as the drone!
Autel don't really play in the consumer space any more (though thankfully for DJI avoiders the EVO Lite is still available). Whaat that does mean is that, unlike a certain other brand, you can be very sure that their newer airframes – like this one – are designed with serious pro and law-enforcement uses in mind.
That Autel also produced consumer drones in larger number before means the software has decent usability, though a lot more features have been piled on now so it's well worth taking a bit of time to get to understand the options – thankfully there is a video course!
My colleague James Abbot did the actual test for the drone, and he certainly noticed that the controller weighed 1361g (48oz) which is pretty high – laptop territory – but you do get a very bright screen which is useful for something capable of mapping missions.
This isn't a drone where photography and cinematography are a huge priority compared to some, but the 50MP JPEGS are definitely to a high standard. The device is built more with mapping and surveying in mind, however.
Autel is also a Chinese company, but isn't DJI, so hasn't been explicitly banned in as many places.
See our full Autel EVO Max 4T review
| Features | There is a lot this drone unlocks once you take a moment to learn | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Slightly less elegant than some, the controller is very weighty | ★★★★ |
| Performance | This is a responsive and powerful drone, with brilliant control range | ★★★★★ |
| Value | The pricing is surprisingly reasonable, especially compared to American-made commercial drones, but the mapping software requires an extra subscription | ★★★★ |
Best DJI clone
✅ Dual camera system: The camera system with dual cameras offers excellent optical quality and up to 56x zoom.
✅ You need a workaround to US laws: All of the DJI build quality with none of the government's restrictions (or links to Chinese databases)
❌ You like the DJI databases: Systems like FlySafe are also missing because Anzu uses Aloft.
Ordinarily, when I assemble a guide to the best drones I need to fly the drone and write a review. This, I think is a bit of a special case – Anzu Robotics are an American company headquartered in Austin, Texas, and selling what looks a lot like, the Mavic 3. Anzu arranges the manufacturing under license in Malaysia and, crucially, the drone has a different name in the FCC database.
I've not tested the dark green Raptor, but I have flown the Mavic 3. What makes the standard Mavic 3 such a brilliant device is that, while still being mote powerful than some telephoto lenses, the entire thing can be stuffed into a kit bag and taken travelling. It is a compact folding drone by the standards of most (bigger than an ultralight, but only around 900g).
It can take off from low grass because its dual camera system is supported. All the key enterprise accessories are also available, or will be soon, like the RTK, speakers, so the drone can be used in search and rescue and other circumstances where the DJI Mavic series have been popular and, in the rest of the world, might still be the logical choice.
The system has a large sensor (4/3rds) camera bolstered by a 12-megapixel zoom camera for closer views (albeit of less exceptional quality). The Raptor is also available in the T variant, similar to the Mavic 3 Thermal.
The drone's hover time is still a very helpful 40 minutes (46 minutes flight time at ideal speed) – this was seen as exceptional when the Mavic 3 first appeared on the scene over a year ago.
Vision sensors (collision avoidance) use up to 200m “sight” to plot the best return to home route. You can check our full DJI Mavic 3 review for more details, though I can't say for sure what aspects of the software might have been removed by Anzu. One many pilots will be pleased not to find included is any form of Geofencing, though (no doubt because a connection to the FlySafe database isn't an option).
| Features | Multi-lens camera system is good for inspection, and the optional accessories including RTK make the drone a portable powerhouse. | ★★★★ |
| Design | Personally I don't love the green, but the hardware is tried and tested with little to fault it | ★★★★ |
| Performance | At his point I can only speak to the cameras in their DJI form; the telephoto could have been sharper but the main camera is stunning | ★★★★★ |
| Value | The prices are very encouraging, especially compared to many American firms who seem to be taking advantage of the situation somewhat | ★★★★★ |
Best selfie drone
✅ You want a drone that can fly itself: The HoverAir X1 is designed to follow you using AI, and it do so very well – brilliantly, in fact, considering it's all done with the main camera.
✅ You're looking for something fun: The genius of the X1 is how safe it is and how little effort it is to fly; even a phone as controller is optional.
❌ You're expecting a high workload: The drone can only record to its in-built 32Gb storage; no memory cards.
❌ You want 4K video: The drone maxes out at 2.7K, more than good enough for sharing but perhaps not exactly broadcast quality.
This might not be ideal for younger kids without a bit of parental supervision, and it's certainly not the cheapest toy, but it's not too pricey either compared to many on this list and it does offer a very different take on drones that I found very compelling. It's one I've added to my collection, and it's one I find the whole family can enjoy.
When I first tried it, this drone surprised me with its sensibly safe design, and by how the AI could simply follow me, taking off and landing on my own hand. After initial set up, I didn't even need my phone to do it – there is a combination of a speaker inside so voices reassure you that you've asked for the right thing and simple buttons on the frame.
Think of it as an angel on your shoulder which can be passed between family members and follow them running, cycling, or undertaking any activity. An unusal drone, but amazing.
