J. Stupid
In this Review
The best value you can find for a tech toy that serves no practical purpose for most, with the bonus of allowing you to perpetuate conspiracy theories.
As far as fun dumb toys go, drones have got to be making a run for first place. The primary practical reason for buying one is for photography or video capture, and the prices for drones have come down enough to make it reasonable to get one to record yourself biking or go on a hike and get a cool shot of yourself from above. Outside of things like that, you are basically just buying yourself the equivalent of an action figure, and that’s ok.
Drone Brands and Price Ranges
Drones aren’t made by Nike or Apple (yet), so you might be wondering where to start with all this.
DJI Drones
The DJI brand of drones is what you are looking for unless you plan on doing all kinds of intense research and comparing options. DJI is a well-known brand with multiple lines and generations of drones behind them so far. They offer cheap, entry-level drones, as well as drones that cost $2000.
Potensic is another recognizeable and legitimate brand. You can buy Potensic drones with confidence, though the reviews don’t rave quite as much for this brand. Their website is really cool though.
Drone prices vary greatly, but like many tech products there are some very cheap and apparently unbranded options on Amazon. They get as low as $50, but realistically you are looking at $100-$500 for a decent entry-level drone. It is probably worth the extra money unless it if for a young child or you are broke (but if you are why the fuck are you reading this?).
Best Affordable Drones
Some offerings below from DJI, Potensice, and random nameless shit on Amazon that you should buy at your own risk.
- Lightweight and Regulation Friendly – At just 135g, DJI Neo may be even lighter than your phone and does not require FAA registration and Remote ID. Throw Neo in your backpack or even your pocket. Just grab and go!
- Palm Takeoff & Landing, Go Controller-Free [1] – Neo takes off from your hand with just a push of a button. Neo’s safe and easy operation makes it perfect for taking to family BBQs and hiking with friends.
- Subject Tracking & QuickShots – Effortlessly capture stunning vlogs as DJI Neo smartly follows you. Getting professional footage has never been easier with eight creative QuickShots modes!
You get subject tracking, voice/app control, stabilized video, “return to me” feature, and the convenience of it weighing about 1/3 of a pound and being tiny enough to easily fit into even a tiny backpack. Flight time and lack of an actual controller could be considered drawbacks here, but you aren’t going to do much better for this price realistically.
Alternatives
Here are some other high-rated drones for adults with features like voice control, extra batteries, 4K and image stabilization.
- 【Ultimate Fusion: 4K HD Camera, Image Stabilization, and FPV】Equipped with image stabilization technology, our 4K UHD camera delivers sharper visuals through faster bit rates and optimized camera modules. A shock-absorbing mount ensures no camera shake affects capturing images and videos at 3840 x 2160 resolution. Combined with ultra-smooth FPV transmission and an adjustable 90° lens, it brings you an immersive flying experience like never before.
This one comes in a cool construction-style orange with flashy red and blue lights. Sleek, functional, not the cheapest but not the most expensive.
- 【4K UHD Camera & 120° wide-angle & 90° adjustable】UHD 4K Camera ensures shooting 3840 x 2160P high resolution images and videos. Combined with 120°wide-angle and 90° adjustable lens, it brings you an immersive flying experience like never before. (Suport SD card)
- 【Smart Return Home and Easy to Control】The G9 drone equipped with smart functions and GPS Auto Return.It can perform automatically return home when the drone lost signal, out of range or low power, never have to worry about flying it away.GPS & Optical Flow System achieving precise hovering and stable flight; Headless Mode, One key Start, Speed Adjustment let the drone beginners or kids control the it easily!
Top-Tier Drones
These less affordable but more awesome options definitely will not disappoint, but might be one of your most expensive purchases.
- 【𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥-𝟓 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞】ATOM SE drone weighs 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝟐𝟒𝟗𝐠, 𝐧𝐨 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐀𝐀& 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐈𝐃 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. The fold-up design packs up small enough to fit in a jacket pocket. Built-in 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫 makes the drone 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥-𝟓 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝 and fly stably.
- 【𝟒𝐊 𝐄𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫】The drone is equippied with a 𝟏/𝟑’’ 𝐂𝐌𝐎𝐒 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫. It can shoot 𝟏𝟐𝐌𝐏 photos and 𝟒𝐊@𝟑𝟎𝐟𝐩𝐬 HD video. The exclusive ShakeVanish tech helps to take more stable and smoother images within 118° FOV and a vertical +20° to -90° camera.
Good-looking and intelligent people generally spend $450 or more on their drones.
Probably.
- No Registration Needed – Under 249 g, FAA Registration and Remote ID are not required if you fly for recreational purposes. Visit the FAA’s official website for requirements related to drone registration and Remote ID. [1]
- 4K Ultra HD & 3-Axis Gimbal for Cinematic Quality Shooting – Capture stunning moments in any light—sunrises, sunsets, and night scenes with crystal-clear 4K resolution. Thanks to the 3-axis gimbal, you can achieve cinematic-quality footage.
- 38kph (Level 5) Wind Resistant – DJI Mini 4K has a stable flight even in Level 5 winds. Brushless motors enhance power and allow takeoff at altitudes up to 4,000 meters.
- 10km Max HD Video Transmission-up to 10 km (32,800 feet) [2] of HD video transmission and has excellent anti-interference capabilities, giving you the ability to freely explore vast landscapes and see clearer.
- Fly Fearlessly – This 4K camera drone has full-coverage propeller guards made from lightweight carbon fiber, providing comprehensive protection for you. Enjoy your time with the drone!
- Lightweight and Regulation Friendly – Weighing under 249 g, [1] this drone doesn’t need FAA registration or Remote ID in America. It’s compact, convenient, and ideal for your travels!
- Your On-the-Go Director – With subject tracking, your subject stays in focus. Whether you’re hiking or having a party, this drone acts like your personal cinematographer, capturing every move.
The Best Drone (and Most Expensive)
- Bundle for the FPV Pro
- Experience the Thrill of Flying: Enjoy total immersion and intuitive control with DJI Avata. When you combine Avata with the goggles and motion controller, flight becomes accessible to all.
- Flight has Never Been Easier: With the DJI Motion Controller, intuitive flight is in your hands. Squeeze the trigger and bolt forward or turn a corner with the swivel of your wrist.
- Ultra-Smooth 4K Footage: Avata features an upgraded camera system so that no extra attachments are needed. Enjoy next-level imagery with the 1/1.7-inch sensor, 155° FOV, and flagship stabilization.
- Palm-Sized and Agile: The lightweight and compact design of Avata makes it easy to carry and more capable of agile maneuvers. Fly between gaps, though branches, and take it with you on any adventure.
What will you be using your drone for? Let us know in the comments or find us on Insta+Threads @viciousreviewsmf
