The 8 Best drones under $1000 in 2024

Once you get into the $500 to $1000 range for drones, you really start seeing some high-quality tech and advanced capabilities. I’m talking obstacle detection to automatically avoid crashes, zoom lenses to get those perfect shots, improved GPS for better positioning, and overall more durable builds.

This price tier leaves room for the good stuff beyond just the basics. The drones I picked for this list offer features that go over and above your standard beginner quadcopter. And don’t think you gotta go with DJI just because they dominate the market. There are some fantastic DJI alternatives out there that deserve a close look.

Even though a grand is still a lot of cash, it unlocks some seriously capable flying machines equipped with smarter flight modes, longer range, and better imaging. If you’re willing to spend the money, these drones take your aerial filming and photography to the next level.

Let’s go over our top picks for the best drones under $1000. Buckle down and keep reading.

1、DJI Air 2s

2、DJI Mini 2

3、Autel Evo Nano

4、Parrot Anafi

5、SwellPro Spry+

6、Mavic Air 2

7、Hubsan Zino 2 +

8、Potensic D88

In this article, X Drone Shop will delve deeper into the topic of:（The 8 Best drones under $1000 in 2024）

Let’s started now！

What features should you look for in a drone under $1000?

When spending up to $1000 on a drone, there are several key features to look for to get the most bang for your buck:

• Obstacle avoidance sensors – Look for things like dual forward and downward facing sensors to automatically detect and avoid obstacles in the drone’s flight path. This prevents costly crashes.
• 4K camera and 3-axis gimbal – You’ll want at minimum a 4K camera for high quality photos/videos. The 3-axis gimbal provides stabilization for smooth footage.
• Improved flight times – Flight times of 25-30 minutes are ideal at this price point. Extended times allow you to stay airborne longer.
• Advanced flight modes – Look for ‘intelligent’ flight modes like ActiveTrack, TapFly, Hyperlapse, etc that enable more creative aerial shots.
• Increased transmission range – You should expect 2+ miles of HD video transmission range in this price tier.
• Better GPS systems – Dual GPS and GLONASS provides more accurate positioning and hover stability.
• More durable construction – Metal frames, carbon fiber propellers, and other high-quality builds for increased resilience.
• Portability – Foldable designs make transportation easier. Good to have when spending this much.

Getting all these features in one package is possible when stepping up to the sub $1000 drone category. Prioritize the camera, sensors, and flight time if I had to pick the most important capabilities.

The Best Drones under $1000

1、DJI Air 2s

The DJI Air 2S is a compact, foldable drone designed for aerial photographers and videographers. This drone features an impressive 1-inch 20MP camera sensor capable of capturing high-quality 20MP stills and 5.4K video. Powered by DJI’s robust flight technology, the Air 2S offers a max transmission range of 12km and 31 minutes of flight time. Some of the standout pros of this drone are its excellent camera performance with a large sensor and high megapixel count, versatile shooting modes like Hyperlapse and HDR video, and automated flight modes like MasterShots.

Pros:

• 1-inch 20MP camera sensor
• 5.4K video resolution
• 12km transmission range
• Automated flight and camera modes
• Obstacle avoidance sensors

Cons:

• Lower resolution than EVO II
• 31 minute battery life
• $999 price tag is expensive for casual users

The Air 2S also boasts DJI’s robust obstacle avoidance system using multiple vision sensors. However, the Air 2S does come with some downsides to consider. It lacks the 8K resolution and 48MP camera available on the more premium Autel EVO II. The 31 minute battery life is also shorter than some competitors. While packed with features, the $999 price tag stretches the budget for more casual users. But for aerial photographers seeking professional camera results without the size of DJI’s Mavic series, the Air 2S is a compact powerhouse.

2、DJI Mini 2

The DJI Mavic Mini 2 is one of DJI’s smallest and lightest consumer drones, weighing less than 249g. This ultra-portable drone boasts an impressive 4K camera capable of capturing clear and stable video footage thanks to its 3-axis mechanical gimbal. Some of the pros of the Mavic Mini 2 are its long 31 minute battery life, extended 10km HD video transmission range, and intuitive app control through DJI’s proprietary technology.

