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Photo: camerajabber.comIf you love flying, but due to the pandemic, it’s not yet possible to travel by plane normally, then this is an occasion to try something new. Today quadrocopters are sold for every taste and budget, and you can fly them at least every day! In this drone rating, we will take a closer look at the most interesting models in three price segments — budget, mid-range and high-end.
Criteria for choosing the best quadcopter
Top 3 Budget Quadcopters
Top 3 mid-range quadcopters
Top 3 High End Quadcopters
Results: what is the best quadcopter
Criteria for choosing the best quadcopter
We tried to select models released in the last couple of years, so as not to once again talk about the Phantom 4 (but without some veterans of the drone industry, this top would still be nowhere!). The main selection criteria are the characteristics described in detail in the last article on how to choose a quadcopter. Now we briefly recall them.
The size
Size means portability. The smaller the drone, the more often you will use it — a proven rule! Super compact models up to 250 grams are suitable for those who want to carry the drone with them anytime, anywhere. However, such devices rarely have a high quality camera. Of course, it is impossible to compare the sizes of toy and professional drones, therefore, when giving ratings, we will focus on the adequacy of the size for a particular class of devices. And foldable drones will get extra points in this category.
Shooting quality
In 2021, even budget models can shoot in 4K. Of course, for now this is more an exception than a rule, but if progress continues to go by the same leaps and bounds, and toy quadcopters from AliExpress will be able to shoot in real 4K quality (then we will make a new top).
In the same paragraph, we will take into account the level of stabilization: a high-quality mechanical stabilization gimbal will benefit any quadcopter.
Flight characteristics
This primarily includes speed and handling. We will not bypass the flight qualities in windy weather. Naturally, here again it will be quite difficult to compare some advanced racing quadcopter and a home drone toy — we will note such cases separately.
Flight performance is not only important for racing drones, although today we will talk about them. Photo: phys.orgFlight time
This is a separate criterion, since flight time on a single battery charge is one of the most important characteristics for both consumer and professional drones.
Data communication and control system (remote)
Many users do not pay attention to the data transmission system when buying, but in vain. It will depend on the flight distance of your quadrocopter, the stability of operation and the quality of the video on the screen. Having an advanced system like OcuSync 2.0 that works up to 10 km away is a big plus. It is also good when the drone comes with a separate remote control.
Additional functions
In this criterion, we have combined all the automation and “brains” of modern drones that make life easier for the user.
With the help of automatic flight modes, high-quality video will be obtained by both beginners and advanced users. And thanks to the obstacle avoidance system, you can avoid the quadcopter colliding with large objects, although it should by no means be considered as a substitute for learning how to fly the drone.
So, let’s move on to the quadcopters themselves: we talk about the best budget, mid-range and high-end models, while evaluating them on a five-point scale.
Top 3 Budget Quadcopters
Syma X20
The baby Syma X20 is smaller than its remote control. Photo: Youtube channel Ready Set DroneSize: 5 (nanodrone)
Flight characteristics: 3
Flight time: 2
Data transfer, remote control: 4
Camera: -
Additional features: 3
Average score: 3.4
Let’s start with the most interesting, in our opinion, representative of toy (they are also called micro- and nanodrones) quadrocopters. These are drones that are used for entertainment and flight training. You can safely give them to children (without fear that the child will break some expensive Mavic).
So, Syma X20 is a great option to get acquainted with unmanned devices and learn how to control a quadcopter (and a drone operator is a profession of the future). Unlike many models in this class, Syma has a shock-resistant design and a whole range of additional features, including auto-takeoff, altitude hold with flips (somersaults), automatic landing when the battery is low. In the kit you will find a remote control for the drone.
Of course, this is not a serious flight model — on a single charge it flies for about 5 minutes. The maximum flight range is only 70 meters (which is logical given this flight time). Well, this nanodrone is not friendly with the wind either. And yes, it doesn’t have a camera at all (we promise, further it will be the top quadcopters exclusively with a camera), although it simply couldn’t be in a booger that weighs 22 grams and costs less than 2000 rubles.
DJI (Ryze) Tello
DJI (Ryze) Tello comes with prop guards. Photo: xiaomitoday.comSize: 5
Flight characteristics: 3
Flight time: 3
Data transfer, remote control: 3
Camera: 4 (for its class)
Additional features: 4
Average score: 3.7
Tello, of course, cannot be called a novelty, but it is such an outstanding drone in its class that it is simply impossible to bypass it in such a top.
