Drones come in different sizes and varieties. They may be used for different purposes. While some drones are tiny and are used as toys, others are photography drones that are larger and perform various functions, and so on. So, how much is a drone? Well, there’s no singular answer to this question.

Drones come in different price ranges – from $50 to $10,000 and over.

In this post, you’ll discover the expected price ranges of different drone categories.

Read on to know more.

how much is a drone

 

How Much Drones Cost?


Here are the different drone categories and their respective price ranges:

  1. Drones for First-Time Pilots – $50-$100
  2. Beginner-Friendly Drones – $100-$300
  3. Entry-Level Photography Drones – $300-$500
  4. Mid-Level Drones – $500-$2000
  5. Professional Drones – $2000-$5000
  6. Commercial Drones – $3000 and above

 

Drones for First-Time Pilots | $50-$100

These drones are for those who are exploring flying a drone for the first time. To start off with drone photography, it’s best to first learn how to operate a drone with a basic, low-cost drone model. It will help to build confidence through frequent practice of piloting such a drone. Besides, you don’t want to practice with a super-expensive drone and end up crashing it!

So, as a first-time pilot, starting off with a $50-$1000 drone is a great idea. Even if such a drone crashes, you won’t need to worry much. Also, even though the drones in this category come cheap, they are great in helping you understand how to operate the controls.

Here are some drones for first-time pilots (under $100) that fall in this price range:

  • Ryze Tech Tello – Our Top Pick!

Ryze Tech Tello - Mini Drone Quadcopter UAV for Kids Beginners 5MP Camera HD720 Video 13min Flight Time Education Scratch Programming Toy Selfies, powered by DJI, White
2,809 Reviews
Ryze Tech Tello - Mini Drone Quadcopter UAV for Kids Beginners 5MP Camera HD720 Video 13min Flight Time Education Scratch Programming Toy Selfies, powered by DJI, White
  • Equipped with a high-quality image processor, the Tello drone shoots incredible...
  • Camera features 5MP (2592x1936) photos and HD720 videos at a maximum flight time of...
  • Tello has two antennas that make video transmission extra stable and a high-capacity...

  • Force1 F100GP – GoPro Compatible Drone

Force1 F100GP Drone with Camera for Adults - GoPro Compatible RC Drone with 1080p HD Video Drone Camera Long Range Brushless Quadcopter with Remote Control, 2 Drone Batteries, 3 Drone Shells
695 Reviews
Force1 F100GP Drone with Camera for Adults - GoPro Compatible RC Drone with 1080p HD Video Drone Camera Long Range Brushless Quadcopter with Remote Control, 2 Drone Batteries, 3 Drone Shells
  • GoPro Compatible Camera Drone for Adults: The F100GP RC drone is built for adventure...
  • High-Powered Brushless Drone Motors: Tougher, more powerful brushless motors give you...
  • 1080p HD Wide-Angle Drone Camera: Enjoy panoramic view and perfectly capture moments...

  • Hubsan X4 H107C – Super Fast yet Inexpensive

Hubsan X4 (H107C) 4 Channel 2.4GHz RC Quad Copter with Camera - Green/Black
  • Latest 6-axis flight control system with adjustable gyro sensitivity
  • Permits super stable flight. With 4 channels
  • Lightweight airframe with nice durability

The full list of the drones under $100 is here.

Do you need some tips on how to fly a drone?

Read this article to find the ultimate guide for the first-time drone pilots.

Beginner-Friendly Drones | $100-$300

While you’re learning how to fly, you may at some point feel the need to have more features like GPS or a better camera, so that you’re able to get to the next level with ease. Enter – the category of beginner-friendly drones, with a plethora of features that will help you learn how to operate a drone and shoot some wonderful aerial shots.

Drones in this category are also faster than the previous one. The price range for such drones is $100-$300. Owing to their advancements, these drones are much more fun to pilot.

Here are some beginner-friendly drones(under $300) that fall in this price range:

  • Potensic T25 Drone – Affordable Drone with Duo GPS

SPECIAL SALE
Potensic T25 Drone with 2K Camera for Adults, RC FPV GPS Drone with WiFi Live Video, Auto Return Home, Altitude Hold, Follow Me, Custom Flight Path, 2 Drone Batteries and Carrying Case
  • 2K, 120 FOV, 75 ADJUSTABLE WIDE ANGLE: Wider vision and fluent transmission help to...
  • GPS ASSIST FLY: Follow Me Mode and dual GPS free your hands while GPS drone...
  • CONVENIENT AND EASY FOR BEGINNERS: Headless Mode, Altitude Mode and One Key to...

  • Ruko F11 Pro – Stable Drone with Amazing Battery Life

SPECIAL SALE
Ruko F11PRO Drones with Camera for Adults 4K UHD Camera 60 Mins Flight Time with GPS Auto Return Home Brushless Motor-Black(with Carrying Case)
  • 【6𝟎 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞】F11PRO camera...
  • 【𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐧 𝐭𝐨...
  • 【𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝟔 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝...

