Most drone manufacturers have opted for proprietary software to control their respective drones, we’ll explore that today, a contrast to our Best drone apps list, with the best apps for any drone enthusiast. Those were the generic apps independent of drone manufacturer, this list today is the apps you need to fly a drone from each of the major manufacturers.
We chose some of the more popular drone manufacturers out there, including DJI, Autel Robotics, Yuneec and Hubsan. Please feel free to let us know in the comments below if there is a manufacturer you’d like to see in the list.
Jonathan FeistWhy trust Drone Rush?
I’ve been a fan of flight since a young age; while I’ve had few opportunities at the helm of manned aircraft, the hours on my fleet of drones continue to grow. I enjoy putting cameras into the sky, silky smooth aerial imagery makes me happy. My goal is to help all pilots enjoy flight legally and safely.
We’d hate to be presumptuous about the drone you are flying, but unless it’s a custom racing rig, there’s a high likelihood you’re flying a DJI drone today. Let’s start there.
DJI Go 4
For those flying later DJI hardware, look no further, this app is for you. Designed for all Phantom 4 series drones, the Inspire 2, and everyone’s favorite, the Mavic Pro, DJI GO 4 packs the very latest and best features that DJI has to offer in retail drones.
If you do not want this app for some reason, why not check out our list of DJI GO 4 app alternatives.
DJI GO 4 is free in the Google Play store or the Apple App store.
DJI Fly
The focus with the new DJI Mavic Mini is a simplified flight experience that doesn’t skimp on the core functionality, this described the DJI Fly app as well. Experienced DJI pilots may not find all of the manual tweaks and settings they’ve gotten use to for the larger drones, but the truth is, they were not necessary for flight. Focusing on the live view from the drone, and key mapping and navigation telemetry, the DJI Fly app won’t confuse new pilots, and, just like the drone, is a great stepping stone toward more advanced flight.
Check out DJI Fly for Android or iOS.
DJI Fly works for the DJI Mavic Mini, Mini 2, Mavic Air 2, DJI FPV, and DJI Air 2S.
DJI GO
For all of you early adopters, the ones that took to the sky with a quadcopter from the Phantom 3 series or earlier, this is the app for you. Packing all but the very latest of features, and supporting all but the latest drones, DJI GO is the app for your Inspire 1, Phantom 3 or older, Matrice 100, Matrice 600 or the Osmo series of handheld gimbals.
DJI GO is free in the Google Play store or the Apple App store.
Parrot FreeFlight Pro
With growing popularity, Parrot drones are proving not only entertaining, but functional as well. Mostly built for the Bebop 2, Parrot FreeFlight Pro is the base up to get you airborne. Look for in-app purchases to unlock additional flight features.
Parrot FreeFlight Pro is free in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Yuneec Breeze Cam
Yuneec has more than a few great flying machines on the market today. If you are taking to the sky with the smallest craft in their line-up, Yuneec Breeze Cam will help you get the most from your Yuneec Breeze 4K drone.
Yuneec Breeze Cam is free in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Yuneec CGO3
For the larger machine aficionados in the Yuneec stables, you’ll want the CGO3 or CGO4 app to fly your Typhoon H and other machines equipped with the CGO3 camera. Obviously, for those with the Tornado H920 and up, with the CGO4 camera, grab the CGO4 app. I like how simple Yuneec kept that to understand.
Yuneec CGO3 is free in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Yuneec Pilot
Released alongside the Yuneec Mantis Q in mid 2018, Yuneec Pilot is a familiar looking app that provides all of the settings and controls you need to get the most out of your folding drone. We’ve haven’t stress tested the app yet, but after a few short flights with the Mantis Q, we’re impressed. Just a solid and simple app experience to fly the new Yuneec drone.
Yuneec Pilot is free in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
X-Hubsan
As far as we’re concerned, Hubsan is pretty much king of the toy class drone, but they have some serious machines as well. These more capable fliers require a little more than a small toy remote, and Hubsan has embraced the mobile device to make it all happen. For machines like the X4 H501A, X4 H501S Brushless and the H109S X4 Pro, look no further than the X-Hubsan app.
X_Hubsan is free in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Autel Robotics Starlink
At this stage in the game, the Autel Robotics X-Star Premium is the only drone up for sale from the robotics company. At least for normal retail sale. While major flight controls are handled by the supplied remote control, the Starlink app brings FPV video to your hands while in the sky.
Autel Robotics Starlink is free in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
3DR Solo
Yes, the name of the drone is the same as the name of the app to control it. The 3DR Solo is an older drone that has been discontinued, you can still find it new and it is a big, fun drone to fly. Although, you’ll need the older GoPro 4 if you want a camera, and the gimbal may well cost more than the drone itself at this point. Anyhow, 3DR Solo is the app you’ll want to fly your 3DR Solo.
3DR Solo is free in the Google Play store and in the Apple App Store.