10 Best Autonomous Drones: The Future of Flight is Here!

As a full-time Airbus pilot turned drone business owner, I’ve flown my fair share of drones, and let me tell you, not all are created equal, especially when it comes to autonomous drones. In this article, we’re diving into the 10 best autonomous drones on the market in 2024.

Whether you’re an aerial photography enthusiast or just love the thrill of flying, I’ve compiled everything from indoor flyers like the Sky Viper e1700 to commercial powerhouses like the DJI INSPIRE 2.

Plus, we’ll cover key buying tips and how these incredible machines work. Strap in; your perfect drone awaits!

Top 10 Autonomous Drones That You Can Buy In 2024

Let’s dive in and look at 10 of the best autonomous drones you can buy in 2024.

1. Sky Viper e1700 (Autonomous Indoor Drone)

Specifications

Flight time: 8-10 minutes | Range: 100m | Speed: 8 m/s | Camera: Not included | Size: 35.56 x 7.62 x 30.48 cm | Weight: 75g

Pros

• Great speed for a beginner drone
• Lightweight and portable

CONS

• Very limited features
• No camera

Sky Viper e1700 Review

The Sky Viper e1700 is a great option for those looking for an affordable and easy-to-use autonomous drone. Being a learning drone, it does not come with a camera, but it is still a great drone to get started with. Mostly recommended for beginners and kids. Also, it is a great gift for anyone who loves drones.

Flight time

First of all, the flight time is great for a beginner drone. It gives you around 10 minutes of flying, which is great for getting started and practicing. In autonomous mode, the drone will return to its take-off point when the battery is low, which is a great safety feature. Extra batteries are also available and recommended to prolong your flying sessions.

Range

The range is great for a beginner drone. It gives you around 100m, which is plenty to get started and practice with. Nothing too fancy, but it is great for the price.

Camera

The camera is not included with this drone, but you can easily add one if you want to use it for photography or videography. We recommend the RunCam 3 for this drone.

Speed

The speed is great for a beginner drone. It gives you around 8 m/s. You can do some great tricks with this speed and have a lot of fun.

Size and weight

The size is great for a beginner drone. It gives you around 35.56 x 7.62 x 30.48 cm, which is plenty to get started and practice with. You can easily transport this drone anywhere you go. The weight is great for a beginner drone. It gives you around 75g. You can easily transport this drone anywhere you go.

2. Tello Quadcopter

Specifications

Flight time: 13 min | Range: 100m | Speed: 8m/s | Camera: FOV: 82.6°, 5MP (2592×1936), HD720P30 | Size: 98×92.5×41 mm | Weight: Approximately 80 g

Pros

• A flight time of 13 minutes is good for the price
• Stable in the air
• User-friendly controls

CONS

• No GPS or return-to-home feature
• The maximum range of 100 meters

Tello Quadcopter Review

Tello has been the star of the sub-$100 drones for a couple of years now, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a small but perfectly formed little drone that is jam-packed with features and fun. The Tello is one of the few drones in this price bracket that comes with a camera, and it’s a good one too.

The footage is smooth, and the quality is impressive for such a small package. The Tello is also one of the easiest drones to fly. It’s very stable in the air, and the controls are very user-friendly. Even if you’ve never flown a drone before, you’ll be able to get the hang of it quickly.

Flight time

Tello’s flight time is a respectable 13 minutes, which is pretty good for a drone at this price point. The size of this drone is small, and it’s very lightweight, so it doesn’t take much power to keep it in the air. If you want to extend your flight time, you can always buy a second battery.

Range

This autonomous quadcopter has a maximum range of 100 meters, which is plenty for most people. If you need more range, you can always buy a different drone. However, 100 meters should be more than enough for most people. Best flown in an open area with few distractions.

Speed

Tello’s top speed is 8m/s, which is about 18mph. This is fast enough to have some fun with but not so fast that it’s dangerous. In beginner mode, the speed is limited to 3m/s, which is still plenty fast for most people.

Camera

Tello’s camera is one of the best you’ll find on a drone at this price point. It has a 5-megapixel sensor and can record video at 720p. The footage is smooth, and the quality is impressive for such a small package. The camera can also take still photos, and the results are surprisingly good.

