18 Best Drones Available On The Market

Drones went from being a casual summer hit to a mainstream tech gadget. What’s so surprising is the fact it took drones just a couple of months to go from complete anonymity to a mainstream market. At first, they were only purchased by tech enthusiasts and those who feel that way. Nowadays, everyone seems to have at least one drone… And everyone keeps talking about them constantly.

best drones for sale 2020

Perhaps that’s not the case with your group of friends, but coming from my perspective – I can’t even go on a proper night out with my friends and colleagues without them mentioning drones. They’re everywhere… With that being out there on the table, I’d like to address a huge issue that has been brought up to my attention. You see, there’s a huge abundance of drones for sale on the market. This paved the way for drones of questionable quality which is why newcomers might find it difficult to pick out a good one.

That’s why I made this list of the best 18 drones currently available for sale. They are divided into four categories (beginner-friendly, enthusiast-grade, professional, and commercial) and offer a solid difference between price ranges. If you are currently in the process of purchasing a drone and you are afraid you might not get the best bang for your bucks, make sure you carefully read through the models down below as some of them will definitely interest you!

 

Before You Buy: 3 Things to Consider When Purchasing a Drone

Now that you’ve seen all of our favorite drones for sale in 2020, here’s a quick guide through the key things you should consider before you put a ring on your next/first drone!

Your Budget

Yep, we’re going to talk about money right off the bat! Obviously, your budget will be a huge factor when deciding what sort of a drone you’re going to purchase. On top of that, your budget will limit your overall expectations, especially if we’re talking about stricter one.

If you’re buying a drone for family needs, AKA aerial memories AKA photo album maker, then you’ll need at least $400 to $500. If you need a cheap drone for your little ones, going as low as $50/$100 is fine as there are good children’s models for that price. If, however, you’re looking for an enthusiast-grade beast, you’ll have to splash up around $1000 for sure!

Flying Experience

Another thing to keep in mind is the amount of drone flying experience you have. Obviously, you don’t want to purchase a $1000 drone and make it your test dummy. That’s just not a smart idea, period! Yes, I know these high-end models have all sorts of stuff that makes them practically uncrashable… but trust me, if there’s the smallest of malfunctions and you’re still trying to learn how to control sUAVs in midair, you’re going to have a very bad time.

What I’m basically trying to say here is that you should balance out the price tag with your experience. If you’ve never operated a drone before, it’s best to start things slowly, capping the price at roughly $300. If you do have some drone flying experience, base yourself around the $500 mark. If, on the other hand, you already own a drone (or have owned one) and you’re confident in your abilities/experience, feel free to spend as much as you want.

Your Preferred Use Case

Last but not least – your drone purchase has to suit your preferred use case. As stated above, if you’re looking for an aerial photo album platform, you’re looking at roughly $400 to $500. More precisely, you’ll have to splash out this much money because that’s what entry-level gimbal-equipped GPS drones start at. Yes, there are a few solutions for $300, but $400 to $500 models come with significantly better flight times and operating distances.

 

Best Drones for Sale in 2020

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Scroll down to drones for:

Beginners / Enthusiasts / Professionals / Commercial

 

Drones For Sale: Beginners

Let’s take things one step at a time and start our drones for sale journey with beginner-friendly models. We’re talking about insanely cheap drones here, most of which can be bought for $100 to $200. However, the top two spots are slightly more expensive but still well worth the price considering the extra features and capabilities they possess.

ImageNameCameraRangeFlight TimeBest Price
Snaptain-S5C-table5. Snaptain S5C720p80m7minSee price now
altair-aa108_table4. Altair AA108720p100m10minSee price now
holy-stone-hs700_table3. HStone HS700D2K900m20minSee price now
2. DJI Spark1080p2km16minSee price now
hubsan-zino-table1. Hubsan Zino4K4km22minSee price now

Snaptain S5C with Transmitter

5. Snaptain S5C

Snaptain S5C is an absolute champion when it comes to lists of awesome and highly affordable drones. The biggest reason – it’s dirt cheap… yet it also comes with an extra battery that means a ton at this price point. Even though it’s a toy drone, it offers much more than the rest of the similarly-priced competition, which is why it’s listed as one of the best beginner-friendly drones for sale in 2020!

Won’t Disappoint You

Let’s face it, for way less than $1000, you can be happy with any sort of camera you can get on a drone. And, in all honesty, Snaptain S5C doesn’t exactly bring forth a superb one. It’s decent, capable of shooting 720p aerial video and supports VR headsets. As for the features, Snaptain S5C sports a dedicated controller (which is a huge plus in this price point) as well as gesture controls, FPV, and some additional basic functions like headless mode and voice control.

Solid Numbers

Now that you know everything there is to be known about Snaptain 5C’s camera and features, it’s time to say a thing or two about its overall performance too. Unfortunately, at this price point, you were never going to get brushless motors. What you’re getting here, however, are actually solid brushed ones, possessing enough power efficiency to keep this thing running for roughly 6 to 7 minutes. Yep, with an extra battery in the package, Snaptain S5C can handle 12 to 14 minutes of flight time per session. Combine that with around 80ish meters of operating range and you’re getting yourself a pretty solid all-around flyer for dirt cheap money.

 

Altair AA108 Novi

4. Altair AA108

Altair AA108 is the next drone on our pecking order. It’s definitely among the best drones for beginners out there, thanks to its awesome design, somewhat powerful hardware, and solid flight characteristics. Ever since it emerged on the market a few years ago, Altair AA108 developed into a proper behemoth and took the lower-tier market by storm!

Great Design Choice

First off, we have to emphasize the sheer beauty of this little bugger. Altair is known for sporting gorgeous drones, meaning Altair AA108 is no exception. It’s sleek, with rounded edges, and sports relaxing black and blue combination that works like a charm. Luckily, it’s not all show and no go – this thing packs quite the firepower despite not having brushless motors. It even has a solid 720p camera. The footage won’t amaze you, but it’s good enough for such a cheap little flyer, that’s for sure!

Wrapping Things Up

There are a few more things we need to say about Altair AA108. For instance, it comes with an extra LiPo battery, just like the Snaptain S5C! This battery is a bit stronger than that of the aforementioned models. Instead of providing 6 to 7 minutes of flight time, Altair AA108 goes around 9.

Some users are even reporting 10 minutes of flight time with this bad boy, and that definitely sparks joy for all budget-tied users. Yep, that means close to 20 minutes of flight time in total (two batteries). As for the range, we’re talking about roughly 80 to 100 meters. FPV is a lot shorter, though, barely able to reach 40 meters.

 

 

holy-stone-hs700-with-transmitter

3. Holy Stone HS700D

The third-best beginner-friendly drone out there is coming from Holy Stone’s labs. As the heading implies, we’re referring to the almighty HS700D model that’s been sweeping through the lower ends of the drone market. It’s sturdy, pretty big, and sports a half-decent camera nicely poised with some basic features and functions. So, without further ado, let’s see what it’s all about!

Features Don’t Lie

Let’s start off with the camera numbers. This thing is marketed as a top-notch 2K sensor, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this thing has the resolution of a DJI Mavic Mini. Instead, what we’re looking at here is mere full HD resolution that’s slightly wider than the typical 16:9 aspect ratio. The anti-vibration mechanism might look simple, but it does the job fairly well.

One of the best things about HS700D is the fact it comes equipped with brushless motors. They are powerful, power-efficient, and do a great deal in terms of improving overall flight characteristics and stability. Lastly, this thing features GPS, a sophisticated system that brings forth additional reliability stuff like return to home, failsafe, altitude hold (the precise kind), and follow me.

Solid Specs for an Affordable Bugger

The numbers Mason, what do they mean? They mean to tell you this flying bugger offers exceptional value for money. With just a bit short of 20 minutes of normal flying and 800 meters of operating range, you can’t really ask for more at this price tag. Not to mention the fact the WiFi FPV works for up to 400 to 500 meters, which is a great distance for such an affordable model.

