Is a drone even worth it in 2019? Yes, sure. The 2019 drones not only have...via first-class 4K cameras, but also score points with a compact design. This means that many of the best drones today can be folded up and easily transported. The extremely precise image stabilization is also one of the highlights of the top drones. While you don't have to be an expert to learn to fly a drone, choosing the best drone is still a difficult task.
The best thing about our selection of the coolest drones of 2019 is that there are already models with a 4K camera and automatic image stabilization at particularly affordable prices. You no longer have to spend a fortune to capture amazing aerial photos.
1. DJI Mavic Air on top of the list of best drones 2019
Weight: 430g | Remote Control: Yes | Camera resolution: 12 MP | Battery: 2.375mAh | Range: 10km
+ extreme portability
+ 4K videos recorded at up to 100 megabits per second
+ Almost perfect obstacle avoidance
– Really requires multiple batteries
It's hard not to love the DJI Mavic Air. It's the first foldable drone that can record stable 4K video at 60 frames per second and still fit in a backpack or jacket pocket. There aren't many compromises you have to make if you're happy with the battery life of 21 minutes. Tests have shown that the actual flight time is only 18 minutes. However, this is sufficient for most people, especially if they opt for the recommended three-battery Fly-More set (totally worth it).
The Mavic Air is small, fast and can do lots of neat tricks. It can track moving objects, return to you like a boomerang and record spherical videos.
The reason this is at the top of our list is because Mavic Air is the best value for money drone. However, we recommend spending a little more on the absolutely valuable Fly More bundle.
2. Best Drones 2019: 2. DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Weight: 907g | Remote Control: Yes | Camera resolution: 20 MP | Battery: 3,850 mAh | Range: 5km
+ Excellent foldable design
+ New photo and video modes
+ Better camera
– Cannot record 4K at 60 frames per second
The second version of DJI Mavic Pro delivers the sharpest videos and the best still images thanks to its Hasselblad camera with gimbal stabilization and a 1-inch CMOS sensor. The images are brighter and more detailed than those of the previous model.
DJI has also made improvements to the software, with new modes for capturing photos and videos - including Hyperlapse, creating stunning aerial videos.
All of this comes at a price - the Mavic 2 Pro is more expensive than the previous model, but you could find a great deal on Black Friday. Many retailers are offering special deals on premium drones, including the Mavic 2 Pro.
3. DJI Spark
Weight: 300g | Remote Control: Yes / Not Included | Camera resolution: 12 MP | Battery: 1,480mAh | Range: 2km
+ intelligent gesture control
+ Automatic quickshot modes
– Short flight time
The DJI Spark is DJI's most accessible model. Its incredibly cool gesture controls will make you feel like a Jedi. The mini drone is also in 5different colors available.
It's easy to control using your smartphone, but you can purchase a separate remote control. It's definitely affordable, but it would be better if this was included.
It is an incredibly light drone. No wonder, because it's the size of a can. This is both one of the model's greatest strengths and its greatest weaknesses. Although the drone can be carried in a jacket pocket, it will be affected by the wind during the flight.
4. DJI Phantom 4
Weight: 1380g | Remote Control: Yes | Camera resolution: 12.4 MP | Battery: 5,350mAh | Range: 5km
+ Beautiful and stable 4K footage
+ Fisheye lens
+ Excellent smartphone app
– Not expandable
An evolution of the already impressive DJI Phantom 3 Professional, the Phantom 4 offers a more robust construction, updated obstacle detection technology and - like so many other DJI models - an excellent remote control combined with an equally feature-rich smartphone app.
Thanks to the gimbal image stabilization, the 4K videos look great even when using the droneat high speedand filming a change of direction. The biggest downside - and you'll find this is common with many drones - is the short battery life, only around 15 to 20 minutes.
While not in the same league as Inspire 1, the Phantom 4 offers a comparable level of performance and functionality at a lower price. This makes it ideal for new aerial photographers rather than experienced professionals.
5. Parrot Bebop 2
Weight: 500g | Remote Control: Optional | Camera resolution: 14 MP | Battery: 2,700mAh | Range: 300 meters
+ Stable video recording
+ Excellent flight controllers and headset
– You have to pay extra for certain functions
The Bebop 2 is a great mid-range model that still offers a surprising amount of features for its price. The camera has a fisheye lens and stabilization software eliminates the need for a gimbal. In combination with the intelligent design of the fuselage, in which vibrations during flight are reduced with rubber dampers, the result is an almost jerk-free video.
You can upgrade the Bebop 2 with the optional flight controller and FPV headset. The controller connects to the smartphone and provides proper flight controls, while the headset provides a great experience.