Size and weight

Tello is a small but perfectly formed little drone. It’s very lightweight, making it easy to carry around with you. The size also makes it easy to fly in tight spaces.

3. Potensic Dreamer Pro

Specifications

Flight time: 28 Mins | Range: 2 Km | Speed: 8m/s | Camera: 1/3 CMOS 16MP Sony Sensor/ 3-axis gimbal/ 4K camera/ Adjusted angle 90°, 4608×3456(image)/ 3840×2160, 30 FPS(video) | Size: 350 x320x195mm | Weight: 820g

Pros

• Long flight time
• Great range
• Fast speed
• Impressive camera

CONS

• Not suitable for indoor use
• Not strong

Potensic Dreamer Pro Review

Potensic has been in the game for a while now, and the Potensic Dreamer Pro is one of their latest drones. It’s a pretty solid drone all around with some great features. The biggest selling point of the Potensic Dreamer Pro is its flight time. Nothing is worse than having a drone that can only stay in the air for a few minutes.

The range is pretty impressive, and it means you can really take your time with this drone and get some great footage. Overall, we were really impressed with the Potensic Dreamer Pro and think it’s a great option for anyone looking for a long-flying drone with a great camera.

Flight time

The flight time is where the Potensic Dreamer Pro really shines. It’s one of the longest-flying drones we’ve ever tested, and it easily outlasts most of its competitors. In our testing, we were able to get almost 28 minutes of flight time out of it, which is incredible. Most drones only have a flight time of around 15-20 minutes, so the Potensic Dreamer Pro is a real standout in this regard.

Range

This self-piloting drone has an impressive range of 2km. That’s more than enough for most people, and it means you can really explore with this drone. In our testing, we were able to fly it around without any issues, and it never lost connection. You might have some issues if you’re flying it in a crowded area, but overall, the range is really good.

Speed

The speed of the Potensic Dreamer Pro is also impressive. It’s one of the faster drones we’ve tested, and it can reach speeds of up to 8m/s. That’s fast enough for most people, and it means you can really get some great footage with this drone.

Camera

The camera on the Potensic Dreamer Pro is also impressive. It’s a 1/3 CMOS 16MP Sony Sensor, and it has a 3-axis gimbal. That means you can get some really great footage with this drone. The image quality is great, and the video quality is also impressive. Overall, we were really impressed with the camera on the Potensic Dreamer Pro.

Size and weight

This Potensic Dreamer Pro is a pretty large drone, and it’s definitely not something you’re going to want to fly indoors. It’s got a wingspan of 350mm, and it’s also pretty tall at 320mm.

That being said, it’s still a pretty portable drone, and it’s easy to transport. The weight of the Potensic Dreamer Pro is also impressive. It’s a pretty light drone at only 820g. That means it’s easy to carry around and it’s also easy to transport.

4. Holy Stone HS700E

Specifications

Flight time: 21 min | Range: 500 m | Speed: 20m/s | Camera: 4K(3840×2160P), 1920*1080P, 4K@30fps | Size: 380x230x125 mm | Weight: 577g

Pros

• Long flight time
• High-quality 4K camera
• Fast speed
• Stable at high speeds

CONS

• Short range

Holy Stone HS700E Review

Holy Stone HS700E is the flagship product of the renowned drone manufacturing company. It is an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. The HS700E comes with a high-quality 4K camera that can capture stunning images and videos.

It also has a long range and long flight time, making it ideal for long-range photography and videography. Overall, the HS700E is an excellent drone that is sure to satisfy even the most demanding users.

Flight time

In terms of flight time, the HS700E is one of the best drones on the market. It can stay in the air for up to 21 minutes, which is more than enough time to capture beautiful photos and videos. For comparison, most other drones can only stay in the air for about 15 minutes.

Extra batteries are available for purchase, which is always a good idea if you plan on using the drone for extended periods of time.

Range

The HS700E has a maximum range of 500 meters, which is more than enough for most photography and videography applications. The range has never been an issue with this drone, and you can be sure that you’ll always be able to get the shots you want.

