The best indoor drones of 2025


While most drones are built for open skies, flying indoors offers a controlled alternative—perfect when the weather’s uncooperative or outdoor airspace is restricted. That said, not every drone is built for indoor flight. Some drones are better indoors than out, whether due to size, maneuverability, or obstacle avoidance. Others are designed to fly anywhere—including indoors.

Below, you’ll find the top indoor drones of 2025, ideal for beginners, FPV racers, budget flyers, and — yes — even Star Wars fans. Many are affordably priced, though a few premium picks offer robust flight performance indoors and out. One even records sound, a rarity for drones.

Oh, and by the way, if you’re seeking tips, advice and legal guidance around flying drones indoors, I’ve got you covered right here.

So without further adieu, here are the best indoor drones of 2025:

The best indoor drones at a glance

Use case Drone
Best overall DJI Avata 2
Best budget pick DJI Neo
Best for indoor and outdoor flying DJI Mini 4 Pro
Best for sound recording HOVERAir X1 PRO
Best for Star Wars fans Propel Star Wars Battle Drone
Best beginner FPV drone NewBeeDrone Hummingbird V4
Best DIY FPV kit QAV-S 2 Sub-250 Joshua Bardwell SE
Best true FPV rig Flywoo Explorer with Naked GoPro 10
Best DJI alternative under $300 DJI Mini 4K

Here’s a deep dive into each of those drones:

The best indoor drone overall: DJI Avata 2

Sally French, The Drone Girl, flies the Avata 2 drone and holds the DJI Goggles 3. (Photo by Sally French)
  • Price: Starts at $579
  • Flight time: 18 minutes per battery
  • Camera: 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 4K/60fps, 12MP stills

The DJI Avata 2 drone is hands-down the best drone for indoor flight in 2025. Designed as a Cinewhoop-style FPV drone, it features built-in propeller guards, compact dimensions (185×212 mm), and weighs just 377 grams—perfect for tight indoor maneuvers. It’s also surprisingly rugged, with Level 5 wind resistance, allowing it to fly outdoors in moderate winds (19–24 mph).

It’s an upgrade to DJI’ss first Cinewhoop-style FPV drone, the original DJI Avata, which launched in August 2022. Both iterations of Avata are made with indoor drone flights in mind, though — in a battle comparing the Avata 2 versus Avata — the Avata 2 wins on almost every metric.

With FPV goggles and DJI’s Motion Controller 3, it offers immersive flying. Prefer traditional stick controls? Pair it with the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 (sold separately).

Why it wins indoors:

  • Integrated propeller guards
  • Beginner-friendly flight modes
  • Superior 4K camera
  • Durable and compact

DJI Avata 2 is the best indoor drone, but it also holds up incredibly well outside thanks to Level 5 max wind resistance. That means it can fly at wind speeds ranging from 19 to 24 miles per hour (which is about the equivalent of winds that generate moderate waves at the beach). 

The best budget indoor drone: DJI Neo

The DJI Neo drone. (Photo by Sally French)
  • Price: $199
  • Flight time: 18 minutes per battery
  • Camera: 12MP, 4K/30fps

Launched in September 2024, the DJI Neo is DJI’s cheapest drone yet. Though it lacks an RC transmitter (relying instead on a smartphone app or voice commands), it offers excellent video quality, especially compared to its now-discontinued predecessor, the DJI Tello.

The DJI Neo is particularly well-suited for beginners because it’s so easy and safe to fly.

Why it works indoors:

  • Lightweight and agile
  • Quiet operation
  • Reliable indoor positioning

Now of course, realize that — while video quality is decent for a $199 drone — it doesn’t compare to DJI’s camera drones like the Mavic 3 Pro.

Best place to buy: Amazon ($159)

Check out my full Neo drone guide, and my personal take in my DJI Neo review.

Best hybrid indoor/outdoor drone: DJI Mini 4 Pro

  • Price: $769
  • Flight time: 34 minutes per battery
  • Camera: 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 48MP stills, 4K/60fps video

While designed primarily for outdoor use, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is a stellar indoor performer thanks to omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, making it nearly crash-proof. Under 249g and compact enough to fly through doorways, it’s one of the best do-it-all drones on the market.