  • Holy Stone HS700D – Another Great Option for Beginners
Holy Stone FPV Drone with 4K FHD Camera Live Video and GPS Return Home, RC Quadcopter for Adults Beginners with Brushless Motor, Follow Me, 5G WiFi Transmission, Modular Battery Advanced Selfie
  • 4K FHD 90°Adjustable Camera with 5G Transmission: The upgraded camera (3840*2160P...
  • GPS Assisted Flight: With GPS location, the drone can hover stably and automatically...
  • 22 Mins Max Flight Time: The High-capacity 2800mAh intelligent battery yields up to...

The full list of the drones under $300 is here.

Entry-Level Photography Drones | $300-$500

These drones are meant for entry-level drone photographers who are looking to capture some high-quality aerial shots. The camera of such drones is significantly more advanced, with great stabilization owing to the presence of a gimbal. This helps eliminate unpleasant shakes and jitters while you’re shooting from above so you get pleasing shots.

Drones in this category come in the price range of $300-$500. They have a video resolution of 1080p to 2.7K and a 12-MP sensor.

Here are some entry-level photography drones that fall in this price range:

  • DJI Spark – Superb Entry-level Drone by DJI

DJI Spark with Remote Control Combo (White)
440 Reviews
DJI Spark with Remote Control Combo (White)
  • DJI spark remote control Combo includes remote controller and standard spark...
  • 2-Axis Stabilized Gimbal Camera 12MP Still Photos/ 1080P/30 Video gesture and Tap Fly...
  • Flight autonomy with obstacle detection subject tracking from various angles GPS- &...

  • DJI Mavic Mini – Compact yet Powerful Camera Drone

DJI Mavic Mini - Drone FlyCam Quadcopter UAV with 2.7K Camera 3-Axis Gimbal GPS 30min Flight Time, less than 0.55lbs, Gray
3,066 Reviews
DJI Mavic Mini - Drone FlyCam Quadcopter UAV with 2.7K Camera 3-Axis Gimbal GPS 30min Flight Time, less than 0.55lbs, Gray
  • The compact yet powerful Mavic Mini camera drone is the perfect creative companion,...
  • Weighing less than 0.55lbs by 250 grams, Mavic Mini is almost as light as the average...
  • Mavic Mini supports 12MP aerial photos and 2.7K HD videos. A 3-axis motorized gimbal...

  • DJI Mini 2 – Best Portable & Lightweight Drone for Entry-Level Photography

DJI Mini 2 – Ultralight and Foldable Drone Quadcopter, 3-Axis Gimbal with 4K Camera, 12MP Photo, 31 Mins Flight Time, OcuSync 2.0 10km HD Video Transmission, QuickShots Gray
17,830 Reviews
DJI Mini 2 – Ultralight and Foldable Drone Quadcopter, 3-Axis Gimbal with 4K Camera, 12MP Photo, 31 Mins Flight Time, OcuSync 2.0 10km HD Video Transmission, QuickShots Gray
  • 【PACK LIGHT, FLY FREE】: at less than 249 g, it weighs about as much as an apple...
  • 【3-AXIS GIMBAL WITH 4K CAMERA】: a 12mp camera in the sky delivers content...
  • 【OCUSYNC 2.0 VIDEO TRANSMISSION】: mini 2 supports up to 10km of hd video...

The full list of the drones under $500 is here.

Mid-Level Drones | $500-$2000

If you’re a trained aerial photographer who wants to seriously upgrade the quality of your drone shots, then the mid-level drones will unleash a world of possibilities and dramatic improvements. Drones in this category feature a 3-axis gimbal, 4K camera resolution, and a 48-MP sensor.

Furthermore, drones in this category have higher-quality computing ability and higher-end software for better image processing. This helps you get HDR captures with significantly better white-balanced shots. Apart from the advanced camera, these drones also offer improved flight safety. Such drones come in the $500-$2000 range.

Here are some mid-level drones that fall in this price range:

  • DJI Mavic Pro – Drone with Sophisticated Camera

SPECIAL SALE
DJI Mavic Pro 4K Quadcopter with Remote Controller, 2 Batteries, with 1-Year Warranty - Gray
225 Reviews
DJI Mavic Pro 4K Quadcopter with Remote Controller, 2 Batteries, with 1-Year Warranty - Gray
  • Mavic Pro + 1 Extra New Battery
  • Offers up to 4.3 miles (7km) of transmission range - Fly at up to 40mph (64kmh) or...
  • Gimbal-Stabilized 12MP / 4K Camera

  • DJI Air 2S – Lightweight Consumer Camera Drone

DJI CP.MA.00000346.01 Air 2S Drone Quadcopter 5.4K Video Fly More Combo (Renewed) Bundle with 1 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
  • This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished it shows limited or no...
  • Includes all original accessories plus a 90-day warranty
  • DJI Air 2S Drone Quadcopter 5.4K Video Fly More Combo

  • DJI Mavic 2 Zoom – Drone Camera with Two-Times Optical Zoom

DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
40 Reviews
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
  • Product Type:Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
  • Item Package Weight:2.5 Kilograms
  • Item Package Dimension:11.0 cm L X28.0 cm W X28.4 cm H

 

Professional Drones | $2000-$5000

Professional drones have truly revolutionized aerial photography. These drones are increasingly being used today, whether it is for pro-level filmmaking or photography. They are large in size and costly. Their large size is owing to the fact that they can carry advanced cameras that are big and heavy. These drones can even tow all the remote controls.