Speed

The HS700E is a fast drone with a top speed of 20m/s. This makes it perfect for capturing action shots and videos. The high speed also comes in handy when you need to reposition the drone to get the perfect shot quickly. Also, the drone is very stable at high speeds, so you don’t have to worry about it shaking or vibrating.

Camera

The HS700E comes with a 4K camera that can take stunning images and videos. The camera is also capable of recording in Full HD at 30fps. This makes it perfect for capturing smooth, high-quality videos.

If you’re a photography enthusiast, you’ll be able to take advantage of the 4K resolution to take beautiful photos. The drone also comes with a 2-axis gimbal that helps stabilize the camera and reduce shake.

Size and weight

The HS700E is a large drone with dimensions of 380*230*125 mm. It also weighs 577g, which is on the heavy side of a drone. However, the large size and weight are necessary to accommodate the 4K camera and long flight time.

5. DJI Mini 2

Specifications

Flight time: 31 mins | Range: 10 km | Speed: 16 m/s | Camera: 1/2.3” CMOS, Effective Pixels: 12 MP, FOV: 83°, Aperture: f/2.8, 4K: 3840×2160 @ 24/25/30fps | Size: 159×203×56 mm | Weight: 249 g

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to transport
• Excellent flight time
• Impressive range

CONS

• Narrow field of view

DJI Mini 2 Review

More than enough has been said about the sheer capabilities of the DJI Mavic Air 2. So it is time to focus on something a little more down-to-earth, quite literally. This DJI autonomous drone is one of the smallest and lightest drones on the market today, weighing in at just under 250 grams.

Despite its diminutive size, it is still packed with top-of-the-line features and advanced flight modes that are sure to please even the most experienced pilots. Overall, the DJI Mini 2 is a great drone for those looking for a small and easy-to-use option that doesn’t sacrifice features or quality.

Flight time

DJI never ceases to amaze with the flight times of their drones, and the Mini 2 is no exception. With a fully charged battery, this little quadcopter can stay in the air for a whopping 31 minutes, which is more than enough time to get some great footage or snap some amazing photos.

Range

The DJI Mini 2 also has an impressive range of 10 kilometers which is more than enough for most applications. This is thanks to the powerful OcuSync 2.0 transmission system that ensures a stable and reliable connection between the drone and its remote control.

Speed

Despite its small size, the DJI Mini 2 is no slouch when it comes to speed. It has a top speed of 16 meters per second which is more than enough for most applications. One thing to keep in mind is that wind can have a big impact on the performance of this drone, so it is important to take that into account when flying.

Camera

This DJI autonomous drone is equipped with a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor that is capable of capturing 12-megapixel photos and 4K video. The footage is smooth and stable thanks to the 3-axis gimbal that keeps the camera level at all times. The field-of-view (FOV) is 83 degrees which is a little on the narrow side but still adequate for most applications.

Size and weight

As the name suggests, the DJI Mini 2 is a small, lightweight drone weighing just under 250 grams. This makes it one of the smallest and lightest drones on the market today. It is also worth noting that the Mini 2 is very easy to transport thanks to its compact and foldable design.

6. Autel EVO 2 Pro

Specifications

Flight time: 40 min | Range: 9 km | Speed: 45 mph | Camera: 1/2″ CMOS, 48MP, Aperture: f/1.8, 8K 7680×4320 p25/p24 | Size: 15.6 inches diagonally | Weight: 1191 g

Pros

• One of the longest flight time
• Amazing range

CONS

• Heavyweight
• Large size

Autel EVO 2 Review

There is nothing that the Autel EVO 2 can’t do. It is an autonomous flying camera drone that can take beautiful 8K videos and photos. The built-in gimbal gives you smooth, steady footage even in windy conditions. What not everyone knows is that the EVO 2 can also be used as a standalone drone.

It has an impressive flight time and a range. Everything you need is included in the box, including a remote control, extra batteries, and a charger. The only thing you might want to buy separately is a microSD card.

Flight time

One of the best things about the Autel EVO 2 is its flight time. It can stay in the air for 40 minutes, which is a lot longer than most drones on the market. In our tests, we found that the drone had no problem staying in the air for the full 40 minutes. The batteries are easy to swap out, so you can keep flying as long as you have spare batteries.