 

 

DJI Spark Novi

2. DJI Spark

There’s a brand-new miniature drone on the market, and it’s obviously a special one. Why? Well, it’s made by the world’s leading drone manufacturer – DJI. If that’s not enough to get you interested, then you’re a lost cause for sure!

What a Showoff…

In terms of specifications, Spark is not on par with the Mavic Pro. But that’s not so much surprising considering you can buy 2 Sparks for the price of one Mavic Pro. Despite that, you are still looking at roughly 2 kilometers of range and 15 minutes of flying. Size, on the other hand, is something that Spark clearly excels at. It is as big as an iPhone 6 Plus meaning you can technically carry it in your jacket pocket.

Feature-Packed Aerial Camera

Considering the fact Spark is mainly marketed as a selfie drone, it’s safe to say the built-in FHD camera will do the trick. What’s even better is the 2-axis gimbal stabilization system which will do wonders in terms of smoothing your aerial footage.

Features are always the very pinnacle of DJI’s creation, and the same goes for Spark too. Starting off with the usual smart flight modes and facial recognition software, this little fella also sports a couple of new features including PalmControl and PalmLaunch. Both of them allow you to effectively control your drone with your bare hands from takeoff to midair controlling – how crazy is that?

 

 

Hubsan Zino with Transmitter

1. Hubsan Zino

Hubsan Zino is the world’s best beginner-friendly drone you can buy right now! It’s been among the best affordable buggers ever since it’s release, and it really poses as a direct threat to some much pricier models. Its biggest nemesis is DJI’s Mavic Mini, which offers a similar performance; it’s been placed as the starting drone for enthusiasts. Enough about DJI Mavic Mini – let’s focus on the Zino and explore the wonders it brings to the table.

True 4K Goodness

There are numerous cheaper models that boast with 4K cameras. However, even though the footage they capture might show up as 4K, the reality is typically far from that. We’re usually talking about upscaled full HD, or in some cases even heavily upscaled HD. When it comes to Hubsan Zino, we’re looking at the real thing, and it’s as clear as day.

True 4K resolution, although be it with a low(ish) frame count, combined with a mechanical gimbal create a state-of-the-art aerial photography solution on the cheap. Best of all, Hubsan Zino is incredibly easy to use, its features aren’t complicated to find or deploy, which is why it’s ranked as the best beginner-friendly drone for sale in 2020.

Plenty of Safety Stuff

Specs-wise, Hubsan Zino can achieve around 20 minutes of flight time and reach up to 3-4 kilometers… and that’s if you’re flying in a clear and unobstructed area. But, that’s not all – Hubsan Zino has a variety of safety stuff that make it among the most reliable drones in this price point. We’re talking GPS, automatic return to home, failsafe, supported by several utility features to improve your aerial shots.

 

Drones For Sale: Enthusiasts

Drones for enthusiasts are up next! These drones are much better than the aforementioned beginner-friendly models in pretty much all possible aspects. They are faster, more durable, can fly longer and further, and possess massively better cameras. Let’s check them out!

ImageNameCameraRangeFlight TimeBest Price
DJI-Mavic-Mini-table5. DJI Mavic Mini2.7K30min4kmSee price now
4. UpAir Two4K23min1km
Parrot Anafi Table3. Parrot Anafi4K25min4kmSee price now
2. Hubsan Zino 24K30min8kmSee price now
1. DJI Mavic Air 24K34min10kmSee price now

DJI Mavic Mini with Transmitter

5. DJI Mavic Mini

Let’s start the best drones for enthusiasts list with a DJI bugger that conquered the market by storm with its gorgeous design, lightweight body, and excellent flight characteristics… And a brilliant camera – we must not forget about the camera!

2.7K Is Just Enough

2.7K is the maximum resolution DJI Mavic Mini has to offer. It’s not 4K, I know, but it’s not the end of the world, really. It’s still far superior to full HD. Realistically, it’s quite difficult to notice the difference between 4K and 2.7K, at least when talking about consumer-level footage on regular TVs, smartphones or monitors.

As for the features, you can expect DJI Mavic Mini to fly for around 25ish minutes, which is just a tad bit shorter than the marketed 30 minutes. Additionally, you can also expect close to 2 miles of operating range, which is yet again shorter than the marketed range. Still, a set of admirable numbers, despite the fact DJI is overselling them as usual…

Tightly Packed Hardware

When you have the Mavic Mini in your hands, it will feel quite heavy… but that’s just your mind playing tricks on you. It feels heavy because it’s just so darn small. In reality, it weights just below the 0.55-pound mark, which means you don’t have to register it with the FAA. However, that doesn’t mean much these days – you still have to obey all the laws the FAA has installed regarding casual drone flying.

As for the tightly packed hardware, we’re talking about potent brushless motors, and plenty of modules that enable DJI Mavic Mini to fly as smooth as much pricier models. This thing has GPS, altitude hold, return to home, failsafe, and DJI QuickShots, in addition to several other smart features that make it stand out. It’s really a great purchase – it’s small, agile, and easy to use. It’s the ultimate mid-range drone you can buy in 2020!

 

 

upair-two_with_transmitter

4. Upair Two

Next up, we need to talk about Upair Two! Yep, Upair is still in the drone business. Their first-ever drone, the Upair One, had a fair share of followers despite not having anything unique to its tally. However, that can’t be said about its successor, the Upair Two. There’s one major uniqueness about it that could prove to be a trend-setting feature for drones that get released in 2020!

Unique Camera Module

The special thing about Upair Two is the camera. More precisely the three sensors that are mounted on a pretty stellar 3-axis gimbal. Yep – thanks to the three onboard sensors, Upair Two does a great job of capturing buttery 4K footage. The combination of 4K, 2K FHD, and 16mpx still images is a proper one, bringing forth exceptional quality at a relatively affordable price tag.

Specs are Decent

This DJI Phantom lookalike is pretty solid in terms of specifications. Roughly a kilometer of flight range nicely poised with roughly 22 minutes of flight time is just enough for a mid-range model such as this one. An added bonus is the FPV function that can extend to around 500 meters, but greatly depends on the smartphone you’re using. Overall, if size isn’t an issue and you’re looking for something unique, but something that’ll be able to amaze your friends too, then Upair Two is the obvious choice!

 

 

parrot-anafi-with-transmitter

3. Parrot Anafi

While we’re talking about unique drones, we can’t forget about Parrot Anafi. Just like Upair Two, Parrot’s new drone also has a unique twist to its camera game. But, instead of featuring multiple sensors, the folks over at Parrot played around with the drone design and camera’s rotation.

Unique Camera

The special thing with Parrot Anafi’s camera doesn’t have anything to do with the camera itself. The resolution is the typical 4K standard that shoots in 60FPS and captures high-dynamic range. But, what’s so special and unique about it? Well, that would be the frontal design of the drone itself. You see, the body of the drone is kind of insect-like, in a way that allows the camera to go up and down in a full 180-degree style. Yep – Anafi’s camera can shoot straight up and straight down; that’s something no other drone on the market is capable of. Talk about uniqueness, huh?

Parrot Doing Themselves Justice

As far as the specs go, you’re looking at roughly 2 to 2.5 miles of range and close to 20 minutes of flight time. Yep, that’s sort of performance that has become a standard at this price point. Needless to say, if you want more flight time, Parrot has readily available extra batteries. While you’re at it, buying a hard-shell case that can fit a few extra batteries alongside the Anafi itself would be an awesome move!

