12 Best Drones to Buy in 2020 – Compared & Reviewed

The drone market is ever increasing. Some of the top brands like DJI, Parrot, and Yuneec continue to dominate as more names challenge these top players. If you are wondering how to navigate this market, we are here to look at the Best Drones you can buy in 2020.

We’ll be looking at high-end and cheap drones as we identify where each drone fits. That’s why we have assigned categories to make it easy to choose.

Best Drones 2020

1. DJI Mavic Air Drone Combo 4K Quadcopter: Best Overall

DJI Mavic Air is a consumer level drone that is designed using the latest drone technologies. From the World’s number one brand, DJI, it seeks to fulfill the desire for traveling with a quad since it can fold into the size of a smartphone. It is what you will pick when you want to capture stunning photos on a safari as it can slip in a jacket pocket.

Design Features

Being the close cousin to the DJI Spark and the DJI Mavic 2 Pro that will be released this September, this drone has features to watch for in a top performer. First, it packs 4K videos which take the spotlight in this rather small drone. It has a total of seven cameras coupled with IR sensors so that it will never miss a thing in any terrain.

With a 3-axis mechanical gimbal, it can capture still images replete of color without experiencing any choppy photos when it encounters wind and other foreign obstacles inflight. You’ll appreciate that it also has gimbal dampeners that result in even steadier videos and photos.

This drone can shoot 32MP panoramic photos which take only 8seconds to capture 25 stitched photos. With the already provided VR goggles, you can view your pictures in an immersive setting. We like that it has an advanced obstacle avoidance which ensures it will not be knocked out of the sky. It can detect objects out to 20 meters meaning it can cope with extreme conditions as it hovers in place when it gets too close to an object.

You get a 21-minute flight which we wish would have been longer, but you can always buy spare batteries to have extended use of this drone. Flying it is comfortable with the remote controller. You will find the Advanced Pilot Assistance System useful since it helps the drone go around objects when it detects them in good time.

If you are a beginner, it gives you peace of mind knowing your drone is intuitive enough to provide you with a smooth flight. It can achieve top-flight speeds of up to 45mph, ideal for those looking to race or just have a good time rushing your adrenaline. If you are flying in tough conditions, DJI Mavic Pro gains up to 22mph speeds.

Snags of the DJI Mavic Pro

This drone needs spare batteries to give you more flying time. We find 21 minutes to be a bit short since you will not be paying for an entry-level drone. It could also have a better range so that it can go further while you control it on the app.

Pros

• 3-axis mechanical gimbal
• Can be controlled using hand gestures
• Uses a 12MP CMOS sensor to capture still photos and 4K videos
• Folds compactly to the size of a smartphone
• Can shoot 32MP panorama shots
• Advanced object avoidance
• The remote controller is also foldable
• Improved tracking precision

Cons

• Short flight time of only 21 minutes

Verdict:  This drone is functional in different ways from the automatic flight mode to the QuickShot mode and the ability to capture interesting photos in circle and robot. It is such an adventure with it. If you want more Wi-Fi range, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a better consideration since it doubles the range from 2.5miles to 5 miles while maintaining 1080p real-time transmission.

DJI Mavic 2 Pro will have omnidirectional object avoidance which means it will also maneuver around objects on top of it and all around it.

2. DJI Phantom 4 PRO Professional Quadcopter

Featuring a bigger and better camera, the Phantom 4 Pro is nothing like its predecessor. It has improved and new features that keep it ahead of the pack. The unique aspect of this drone is the 5-direction object avoidance system that has sensors at the front, back, on the sides and underside of the drone. This system gives a nearly-perfect flight as it can navigate around obstacles with no fuss.

Design Features

A notable improvement on this drone is the 1-inch 20MP camera that can capture 14MP still photos and 4K videos at 60 frames per second. Not many cameras can achieve the quality of this drone, no wonder it is regarded as a professional model. The camera has a mechanical shutter that comes in handy when capturing fast-moving images. This means it does not experience any rolling shutter distortion.

Its flight performance is as good as it gets with speeds of up to 45mph. It has an updated transmission system that gives you a less noisy flight. The remote controller has an inbuilt screen that gives a complete aerial view of your drone. With the inbuilt Phantom 4 Pro app, it is easy to optimize the control features to your liking.

