Best Drones for Vlogging

Vlogging has become more popular over the past couple of years and more accessible than ever. Nowadays, most vloggers aim to have drones in their arsenal for better videos. 

But which are the best drones for vlogging?

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is the best drone for vlogging because it’s very compact and portable, has an excellent video camera and battery life, and features avoidance sensors and Active Track.

In this article, we’ll share everything we know about vlogging and drones and which drones are best for vlogging categorized by individual cases.

The best drones for vlogging – best all-around  #

Drones can be categorized by many confusing factors for a vlogger, especially a beginner or someone who doesn’t want to invest thousands of dollars.

Therefore, we created a list with the best drones for vlogging and the best all-around, which will fit most vloggers.

DJI Mini 3 Pro #

Since the release of the DJI Mini 3 Pro, there is no doubt that it has become the most popular drone on the Internet, leading by far in particular for vloggers.

The Mini 3 Pro has a fantastic 4k60fps camera capable of recording at high quality, is exceptionally portable, weighs under 249 grams, and has Active Track. 

All these features are just the tip of the iceberg.

For all of the above reasons and more, the Mini 3 Pro became our favorite day-to-day drone for vlogging and recording videos. 

The drone has long-range capabilities, and you will do well in creating some unique B-rolls with this drone.

✅ PROS❌ CONS– Best overall drone by popularity– Have a fantastic 4k60fps / 48mp camera– Have Active Track function to follow you while vlogging– Forward, backward, and downward avoidance sensors– Long battery life (34 – 47 min)– Very portable (249 grams)– The price is slightly higher than most consumer drones– It’s not the newest droneBest all-around pros and cons for DJI Mini 3 Pro vlogging

DJI Mini 3  #

The DJI Mini 3 is slightly cheaper but newer than the Mini 3 Pro.

This drone is a fantastic choice for all-around vlogging usage but not the best in its class because it has no obstacle avoidance sensors.

Although the camera may be slightly inferior to the Mini 3 Pro, the Mini 3 still packs fantastic qualities under the hood of another sub-249-gram drone.

You can capture fantastic B-roll videos for your vlog and enjoy a tremendous immersive experience when flying it.

✅ PROS❌ CONS– Cheaper than Mini 3 Pro– Has fantastic battery life (38 – 51 min)– The camera is suitable for vlogging (4k30fps / 12mp max)– Very portable (249 grams)– Does not have avoidance sensors– Does not benefit from Active TrackBest all-around pros and cons for DJI Mini 3 vlogging

DJI Mavic 3 Classic #

The Mavic 3 Classic is a fantastic drone perfect for all-around vlogging with omnidirectional sensors and extra qualities unavailable on smaller drones.

The Mavic 3 classic camera benefits from the O3+ air transmission for powerful long-range capabilities, excellent battery life, and one of the best cameras in a regular consumer drone.

The Active Track is far superior to those in other drones, such as the Mini 3 Pro. Therefore, if you’re looking for a drone to follow you while you vlog, this can be one of the best to do so.

✅ PROS❌ CONS– Excellent camera (5.2k/50fps or 4k120fps +20mp, 4/3 CMOS sensor)– Has omnidirectional avoidance sensors, allowing your drone to fly safely.– The Active Track function is far superior due to better computing capabilities– The flight time with a single battery is up to 46 minutes– The drone is pricy compared to other drones– Mavic 3 Classic is heavy, weighing just under 900 grams– Although the Mavic 3 Classic is an improvement over the Mavic 3, it does not have the 28x camera anymore.Best all-around pros and cons for DJI Mavic 3 classic vlogging

DJI Avata #

The DJI Avata is a fantastic FPV drone that is unique for vlogging, and the footage you can capture is remarkable.

You can fly smoothly and close to people and objects, indoors and outdoors, through forests, and in many other places where standard drones are not accessible. 

Because of this, the Avata is a fantastic choice for vlogging and capturing all-kind of b-rolls.

But there’s a catch. Or two:

• To be able to fly manually, you need to learn FPV, which will require training and skill before flying the drone acro.
• The drone has no Active Track or avoidance sensors, hence the increased risk of crashing it and being unable to use any follow-me functions.

If you’re willing to take a few more risks and learn FPV, what you can capture with the Avata for your vlogs, you cannot with any other drones existent on the market.

The Avata is portable, but not as portable as the Mini 3 Pro for vlogging.

