Do I Need a License to Fly a Drone?

We have an extensive guide to everything you need to know about drone operation, but here’s the quick version. If you are piloting a drone for recreational (non-commercial) reasons, you do not need to get a license from the Federal Aviation Administration, but you do need to take and pass the free online Trust test. You can’t just fly anywhere; however, you’ll need to avoid restricted airspace—so you can’t fly in Washington D.C., national parks, or above major sporting events, plus keep your drone away from major airports and under 400 feet altitude (above ground level). These restrictions vary for commercial operators as well as drones under a certain weight. For example, recreational pilots must register with the FAA to fly any drone that weighs 0.55 pounds (249g) or more but can otherwise skip that step. On the other hand, commercial pilots have to register every drone they fly, even ultra-light models.

How Do I Register My Drone?

Federal Aviation Administration rules require registering any drone over 0.55 pounds (249g) with their system at the FAA DroneZone website. That registration costs $5 and is valid for three years. You will need to be over the age of 13 to register a drone and provide personal information, including address, phone number and the model number and serial number of your drone. Learn more in our complete guide to drone flying.

What Kind of Camera Do I Need for My Drone?

As you’d expect, the nicer the camera, the more you can expect to pay for a drone. Many drones support 4K resolution, and you should make sure to seek one out with a three-axis gimbal for stabilization to enjoy smooth, stable video. Higher-end models may not push any more pixels but improve upon video quality with higher-quality compression and 10-bit color sampling. Still, if you’re not interested in the video angle and just want to fly, there’s no reason to shell out extra money for a fancier camera when a 1080p one will be fine. Racing drones cut down on the camera equipment for lighter weight and more powerful propellers, making them a good option in that case. We rated the DJI Mavic Pro 3 as the best option on the market for image and video quality, but it’s overkill for beginners. The DJI Mini 3 and Mini 4 Pro both provide killer picture and video quality in a smaller package; the latter includes optical avoidance, too.

Which Drone Is Best for Being on a Budget?

It’s easy to spend a ton of cash on a drone, but not necessary. Many of the leading manufacturers make affordable options. In our rundown of the best drones on the market, we said that the DJI Mini 3 was the best drone for creators on a budget. When we reviewed that model, we said that it was “a strong option for fewer dollars than the Pro edition and a good fit for pilots who don’t need obstacle detection but want a better-than-basic camera.” With a solid camera and easy controls, it’ll do everything you need it to.

Are Cheap Drones Harder to Fly?

It depends on how cheap you’re talking. In our extensive guide on how to fly a drone, we go deep into the various control options and automated piloting assistants that quadcopters come with. Most reputable manufacturers are going to include at least some of those in their budget models, and there is a 15-minute knowledge test you need to pass before you take off. The only drones that might be less stable or controllable are the ultra-cheap models that you can find at Amazon and Walmart, which are often made with inferior build quality.

Which Drone is Best for Beginners?

Starting from scratch in your aerial journey? We’ve got a whole guide on the best drones for beginners, but we’ll summarize it here. A beginner drone should be relatively affordable, easy to assemble and launch, and ideally offer user-friendly navigation features like GPS that allow it to return to you if you lose track of it. Our top pick was the DJI Mini Pro 4. In our review, we said that it “does nearly everything right,” praising its lightweight, easy storage, and 360-degree obstacle avoidance sensors. If you can’t afford the Mini 4 Pro, the Mini 3 is very similar (minus obstacle avoidance), and the Mini 2 4K or Mini 2 SE are the best true budget options.

How Much Should You Spend on a Good Drone?

Even with the deals and discounts we bring you, drone prices can occupy a wide range. Obviously, you want to hit the sweet spot where you get the most features for the lowest price, but exactly where is that? You can check out our rundown of the top drones to see a general overview, but to get more specific, anything under $200 will probably not be good for anything but learning the ropes and goofing around, but won’t provide professional-grade video or the safety features beginners should have. Intermediate drones typically range up to $600 and are built to last, with better cameras and useful features. Above that, you’re in the “prosumer” market, which is probably not where you want to be as a hobbyist. The DJI Mini 2 SE ($279) is the best cheap drone we’ve tested and is also available with an upgraded camera in the form of the Mini 2 4K ($299).

Where Can I Find the Lowest Prices on Drones?

DJI drones tend to sell for the same price at every retailer like Amazon. Like many camera companies, DJI works with authorized resellers who enforce minimum advertised pricing (MAP), which means that it’s up to DJI, not the resellers, as when to put drones on sale.

Are There Bundle Deals That Include Drone Accessories?

Yes, drones are frequently available in bundles that usually include a carrying case, additional flight batteries, and a few sets of replacement propellers. DJI calls its bundles Fly More Combos, and Autel refers to them as Premium. Getting a drone with an accessory bundle is typically a good deal and saves money versus buying extra batteries separately.

Do Drones Go on Sale During Amazon Prime Days or Black Friday?

Yes! Like most things tech, you’re going to see your biggest price drops during the biggest “shopping holidays” of the year. But in the meantime, you can always check out PCMag’s Deals coverage for the lowest prices of the moment.