The controller transmits 1080p on the 2.4GHz frequency. Because it integrates LightBridge HD Transmission system, you can now choose a less crowded frequency; 5.8GHz. This means you can choose5.8GHz for the controller and 2.4GHz to transmit your images. Not to mention, it eliminates lags when you have a few other drones in your site that use the 2.4GHz frequency.

This camera gives you different flying modes from the Draw mode where the drone follows a particular path to the Forward, ActiveTrack, Follow Me, Course Lock, Home Lock, to being able to tap on the screen for a precise route. With the different modes, you can keep your eyes on the camera instead of the controls which gives you the freedom to capture dynamic shots.

Snags of the DJI Phantom 4 PRO

This drone does not fold. If you are searching for a portable model that is good for travel, you are better off with a Mavic model since the picture quality is nearly the same. And, if you will need to use a touchscreen controller, you will have to part with more money to get it.

Pros

• 5-direction obstacle avoidance system
• 1-inch image sensor
• Shoots 4K videos at 60fps and 14MP still photos Reliable and robust design for improved longevity
• 28min flight time
• Mechanical shutter eliminates rolling shutter
• Comes with gimbal and all necessary accessories

Cons

• It does not fold for portability

Verdict: DJI Phantom 4 PRO is incredible thanks to its video quality and flight modes. It is an easy pick for professionals which makes it ideal for aerial videographers. It has a custom-made camera that brings everything into perspective.

3. DJI Mavic Pro Platinum: Most Portable

DJI Mavic Pro Platinum is assumed to take on the size of a water bottle when folded. This feature makes it the most portable drone in the DJI line of Mavic Quadcopters.

Design Features

Despite being compact, this drone does not compromise on the video and photo quality. If you are undertaking serious projects or you want a professional looking vlog, this drone helps capture 4K videos at 30fps. It has a 3-axis gimbal to stabilize your footage, and it does not have an electronic image stabilizer. This ensures it shoots lifelike videos that are immersive and worth experiencing.

The pocket-sized remote controller utilizes the new OcuSync transmission technology. It has a distance range of 4.3 miles. It can transmit in HD at 720p and in full HD at 1080p. You get to choose the range of the transmission and the quality of the display video from either 720p and 1080p. With the help of flightAutonomy technology, this drone can sense obstacles from 49ft away which gives you accident-free flights.

This drone has also included GPS/GLONASS to help you get proper positioning when in the outdoors. The positioning system ensures that your drone will have the correct location especially when it’s time to return home.

Mavic Pro Platinum can hover in place when there’s no GPS to help in positioning. It can avoid obstacles that make finding it easy.

The most distinct feature on the Mavic Pro Platinum is that DJI has improved electronic controllers and the props have been redesigned to reduce the noise by 60% when compared to the Mavic Pro. It is a good pick when you want to shoot at weddings and places that require silence.

Snags of the Mavic Pro Platinum

This drone has lots of good specs, but if it has some manufacturer defects, DJI has a reputation for poor customer support. This is regarding complaints about making repairs for this particular drone. It also needs updating the firmware constantly to enjoy a smooth performance.

Pros

• Comes with two sets of sensors
• Has a tap fly mode for beginners
• It has a folding design
• Redesigned props reduce silence by 60%
• 4K videos at 30fps and 12MP still photos
• OcuSync transmission system
• 40mph flight speed

Cons

• It has to go through constant updates to enjoy the upgrades

Verdict: DJI Mavic PRO Platinum excels as a small drone that is foldable. Its main feature is the reduced noise which makes it an excellent choice for professional settings where noise is not welcome. The compact design means it can go to places where other drones like the Phantom 4 Pro cannot go.

4. DJI Inspire 2 Quadcopter + Zenmuse X4S Starters Bundles: Best High-End Drone

DJI Inspire 2 is perhaps your safest bet towards getting the best shots and videos thanks to its flexibility and versatility. This drone is supplied with a detachable Zenmuse X4S camera that you can upgrade to the X5S for shooting 5.2K videos.

Design Features

The drone on itself has a lot to offer under the magnesium-aluminum hood. It looks much like the original Inspire, but it has a set of double features perhaps to warrant the 2 in the name. In its design is a retractable landing gear which you would get with an Inspire but now this drone has an obstacle avoidance system and forward-facing FPV.

