Drones are one of the fastest-growing categories in technology. While some just use them for fun, they have many other (and more practical) uses as well. Whether you need to take some aerial photos and videos, or survey the land, a drone can help.
Drones come in at many different price points, both high and low. This guide is going to introduce and talk about a few of the best drones under $1000.
Contents
Quick Summary
- If you want a mix of fun and professional features, all in a small and light design, consider the DJI Mavic Air. This drone also includes a fantastic camera, plenty of internal storage and great flight time.
- If you are a beginner in the space but still want something with decent quality, consider the Holy Stone HS700D. It is simple to fly and get started with, while still maintaining a quality flight time and features.
- If you want to be able to fly long and far, all while capturing incredible photos or videos, the DJI Mavic Pro is for you. Don’t worry, it’s also small enough to take with you anywhere you need to go.
Who Should Get This
A drone is perfect for those who want to get great aerial photos, create awesome videos or simply have a great time flying for fun. Flying a drone is exhilarating and many high-quality drones are very stable and responsive, with little to no lag.
Of course, there are also those out there who will use a drone for commercial reasons. This could be to survey land, for photogrammetry, for getting photos of particular areas or buildings, and potentially dozens of other reasons.
On the other hand, if you aren’t interested in drones and the benefits they can provide, you shouldn’t get one and this article might not be for you. Also, if you’re content with a cheaper drone with fewer features and options included, there will be no need for you to spend $1000 on a drone.
Best Drones Under $1000: What to Consider in 2022?
Features
Like any piece of technology, be sure to consider the specs and features of a device before you buy. Every drone is full of different features, but not all drones are created equally. The features you should look at and compare include range, camera quality, flight controls, modes and more.
Flight Time
Of course, another consideration to make when evaluating drones is flight time. Some drones offer as little as a few minutes in flight time, while others can offer up to around half an hour or more. Depending on your main use for the drones, you may want a longer flight time, or be okay with a shorter one.
Size
Another consideration to make is the size of the drone you end up getting. Drones can be small enough to fit in your pocket, and some may be too large to even fit in a bag. High-quality drones come in a variety of sizes, and the one you get will depend on your preference.
Of course, if you want to fly indoors or be able to take the drone with you easily, going smaller rather than bigger is generally a good idea.
Best Drones Under $1000: Our Picks for 2022
1. DJI Mavic Air
Made by perhaps the biggest and most trustworthy drone producer on the planet, this light, compact and foldable drone really packs a punch. It offers a perfect mix of fun features, while also including the professional features that commercial users love.
It offers crisp photos and video, has a two-mile range and can travel at more than 40 miles per hour. No matter your needs out of a drone, this drone likely features the flexibility to work for you.
Pros
- Weighs less than 1 pound
- Can fly for over 20 minutes
- 8GB of internal storage
Cons
- The sensors can have some issues at times
2. Holy Stone HS700D
This is a great drone for beginners, who also want access to quality features while staying in budget. It is very easy to fly and has a very impressive flight time of 22 minutes. The ability to customize flight paths, and have the drone automatically return home when it’s low on battery are great features to include.
While it may lack some professional features, it is great for the weekend flyer or the person just looking to have fun.
Pros
- Features a brushless motor which helps make it a little less loud
- Has one-push launch for easy flight
- Many modes and options, including “follow me”
Cons
- The camera isn’t as high quality as others
- Charging the battery can be a lengthy process
3. DJI Mavic Pro
Another offering from DJI, the DJI Mavic Pro offers professional features without breaking the bank. This drone has an incredibly strong battery, a stabilized camera, a range of over 4 miles and countless other features. It even comes with an extra battery and additional propellers. It offers all of these great features while only weighing a little over 1 pound and is easy to travel with.
Pros
- Amazing battery life that allows it to be flown for 27 minutes
- The ability to stream live video in HD
- 4K camera that shoots very smooth footage
Cons
- Some of the controls and features can take a while to master
Useful Tips and Resources
It is important to care for any piece of technology, but especially one at this price level. Be sure to be gentle when using it, and store it in a safe place.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with the controls and different modes on your drone, to ensure you know how to fly it safely. You wouldn’t want your first flight to be your last after crashing your drone into a tree or wall.
Also, depending on the drone you get, you might be responsible for registering the aircraft with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). If you don’t do this, you could be in violation of the laws in your area. If you want more information on how to register your drone with the FAA, check out this link.
Final Words
Hopefully this guide has been able to help you choose the right drone for your needs. Whether you are a for-fun flyer or professional commercial user, the aforementioned drones are great choices and some of the best drones under $1000.
Do you believe we missed a quality drone that should have been included in this article about the best drones under $1000? If so, don’t be shy, and let us know about it in the comments section.