 

 

Hubsan Zino 2 drone

2. Hubsan Zino 2

Yep, we already talked about the original Zino and its awesome hardware/software/camera combination. However, did you guys know there’s a new Hubsan kid on the block? More precisely, did you guys know Hubsan released Zino 2 a few months ago? It’s still rarely in stock because of a massive demand… so once you see it available, grab it while you can. Why? Here’s why:

Brilliant Performer

When we take this bugger’s performance stats into account, the exceptional value for money it brings forth immediately becomes crystal clear. I mean, 4+ miles of operating range and close to half an hour of flight time… and we’re talking real flight here, not just hovering in one spot. Those stats are on point with what the DJI Mavic 2 Pro has to offer… and that’s a much pricier drone.

With that in mind, there’s no point in denying Hubsan Zino 2’s brilliant performance. If it doesn’t stumble upon any issues along the way, I reckon it will be the king of budget-friendly drones for enthusiasts for sale in 2020!

Superb Camera on the Cheap

If you’re looking for a mid-range drone that can capture nearly professional-grade footage, then Hubsan Zino 2 is your best bet. This foldable bugger captures smooth 4K footage at 60FPS, which is what you’d come to expect from pricier models…

On top of all that, the all-new Zino 2 retained all those smart camera-based features of its predecessor, moving it one step closer to becoming one of the best budget-friendly 4K drones out there. I’m not trying to oversell this bugger – it really is a marvel to fly and shoot with!

 

 

DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone

1. DJI Mavic Air 2

Finally, we’ve reached the best drone for sale that ought to captivate both enthusiasts and professionals all across the globe. As the heading suggests, I’m referring to the all-new DJI Mavic Air 2. The second generation of the iconic DJI Mavic Air brings forth drastic improvements over the original and is capable of snatching the flagship title off its big brother, DJI Mavic 2 Pro.

Looks More Like Pro than Air

If you’re looking for a mid-range drone that’s intuitive to fly and takes no special drone-related know-how, but you’re not looking to splash a ton of money on professional drones, then DJI Mavic Air 2 is the best thing you can opt for. However, we have to admit that it looks more like Mavic Pro than a Mavic Air. The frontal design suggests we’re looking at a new DJI flagship… and the connectivity improvements seem to be suggesting the exact same thing.

The all-new Mavic Air 2 is bigger and heavier than its predecessor, but carries a ton of improvements all across the board. We’re not just talking about additional and more precise autonomous flight modes but a handful of other improvements such as a bigger image sensor, superior footage, and great photo modes.

Nothing Beats These Specs

Even with all those things we’ve just listed above, we haven’t even reached the best part about this new DJI champion. The best part are the specifications. Not only is the connectivity far superior when compared to the original Mavic Air (Mavic Air 2 can supposedly reach 6 miles), but the battery life has been drastically improved too. Even though it’s marketed at around 35 minutes, what you’ll get most of the time is 25 to 28 with normal flying. Yes, you can go above 30 minutes for sure, but if your drone is hovering in one spot…

 

Drones For Sale: Professionals

Now that you know what sort of drones are suitable for beginners and enthusiasts, let’s focus on a different segment of the market that’s primarily targeting smaller startups and business who base their operations around aerial photography.

ImageNameCameraRangeFlight TimeBest Price
autel-robotics-evo-table5. Autel EVO4K7km30minSee price now
dji-phantom-4-pro-table-new4. DJI Phantom 4 Pro+4K7km27minSee price now
dji-mavic-2-pro-table3. DJI Mavic 2 Pro4K8km30minSee price now
2. Autel EVO 28K9km38minSee price now
1. DJI Inspire 24K7km27minSee price now

Autel Robotics EVO drone

5. Autel Robotics EVO

Let’s start off with the original EVO. Yep, that gorgeous orange bugger made by Autel Robotics. Why original? Well, the folks from Autel Robotics released a fleet of EVO 2 models, all equipped with different cameras, ready to tackle all sorts of scenarios. But, enough about EVO 2’s, we’ll get to them later on. For now, let’s see what the original Autel Robotics EVO is all about!

Reliability as Top Priority

Additionally, EVO has access to advanced features like Dynamic Track, Viewpoint, and Waypoint, while also supporting VR FPV. The controller packs a miniature 3.3-inch OLED screen containing basic flight information as well as the FPV stream without even needing to connect a smartphone.

Even though this drone’s performance is still pretty solid (close to half an hour of flight time and 3+ miles of range), something else takes the title of the biggest virtue. Believe it or not – it’s the set of features this drone packs that makes it an ideal solution for around $1000. In addition to sophisticated satellite guidance systems and a bunch of cameras and sensors (both ultrasonic and infrared), this thing is also capable of autonomous flying. Another important feature is its obstacle avoidance systems that could get you out of sticky situation more often than you might initially think.

Is it Still Worth it?

With the second-gen EVO 2 almost restocked, is the original EVO worth buying? I mean, the price will obviously get a significant drop in the coming months, so let’s focus on the post-drop price. Is the original EVO worth it? Well, if you can get it for roughly $300 to $400 cheaper than the original, then I’d say it is worth it! You will be limited to a slightly shorter range and battery duration, but I don’t think you’ll notice much difference resolution-wise. Yes, the EVO 2 models will have a crispier footage, but 4K is just enough for today’s standards.

 

 

dji-phantom-4-pro-with-transmitter_new

4. DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0

Slowly but surely, we are moving forward to the best drone on this list. But, before that one, there are still several decent models to talk about, most of them also made by DJI. This here, as the title suggests, is DJI Phantom 4 Pro. More precisely, the P4Pro Plus V2.0 model that brings a couple of well-executed virtues to the table. Even though it was kind of left in the Mavic Pro’s shadow, there’s no doubt Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0 is a proper upgrade over the standard version!

DJI Phantom 4 Pro 101

This incredible piece of tech gadgetry has everything a casual user or a professional might need. It incorporates pretty much all basic functions that are seen with DJI Phantom 3 Pro, but has a couple of deserved upgrades such as improved navigation system and obstacle avoidance sensors. This was a long-awaited feature that works perfectly and will definitely save you a ton of nerves in the long run. In addition to that, it also features a groundbreaking range technology that allows the Phantom 4 Pro to fly as far as 7 kilometers away from its transmitter.

Let’s Not Forget the Camera

When you take that into the picture and bind it together with a bit less than half an hour of flight time and a second to none camera quality (4K ready of course), you will understand why people say that DJI is still making the best drones on the market.

We’re talking about a massive 1-inch sensor here that captures 4K at 60FPs which is as buttery smooth as you can get. DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0’s hardware enables it to fly further and longer, all while giving creators the ability to capture state-of-the-art footage time and time again. It really is one of the best professional drones for sale in 2020, years after its initial release.

 

 

dji-mavic-2-pro-with-transmitter

3. DJI Mavic 2 Pro

DJI Mavic 2 Pro has been among the best foldable drones out there for quite a while. It was superior to the original Mavic Pro in every department, which helped pave its way to bestselling charts. Nowadays, with the likes of DJI Mavic Air 2 being released, it’s not clear as to which foldable drone currently serves as DJI’s flagship…

In a League of its Own

When it comes to camera and features, DJI Mavic 2 Pro is in a league of its own. This beauty sports a Hasselblad sensor capable of recrding 4K footage at buttery 60FPS. If that’s not enough for you, it also supports a whole bunch of typical DJI features, including the ever so popular Dronie and Asteroid QuickShots. On top of that, we’re looking at an utmost reliable model who, despite not having motor redundancy, is almost certain to finish its flight mission successfully. It’s smooth, accurate, and has no software or hardware hiccups that might compromise its excellence.

Outstanding Numbers for its Time

DJI Mavic 2 Pro and its brother with Zoom capabilities were released all the way back in August 2018. There have been almost two years since then, and I don’t have to be the one to tell you how the drone industry keeps developing at an increasingly faster rate. Despite that, DJI Mavic 2 Pro is still among the best-performing drones out there. With roughly half an hour of flight time and 3+ miles of operating range, only a handful of top-tier drones can go up against it.  Yep, that’s the DJI quality we keep trying to emphasize here – they are absolute champions in the drone industry.

