President Trump has made no secret of his desire to help American companies, whatever the cost to international trade. If you're looking to buy a drone, that means your freedom of choice has given way to bans, tariffs, and trade wars.
All things being equal, the biggest and often the best brand in the world is DJI – the world leader in consumer & prosumer drones (as our guides to the best camera drone, the best beginner drone, or best thermal drone makes clear), the company certainly has the widest range and has put photography and video at the forefront.
In America, though, since December 23 2025, DJI has not been allowed to introduce new drones – only sell existing products. It is testament to their quality that, many months later, a DJI is still often the best product in a category. With politics the way it is, however, there are reasons you might want to be looking elswhere. (If you want to understand DJI's position, I had a very open exclusive interview with DJI's Head of Policy on this situation)
Luckily there are still some options out there for most different drone types, and new products are emerging, especially if you're prepared to buy Chinese. Some compromises may still be an issue, but DJI has got some serious competition, and here are some of the best you can buy right now.
Adam was building drones as a hobby when DJI was just another company online selling parts to a super-niche group. He went on to shoot with drones professionally. 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.
Best Non-DJI drones
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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. The Atom series are a much higher standard and comfortably compete with DJI's lightweight equivalent – which I'd see as the Mini 4K or Lito series. (I suspect the Atom was what encouraged DJI to bring 4K to its own entry level.)
I'm a massive fan of the controller design. It pulls out and extends, forming a strong sprung grip around your phone (which serves as a central monitor). It feels a bit like a portable video game system in hand, which is a good thing (those things are built to last!) and doesn't accidentally press side buttons. 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 so doesn't face targeted bans. They've taken the best inspiration from that company's design – no bad thing – but this is their own product, with its own software.
By the way, I've tried all the versions. Personally I'd strongly recommend the latest release, which I've tried myself, the Potensic Atom 3 with improved camera, – but the Potensic Atom 2 also improved on the Atom's range which made it feel more reliable.
Perhaps Atom for the kids, Atom 3 for yourself 😉
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 (and the value gets better with the older models) |
Read my full Potensic Atom review, Atom 2 review (or the cheaper, non-stablized 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 doesn't really play in the consumer space any more (even the brilliant EVO Lite was repackaged for enterprise). What 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 numbers 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 ultralight
✅ Most powerful drone under 250g: You can fly nearly anywhere, and portability is no problem.
✅ Remotely rotatable camera: Perfect for social and traditional video with the option of portrait.
❌ You need low cost: This drone isn't the cheapest – features like collision sensors add cost.
❌ You want true telephoto: It's great to be able to zoom, but it is digital and beyond 2x the pixels show.
This drone has a lot of similarities with the DJI Mini 4 Pro, though neither company has acknowledged that. (Skyrover is "founded by former DJI engineers" is the most you'll get). For this drone though, this is great news. The drone it is compared to is spectacularly powerful for its size, and has a host of features that made me, when I reviewed it, wonder if there really was any need for drones heavier than the FAA's 250g / 8.8oz weight restriction any more.
Now, to be clear, this isn't the DJI drone. It's got a distinctly different shell, and if you try and fit DJI's battery in, it'll slide out. Nor will DJI's range of controllers operate it. But 2560 mAh battery is a decent 32 mins, good for the weight category.
That said, the app does look very, very similar – a very good thing, too, as DJI's software is mature and respected, and has high-end features like a flat profile.
All the good stuff is there too, obstacle sensing and avoidance, smart tracking, 25 MB/S fast data transfer, 'pro shots' pre-programmed shots (a little like DJI's QuickShots...), and a Super Night AI Capture mode.
Can we be more sure about this? Not just yet, but it is interesting that so many early customers have been equally impressed, and all said "overall experience is very close to the Mini 4 Pro" which is, after all, the standard by which this class of drones is judge by globally.