It already weighs more than Syma (80 grams), but we definitely do not recommend using Tello in the wind. The mini drone has a pretty decent 5MP HD camera with electronic stabilization for its class, but if you want a quadcopter for shooting, we still advise you to pay attention to the following devices from the top.
Though designed by startup Ryze, it’s based on technology from DJI, so you’ll find a range of automatic flight and shooting modes, from selfie to Orbit, as well as palm-mounted take-off and landing.
Decent for its class 13 minutes of work on a single charge, Wi-Fi connection and a range of one hundred meters are also pluses of this baby. And Tello is still the best drone for teaching teenagers the basics of robotics: it can be programmed to perform various scenarios using the intuitive Scratch language.
But there is nothing perfect in this world — Tello is controlled only from a smartphone, it has no memory on board and no remote control.
DJI Mini 2
The second Mini outwardly became even more reminiscent of “mavics”. Photo: DJI / theverge.comSize: 5
Flight characteristics: 4
Flight time: 5
Data transfer, remote: 5
Camera: 5
Additional features: 4
Average score: 4.7
Here we come to the king of budget drones (unfortunately, at the current rate, it is slowly but surely moving towards the middle segment) — DJI Mini 2. You can read a detailed review of this 2020 quadcopter here. And we will recall the most important thing, why we love the second “mini” so much. Weighing in at 249 grams, this drone packs an amazing amount of cool stuff. Firstly, on a single charge it flies for 31 minutes. Secondly, it shoots video in 4K / 30p with a bit rate of 100 Mbps, and takes pictures in RAW.
From older brothers, Mini 2 received the OcuSync 2.0 communication system and a bunch of different automatic flight modes. The updated motors allow the Mini 2 to withstand wind speeds up to 11 m/s, so it is already a full-fledged flight drone. Although the lack of obstacle avoidance sensors can make life difficult for some beginners.
Compare budget quadcopters
| Syma X20 (toy nanodrone) | DJI (Ryze) Tello | DJI Mini 2 | |
| The size | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Flight characteristics | 3 | 3 | four |
| Flight time | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Data transmission, remote control | four | 3 | 5 |
| Camera | - | four | 5 |
| Additional functions | 3 | four | four |
| Average score | 3.4 | 3.7 | 4.7 |
Admittedly, it’s not entirely correct to compare a toy drone, a micro drone for training, and a new model from DJI (albeit an entry-level one), but we wanted to show different categories of budget drones for beginners in this top.
Top 3 mid-range quadcopters
Hubsan Zino 2
Zino 2 is just the case when appearance is not the main thing … Photo: chinaplanets.comSize: 5
Flight characteristics: 4
Flight time: 5
Data transfer, remote control: 4
Camera: 5
Additional features: 4
Average score: 4.5
Hubsan is not a very popular company in the Western market, so you are unlikely to find Zino 2 among the top quadcopters on foreign sites. However, this model of the Chinese brand can rightfully be considered one of the best mid-budget drones.
It’s on par with DJI’s offerings in this price range, and in some ways even surpasses them, and the Zino 2 costs almost the same as the previously mentioned Mini 2.
The model shoots 4K video at 60 fps with a maximum bit rate of 100 Mbps, the camera is mounted on a removable 3‑axis mechanical gimbal — it can be removed for ease of transportation. Adds points in terms of transportability and folding design. The set of automatic flight and shooting modes is no worse than that of DJI drones — there are hyperlapse, and points of interest, and panoramic shots.
On a single charge, the drone can fly up to 33 minutes at a speed of 25 km/h. The quadcopter handles the wind well, and the maximum transmitter distance is 8km. The control panel is included.
Among the disadvantages of the Zino 2 is that it does not have an obstacle avoidance system, and the propeller protection is not included in the kit.
