Best Drones Under 800 in 2023 | Review | Buying Guide

What is your budget for a drone? While it’s natural to want to save as much money as possible, it’s important to consider that investing in a mid-range $800 drone can make a very huge difference in the quality of your aerial footage. While drones in this price range may not have all the advanced features of their higher-end counterparts, they offer a great deal of functionality and ease of use. 

So, if you’re in the market looking to spend around $800 for a drone, take a look at our comprehensive list of the best drones under 800. 

Be sure to check out our reviews and buying guides for other drones, including The Best Drone Under 1000, 100, and 500. 

DJI Mini 3 Pro

Key Features:

• 145 × 90 × 62 MM
• <249 G
• 34 minutes flight time
• 1/1.3” CMOS, 48MP JPEG/DNG
• f/1.7 aperture
• Up to 4K/60fps, 4K/30fps HDR video
• Forward/backward/downward obstacle sensing
• OcuSync 3.0, 1080p/30fps, 12 KM transmission 
• Level 5 wind resistance
• ActiveTrack 4.0
• True vertical shooting
• DJI fly app

Design and Build

The first drone on our list is the DJI Mini 3. The Mini 3 Pro’s design is different from its sleek and angular Mavic family siblings. Instead of sharp lines and aggressive angles, the Mini 3 Pro has a more curvaceous silhouette, with rounded edges and smooth contours that give it a more organic, almost futuristic look.

Not content with just a cosmetic overhaul, this very light drone has also made some functional design tweaks to the Mini 3 Pro. The inclusion of obstacle sensors and rounded gimbal mounts not only add to the drone’s aesthetic appeal, but also improve its safety and stability during flight. And to top it all off, the Mini 3 Pro features larger propellers than its predecessor, which help to increase its already impressive flight times.

Despite its compact form and featherweight structure, the Mini 3 Pro is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to handling windy conditions. With a wind speed resistance of nearly 24mph, this little powerhouse delivers impressive performance.

Battery and Flight Time

Each new release in the DJI drone series brings advancements in battery and flight performance, and the Mini 3 Pro is no exception. Equipped with a new 2,453mAh Intelligent Flight Battery weighing just 80.5g, it is advertised to provide up to 34 minutes of average flight time. 

However, taking into account variables such as return to home, weather conditions, and wind, the actual flight time ranges between 20-25 minutes, which is still a considerable improvement from its predecessor.

Camera Capabilities

The DJI Mini 3 Pro’s 12.1MP 1/1.3-inch sensor is a significant upgrade from its predecessor and allows you to capture stunning 48MP photos. The image quality is impressive, especially considering the drone’s small size and weight.

Though, as with most consumer drones, there is a slight reduction in sharpness towards the frame’s edges when capturing stills. And some lateral chromatic aberrations may be present along high-contrast subject edges. But this is a minor issue that doesn’t detract from the overall good image quality.

See DJI Mini 3 Pro price on Amazon

DJI Air 2S

Key Features:

• 180 × 97 × 77 MM
• 595 G
• 31 minutes flight time
• 1” CMOS, 20MP, JPEG/RAW
• f/2.8 aperture
• 5.4K/30fps video
• 4-Directional Obstacle Sensing
• OcuSync 3.0, 1080p, 12 KM transmission
• Level 5 wind resistance 
• ActiveTrack 4.0
• DJI fly app

Design and Build

Another one of our favorite drones under 800 is the DJI Air 2S. The Air 2S shares a similar basic design with the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, but is much smaller and lighter. Its propeller arms can be folded in for easy transportation and then folded out for drone flights, with the front arms swinging out while the rear arms rotate down and out. The drone’s build quality is excellent, and all of its moving parts feel reliable and robust. 

One of the Air 2S’s standout features is its impressive portability, weighing in at just 21 ounces and having a folded size of 7.1 x 3 x 3.8 inches. When unfolded, the drone’s size extends to 7.2 x 3 x 10 inches, but the body remains the same, and it’s still an incredibly compact drone in both configurations.

Battery and Flight Time

The Air 2S boasts a maximum flight time of 31 minutes, which is quite impressive considering its small batteries. However, in practical applications, it’s more realistic to expect flight times to last around 20 minutes. 

The drone’s Sport Mode requires the most power and can achieve speeds of up to 42.5mph/68kmh, which is only slightly slower than its larger and more powerful counterpart, the Mavic 2 Pro.

Camera Capabilities

The Air 2S boasts a 20MP one-inch sensor camera with a full-frame equivalent focal length of 22mm and a fixed aperture at f/2.8, allowing for a focus range of 60cm to infinity

While the fixed 22mm equivalent lens produces sharper images in the centre with a fall-off in sharpness towards the edges, this is a common occurrence with even the most decent drones and does not significantly impact the overall good camera quality. 

See DJI Air 2S price on Amazon

Drone X Pro Limitless 4

Key Features:

• 279.4 X 254 X 76.2 MM
• 544.311 G
• 30 minutes flight time per battery
• 3-Axis gimbal 4K HD camera
• Dual camera
• Gesture control
• Electronic image stabilization
• 50x zooming
• 3 mile flight range
• GPS follow me mode
• GPS auto return home
• WayPoint track flight
• Point of interest surround
• Obstacle avoidance sensors

Design and Build

Manufactured by a renowned Estonian tech brand, the DroneX Pro is one of the top-of-the-line, quality drones that are foldable and have amazing features at a relatively more affordable price point.

Despite its compact size, the DroneX Pro is packed with impressive capabilities that can elevate your flying experience. With automated takeoff and landing, and gravity sensors that ensure stability and balance, you can enjoy a hassle-free flight. Plus, its ability to perform 360-degree panoramic loops with just one click adds to the excitement and creativity of aerial photography.

