Drones are becoming increasingly popular – whether for breathtaking aerial shots, exciting racing competitions or innovative applications in industry and agriculture. But the choice is huge and the decision is not always easy. What should you consider when buying, what types of drones are available and which features are really important? This buying guide provides you with a comprehensive overview and helps you to find the best drones for you.
Summary
- Drones come in different categories, such as camera drones, racing drones and toy drones.
- Important features include camera quality, flight time, control and safety functions.
- Legal requirements such as a drone driver’s license and mandatory labeling should not be neglected.
- Theintended use and budget determine which drone is suitable for you.
Best drones 2025: the most important manufacturers
Anyone looking for a suitable drone will quickly be overwhelmed by the large selection. After all, there are now many different companies that produce flying objects with extensive camera equipment. We have picked out a few manufacturers of commercial and professional drones for you:
- DJI: Market leader from China, known for innovative drones such as the Mavic and Phantom series, which are suitable for both hobby users and professional applications.
- Parrot: French manufacturer specializing in compact and easy-to-use drones such as the Anafi series, which are suitable for photography, video recording and agricultural applications.
- Yuneec: Chinese company offering high-performance drones such as the Typhoon series, with a focus on camera performance and flight safety.
- senseFly: Swiss manufacturer known for specialized drones such as the eBee series, which are often used in mapping, agriculture and surveying.
- Delair: French company specializing in industrial and commercial drones for sectors such as surveying, energy, agriculture and logistics.
- Skydio: US manufacturer specializing in autonomous drones, such as the Skydio 2, which are mainly used for aerial photography and inspections.
- Autel Robotics: Manufacturer from the USA and China, known for drones such as the Evo series, which offer high-quality cameras and simple operation for professional users.
- Walkera: Chinese company that manufactures drones for racing, leisure and industrial applications, such as the Vitus and F210 series.
- Diaton: Specialized manufacturer of FPV (First-Person-View) drones, which are mainly used in drone racing and for hobby pilots.
- Powervision: Innovative supplier, known for drones such as the PowerEgg and PowerDolphin, which are characterized by unusual designs and applications in the water and in the air.
Best drones 2025: Our recommendations
To help you find exactly the drone that meets your requirements, we have ventured into the depths of the internet for you and searched for various recommendable models. We have even been able to test some of them ourselves. We can warmly recommend the following drones to you.
Best drones 2025: models without the need for a driver’s license
Hoverair X1
Our list of the best drones starts with the HoverAir X1 (review, € 449.00 *) is an ultra-light, self-flying camera that is perfect for traveling. Weighing just 125 grams, it is as light as a smartphone and does not require a drone license. Its compact, foldable design makes it extremely portable, and thanks to the easy launch directly from the palm of your hand, it is ideal for beginners and spontaneous shots.
Equipped with intelligent flight modes such as Hover, Follow, Orbit and Zoom Out, the HoverAir X1 enables impressive, hands-free aerial shots. These pre-programmed modes offer creative perspectives, whether for selfies, group photos or scenic scenes. The camera offers a photo resolution of 12 MP and enables 2.7K videos with electronic and mechanical image stabilization, which ensures razor-sharp results. Thanks to control via the HoverAir app, flight parameters can be easily adjusted and recordings can be downloaded directly.
The maximum flight time is around 11.5 minutes, and a charging time of just 35 minutes ensures a quick return to action. With a range of up to 30 meters, the drone is suitable for creative projects indoors and outdoors. The HoverAir X1 is aimed at anyone who wants to capture special moments with ease – from adventurers to families. Its intuitive design and safe handling make it an innovative companion for creative videos
DJI Neo
The DJI Neo (review, € 319.99 *) is a compact, lightweight drone weighing just 135 g that is perfect for everyday adventures, outdoor adventures and creative videography. Its design enables take-off and landing directly from the palm of your hand – an innovation that makes operation child’s play. With fully covered propeller guards, it ensures safe flights, ideal for beginners and experienced users alike.
The DJI Neo’s camera offers impressive 4K/30fps video quality with stabilized footage thanks to RockSteady and HorizonBalancing. Its intelligent shooting modes such as Follow, Circle and Rocket allow for dynamic perspectives and creative videos. Particularly outstanding is the ability to shoot close-ups and flights at low altitudes or indoors – perfect for action-packed or intimate scenes.