Parrot Anafi
… but Anafi’s insect-like design has been loved by many. Photo: dronomania.ruSize: 5
Flight characteristics: 4
Flight time: 3
Data transfer, remote control: 3
Camera: 4
Additional features: 4
Average score: 3.8
There is another quadcopter on our list that is not new, but it is still good and should not be forgotten! This is a great drone for video shooting: a camera with a 21-megapixel sensor, lossless digital zoom and a good range of focal lengths. Anafi got a four for the camera due to the fact that mechanical stabilization is carried out only along two axes (along the third axis — electronic), in contrast to the three-axis mechanical stabilization of competitors. On the other hand, a unique feature of this quadcopter is the stabilization gimbal, with which you can point the camera not only vertically downwards, as in most drones, but also vertically upwards. Anafi also has many interesting automatic shooting modes, including transtras, when the subject remains stationary, and the background “runs into” the viewer.
However, for a number of parameters, the age of the model is already beginning to affect. Anafi is inferior to competitors in terms of flight time on a single battery charge (25 minutes). Also, the drone does not have an obstacle avoidance system, so you do not have to rely on the help of electronics when controlling. And Wi-Fi communication sometimes suffers from interference.
DJI Mavic Air 2
The Air 2 has gained a little in size and weight compared to the original, but has not lost its compactness. Photo: ixbt.comSize: 5
Flight characteristics: 4
Flight time: 5
Data transfer, remote: 5
Camera: 5
Additional features: 5
Average score: 4.8
The DJI Mavic Air 2 is firmly in the top of the best consumer drones. And this is not strange, because DJI managed to make a super-balanced model. The Air 2 shoots great, flies great, folds great and still maintains a reasonable price.
The camera is equipped with a fairly large 1/2‑inch sensor, which helps when shooting in low light. The drone shoots 4K/60p and 1080p slow-mo at 240 fps. Mavic Air 2 also has a new remote controller with OcuSync 2.0 system, and the signal itself is much more stable compared to Wi-Fi.
The Mavic Air 2 was the sweet spot between the simpler Mini 2 and the professional Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom. You can read more about Mavic Air 2 in our review.
Compare mid-range quadcopters
| Hubsan Zino 2 | Parrot Anafi | DJI Mavic Air 2 | |
| The size | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Flight characteristics | four | four | four |
| Flight time | 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Data transmission, remote control | four | 3 | 5 |
| Camera | 5 | four | 5 |
| Additional functions | four | four | 5 |
| Average score | 4.5 | 3.8 | 4.8 |
The DJI Mavic Air 2 is newer than its competitors and generally outperforms them in most metrics. Well, in general, it is quite difficult to compete with him: this is a truly high-quality universal drone.
Top 3 High End Quadcopters
DJI FPV
Futurism in every detail, and this applies not only to the appearance of the drone. Photo: ixbt.comSize: 4
Flight characteristics: 5
Flight time: 3
Data transfer, remote: 5
Camera: 5
Additional features: 4
Average score: 4.3
And here is the novelty of 2021 — an innovative FPV drone from DJI. FPV stands for first-person view: the camera from the drone feeds the image to the VR glasses worn by the pilot (you can also use a monitor), so it looks like you are in the cockpit of the drone. Thus, the main goal of the novelty is interesting flights, not shooting, although this quadrocopter can also shoot cool video (4K at 60 fps).
In general, FPV drones and racing on such devices are a whole new esports discipline and show that collects millions of views. So, DJI FPV is a simple and convenient start for everyone who wants to feel like a real racer of the future.
The kit comes with very cool goggles, a special simulator for learning the elements of FPV racing, as well as a real stop crane!
On the other hand, this is not a professional racing drone: it is not as maneuverable and its repair will cost more than self-assembled FPV drones, so this model will not be so interesting for pro racers. The quadcopter can fly for approximately 20 minutes (in calm weather at a speed of 40 km/h), which is somewhat lower than the average video-oriented drones.
Although the quadcopter itself could be classified in the middle segment (it costs about the same as the Mavic Air 2), complete with FPV goggles and a remote control that will be an integral part of the experience, the cost of DJI FPV easily exceeds 100 thousand rubles.
Powervision PowerEgg X Wizard
To splash down right in the city park? Yes Easy! Photo: tomsguide.comSize: 5
Flight characteristics: 5
Flight time: 4
Data transfer, remote control: 4
Camera: 4
Additional features: 5
Average score: 4.5
Another unusual drone on our list. PowerEgg X was first introduced in early 2020 and eventually went on sale in two versions — Explorer and Wizard. We are most interested in the Wizard version, because it is in this configuration that the drone can safely fly in the rain and even land on water.
