Fly High in 2023: The Top Drones on the Market for Aerial Adventures

Kimberly Miller
My Geekin’ Opinion
8 min readJun 9, 2023

With a wide range of uses, including aerial photography, filmmaking, and search and rescue missions, drones have grown in popularity lately. The current market offers a vast array of possibilities, each with its own special features and capabilities.

Choosing the best drone can be a daunting task, especially for first-time buyers. That’s why in this blog, I’m going to be looking at some of the best drones on the market that cater to a variety of needs and budgets.

Whether you’re an enthusiast or a professional, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and explore some of the top drones available today!

Top Drones of 2023

The DJI Mavic 2 Pro: Rolls Royce Meets Drone

First up, we’ve got the DJI Mavic 2 Pro. This bad boy is like the Rolls-Royce of drones. It’s got a Hasselblad camera that can capture 20-megapixel photos and 4K video, and it can fly for up to 31 minutes.

Plus, it’s foldable, which means you can easily pack it up and take it on the go. The only downside? Well, it’s a bit on the pricey side, so you might have to sell your kidney to afford it. But hey, who needs two kidneys anyway, am I right? Just kidding, please don’t sell your organs to buy a drone.

In terms of pros, the Mavic 2 Pro has a super stable gimbal that makes for smooth footage, and it’s also got obstacle avoidance sensors, which means it’s less likely to crash into a tree (or your neighbor’s house).

However, it’s not the most beginner-friendly drone out there, and the price tag might be a bit steep for some as we said. But if you’re looking for top-of-the-line features and don’t mind spending a pretty penny, the Mavic 2 Pro is definitely worth considering.

DJI Mini 2: Small but Mighty

The DJI Mini 2 is the next in line. This drone is comparable to a fun-sized candy bar. Beginners or anybody looking for a portable drone they can carry with them on the move will find it to be the ideal size and weight. But despite its little size, it nevertheless has some fairly remarkable properties.

The Mini 2 can shoot 4K video and 12-megapixel photos, and it can fly for up to 31 minutes. Plus, it’s got GPS and obstacle sensors to help keep it from crashing into things. And the best part? It won’t break the bank like some of the other drones out there.

In terms of pros, the Mini 2 is incredibly easy to use, and it’s small enough to fit in your pocket (well, maybe not your skinny jeans pocket, but you get the idea). It’s also super affordable, which is always a plus. The downside?

Well, it doesn’t have the same high-end features as some of the other drones on this list, and the camera quality isn’t quite as good as the Mavic 2 Pro. But for the price, the Mini 2 is one of the best drones out there. Just think of it as the little drone that could.

Skydio 2: The Ninja Drone You Need

Up next, we have the Skydio 2. This drone is like the ninja of drones. It’s got a crazy good sense of direction and can follow you around like a loyal pet.

It’s got six 4K cameras that can capture amazing footage from all angles, and it’s even got obstacle avoidance sensors that can sense things up to 100 meters away.

In terms of pros, the Skydio 2 is great for anyone who wants a drone that can follow them around and capture their every move. It’s also got a sleek, futuristic design that will make you feel like you’re living in a sci-fi movie.

That being said, it’s not as beginner friendly as some of the other drones on this list, and it’s definitely on the pricier side. But if you’re looking for a drone that can keep up with your adventurous lifestyle, the Skydio 2 is worth considering. Just don’t be surprised if it starts calling you master.

Autel Evo II: The Swiss Army Knife of Drones

Next is the Autel Evo II. Just think of this like the Swiss army knife of drones. It includes interchangeable cameras with a maximum of 8K video and 48-megapixel photo resolution and can fly for up to 40 minutes.

To avoid crashes, it also incorporates a 360-degree obstacle avoidance system. But what is the best thing? It is convenient to travel with on all of your vacations because of its compact size and foldable design.

For anybody searching for a drone with loads of functions, the Autel Evo II provides several benefits. It is a fantastic tool for video makers because it offers a ton of complex features, including dynamic tracking and hyper-lapse mode.

But once again, this is a drone that is not the most user-friendly drone to operate, and it’s unquestionably more expensive. The Autel Evo II is unquestionably a drone worth looking at if you’re searching for one that can do it all. It’s similar to having a drone that can change into anything you need it to be.

Parrot Anafi: The Drone That Will Make You Say Polly Want a Cracker!

Well, now we have the Parrot Anafi. This drone is compact, light, and has excellent flying abilities. It resembles a bird of prey, but instead of seeking food, it seeks out the ideal opportunity to shoot.

So let’s focus on the camera, which is the actual reason we adore the Parrot Anafi. When it comes to shooting breathtaking footage, this small drone is really powerful.

You’ll be able to document every aspect of your aerial excursions with a 4K HDR camera and 21-megapixel sensor. The greatest thing, though? The camera can be tilted upward 90 degrees, offering you a special viewpoint that other drones can’t provide.

Yet, there’s still more! The Parrot Anafi also has some fairly intriguing capabilities, such as follow-me mode, which tracks your movements and records video.

That is like having your own film team. Also, you’ll have plenty of time to get all the amazing videos you want, with a flight length of up to 25 minutes.

Overall, the Parrot Anafi is a great option for anyone looking for a lightweight and portable drone that doesn’t skimp on features or quality.

Taking Flight: How to Choose the Drone that Will Take You to New Heights

You’ve made the conscious decision to purchase a drone. Congratulations, you’re now regarded as one of the cool kids. So how do you pick the ideal drone for your purposes when there are so many variations available? We’ve got you covered, so don’t worry.

First things first, let’s talk about your budget. Drones can range from a couple of hundred bucks to thousands of dollars. If you’re on a budget, don’t worry. You can still get a great drone without breaking the bank. But if you’re looking for all the bells and whistles, be prepared to shell out some serious cash.

Next, think about what you’re going to be using your drone for. Are you planning on using it for aerial photography or videography? Or are you just looking for a fun toy to fly around the park? Different drones have different features and capabilities, so it’s important to choose one that’s best suited to your needs.

Another thing to consider is the size and portability of your drone. If you’re planning on traveling with your drone, you’ll want something lightweight and easy to pack. But if you’re just planning on flying it around your backyard, size and portability may not be as important.

Lastly, think about the level of control you want over your drone. Some drones come with basic controls that are easy to use, while others require more advanced piloting skills.

If you’re new to flying drones, you may want to start with something easy to use and beginner friendly. But if you’re a seasoned pro, you may want something that gives you more control over your flight.

In the end, choosing the right drone comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking to get out of your aerial adventures. So, take some time to research and find the perfect drone for you. And remember, the sky’s the limit (literally).

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, we hope this guide has helped you navigate the world of drones and find the perfect flying companion for all your aerial adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, there’s a drone out there for everyone.

Just remember to fly responsibly and follow all the rules and regulations (yes, that includes registering your drone with the FAA). And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be the next big thing on YouTube, thanks to your stunning drone footage.

Just don’t forget about us little people when you’re accepting your Webby award, okay?

P.S. If you like this article, make sure to check out the other article on the publication. If you want more geeky content, join me on Instagram as well. And if you do, make sure you say hi I always love good conversations or debates with other enthusiastic geeks.

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Written By: K.M. Miller (@mygeekinopinion)

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Kimberly Miller
My Geekin’ Opinion

I am a creative freelancer with a passion for film and the written word.