✅ PROS❌ CONS– You can capture unique FPV videos and B-rolls for your vlogs– It’s a fantastic drone to use in extreme sports for vlogging– Flying indoors or places inaccessible to vlog with a drone or film B-rolls– It will require a lot of skill and training to fly it and get the best of it– It’s expensive compared to a standard drone– Avata will require you to have another piece of equipment – the headset (DJI Goggles 2)– It does not have avoidance sensors or Active TrackBest all-around pros and cons for DJI Avata vlogging

DJI Air 2S #

The Air 2s is a fabulous drone with fantastic video capabilities to film with the 1-inch sensor at 5.3k and 20mp photography, balancing with a relatively low price compared to similar drones in the industry.

You can fly with the Air 2s for about half an hour and benefit from the long-range transmission from the O3 Air unit.

The drone is not heavy at all, around 600 grams, and considering its camera capabilities is a good choice for many vloggers.

Although it lacks avoidance sensors, the Air 2s has the fourth-generation Active Track, which benefits vloggers.

✅ PROS❌ CONS– 1-inch sensors with 5.3k video recording– Good features for the price– Benefits from Active Track 4.0– Decent flight time– Averagely good weight for a drone– Older generation drone, about two years old at this time– Lacks obstacle avoidance sensors– Not the most beginner-friendlyBest all-around pros and cons for DJI Air 2s vlogging

The best drones for vlogging – the best for a beginner #

If you’re a vlogger and haven’t ever flown a drone, that’s okay. Every one of us started somewhere.

But you need to be aware of a few factors, such as following the current drone regulation of your country or state, and you need to ensure your and other people’s safety.

For this reason, I am going to share with you our top three picks if you want to start vlogging with a drone as a beginner.

DJI Mini 3 Pro #

The Mini 3 Pro, which we talked about a bit earlier, is considered to be the best drone for vlogging for a beginner for the following reasons:

• The drone is under 250 grams and falls under a different drone category in most states or countries, allowing you to enjoy flying the drone with fewer restrictions.

• The Mini 3 Pro has frontal and backward avoidance sensors, perfect for a beginner if you’re losing control of the drone.

• The Active Track may be ideal for vlogging and someone new to flying drones since it requires no experience using drone functions.

• The battery life will allow you to do and redo mistakes in filming as a beginner drone pilot when you’re looking to capture some B-rolls because you can fly for a long period.

DJI Mavic 3 Classic #

The omnidirectional avoidance sensors are the main reason we chose the Mavic 3 Classic to be second on our list of best drones for beginner vloggers.

• The Mavic 3 Classic, like the Mavic 3, will allow you to fly the drone and have a complete safety cover in all directions. If you get too close with the drone to an obstacle, no matter the direction, it will stop to avoid a crash.

• Moreover, the Mavic 3 Classic benefits from an advanced return to home where it is capable (in some circumstances) of avoiding objects on its way to the take-off point.

DJI Mini 3  #

The DJI Mini 3 may not be our favorite pick when looking for the perfect drone for vlogging for beginners because it lacks avoidance sensors.

The lack of these sensors does not mean you won’t be able to fly the drone as a beginner; it just means you need to be extra careful and take fewer risks.

Moreover, although you’ll be able to obtain some fantastic B-roll for your vlogging videos, the lack of Active Track is a disadvantage for not having the drone in follow-me mode and enjoying some unique approaches when vlogging.

But why is this drone on this list, then?

You may not want to invest too much money as a beginner pilot looking for a drone to fly when vlogging. This drone is one of the most budget-friendly.

The best drones for travel vlogging #

Wherever you’re going on a short trip for a couple of days around your country with your car or backpack, or you intend to do any international traveling, here are some great drones for your travels.

DJI Mini 3 Pro #

The Mini 3 Pro again reached the top of the list of drones for vlogging, but this time specifically for travel vlogging.

When traveling by car or with a backpack, the Mini 3 Pro is the absolute best drone if you’re looking for portability.

The drone is so tiny you can literally put it in your pocket. It will always fit in a travel bag, and the power consumption is so low that you won’t have difficulties charging at different charging points along your trip.

We also have to reflect that the Mini 3 Pro will benefit from special, less restrictive laws and regulations due to its weight of under 250 grams. Always check your destination country or territory for its current laws.

DJI Mini 3 #

The Mini 3 is second place for the best drones for travel vlogging because you’ll benefit from the same advantages as the Mini 3 Pro, except for the lack of avoidance sensors and a slightly lower-quality camera.

It is indeed a downside that the Mini 3 has no obstacle avoidance sensors nor Active Track, but still, if you have little experience in flying drones, it is a great and cheap way to travel with a drone.

