Best drone 2024: our 8 favorite models

Article updated on 22 August 2024

Welcome to our guide to the best drone 2024! This year, drones are outdoing themselves with exceptional performance, outstanding image quality and innovative features. Whether you want to capture stunning images or explore new horizons, we’ve selected the 8 best models by category to meet all your needs. Ready to find the perfect drone? Let’s find out together!

Why invest in a drone in 2024?

Drones have become indispensable for capturing breathtaking images, exploring inaccessible places and for a variety of professional applications. In 2024, drone technology has reached new heights with improved performance, longer battery life and innovative features.

Here are a few reasons why investing in a drone this year is a great idea:

• Outstanding image quality: modern drone cameras offer resolutions ranging from 4K to even 8K, guaranteeing sharp, detailed images. This superior image quality makes it possible not only to capture impressive photos and videos for leisure, but also to produce professional content for film, advertising and social networks.
• Stability and maneuverability : advanced stabilization systems and improved sensors make drone flight safer and smoother than ever. These technologies make it possible to capture stable images even in windy conditions. The enhanced maneuverability of modern drones makes them accessible even to beginners, while offering advanced performance for experienced users.
• Intelligent functionalities: today’s drones are equipped with intelligent functionalities such as subject tracking, obstacle avoidance and route planning. These features enable complex, dynamic shots to be taken without requiring in-depth piloting expertise. Obstacle avoidance, for example, ensures safe flight even in complex environments, while subject tracking enables fully automated filming of people and vehicles in motion.
• Reliability and versatility: drones have never been so reliable and versatile. Technological advances have considerably improved battery life, component quality and weather resistance. Drones can be used for a variety of missions beyond simple image capture: site scouting, surveillance, package delivery, industrial and agricultural inspections, search and rescue, and topographical mapping. For example, in agriculture, drones can monitor crop health and optimize irrigation, while in industry, they can inspect hard-to-reach infrastructure.
• Unique perspectives: owning a drone means you can capture unique aerial shots, offering unprecedented perspectives on the world. Whether filming natural landscapes, sporting events or real estate projects, drones let you see the world from a completely new angle. This ability to explore otherwise inaccessible viewpoints opens up new creative and professional opportunities.

Investing in a drone in 2024 means taking advantage of cutting-edge technology to explore new creative and professional possibilities. Whether for photography, filming, surveillance or inspection, modern drones offer an unrivalled combination of quality, performance and versatility.

Best drone 2024: how to choose?

Before presenting our selection, it’s important to understand the essential criteria to consider when buying a drone. These criteria will help you find the model that best suits your needs and budget.

1. Price: price is often the first criterion to consider when buying a drone. Drones vary considerably in terms of cost, from low-cost hobby models to more expensive professional drones. It’s crucial to define your budget before starting your search. More expensive drones generally offer advanced features, better camera quality and increased autonomy. However, there are many affordable drones that offer excellent value for money for hobbyists and beginners.
2. Camera quality: a good camera is essential for capturing high-quality photos and videos. Drones with 4K (or even higher) cameras are becoming increasingly common, offering exceptional resolution for detailed images and smooth video. In addition to resolution, also consider camera features such as frame rate, ISO range for filming in low-light conditions, and available color profiles. A high frame rate enables you to capture smoother video, essential for action scenes. A wide ISO range is crucial for clear, detailed images in low-light conditions. What’s more, the availability of color profiles, in particular flat profiles, allows greater flexibility in post-production, enabling precise color retouching for optimal rendering.
3. Battery life: battery life is a key factor in enjoying your drone without frequent interruptions. Modern drones generally offer an autonomy of between 20 and 30 minutes per charge, with some top-of-the-range models even reaching 40 minutes or more. A long battery life means you can enjoy longer flights and maximize your shooting time. It’s also worth checking battery recharge times and the availability of additional batteries.
4. Range and connectivity: long range and a stable connection are crucial for flying further and higher in complete safety. Transmission technology plays an important role in flight range and the quality of real-time video transmission. Systems like DJI’s OcuSync offer a range of several kilometers with low latency. Long range also means a more reliable connection over shorter distances, ensuring that the signal remains strong and stable, minimizing the risk of connection loss and interruptions during flight.
5. Ease of use : ease of use is particularly important for beginners. An easy-to-fly drone with automatic modes like auto takeoff and landing, hovering, and pre-programmed trajectories makes the flying experience more enjoyable and less stressful. Features like obstacle avoidance also add a layer of safety and convenience.

By taking these criteria into account, you’ll be better prepared to choose the drone that best meets your expectations and budget, whether you’re a keen amateur or a demanding professional.

