If you’re looking for a camera drone under $500, skip the toy aisle. While plenty of cheap drones exist, only DJI consistently delivers drones at this price that are reliable, easy to fly and capable of capturing footage you’ll actually want to share. Of DJI’s current offerings, I tested and compared the most recent four models in DJI’s lineup that are also priced below $500. With that, I broke out my picks based on not just budget but needs.
My overall top pick is the DJI Flip ($439). For the best mix of camera quality, safety features, and flight experience, the Flip is unmatched under $500.
But, here are all of the DJI drones that I tested and enjoyed:
- DJI Neo ($199)
- DJI Mini 4K ($299)
- DJI Mini 3 ($419)
- DJI Flip ($439)
All of these drones weigh under 250 grams. Drones under 250 grams are a big deal because many types of federal drone regulations do not apply to drones of that size. In the U.S., drones under 250 grams do not need to be registered with the FAA for recreational operations. They also do not need to be Remote ID compliant. That makes drone flying more convenient for international travelers who are more likely free to fly in a foreign country, without having to get registered or licensed in a place they might be visiting for just a few days.
Picking the best DJI drones under $500
DJI drones under $500: a quick comparison
DJI Neo | DJI Mini 4K | DJI Mini 3 | DJI Flip | |
Best for | Beginners, casual selfies | Value | Longer flights and strong image quality | Best overall |
Starting price (price includes lowest-price controller) | $199 | $299 | $419 | $439 |
Takeoff Weight | 165 grams | < 249 g | < 249 g | < 249 g |
Max Flight Time | 18 minutes | 31 minutes | 38 minutes (with Intelligent Flight Battery) 51 minutes (with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus*) |
31 minutes |
Max Takeoff Altitude | 2000 m | 4000m | 4000m (or just 3000m with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus) | 3000m |
Max Wind Speed Resistance | 8 m/s (Level 4) | 10.7 m/s (Level 5) | 10.7 m/s (Level 5) | 10.7 m/s (Level 5) |
Image Sensor | 1/2-inch CMOS | 1/2.3-inch CMOS | 1/1.3-inch CMOS | 1/1.3-inch image sensor |
Effective Pixels | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP | 48 MP |
Video | 4K/30 fps | 4K/30 fps | 4K HDR | 4K HDR |
Obstacle sensing | Downward | Downward | Downward | Downward: one visual sensor and an infrared sensor Forward: 3D Infrared Sensing System |
And here’s a deeper dive into all those drones:
DJI Flip: best overall
Who it’s for: Beginners or casual creators who want premium features at a budget price.
Why I like it: The DJI Flip is the most well-rounded drone in this price range. It combines a powerful 48MP camera with advanced flight features like foldable propeller guards and forward-facing sensors, which are typically found in higher-end models. It’s easy to fly, records sharp 4K HDR video at up to 60fps, and folds up small enough to fit in a backpack.
Few drones in this price range offer such a comprehensive set of features, making the DJI Flip the ultimate budget-friendly option for aerial photography and videography.
Drawbacks: Battery life tops out at 31 minutes, which is solid—but not best-in-class. Still, considering the camera quality and ease of use, the Flip is a standout value.
Sure, the DJI Flip is the most expensive of this bunch, but it’s still cheap. After all, this is a guide to the best drones under $500!
Find out why the Flip is worth upgrading for over the more affordable Neo in my guide to the DJI Flip vs. Neo.
- 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.
One last note: if you’re still hankering for more — say you want the obstacle avoidance in the DJI Mini 4 Pro, you’ll have to increase your budget above $500 — but not by much. Find out why it may be worth upgrading from the Flip to the DJI Mini 4 Pro.
DJI Mini 3: best for longer flights
Who it’s for: Creators who value longer airtime and more cinematic shots.
Why I like it: The Mini 3 offers the longest flight time of any DJI drone under $500—up to 38 minutes with the standard battery, or up to 51 minutes with the Plus version. It also has a large 1/1.3-inch sensor that captures clear, color-rich 4K HDR video. It’s light, portable, and less intimidating for beginners.
