Even for someone new to drones, it is apparent that DJI is the brand leader in this market. 

Some of their best drones include their Mavic series such as DJi Mavic pro, DJi Mavic 2 pro, DJi Mavic mini, Dji Mavic air 2, their phantom series DJi Phantom, DJi phantom 4 pro, DJi Spark to name a few. 

With DJI’s innovative product portfolio and its superior configuration on both software & hardware, they have dominated the drone market.

But sometimes, DJI’s proprietary and pioneering tech does not come in an affordable price tag and some users may find some of its features a little too much for their intended casual use.

That is why we came up with our five (5) best DJI alternatives and assessed them in terms of some of the basic attributes that we think would matter the most when not choosing a DJI.

If you’re interested to know more about it, keep reading.

Top 5 DJi Drone Alternatives

1. Yuneec Breeze Flying Camera 

Product Description

Yuneec Breeze is a compact drone that weighs just under 1 pound and will not only fit your bag but also your budget.

It’s designed to be controlled by your smartphone through its app. It can capture 13-megapixel images and stunning camera 4k.

Yuneec Breeze was designed to be used effortlessly, it’s as simple as popping it out of the box and letting it fly, no preflight configuration needed.

With its price point, you would be amazed by what it can do. This drone is equipped with an Indoor Positioning Sensor (IPS) that holds its position by detecting its surroundings in centimeter accuracy. 

It also comes with five (5) flight modes such as Pilot mode (use of a controller), Selfie mode, Orbit mode, Journey mode, and Follow Me mode. 

Pros

• Alternative to DJI Mavic Pro
• Affordable
• Compact and portable design
• Several flight mode options
• Durable build quality
• 4k video
• Easy to fly

Cons

• No axis gimbal stabilization
• Control is not as precise as a DJI
• Speed and control range is not that wide

2. HUBSAN H501S X4 Drone 

Product Description

The Hubsan H501S is equipped with a brushless motor that provides it with the highest speed for a micro quad. 

It has a decent 1080P HP camera and has a follow-me flight mode that makes taking selfies easy and convenient while orbiting or hovering near you so you can enjoy your outdoor activities and capture the moment at the same time.

It has a built-in GPS that enables it to automatically return to the take-off point once low power from the battery is detected or when the connection from the remote control is lost due to limited range.

It also has a headless feature, which is a breakthrough in the regular flight direction of drones, which allows the user to control the drone effortlessly in all directions. 

Pros

• Real-time FPV
• Alternatives to the DJI Spark
• Affordable
• Compact and portable design
• 6 AXIS GYRO equipped with 6-axis flight control systems
• Decent 1080P video camera output
• Probably the best choice for the toy-drone segment

Cons

• Limited flight modes
• No gimbal stabilization
• No object avoidance or flight assist
• 20 minutes max flight time only

3. Yuneec Typhoon H Plus

Product Description

The Yuneec Typhoon H Plus features Intel RealSense technology that detects and avoids objects while it follows you or while you navigate it through a controlled path. 

It has a flight time of up to 25 minutes and can capture video with its stunning 4k camera. 

In terms of its specs and pricing, this drone can be compared between the DJI Phantom and DJI Inspire.

Its Hexacopter design is for added safety and stability that can withstand wind up to 35 mph. 

Pros

• 360-degree photos and video capture
• C23 4K Camera with 1” Sensor on a 3-axis gimbal
• Comes with an all-in-one-controller with a large real-time display
• With obstacle avoidance

Cons

• Bulky
• Expensive 

4. Parrot Anafi

Product Description

What we love about the Parrot Anafi is its portability design. It has a foldable propeller and propeller arms that make it an ideal travel companion. 

The camera shoots stunning 4K video and 21 MP photos that come with a 2.8x zoomable lens with apparently no reduction in image quality.  

It has a unique 180 Degree vertical tilt gimbal, ideal for low-angle shots

It also comes with standard modes you would expect of a drone, like follow me, Tap to fly navigation, and return-to-home function.

You won’t have a problem misplacing it, thanks to its Geofence, SmartRth, and Find My Drone functions.

These features are simply hard to resist if your budget is within this price range.

Pros

• Great value for its price
• Good battery life: up to 25 minute flying time
• Lightweight
• Superior compact design, ideal for travel

Cons

• No obstacle avoidance 

5. UPAIR One Plus Quadcopter Drone

Product Description

The UPAIR One Plus Quadcopter Drone is an ideal drone for beginners or for anyone who wants to occasionally get an epic drone shot without burning too much cash. 

It will perform well, can be intuitively controlled using the remote, and provide the basic things you would expect of a drone camera.

It comes with an app that allows you to be in control of the drone features and can capture 16 mp images and 4k video quality. 

Pros

• One key return to home feature
• Alternative for DJI Phantom 3
• Quiet operation with its brushless motors
• Camera 4k 

Cons

• Short battery life (18 minute flight time)

Factors in choosing the drone

1. Video and Camera Quality

DJi models are known for their high-quality video and camera. However, if you are considering a certain budget, and for casual use only, then a 12 MP can already provide good photos. 

2. Intelligent Flight modes

Built-in flight modes provide additional features that can help you professionalize your shot giving it a more dramatic effect and amazing aerial videos.

Another important feature is the Return to home function, it helps prevent a drone from getting lost especially when problems occur such as loss of connection, low battery, etc. 

3. Battery and Flight Time

A long battery life allows you to maximize the features, flight time, and use of a drone. 

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Each of the mentioned drones can be a suitable alternative to a specific DJI Drone product. 

But if we have to choose one which stands out in terms of the basic attributes, the best drone alternative would be the Parrot Anafi.

The biggest plus points of this drone are its compact design with a footprint of a regular tumbler, and travel-friendly features like the ability to be charged using a regular USB-C port. 

This means you can conveniently bring it anywhere during vacations without excess baggage. It’s not a fancy drone but it’s functional and affordable in terms of the price tag.

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