Drones in this category are usually priced between $2000-$5000.

Here are some professional drones that fall in this price range:

DJI Inspire 2 Drone
16 Reviews
DJI Inspire 2 Drone
  • Efficient workflow
  • Sense and avoid
  • Spotlight Pro; Compatible with 5.2K Gimbal Cameras

  • DJI Mavic 2 Pro – Equipped with a Hasselblad Camera

DJI Mavic 2 Pro - Drone Quadcopter UAV with Hasselblad Camera 3-Axis Gimbal HDR 4K Video Adjustable Aperture 20MP 1' CMOS Sensor, up to 48mph, Gray
558 Reviews
DJI Mavic 2 Pro - Drone Quadcopter UAV with Hasselblad Camera 3-Axis Gimbal HDR 4K Video Adjustable Aperture 20MP 1" CMOS Sensor, up to 48mph, Gray
  • Equipped with a Hasselblad L1D-20c camera with a 20MP 1” CMOS Sensor, the Mavic 2...
  • Up to 31 minutes flight time, 44 mph max speed, 907G takeoff weight, 3-axis gimbal...
  • Functions include ActiveTrack 2.0, Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing, Hyperlapse,...

DJI Mavic 3 Classic (Drone Only), Drone with 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera for Professionals, 5.1K HD Video, 46-Min Flight Time, Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing, Remote Controller Sold Separately
80 Reviews
DJI Mavic 3 Classic (Drone Only), Drone with 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera for Professionals, 5.1K HD Video, 46-Min Flight Time, Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing, Remote Controller Sold Separately
  • 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera - The legendary Swedish brand Hasselblad customized the...
  • 5.1K HD Video - Professional-grade imaging performance for sharper details. It can...
  • 46-Min Max Flight Time - Compatible with Mavic 3-Series batteries for up to 40...

The full list of the professional drones is here.

 

Commercial Drones | $3000 & Above

There’s a slight difference between professional and commercial drones. While professional drones are usually meant for pro-level drone pilots who want to do filmmaking and photography as a profession, commercial drones are specifically meant for special functions like mapping, inspection, passenger flight, and even package delivery.

Most commercial drones feature an infrared camera that produces practical thermal imaging in location search, surveying, and rescue tasks. Commercial drones carry the required payloads and safety kits, such as more lights and parachutes. These drones are expensive and are usually priced above $300.

Here are some commercial drones that fall in this price range:

  • Freefly Alta 8 – Expensive Commercial Drone with High-End Features
  • Yuneec H520 – Superb Inspection Drone
Yuneec H520 + E50 System Configurable Bundle with H520 airframe, E50 3-axis Gimbal Camera, ST16S 2 Batteries and more...
3 Reviews
Yuneec H520 + E50 System Configurable Bundle with H520 airframe, E50 3-axis Gimbal Camera, ST16S 2 Batteries and more...
  • H520 SYSTEM SOLUTION E50 BUNDLE + ACCESSORIES Comes with the E50 camera - a big lense...
  • SAFETY Six rotor, designed with inspection industry in mind, with six-rotor systems...
  • ULTRASONIC COLLISION PREVENTION intelligent front sonar sensors allows H520 to stop...
DJI Mavic 3 - Camera Drone with 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera, 5.1K Video, with 128 GB Micro SD Card, 3.0 USB Card Reader, Landing Pad, Waterproof Backpack and More
30 Reviews
DJI Mavic 3 - Camera Drone with 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera, 5.1K Video, with 128 GB Micro SD Card, 3.0 USB Card Reader, Landing Pad, Waterproof Backpack and More
  • Massive Bundle for the Pros, see description for items included
  • Imaging Above Everything - With a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera, the sensor provides a...
  • 46 Minutes of Flight Time - Stay in the air longer and capture more with a...

 

 Select the Right Drone for Your Needs


I hope that, from the above information, you now have a fair idea of what price range to expect when looking for a new drone. As a drone pilot, you must select the best drone for your needs. When selecting a suitable drone, there are several crucial factors you need to focus on – range & flight time, size & weight, remote controller, speed, portability, budget, and more.

So, whether you want your drone for fun or professional use, make sure that you do extensive research.

 

Thanks for reading!

I hope this guide helped you find out all about the expected price ranges of different drone categories. 🙂

 

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