DJI Air 2s  #

The DJI Air 2s is a portable drone with fantastic camera capabilities. As mentioned above, you can benefit from it when traveling. 

It may not be as lightweight as the drones noted, but if you aim for better video or photography quality on your travel vlogs, the Air 2s is the answer for you.

We have chosen the Air 2s over the Mavic 3 because of the slightly lower price, fantastic performance, portability, and other features travel vloggers may be looking for in a drone.

What are the best drones for professional vlogging? #

When doing professional blogging, you’ll invest in top-quality drones. Here are some we recommend.

DJI Mavic 3 Classic #

As mentioned, the Mavic 3 Classic offers unique features and camera performance. That’s why it’s often chosen by videographers and filmmakers on YouTube.

The Mavic 3 Cine version is created explicitly for cinematography, but the prices are high compared to the Classic version. 

Both versions are fantastic for professional vlogging.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro v2.0 #

The DJI Phantom series has been an outstanding choice for many professional vloggers and people who want to get the best of a drone.

The Phantom 4 Pro, the v2.0, is the latest from the DJI Phantom series and packs a 1-inch, 20mp camera on a three-axis motorized gimbal for the most unique captures you can have.

The camera is only one minor feature compared to other components it packs, such as specific avoidance and infrared sensing system, H.265 recording profile, and much more.

✅ PROS❌ CONS– Fantastic camera for vlogging professionally– Good sensing system– Active Track – Mechanical camera shutter speed– Very Heavy (around 1.3kg)– Expensive compared to other drones that can offer you better results

Comparing key factors of vlogging drones  #

The camera’s video quality is the foremost factor pilots look for when investing in a new drone for video production.

Professional vlogging cameras are more expensive than portable ones (e.g., comparing DJI Mavic 3 Classic vs. DJI Mini 3 Pro).

Other factors that come into play are portability, ease of use, and a lightweight profile.

DJI Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro drones weigh under 250 grams. Most countries and states, including the US, have less restrictive laws and regulations from flying to registration for drones of this weight.

This could be another aspect vloggers may have to look into when choosing a new drone for their needs to reduce the bureaucracy hassle and focus on producing content.

Another reason Mini 3 Pro and Mini 3 are drones many vloggers should consider is that because of the ease of regulations, you may be able to fly closer to buildings, inside cities, in parks, and even closer to people.

Most vloggers and content creators seek simple drones to record some B-roll.

You can also take advantage of the Active Track system from DJI on some drones and have them follow you or perform other functions when vlogging. This will improve the filmmaking process and may benefit solitary vlogging pilots. 

When to choose a specific drone for vlogging #

To simplify things, here’s a list of the drones we reviewed and who they’re suitable for.

**Who is it for?****Who is it NOT for?**DJI Mini 3 ProVloggers who want to get started flying drones with simplicity in mind, good performance and portability, relaxed drone laws, and for pilots looking for extra features such as obstacle avoidance and Active Track.Professional vloggers who are aiming for the best camera quality or pilots looking for budget drones.DJI Mini 3 Vloggers who don’t want to invest much in a drone, who are looking for excellent camera quality and features, as well as for relaxed drone laws and overall a drone with a good flight time.Vloggers looking for drones with Active Track, 4k60fps quality, and avoidance sensors. It may not be the top drone for first-time pilots either.DJI AvataPilots and vloggers looking to capture unique types of footage, such as FPV footage, to fly indoors or in places inaccessible to other drones, inside forests, and dive into the beauty of nature. Vloggers looking for a budget drone or simple drones to use (FPV is challenging to fly), for solo vloggers, and for portability. DJI Mavic 3 ClassicProfessional vloggers or filmmakers/vloggers who want extraordinary video recordings. The Mavic 3 Classic is a good choice for beginners due to its omnidirectional avoidance sensors and advanced Active Track system.It’s not for people looking for budget drones, easy-to-transport/lightweight drones.DJI Mini 2 SEBudget vloggers looking for the cheapest drone with good capabilities (non-obscure drones). The drone is fantastic for getting started vlogging with a drone.It is not for vloggers looking for newer drone models, ones with Active Track, or the latest drone camera quality.

What else do we need to know about vlogging with drones? #

• Every drone pilot must respect drone laws that are different in each country and territory around the world.

• Please remember that most drones will need to be registered. Always check your country’s drone laws.

• To fly FPV, you are going to need a spotter.

• Some drones with Active Track do not have obstacle avoidance sensors; if you are unaware of your surroundings, it can crash your drone.