Is the DJI Neo good for kids?

The DJI Neo is one of the most family-friendly drones DJI makes, but it isn't a kids' toy. DJI says the Neo is suitable for users aged 16 and above. Its fully enclosed propeller guards, 135 g weight and palm takeoff make it a good drone for families to fly together, with a parent in charge. Younger kids can help launch, frame shots and land it on a palm, as long as an adult is supervising and responsible for the flight.

DJI Neo for kids — From DJI's Neo FAQ and specs. The Neo is 135 g with full guards, but DJI says it's for users 16 and over and doesn't avoid obstacles.

Why families like the Neo

Full propeller guards. The props are enclosed, so bumps into walls or hands do far less harm than an open-prop drone.
Light. At about 135 g it carries little energy in a crash.
No controller needed. Launch from your palm, fly from a phone, or let it follow and film a subject by itself. The Fly More Combo adds an RC-N3 controller for real stick flying.
Fun, short flights. About 18 minutes per battery (around 17 with the guards counted in DJI's test), enough for a few clips each.
Under 250 g. Flying for fun in the US needs no FAA registration.

What to watch out for

No obstacle avoidance. DJI states plainly that the Neo doesn't avoid obstacles. It will fly into trees, walls and people if told to.
Wind. DJI rates wind resistance at 8 m/s (Level 4). A breeze that feels mild on the ground can push a 135 g drone away. Fly on calm days.
Phone range. Over Wi-Fi to a phone, DJI lists about 50 m of range in open areas. That keeps it close, which suits kids, but the link drops early near interference.
Not for grabbing. DJI says not to try to catch the Neo while it's flying and to keep fingers away from the propellers.

Rules for kids in the US

TRUST: every recreational pilot takes the FAA's free TRUST test and carries proof of passing. There's no minimum age to take it. See TRUST test.
Registration: not needed for the Neo when flying for fun, since it's under 250 g. If you fly a heavier drone, the person registering must be 13 or older, so a parent registers for younger kids.
Line of sight: keep the drone in sight, stay at or below 400 ft, and get authorization before flying in controlled airspace near airports.

More in how old do you have to be to fly a drone.

Tips for flying with kids

Pick a big, open, calm space, like an empty field or park, away from roads, crowds and trees.
An adult launches and lands the first few flights while kids watch.
Let kids choose the shot. Following, circling and dronie clips are fun without hard stick work.
Teach the stop. Show kids how to bring the drone back and land before anything else.
Indoors, keep it simple. The Neo can fly indoors, but sensors need light and texture below. See Neo indoors.

Better choices by age

Families with young kids: the DJI Neo, flown together with a parent.
Teens learning to fly with sticks: the DJI Mini 2 SE adds GPS hover and Return to Home with a controller.
Teen creators: the DJI Flip has fold-out full guards, a much better camera and comes with a controller.

See all our picks in best drone for kids, or start with the DJI Neo, from $186.