What Drone Should You Buy as Your First in 2025?

Here are my recommendations for what drone to get as we enter 2025. I break it down into 3 basic categories to help you decide what to get for yourself or your loved one.

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[ralphmeder]

Just received my Mini 3 and love it! Yes, I'm that guy who has flown RC planes, helis, and even still own a E-flight Blade 200QX since the 2000s! Nothing compares to the joy of trusting the technology packed into such an easy-to-fly drone which also catches some pretty darn good pics and videos to share with family and friends and taking some aerial footage from our mountain getaways. A solid choice and very happy with my purchase.

[NawlinstoVegas]

I've got the Mini 4 pro and just got the Air 3s. I had Zero customs issues. Ordered the Air 3s on a Wednesday from DJI and had it Monday morning. love them both!!

[EUCnFPV]

I just flew my neo for the first time today and i can already tell this will be flown way more often than my mini.

[archerone]

Was surprised by your recommendations. I would say Mini 4 Pro if you want photography and Avata 2 if you want fly for fun. And best thing you can fly both with goggles 3 if you own both drones. Of course if you want something cheaper, then Mini 4K or Neo are good too.

[nicholas]

Just got a DJI mini 3, blown away by its stability and quality

[zenfire]

EVO II Ver. 3 was my first drone, and it's set the bar high to even consider other manufacturers.

[RonaldBrown]

Good advice Russ, it can very confusing buying your first drone. And beginner couldn't go wrong with any of the drones you recommended. Thanks for sharing.

[StefanGenov]

I bought my first drone and is the Mini 3 and its perfect for my needs

[smc]

Based on my experience of owning (or having owned) an original Mavic, Spark, Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom, Air 3 and Inspire 2 with both the X5 and X7 cameras with 4 lenses, my suggestion to people who ask what drone they should get is that unless they are doing PAID work, get one of the Minis. Then I always say to them that the chances that they actually use their drone is almost little to none. Most people I know that have a drone who don't do it for pay probably flew their drones half a dozen times then it has been sitting in their closet for the past years. DOZENS of times I've run into people who come talk to me while droning to tell me that they, too, have a nice DJI drone but haven't flown in it over a year.

So if you are still wanting to get a drone, get one of the Minis. There's nothing that one of the latest Minis can't do if you're just a hobbyist/vlogger. Some would argue that the Air and Mavic series do a better job in high winds and I would argue that a hobbyist shouldn't be flying in high winds anyways regardless of the drone they have.

The second thing I tell people, don't get a drone and expect to get the same kind of footage I get. What you see is from hundreds of hours of shooting with a drone and honestly lots of crashes attempting to get the amazing shots. The advanced motions I get are from hundreds of hours (if not thousands) of flying. Your footage will probably look like crap for awhile until you put in the time.

[NCRLICH]

Yeah I initially got the the avata 2 fly more combo. Money well spend. That drone is so much fun!!! With the motion controller it’s easy.

[utahiker]

Fantastic video, as always. I’ve learned so much from your channel. Thank you for all that you do.

My drone journey
- Holy Stone HS720E - cheap drone. Started my addiction and research process. Would NOT recommend.
- DJI Mini 4 Pro - I wanted 360 obstacle avoidance and features other Minis didn’t have.
- DJI NEO - I mean, why not.
- DJI Air 3 - I wanted better wind resistance. I fly in the (always windy) Utah desert. Was on sale and on the shelf at Best Buy.

I’m a strictly recreational flyer who loves to take pictures and now video.

[owenclemons]

Last night I got snagged the dji air 3 fly more combo on Amazon for $899!!!

[PaulFeinberg]

Great video Russ! Still rocking my mini 3 pro….i would love to get an avata 2

[SCAerials]

Russ, thank you for your excellent coverage and options for the best drone in 2024🙏. I wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving 🙏🙏.

[texasRoofDoctor]

2 questions:
1) Where is that beautiful Stave Church ?
2) What should i buy for my roofing company? I really just need something basic so that my guys do not have to get on really steep roofs. 4k camera would be great for promotional video.
Maybe a 3rd question: Are any of the drones on Amazon worth it or are they all trash ?
Thank you in advance

[johnnysouth]

Still flying the OG mavic pro with the original props. No problems but have to admit I did just get an air 3s . Still tripping on everything that is has to offer.

[ryan]

I bought the dji fpv and gep rc drone with a dji system they both have magnificent cameras buy cost like $600-$700

[steveborghardt]

In my view the Air 2S is the best drone for the money and if you're primarily a still photographer it's specs are still better than the Air 3S. The Air 2S has the true 1 inch 20mp sensor. The Air 3S has the 1 inch sensor but it's really a 12mp stacked sensor when you get down to it. In my opinion the Air 2S would be the perfect 1st drone for someone into photography. Thanks Russ for putting this video out.

[paullawrence]

It's good to take time on deciding which drone you want, believe me!

[brianarthur]

hi . this is off topic but I am interested in fpv. I am blind in one eye and was wondering if dji's new goggles would still be useful for a person with this condition. btw love your videos