Pros:

• Ultra portable and lightweight
• Long 31 minute battery life
• 4K camera and 3-axis gimbal
• 10km HD video transmission range
• Intuitive DJI app control

Cons:

• Lack of obstacle avoidance sensors
• Mediocre low light camera performance
• Relatively high price for entry-level

The drone folds down to a compact size comparable to a smartphone, making it highly convenient to take anywhere. However, there are some downsides to consider. The lack of obstacle avoidance sensors means you have to pilot the drone carefully to avoid crashes. Low-light performance is also mediocre according to some users. Additionally, while cheaper than most DJI drones, the $449 price tag is still relatively high for consumers just getting started in aerial photography. Nonetheless, the Mavic Mini 2 represents an excellent blend of portability and performance that makes it a top choice for travel and outdoor adventure.

3、Autel Evo Nano

The Autel Evo Nano is Autel Robotics’ latest compact and foldable drone that packs impressive specs into a tiny package. It weighs less than 250g meaning it avoids drone registration requirements in many countries. The Evo Nano is capable of shooting 4K video and 48MP photos using a 1/2″ CMOS sensor and 3-axis gimbal stabilization. It also features obstacle avoidance sensors and has a maximum flight time of 40 minutes.

Pros:

• Incredibly portable and foldable design
• Under 250g weight avoids need for registration
• Long 40 minute maximum flight time
• Advanced 4K camera with 48MP photo capability
• Obstacle avoidance sensors
• Intelligent flight modes and tracking

Cons:

• Controller doesn’t have a screen
• More limited 6km transmission range
• Landing gear is not removable
• Does not handle wind as well as larger drones
• Camera has smaller 1/2″ sensor compared to rivals
• More expensive than DJI Mini drones

Overall, the Autel Evo Nano is an impressive technological marvel packing robust specs and flight performance into an ultra-compact drone body. It’s ideal for travelers, adventurers, and pilots wanting portability without sacrificing image quality and flight time.

4、Parrot Anafi

The Parrot Anafi is a foldable 4K camera drone designed for aerial photography enthusiasts and travelers. Weighing just 320g, it features a 180-degree tilt gimbal camera that can look up, down, and all around for unique perspectives. The Anafi also has up to 25 minutes of flight time, four pre-programmed cinematic shots, and an impressive digital zoom feature. Its compact size makes it easy to pack and take stunning aerial shots on your adventures.

Pros:

• 180-degree tilt gimbal camera
• Ultra-compact and lightweight body
• Up to 25 minutes of flight time
• 4K video recording and 21MP photos
• 2.8x lossless digital zoom
• Intuitive FreeFlight 6 app
• Foldable and travel-friendly

Cons:

• Somewhat limited range (2.5 miles)
• No obstacle avoidance sensors
• Advanced flying requires practice
• Smaller image sensor than premium drones
• Fewer intelligent flight modes
• Priced higher than competitors

5、SwellPro Spry+

The SwellPro Spry+ is a compact consumer drone built with a waterproof and floatable design. This allows it to land and takeoff from water, as well as survive splashes, light rain, and other wet conditions.

Pros:

• Unique water landing/takeoff capability
• High quality 4K aerial shots over water
• Waterproofing enables new shooting environments
• Decent 25 minute flight time
• Foldable for easy transport and storage

Cons:

• No obstacle avoidance system
• Overall build quality feels a bit toy-like
• Struggles in high winds
• Shorter 1.2km control range
• No onboard storage of photos/videos

Overall, the SwellPro Spry+ is an innovative drone that opens up new possibilities for capturing aerial footage over and around water. Just be prepared for its limitations in windy conditions.

6、Mavic Air 2

The DJI Mavic Air 2 was released in 2020 as an upgrade over the original Mavic Air. It’s positioned as a mid-range foldable drone with strong camera performance and smart features. With a 1/2″ CMOS sensor, the Mavic Air 2 can capture 4K/60fps video and 48MP photos while stabilized by its 3-axis gimbal. It’s a lightweight and portable drone aimed at aerial content creators.

Pros:

• Lightweight foldable design at 570g
• Long 34 minute flight time
• Capable 4K/60fps video and 48MP photos
• Omnidirectional obstacle sensing
• Smart capabilities like ActiveTrack 3.0
• Affordable price point under $800
• User-friendly flying experience

Cons:

• Small 1/2” sensor limits low light performance
• 4K video is capped at 120Mbps bitrate
• Portability sacrifices some wind resistance
• No zoom lens like Mavic 2 Pro/Zoom
• Extra accessories add to cost
• Advanced users may want more pro features

In summary, the Mavic Air 2 hits a sweet spot of portability, camera quality, and smart features for the price. It’s a great option for travel, real estate, content creation and more, but pros may want more premium capabilities.