 

 

Autel Robotics EVO 2

2. Autel Robotics EVO 2

It’s finally here! Autel Robotics EVO 2 has been released and Amazon will start shipping it out any day now. Yes, at first, it will be out of stock from time to time because of the sheer demand… but the situation will calm down by the end of the year. What does the all-new EVO 2 bring to the table? Well, all that and plenty more awaits down in the following two sections!

Impressive New Specs

First off, you should know that there are three different versions of EVO 2 available. First up, the base model with an 8K camera; then the Evo 2 Pro with a 1-inch 6K sensor with an adjustable aperture and HDR, perfect for cinematography and 3D mapping; and finally, EVO 2 Dual that features the base 8K camera alongside a FLIR Boson thermal imaging solution with 640×512 resolution. Performance-wise, EVO 2 won’t disappoint you. It can fly upwards of 8 kilometers (5+ miles) and fly for more than half an hour. Speed-wise, Autel Robotics can achieve up to 45 mph (70ish km/h), which is an admirable feat, to say the least.

On top of those gorgeous numbers, it’s important to note that Autel Robotics EVO 2 is capable of withstanding stronger winds than the original EVO and all of its DJI-branded competitors. That’s because of its aerodynamic design and powerful motors that that take no prisoners.

What a Beauty!!!

Last but not least, we have to touch on the appearance. I mean, just look at this thing. Thanks to its bright orange body, you can immediately tell it’s an Autel Robotics model. With those two “eyes” upfront, you can immediately tell it’s an EVO.

However, the sturdiness remains a major selling point. Even though DJI is known for having the sturdiest mainstream drones out there, Autel Robotics is right behind them. This thing breathes quality; no matter which of the three available EVO 2 models we’re talking about.

 

 

DJI Inspire 2 Novi

1. DJI Inspire 2

If you are a professional photographer and you would like a special drone that will certify your utmost professionalism, then you are looking at the right one. This monster is basically the ideal aerial photography platform with plenty of lifting power to handle most, if not all of your equipment. DJI Inspire 2 is a drone that costs a proper fortune though. But don’t worry about the price as it can serve you in many ways.

Smart Aerial Photography Platform

You want a premium quality aerial platform that can handle every assignment you put it up against? DJI Inspire 2 can deliver! You want a specialized autonomous drone that can follow you (or any steady or moving object of your desire) everywhere you go and record breathtaking aerial footage? DJI Inspire 2 can do that as well. Equipped with the latest technology and a whole bunch of sensors (including collision avoidance), this beast of a drone is a no-brainer for true professionals!

The Hardware is Absolutely Amazing

In terms of battery duration, DJI Inspire 2 can go from 17 to 27 minutes, depending on what type of camera + gimbal combination you got going on. Likewise, the range is nothing short of brilliant too – roughly 5 kilometers. But, once again, this all comes at a very high price tag so you’ll surely have to think this purchase through.

Last but not least, DJI Inspire 2 can handle up to 5.2K post-friendly aerial footage, and packs Apple ProRes and CinemaDNG licenses, both of which will serve as the icing on the cake for all you camera drone enthusiasts reading this…

 

Best Commercial Solutions

We’re not ready just yet! Yep, we’ve already gone through fifteen awesome drones for sale in 2020, but there’s still one category we can’t go on without. As the heading implies, we’re referring to the best commercial drones you can purchase in 2020. It’s an expensive bunch, but packed with drones suitable for all sorts of commercial/industrial tasks!

ImageNameMax. PayloadBest Price
3. Intel Falcon 8+1.76lbsSee price now
2. FreeFly Alta X35lbsSee price now
1. xFold Dragon x12 u11100lbsSee price now

intel-falcon-8-plus_web

3. Intel Falcon 8+

Intel Falcon 8+ is the first drone we’re going to talk about in the commercial section today! Right off the bat, we’re looking at the price tag that’s miles above anything you’d come to expect from a mainstream drone like the DJI Mavic 2 Pro or similar. Intel Falcon 8+ will set you back for $16,000. Yep! But, isn’t $16,000 too much for a drone? Well, usually I’d say yes… but wait till you hear what this flying bugger can do!

Yep… That Intel!

If the first thing you guys thought was wait, Intel makes drones… well, you’re right – they do! And no, AMD is not making drones as well! Now that we got that out of the way, let’s talk about the stuff that actually makes this drone so expensive!

For starters, Intel Falcon 8+ has a superb power-to-weight ratio, can serve as a state-of-the-art aerial photography/cinematography platform thanks to its supported payloads and buttery smooth flight characteristics.

On top of all that, we should mention the fact that Intel Falcon 8+ sports the AscTec Trinity flight controller which is basically the brain of the whole operation. However, it doesn’t come with any sort of gimbal/camera combination, which is why you’ll have to spend a lot more money to get this thing up and running the way it’s meant to be.

Solid All-Around Commercial Option

Despite that, Intel Falcon 8+ is still a highly viable solution for a wide variety of industries. It really is as versatile as they come. However, it’s capable of carrying only 1.76 pounds (I said only because the following two drones can carry much more than that), which might not be ideal for business that require stuff like hefty RED cameras and massive gimbals.

As far as the supported modules go, Intel Falcon 8+ supports Sony Alpha 7R Survey Package as well as ZS50 Inspection Package. It’s a good combination, that’s for sure, making Intel Falcon 8+ one of the best solutions in both industries.

 

 

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2. FreeFly Alta X

Moving on, let’s take a look at a drone that costs $15,000. Yep, it’s not a typo – you’ll have to splash out $15,000 if you want to get your hands on this little bugger! But, is it worth it? Well, if you’re a business that relies on heavy-lifting and doing stuff in the air, then FreeFly Alta X might be worth every penny!

Active Blade Design Rules

First things first – FreeFly Alta X has no motor redundancy! What, was that a shocker? Well, yeah – it doesn’t have motor redundancy because it’s a quadcopter. Yep – you have to pay $15,000 for a mere quadcopter; drone market, why are you like this?

On the bright side, FreeFly Alta X can lift 35 pounds and fly up to 50 minutes with no payload strapped to it. Once you attach something to it that’s close to the max capacity, you can expect no more than 10 minutes, so beware.

Active Blades are another massive virtue. It’s an innovative approach to the propellers, with a design that effectively compensates for lift dissymmetry and cyclic loading. By doing so, it reduces peak vibration levels which, in the end, result in a buttery flight performance.

Quick and Easy to Set Up

Typically, monstrous drones, such as this one, take upwards of half an hour to properly set up before the first flight of the day. That’s because there are several things that need to be done, such as fastening the batteries, installing the propeller arms, propellers, and connecting all the wiring and ensuring the video transmission and operating channels are all good.

While FreeFly Alta X still does need a proper set up, thanks to its quick release mechanisms and easily foldable arms, it’s much quicker to set up than its direct competitors. While that might not seem like a lot at first, when you’re in the field and you’re working on a complex project that can’t wait half an hour every time you need a different camera, you’ll be darn happy you opted for FreeFly Alta X and its modular design.

 

 

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1. xFold Dragon X12 U11

Finally, the best commercial drone for sale in 2020 – xFold Dragon X12 U11. This thing is absolutely packed with professional-grade hardware and it has the numbers and features to go alongside it. The numbers, in particular, are absolutely amazing. Beware, however – this thing costs $32,000 and it’s not a joke!

Industrial Behemoth

When talking about industrial-grade drones for sale, xFold Dragon X12 U11 is as good as it gets. Sure, its smaller brother, Cinema X12 U7, is a solid option too. It’s cheaper, for one… but if the task you’re looking to solve requires insanely heavy payloads, you’ll have to splash out extra money for the Dragon X12 U11.

Believe it or not, this powerful octocopter can lift 100 pounds. Additionally, it’s based on the popular DJI A2 flight controller, supports dual CAN-bus system and 12 output channels, and comes with a gStabi H16 gimbal. Rounding things off, this bugger includes two Futaba 14-channel controllers for the drone and the camera operator.