Controllable via the DJI Fly app, virtual joysticks, voice commands or traditional remote controls, the Neo offers versatile control options. A battery life of up to 16 minutes (with 1080p recordings) provides enough time to capture unforgettable moments. This can easily be extended with the right spare batteries in your luggage. Thanks to its portability and intuitive operation, the DJI Neo is the ideal companion for traveling, family outings or sports activities – a pocket-sized personal photographer
DJI Mini 4 Pro
The DJI Mini 4 Pro (€ 1,080.24 *) is one of the most compact drones on the market and weighs less than 250 grams. This makes it ideal for hobby pilots, as it can be operated in many countries without a special drone license. Despite its lightweight design, it offers impressive features, including omnidirectional obstacle detection, which makes flights safer and more comfortable. The camera is equipped with a 1/1.3-inch sensor that can capture both 12 MP and 48 MP images.
Videos can be recorded in 4K quality at up to 60 frames per second. Particularly useful are the options for 10-bit D-Log-M or HLG, which enable flexible post-production. The drone also supports impressive flight modes such as ActiveTrack 360, MasterShots and QuickShots, allowing you to capture creative content with minimal effort. In terms of flight time, the Mini 4 Pro delivers a solid 34 minutes, which can be extended to up to 45 minutes with a larger battery.
However, it then exceeds the weight limit of 250 grams. The wind stability is surprisingly good, and the gimbal ensures butter-smooth shots even in light winds. The Mini 4 Pro may not be a bargain, but it offers a combination of user-friendliness, a powerful camera and intelligent functions that make it particularly attractive for beginners and advanced users. The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a highly recommended drone that combines quality and convenience in a compact format – perfect for creative projects and travel photography.
Best drones 2025: models for a small drone license
DJI Air 3S
The DJI Air 3S (€ 1,599.00 *) is an advanced all-round drone that shines above all with its innovative dual camera technology. It has a 1/1.3-inch CMOS wide-angle camera and a 70mm medium-telephoto camera, both of which can take 48 MP photos and videos in up to 4K/100fps. This combination allows for versatile shots, from stunning landscapes to detailed close-ups, ideal for travel photographers and filmmakers.
The drone is equipped with omnidirectional obstacle detection and ActiveTrack 5.0, which enables safe and dynamic flight recordings. With a maximum flight time of an impressive 46 minutes and a range of up to 20 km with stable O4 HD video transmission, the DJI Air 3S offers both versatility and reliability.
In addition, intelligent functions such as Waypoint flights, MasterShots and an innovative battery charging system facilitate creative use. With a weight of 724 g, the drone remains portable without compromising on performance. The DJI Air 3S is aimed at enthusiasts and professionals who want to create high-quality aerial footage with a compact and user-friendly drone.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro (€ 2,499.00 *) is a state-of-the-art drone that sets new standards in aerial photography with its triple camera system and innovative functions. It has a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera that delivers impressive details and vivid colors. This system is complemented by two telephoto cameras with focal lengths of 70 mm and 166 mm.
These enable a wide range of creative perspectives – from wide-angle shots to medium compression images and close, focused scenes, ideal for professional filming. The drone impresses with its first-class flight performance with omnidirectional obstacle detection and a flight time of up to 43 minutes. Thanks to DJI O3+, live feeds can be transmitted in 1080p with a range of up to 15 km. Intelligent modes such as MasterShots and Panorama facilitate the creation of sophisticated content.
The support of FPV goggles and motion controllers makes the flying experience particularly immersive. With its compact design and low weight, the Mavic 3 Pro remains extremely portable despite its extensive features and is suitable for both professional photographers and creative enthusiasts. It is available in various packages, including the Cine Premium Combo, which is specially optimized for high-quality post-production.
Best drones 2025: Use cases
Before you buy a drone from our list of the best drones, it is important to choose the right type. Drones can be roughly divided into the following categories:
1. camera drones
These drones are ideal for photographers and videographers who want to take high-resolution pictures and videos from the air. They are usually equipped with stable gimbals and powerful cameras.
Important points:
- Camera resolution: At least full HD, better 4K or higher.
- Gimbal: Indispensable for smooth and stable recordings.
- Flight stability: Particularly important for wind conditions.
2. racing drones
These drones are aimed at speed enthusiasts. They are light, maneuverable and designed to reach high speeds. They are often controlled in first-person view (FPV), with goggles transmitting the live image from the camera. The focus here is on performance rather than camera functions.