Not only is this drone feature-rich, but it’s also built to last. All components are durable and sturdy, making it a reliable flying companion for years to come.

Battery and Flight Time

In contrast to other compact drones, this quadcopter boasts a respectable flight time. It can fly, record, and capture footage for up to 30 minutes on a single battery charge, and recharging the battery takes only about 2 hours. However, if you desire longer flight times, it may be wise to keep spare batteries on hand.

Camera Capabilities

The Drone X Pro packs a powerful punch in terms of its camera capabilities. With a 3-axis gimbal 4K HD camera and sleek remote controller, you can capture stunningly clear and stable footage that’s sure to impress. The drone’s dual camera feature is another highlight, providing you with the flexibility to take both wide-angle and close-up shots with ease.

Gesture control is yet another noteworthy feature that makes the Drone X Pro stand out. It enables you to easily capture images and footage without having to fiddle with the drone’s remote control. Additionally, the drone’s electronic image stabilization feature ensures your footage remains steady and smooth, even in slightly windy conditions.

See Drone X Pro Limitless 4 price on Amazon

Autel Robotics EVO Nano+

Key Features:

• 260×325×55 MM 
• <249 G
• 28 minutes flight time
• 1/1.28″ CMOS
• 3-Axis gimbal 4K HD camera
• 4K/30fps video
• 10 KM 2.7K transmission
• 2.4/5.2G/5.8Hz three frequency
• 16x zoomimg
• 3-way obstacle avoidance
• PDAF + CDAF autofocusing system
• SkyPortrait (Blur background)
• Single-click cinematic shots 
• Quick sharing
• Master Subject Tracking
• RYYB color filter sensor

Design and Build

Autel offers the Nano+ in its signature orange color scheme, as well as arctic white, blazing red, and deep space gray. The colorful orange version stands out beautifully against a blue sky, making it easier to spot from a distance, especially on overcast days.

And don’t let its lightweight plastic construction fool you – the Nano+ is built to last. While it may not be made of high-grade composite materials like some of its competitors, this light drone still feels durable and well-made. The propeller arms fold neatly into the body, and the battery locks securely into place. With the Nano+, you’ll get the perfect balance of form and function.

Battery and Flight Time

The Nano+ drone by Autel is a solid performer, offering an impressive flight time of up to 28 minutes per charge. Our real-world tests indicate, however, that you can expect around 26 minutes of flight time, which can vary based on environmental conditions and your aggressive in flying.

While the DJI Mini 3 Pro edges out the Nano+ in this regard, the Nano+ still holds its own with its reliable and efficient performance.

Camera Capabilities

Mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, the Nano+ features a 50MP 1/1.28″ CMOS sensor, making it a powerhouse for capturing stunning images. The drone’s fixed-aperture F1.9 lens with an 85º field of view provides excellent coverage, while its 16X digital zoom feature allows users to capture distant shots without hassle.

The RYYB color filter array in the Nano+’s camera is another standout feature, increasing light input by an impressive 40% when compared to drones with a traditional RGGB color filter. 

See Autel Robotics EVO Nano+ price on Amazon

What Other Brands Offer the Best Drones Under 800?

Aside from popular brands like the DJI, there are several other brands that offer impressive camera drones under $800, including:

• Holy Stone – Holy Stone is a brand known for its beginner-friendly drones, which come with impressive features such as GPS-assisted flight and high-quality cameras.
• Potensic – Potensic is another brand that offers affordable drones with impressive features. Their drones are perfect for those on a budget who still want advanced features like GPS positioning, altitude hold, and 1080p cameras. 
• Ryze Tech – Ryze Tech offers the Tello, a small beginner drone perfect those on a tighter budget. Despite its small size, the Tello features a 720p camera and several advanced features, such as automatic takeoff and landing and VR headset compatibility.
• Parrot – Parrot is a brand that offers a range of affordable and easy-to-use drones. The ANAFI and ANAFI USA are both great options for those looking for the best camera drone with 4K video capabilities and advanced features.
• Ruko – Ruko is another drone brand that offers capable drones under $800. One of their most popular models under $800 is the Ruko F11 Pro, also a great option for those who want a drone with advanced features at an affordable price point.

Read more: Best Drones Under 700 [Honest Review]

Are Expensive Drones Easier to Fly?

Expensive drones may not necessarily be easier to fly than cheaper ones. The ease of flying a drone depends on its features and the pilot’s skill level rather than the price tag.

In fact, most drones that are expensive may have more advanced features, such as obstacle avoidance or advanced camera stabilization, making them more challenging to fly. In addition, more expensive drones may be larger and heavier, which can also make them more difficult to maneuver.

Flying Tips for Drone Enthusiasts

• Check weather conditions: Always check the weather conditions before flying your drone. Strong winds, rain, or snow can make it difficult to control your drone and even damage it.
• Choose a safe location: Choose a safe spot to fly your drone, away from buildings, people, and other obstacles. Avoid flying your drone near airports, power lines, or other areas where it may be illegal or hazardous.
• Use a checklist: Create a pre-flight checklist to ensure you have all the necessary equipment and completed all safety checks before takeoff.
• Practice your skills: Take the time to practice flying your drone before attempting any complex maneuvers.

Will My Camera Drone Violate My Neighbor’s Privacy?

Flying a camera drone over your neighbor’s property can potentially violate their privacy, especially if you are capturing video or photos of them or their property without their permission.

To avoid violating your neighbor’s privacy, being aware of local drone laws and regulations is important. In some areas, there may be specific restrictions on where and how high drone pilots can fly a drone, and obtaining certain licenses and permits before flying may be necessary.

Paalan Sood