The best drone under $500 is the DJI Mini 3 ($461): a 48 MP 1/1.3-inch sensor, 4K HDR video, true vertical shooting and 38 minutes of rated flight. Pick the DJI Flip ($483) instead if you want to film yourself, since it has prop guards and follow-me tracking. The Mini 2 SE ($307) is the cheapest real camera drone we sell, and the Neo ($186) is a palm-launched selfie drone. All four weigh under 250 g, so none needs FAA registration for recreational flying.
At a glance
| Model | Camera | Video | Flight time | Tracking | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini 3 | 1/1.3 in, 48 MP | 4K/30 HDR | 38 min | No | $461 |
| Flip | 1/1.3 in, 48 MP | 4K/60 HDR | 31 min | Yes | $483 |
| Mini 2 SE | 1/2.3 in, 12 MP | 2.7K/30 | 31 min | No | $307 |
| Neo | 1/2 in, 12 MP | 4K/30 | 18 min | Yes | $186 |
Prices are our current prices for the standard kit. Specs are DJI's published figures.
Best overall: DJI Mini 3
The Mini 3 has the best camera and the longest flights in this price range. Its 1/1.3-inch sensor gathers much more light than the Mini 2 SE's, so sunsets and cloudy days look cleaner. The gimbal rotates 90 degrees for full-resolution vertical photos and video. The standard kit includes the RC-N1 controller, which uses your phone as the screen.
The trade-offs: no obstacle sensing except downward, and no follow-me tracking. It's a drone you fly yourself.
Best for filming yourself: DJI Flip
The Flip uses the same size 48 MP sensor but adds full-coverage prop guards, palm takeoff and landing, a forward 3D infrared sensor, and ActiveTrack for following people. It also records 4K/60 and 4K/100 slow motion with D-Log M. The standard kit includes the RC-N3 controller. It flies about 7 minutes less per battery than the Mini 3. See Flip vs Mini 3.
Best budget pick: DJI Mini 2 SE
At $307, the Mini 2 SE still gets you GPS, return-to-home, a 3-axis gimbal and 31 minutes of rated flight, with 10 km of FCC video range. Video tops out at 2.7K/30 and the 12 MP sensor is smaller, so it's best as a first drone to learn on. Its Fly More Combo, with three batteries, a charging hub and bag, is $472, which also fits under $500.
Best selfie drone: DJI Neo
The Neo weighs 135 g, launches from your palm and follows you without a controller, using the app, voice or the mode button. Flights are short at 18 minutes rated, and DJI rates its wind resistance at 8 m/s, lower than the 10.7 m/s of the Minis. With only a phone, range is about 50 m. The Fly More Combo, with the RC-N3 controller and three batteries, is $411.
What to look for under $500
- GPS and return-to-home. All four have it. Cheap no-name drones often don't, and they drift and get lost.
- A 3-axis gimbal. The Mini 3, Flip and Mini 2 SE have one, which gives smooth, level video. The Neo uses a single-axis gimbal plus electronic stabilization.
- Spare batteries. Budget for at least two. Three batteries turn a 20-minute outing into an hour.
- Weight. Staying under 250 g means no FAA registration for recreational flying. You still need the free TRUST certificate.
Common mistakes
- Buying on megapixels alone. Sensor size matters more than megapixels in low light.
- Forgetting the microSD card. The Mini 3 and Mini 2 SE have no internal storage, and the Flip has only 2 GB.
- Skipping the combo. One battery is rarely enough. Compare the combo price before buying spare batteries separately. See is the Fly More Combo worth it.
Quick answers
What's the cheapest 4K drone you sell? The Neo at $186, though the Mini 3 gives much better 4K.
Is a drone under $500 good enough for real estate photos? The Mini 3 can do it, but you'll need a Part 107 certificate for any paid work.
At $835, the Mini 4 Pro adds omnidirectional obstacle sensing and tracking. See best drone under $1,000 or use the drone finder.
Related guides
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