Range

Autel has specialty products for customers from all walks of life. The EVO 2 is designed for aerial photographers and videographers who want to capture stunning 8K footage. With a range of 9km, you can explore your surroundings without having to worry about the drone losing connection.

Speed

The Autel EVO 2 has a top speed of 45 mph, which is fast enough for most people. There is no need for a sport mode because the drone is already fast enough. In our tests, we found that the drone was able to keep up with us when we were running.

Camera

The Autel EVO 2 has a 1/2″ CMOS sensor that can take stunning 8K videos and photos. The aperture is f/1.8, which means that you can take beautiful photos and videos in low light conditions. The gimbal gives you smooth, steady footage even in windy conditions.

Size and weight

The Autel EVO 2 is a large drone with a 15.6″ diagonal size. It’s not the biggest drone on the market, but it’s still large enough to be noticed. The good thing about the size is that it gives the drone a stable flight.

The Autel EVO 2 weighs 1191 g, which is on the heavy side of a drone. However, the weight is necessary because of the large size and powerful motors.

7. PARROT BEBOP 2

Specifications

Flight time: Up to 25 minutes | Range: 300 m | Speed: 16 m/s | Camera: 1/2.3″ CMOS, 14 MP (4096 x 3072), Video: 1080p30 | Size: 12.9 x 12.9 x 3.5″ | Weight: 500 g

Pros

• Value for money
• Top Features

CONS

• Gimbal could be better
• Not so strong

PARROT BEBOP 2 Review

One of the lesser know drones from a big company is the PARROT BEBOP 2. It’s a lightweight (500g) and small drone with an impressive flight time. It’s one of the few drones that can be used indoors and outdoors.

Nothing fancy about the design, but it gets the job done. No stone was left unturned with the Bebop 2. Overall, it’s a great drone and perfect for beginners and experienced pilots alike.

Flight time

Parrot is one of the pioneers when it comes to battery life in drones. The Bebop 2 has a max flight time of 25 minutes which is really good. There are some cheaper drones that can match this, but not many. One of the best features of the Bebop 2 is that it has intelligent flight modes that help you get the most out of the battery.

Range

The Bebop 2 has a range of 300 m, which is pretty good. It’s not the best, but it’s definitely not the worst. It comes in the middle of the pack when it comes to range. You can still get some pretty good shots with this drone.

Speed

The Bebop 2 has a top speed of 16 m/s, which is about 36 mph. This is fast enough for most people, but if you want to go faster, you can always buy the racing kit. The Bebop 2 is capable of flying in winds up to 20 mph.

Camera

The Bebop 2 has a 14-megapixel camera that is capable of taking 4096 x 3072-pixel photos. The video quality is also pretty good, with 1080p at 30 fps. The camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal that stabilizes the footage.

Size and weight

The Bebop 2 is a small drone with a wingspan of 12.9 x 12.9 x 3.5 inches. It’s one of the smaller drones on the market, and it’s perfect for travel. The Bebop 2 weighs in at 500 grams which is pretty light. It’s one of the lighter drones on the market, and it’s perfect for travel.

8. DJI Matrice 300 RTK (Best Autonomous Quadcopter)

Specifications

Flight time: 55 min | Range: 15 km | Speed: 23 m/s | Camera: 145°, 960p, 30 fps | Size: 810×670×430 mm (L×W×H) | Weight:  6.3 kg

Pros

• Longest flight time
• Wind resistance
• Widest camera view

CONS

• Heavy and large
• Expensive

DJI Matrice 300 RTK Review

One of the most expensive drones on the market, the DJI Matrice 300 RTK is also one of the best. When you purchase this drone, you’re not only getting a top-of-the-line product, but you’re also getting access to DJI’s world-class customer support.

Mainly designed for enterprise users, the Matrice 300 RTK is a heavy-duty drone that can fly in extremely windy conditions and carry payloads of up to 4.5 kg. Overall, the Matrice 300 RTK is an impressive drone that is sure to please even the most demanding customers.

Flight time

DJI has always been known for its long-lasting battery life, and the Matrice 300 RTK is no exception. With a flight time of up to 55 minutes, this drone easily has one of the longest flight times on the market.