This Thing Takes No Prisoners

Let’s be real here – xFold Dragon X12 U11 is as good as they come. This thing takes no prisoners and is perfectly capable of handling any task you throw at it. I mean, it supports up to four batteries onboard and can lift up to 100 pounds – this thing is outright insane!

On top of that, we should also mention that it comes with a 7-inch IPS monitor for FPV that packs 1280×800 resolution. A solid FPV monitor, and this thing surely is that, is always a massive plus… but it’s something you’d come to expect from a model that costs as much as $32,000.

All things considered, if you’re in the market for an industrial-grade drone won’t let you down no matter what you pin it up against, then xFold Dragon X12 U11 is the right choice. If not for its 100lbs of maximum payload weight then surely because of all the opportunities and possibilities it brings to the table.

 

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What Are the Main Types of Drones in 2020?

Needless to say, the drone market is as comprehensive and sophisticated as they come. There are numerous types of drones for sale these days, ranging from cheap drones for kids and teenagers, all the way to racing models for enthusiasts, aerial photography solutions for modern-day photographers, and commercial fleets of drone capable of tackling everything you put them up against.

Drones with Camera

Let’s face it – all drones these days come with a camera. Well, all except the cheapest of the cheap, models that are meant for kids and sever no other purpose but to be entertaining for a couple of days. Still, even though all drones possess cameras these days, not all drones with cameras are made equal!

The most important thing to look for if you’re in the market for a proper aerial photography drone, is a gimbal. Yep, a gimbal! That’s the difference between lousy and good drones with cameras. The difference between good and awesome camera-equipped drones is the resolution (4K is a must these days), frames per second (60FPS for buttery smooth footage), and HDR (high dynamic range) for awesome color fidelity.

Long-Range Drones

If your particular usage scenario spreads across a wide area, your current aerial platform might not be able to cut it. Luckily, the drone market in 2020 offers a wide variety of long-range drones that can go further than 4 miles. Yep, you’ve read that correctly. Heck, the all new DJI Mavic Air 2 is an absolute champion in that department, putting the majority of other top-tier models to shame. If long-range drones are what you need, a fleet of DJI Mavic Air 2’s might just be the ideal solution.

Drones with Long Flight Times

We all want that extra bit of flight time from our drone… But, if we don’t invest in extra batteries, we’ll have to come to terms with what our drone can achieve. Or, here’s an idea – we can buy one of the best price/performance long-flight time drones out there! Some of them even come with extra batteries that will extend their overall flight time up to an hour or so. If that’s not enough for a prolonged flight session, then I don’t know what is…

Foldable Drones

Let’s face it, ever since DJI Mavic Pro came onto the stage, all major drone brands (and those which felt that way) started developing and releasing their own foldable models. These days, we see foldable drones pretty much everywhere we go. They are represented from the lowest to the highest ends of the drone market, and come in all shapes and sizes. Their portability is the thing that keeps pushing them forward, packing impressive hardware in miniature, foldable devices. That takes a lot of skill and expertise, that I can vouch for.

Heavy-Lifting Drones

Heavy-lifting drones fall into a category of their own. We are talking about highly sophisticated machines that cost several thousand dollars, at least, and are typically purchased by business who know they can profit from their unique heavy-lifting abilities.

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What Are the Most Common Drone Use Cases?

Each of these types of drones has one or two use cases it does best. Let’s take a closer look and find out more!

Aerial Photography

First things first – aerial photography. Even though modern drones, especially high-end ones, can do all sorts of commercial and industrial tasks, aerial photography is still drones’ primary industry. These days, drones are being used all across the boards. From popular YouTubers and influencers all the way to Hollywood-level cinematography. Drones have become the go-to aerial photography solutions, but they are not to be taken for granted in terms of other use cases either…

Roof Inspection

Roof inspections drones took the niche by storm a few years ago. Fast-forward to 2020, every somewhat reliable and reputable roof inspection business uses drones for the vast majority of their tasks. The simplicity and cost savings roof inspection drones bring forth have revolutionized the niche, that’s for sure!

Search and Rescue Mission

S&R drones are a common occurrence these days. They are used across the globe, for environmental hazard’s relief, individual search and rescue missions, wildfires, etc. Most helpful models are those carrying sophisticated FLIR cameras. We’re talking about thermal cameras here, ones that can be essential for search and rescue missions, especially during wildfires.

Casual Entertainment

Yep, we can’t talk about drones for sale without mentioning their casual elements. Sure, if you’re just looking for a fun little drone, you’ll have no issues finding one on Amazon. The price tier can go as high as $400 for something that’s both fun and somewhat solid in terms of aerial photography.

Racing

FPV racing drones represent wet dreams of nerds all across the globe. They are intriguing, insanely fast, and relatively easy to get into. We’re talking about neck-breaking speeds here, one that are way above your typical high-end mainstream models like DJI Mavic Pro or Autel Robotics EVO.

Drone Racing League is a real thing! It’s a highly sophisticated competition that’s continually developing and reaching mew heights. Who knows, perhaps one day DRL will be a part of the Olympics.

Other Industrial Tasks

In addition to everything mentioned above, there are also numerous other industrial tasks drones are able to perform. No matter what your business needs, whether we’re talking about process automatization, surveillance, or unique software-based abilities, you’re bound to find a drone that will do the job well!

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Most Common Drone Features Explained

Let’s take a quick look at the most common drone features and see what exactly they bring to the table:

Headless Mode

If we were to see the chronology of commercial drones development, Headless Mode would be one first the features to start becoming commonly added. What is Headless Mode you ask? Sometimes when the drone reaches a distance, from which you cannot distinguish the front and rear of the drone, this is when Headless Mode comes in handy. Before taking off position the front of the drone to be your front.

Normally the left stick on a Mode 2 controller doesn’t have anything to do with the drone’s orientation (left is left and right is right, despite where the drone is pointing at. Activating Headless Mode changes how the drone reacts to the rudder (the right stick on a Mode 2 controller). Meaning any directional change is compensated. For example, when you turn your drone 90 degrees to the left, it will still go forward when you push the rudder forward (on a non-headless mode drone, it would make the drone turn left).

One Key Return AKA RTH

A more recent feature, started to appear on commercial drones in 2015. It does what you think it does. The name describes it well (sometimes, I will explain further), by hitting the Return to Home button on your controller the drone will come back to where first began the flight. Some drones use an inner compass for this, others use GPS, and others came up with other methods.

However, sometimes, some lower budget quadcopters advertising Return to Home feature, in fact, are not real Home Return and the drone just fly backward. BUT and this is a tip for beginners if you do this while on Headless Mode and point the controller to the opposite direction of the drone it will come back to you.

Automatic Takeoff/Landing

Also a feature that has become more common on commercial drones since 2015. The name is self-explanatory it does what it says it does. With the push of a button, the drone will take off and hover in the air by itself (some drones let you set the altitude it fly automatically too); on the other button, it will land by itself. No need for the pilot’s input.

Altitude Hold

Altitude hold is one of the most recent features added to commercial lower budget drones, higher budget drones already added it (in some cases). It is very common on drones meant for photography and videography. The pilot will be able to set the drone to steadily hover in the same place in the air. Allowing the pilot to focus on the video. Some lower-budget drones may not be able to stay as steady as one needs to record a professional video, but professional drones do this with a lot of precision, not moving almost at all.

Follow Me

At the moment this feature can only be found on high budget drones, no low budget drone currently has it. What does it do? You can command the drone to lock on a person and follow it automatically. Once again, this is very useful for photography and videography, allowing the pilot to focus on the video or photos while the drone follows the person by itself. Together with this Mode some drones also have circle function, in which the drone will lock on an object (or person) and fly around it.

