As you sort through drone specs to find the best model, one detail consistently stands out: weight. While features like a 4K camera and obstacle avoidance are important, the most in-demand spec among today’s consumer drones is a weight of under 250 grams.
Why does this matter? A lightweight drone isn’t just easier to carry around (a huge perk for travelers and photographers). More importantly, drones under 250 grams are exempt from many FAA drone regulations and similar restrictions worldwide. That means fewer barriers to flying, less paperwork, and in some cases, the ability to perform operations that heavier drones cannot.
Why drones under 250 grams are such a big deal
Why drones under 250 grams are so popular
Drones weighing less than 250 grams fall into a special regulatory category. In the U.S., that translates to two big advantages for recreational pilots:
- No FAA registration required: Recreational drones under 250 grams don’t need to be registered.
- No Remote ID requirement: Drones under 250 grams are exempt from Remote ID rules that otherwise apply to drones 250 grams and up.
In some countries, sub-250g drones can even fly in situations usually restricted to heavier drones — such as flights over people or beyond visual line of sight.
Keep in mind: If you’re flying commercially under Part 107 in the U.S., even a drone under 250 grams must be registered.
Related read: 249-gram Mavic Mini was designed for safety, DJI says. Sure, but that’s not the whole story.
FAA registration and drones under 250 grams
Normally, drones weighing 250 grams or more must be registered with the FAA, whether used recreationally or commercially. Registration is quick and costs $5 for three years, but it requires you to create an FAA account, provide identifying information, and affix a registration number to your drone.
If your drone weighs less than 250 grams and you’re flying purely for recreation, you can skip this step entirely. That means:
- No fee.
- No government paperwork.
- One less hassle before you fly.
For pilots who value privacy or convenience, that exemption is a huge draw.
Remote ID and drones under 250 grams
Remote ID — essentially a digital license plate for drones — became mandatory for most drones in September 2022. All drones 250 grams and up must broadcast their identity and location while flying in the U.S.
But here’s the loophole: drones under 250 grams are exempt from Remote ID when flown recreationally. This is one of the main reasons sub-250g drones have skyrocketed in popularity.
Other benefits of small drones: safety
Beyond regulations, drones under 250 grams are generally considered safer. Their lower mass means less kinetic energy in the event of a crash, reducing risk to people and property.
The FAA’s 250g threshold wasn’t arbitrary. In 2015, aviation experts used formulas for energy and velocity to determine that drones under this weight posed significantly less risk, setting the benchmark for today’s safety rules.
Best drones under 250 grams in 2025
DJI and Autel dominate the lightweight drone category with the DJI Flip and DJI Mini 4 Pro. I’ve put together an extensive guide to the best drones under 250 grams, but you can read the quick version below:
Best overall: DJI Mini 4 Pro
Released in September 2023, the DJI Mini 4 Pro set a new bar for sub-250g drones. Key features include:
- Weighs 249 grams
- Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance
- 4K/60fps and 4K/100fps video + Night Mode
- True Vertical Shooting for social media
- ActiveTrack 360° subject tracking
- 34-minute flight time
- 20km transmission range
Read our full review of the DJI Mini 4 Pro or read a breakdown of the Mini 3 Pro vs. the Mini 4 Pro.
Best budget pick: DJI Flip
For an affordable entry into DJI’s ecosystem, the DJI Flip delivers strong value:
- Weighs less than 249 grams
- 48MP photos, HDR, 4x zoom
- 31-minute flight time
- Foldable carbon-fiber prop guards
- Handles wind speeds up to 12 m/s
Perfect for beginners, vloggers, and casual flyers who want portability without breaking the bank. Yes, it even makes Drone Girl’s list of overall best drones for photographers in the budget pick category.
- Order the DJI Flip drone from Amazon, starting at $439
- Order the DJI Flip drone from B&H Photo, starting at $439.
- Order the DJI Flip drone from Drone Nerds, starting at $439.
Best non-DJI option: Autel Evo Nano+
If you prefer a DJI alternative, the Autel Evo Nano+ is your best bet:
- Weighs under 249 grams
- 1/1.28-inch CMOS sensor, 50MP photos
- f/1.9 aperture with RYYB color filter
- Millisecond autofocus (PDAF + CDAF)
- 28-minute flight time
- Built-in obstacle avoidance
Order the Autel Evo Nano+ drone+ directly from Autel, here.
Can the FAA regulate drones under 250 grams?
Yes. While many rules don’t apply, you are still subject to airspace restrictions and safety laws. That means you cannot:
- Fly in restricted areas (e.g., near airports) without FAA approval
- Fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)
- Fly over large crowds without special waivers
And remember: if you fly commercially under Part 107, registration and Remote ID rules still apply, even if your drone weighs less than 250 grams.
Final thoughts
Drones under 250 grams offer a sweet spot for hobbyists: lighter regulations, improved safety, and impressive features once only found on heavier drones. From the powerful DJI Mini 4 Pro to budget-friendly options like the DJI Flip, sub-250g drones are redefining what’s possible in recreational flight.
For most pilots, choosing a drone under 250 grams means less red tape — and more time in the air.
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