The best drone for 2026

CamerasWhy you can trust usEngadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products. The best drone for 2026DJI still dominates, but HoverAir and Autel have some interesting alternatives.Steve DentReporterUpdatedWed, February 18, 2026 at 8:01 AM UTCAdd Engadget on GoogleUpdatedWed, February 18, 2026 at 8:01 AM UTCBest drones (Engadget)Now reading:IntroductionBest drones for 2026What to look for in a droneBest drone FAQsIn this storyBest drones for 2026What to look for in a droneBest drone FAQsIn this storyBest drones for 2026What to look for in a droneBest drone FAQsDrones are no longer just niche toys for enthusiasts. Today’s models are compact, increasingly affordable and capable of capturing sharp aerial photos and video with minimal effort. Whether you’re curious about flying for the first time or looking to upgrade to a more advanced camera drone, the options available in 2026 are broader and more approachable than ever.Entry-level drones now offer features like GPS-assisted flight, return-to-home safety systems and automated shooting modes that take much of the stress out of learning to fly. Step up to more advanced models and you’ll find foldable designs that travel easily, longer flight times and stabilized 4K video that holds up well beyond social media clips.We’ve tested a range of drones to identify the best options across different skill levels and budgets. Whether your priority is learning the basics, capturing polished aerial footage or packing light for travel, these picks highlight the drones that offer the best balance of performance, reliability and ease of use.Quick OverviewBest drone overallDJI Mini 4 ProMore options$759 at DJIBest drone overall - runner upAutel Robotics Evo Lite+$899 at AmazonBest budget droneDJI Neo 2$250 at DJIBest drone under $500DJI FlipMore options$369 at AmazonBest subject-tracking droneHoverAir X1 Pro Max$700 at B&H PhotoSee 3 moreBest drones for 2026Steve Dent for Engadget92100Expert ScoreBest drone overallDJI Mini 4 ProType: Mini camera drone | Flight time: Up to 34 minutes | Camera resolution: 48 MP | Video resolution: 4K at up to 100 fps | Weight: Under 249 grams Read our full DJI Mini 4 Pro review DJI’s Mini 4 Pro can do it all at a very reasonable price. It has an excellent onboard camera with a 1/1.3-inch sensor, 24mm f/1.7 lens, support for 4K 100 fps video with D-LogM, HLG and HDR capture and up to 48MP still photography. Endurance is around 45 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Plus battery and it can fly up to 12.4 miles away in unobstructed terrain, all while transmitting a 1080p 60 fps signal to your controller. It has multiple subject tracking modes so it’s ideal for vlogging, and obstacle detection sensors on all sides help keep it out of danger. On top of that, it weighs less than 249 grams so it’s exempt from licensing requirements in most regions. Best of all, and I can’t say this enough, it’s priced reasonably and even the basic kit comes with an RC-N2 smartphone controller. ProsManeuverableImproved obstacle avoidanceNew ActiveTrack 360 feature is greatSolid image qualityConsStill far from crashproofA bit expensiveNot the best for night scenes$759 at DJIExplore More Buying Options$759 at AmazonAutel RoboticsBest drone overall - runner upAutel Robotics Evo Lite+Type: Camera drone | Flight time: Up to 40 minutes | Camera resolution: 20 MP | Video resolution: 6K at 30 fps | Weight: 835 grams If you prefer to not buy DJI drones due to the (very reasonable) risk that they may soon disappear from the US market, I’d recommend Autel. That company is based in China as well but some of its drones are made in the US and it isn’t on any sanctions lists. Autel’s Robotics Evo Lite+ has similar autonomous and obstacle detection features to the DJI Air 3S, while adding higher resolution 6K video and a 1-inch sensor, though it lacks a secondary camera. Battery life is a very solid 40 minutes and it has a maximum range of 7.5 miles with no obstacles. ProsGood autonomous and obstacle detection featuresSupports 6K videoSolid battery lifeConsNo secondary camera$899 at AmazonSteve Dent for Engadget94100Expert ScoreBest budget droneDJI Neo 2Type: Mini selfie drone | Flight time: Up to 18 minutes | Camera resolution: 12 MP | Video resolution: Up to 4K at 60 fps | Weight: 160 grams Read our full DJI Neo 2 review DJI’s Neo 2 has a host of improvements over the original Neo that make it the best personal drone on the market. On top of being tough and safe thanks to the rugged design and prop guards, it now protects itself from crashes thanks to the new LiDAR and omnidirectional sensors. That, along with the boosted speed, makes it much better as a follow-me drone for activities like vlogging, hiking, skiing and biking. You can still pilot the Neo 2 from a smartphone or launch it off your hand, but it now also supports