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- 31 - Minutes
- 4K - 12MP
- 36 - MPH
- 6.2 - Miles
The DJI Mini 2 is an updated Mavic Mini, now with a 4K camera, Ocusync 2.0, and updated flight features in a package still small... -
- 30 - Minutes
- 2.7K - 12MP
- 29 - MPH
- 2.5 - Miles
The DJI Mavic Mini is the smallest Mavic drone released to date. Offering 2.7K video and great flight features in a package small enough to... -
- 5 - Minutes
- Basic FPV
- 50 - MPH
- 500 - ft
The UVify OOri is a fantastic drone for aspiring race pilots. It is stable and manageable in the living room, but can also run up... -
- 33 - Minutes
- 4K - 30 FPS
- 45 - MPH
- 2.43 - MILES
The Yuneec Mantis G adds a stabilized camera Gimbal to the Mantis Q - exactly the missing piece from the original folding drone. Now you... -
- 5 - Minutes
- No camera
- 7 - MPH
- 150 - ft
The Hubsan H111 is one of the best nano drones for flying around the house. It is a tiny machine that fits in the palm...
We have reached a point where new drones are easily categorized in several ways, by size, weight, capability and more. In this list, we’re going to explore some of the best mini drones – compact flying machines that may not be as budget friendly as our nano drones list. These machines span a wide range of styles and capabilities, we’re sure at least one will appeal to you.
With many small drones to choose from, we’re trying to find that sweet spot between nano and machines large enough to require FAA registration. It’s a difficult target, as you’ll see more than a few are still above that 0.55 lb mark, but not by much.
Reminder: You still have to follow the rules with drones that don’t need to be registered.
Best mini drones
Special consideration: DJI Mavic Air 2
The DJI Mavic Air 2 is not exactly a mini drone, but it does pack down small enough to slide in your backpack when you hit the road. It’s larger than the original Mavic Air, but it’s also much more capable, with longer flight times, more safety features, and a significantly better camera. The Mavic Air 2 is well worth looking into.
DJI Mavic Air 2
- 34 - MIN
- 4K - 60 FPS
- 42.5 - MPH

Nano drones
We respect that many of you may have landed on this mini drones list looking for nano drones. You were not wrong to do so, we just mostly keep them somewhere else. Simple enough, you are but a click away from viewing our best nano drones list.
Parrot Mambo
Also seen in our Best drones for kids and Parrot drones guide

Parrot has many small drones in the toy-class segment, including the Mambo. Mambo is the size of machine that carries around sticky notes or cubes of sugar. It is larger than the nano drones we’ve looked at before, but not by much. This is a fun toy with optional clamp and toy ball launcher.
Check out the Parrot Mambo from $49 on Amazon today.
Hubsan Q4 H111D
Candidate for Best nano drones list
The plain Hubsan H111 is one of our top picks in the nano drone space, but the updated Q4 H111D with FPV camera is a little larger and a whole lot more capable. Specifically, they’ve added headless mode and the camera is just a little 280p shooter, but for FPV flying on the 4.3-inch display in the remote control, that’s good enough.
Check out the Hubsan Q4 H111D FPV for $55 on Amazon today.
That’s all we have for today folks, thank you for joining us on this exploration of mini drones. Larger than the nano drones out there, and certainly not lacking in features, we think you can find great value in many of these flying options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly drones inside my house?
Yes, there are many drones that are either small enough, or stable enough, to be safe for indoor flight. Be careful with GPS drones, as they may get confused with a weak signal. Also be aware of object avoidance sensors, they may prevent you from getting through doorways.
Are there drone laws for mini drones?
Yes, no matter what size of drone you fly, you must follow the FAA’s laws for drone flight in the United States. If your drone weights 0.55 lbs, 250 grams, or more, then you’ll also have to register before you fly.
How much should I pay for a mini drone?
Drone cost depends on features. A super basic toy drone, with almost no flight assist features and no camera, will cost about $20 – $30. Add a camera to double that price, add GPS to double that price again. If you are buying your very first drone, we recommend picking up an entry-level drone for around $30, learn to fly with little financial risk, try not to make these drone mistakes.