Important points:
- Speed: Up to 100 km/h or more.
- Manual control: Requires practice and skill.
- Robustness: Crashes are frequent, so robust material is preferred.
3. toy drones
These drones are inexpensive and easy to operate, ideal for beginners and children. They usually offer basic flight functions, but do not have high-quality cameras or long flight times.
Important points:
- Price: Inexpensive, usually under 100 euros.
- Simplicity: Intuitive controls.
- Robustness: Resistant to crashes.
4. specialized drones
These drones are used in industry, agriculture or rescue services. Examples include surveying drones equipped with LIDAR or agricultural drones for monitoring fields.
Important points:
- Sensors: Special cameras, e.g. infrared or multispectral.
- Autonomy: Often with automated flight routes.
- Price: Often in the higher four- to five-digit range.
Best drones 2025: What you should look out for
Flying a drone is fun and offers great opportunities, whether for aerial photography, technical inspections or simply exploring. However, you should follow a few important rules to ensure you are safe and legal. Here’s everything you need to know!
- You can finddetailed tips in our guide to drones.
1. general drone flight rules
Regardless of whether you are a beginner or already have experience – these basic rules apply almost everywhere:
- Maintain visual contact: You must always have your drone directly in view.
- Don’t fly too high: In most countries, the maximum flight altitude is 120 meters.
- Avoid no-fly zones: Airports, military areas, hospitals and prisons are taboo.
- Find out about the relevant zones before you fly.
- Do not fly over crowds: Flying over groups of people is not permitted – it would be too risky.
2. registration and labeling
- Register your drone if necessary: In many countries, it is mandatory to register drones with the authorities. Check the regulations in your country!
- Labeling: Your drone often needs a sticker with the registration number and your contact details.
3. drone license and age restrictions
- Get a drone license if necessary: For larger drones or commercial flights, you often need a proof of knowledge or driver’s license.
- Observe the age limit: There is often a minimum age of 16 to be allowed to operate a drone.
4 Data protection and privacy
- Respect privacy: Do not take photos or videos of people or property without permission.
- Publish recordings: If you want to share pictures or videos online, comply with data protection laws.
5 Weather conditions and flight safety
- Check the weather: Only fly in good weather and avoid wind, rain or snow.
- Check the technology: Check the condition of your drone before every flight – batteries, GPS and rotors must be in perfect working order.
6 Special regulations for commercial flights
If you want to use drones professionally, stricter rules often apply:
- You usually need a special license or permit.
- Commercial flights often have to be registered with the authorities.
- Make sure that your drone is covered by liability insurance.
7 Common mistakes and consequences
Violations can be expensive. Here are a few examples:
- Flights in no-fly zones: This can result in hefty fines or even confiscation of the drone.
- Unregistered drones: This can also be punished with fines.
- Endangering others: If someone is injured due to improper flying, there are severe penalties.
8. tips for beginners
- Start on open terrain: Practice in open fields where there are no obstacles in the way.
- Use flight simulators: Many apps offer you the opportunity to practise flying virtually.
- Exchange ideas: Become part of a community or club to learn from experienced pilots and clarify questions.
Conclusion: Flying drones is a great hobby – if you stick to the rules. Always find out about the current regulations and be considerate. This will make the skies safer for you and others!
Best drones 2025: Drone flight rules
Drones are becoming increasingly popular, whether for leisure, photography or commercial purposes. To ensure your drone flight remains safe and legal, you should know the applicable rules and regulations. Here are the most important points:
1. operating categories and the EU drone regulation
The EU Drone Regulation divides drone flights into three operating categories:
- Open: For most hobby pilots. No permit required, but clear limits (max. 120 meters flight altitude, visual flight rule).
- Special: For riskier flights (e.g. over crowds of people). Requires approval and risk assessment.
- Certified: For complex, high-risk operations (e.g. transportation of goods).
The “open” category is most relevant for recreational pilots. Among other things, the visual flight rule and weight restrictions for drones up to 25 kg apply here.
2 Registration and labeling of the aircraft
All drones weighing 250 g or more or with a camera must be registered with the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA).
- Registration number: This must be visibly affixed to the drone.
- Labeling: Additional stickers with your contact details are often required.
3. theory test and proof of competence
For drones over 250 g or for flights in more sensitive areas, you need a certificate of competence (“small drone license”).
The exam takes place online and covers basics such as flight law, safety measures and meteorology.