Our selection of the best 2024 drones

It’s impossible to point to a single best drone, as there are a multitude of models to suit different budgets and uses. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking for a drone for occasional shots, a content creator wanting to publish on social networks, a professional needing a high-performance tool for complex projects, or an FPV pilot looking for thrills, there’s a drone made for you. That’s why we’ve distinguished 8 categories to help you find the drone that best suits your specific needs.

The drone market is largely dominated by DJI, a brand that has established itself as the undisputed leader thanks to its constant innovations and the quality of its products. So it’s hard not to name a DJI drone at the top of every category. However, to offer a more diversified vision and meet the expectations of all users, we have also included two alternative categories featuring non-DJI drones, to provide varied and relevant options.

The best camera: DJI Mavic 3 Pro

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a top-of-the-range drone featuring three integrated cameras with different focal lengths for optimum flexibility. The main camera is a 20 MP Hasselblad CMOS 4/3 with a 24 mm focal length, ideal for high-quality shots. The medium-format 48 MP telecamera with a 70 mm focal length, and the 12 MP telecamera with a 166 mm focal length, provide a wide range of detailed shots.

The Mavic 3 Pro features omnidirectional obstacle detection, ensuring safe flight in all circumstances. This feature enables the drone to detect and avoid obstacles in all directions, providing a hassle-free and safe flying experience. In addition, FocusTrack enables the drone to track moving subjects with great precision, ideal for dynamic shots and action sequences.

Another major feature of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is its ability to plan flight routes. Thanks to Waypoint 3.0 functionality, users can define waypoints for the drone to follow a predetermined route, making it easy to capture complex, repetitive sequences.

The Mavic 3 Pro also boasts an impressive flight time of up to 43 minutes. This long flight time allows users to maximize their capture time without having to worry about the battery. What’s more, O3+ video transmission ensures a transmission range of up to 15 km, guaranteeing a stable connection and superior signal quality even over long distances.

In short, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro combines outstanding camera capabilities, enhanced safety thanks to omnidirectional obstacle detection, advanced tracking and flight planning features, and extended battery life, making it an ideal choice for professionals and demanding drone enthusiasts alike.

To find out more, read our full review:
➡️ DJI Mavic 3 Pro with three cameras: full review

🔎 F or whom?
For those who want the best image and the most creative possibilities. With its three sensors and numerous automatic shooting modes, the Mavic 3 Pro is a complete drone that will delight even the pickiest content creators.

The different packs available

Discover our accessories for
DJI Mavic 3 Pro

GO

The best mini drone (under 250g): DJI Mini 4 Pro

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is an ultra-compact, lightweight drone weighing less than 250 grams, perfect for hobbyists and professionals looking for performance and portability. It’s equipped with a 4K camera capable of recording videos at 100 frames per second and capturing photos in 12 MP and 48 MP resolutions, offering high-quality images and videos. What’s more, its rotating camera enables vertical shots, ideal for content creators on social networks.

With a flight time of up to 34 minutes, the DJI Mini 4 Pro allows extended flying sessions without having to worry about the battery. This flight time is particularly impressive for a drone of this size and weight, offering more time to capture perfect footage. The omnidirectional obstacle detection system is a key feature that ensures maximum safety during flight, detecting and avoiding obstacles in all directions to avoid collisions.

ActiveTrack 360° subject tracking technology is another key feature of the Mini 4 Pro. This feature enables the drone’s position in relation to the target to be determined live, and the drone to perform 360-degree movements around it. This ensures precise tracking of moving subjects, ideal for capturing dynamic sequences and following moving objects without losing sight of the main subject.

In addition, Waypoint route planning allows users to define waypoints for the drone to follow a predetermined route. This feature is particularly useful for repetitive or complex shots, facilitating sophisticated autonomous flights.

In short, the DJI Mini 4 Pro combines outstanding image quality, long battery life, advanced detection and tracking systems, and sophisticated flight planning options. These features clearly make this drone the best in its class, offering a perfect balance between performance and portability.

Find out more in our full review :
➡️ DJI Mini 4 Pro, the perfect mini drone? Full test.

🔎 Who’s it for?
For those who want the best, but still want to travel light. The Mini 4 Pro is clearly the most complete drone offering the best image quality, while remaining under the 250-gram mark for portability and smoother regulation.

The different packs available

Discover our accessories for
DJI Mini 4 Pro

GO

The best alternative to DJI (Mini range) : Autel EVO Nano+

The Autel EVO Nano+ is an ultra-light drone weighing less than 250 grams, offering optimum portability without compromising on performance. It features a 4K camera with a 1/1.28-inch, 50 MP CMOS sensor, capable of filming at 30 frames per second and taking exceptionally clear photos. The drone offers a flight autonomy of 28 minutes and can reach a maximum speed of 54 km/h.

