DJI Drone Comparison: Which Drone Is Right For You?
A comprehensive guide comparing all DJI consumer drones - from the pocket-sized Neo to the professional Mavic 3 Pro
Choosing the right DJI drone can be overwhelming with so many options available. Whether you're a complete beginner looking for your first aerial camera, a content creator needing cinematic footage, or a professional photographer requiring the absolute best image quality, there's a DJI drone perfectly suited to your needs. This comprehensive comparison guide breaks down every current DJI consumer drone to help you make the right choice.
What's in This Guide
DJI offers drones for every skill level and budget
Quick Comparison Table
Before diving into detailed reviews, here's a side-by-side comparison of all six DJI drones to help you quickly identify which models might suit your needs:
| Specification | DJI Neo | Mini 4K | Mini 3 Pro | Mini 4 Pro | Air 3 | Mavic 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~£169 | ~£269 | ~£709 | ~£959 | ~£929 | ~£1,879 |
| Weight | 135g | 249g | 249g | 249g | 720g | 958g |
| Video | 4K/30fps | 4K/30fps | 4K/60fps | 4K/100fps | 4K/100fps | 5.1K/50fps |
| Photo | 12MP | 12MP | 48MP | 48MP | 48MP (x2) | 20MP (x3) |
| Flight Time | 18 min | 31 min | 34 min | 34 min | 46 min | 43 min |
| Range (FCC) | 10km | 10km | 12km | 20km | 20km | 15km |
| Range (CE/UK) | 6km | 6km | 8km | 10km | 10km | 8km |
| Obstacle Avoidance | None | None | Tri-directional | Omnidirectional | Omnidirectional | Omnidirectional |
| Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.3" | 1/1.3" | 1/1.3" | 1/1.3" (x2) | 4/3" Hasselblad |
| Registration Required | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Selfies/Beginners | Budget 4K | Enthusiasts | Content Creators | Serious Hobbyists | Professionals |
Understanding Price Categories
DJI drones fall into three distinct price categories, each targeting different users with varying needs and budgets:
Budget (Under £300)
Perfect for beginners and casual users who want to experience drone flying without major investment.
DJI Neo, Mini 4K
Mid-Range (£700-£1,000)
Ideal for content creators and enthusiasts who need professional features without the professional price tag.
Mini 3 Pro, Mini 4 Pro, Air 3
Premium (£1,500+)
For professional photographers, videographers, and commercial users who demand the absolute best quality.
Mavic 3 Pro
UK Drone Regulations
In the UK, drones weighing under 250g (like the Neo, Mini 4K, Mini 3 Pro, and Mini 4 Pro) don't require registration with the CAA for recreational use. Heavier drones like the Air 3 and Mavic 3 Pro require an Operator ID and Flyer ID. All drone pilots must follow the Drone Code regardless of weight.
DJI Neo: The Ultra-Compact Selfie Drone
DJI Neo
Best for Beginners
Key Specifications
The DJI Neo is the smallest and most affordable drone in DJI's lineup, weighing just 135 grams. It's designed primarily as a selfie drone and vlogging companion, capable of palm takeoff and landing without needing a controller. While it lacks the advanced features of larger drones, its simplicity and portability make it perfect for casual users who want quick aerial shots without the complexity.
Pros
- Incredibly compact and lightweight
- No controller required for basic use
- Palm takeoff and landing
- Pre-programmed QuickShots
- Very affordable entry point
Cons
- No obstacle avoidance
- Limited 18-minute flight time
- Basic camera sensor
- Limited manual controls
- Susceptible to wind
Best For
Social media content creators, vloggers, travellers wanting minimal gear, complete beginners, and anyone who wants quick aerial selfies without the learning curve of traditional drones.
The DJI Neo features pre-programmed QuickShots for automated cinematic movements
DJI Mini 4K: Budget-Friendly 4K Quality
DJI Mini 4K
Best Budget Option
Key Specifications
The DJI Mini 4K hits the sweet spot for budget-conscious buyers who want genuine 4K video quality without breaking the bank. At exactly 249g, it stays under the registration threshold while offering respectable 31-minute flight times and reliable performance. It's the most affordable way to get proper 4K aerial footage with DJI's renowned build quality and flight stability.
Pros
- Excellent value for 4K video
- 249g - no registration needed
- 31-minute flight time
- Compact and portable
- DJI reliability and support
Cons
- No obstacle avoidance
- Basic 12MP camera
- Limited to 30fps at 4K
- No tracking features
- Smaller sensor than Pro models
Best For
Budget-conscious beginners, hobbyists wanting their first proper drone, travel photographers, and anyone who wants 4K capability without spending over £300.
The Mini 4K maintains DJI's signature foldable design for maximum portability
DJI Mini 3 Pro: The Feature-Packed Lightweight
DJI Mini 3 Pro
Best All-Rounder
Key Specifications
The Mini 3 Pro represents a massive leap from the budget models, packing professional-grade features into a sub-250g frame. With its 1/1.3" sensor, tri-directional obstacle avoidance, and true vertical shooting capability, it's a serious content creation tool that doesn't require registration. The larger sensor delivers dramatically better low-light performance and dynamic range than the entry-level models.
Pros
- Excellent 48MP 1/1.3" sensor
- Tri-directional obstacle avoidance
- True vertical shooting mode
- ActiveTrack subject tracking
- 249g - no registration
Cons
- No rear obstacle sensors
- Controller sold separately
- Pricier than Mini 4K
- Previous generation model
- Some features behind Mini 4 Pro
Best For
Enthusiast photographers, content creators needing vertical video, users wanting obstacle avoidance without registration requirements, and those who want professional features at a lower price than the Mini 4 Pro.
