Best drones 2024 - drone ranking to wrap up the year
Drone development in 2024. continued the trends of recent years, focusing on increasing range, improving batteries and improving camera quality. A key difference from previous years was the number of new flagship models ( DJI alone unveiled 8 new drones) and the fact that almost every drone this year was a new or second generation of existing models.
Drones are no longer a complete novelty on the market, with brands focusing on improving previous generations and refining technology, rather than introducing entirely new designs. Drones are becoming even more precise and automatic with the use of aI technology, which is mainly used in object tracking. There is also a noticeable increase in interest in FPV models. More and more ready-to-fly models of this type are appearing, and the popularity of the hobby itself is growing. There is a strong focus on creating drones that are accessible to a wide audience - lightweight and with a lower price threshold.
Drone ranking 2024 - TOP 10 Megadrons
For several years, including 2024., the list of top manufacturers is dominated by DJI, the largest player in the market. However, we also picked out some less obvious companies. Here are our choices:
10. The future of industrial drones DJI Matrice 3D and Dock 2
This is an advanced device that was included in our ranking for its innovation. DJI Matrice 3D is a dedicated solution for industry and professional applications, such as infrastructure inspections or environmental monitoring. The drone takes off on its own from dock 2 stations and is able to automatically perform a flight along a designated route. The flight time of the drone is as long as 50 minutes, range is 10 km, and the wide-angle camera records in 4K. Version Matrice 3TD z thermal imaging detect potential fires or irregularities. Such modern solutions are already being used in Poland: See how a drone deters predators on a farm in this article.
9. DJI Neo - tracking with Ai
Model Neo is a drone with very similar functionality to other proposals DJI, but is distinguished by the features of an FPV drone. It can be said that it is a hybrid of classic and FPV, which allows for 18 minutes of flight up to 6 km. In addition, the drone is able to fly itself to track the user with the help of artificial intelligence. It has an extremely low price, 4K camera, making it an attractive choice for beginners.
8. A drone you don't need to control - HoverAir X1
Lightweight and easy to use drone HoverAir X1, which made its debut in Poland this year. It is an ideal choice for people who are just beginning their adventure with flying. It uses a number of automatic and easy-to-use functions that make it easy to record from an interesting perspective. Flight time is approximately 11 minutes, and the image transmission allows you to move up to a distance of 30 meters. You can capture interesting frames without complicated controls. Provides high 4K image quality. The rugged, enclosed design provides security, and interestingly enough it weighs 125 g and is smaller in dimensions than a smartphone.
7. Start your journey with drones: DJI Mini 4K
An excellent choice for beginner pilots. Model DJI Mini 4K offers high quality recording in 4K, robust design and a radio range of up to 6 km. Thanks to its simplicity of operation and compact design, it is a great option for starting a drone adventure. Weighing less than 249 grams, the drone is easy to carry and requires no additional training. With a flight time of up to 31 minutes, the drone allows for longer and more efficient aerial photography sessions, making it a practical solution for everyday use. Mini 4K offers great value for money, which will work especially well among those who are looking for inexpensive, yet functional equipment.
6. Aquila16 FPV Kit - the best kit for a beginner FPV pilot
Model from BetaFPV, a leader in tiny whoop drones and FPV components. Aquila16 is rugged construction, brushless motors and easy parts replacement make it an excellent choice for beginners and advanced users alike. It comes with an intuitive controller and analog goggles for good image quality and smooth flight. The maximum flight time is up to 8 minutes, and the range is about 200 meters. It is equipped with a 1/4'' CMOS sensor and a 2.1 mm lens. Aquila16 provides good quality images at 1200TVL, which gives detailed and clear shots.
5. DJI Avata 2 - high quality FPV at your fingertips
Avata 2 is the latest version of the popular FPV drone from DJI. This model is distinguished by its improved camera quality (4K), longer transmission range (up to 10 km) and an extended flight time of up to 23 minutes. The drone is much quieter, and its design makes it perfect for people who are new to FPV, without sacrificing professional image quality.
Curiosity: did you know that in the DJI Fly app you can also find a summary of the number of hours you have logged in the air? At the end of the year comes a special notification. You can share them and send them to your friends. Tag our profile #megadron
4. Simplicity and quality in one: DJI Mini 3
A lighter and more affordable successor to the Mini 3 Pro. DJI Mini 3 stands out 4K camera with large sensor, automatic recording modes, and quiet and smooth flight up to 38 minutes. The range of the drone is approximately 6 km with high immunity to interference. Thanks to its compact design and light weight, it requires no special flying privileges, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
3. Professional thermal imaging in your hands: Autel EVO Lite 640T Enterprise
The price/quality ratio of this drone is unquestionable. On the market there is no cheaper model with thermal imaging function. Despite the low cost, Autel maintains high camera quality (6K). EVO Lite 640T provides a long flight time (40 min) and a transmission distance of up to 12 km. A unique feature is automatic recognition and counting of objects within the camera range. The drone can accurately determine that there are, for example, 13 vehicles, 20 people and 2 animals in the field of view - our tests confirmed the high accuracy of this function. This is a professional drone and the only sensible alternative to DJI, so it deserves a mention.
2. DJI Mini 4 Pro - Handy and packed with everything you need
The most popular drone of the year. With its compact design and modern features such as obstacle detection sensors and 4-axis gimbal, DJI Mini 4 Pro works perfectly for creating vertical videos for platforms such as TikTok or Instagram Reels. Camera with 1/1.3 inch CMOS sensor allows recording footage high quality 4K. The drone is very lightweight, which means it requires no additional training or permits to fly. Long flight time 34 min and advanced autopilot features have made it a favorite of amateurs and professionals alike who want a compact, easily transportable drone. Combined with video transmission, the O4 Mini 4 Pro can fly freely even to 10 km.
1. Leader among drones 2024: DJI Air 3S - Perfection in every flight
DJI Air 3S is the most innovative drone of 2024 combines modern technology with great functionality. Equipped with two advanced cameras - a main camera with a 1-inch CMOS sensor and a 70mm telephoto lens - it delivers video quality 4K/120 FPS and photos 50 MP with as many as 14-degree dynamic range. Thanks to the system LiDAR the drone precisely avoids obstacles even in difficult night conditions. 45-minute flight time and 10-kilometer range allow you to work longer and more creatively, and image stabilization guarantees perfect shots. It is the ideal choice for professionals who need robust equipment for demanding projects.
Summary
The development of drones in 2024 has brought further improvements in technology that open up new opportunities for enthusiasts and professionals alike. The industry is growing rapidly and offering drones with increasing availability and functionality.
The year 2024 also saw FPV drones gain huge popularity, with lightweight and easy-to-use models. On the other hand, professional, fully automatic solutions are developing, with innovations dedicated to specialized applications.
If any of these models have caught your eye or you want more details, take a look at us Megadron.en. Flying a drone is an adventure worth embarking on with the best equipment, and if you have any questions ask us - we are always happy to listen and share our knowledge.
