DJI no longer makes the Phantom 3, Phantom 4 series, Spark, Inspire 1 or Inspire 2, and the Tello (made by Ryze Tech with DJI flight technology) is no longer sold either. You can still fly them in the US if they're registered and meet Remote ID, but most need an add-on broadcast module, and parts and repairs get harder every year. Their modern replacements are the Mini, Air, Mavic and Inspire 3 lines.
The classic DJI drones
| Drone | Launched | What it was |
|---|---|---|
| Phantom 1 | 2013 | The first ready-to-fly DJI camera quadcopter, built to carry a GoPro |
| Phantom 3 | 2015 | 4K camera and live HD video, the Phantom that went mainstream |
| Phantom 4 series | 2016 to 2018 | Added obstacle sensing; Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 had a 1-inch sensor |
| Inspire 1 | 2014 | Transforming two-operator drone for filmmakers |
| Inspire 2 | 2016 | Faster pro cinema drone with interchangeable Zenmuse cameras |
| Spark | 2017 | Small selfie drone with gesture control, about 300 g |
| Tello | 2018 | 80 g indoor learning drone from Ryze Tech, programmable |
Can you still fly them legally?
Yes, if you follow today's rules:
- Registration: every drone of 250 g or more, which includes the Spark, Phantoms and Inspires, must be registered ($5, valid 3 years). See FAA registration.
- Remote ID: since March 16, 2024 registered drones must broadcast Remote ID. The FAA's list of accepted DJI declarations includes the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 and Phantom 4 RTK, but not the Phantom 3, Spark or Inspire 1 and 2. Those need an FAA-accepted broadcast module or must stay inside a FRIA. See which DJI drones have Remote ID.
- Tello: at 80 g it doesn't need registration or Remote ID for recreational flying.
Apps and firmware
Older drones use older apps: the Phantom 3 and Inspire 1 run on DJI GO, while the Phantom 4, Spark and Inspire 2 use DJI GO 4. These apps get few or no updates and may not run on the newest phones. The Tello uses its own Tello app. Current DJI drones use DJI Fly.
Repairs and parts
DJI ends support for older products over time. As models age:
- Official repairs may no longer be offered, or only for some parts.
- Batteries are the biggest problem: old packs swell or lose capacity, and new official ones are scarce. Don't fly a swollen battery.
- DJI Care Refresh generally can't be added to these models now. Check DJI's Care Refresh page or ask us if you're unsure.
Contact DJI support with your serial number to check what's still available, or ask our repair team. Troubleshooting tips for one classic are in DJI Phantom 3 problems.
What replaced them
- Phantom 4 Pro fans: the DJI Air 3S has a 1-inch sensor plus a 70 mm tele, weighs 724 g and folds into a small bag. For the best image quality, the Mavic 4 Pro has a 4/3 Hasselblad camera.
- Spark fans: the Mini 4 Pro or Flip, both under 250 g with far better cameras.
- Tello fans: the DJI Neo, 135 g with palm takeoff.
- Inspire 2 users: the Inspire 3, with a full-frame 8K camera.
Thinking of upgrading? Our drone finder matches a current model to how you fly, and DJI models authorized before December 2025 remain legal to buy in the US; see is DJI banned in the US.
Related guides
- Do DJI drones have interchangeable lenses? Wide-angle and tele options
- Is the DJI Inspire 3 worth it (and why does it cost so much)?
- Drone camera sensor sizes compared: Mini 4 Pro vs Air 3S vs Mavic 4 Pro
- Drone camera vs DSLR or mirrorless: how does image quality compare?
- How far can a drone fly from the controller?
- How long can a drone fly? Flight times by model
Not sure which to pick?
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