With an FPV onboard, it makes the whole flying process easy and effortless as you will always know where your X4S camera is facing. It gives you the freedom of getting shots at the height and angle that you want to capture the best details for your images.

You will also be flying with the help of the obstacle avoidance system that prevents crashes that you could not foresee.

The dual battery setup is a relief because you get up to 25 minutes of flight time in real life conditions which is an upgrade from the 15 minutes you could get with Inspire 1.

Looking at the X4S camera, you have a device that can shoot 20MP photos. It is a huge benefit to have with a drone especially if you are a professional photographer who needs the services of a quality camera on a drone. This camera can take up to 20 shots in burst mode. So what would you say about a sporting event that needs detailed coverage?

For videos, it is at par with some of the best, shooting 4K videos at 60fps. The good thing you don’t need that much storage with this camera and not that much processing power either unlike when you have the X5S camera.

Snags of the DJI Inspire 2

You will have to part with a good amount of your bang to own this drone despite it having the same features as those on drones priced way less. What’s more, is not compatible with earlier versions of Zenmuse cameras.

Pros

• Forward facing FPV camera
• Can take a detachable X4S camera
• Two laser rangefinders
• Carbon-fiber arms and aluminum shell
• Obstacle avoidance system
• Dedicate remote controller
• Dual-battery design

Cons

• Firmware updates are a must when you first receive it, and it is not an easy task for newbies.

Verdict: DJI Inspire 2 is a total upgrade from the Inspire 1. It may have a little extra weight, but it makes it more responsive so that you can fly it more smoothly. The build quality and performance with an X4S camera mesh together to create a desirable drone for professional work.

5. Parrot Anafi Ultra Compact Drone: Best Cheap Folding Drone

Parrot Anafi is the reigning rival of DJI when it comes to their compact drones. This particular drone is a beginner’s choice if you choose to skip the Mavic Air and go for an affordable brand with more features.

Design and Performance Features

The similarity between the Parrot Anafi and the DJI Mavic Air is only in the color and the ability to shoot in 4K. But other than that, Parrot Anafi takes a path of its own. The arms of this drone can fold away making it easy to store compactly for travel. It also has a folding remote controller so it will be easy to bring them on a trip.

The drone does not only shoot brilliant 4K videos, but it can also capture HDR footage. It has a flat image profiler that makes color correction better than you get with a drone at a higher price. You will like that it has a zoom function that gives you more possibilities when it comes to shooting from a safe distance. Talk of expanding your photo and video capabilities.

This drone comes with a dedicated remote controller that you have to attach your smartphone to execute control with Parrot’s Freeflight 6 Android and iOS mobile app. It has several automated modes like Follow Me. Since the camera is mounted on the nose alongside a 180-degree rotating 3-axis gimbal, you can shoot what is directly above the drone.

Snags of the Parrot Anafi

You will like that this drone utilizes a GPS/GLONASS system for location. But without an obstacle avoidance system, it is easy to lose it since it can get knocked in trees and bushes. That’s why it’s important to fly over clear areas.

The controller claims a transmission distance of 4km, but it can barely get to 600 meters. With a lost connection, the drone automatically returns to the initial point of takeoff.

Pros

• 33mph speed in sport mode
• Arms are foldable for portability
• USB-C Smart battery has a 25-minute flight time
• Shoots 4K videos and 21MP photos
• It has a tilt gimbal and 2.8X lossless digital zoom
• Robust construction makes it wind resistant

Cons

• Its software experiences connectivity issues

Verdict: For beginners, Parrot Anafi sounds like a good fit. It has flight assistance, and its video and image quality is enviable. Its folding aspect brings out its unique design which makes it agile, responsive and fun to fly because it will always go with you.

6. Parrot Bebop 2 Adventurer: Best for Travel

Parrot Bebop is not a new entry into the world of drones. It qualifies as one of the few great ones that come at half the price of most high-end brands. Its small form factor is the main attraction since even though it won’t fold, it does not need a huge backpack to bring it to places.