Autonomous Flight

Autonomous flight consists of a vast number of features, all of which in some way control the drones’ flight paths. Whether we’re talking about simplistic stuff such as point of interest and orbit, or more advanced AI-driven features like follow me, object tracking, and waypoints – autonomous flight options have become a norm on the upper end of the price spectrum.

Obstacle Avoidance

Last but not least – top tier drones these days come equipped with all of the above… but only the crème de la crème of drones for sale in 2020 offer comprehensive obstacle avoidance systems. Even though these features fall under the autonomous flight category, their overall importance is so massive they deserve their own heading here.

Gimbal Stabilization

Gimbal stabilization has been around as high-end drones themselves. Heck, I can’t even imagine a high-end drone without a gimbal. It’s a jittery, jello-packed mess, for all I know. Basically – gimbal stabilization systems are there to ensure smooth camera movement no matter the conditions in which the drone is flying.

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Basic Drone Terminology Explanations

Now that you know more about the key features and characteristics that make the best drones for sale in 2020, let’s take a moment and go through the basic drone terminology explanations so you can use it sort of like a reference sheet. Here they come:

  • LOS
    • LoS stands for line of sight. That said, LoS flying stands for flying a drone that stays within the operator’s line of sight at all time. This is the only legal form of flying in the US.a
  • BVLOS
    • BVLOS stands for beyond visible line of sight. This form of flying is strictly forbidden in the USA and most other western countries.
  • VO
    • Stands for visual observer – an optimal member of the aerial mission crew that’s either monitoring or maintaining visual contact with the sUAV.
  • UAS
    • Stands for unmanned aircraft system and represents all unmanned aircraft operated by pilots via remote devices. UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) is another variation of this abbreviation.
  • TFR
    • Stands for temporary flight restriction and comes in the form of a notice regarding a specific area of airspace for a multitude of reasons, including special events, natural disasters or other atypical occurrences.
  • RTH
    • Stands for return to home. This is one of the most useful reliability features. Typically, it’s based on GPS, but cheaper models use other means which are much cheaper but less precise too.
  • PIC
    • Stands for pilot in command – it represents the person that’s responsible for the drone flight operation and safety of everyone involved.
  • FAA
    • Stands for Federal Aviation Administration. It’s a governmental body of the US that monitors and regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the country.
  • Part 107
    • Part 107 is the name of the test issued by the FAA which commercial operators have to pass in order to become FAA licensed sUAV pilots.
  • mAh
    • Stands for milliampere hours. In layman’s terms, mAh represents the capacity of drones’ batteries. The more the merrier… but also – the more the heavier, so make sure you know what you’re doing!
  • GPS
    • Stands for Global Positioning System. Drones with GPS are not only much smoother in-flight but also possess numerous extra options that boost their overall reliability.
  • GLONASS
    • Stands for Global Navigation Satellite System. It’s basically the same thing as GPS but made by the Russians.
  • Gimbal
    • Gimbal is a motorized image stabilization system that’s essential for smooth footage. If you ask us, gimbals make all the difference between low-end and high-end models.
  • FPV
    • Stands for first-person view. It’s basically a transmission system that allows the drone operator to see what the drone’s camera sees in real time.
  • FC
    • Stands for flight controller. These chips are of crucial importance; they are the base of every drone and are in charge of keeping it safe and sound while in midair.
  • FLIR
    • FLIR represents the name of the biggest and most popular brand of thermal imaging solutions for quadcopters and other unmanned aerial vehicles.
  • FOV
    • AKA field of view – represents the viewing angle of the camera. Too big FOV can result in nasty fish-eye effect.
  • ESC
    • Stands for electronic speed controller; it’s there to control the brushless motors, their rotation, timings, and spin direction.
  • A Mode
    • AKA Atti or Altitude Mode, represents flying mode in which the drones maintain their altitude but not their position.
  • P Mode
    • P is the standard flight mode for recreational and commercial pilots. It keeps all sensors and modules activated, including essential stuff like GPS, infrared sensors, obstacle avoidance systems, etc.
  • S Mode
    • AKA Sports Mode – S Mode is used for testing out the top speed and showing off the numbers for good old bragging rights.
  • DJI
    • DJI refers to the biggest, most popular drone brand on the market. Nothing more and nothing less!

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Drone Market 2020 Predictions

With the rapid growth of drones over the last couple of years, experts are trying to predict the next developments that could affect the industry. Here’s a general overview of what we can expect in 2020!

FORMING OF THE WORLDWIDE DRONE MARKET

The worldwide drone market is in the making and there is no doubt about it. With USA making its laws known via FAA’s policies, it is only a matter of time before other countries start doing a better job of regulating UAVs. For instance, the European Union has already shown intentions of creating uniformed UAV laws that will be in charge of regulating UAV drones and operators within their countries’ borders. Looking forward, this is of utmost importance and will definitely pave the way to the worldwide drone market in the making.

NEW LEGAL ISSUES

Even though the FAA did their best to regulate UAVs and train their operators, both hobbyist and those who fly for commercial purposes, there are still huge challenges surrounding drones. One of the biggest ones is BVLOS (flying beyond the visual line of sight) which has been in the center of public concern ever since the first drones whose range exceeded our line of sight emerged on the market. As you all know, the FAA strictly prohibits BVLOS flying, which is something that lots of drone operators want to bypass. Waivers do exist, but they’re pretty difficult to obtain even in this day in age.

COMMERCIAL INSURANCE AS A TOP PRIORITY

It is already obvious that the FAA is doing its best when it comes to insuring commercial operators. The number one priority was achieved with the Part 107 Knowledge test which widened the margin between hobbyists and commercial UAV operators. By the end of this year, we can expect the EU to introduce similar measures. Undoubtedly, they are bound to drastically improve the quality of drone operating services in the EU.

NEW INDUSTRY IMPLEMENTATIONS

There is no doubt that drones have already been a massive help in various industries such as surveillance, agriculture, photography etc… With further improvements in drone technology and with the introduction of this year’s flagship models, one thing is certain – plenty more industries will assess the advantages they could be having with drone implementations in various processes.

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How to Register My Drone with the FAA?

The FAA requires all drone pilots to register their small drones weighing between 0.55 and 55 pounds. If you own such a drone, and let’s face it the vast majority of drones belong into that weight gap,

If you are living in the US and plan on purchasing one of the drones from this list, then you will have to register it with the FAA. If you are not familiar with FAA’s regulations, they require you to register all drones that weigh between .55 and 55 lbs. via the official FAA website. On the other hand, if you own a drone that weighs more than 55 lbs., you will have to fill out the paper (N-number) which is a much bigger hassle.

The registration is rather simple. All you need to do is visit registermyuas.faa.gov and follow the on-page instructions. First, you will have to create an account, confirm your email and then choose whether you’re flying for fun or for commercial use. Keep in mind that, for commercial use, you will have to study and pass the Part 107 Knowledge test in order to become a Remote Pilot in Command. More on that below.

Once you are done with registering your drone for hobby purposes, after checkout (yes, you will have to pay $5 for the registration fees) you will get the registration number. What you need to do now is print it and stick it somewhere on your drone where it can be accessed without the use of tools. And that’s it, you are now a legal drone owner… Congratulations!

If, on the other hand, you’re aiming to purchase one of the three commercial models portrayed above, you’ll have to go through more rigorous processes to get your bird up and running legally.

What is the Part 107 Knowledge Test?

Now that you know how to register your drone with the FAA, it’s time to say a thing or two about the notorious Part 107 Knowledge Test! First of all – who needs to pass the Part 107 Knowledge Test? The answer is – all commercial pilots who want to operate small UAVs weighing in at less than 55 pounds.

There are three steps they need to follow:

  • First step – learn all the rules and regulations installed by the FAA
  • Second step – Pass the knowledge test and become an FAA-certified drone pilot
  • Third step – Register your drone with the FAA and you’re all done

Part 107 Knowledge test consists of 60 questions for which you will be given 2 hours to answer. You can find several guides on the internet with sample questions and lessons that will greatly help you to pass.