Range

With a range of up to 15 km, the Matrice 300 RTK has one of the longest ranges of any drone on the market. This is thanks to DJI’s OcuSync 2.0 technology, which allows the drone to stay connected to its controller at all times.

In addition, the Matrice 300 RTK also comes with DJI’s FlightHub software, which allows you to manage and monitor your drone fleet from a single interface.

Speed

With a top speed of 23 m/s, the Matrice 300 RTK is one of the fastest drones on the market. This makes it perfect for applications that require fast response times, such as search and rescue missions.

Camera

The Matrice 300 RTK comes with DJI’s latest camera, the Zenmuse XT2. This camera is capable of capturing 4K video at 30 fps and has a 145-degree field of view. In addition, the camera also comes with a built-in Thermal Imaging Sensor, which allows you to see in complete darkness.

Size and weight

The Matrice 300 RTK is a large drone, measuring 810×670×430 mm (L×W×H). It also weighs 6.3 kg, making it one of the heaviest drones on the market. However, this weight is necessary in order to accommodate the drone’s large payload capacity.

9. DJI INSPIRE 2 (Autonomous Commercial Drone)

Specifications

Flight time: 27min | Range: 7 km | Speed: 58 mph or 94 kph (Sport mode) | Camera:  6K in CinemaDNG/RAW and 5.2K in Apple ProRes when used with Zenmuse X7 camera | Size: L:42.7cm x H:31.7cm x W:42.5cm | Weight: 3440 g

Pros

• High speed
• Improved camera

CONS

• Heavy and large

DJI INSPIRE 2 Review

DJI Inspire 2 is carrier-based, and it is a new generation of drones that have been developed for professional aerial photography. With heavy lifting power and high speed, it is capable of flying in the most challenging environments.

The Inspire 2 also features a new and improved camera that is capable of recording 6K video. One might say that this drone is the best of the best, and it is hard to disagree with that statement.

Flight time

Always one of the main concerns for drone users is flight time. The DJI Inspire 2 has a maximum flight time of 27 minutes, which is pretty impressive. With such a long flight time, you will be able to take your time to get the perfect shot. You can also use Inspire 2 for a variety of different tasks, such as mapping and surveying.

Range

The DJI Inspire 2 has a range of 7 km, which is pretty good. However, keep in mind that the range will vary depending on the conditions and the type of drone you are using. A small city like Philadelphia has a 7 km radius, while a rural area might have a smaller radius.

Speed

The DJI Inspire 2 has a top speed of 58 mph, which is pretty good. No one will ever be able to accuse this drone of being slow. The strong motor and the high-quality propellers allow the Inspire 2 to reach such high speeds.

Camera

The DJI Inspire 2 is equipped with a new and improved camera that is capable of recording 6K video. The camera is also able to take 5.2K video when used with the Zenmuse X7 camera. The new and improved camera allows the Inspire 2 to take high-quality videos and pictures.

Size and weight

The DJI Inspire 2 is a pretty big drone, with a length of 16.81 inches (42.7 cm). The weight of the drone is also pretty heavy, at 3440 g. However, keep in mind that the size and weight of the drone will vary depending on the type of drone you are using.

10. Parrot Anafi

Specifications

Flight time: 25 min | Range: 4 km | Speed: 15m/s | Camera: 1/2.4’’ CMOS,  f/2.4, 4K Cinema 4096×2160 24fps, 21MP (5344×4016) / 4:3 / 84° HFOV | Size: 175x240x65mm | Weight: 320 g

Pros

• Great wind resistance
• The camera gives amazing results

CONS

• The durability can be in doubt

Parrot Anafi Review

At last, a 4K drone that is actually affordable! And this little quadcopter doesn’t just pack a powerful 4K camera; it also has some of the best autonomous flight modes we’ve yet seen on a drone. The Anafi is one of the smallest and lightest drones in its class, making it extremely portable.

It’s also one of the quietest, thanks to its brushless motors. But the real selling point of the Anafi is its camera. Overall, the Anafi is an impressive drone and one of the best 4K drones on the market.

Flight time

Anafi is one of the most famous drones on the market. It’s also one of the longest-flying drones you can buy, with a flight time of up to 25 minutes. This is thanks to its brushless motors and large-capacity battery. You might not get the full 25 minutes in windy conditions, but in calm weather, you should be able to get close to it.