Design Features

This drone is designed to give you immersive viewing for the avid adventurer. It shoots vivid 1080p videos that are all about giving you a memorable experience when having the time of your life with loved ones. The fisheye lens has a 170-degree field of view, and it can shoot 14MP photos.

It comes with a 3-axis stabilization system which ensures it captures videos and photos that are not choppy or noisy. This way, when you take a moment to relive your memories using VR goggles or just watching your footage, the camera will have given you the best aspects of yourselves.

The flight controller has a First-Person View that allows you to see what the drone is seeing. It works with the Parrot FreeFlight Pro app that helps you fly Parrot Bebop Adventurer 2. It connects via Wi-Fi which gives you a set of instructions on a touchscreen. With the controls, you can now use the two-stick controller to navigate the drone.

The drone has a hover function that helps to maneuver the drone when it is not in range or loses connection unexpectedly. You also get to use the Follow Me mode that supports virtual tracking, Flight Director, and the Flight Plan modes. You will have to pay a few extra bucks to open these modes which is so worth it for a more fulfilled experience.

Snags of the Parrot Bebop Adventurer 2

Parrot’s controller has an issue with the Return Home Function. You either get a good one or a faulty one. As such, it is hard to speak on how the drone will act when it loses connection. Most people have had issues with the drone falling from the sky when a connection is lost.

Pros

• Connects on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency
• Fisheye lens has a 170-degree field of view
• Offers an optional FPV for immersed control using VR goggles
• Delivers 25 minutes of flight time
• Color-coded rotors for simple installation
• It has a stable range of 500 meters

Cons

• It suffers constant disconnection

Verdict: Parrot Bebop 2 Adventurer has an impressive design that accounts for its performance. It should give a memorable experience when it maintains its connection. The good thing is that Parrot has excellent customer service and will respond to your queries.

7. Yuneec Typhoon H Pro with Intel RealSense Technology: Best Drone for Hobbyists

When you think of a consumer-friendly drone, Yuneec Typhoon H Pro comes into the picture. It is not a quadcopter but a hexacopter with six blades. The blades balance out the drone so it can fly safely and in a more responsive way such that it rarely gives you maneuvering trouble.

Design Features

This drone sets up fast, and it can work out of the box. You spend lesser time figuring out how to fly it and more time having a fun experience taking aerial shots for your blog or travel map. It gives you a generous flight time of up to 19 minutes which is what we expect in drones in its class.

Typhoon H Pro gives you a rotating 4K camera that offers you a wide area to cover from just one camera. No dealing with a camera that is facing forward only. The drone also has a 3-axis gimbal to stabilize the camera.

This drone is accompanied by a large joystick controller that feels sturdy in the hands. It has a 7-inch LCD screen with a shade to view in bright light, and you can hang it around your neck using a neck strap to give your hands a rest. The screen streams footage in 720p. It does a good job in both cinematography and during navigation.

The on-touch screen settings are easy to choose when navigating your drone as it involves only selecting the mode and you are good to fly the drone wherever it takes you. You will find the collision avoidance system very helpful in giving you a stress-free ride. Its RealSense technology lets you know how far an object is for safe navigation.

Snags of the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro

This is an expensive drone, and therefore we expected manageable drawbacks. RealSense Technology works at low speeds, so you may still manage to get your drone knocked out of the sky. You may also find the controller large which can be hard to manage.

Pros

• 98-degree field of view with rotating camera
• Can record 4K UHD, 4K DCI, 1440p, and 1080p videos
• Four videos modes
• 12MP photos with CGO3+ 4K UHD camera
• RealSense technology for obstacle avoidance
• GPS flight control

Cons

• It has a 19-minute running time in real outdoor conditions

Verdict: If you are looking for a safe and user-friendly drone, Yuneec Typhoon H Pro is an excellent consideration. It represents modern technology in the development of drones thanks to its RealSense technology and eight flight modes alongside an ST16 controller that does not depend on a phone app.

8. Holy Stone F181C RC Quadcopter Drone: Cheapest Drone

Are you looking to start lessons in flying a drone and don’t want to spend a fortune in a high-end drone? You will want to consider the Holy Stone F181C RC. It is under $100, but it is equipped with the necessary components to kick off your journey.