Why it’s great indoors (and out):

  • Smart flying sensors
  • Long battery life
  • Professional-level camera

Of all the drones in this guide, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is closest to the Avata 2. But the two are really, very different drones. Here’s my guide comparing the Avata 2 vs. Mini 4 Pro so you can really understand which is better for you.

Best place to buy: Amazon ($769)

Best indoor drone if you want to record sound: HOVERAir X1 PRO

Price: $439 (often on sale for $399)
Flight time: 11 minutes
Camera: 12MP, 2.7K video
Sound recording: Yes (via phone)

The HOVERAir X1 PRO improves upon its predecessor, the HOVERAir X1 without the bulk or gimmicks of the more expensive ProMAX. While DJI drones outperform it in overall value and image quality, the X1 PRO has a standout feature: audio recording. It captures audio via your phone, though syncing may require post-editing.

If for some reason you don’t want to buy a DJI drone, this is the strongest DJI alternative.

This drone flies on pre-programmed paths (Orbit, Zoom Out, Follow), but a manual control mode gives you greater autonomy — ideal for indoor flights.

Why it stands out:

  • Records synced audio
  • No controller needed
  • Excellent for social media creators

Buy the HOVERAir X1 PRO now from B&H Photo.

Best for Star Wars fans: Propel Star Wars Battle Drone

  • Price: $140
  • Flight time: 5 minutes per battery
  • Camera: None

Star Wars meets drone racing with this battle-capable collectible. The Propel Star Wars Battle Drones come in designs like the TIE Fighter, X-Wing, and Speeder Bike—each hand-painted and ready for battle. Fire eye-safe lasers at other drones for simulated combat with real feedback.

Why it’s great indoors:

  • Small and safe to fly
  • Battle mode with vibrations
  • Collector’s edition packaging

Best place to buy: Amazon ($140)

Best true FPV drone: the Flywoo Explorer

Price: $489

Camera: Pair with GoPro (sold separately)

The Flywoo Explorer LR 4″ Quadcopter HD w/ DJI O3 paired with the Flywoo Naked GoPro 10 Action Camera w/ Touchscreen + Filter Set offers unbeatable FPV footage indoors or out. The stripped-down GoPro weighs just 44g, ideal for agile flying without compromising video quality.

Why it wins:

  • Professional FPV footage
  • Great for real estate or cinematography
  • Smaller and quieter than 6” drones

I especially love this pick if you’re looking for an indoor drone for real estate agents.

Best beginner FPV drone: NewBeeDrone Hummingbird V4

Price: $117
Camera: BeeEye analog FPV cam

The NewBeeDrone Hummingbird V4 is a top pick for beginner FPV racers. With a tiny 65mm whoop frame and ELRS 2.4GHz SmartMax 400mW VTX, it’s nimble, customizable, and analog-compatible. It weighs just 19.5g (without battery) and includes high-performance 0702 30000KV motors for agile flying indoors.

Why it excels indoors:

  • Durable, ultra-light frame
  • Custom FPV upgrades possible
  • Fantastic for tight quarters

Buy from: GetFPV

Best DIY FPV drone kit: QAV-S 2 Sub-250 Bardwell SE

Price: $293 (frame kit only)
Camera: HD-ready (DJI O3/O4 or Walksnail not included)

For hands-on builders, the Lumenier QAV-S 2 Sub-250 Joshua Bardwell SE is my favorite DIY freestyle FPV kit. Designed for sub-250g compliance and indoor-friendly flying, it includes carbon fiber arms, aluminum camera plates, and supports top-tier HD systems.

Why it’s awesome:

  • Great for indoor freestyle
  • Lightweight, durable frame
  • Comes with detailed build guide

Buy from: GetFPV

Best budget0friendly DJI altnerative: DJI Mini 4K

  • Price: $299
  • Flight time: 31 minutes per battery
  • Camera: 4K/30fps, 12MP

The DJI Mini 4K is a pared-down version of the Mini 4 Pro, offering many of the same benefits at half the price. With no obstacle avoidance and fewer camera specs, it’s still a great value drone for indoor flight (just 11.3 inches wide unfolded). Plus, it made the list of the best DJI drones under $600.

Why it’s a great deal:

  • Compact, under 249g
  • Excellent camera for the price
  • Stable indoor performance

Best place to buy: Amazon for $299

What are the best indoor drones in your opinion? Leave a comment below!

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