The three-way obstacle detection system (front, rear and bottom) ensures enhanced in-flight safety, while SkyLink video transmission provides a range of up to 10 km, guaranteeing a stable, high-quality connection. Among its innovative features, SkyPortrait automatically captures aerial portraits by adjusting the camera’s altitude and angle to get the best shots. The SoundRecord function adds a unique aural dimension to videos by recording ambient sounds via the mobile app.

The drone also features Dynamic Track subject tracking, which automatically follows moving subjects with precision, ideal for capturing dynamic sequences and action scenes without losing sight of the main subject.

Although the Autel EVO Nano+ remains slightly behind the DJI Mini range, it is positioned as the best alternative and the most serious competitor. Autel Robotics is clearly on the right track to pushing DJI to excel, offering innovative, high-performance products that meet the needs of demanding users.

To find out more, read our full test:
➡️ Autel EVO Nano+: full test

🔎 F or whom?
For those looking for the best drone under 250g not made by DJI. The Nano+ is a great option for those who want to explore beyond the market leader’s offerings and push the market leader to continue innovating.

The different packs available

All our accessories & parts for
Autel EVO Nano+

GO

The most versatile drone : DJI Air 3

The DJI Air 3 is a significant advance on the Air 2S, featuring a dual camera with a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens with focal lengths of 24 mm and 70 mm. These sensors can capture 4K video at 100 frames per second and 48 MP photos, offering a wide range of creative perspectives.

The drone uses the OcuSync 4 video transmission protocol , guaranteeing a maximum range of 20 km for a stable connection and exceptional transmission quality. Weighing in at 720 grams, it boasts an impressive 46-minute flight autonomy thanks to a 4241 mAh battery, making it one of the longest-lasting drones in its category.

Omnidirectional obstacle detection ensures safe flying. FocusTrack subject tracking technology, including ActiveTrack 360, Spotlight and Point of Interest, enables precise tracking of moving subjects. ActiveTrack 360 enables the drone’s position in relation to the target to be determined live, and 360-degree movements to be made around it, guaranteeing dynamic, engaging shots.

With its foldable design and advanced features, the DJI Air 3 stands out as the most versatile drone in its class. It is equally suited to demanding amateurs and professionals looking for a high-performance, reliable tool for a variety of aerial photography and videography applications. The Air 3 can be considered a veritable little Mavic 3, offering similar functionalities in a more compact and accessible format.

Find out more in our full review:
➡️ DJI Air 3: our full review

🔎 F or whom?
For those who dream of a Mavic 3 but don’t have the budget. With its dual camera and all its features, the Air 3 is a real little Mavic 3, with inferior image quality but a more affordable price and a format that’s easier to carry around.

The different packs available

Discover our accessories for
DJI Air 3

GO

The best alternative to DJI (Air range) : Autel EVO Lite+

Weighing in at 835 grams, the Autel EVO Lite+ is a drone that offers an impressive combination of performance and portability. It is equipped with a 1-inch CMOS sensor capable of 5.4K filming at 30 fps and 50 MP photo capture, guaranteeing outstanding image quality even in low-light conditions thanks to excellent noise management and a wide dynamic range.

The drone boasts an impressive flight autonomy of 40 minutes and can reach a maximum speed of 65 km/h, enabling extended, dynamic sessions. It is equipped with front, rear and bottom obstacle sensors, ensuring safety in flight. The lightweight, ergonomic remote control offers a video transmission range of up to 12 km, thanks to SkyLink technology, which ensures a stable connection and superior transmission quality.

The EVO Lite+ also offers advanced features such as Dynamic Track 2.1, for precise tracking of moving subjects, and SkyPortrait, which can take a photo of a person or group of people while blurring the background. In addition, SoundRecord technology records ambient sounds via the mobile app, adding a unique aural dimension to captured videos.

The Autel EVO Lite+ is positioned as a serious contender in the high-performance drone market, offering a viable alternative to DJI models with its advanced capabilities and ease of use.

To find out more, read our full test:
➡️ Autel EVO Lite+ : full test

🔎 F or whom?
For those looking for a solid alternative to DJI drones. The Lite+ offers exceptional image quality with distinct processing that could appeal to those who prefer a different rendering to that offered by the market leader.

The different packs available

All our accessories & parts for
Autel EVO Lite+

GO

The best FPV drone: DJI Avata 2

The DJI Avata 2 is an FPV drone designed to make first-person flight accessible to everyone, including beginners. Weighing 410 grams, it offers a robust construction with integrated propeller guards, guaranteeing enhanced durability. Its compact design (180 x 180 x 80 mm) makes it easy to handle and transport.

The drone is equipped with a camera capable of filming in 4K at 100 frames per second, delivering crisp, immersive images. The camera is stabilized by a RockSteady digital stabilization system, ensuring smooth videos even in fast motion. The Avata 2 also boasts a 155-degree wide field of view, enhancing visual immersion.

