All four current DJI Minis weigh under 250 g with the standard battery, so recreational pilots don't need FAA registration. The difference is the camera and safety tech. The Mini 2 SE ($307) is the cheapest way to learn. The Mini 3 ($461) adds a much bigger 1/1.3-inch sensor and 38-minute flights. The Mini 4 Pro ($835) adds omnidirectional obstacle sensing, 4K/60 HDR, tracking and waypoints. The Mini 5 Pro ($835) adds a 1-inch 50 MP sensor and forward LiDAR. For most people, the Mini 4 Pro or Mini 5 Pro is the sweet spot.
The lineup side by side
| Mini 2 SE | Mini 3 | Mini 4 Pro | Mini 5 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/2.3 in, 12 MP | 1/1.3 in, 48 MP | 1/1.3 in, 48 MP | 1 in, 50 MP |
| Video | 2.7K/30 | 4K/30 HDR | 4K/60 HDR, 4K/100 slow-mo | 4K/60 HDR, 4K/120 slow-mo |
| Max flight time | 31 min | 38 min | 34 min | 36 min |
| Obstacle sensing | Downward | Downward | Omnidirectional | Omnidirectional + LiDAR |
| Video range (FCC) | 10 km | 10 km | 20 km | 20 km |
| Wind resistance | 10.7 m/s | 10.7 m/s | 10.7 m/s | 12 m/s |
| Waypoints in DJI Fly | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Controller (standard kit) | RC-N1 | RC-N1 | RC-N2 | RC-N3 |
| Our price | $307 | $461 | $835 | $835 |
Flight times are DJI's ratings with the standard battery. Plus batteries add flight time on the Mini 3, Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro but push the takeoff weight over 250 g, which means you must register.
What each step up gets you
- Mini 2 SE to Mini 3: a sensor more than twice as large for cleaner sunsets, 4K HDR video, true vertical shooting and seven more minutes in the air. See Mini 2 SE vs Mini 3.
- Mini 3 to Mini 4 Pro: obstacle sensing in all directions, which is the biggest safety upgrade in the line, plus 4K/60 HDR, slow motion, ActiveTrack and Waypoint Flight. See Mini 3 vs Mini 4 Pro.
- Mini 4 Pro to Mini 5 Pro: the first 1-inch sensor in a sub-250 g DJI drone, forward LiDAR for low-light sensing and 12 m/s wind resistance. See Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 5 Pro.
The Mini family, oldest to newest
Mavic Mini, Mini 2, Mini SE, Mini 3 Pro, Mini 3, Mini 2 SE, Mini 4 Pro, Mini 4K and Mini 5 Pro. The "Pro" models add obstacle sensing and better video; the non-Pro models focus on price and flight time. DJI lists the Mini 4K and Mini 2 SE on one spec page; the Mini 4K adds 4K/30 video to the same 12 MP camera.
Mini vs Air vs Mavic
| Mini 5 Pro | Air 3S | Mavic 4 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Under 250 g | 724 g | About 1.06 kg |
| Cameras | 1 in, 50 MP | 1 in wide + 70 mm tele | 4/3 Hasselblad 100 MP + 70 mm and 168 mm |
| Max flight time | 36 min | 45 min | 51 min |
| FAA registration (hobby) | Not required | Required | Required |
| Our price | $835 | $1,209 | $2,419 |
Choose a Mini for travel and the lightest kit. Choose the Air 3S for a tele camera, longer flights and stronger wind handling. Choose the Mavic 4 Pro for the best image quality and three cameras. See Mini 5 Pro vs Air 3S and Mini 5 Pro vs Mavic 4 Pro.
US availability
Every Mini we sell was authorized by the FCC before its December 2025 changes and stays legal to buy and fly. See is DJI banned in the US.
Still deciding? Try the drone finder or browse the Mini series.
Related guides
- Drone camera sensor sizes compared: Mini 4 Pro vs Air 3S vs Mavic 4 Pro
- DJI Mini 2 SE vs Mini 3: which should you buy?
- DJI Mini 3 vs Mini 4 Pro: which should you buy?
- DJI Mini 3 vs Mini 5 Pro: which should you buy?
- DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 3 Pro: is the upgrade worth it?
- DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 4K: what the extra money buys
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