The 7 Best Drones (2020): DJI, Parrot, Syma

It’s no exaggeration to say that drones have changed the way we view the world. They’ve taken once difficult and expensive moviemaking techniques and made them accessible to anyone. Videos that once required a camera crew, expensive cranes, and hours of filming can now be done in minutes by the best drones with the tap of a single “auto takeoff” button.

Drones aren’t just flying cameras, though; they’re also the modern version of remote-controlled vehicles, and again they’ve made flying easier and more accessible thanks to intelligent collision sensors that protect your investment from mishaps. While there are a dizzying array of drones available, there is a basic division to be aware of—cheaper drones, while fun, will never fly as well or deliver the kind of video and photo results possible with more expensive models. With drones, you get what you pay for, perhaps more than with any other tech I’ve tested. That said, if you’re not worried about wowing YouTube with your sweeping panoramic masterpiece, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good, fun drone. Here are the best drones for every budget.

Be sure to check out our many other buying guides, including the Best Action Cameras and Best Compact Cameras