Drones are fast becoming a tech-enthusiast’s dream come true. Their uses – from aerial photography to rescue efforts and recreational flying – are endless. Whether you’re a novice, expert, or looking for an all-around crowd pleaser, consider the following if you’re in the market.
DJI MAVIC PRO
The DJI Mavic Pro quadcopter is lightweight (it clocks in at just 734 grams) and has a foldable hinge mechanism for easy transport. Its plastic frame makes it sturdy enough to withstand minor crashes, and it does come with a number of flying modes, including sports mode, “follow me” mode, and tripod mode. The latter controls the pace of the drone and makes for a fantastic video-making technique. On full charge, you get about 25 minutes of flight time with decent stability. If portability is your number one ask, this is the drone for you. $1,400
PARROT BEBOP 2
Likely the best starter drone out there in the $500 to $1,000 range, the Parrot Bebop 2 boasts 20 minutes of flight time and a 14-megapixel camera that’s able to capture 1080p video. You don’t get 4K video or HD live stream here, but it provides more than enough quality for beginners. The Bebop 2 uses a fish-eye lens rather than external camera, so you’ll have to learn how to control it. All in all, if you’re just startingout, this could be your jam. $700
YUNEEC BREEZE 4K
The handiest thing about the Yuneec Breeze is that it doesn’t come with a controller. Instead, you use a piloting app on your phone. It’s a damn cool, responsive, app-based controller, and handy if you don’t want to carry around a joystick. If you’re rubbish at the touch-screen app, no problem, the autopilot software is phenomenal. And the best bit? The Breeze has a selfie mode. So if you’re looking to take more photos of yourself, this drone is calling. $540