Features ★★★★★ |
High resolution, 10-bit video, and a camera that can rotate, this is a powerful beast despite the size. |
Design ★★★★★ |
A stand out color with a base that makes it visible against the sky, and useful remote and app.. |
Performance ★★★★★ |
This is a responsive and powerful drone, with brilliant control range |
Value ★★★★☆ |
The pricing is not the cheapest, but it is in competition with serious pro devices despite the compact size. |
Best Tech
✅ 360 camera: The only drone with this tech will help your videos stand out, and let you take amazing, precise shots.
✅ You want FPV and simple controls: Antigravity has seriously looked at the best control mechanisms out there, and adapted them to 360 camera systems perfectly.
❌ You want high-res stills: Because of the way 360-degree cameras work, cropping into a particular area of the 8K sphere will harm resolution (read the full review).
A drone that brings together the best of several technologies in one, and still manages to be under the magic 250g weight? It's the sort of thing you might not have even expected the market leader capable of – and you'd be right. An altogether new company has stepped up and created a truly premium drone which allows you to fly it and look in any direction, then later replay the flight on a computer and decide to re-direct the camera wherever you choose – frame by frame if you want – in post production.
The magic technology that enables that is a 360-degree camera, which has not appeared on any previous drone. Antigravity, as a startup, was parented with help from Insta360, the company that has topped my guide to the best 360-degree camera, so it comes with both the right tech and some mature, easy-to-use software to help creators get the best shots from their flights.
Alternatively, you can program a flight path, then let the drone repeat it while you – or someone you know – sits "in" the drone using the FPV goggles and looks around in any direction they choose.
All of this has been achieved not like a first-gen product, but with the aplomb of a premium consumer product. It's not the cheapest, but it has options to compete against a top-notch FPV drone as well as do some things others simply cannot. Well worth a look if your budget can stretch.
See my full review of the Antigravity A1
Features ★★★★★ |
From the FPV, waypoint missions and feature-packed goggles, it's hard to dispute the brilliance of this flexible system |
Design ★★★★★ |
Clever design keeps weight down while feeling premium and stylish – hard to identify complaints. |
Performance ★★★★ |
Flight is good, with only range, speed and (though it's not really fair) resolution being slight quibbles. |
Value ★★★★ |
If you understand what you're buying, you'll appreciate the value. Some may not have a need (but all will appreciate the sheer joy). |
Best selfie drone
✅ You want a consumer drone with a high-end camera: Yes, built on the super-safe selfie drone design, but there is a pretty decent camera here.
✅ You want something the whole family can use: Because it has no-remote AI modes or phone control, it's still as easy to use as the first X1 despite the better camera.
❌ You've got a low budget: If you're jsut looking for a selfie drone, this drone's sibling will get you what you need for a lot less cash
❌ You need to fly long distances: The relatively low range and battery may only slightly curtail creativity, but can feel very limiting if you're used to premium drones.
The HoverAir X1 Pro Max brings a high end camera and recording capabilities – and some noteworthy flying improvements – to the cleveness already set by the HoverAir X1 selfie drone. There is also a HoverAi X1 Pro as an 'inbetween option'.
Essentially this drone steps in as the best consumer camera choice there is if you can't buy DJI, offering something that DJI won't sell for this kind of money – 8K video. Even if that isn't really necessacary, it's still a good camera.
Moreover the option of buying a real controller system means you can take control of the drone in a more serious way. It's not a perfect solution because the radio range isn't ideal and the beacon/controller bundle – though clever (as my full review explains) has some design quirks which make it very pocktable but a little odd compared to the traditional design.
Still, for the oddities, you also get the easy to use hand-launch capabilites of the X1 so you're alos getting a safe, easily flown family friendly drone which the kids can enjoy too.
Read my full HoverAir X1 Pro Max review and see video samples
Features ★★★★★ |
A massive range of features, only extended by the 'beacon/controller' option. |
Design ★★★★★ |
A little more weight compared to the X1 gives the drone a longer life, but the folding cage is still brilliant |
Performance ★★★★☆ |
AI tracking is even better, but sometimes camera movement could be smoother |
Value ★★★★☆ |
In my main review, I gave the drone only 3 stars, but if you rule DJI prices go up. In that context this isn't so bad. |
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
Cheap 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 (my son loves it and is able to use it age 8).
