The Best Compact Drones for Beginners

Drones used to be bulky, expensive, and a little intimidating—but not anymore. Today’s compact drones are smarter, lighter, and way more beginner-friendly, making them perfect for anyone ready to take their photography (or fun) to new heights. Whether you're capturing epic travel shots, getting into aerial videography, or just want to learn the ropes, these beginner drones strike the perfect balance between performance and simplicity.

1. DJI Mini 2 SE — The Gold Standard Starter
Lightweight, powerful, and under 250g (no registration needed in most countries), the DJI Mini 2 SE is one of the best entry-level drones out there. It has a solid 2.7K camera, GPS for steady flight, and up to 10 km range. You’ll get those buttery-smooth aerial shots without any complicated setup—and it folds up small enough to toss in a backpack.

2. Ryze Tello — Budget-Friendly & Surprisingly Smart
Developed by Ryze in collaboration with DJI and Intel, the Tello is the perfect learning drone. It’s super lightweight, costs under $150, and while it doesn’t shoot 4K, its 720p camera is great for casual snaps. Bonus: it’s programmable with Scratch, so if you’re into coding, this drone doubles as an educational toy.

3. DJI Mini 3 — Compact with Serious Camera Power
If you’re ready to level up but still want beginner-friendly controls, the DJI Mini 3 is your pick. It shoots stunning 4K HDR video, has true vertical shooting (hello, social media content), and advanced wind resistance for smoother flights. It’s compact, foldable, and has auto take-off and landing to help ease your learning curve.

4. HoverAir X1 — The Pocket-Sized Selfie Drone
Want a drone that flies itself? Meet the HoverAir X1. It’s ultra-compact, folds like a phone, and launches straight from your hand. With pre-programmed flight paths (orbit, follow-me, etc.), it's basically the selfie stick of the future. Great for content creators or solo travelers who want cinematic shots without a big learning curve.