7、Hubsan Zino 2 +

The Hubsan Zino 2 Pro stands out for offering professional aerial photography features in a durable folding design. A 1/2″ CMOS sensor gives it the ability to capture 4K/30fps video and 48MP photos. The 3-axis gimbal keeps footage smooth and stable. It folds down into a compact body that still provides 33 minutes of flight time. Smart tracking modes, obstacle avoidance sensors, and a 9km HD transmission range give you the tools to capture pro-level shots. An IP54 rating makes the Zino 2 Pro rugged enough for outdoor use. While not exactly cheap, it delivers outstanding imaging capabilities in a foldable drone suited for travel and adventure.

Pros:

• Large 1/2” image sensor for excellent 4K/48MP shots
• 33 minutes of long flight time
• Weather-resistant IP54-rated design
• Intelligent tracking and composition modes
• 9km HD video transmission range
• Foldable and fairly portable
• Great for outdoor/travel use cases

Cons:

• Still on the more expensive side
• Bulky when folded compared to some drones
• App and advanced features have a learning curve
• Needs a case to stay protected when folded
• Collision sensors could be better
• No onboard storage for photos/video

8、Potensic D88

The Potensic D88 is a budget-friendly foldable drone with GPS and dual camera functionality. It costs around $300 making it one of the most affordable GPS drones available.

Key features:

• 1080p main camera + 480p bottom camera
• Built-in GPS with automatic return home
• Optical flow positioning + barometer
• Follow me, orbit, and waypoint modes
• Foldable arms for easy transport
• Brushless motors provide 20 mins flight time

Pros:

• Very affordable price for a GPS drone
• Dual camera angles add creativity
• Useful smart flight modes like follow me
• 20 minutes flight time is decent
• Foldable design is great for travel

Cons:

• 2K camera would have been better
• Footage and image quality just average
• Bulky and plasticky build quality
• No obstacle avoidance sensors
• Struggles in windy conditions

Overall, the Potensic D88 is a viable option for new pilots that want to dip their toes into GPS drone flight without spending a lot of money. Just don’t expect stellar camera performance or build quality.

Conclusion about The 8 Best drones under $1000 in 2024

As drone technology continues advancing rapidly, 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for consumer drones in the $500 to $1000 price segment. We can expect to see improvements across all aspects – longer flight times, better cameras, smarter features, and increased safety.

Brands like DJI and Skydio will continue leading the way driving innovation and releasing cutting-edge new models. We’ll see wider adoption of obstacle avoidance sensors for crash protection. Cameras will jump up to 6K resolution and integrated gimbal stabilization will improve.

DJI is sure to build upon their successful Mavic and Mini lines with updated successors. And competitors are helping push boundaries delivering more advanced capabilities once only seen in high-end enterprise drones.

For aerial photographers and videographers, these sub-$1000 drones provide tremendous value by democratizing the air. Consumers have access to premium drone tech enabling professional-grade filming without the huge price tag.

As technology marches forward, 2024 will be a sweet spot for capable drones balancing price, performance and user-friendly operation. For under $1000, consumers will unlock smarter drones that pilot themselves with limited input, capture stunning bird’s-eye footage, and open creative possibilities. The skies and limits of what a personal drone can achieve will continue expanding.

To learn more about drone under $1000, check the following video out:

FAQs about The 8 Best drones under $1000 in 2024

You’ll want to prioritize things like obstacle avoidance, 4K camera with gimbal, 25+ minutes of flight time, advanced intelligent flight modes, increased transmission range, dual GPS modules, and durable construction materials.

The most popular brands are DJI, Autel, Parrot, Skydio, and Yuneec. DJI continues to dominate, but there are quality alternatives.

Yes, some top alternatives to DJI drones under $1000 include the Autel Evo Nano, Parrot Anafi, Skydio 2, and the Yuneec Mantis Q.

At minimum you’ll want extra batteries, a good quality microSD card for footage, a carrying case/backpack, and for DJI models get the Fly More Combo for the remote controller.

It depends on your budget, but something in the $500 range is usually better for beginners to learn on before moving up to a more premium drone.

Absolutely, drones like the DJI Air 2S and Mavic Air 2 are capable of shooting very high quality 20MP+ photos and 4K/5.4K video that looks professional.

Many allow goggle compatibility for a basic FPV experience, but you’ll get better dedicated FPV performance from something more racing optimized.

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