Design Features

This drone is popular and for a good reason. When you receive your drone, it may take as little as five minutes to start flying. You only need to install the landing gear and protection frames and make sure that the camera and battery are connected. When you turn it on, you will see blue lights to indicate forward and red lights for the rear.

The drone has a 2MP camera that can shoot 720p videos at 30fps. It is nowhere near a professional drone that’s why it’s recommended for training. You will be able to store your footage in the 2GB SD card that comes with the drone.

Holy Stone F181C RC has a 2.4GHz remote controller. It is coupled with an LCD screen that allows you to see the battery level, LED lights, drone speed, and signal strength. For a beginner’s drone, this about what you get.

You can also check out the MJX Bugs 3 Mini which is aimed at kids.

Snags of the Holy Stone F181C RC

This drone has 7-9 minutes running time and a control range of 100 meters. If you wish to get more out of a drone, you will want to consider stretching your budget a little further.

Pros

• 6axis gyroscope stabilizer
• The remote control has an LCD screen and two control sticks
• It can perform 3D flips
• Four-speed modes

Cons

• It cannot be connected to a phone

Verdict: Holy Stone F181C RC is a pretty basic drone. As such, you should not expect high tech features. It is best in the hands of a novice learning how to go about flying a drone and keeping it in the sky.

9. Autel Robotics X-Star Premium Drone

Autel Robotics is out to be a force to reckon with in the drone world. It has a solid build and amazing camera specs that all scream performance.

Design Features

One thing you will notice is the bright orange color and the grey propellers. It will stand out in the outdoors so if you drop it from the sky finding it in thickets should not be a problem. Autel X-Star Premium has a 4K camera that gives you a 108-degree field of view. It shoots 4K videos at 40fps and you can record 2.7K at 60fps, 1080p at 120fps, 720p at 240fps and 12MP still images.

It has a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer for detailed videos and photos which store automatically on the included 64GB SD memory card. This quadcopter can stay in the sky for up to 25 minutes and the battery charges in as little as 1 hour. This drone will navigate safely as it can easily find its location using its GPS/GLONASS system.

With a 2000m range controller, this drone can go further than its X-Star predecessor. It will need a smartphone to accompany the controller and the Starlink app. The app will give you a live 720p video stream which is super fun to watch as the drone does its thing. It even gives you three flight modes that include Follow Me, Orbit, and Waypoints.

Snags of the Autel X-Star Premium

Although the batteries have a 25-minute flight time, they do not have a long life span and will need replacing from time to time. It does not also have a collision avoidance system which would have been good considering it can fly with top speeds of up to 36mph.

Pros

• Provides HD live view for up to 1.2 miles
• It has multiple navigation systems including GPS/GLONASS and Starpoint Positioning System
• Removable gimbal
• Stick controller with LCD screen
• 2000meters control range

Cons

• It does not have a collision avoidance system

Verdict: Autel X-Star Premium brings some unique features that every outdoors enthusiast will like. It has an intuitive controller and a 4K camera that has a wide field of view. It has a midrange price even with the premium features, so you are guaranteed real value for your money.

10. UPair Quadcopter Drone with 5.8G FPV Monitor: Best Budget Drone

The UPair Drone is much like a clone of the DJI Phantom. But it tries to match the looks with the performance by offering you features that are ideal for beginners.

Design Features

This drone is equipped with a 2.7K camera which is stabilized by a 3-axis gimbal. It can record picture-perfect videos that you will be proud of even with no knowledge of videography. If you want your videos and photos to show more professional brilliance, you can always opt for the 4K camera for a few more bucks.

You can count on the quality of the camera as it utilizes a CMOS sensor. It can shoot 8MP photos which is a good resolution if you are looking to check out drones. Remember that megapixels do not always showcase the quality of a camera.

The features to expect on this drone include a remarkable GPS system. Coupled with the controller that has a wide 7-inch display, you will have a First Person View which is refreshing to see in a drone in this price range. It has a headless mode that aligns the drone with the controller making it much easier to maneuver the drone.

You also get a one-key return that will direct the drone back to you.

Snags of the UPair

Seeing that UPair is a relatively new name in the industry, this drone’s customer support is a bit of a headache. If you have trouble during the setup process, you will have to go through YouTube videos and watch the one that describes your problem.

