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Best Drones for Beginners in 2024

Updated on July 31, 2024

What are the best drones for beginners in the market right now? What features do they have? Can I take good quality pictures and videos out of them?

The exciting world of drones is finally here! And they are now easier to use than ever!

Drones, once military tools are now available to the public and they offer a lot of interesting things to let you enjoy and feel stress-free as you explore the aerial sceneries.

Today, drones for beginners already feature advanced technologies and capabilities making them a remarkable companion may it be indoors or outdoors.

Check out our reviews of the Top 3 Best Drones for Beginners for an informed purchasing decision.

Our Top Picks

Best Premium:

DJI Mini 2 SE

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Best Low-Cost:

DJI Ryze Tech Tello

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Best Overall:

Potensic ATOM SE

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What Defines a Drone for Beginners?

These drones are recognizable through their easy-to-use features, durability, and affordability. They usually have built-in structures that are ready to withstand bumps and crashes.

Headless mode and Altitude hold features are usually found in drones for beginners to aid new drone operators in maintaining control and avoiding accidents.

Moreover, the affordability and safety features of these drones offer a great way to explore the boundaries of the drone world

However, I’m sure that a lot of people today still have doubts about drones (which is acceptable and reasonable).

A lot of us are afraid of exploring new areas where we don’t have any idea or information. But drone technology has always proven it wrong, it is impressively adapting to our ever-changing world.

You can always check out our posts about drone laws and restrictions and how to become a certified drone pilot.

Quick Comparison Chart

Drone ModelFlight TimeCamera QualityPriceWeightGPS Oriented
DJI Mini 2 SE31 mins12mp/4k$279249gYes
DJI Ryze Tech Tello13 mins5mp/720p$109.9980gNo
Potensic Atom SE62 mins720p HD$249.99245gYes

Top 3 Best Drones for Beginners

Our Best Premium Pick

DJI Mini 2 SE

DJI’s best all-around performing drone under 250 grams. It offers extended flight time and amazing features you can absolutely enjoy when going outdoors!

Trusted Quality

DJI is a well-known drone manufacturer

Extended Flight Time

It provides up to 31 minutes of maximum flight time per battery

GPS-Oriented

This provides additional safety and strong connection

Are you looking for a drone that is a premium product but offers good value for your money?

This drone has well-crafted software (including a beginner’s tutorial), stable video, and an upgraded controller.

It only weighs 249 grams which means that it doesn’t require registration from the FAA (Federal Aviation Authority).

The drone’s camera quality is further enhanced by EIS and a 3-axis gimbal. It has a 1080p and 2.7K video capture resolution, coupled with a 12 MP image resolution.

With a foldable design, DJI OcuSync, and impressive level 5 wind resistance, the lightweight DJI Mini 2 SE is remarkably durable with excellent flight performance.

Additionally, it boasts a 31-minute maximum flight time and a reliable 6-kilometer connection range, both competitive in the market.

Read our full product review about DJI Mini 2 SE

Specifications

Special Features10km Transmission Range, Level 5 Wind Resistance, Lightweight, Foldable, Compact, One Button Return
Weight249 grams
Flight Time 31 minutes
Camera12MP stills / 2.7k videos
GPS-OrientedYes

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Well-crafted software (DJI Fly app)
  • Compact and lightweight (249 grams or 0.55 pounds)
  • Guaranteed quality drone for a fair price
  • Offers intelligent capture modes (such as Quickshots and Panorama)
  • Excellent outdoor drone
  • GPS oriented

Cons

  • 2.7k video quality is inferior than most phones
  • Collision course sensors are only present during landing
  • Not good in narrow places

