The best drone under $1,000 is the DJI Mini 5 Pro ($835): a 1-inch 50 MP sensor, omnidirectional sensing with forward LiDAR, ActiveTrack and 36-minute flights in a drone under 250 g. If it's out of stock, the Mini 4 Pro costs the same $835 and is the proven, widely supported alternative. For FPV, the Avata 2 ($934) includes goggles and a motion controller. On a tighter budget, the Mini 3 Fly More Combo ($791) gets you three batteries and a screen controller.
At a glance
| Model | Camera | Flight time | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini 5 Pro | 1 in, 50 MP | 36 min | 249.9 g | $835 |
| Mini 4 Pro | 1/1.3 in, 48 MP | 34 min | 249 g | $835 |
| Avata 2 | 1/1.3 in, 12 MP, 155° | 23 min | 377 g | $934 with goggles |
| Mini 3 Fly More Combo | 1/1.3 in, 48 MP | 38 min per battery | 248 g | $791 |
| Flip Fly More Combo | 1/1.3 in, 48 MP | 31 min per battery | 249 g | $857 |
Prices are our current prices. Specs are DJI's published figures.
Best overall: DJI Mini 5 Pro
The Mini 5 Pro puts a 1-inch sensor in a sub-250 g drone, the only Mini we sell with one. That means cleaner sunsets, night shots and high-contrast scenes than any other drone at this price. It records 4K/60 HDR and 4K/120 slow motion with 10-bit D-Log M, rotates its camera for true vertical shots, and is rated for 12 m/s wind. Forward LiDAR helps its obstacle sensing in low light. Our stock is limited because DJI never launched it on its US store. See Mini 5 Pro in the USA.
Best proven pick: DJI Mini 4 Pro
The Mini 4 Pro has omnidirectional obstacle sensing, ActiveTrack 360°, waypoints, 4K/60 HDR and 4K/100 slow motion. It's officially sold in the US, and we sell its Care Refresh plan ($98). Its 1/1.3-inch sensor is smaller than the Mini 5 Pro's, but for daylight travel and social video it's excellent. See Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 5 Pro.
Best FPV: DJI Avata 2
The Avata 2 kit includes Goggles 3 and the RC Motion 3, so $934 covers everything you need to fly FPV. It shoots 4K/60 with D-Log M through a 155° lens, does one-push flips with Easy ACRO, and its ducted design handles bumps. It weighs 377 g, so it needs FAA registration, and flying in goggles requires a visual observer.
Best value: Mini 3 or Flip Fly More Combo
If you'd rather have batteries than features, the Mini 3 Fly More Combo ($791) includes three batteries, a charging hub and the DJI RC screen controller. The Flip Fly More Combo ($857) adds prop guards, people tracking and 4K/60, with three batteries and the DJI RC 2.
What you get at this price
- Obstacle sensing in every direction on the Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro, which prevents the most common crashes.
- Subject tracking that follows you hands-free.
- 20 km FCC video links on the Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro for a steady feed near trees and buildings.
- No FAA registration for recreational flying on the sub-250 g Minis and Flip.
Common mistakes
- Spending the whole budget on the drone. The Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combos are $1,209. Budget for spare batteries and a microSD card.
- Skipping Care Refresh. It has to be added within 48 hours of activation. See DJI Care Refresh.
- Buying an Air-series drone expecting a deal. The Air 3 and Air 3S are $1,209 with us, above this budget.
Quick answers
Mini 4 Pro or Mini 5 Pro at the same price? The Mini 5 Pro, for its larger sensor, when it's in stock.
Is the Fly More Combo worth stretching for? Usually yes. See is the Fly More Combo worth it.
Not sure which fits? Try the drone finder.
Related guides
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