Passing might seem easy at first, but in reality, it’s quite difficult; the FAA made sure of that. You see, the minimal passing grade requires 70% correct answers. In other words, in order to pass, you must get minimally 42 (out of 60) questions correctly. Here’s what the question-type outline looks like:

Last but not least – Part 107 will cost you $150, and that’s only if you pass from the very first try. If you happen to fail, not only will you have to wait for 14 days to retake the test, but you will also have to dash out $150 again.

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4 Useful Accessories That Will Help You Get the Most Out of Your Drone

Here are brief overviews o the three most useful drone accessories you must have on you during flight sessions:

Extra Batteries

First things first – if there’s one thing you should always have on you, it’s extra batteries! No matter the type of aerial mission you’re on about, extra batteries always come in handy. They extend your overall flight time, and allow you to better time your shots without worrying you’ll run out of flight time. Just make sure they’re all properly charged before your big trip!

Extra Propellers

Extra propellers are always nice to have! You don’t have to necessarily crash your drone to waste a propeller – they can easily be ben; in transport, when setting up, or with small scratches off branches and similar stuff. Always have at least one extra set of propellers on you and you’ll be fine!

Backpack/Case

Needless to say, investing in a backpack or a hard-shell carrying case can be all the difference between a well-protected and seriously damaged drone. We’re not even exaggerating here – backpacks and carrying cases are insanely useful investments and should be a top priority if they weren’t included in the base package of the drone you bought.

Drone Insurance

Last but not least, let’s talk about drone insurance! No matter if you’re planning on using your drone for casual or commercial use cases, you are free to set up a drone insurance plan that will cover your drone’s reliability and help you sleep better at night. Keep in mind, though, you can only get proper drone insurance for mid to high end models; none of that cheap kid-friendly stuff…

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How to Prepare Your Drone for Maiden Flight?

  • Charge your drone’s batteries
  • Charge your phone/tablet
  • Update the firmware
  • Check the propellers
  • Check UAV forecast

Drones for Sale FAQ

Can anyone fly a drone?

Just like many other answers in this FAQ section, this one also depends on a variety of factors. Most importantly, it depends on the type, size, and weight of the drone in question, and the use case. For instance, if we’re talking about small, lightweight drones for kids, they can be operated by anyone. If, however, we are talking about expensive, sophisticated, commercial platforms, meant for commercial/industrial tasks, they can only be operated by FAA licensed pilots.

How do you fly a drone?

It’s pretty simple once you have the controller/transmitter in your hand and someone explains the basics. Even though I’m not the best when it comes to teaching people stuff, I can at least try my best:

The basics are simple – you control the drone’s flight with the two analog sticks. Typically, the left one is for controlling the altitude/throttle (y rotation) and jaw (x rotation). The right one is for controlling the roll (x rotation) and pitch (y rotation). All other buttons on the remote are for other functions, such as camera controls, autonomous features, on/off switch, etc.

How do I learn to fly a drone?

There are numerous tutorials online that can do you a world of good as far as learning to fly a drone goes. Most, if not all, drones work in the same way, so once you learn to control one, you’ll know how to control a vast number of them. Your best bet would be to go through YouTube tutorials. If that’s not how your brain is wired, you can always get in contact with someone from your local sUAV club and ask for help This is a genuinely helpful community so you ought to get the help you require.

How does a drone work?

A drone is based on a flight controller, a small chip that controls the rest of the drone’s hardware. There are open source flight controlling systems like BetaFlight and ButterFlight, but they’re typically used for FPV racing models. Most mid to high-end mainstream models opt for proprietary software and hardware that allows them to tailor the flight experience to the best of their abilities.

Propulsion-wise, drones use four or more motors with propellers strapped on top. Pricier models are equipped with a bunch of additional sensors and modules that bring forth autonomous functions and greater flight precision. We’re talking about sonar sensors, position flow sensors, GPS modules, GLONASS modules, and so on.

The communication between the drones and their dedicated transmitters is handled in a variety of ways. Typically, we’re talking about 2.4 Ghz connection that supports a multitude of channels. As for FPV (first-person view) transmission, it’s typically carried over 5.8ghz (for analog FPV) and 5Ghz (for WiFi). Pricier models, like DJI’s lineup of high-end models, use their own proprietary technology that’s usually capable of reaching much larger distances than traditional transmission solutions.

How do I know where I am allowed to fly my drone?

You can find that out pretty easily. In fact, some drone brands go out of their way to ensure pilots know where they are allowed to fly at all costs. Heck, some even set up boundaries so their drones can’t access protected airspace.

How do I find the owner of a lost drone?

The easiest way of finding the owner of a lost drone is to fill out a Lost a Drone form. It allows you to fill in the drone’s registration number as well as your personal information (full name and address) and will hopefully match your finding with its owner.

How do I find my lost drone?

You’ve lost your drone. Woah, that’s not good! Still, it’s not the end of the world. You can go and try to find it. It’s going to be difficult, especially if your drone doesn’t have any failsafe protocols and just continued to fly until its battery ran dry. Check this YouTube video out as it could seriously improve your chances of finding your drone. It’s worth a shot, right?

How does drone delivery work?

Drone delivery is not science fiction anymore. Numerous countries are already working on massive scale tests for autonomous and fully automated drone delivery systems. Heck, some countries even have their own test areas with ongoing drone delivery action.

How do these systems work? Well, there’s plenty of variety out there. Some rely on humans to strap the packages and connect the drones to the charging stations, while others have the entire processed fully automatized. Don’t get me wrong – years will pass until drone delivery systems become an everyday sight… but the drone technology is developing at such a rapid place that it might happen sooner than most of us think.

How do I turn on my DJI Drone?

You’ve just bought a brand-new DJI drone and charged up its batteries but you can’t seem to turn it on. Perhaps it’s broken? Well, while I can’t guarantee it’s not broken, the easiest way to test it is by tapping the power button and then holding it for a few seconds. If everything is okay, the drone will turn on and make its bootup sounds.

How do I turn off my DJI drone?

DJI drones can be turned off just like you turned them on – by tapping then holding the power battery on the back of the battery for several seconds. The drone will notify you that it started its shutdown process by making several beeping sounds.

How do I update my DJI drone?

The update process slightly varies from model to model. However, the general gist is always similar. Typically, you can do everything with the DJI GO app. Make sure it’s up to date, make sure your controller is connected to your phone/tablet and your phone/tablet is connected to the internet. The app will notify you if an update is available. From there, just follow the on-screen instructions and you’ll be all set.

How do I connect my drone via WIFI?

Perhaps this question is really poorly formulated. The better version would go something like this – how do I connect a WiFi drone to my smartphone/tablet. Well, the process is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is turn your drone on, initialize the WiFi connection process (some models initialize it automatically) and use your phone to connect to the newly-made SSID. If the network is secured by a password, check for a sticker somewhere on the drone that might contain the default password. If you can’t find it, do a quick Google search and I’m sure you’ll find it.

How do I connect my phone to my drone?

Drones can connect to your phones and tablets in several different ways. First off, there’s the good old wired connection that’s available with most high-end DJI drones. It allows the transmitter to connect to your drone and feed it real-time data while also allowing high-def first-person view. The second-most popular way of connection your phones and tablets to your drones is via WiFi. WiFi-equipped drones create a WiFi network and all you have to do is connect your drone to it. It’s as simple as that! The process of connecting your drone via WiFi was explained earlier.

Can I shoot down a drone?

Well, that primarily depends on your aim. Jokes aside, you cannot legally shoot down a drone, no matter what it’s doing. Yep, that includes drones that are flying over your property. A landowner that downs a small unmanned aircraft will suffer consequences, mainly in the form of prosecution under the federal criminal law.