Pros

• Wide 7-inch screen for FPV
• It has a headless mode and one-key return
• Inbuilt GPS system
• 7K videos and 8MP photos
• Tough plastic chassis
• 3-axis gimbal stabilizer

Cons

• It has a range of only 300 meters

Verdict: Upair is designed to give the similar experience to that of a high-end drone only that you will still have a happy wallet. The drone is equipped with the latest systems like a gimbal stabilizer and the option of a 2.7K or 4K camera. It is flexible and versatile to perform the way you want.

11. Hubsan Professional H501S X4: Best Drone Under $200

The Hubsan Professional H501S has a host of flight modes that makes it an exciting drone to fly.

Design Features

The different flight modes of this drone are centered around the inbuilt GPS. We are talking about the Follow Me mode, headless mode, one-key return, and landing. It has OSD-live data streaming of the digital videos that you will be recording with this drone. You will like that the transmission is on the 5.8GHz frequency which rarely experiences lost connections.

On the FPV, you will see different status notifications like the battery level, the mode, altitude, and other useful functions that make flying a breeze. We like that it has a 1080 HD camera which is sure to catch stunning videos and images. You can get equally great selfies with the Follow Me mode.

If you have issues with noise and durability in a drone, you are in luck because Hubsan uses KV1650 PM1806 brushless motors that are known to be quiet and long lasting. The motors power this drone to be powerful yet maintain a small form factor.

Snags of the Hubsan Professional H501S

There are not a lot of things not like on this drone except it has a 300m range. This is quite limiting if you will be unable to tweak any of the features to improve the range. But what can we say for the faster but short range 5.8GHz wireless frequency?

Pros

• 8FPV real-time transmission
• Headless and Follow Me modes
• Multifunction controller
• 3-axis gimbal stabilizer
• 20 minutes of flight time
• Durable brushless motors

Cons

• Its range is 300 meters only

Verdict: Hubsan H501S allows you to stick to the affordable range when looking for a functional and practical drone. It beats the performance of most brands in its class by having FPV, headless mode, and the Follow Me mode. It is a starter drone whose looks will satisfy even avid drone users.

12. Syma X5SC Explorers Quadcopter: Best Training Drone

At under $50, anyone can learn how to fly a drone with the Syma X5SC. Surprisingly. It also includes a headless mode that makes the learning process more straightforward.

Design Features

This drone is good to go when you are because there are no extra requirements like registering your drone with the FAA. It comes with a battery, arms, blade safeguards, and the camera. These are only items you have to install to start flying this drone. It weighs around 2 pounds making it one of the lightest.

You may feel like it’s going to crash into pieces the first time it hits the ground, but the plastic chassis is quite robust. Plus the blade safeguards serve a big deal in protecting the propellers.

Apart from learning to fly, you can also practice on taking photos and videos with the onboard HD camera. It has a 6-axis gyro stabilizer that helps reduce shaky images. For kids, it is impressive that it can rotate over 360 degrees which makes it interesting as a gift for Christmas or any occasion where the outdoors is a lot of fun.

This drone has a 2.4GHz controller that does need using with a smartphone. It has an LCD monitor that displays the flight state like the throttle and battery status so that you are always on the know. The headless mode makes it seem effortless because the drone will always face the direction of the controller.

Snags of the Syma X5SC

This quadcopter lacks most of the features that you will encounter as you go up the price. It is a basic learning tool for navigating but if you are a total beginner and you are handed an advanced model after this one you will still find yourself hassling with maneuvers.

Pros

• 4GHz remote control
• 6-8 minutes flying time with 1-hour charge time
• The battery is USB rechargeable
• Has LED lights for night flying and indicating the direction of the drone
• It comes with blade protectors
• Headless mode

Cons

• It cannot withstand winds in the range of 10-15mph

Verdict: As a starter model, Syma X5SC has done a commendable job. It can take a beating owing to the tough hull, and the blades have protectors. It will give you a simple learning device so you can decide whether you want to proceed with advanced drones or whether flying drones is not for you.

Wrapping Up

Whether you want sleek details in professional videos and photos or to capture stunning footage as a beginner, a drone gives a fulfilling experience with a touch of adventure. We have reviewed the Best Drones we could find in the hope one of them catches your eye.

It is cool to own a drone; why not try it?