Range

The Anafi has a range of up to 4km, which is impressive for such a small and light drone. This means you’ll be able to fly it further and for longer than most other drones on the market. Explorers and nature enthusiasts will love the Anafi for its long range.

Camera

The Anafi’s camera is its standout feature. It’s a 1/2.4” CMOS sensor with 4K resolution and HDR video. The footage is smooth and detailed, and the low-light performance is impressive. The Anafi also has a 21-megapixel stills camera, which is great for taking photos and videos.

The Anafi’s camera is one of the best we’ve seen on a drone, and it’s sure to impress even the most demanding photographers and videographers.

Speed

The Anafi has a top speed of 15m/s, which is impressive for such a small drone. This means you’ll be able to fly it fast and capture great video footage. The Anafi is also very agile, making it great for flying in tight spaces.

Size and weight

The Anafi is one of the smallest and lightest drones on the market. It’s just 175x240x65mm and 320g, making it extremely portable. This makes it great for taking with you on your travels.

Things To Consider While Buying Autonomous Drones In 2024

When considering purchasing an autonomous drone, you should consider a few things to ensure you’re getting the right product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Flight time

Flight time is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an autonomous drone. You’ll want to make sure that the drone you choose has a long enough flight time to complete your desired task.

Range

Another important factor to consider is range. You’ll want to make sure that the drone you choose has a long enough range to complete your desired task. Longer-range drones are more expensive, but they may be necessary for some applications.

Payload capacity

If you’re planning on using your drone for tasks like delivery or mapping, you’ll need to make sure that it has a large enough payload capacity to carry the weight of your desired payload. Heavier drones are more expensive, but they may be necessary for some applications.

Camera quality

If you’re planning on using your drone for tasks like mapping or surveying, you’ll need to make sure that it has a high-quality camera. Higher-quality cameras are more expensive, but they may be necessary for some applications.

Speed

If you’re planning on using your drone for tasks like delivery or mapping, you’ll need to make sure that it has a high enough speed to complete your desired task. Faster drones are more expensive, but they may be necessary for some applications.

Size

If you’re planning on using your drone for tasks like delivery or mapping, you’ll need to make sure that it is the right size for your desired task. Smaller drones are less expensive, but they may not be able to carry the weight of your desired payload.

Weight

If you’re planning on using your drone for tasks like delivery or mapping, you’ll need to make sure that it is the right weight for your desired task. Heavier drones are more expensive, but they may be necessary for some applications.

How Does An Autonomous Drone Work?

Well, pretty much the same way a remote-controlled drone works. A pilot can still fly their drone using a controller; in some instances, this is preferred over autonomous flight modes.

Let’s not forget that you could probably use a tablet or smartphone to control your drone as well.

The main difference with an autonomous drone is that it has the capability to keep flying on its own when you’re done piloting it – freeing you up from having to spend time bringing it back home.

You can set your drone to a specific flight path or focus on something else entirely while the autonomous software keeps working away until you let it know otherwise.

Difference Between Autonomous vs. Remote Controlled Drones

It doesn’t really matter if you add “autonomous” or “remote-controlled” to your drone’s name, as both capabilities are available with all modern drones.

It’s better to think of these features as separate entities and focus on what you need them for: Do I want a drone that can fly autonomously, so I don’t need to control it 100% of the time? Or would I rather have one that gives me access to full manual controls at all times? Some people may even prefer a mix of the two.

As autonomous drones grow more common, we’ll be able to do more tasks without direct human oversight – which will require keeping track of their status and progress.

This is where a “user-friendly” drone comes in. Drones with fail-safes and easy ways to recover from errors will become more important – not just for personal use but also for businesses that have large fleets of drones working simultaneously. It’s going to be important that the software is reliable and works as advertised – making a user-friendly UI/UX a must.

Summary

So, there you have it – the top autonomous drones that are making waves in 2024! Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pilot, there’s a perfect drone out there waiting to take flight with you.

Remember, picking the right drone is all about understanding your needs and what each drone brings to the table. Want to explore more exciting tech and drone trends?

Stick around and dive into our other articles – we’ve got a treasure trove of information waiting for you!