For the FPV experience, the DJI Avata 2 is accompanied by DJI Goggles 3, offering 1080p resolution at 100 Hz, enabling clear, smooth images directly in the headset. The drone uses the DJI O3+ transmission system, which ensures a video transmission range of up to 10 km, guaranteeing a stable, high-quality connection.

Flight autonomy is 23 minutes, which is respectable for an FPV drone, allowing extended flight sessions. The Avata 2 incorporates a rearward and downward obstacle detection system , adding a layer of safety. This system detects obstacles in the drone’s path, reducing the risk of collision and making flight safer, especially for novice users.

The DJI Avata 2 is therefore an ideal choice for those wishing to learn FPV without the usual risks associated with building custom FPV drones, offering an immersive and safe flying experience. An intuitive joystick makes it easy to handle, even for those with no previous experience.

To find out more, read our full review:
➡️ DJI Avata 2, full review: FPV for everyone!

🔎 F or whom?
For those who want the thrill of FPV flight with a safety belt. Perfect for beginners, the Avata2 offers immersive flight, with a quick learning curve and advanced safety features.

The different packs available

All our parts & accessories for
DJI Avata 2

GO

The best budget drone: DJI Mini 4K

The DJI Mini 4K, offered by DJI for under €300, is a lightweight drone weighing less than 249 grams, making it exempt from certain strict flight regulations. It is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, offering 12 MP photo resolution and capable of filming in 4K at 30 frames per second. This drone is aimed at amateurs and novices alike, offering good image quality at an affordable price.

The DJI Mini 4K combines the features of the DJI Mini 2 and the DJI Mini 2 SE. It’s an upgraded Mini 2 SE with the Mini 2’s camera, capable of shooting in 4K, or in other words, a Mini 2 without the QuickTransfer function for rapid transfer of photo and video files between the drone and a smartphone.

The DJI Mini 4K uses the RC-N1 radio control system, enabling video transmission up to 10 km. The DJI Mini 4K’s battery offers a flight autonomy of around 31 minutes, which is respectable for a drone in this category. Users can also take advantage of various intelligent flight features such as QuickShots, which captures automated, stylized video sequences, making it easy to create content without requiring in-depth drone piloting expertise.

In short, the DJI Mini 4K is an excellent option for those looking to enter the world of drones without spending a fortune, offering 4K video quality, good flight autonomy and ease of use.

To find out more, read our full review :
➡️ DJI Mini 4K: 4K for less than €300!

🔎 F or whom?
For those looking for a quality drone to get started without breaking the bank, while benefiting from DJI know-how!

The different packs available

Our parts & accessories for
DJI Mini 4K

GO

The best drone for beginners : DJI Mini 3

The DJI Mini 3 is a compact, lightweight drone weighing less than 249 grams, ideal for hobbyists and professionals looking for performance and portability. Equipped with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, it captures photos in 12 MP and 48 MP resolutions, as well as 4K video at 30 frames per second. A notable feature is its rotating gondola, enabling true vertical shots, perfect for content creators on social networks.

The DJI Mini 3 offers a flight time of up to 38 minutes, a significant improvement on the Mini series. Although it lacks some of the advanced modes such as obstacle detection, subject tracking or route planning found on the Pro version, it does offer smart modes such as QuickShots, making it easy to capture automated, stylized video sequences.

In terms of image quality, the Mini 3 stands out for its use of automatic HDR, which compiles three different exposures to better bring out shadows and highlights, offering a more dynamic image and more vivid colors. Native double ISO further enhances image quality, reducing graininess in low light and revealing more detail in highlights and shadows.

The drone is also compatible with the DJI RC remote control, which incorporates an ultra-bright touchscreen, adding an extra layer of comfort and functionality for users. This compatibility enables precise, intuitive control of the drone, while eliminating the need to connect a smartphone.

The DJI Mini 3 is strategically positioned between the DJI Mini 2 and DJI Mini 3 Pro, offering an ideal compromise between performance and cost. Compared to the Mini 2, it boasts better image quality and enhanced functionality, while remaining more affordable and simpler than the Mini 3 Pro.

In short, the DJI Mini 3 is an excellent choice for content creators who want to be able to publish on all types of social networks, without breaking the bank. It combines outstanding image quality, long battery life and advanced features at a competitive price.

Find out more in our full review:
➡️ DJI Mini 3: our full review

🔎 F or whom?
For those looking for a drone to create quality content suitable for all social networks, without breaking the bank!

The different packs available

Discover our accessories for
DJI Mini 3

GO

Best drone 2024: the final word

Choosing the best drone in 2024 will depend above all on your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re a professional looking for the best image quality, an FPV flying enthusiast, or a novice content creator, there’s a perfect drone for you in our selection.

We hope this guide will help you make the right choice. Don’t forget to check local regulations on drone use, and always fly safely. Enjoy your flight! 😁