Guide

DJI Neo vs Neo 2: what's new, and can you buy it in the US?

UPDATED OCTOBER 2026

The DJI Neo 2 fixes the original Neo's biggest gaps: it adds omnidirectional obstacle sensing with forward LiDAR, a 2-axis gimbal, 4K/60 video and 4K/100 slow motion, gesture control, Return to Palm, an onboard display and 49 GB of storage. But it isn't sold in the US. It appeared in FCC records in 2025, and DJI never officially launched it here. If you're in the US, the original Neo is the palm-launch selfie drone you can buy new with warranty, starting at $186.

DJI Neo vs Neo 2
From DJI's spec pages. The Neo 2 is better on paper, but DJI never launched it in the US. The original Neo remains the one you can buy here.

Specs side by side

Neo Neo 2
Takeoff weight About 135 g 151 g (160 g with Digital Transceiver)
Sensor 1/2 in, 12 MP 1/2 in, 12 MP, f/2.2
Gimbal Single axis (tilt) 2-axis (tilt, roll)
Video 4K/30 4K/60, 4K/100 slow motion, 2.7K vertical
Obstacle sensing Downward Omnidirectional vision + forward LiDAR
Max flight time About 18 min About 19 min
Max speed 8 m/s Sport, 16 m/s Manual 12 m/s Sport
Wind resistance 8 m/s 10.7 m/s
Internal storage 22 GB 49 GB
Range (FCC) Up to 10 km with Goggles N3 Up to 10 km
Sold in the US Yes No

Neo specs from DJI's US site; Neo 2 specs from dji.com.

What the Neo 2 improves

From DJI's Neo 2 FAQ:

  1. Obstacle sensing. Omnidirectional monocular vision plus forward LiDAR, so it can avoid obstacles while tracking you from the front or sides. It also hovers more steadily indoors, near buildings, over water and on snow.
  2. Camera. 4K/60 video, 4K/100 slow motion and 2.7K vertical video, stabilized by a 2-axis gimbal.
  3. Controls. An onboard display, a dedicated takeoff button and a mode switch button.
  4. Smart features. Gesture control, Return to Palm, SelfieShot, Dolly Zoom, MasterShots and Cycling Follow.
  5. Storage. Up to 49 GB internal.

Why you can't buy one in the US

In December 2025 the FCC added foreign-made drones, including DJI, to its Covered List. New models can't get FCC authorization, so they can't be marketed in the US. The original Neo was authorized before that and stays legal to buy, own and fly, with firmware updates. Grey-market Neo 2 units bought abroad may not get US service. Read is DJI banned in the US and Neo in the USA.

Should you wait for the Neo 2?

There's no sign it's coming to the US while the current rules stand. If you want a small, safe selfie drone now, the Neo still does the core job: palm takeoff, Follow, Circle and other automated shots, full prop guards and optional FPV flying with goggles. If obstacle avoidance matters most, step up to a Mini 4 Pro with omnidirectional sensing.

At 135 g the Neo doesn't need FAA registration for recreational flying. Take the free TRUST test before your first flight.

More: Neo guide, Neo vs Mini 3 and the FPV and Neo collection.

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