One downside is that some of Bebop 2's more interesting features, such as: B. route planning and the “Follow-Me” function are blocked behind a paywall. This means you will have to pay extra if you want to use these. Battery life is also a bit disappointing, so it's worth investing in a replacement battery.
6. Parrot Anafi
Weight: 3202g | Remote Control: Yes | Camera resolution: 21 MP | Battery: 2700mAh
+ 4K UHD video at 60 frames per second
+ 180 degree camera with vertical camera perspective
– No obstacle avoidance
This drone may be small and light, but it takes impressive shots.
The camera has a vertical perspective, allowing it to take photos directly upwards - a feat no other drone can match. It also features a 2.8x zoomable lens with no quality degradation.
The Parrot Anafi is a particularly good choice for selfie fans. Follow Me mode tracks your movements and automatically adjusts to find the perfect angle. Their SmartDronies modes – Orbit, Parabola, Boomerang and Tornado – let theFlying drone with camerato try out each direction.
The biggest disadvantage is the lack of obstacle avoidance, which makes the model unsuitable for beginners. There are also a few flight modes that are locked as additional in-app purchases.
7. DJI Mavic Pro
Weight: 734g | Remote Control: Yes | Camera resolution: 12.35 MP | Battery: 3830mAh | Range: 12 km
+ Very portable
+ Special remote control
– Poor shots in low light
Until DJI Spark came onto the market, the Mavic Pro was the smallest drone in DJI's range. Don't let its small size fool you - this little plane delivers the performance that DJI's larger drones are famous for.
The camera is mounted on a gimbal, which is unusual for drones of this size. In good lighting conditions, it delivers fantastic results with both photos and videos. However, due to the small size of the sensor, the photos in low light are not as nice. The Mavic Pro has a top speed of 40 km/h and the battery is enough for around 20 to 25 minutes of air movement.
As with other DJI drones, the Mavic Pro comes with a special remote control that uses your phone's display to show you exactly what the drone sees. The range is enormous, allowing you to capture stunning still images and videos without worrying about possible loss of radio contact.
2019 models for professionals:DJI Inspire 2
Weight: 3440g | Remote Control: Yes | Camera resolution: 30 MP | Battery: 4280mAh | Range: 7km
+ Amazing image quality
+ Good battery life
+ Lots of features
– Quite expensive
Inspire 2 knocked its predecessor off the top. With a modernized metal hull, this is a much more attractive design. With the more advanced object avoidance technology, you don't have to worry about the beautiful body being accidentally scratched by a tree.
You get more than 25 minutes of flight time from the two-battery layout. Professional photographers and videographers can also swap camera lenses and have complete control over their images and 5K videos.
Thanks to the fully featured smartphone app and dedicated remote control, this drone is incredibly easy to control, but make no mistake, this is a professional kit.
DJI Inspire 1
Weight: 2935g | Remote Control: Yes | Camera resolution: 12.76 MP | Battery: 5700mAh | Range: 2km
+ Amazing build quality
+ Easy to update
– Expensive for the typical consumer
The DJI Inspire 1 may look like a fearsome war robot from the far future, but it's easy to fall in love with its specs and features.
It has its own controller that offers amazing range. The camera mounted on a gimbal can be upgraded.
The drone is fairly stable in the air, even in fairly windy conditions. The DJI Inspire 1 is also incredibly fast and easy to maneuver when paired with this excellent controller. The only downside is the cost and the fact that the included battery is only enough for about 15 to 20 minutes of flight time before it needs to be recharged.
ZeroTech Dobby – Small selfie drone
Weight: 199g | Remote control: No | Camera resolution: 13 MP | Battery: * 970mAh | Range: 100 meters
+ Ultra-portable
+ Functional mobile app
– Battery life is poor
This is the smallest drone on this list and also one of the cheapest. Despite its rather unassuming appearance (and rather strange name), the Dobby is a surprisingly versatile drone. From ZeroTech as“Selfie drone”called, it is small enough to fit in your pocket. This gives them an advantage over many drones, which are often too large.
The Dobby's small size means it gets tossed around in strong winds, but on a good day the performance is impressive. It is controlled via a smartphone app. Features like orbital movements, object tracking, and facial recognition are included as standard and easy to execute. The drone's audio and visual sensors attached to the bottom allow for palm-mounted takeoff and landing. It can also be used indoors.
For such a small drone, it's not surprising that endurance is perhaps the Dobby's biggest sticking point - the battery lasts between five and ten minutes, depending on variables like wind speed and recording time. The photo and video quality is also lower compared to more expensive models on this 2019 drone list.
Browse through the offerings of popular electronics and technology retailers and find the perfect model for your needs. Finding a quality drone at a reasonable price is no longer difficult!