Tri-directional obstacle avoidance provides peace of mind for new pilots
DJI Mini 4 Pro: The Ultimate Sub-250g Drone
DJI Mini 4 Pro
Editor's Choice
Key Specifications
The Mini 4 Pro is the pinnacle of what's possible in a sub-250g drone. It features omnidirectional obstacle sensing (a first for the Mini series), 4K/100fps slow-motion capability, and an impressive 20km transmission range (FCC) / 10km in UK (CE). If you want the maximum features while staying under the registration weight limit, this is the drone to get. It matches or exceeds many larger drones in capability while maintaining ultimate portability.
Pros
- Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance
- 4K/100fps slow motion
- 10km CE / 20km FCC range
- ActiveTrack 360°
- 249g - no registration
Cons
- Premium price for Mini series
- Still a 1/1.3" sensor
- No telephoto lens
- Fixed aperture f/1.7
- Single camera system
Best For
Serious content creators, professional social media users, travellers who want the best portable drone, anyone prioritising safety features, and users who need slow-motion capability.
ActiveTrack 360° allows the Mini 4 Pro to intelligently follow subjects
DJI Air 3: The Dual-Camera Performer
DJI Air 3
Best Value Premium
Key Specifications
The Air 3 introduces dual cameras to DJI's mid-range lineup, featuring both a wide-angle and 3x telephoto lens. This versatility, combined with an industry-leading 46-minute flight time, makes it incredibly capable for serious hobbyists and semi-professionals. The telephoto lens opens up creative possibilities that simply aren't available on single-camera drones, allowing compressed perspectives and distant subject capture.
Pros
- Dual camera system (wide + 3x tele)
- Incredible 46-minute flight time
- Omnidirectional obstacle sensing
- Excellent build quality
- Professional-grade footage
Cons
- Requires CAA registration
- Larger and heavier (720g)
- More expensive than Minis
- No Hasselblad colour science
- More restricted flying areas
Best For
Serious hobbyists who want telephoto capability, landscape photographers, real estate videographers, anyone needing maximum flight time, and users who don't mind the registration requirement.
The Air 3's dual camera system provides wide-angle and telephoto options
DJI Mavic 3 Pro: The Professional's Choice
DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Best Overall
Key Specifications
The Mavic 3 Pro represents the absolute pinnacle of consumer drone technology. Its triple-camera system includes a 4/3" Hasselblad main sensor delivering unmatched image quality, plus 3x and 7x telephoto lenses for incredible versatility. The larger sensor captures significantly more detail and dynamic range, producing footage that can hold its own in professional productions. This is the drone for users who refuse to compromise on quality.
Pros
- Triple camera with Hasselblad
- Massive 4/3" main sensor
- 5.1K video recording
- Variable aperture f/2.8-f/11
- Professional colour science
Cons
- Premium price point
- Heavier at 958g
- Requires registration
- Overkill for casual users
- More restricted flying locations
Best For
Professional photographers and videographers, commercial drone operators, filmmakers, anyone requiring the absolute best image quality, and users who need variable aperture control.
The Mavic 3 Pro's Hasselblad camera delivers professional-grade image quality
Detailed Specification Comparison
For those who want to dive deeper into the technical differences, here's a comprehensive specification breakdown:
| Camera System | DJI Neo | Mini 4K | Mini 3 Pro | Mini 4 Pro | Air 3 | Mavic 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.3" | 1/1.3" | 1/1.3" | 1/1.3" (x2) | 4/3" + 1/1.3" (x2) |
| Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | f/1.7 | f/1.7 + f/2.8 | f/2.8-11 + f/2.8 (x2) |
| ISO Range | 100-6400 | 100-3200 | 100-6400 | 100-6400 | 100-6400 | 100-12800 |
| Slow Motion | No | 1080p/60fps | 1080p/120fps | 4K/100fps | 4K/100fps | 4K/120fps |
| HDR Video | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| D-Log Profile | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (D-Log M) |
| Flight Performance | DJI Neo | Mini 4K | Mini 3 Pro | Mini 4 Pro | Air 3 | Mavic 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 33 km/h | 57 km/h | 57 km/h | 57 km/h | 75 km/h | 75 km/h |
| Wind Resistance | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 5 | Level 5 | Level 6 | Level 6 |
| Max Altitude | 3000m | 4000m | 4000m | 4000m | 6000m | 6000m |
| Hover Accuracy | ±0.5m | ±0.5m | ±0.3m | ±0.3m | ±0.1m | ±0.1m |
Our Recommendations
After thoroughly analysing each drone, here are our specific recommendations based on different user needs:
Best for Beginners
Start your drone journey with an easy-to-use, affordable option that teaches fundamentals.
DJI Neo or Mini 4K
Best for Social Media
Vertical video, tracking features, and portability for content creators.
DJI Mini 4 Pro
Best for Travel
Compact, lightweight, no registration required, excellent image quality.
DJI Mini 4 Pro
Best for Landscapes
Large sensor, telephoto options, and professional colour science.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Best for Real Estate
Dual cameras, long flight time, and professional video quality.
DJI Air 3
Best Value Overall
The perfect balance of features, quality, and price.
DJI Mini 3 Pro
The Bottom Line
If we had to recommend just one drone for most users, it would be the DJI Mini 4 Pro. It offers the best combination of portability, features, and image quality while staying under the 250g registration threshold. The omnidirectional obstacle avoidance provides peace of mind, the 4K/100fps slow motion adds creative options, and the compact size means you'll actually take it with you.
However, if you're on a tight budget, the Mini 4K at under £300 is an incredible value. And if image quality is your absolute priority and budget isn't a concern, the Mavic 3 Pro is simply unmatched in the consumer drone space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whatever your needs and budget, there's a DJI drone perfect for you