Drawbacks: You won’t get obstacle avoidance beyond the downward sensors. If you want multi-directional sensing, you’ll need to upgrade to the pricier Mini 3 Pro or DJI Mini 4 Pro.
Read more: DJI Mini 3 vs. Mini 3 Pro: which drone is better?
Purchase the DJI Mini 3 starting at just $419 (no controller) now from:
DJI Mini 4K: best value
Who it’s for: Most people looking for a capable camera drone under $300.
Why I like it: For just $299, the DJI Mini 4K delivers a lot: 4K video, reliable controls, and a lightweight, travel-friendly build. It’s a clear upgrade over the Mini 2 SE for only $20 more. It lacks some bells and whistles, but for casual photographers and hobbyists, it hits a great balance of features and affordability.
Drawback: The image sensor is smaller than what you’ll get with the Mini 3 or Flip. It’s fine for social media, but less ideal if you’re shooting for larger screens.
Buy the DJI Mini 4K now from Amazon for just $299.
DJI Neo: best for absolute beginners
Who it’s for: First-time drone pilots or creators on a tight budget.
Why I like it: The DJI Neo is designed for quick, social-media-ready selfies. Launch it from your hand, and it’ll perform pre-programmed shots like orbiting or flying upward—all hands-free. It’s fun and intuitive, and at $199, it’s the most affordable DJI drone on the market.
Though you can opt to pay extra for a controller, Neo is more designed to shoot selfies in pre-programmed flight modes. You launch it from your hand to take a particular type of selfie (say, the drone flying a circle around you). From there, Neo executes the video, and then it flies right back to your palm.
Drawbacks: Flight time is limited to 18 minutes, and there’s no forward obstacle detection. But for basic shooting, especially on phone screens, the Neo is a low-risk entry point.
It’s closest competitor in this guide is the DJI Mini 4K. Find out the differences between the DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K.
- Buy DJI Neo now from Adorama for $199.
- Buy DJI Neo now from Amazon for $199.
- Buy DJI Neo now from B&H Photo for $199.
- Buy DJI Neo now from Drone Nerds for $199.
Check out my full DJI Neo review.
Alternatives to these four picks
Looking for something else? Here are other ways to find drones under $500 (maybe):
Out-of-production drones: You might find others that have since gone out of production, such as the DJI Mini, Mini 2 or even DJI Mini 2 SE but it’ll likely be either used or from a third-party reseller. There’s also the now out-of-production, and very short-lived DJI Spark, which debuted at just $499.
A DJI-adjacent drone: DJI is also affiliated with another less-than-$160 drone called the Tello, which is made by a partner company called Ryze using DJI parts. Alas, even Tello has been discontinued.
Used drones: And sure, you might also be able to buy one of DJI’s fancier, usually $1,000 drones used for under $500. But, understand the risks of buying used drones.
The bottom line
The DJI Flip is the best of the bunch (if you don’t factor in the cost) for two big reasons: the best camera and the best flight. But for folks who prioritize saving money, then it might not necessarily be the best. After all, it’s more than double the price of the DJI Neo.
If you’re a videographer, it’s definitely worth going for at least DJI Mini 3 over the Neo. The Neo’s sensor isn’t as large, and its frame rate is lower. But then again, the DJI Mini 4K offers an incredible happy medium. It has a price point quite close to the Neo, but a camera much closer to the DJI Mini 3.
If you can afford it, go for the DJI Flip. There, you’ll find the highest image quality of this bunch.
But if you’re simply looking for the cheapest possible drone, then the DJI Neo can work for you. The DJI Neo is good if you fit into one of the following molds:
- You’re brand new to drones and don’t want to commit to something you’re not certain about.
- You’re flying in very simple environments over relatively short distances (well within your line of sight).
- You’re filming for small phone screens, rather than large TV screens, where top-tier image quality isn’t the top priority.
Which DJI drone under $500 do you recommend? Are there other factors folks should consider when choosing an entry-level DJI drone? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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