Best Drones for Video Under $500

While the film and video industry might be turning to focus on AI as the new up-and-coming technology rapidly changes the landscape, there are still plenty of fun and innovative ways to shoot video content the good old-fashioned way.

For several years, aerial drone camera technology was the big news of the day, and even with it becoming more accessible, affordable, and even expected for many project types, it’s still honestly a great and fun way to shoot cinematic video.

So whether you're establishing shots for your narrative shorts or features or operating an aerial drone business for real estate or corporate video, let’s go over some of the best drones for under $500 that would be great investments for your needs.

1. DJI Flip Drone

Our top pick here is going to be the DJI Flip. Available with an RC-N3 remote for under $500, the DJI Flip is not to be confused with a toy. The DJI Flip is a true pint-sized powerhouse that might be small, but it packs a powerful punch when it comes to aerial content creation.

From its design, the Flip is a folding quadcopter that transforms like no other. Each arm, motor, propeller, and propeller guard is one piece, with each of the four twisting and folding underneath the Flip for ultimate portability. When unfolded, the Flip can take off from your palm without requiring a remote, although an RC-N3 controller is included.

Once in flight, the high-end camera system can capture 4K60 horizontal video, 2.7K vertical video, and 48MP stills, taking advantage of a wide range of intelligent flight modes for professional-quality results.

Here are the full specs and purchase options.

• Built-In Full-Coverage Propeller Guards
• Portable Design with Folding Propellers
• Up to 4K60 Horizontal Video
• Up to 2.7K Vertical Video
• 48MP Still Images
• AI Subject Tracking & Auto Flight Modes
• Up to 31 Minutes of Flight Time
• O4 Transmission with up to 8-Mile Range
• 10-Bit D-Log M Color Mode
• RC-N3 Remote Controller Included

DJI Flip Drone (RC-N3)

Don't confuse the DJI Flip Drone for a toy. This pint-sized powerhouse might be small, but it packs a powerful punch when it comes to aerial content creation.

2. DJI Mini 3 Drone 

Our second top pick is the DJI Mini 3 which is available for under $500 when purchased with an RC-N1 remote option. Designed to fly longer with improved social media support when filming with the Mini 3 Drone from DJI.

Plus, when compared to the previous generation, the Mini 3 sports improved wind resistance and battery life, now offering up to 38 minutes of flight time. It also adds true vertical shooting, a feature that lets you rotate the gimbal 90° to film vertical shots that can be immediately shared on social media platforms.

Similar to the previous Mini 2 model, the Mini 3 captures stunning videos in 4K HDR, uses OcuSync 2.0 for a transmission range of up to 6.2 miles, and includes a host of automated functions to make piloting easier. This version of the Mini 3 gets you in the air quickly, with the inclusion of an RC-N1 remote, flight battery, and more.

Here are the full specs and purchase options.

• Up 4K30 Video & 48MP Stills
• Includes RC-N1 Remote Controller
• Rotating Gimbal for Vertical Shooting
• Up to 38 Minutes of Flight Time
• Up to 6.2-Mile Range with OcuSync
• 8.8 oz Lightweight & Foldable Design
• Withstands up to 24 mph Winds
• Up to 36 mph Flight Speed
• Intelligent Flight & Panorama Modes
• Automatic Takeoff/Hover & Return to Home

DJI Mini 3 Drone with DJI RC Remote (Fly More Combo)

Fly longer with improved social media support when filming with the Mini 3 Drone from DJI.

3. DJI Neo

Designed to be DJI’s most beginner-friendly option, the DJI Neo is well below $500 with its basic no-remote option. The Neo still offers pro-style quality and can be a creative and fun alternative to a selfie stick or tripod.

The DJI Neo is incredibly lightweight at only 4.8 oz, and, as a palm-sized drone, it can take off from and land onto your outstretched hand. In the air, the Neo's 1-axis camera can capture selfies and sweeping vistas at 4K30 resolution with its 1/2" sensor.

Users can control it with the DJI Fly app on their phone or with their voice. To ensure solid, pro-style performance, DJI equipped the Neo with AI-based subject tracking, RockSteady and Horizon Balancing stabilization, and six different QuickShots automatic shooting modes. The Neo now makes it easier than ever to achieve a new perspective on your personal and professional content.

Here are the full specs and purchase options.

• Compact, Lightweight & Beginner Friendly
• Palm-Based Takeoff & Landing
• Control with DJI Fly App or Your Voice
• 1-Axis Camera for up to 4K30 Video
• Ultra-Stabilized Video
• AI Subject Tracking
• Six QuickShots Shooting Modes
• Full-Coverage Propeller Guards
• Level 4 Wind Resistance

DJI Neo Drone

Mixing beginner-friendly operation with pro-style quality, the DJI Neo Drone offers a creative and fun alternative to a selfie stick or tripod. Incredibly lightweight at only 4.8 oz, the palm-sized Neo can take off from and land onto your outstretched hand.

4. Potensic ATOM

While our top options on this list are going to be DJI models, with the company’s future in the United States in contention, there are some other quality brands to check out as well. If you’re looking to capture important moments at amazing angles, the easy-to-pilot ATOM Drone from Potensic is worth considering.

The Potensic ATOM is an ultra-portable folding drone that features a 3-axis gimbal for capturing smooth, shake-free, 4K30 footage and 12MP stills. Use one of the integrated QuickShots modes to make those clips cinematic.

Using the ATOM couldn't be easier, with an ergonomic remote and app that works with your smartphone, providing voice prompts, on-screen instructions, and tutorials. Fly the ATOM to distant objects using Pixsync 3.0 for a transmission range of up to 3.7 miles. Fly it longer with up to 32 minutes of battery life, and fly it almost anywhere. The ATOM sports a takeoff weight of only 0.55 lb, which doesn't require registration.

Here are the full specs and purchase options.

• 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization
• 4K30 Video & 12MP Stills
• Foldable & Lightweight Design
• QuickShots Smart Flight Modes
• Up to 32 Minutes of Flight Time
• Up to 3.7-Mile Transmission Range
• Precision Navigation & Hovering
• Smart Auto Return
• Interval Timer Shooting Mode Time-Lapse
• Fly More Combo Accessory Bundle

Potensic ATOM Drone (Fly More Combo)

Capture important moments at amazing angles when flying the easy-to-pilot ATOM Drone from Potensic.

5. HOVERAir X1 PRO

Finally, to wrap things up, we have the HoverAir X1 Pro, which is easy to operate and fun to fly, yet also offers the ability to capture complex pro-quality shots. The X1 PRO from HOVERAir can film in seconds in the sky. Users must simply take it out, unfold it, and select one of the pre-programmed automated flight modes. There's no need for a controller or phone.

The PRO can follow you or perform a complex maneuver, with top follow speeds of up to 26 mph, making it great for action sports. All the durable and flexible noise-reducing propellers are safely contained in an aerodynamic foldable cage. As it flies, the 2-axis gimbal with electronic image stabilization and horizon leveling can capture rock-solid footage at up to 4K60 resolution or 1080p120 in slo-mo. There's even a vertical mode for recording social media-ready clips.

• Compact & Foldable Design
• Multiple Modes for Automated Flight
• Up to 4K60 or 1080p120 Slo-Mo Footage
• No Remote or Phone Required
• Electronic Image Stabilization
• Automatic Horizon Leveling
• Safe Flight with Full Propeller Cage
• Level 5 Wind Resistance up to 24 mph
• Up to 16 Minutes of Flight Time

HOVERAir X1 PRO

Easy to operate, fun to fly, and able to capture complex pro-quality shots, the X1 PRO from HOVERAir looks to have it all.