Features and Details

FEATURESDETAILS
Lightweight and PortableDJI Mini 2 SE is undoubtedly lightweight (only weighs 249 grams) plus its amazingly small structure.
Registration is NOT NeededFederal Aviation Authority or FAA has a minimum limit of 250 grams (0.55 pounds) to force drone registration. However, this drone does not exceed this limit as it only weighs 249 grams.
Extended Flight TimeLonger flights are ensured because it offers 31 minutes maximum flight time. It will only get better if you choose the Combo option as it provides 2 additional batteries.
In simple terms, you can achieve a total of 93 minutes of flight time with DJI Mini 2 SE making it one of the best drones for beginners.
Easy Taps for Best ImagingEasy-to-use shooting templates on this drone will help you to automatically record, fly, and make high-quality videos which you can also directly share on social media.
Level 5 (38kph) Wind ResistanceA lot of drones are having problems with strong wind pressure but not the DJI Mini 2 SE. It can withstand up to Level 5 (38 kph) wind pressure making it a reliable companion in windy areas.
Advanced Transmission RangeThe longer, the better. It has a 10-km transmission range with DJI OcuSync that guarantees more reliable flights and more capture moments.
Beginner-FriendlyYou can quickly master and easily navigate DJI Mini 2 SE because it has simplified operations. Return to Home function was also added so that you will have a worry-free experience.
Our Best Low-Cost Pick

DJI Ryze Tech Tello

One of DJI’s Best Entry-Level Toy Drone. It offers Programmable features and an amazing close-range selfie camera!

Trusted Quality

DJI is a well-known drone manufacturer

Very Safe

Comes with propeller guards and built-in safty features

Selfie Buddy

It offers an amazing close range camera

Are you looking for a premium product that are perfect for all ages? DJI released this “Entry-Level Toy drone” so beginners or young pilots can easily venture into the world of drones.

This drone has a unique physical structure paired with aerial tricks that make it stand out compared to others.

It certainly has easy-to-fly features with automatic controls and stable flight performance is present to help beginner drone pilots.

Despite its small size, DJI Ryze Tech Tello’s impressive camera can produce 5-megapixel images and 720p HD videos.

Additionally, it has a special programmable app supported by Scratch that lets you create customized flight paths and movements.

This will showcase your creativity in your future flying experiences.

Lastly, it offers safety features like low-battery protection and propeller guards. They ensure the safety of your drone and whatever is in its surroundings.

Read our full product review about DJI Ryze Tech Tello

Specifications

Special FeaturesBounce Mode, Throw & Go, Programming App
Weight80 grams
Flight Time13 minutes
Camera5mp stills / 720p videos
GPS-OrientedNo

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Very Safe
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Can perform many aerial tricks
  • Cheap but built with pro features
  • Excellent close range selfie buddy
  • Impressive battery life
  • No registration is needed

Cons

  • Limited camera view (can’t be tilted)
  • Low stability in windy areas

Features and Details

FEATURESDETAILS
Throw & Go You can simply toss the Tello into the air and it can still easily follow your flying command.
Bounce ModeThis will let you fly this drone up and down from your hand automatically.
High-Capacity BatteriesDJI Ryze Tech Tello might not have longest flight time but it will offer you 13 minutes of cruising the skies
8D FlipsSimply slide on screen or simply press one button and Tello will perform cool aerial stunts.
CameraTello’s camera might not be great for wide range sceneries but it’s surely excellent for close range selfies!
A pair of Downward-facing SensorsThis will certainly give extra protection to the drone when you fly through indoors or tight spaces.
Programming App supported by ScratchDrone pilots can command this drone to execute movements through dragging blocks on their smart phone. They can also develop programming skills by playing games and completing levels.
Our Best Overall Pick

Potensic ATOM SE

This remarkable drone boasts extended amount of flight time you can enjoy! It is also durable which is perfect even for beginners and young pilots.

Remarkable Battery Life

With this Combo, you’ll have up to 62 mins of maximum flight time

Durable

It is built to withstand many collisions and bumps

GPS-Oriented

This provides additional safety and strong connection

Do you want a small, compact drone and offers a lot of excellent features? It has durable structure that can withstand a lot of impact and collisions while also having stabilized flying capabilities.

This drone is very easy to fly, thanks to its design and remarkable features like altitude hold and one-key landing/takeoff.

