The DJI Neo ($186) is the only drone we sell under $300. It launches from your palm, follows you and records 4K, so it's the pick for filming yourself hiking, biking or traveling. If you want to learn to fly and capture landscapes, the DJI Mini 2 SE is just over budget at $307: it has GPS, a 3-axis gimbal, 31 minutes of rated flight and up to 10 km of range.
DJI Mini 2 SE: just over budget, best first drone
The Mini 2 SE is a traditional folding drone with a real controller (RC-N1). It's the cheapest way to learn proper drone flying:
- 3-axis gimbal with a 1/2.3-inch, 12 MP sensor and 2.7K/30fps video.
- 31 minutes of rated flight time, far longer than toy drones.
- GPS and return-to-home, so it holds position and comes back if the signal drops.
- 249 g, so recreational pilots don't register it.
Limits: no 4K, no obstacle avoidance (downward sensors only) and a small sensor that struggles in low light. The $472 Fly More Combo adds two batteries, a charging hub and a bag.
DJI Neo: the best selfie drone
The DJI Neo is a 135 g drone with full propeller guards. It takes off from your hand and records itself following, circling or pulling away from you, with no controller needed. The standard kit is $186. The $411 Fly More Combo adds the RC-N3 controller, three batteries and a two-way charging hub, which takes it over budget.
- 4K/30fps video with a single-axis gimbal and electronic stabilization.
- 18 minutes of rated flight per battery, so spare batteries matter.
- Safe indoors and near people thanks to the full guards.
Limits: no obstacle avoidance, and it's easily pushed by wind.
Which should you buy?
| If you want to... | Buy |
|---|---|
| Learn to fly and shoot scenery | Mini 2 SE |
| Film yourself without a pilot | Neo |
| Fly indoors or near people | Neo |
| Fly longer and farther | Mini 2 SE |
| Get 4K video | Neo |
Avoid these mistakes
- Buying a no-name "4K" drone. Many lack GPS and stabilization, so footage is shaky and the drone drifts away.
- Skipping spare batteries. One battery is a short day out.
- Ignoring the rules. Even sub-250 g drones need the free TRUST test for recreational flying and Part 107 for any business use.
Worth stretching for?
If 4K and better low-light video matter, the next step up is the Mini 3 at $461, with a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor and 38 minutes of rated flight. See best drone under $500.
Not sure? Try the drone finder or read best drone under $200.
Related guides
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