Choosing this drone does involve making a slight compromise when it comes to flight time and range; you can choose to fly it with your phone (wi-fi range) or just let the drone do the flying, but the resolution and flight time doesn't match even most ultralights. That said, it's not only cheaper and smarter but the caged propellors are notably safer than other drones.
| Features | Subject tracking and remote-less operation | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Ultra-light folding cage | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | AI tracking great, though battery could be longer | ★★★★ |
| Value | Something of a matter of opinion | ★★★★ |
Read my full HoverAir X1 review and see video samples
Best FPV Drone
✅ You want to learn FPV: Learning to fly in 'first person' is easier with a kit that works together like this
✅ You're looking for something fun: FPV is fun!
❌ You want smooth video: This tiny drone won't hoist an action camera.
The Cetus is a small drone with the relatively unusual addition of an optical flow sensor. Not only does this offer drift-free hover, but a gentle automatic landing when the battery is failing – both huge boons for beginners.
First-time pilots can work their way up through three modes, including a full traditional FPV style. The same applies to the tech; the goggles and controller are of the same kind you can use with other real RF drones.
The controller, in fact, has an especially pleasing feel for ‘noobs’, with real RC-controller sticks surrounded by a more game-like housing. Indeed it can be used as a USB joystick when connected to drone simulators. It’s a shame that this is a live-view experience only – you’ll need to invest in pricier goggles for a record option – but this package is more about fun.
Read our full review of the Cetus FPV kit.
| Features | Features aren't important here – simplicity is – but the flight modes are helpful and you can record video with the goggles | ★★★★ |
| Design | This is a versatile frame which can cope with a lot of bump, and the game like controller is appreciated | ★★★★ |
| Performance | As micro-whoops go, it's quick and responsive | ★★★★ |
| Value | All you need with far less investment than many hobbyists have made. What's to complain about? | ★★★★ |
Best for photographers
✅ You want aperture control: So many drones have fixed aperture, including the DJI Air 3, so the ƒ/2.8-ƒ/11 aperture offers a point of difference.
✅ You want high-res video: Some editors prefer to crop down, and the EVO Lite+ gives you options.
❌ You want all-round collision sensors: They're not on the sides or top, but they're handy where they are.
❌ You want to fly all day without charging the controller: They battery life isn't great.
The EVO Lite+ made our list of best drones on its own merits, even where customers were allowed to consider DJI. It took the middle-weight folding drone and approached it a bit differently and I really liked that, especially as Autel seemed to be priortising the thinking of photographers and videographers.
Despite the name, the EVO Lite+ is not Autel's most lightweight offering – that is the Nano, which is their contender against the DJI Mini 3. It's better thought of as a smaller version of their EVO series. It's a little older than at is 2022 launch, so some of the tech isn't as modern as you'd hope for – the subject tracking isn't as sophisticated as on more modern drones – but this remains a very powerful aircraft.
There are actually two versions – the EVO Lite and Lite+ – with different cameras. The both have the same firm-feeling airframe, available in a choice of colors (including Autel's famous workmanlike orange). There are reassuringly sprung arms that make quick setup in the field a breeze. The standard controller seems very console-inspired, but that wasn't actually an issue for me, instead makes it comfortable. The battery life was more questionable though.
I like to think of this as a drone for folk who believe a little more in specs than digital solutions. The new DJI Air 3 dropped a 1-inch sensor, but this drone (at least for the Lite+ edition) stuck with the idea, with lovely big 2.4um pixels, and 5.4K video which can be useful. The camera's 29mm EFL lens is a matter of taste; not as wide an angle as most drone cameras.
It is a shame no 10-bit video is offered – just a flat profile for filmmaking – and the subject following is limited, but low-light performance is excellent and I love the fact I can tweak all the settings.
| Features | Good resolution, though lacks the dual-camera system of the Air 3 | ★★★★ |
| Design | Not 'light' but easy to travel with | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Decent battery, impressive camera and night modes | ★★★★★ |
| Value | The price is very appealing if you want creative control | ★★★★ |
Read my full Autel EVO Lite+ review with video samples
How we test drones
The only way to test drones is by flying them and taking pictures and videos with the camera, so that's exactly what we do! Because different drones have different roles, and different expectations (FPV drones are expected to be more acrobatic, for example) there is an element of judgement and experience involved. We test drones in a variety of wind and lighting conditions to be sure about the cameras.
FAQ
Why are there bans on DJI drones?
In short, there isn't any proof suggesting DJI poses a security threat to the United States. Nevertheless, plenty of politicians have used the relatively niche area as an opportunity to demonstrate their strength against China.
A good example is the story of the state ban in Florida – that and the events which threaten a national ban on DJI.
Is everyone in America banned from DJI drones?
No. At the moment, though the lower house – the House of Representatives – has successfully tacked an amendment to a bill which would effectively ban DJI products – and passed it, it still needs to go to committee and be voted on by the Senate.
However, there is already a ban on organizations working for the government using DJI.
