For most beginners who want photos and video, the DJI Flip is the better first drone: it's cheaper, flies longer, needs no FAA registration for hobby flying, and has a 3-axis gimbal and 48 MP camera. Choose the Avata 2 if what you really want is the FPV experience, flying through goggles with a motion controller, and you're happy to pay more for it.
Two different kinds of drone
The Flip is a vlogging camera drone. You watch the live view on a phone or the DJI RC 2 screen, it has full-coverage propeller guards, and it can take off from your palm and follow you. It doesn't work with goggles.
The Avata 2 is an FPV (first-person view) drone. The kit comes with DJI Goggles 3 and the RC Motion 3, so you steer by pointing your hand while seeing from the drone's point of view. It's built for flying through gaps, close to terrain and around subjects, and it does one-push flips and rolls with Easy ACRO.
Specs side by side
| Flip | Avata 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Takeoff weight | Under 249 g | About 377 g |
| Sensor | 1/1.3-inch, 48 MP | 1/1.3-inch, 12 MP |
| Video | 4K/60fps HDR, 4K/100fps | 4K/60fps, 4K/100fps |
| Stabilization | 3-axis gimbal | Single-axis gimbal + RockSteady/HorizonSteady |
| Max flight time | 31 min | 23 min |
| Video range (FCC) | 13 km | 13 km |
| Obstacle sensing | Forward 3D infrared, downward | Downward and backward |
| Price (ours) | From $483 | From $934 (with goggles and RC Motion 3) |
Specs from DJI's spec pages.
Which is easier to learn?
Both are easy in their default modes, since both use GPS and vision positioning to hover in place. The Flip feels like any DJI camera drone: release the sticks and it stops. Its forward 3D infrared sensor helps it brake for obstacles ahead.
The Avata 2 with the RC Motion 3 is also beginner friendly, but wearing goggles takes a short adjustment. In the US you need a visual observer next to you when you fly with goggles, because you can't keep the drone in your own line of sight. Full manual (acro) flight needs the separate FPV Remote Controller 3 and real practice. See how to fly an FPV drone.
Camera and footage
The Flip's 3-axis gimbal keeps the horizon level in every direction, which matters for smooth travel shots, vlogs and photos. Its 48 MP stills are the better choice for photography.
The Avata 2 has a single-axis gimbal plus electronic stabilization, and an ultra-wide 155-degree view. It's made for dynamic video: dives, flips and close fly-throughs that a regular camera drone can't safely do.
Rules and cost
- Registration: the Flip is under 250 g, so recreational pilots don't register it. The Avata 2 is over 250 g, so register it ($5 for 3 years) and it broadcasts Remote ID. See FAA registration.
- TRUST test: required for all recreational flyers. Take the TRUST test.
- Total cost: the Avata 2 kit includes goggles, so the price gap isn't just the drone.
Our pick
- Get the Flip for travel, family video, vlogs and photos with the least hassle.
- Get the Avata 2 for immersive flying and action-style video, and if the goggles are the point.
Not sure yet? Read best FPV drone for beginners or try our drone finder.
Related guides
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