The quadcopter has a modular design, so it can also be used as a portable camera on a gimbal.
The drone has excellent flight characteristics and many automatic modes with artificial intelligence algorithms. However, the model also has its drawbacks. Although the drone can shoot decent 4K video in good light, the 12MP 1/2.8‑inch fixed aperture sensor with fixed focus cannot compete with the second generation DJI Mavic. At the same time, the protective case in the Wizard version somewhat reduces the quality of the video recording. In addition, users have complaints about the quality of the application.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro
The Mavic Pro 2 camera is from the famous Hasselblad. Photo: bhphotovideo.comSize: 4
Flight characteristics: 5
Flight time: 5
Data transfer, remote: 5
Camera: 5
Additional features: 5
Average score: 4.8
If you’re looking for a professional videography drone that fits in your backpack, then the Mavic 2 Pro basically has no competition. For this top, we chose the Pro over the Zoom for a slightly more fancy camera option, but otherwise the two versions are identical.
We have already considered the strengths and weaknesses of the second generation of Mavics, and their main disadvantage is the high price. Of course, the 31 minute flight time is still the limiting factor for many tasks, but consumer-grade quadcopters are not yet able to radically solve this problem. Other than that, it’s an almost perfect drone for shooting: 1‑inch 20-megapixel sensor, OcuSync 2.0 connection, a bunch of automatic shooting modes, as well as an advanced obstacle avoidance system. The Pro 2 is larger than both the first-generation model and the Air 2, but for a better camera, some compromises had to be made in terms of compactness.
Compare high-end quadcopters
| DJI FPV (racing drone) | Powervision PowerEgg X Wizard | DJI Mavic 2 Pro | |
| The size | four | 5 | four |
| Flight characteristics | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Flight time | 3 | four | 5 |
| Data transmission, remote control | 5 | four | 5 |
| Camera | 5 | four | 5 |
| Additional functions | four | 5 | 5 |
| Average score | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
Once again, DJI is on top! Mavic 2 Pro is a unique model with almost no drawbacks (except for the price): a super camera, a folding body and a bunch of cool automatic shooting modes.
We didn’t include the DJI Inspire 2, which is still considered by many to be the best high-end drone on the market. We did this not because we don’t like it or because we consider the model to be unsuccessful. Firstly, this drone is already in all possible ratings. Secondly, this is far from a new model (after all, we tried to include more or less fresh drones in the list). Thirdly, for a consumer drone, it is really large and the camera for it needs to be purchased separately.
A similar story with the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is not a new model and by today’s standards is not very portable. Although still Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is a very advanced quadcopter with an excellent camera and good flight characteristics.
Results: what is the best quadcopter
If I fall asleep and wake up in a hundred years and they ask me who makes the best consumer drones, I will answer … Photo: cultofdrone.com| Model | Category | The size | Flight characteristics | Flight time | Data transmission, remote control | Camera | Additional functions | Average score |
| DJI Mavic 2 Pro | high end | four | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
| Powervision PowerEgg X Wizard | high end | 5 | 5 | four | four | four | 5 | 4.5 |
| DJI FPV | high end | four | 5 | 3 | 5 | 5 | four | 4.3 |
| DJI Mavic Air 2 | middle segment | 5 | four | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
| Hubsan Zino 2 | middle segment | 5 | four | 5 | four | 5 | four | 4.5 |
| Parrot Anafi | middle segment | 5 | four | 3 | 3 | four | four | 3.8 |
| DJI Mini 2 | budget segment | 5 | four | 5 | 5 | 5 | four | 4.7 |
| DJI (Ryze) Tello | budget segment | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | four | four | 3.7 |
| Syma X20 | budget segment | 5 | 3 | 2 | four | - | 3 | 3.4 |
Don’t take it as an advertisement, but the fact remains that DJI’s dominance in the consumer drone market is still undeniable. Quadcopters of this brand received the highest scores in all categories: the smallest but very cool Mini 2, the versatile Mavic Air 2 and the flying professional video studio — Mavic Pro 2. : Syma X20 nanodrone is a great toy for 2 thousand rubles, Hubsan Zino 2 shoots in 4K resolution at 60 fps and at the same time costs 20 thousand less than Air 2, and Powervision PowerEgg X Wizard can fly in heavy rain and even land on water , which no DJI drone can do.
*All prices are current at the time of publication of the article
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