An extended theory test may be necessary for heavier drones.
4. drone bans
Some areas are off-limits for drones:
- Airports
- nature reserves
- government buildings
- Prison
Tips: You can easily check no-fly zones in apps like Map2Fly.
5. liability insurance
Liability insurance is mandatory for all drones! It protects you against financial risks if you accidentally cause damage.
6. visual flight rule
Drones may only be flown in direct visual contact. Flights with special permits (e.g. with FPV drones and spotters) are an exception.
Best drones 2025: Important equipment features
Choosing the right drone depends heavily on your individual requirements. You should pay particular attention to the following features:
1. camera quality
For aerial photography, the camera is the heart of a drone.
- Resolution: Full HD is sufficient for simple videos, 4K or more for professional recordings.
- Gimbal stabilization: A 3-axis gimbal ensures smooth videos.
- Sensor size: Larger sensors deliver better results in low light.
2. flight time and battery performance
A long flight time is particularly important for filmmakers and photographers.
- Standard: 20 to 30 minutes flight time is common for good models.
- Batteries: Spare batteries are practical to extend the operating time.
3. control and range
Control is usually via a remote control or smartphone.
- Range: Modern drones can reach up to 20 km.
- Live feed: A transmitted camera image facilitates control.
4. safety functions
Safety features not only make flying easier, but also more worry-free:
- Obstacle detection: sensors help to avoid collisions.
- GPS positioning: Stabilizes the flight and enables return functions.
- Automatic return: drones return automatically if the battery runs out or the signal is lost.
5. portability
Travel-friendly drones such as the Hoverair X1 are compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport. Folding models are particularly practical here.
Best drones 2025: Legal framework conditions
Flying drones is subject to strict legal requirements. These vary from country to country, so we will focus here on the regulations in Germany and the EU.
1. drone license
A drone license is required for drones weighing over 250 grams:
- Small drone driver’s license (EU proof of competence): For drones up to 25 kg, easy to take online.
- Large drone license (EU remote pilot certificate): Required for more complex operations.
2. labeling requirement
All drones weighing 250 grams or more must be provided with a fireproof sticker bearing the name and address of the owner.
3. no-fly zones
- Airports, nature reserves and residential areas are often no-fly zones.
- GPS-supported geofencing systems can help to avoid such zones.
4. data protection
Camera recordings should not violate privacy. Find out about the data protection laws in your region.
Best drones 2025: Price range
Drones are available in different price categories:
- Entry-level drones: From around 50 euros, ideal for practicing.
- Mid-range drones: Between 300 and 1,000 euros, with a good camera and stable controls.
- High-end drones: Over 1,000 euros, for professionals and special applications.
Popular manufacturers such as DJI, Parrot and Autel offer drones in almost all price ranges. Spare parts and accessories are usually easy to obtain.
Best drones 2025: Frequently asked questions
1. which drone is suitable for beginners?
Compact and easy-to-control models such as the DJI Mini series are ideal for beginners. They offer intuitive operation, safety functions and solid camera quality at a relatively affordable price.
2. which drone is suitable for professional applications?
Professional users often opt for models such as the DJI Mavic 3 Pro (€ 2,499.00 *), which offer high-resolution cameras, long flight times and advanced sensor technology for surveying or aerial photography.
3. what does a drone cost?
Prices vary greatly: entry-level drones start at around €300-500, while professional models can cost several thousand euros. Specialized drones, e.g. for surveying, often cost even more.
4. what legal regulations do I have to observe when flying?
Drone pilots in Germany must, among other things, take out drone insurance, comply with distance rules to people and buildings and, in many cases, have an EU drone license (A1/A3 or A2).
5 What flight time do modern drones offer?
The flight time varies depending on the model. Simple drones offer 10-30 minutes, while high-end models can achieve 45 minutes or more.
6. is a drone with FPV support worthwhile?
FPV (first-person view) drones offer an immersive flying experience and are particularly popular for drone racing or creative aerial photography.
7. how important is the camera quality?
Camera quality plays a key role, especially for aerial shots or videos. Look for 4K resolution, large sensors and features like gimbal stabilization.
Best drones 2025: Conclusion
Buying a drone requires careful consideration. First decide what purpose your drone should fulfill and pay attention to the most important features such as camera quality, flight time and safety functions. Also, don’t forget to find out about the legal framework. Then there’s hardly anything standing in the way of unlimited flying fun.