It is built with 4k video capture resolution coupled with 12MP image resolution. It also has 1/3 CMOS Sony Sensor making sure to produce high quality photos and videos.

With 2 batteries, Potensic Atom SE offers a flight time of up to 62 minutes (31 minutes per battery).

Although, this flight time can vary depending on the external factors like wind speed and how aggressively your flying the drone.

Overall, the affordability, creativity and superior performance of this drone will impress anyone whether you’re a beginner or already a drone specialist.

Read our full product review about Potensic ATOM SE Fly More Combo

Specifications

Special Features62 Mins Flight, 4KM FPV Transmission, Brushless Motor, Max Speed 16m/s, Level 5 Wind Resistance
Weight249 grams
Flight Time62 minutes (31 minutes per battery)
Camera12MP stills / 4k videos
GPS-OrientedYes

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable (weighs less than 249g)
  • No Registration needed
  • Beginner Friendly
  • Extended Flight Time (can reach up 62 minutes)
  • GPS oriented
  • A lot of fun features
  • It has Level 5 wind resistance

Cons

  • No collision avoidance
  • Photo and Video quality might not be great for some people

Features and Details

FEATURESDETAILS
Extended Flight TimePotensic Atom SE comes with long lasting two 2500mAh batteries, and each battery can last up to 31 minutes giving you a total of up to 62 minutes of flight time
Light Weight but has Level 5 Wind ResistanceThis drone weighs less than 249 g (which is under the limit of FAA to force drone registration). Despite being small, it can withstand Level 5 wind pressure through its built-in brushless motor.
Beginner Friendly with Remarkable flight modesIt has SurgeFly flight Control system (which is basically the Beginner Mode) and 3 amazing flight modes (Video, Normal and Sport mode).
Tip: In Sport Mode, this drone can reach max speed of up to 35mph
4k EIS CameraAtom SE can capture 12 megapixel photos and impressive 4k/30fps HD video. It is built with 1/3 CMOS Sony Sensor to ensure its safety. It also offers an exclusive ShakeVanish tech which assists in capturing stable and smooth images within its 118° FOV and a vertical +20° to -90° camera.
Long Transmission (4km) with PixSync 2.0If you’re drone is getting farther and farther from you, then you begin to worry about the connection between the controller and the drone. Not on this drone since it has a control range of up to 4km (13,123 ft), coupled with PixSync 2.0 which ensures smooth and clear videos.
GPS and Fun FeaturesThe Auto Return feature is controlled by its precise GPS which safely takes this drone to the take-off point even when it loses its signal or it’s in low battery.
You can do and enjoy a lot of tricks in ATOM SE like Follow Me, Waypoint Flight, and Circle Flight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Only some of the beginner drones have GPS technology like Potensic Atom SE. This is because GPS is normally available in mid-range to advanced drones.

Yes, they are, but not all of them! Beginner drones usually have modular design which means that their parts can easily be repaired or replaced in times of being damaged.

Only some of the beginner drones usually come with spare parts (like propellers and batteries). It’s only reasonable because it costs money to make this extra parts. For that reason, many drones offer Combo pack where extra parts are provided and also enhances drones capabilities.

Conclusion

Drones have become one of the best devices you can have today. They offer wide range of uses: photography, filming, stunts, fishing, you name it.

Drones for beginners offer numerous features to quickly develop your drone piloting skills and become a certified pilot. Click here if you want to learn more about laws for recreational flyers implemented by the FAA.

In this journey, we have seen that they their strengths and weaknesses. If you want the best premium quality beginner drone, DJI Mini 2 SE is the way to go.

If you want to choose the cheaper but still a premium quality beginner drone, DJI Ryze Tech Tello is cetainly the best choice.

Finally, if you want to choose the best overall beginner drone out there, Potensic Atom SE is undoubtedly the best option.

All in all, no matter what drone you choose, they will certainly bring you to the exciting and thrilling world of drones.

Now, which of these Top 3 Best Drones for Beginners will you choose?