Can I report a drone flying over my property?

AKA what to do when my neighbor has a drone. First of all, relax – they’re probably not deliberately messing with you but testing their toy and all of its capabilities they paid a ton of money for. The best course of action is to call your neighbor and see what’s up. If, for some reason, you really don’t want your neighbor flying a drone over your property, it’s best to politely ask him to stop.

If he doesn’t want to, you shouldn’t overreact and try to down his aircraft as that could land you in a whole heap of trouble. Instead, do some research on your local laws regarding these sorts of things and see if its illegal where you live.

Can I fly a drone in a public park?

When it comes to state parks and public parks, drone flight is allowed and you have nothing to worry about as long as you are following other regulations installed by the FAA. However, when it comes to national parks, you are not allowed to fly your drone over or near them. Drones are considered as a major danger to national parks and you could face serious fines if you break that rule.

Can I fly a drone at night?

Yes, you are allowed to fly a drone at night. But you have to follow all drone flying regulations set up by the kind folks over at the FAA. Yep, this includes the usual stuff like flying within the visible line of sight, having your drone’s registration visible on the drone, and not flying in secured or dangerous areas such as near airports, in heavily populated urban areas, and similar.

Can recreational drone pilots fly at night?

Even in this day in age, recreational drone pilots are allowed to fly during nighttime. However, they have to follow all hobby/recreational regulations, which means no BVLOS flying, keeping inside the maximum allowed distance, and not flying over other people or in heavily populated areas. Your mileage may (and will) vary if you’re living outside of the US.

Can I fly over someone else’s property?

As most things in this FAQ section, whether or not it’s legal to fly over someone else’s property depends on your country of residence. In most places, it’s either illegal to fly directly above other people’s houses in urban areas or at an altitude that makes your drone a disturbance. Some countries allow flying over other people’s properties as long as you are not recording them. Always check your local and country-laws before you end up having to pay a hefty fine.

Can I fly my drone in the rain?

While most mainstream drones are fully enclosed, that doesn’t mean they are water resistant or waterproof. While they can survive a bit of rain, f.e. when they’re far away and it starts to rain so you gotta get it back, it’s never a good idea to deliberately use them on rainy days.

Can I take my drone on a plane?

Yes, you can take your drone on a plane with you. When you’re flying with your drone for the very first time, make sure you double-check your airline’s watt-hour limit and store your batteries (and your drone, if it’s small enough) into your carry-on bag.

Can I put my drone in my checked luggage at the airport?

Yessir – you can put your drone in your checked luggage at the airport. Why would you want to do that? Well, typically, people put drones in their checked luggage if their carrying cases are over the carry-on size limit. If you’re flying with something smaller, you should be able to just pack it into your carry-on bag.

Can I pack drones in my carry on?

As far as carry on bag goes, it all depends on the size of your drone. If you’re flying with something like the DJI Inspire, you will have to check the drone in, but keep the batteries in your carry-on bag. Why is that so? Well, once again, checked in luggage isn’t stored in a pressurized environment which could result in issues.

Can I hand-carry my drone on a plane?

As stated earlier, that depends on the size of your drone. If you’re flying with something as big as the DJI Spark or Mavic Air, you can hand-carry it onto the plane. However, if you’re flying with something bigger, it will have to be checked in. Just remember – you mustn’t check in your drone’s batteries. Oh, don’t forget to check your airline’s watt-hour limits.

Can I rent drones?

Yessir – drone rental services are available in the USA as well as several additional western countries. They are a brand-new niche in the drone industry that allows enthusiasts and businesses to rent drone fleets to do one-off aerial tasks without suffering large investments in purchasing their own drone fleet.

Can I get DJI Care for a used model?

Here’s the deal with DJI Care protection plans and used drones. If you’ve purchased a used drone, you can buy DJI Care Refresh for it as long as its policy hasn’t been purchased yet or if the previous owner bought the policy but it’s still active (hasn’t expired).

Can I put a bigger battery in my drone?

The answer depends on the type of a drone you own. If you own one of DJI’s drone or any other high-end model that carries a proprietary battery. If, however, you’re using a commercial drone or a any other drone with a standardized battery plug, secured with a strap, you will be able to upgrade the battery. Batteries with larger capacities will (in most cases) result in longer flight durations. However, that’s only if the extra weight doesn’t hinder the drone’s ability to fly properly. Just make sure you’re not upgrading with a battery that exceeds the maximum voltage your drone can support, otherwise you might end up frying something.

Can someone else fly my drone?

This is a rather tricky question. Not only does it depend on the country you live in but the type, size, and the weight of the drone you’re using. Typically, when talking about smaller, kid-friendly drones weighing below 0.55 pounds, it’s not a big deal if you let your friend or neighbor take it for a spin.

If, however, we’re talking about larger, more powerful drones, then I’m afraid you won’t be able to let someone else fly your drone… legally, at least.

Can I get insurance for my drone?

Drone insurance is a sweet addition to drone accessories that allows businesses (and casual users) to sleep at night. We’re not just talking about stuff like DJI Care Protection Plan but third-party drone insurance services that are available all across the globe.

You don’t have to be a business owner to get drone insurance these days. Anyone can get insurance for their drones, but the price tags might be a bit higher than most of you think. It’s worth exploring, that’s for sure!

Can drones follow people around?

Yessir! Drones with the ability to follow people/objects have been on the market for several years already. Thanks to a comprehensive symbiosis of cameras, sensors, software solutions and sophisticated AI, high-end drones can follow objects and people even though rather difficult environment. These days, even mid-tier drones come equipped with the popular Follow Me feature, although your mileage may vary depending on the model you’re using.

Can drones fly in space?

Yes, drones can fly in space. However, the drones that are typically used on Earth can’t fly in space. That’s because they can’t have any propulsion in space because of the lack of air. Drones that are meant to fly in space require different propulsion technology. NASA is the bread and butter of space exploration, and they are already doing numerous experiments with drones using oxygen gas and water vapor to move around in space.

Can police track drones?

At the moment, the police have no means of tracking drones. However, if the recently announced FAA Remote ID bill gets passed, we can expect a lot stricter regulations. Regulations that might result in police being able to track not just the drones themselves but their respective pilots too. While this would definitely reduce the number of criminal activities with drones, it would also restrict drone enthusiasts’ and put an end to the whole FPV racing hobby…

Can police confiscate drones?

This largely depends on your country of residence. If you’re living in the USA, you should know that police have the right to confiscate your drone. They are authorized to seize it as evidence of a crime or as a part of a criminal investigation. These scenarios are unlikely to happen if you obey all FAA regulations, so always stay on the safe side of the law!

Can DJI track their models?

Even though people would come to expect strong brands like DJI to come with anti-theft solutions like stole drones’ tracking, unfortunately, that’s not the case. There are numerous issues regarding lost/stolen drones and people asking if DJI could step in and save the day with their drone-tracking abilities.

Can DJI track stolen drones?

Nope! The China-based drone giant, hands-down the biggest brand on the market, has announced on multiple occasions that they cannot track lost/stolen drones. They are redirecting the matter to local authorities, which is in no way a proper helping hand for people who had their drones lost or stolen, don’t you agree?

Can the FAA track drones?

The short answer – not yet! The long answer is much more complicated than that. You see, the FAA wants to start tracking drones’ locations and movements across the US territory with the new Remote ID bill. If the bill is passed, it will require all drones over 0.55 pounds to emit a unique signal which would notify the FAA of parameters such as its location and movement. You can learn more about the Remote ID bill here.

 

Conclusion

Phew… that was a long article!

In fact, this drones for sale piece is the biggest article we’ve ever published on DronesGlobe. Hopefully you guys will appreciate the time and effort it took to gather and research this massive heap of information.

In the end, we sincerely hope our guide will help you buy the optimal drone that will perfectly suit all your needs.

Until next time,

Stay safe and stay home…

Larry Haller