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. It no longer offers the best specs thanks to HoverAir's own newer model's, but that does mean you can find it for relatively pleasing prices.
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.
Read my full HoverAir X1 review and see video samples
Features ★★★★★ |
Subject tracking and remote-less operation |
Design ★★★★★ |
Ultra-light folding cage |
Performance ★★★★☆ |
AI tracking great, though battery could be longer |
Value ★★★★☆ |
In comparison to the X1 Pro Max, this is cheaper |
Best Mini DJI Clone
✅ You want a beginner's drone: All the key features a beginner needs – GPS retun to home etc. – and a good camera with a gimbal.
✅ You want reliability: This is proven tech, admittedly by, ahem, another brand, but hey, that's the government's problem!
❌ You want collision sensors: It doesn't have any!
❌ You want a telephoto: There isn't a lot of quality in digital zoom.
This drone is, in essence, the DJI Mini 4K. Reportedly it even comes off the same production line (which is – worry not if this matters to you – Malaysian, not Chinese). The dimensions are spot on, though the firmware is different, so you won't actually be able to use DJI's batteries, even though they fit perfectly.
In terms of drone design, it's excellent news to have this as an option if you can't operate a DJI craft for some reason. The similar pricing and matching design to DJI's entry-level photography drone is great because the Mini 4K is an excellent value drone, and the result of several years of refinement – hardware and software – to the ultralight category which, of course, is under the weight limit for registration.
Flying the drone is easy, it is fast and responsive. The 4K video is good and the camera is generally impressive; you'll find some issues if you have too much dynamic range, so it's best to keep the sun behind you, and it doesn't love low light, but that's far from unique to this drone. The radio range and reliability is much better than many in this price range.
Some will be pleased to hear that Specta have not applied geofencing to some of the drones they're sending out (DJI don't seem to do this any more either – I don't know if this is related).
Read more about this drone in my Specta Mini news piece.
Features ★★★★☆ |
Cut down compared to premium DJI drones, you still get some automated orbit features and all the key features, plus panorama images, RAW files etc. |
Design ★★★★☆ |
This is a classic design which might not be innovative any more but is very reliable. |
Performance ★★★★★ |
Quick and responsive in the air, surprisingly wind-resistant given the low weight, and a good image in decent light. |
Value ★★★★★ |
It's hard to argue with the value here, especially as the tech is high end and proven. |
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.
I personally have been flying drones for well over a decade, and have racked up flight time working for international broadcast clients as well as flying as a hobby. I also enjoy flying drones with my son – who always shares his thoughts and wisdom on all drones which mgiht be suitable for the whole family, giving us a much broader perspective than most reviewers!
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.
Will DJI drones be banned in the USA in 2026?
At the moment the US government passes a law saying that no new DJI drones – or products of any kind, including cameras, would be approved after January 1 2026 unless a security review had taken place into DJI and found the company acceptable.
In other words, if the US government does nothing to help DJI by holding the review, even though there is no real reason to think there is a security issue, DJI goes on a list of "Chinese military companies" and the ban will come into effect in the USA.
Not very fair for DJI, or the company's customers in the USA. DJI drones will still be available in the rest of the world where free trade remains unaffected. The company's existing products will apparently be unaffected at first too – the company's policy director Adam Welsh told me in an exclusive interview.
2025 came and went and no review took place, so while you can still snap up most of the best DJI drone models because they haven't yet been replaced, updates are only being made available to the rest of the world.
Canadians, British customers, Europeans (and of course the Chinese) all get access to the latest tech, but US-based customers need to hope that the government hasn't restricted it.
Is everyone in America banned from new DJI drones?
Yes, and not just drones – new DJI products like the Osmo Pocket 4 cameras are being kept away from American consumers for reasons which aren't entirely clear.
Originally, there were bans imposed that only affected government spending, which got broad – for example the police couldn't buy DJI because police budgets are ultimately taxpayers money. Now the ban is uniform as it is applied through customs/trade – all goods into the country.
