Get ready for November the 25th...Black Friday is around the corner and a great time to stock up on gifts for the holiday season. Tech items often have great deals during Black Friday and drones are no exception.
Drones can make a great gift for pilots of all ages and skill levels and are sure to make anyone excited when they open one up.
If you’re shopping for a drone for Black Friday, but you’re confused about which one is right for you, we’ve created this list of drones to help you out.
From budget options, to professional-grade picks the best drone for you or someone in your life is on this list.
Our Top 5 Black Friday Drones
DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro
"Best Black Friday Deal"
- The 47-minute flight time and 13.4-miles-per-hour speed are backed up by a 25-kilometer range
- Exceptional flight performance, camera quality, and advanced features and controls make the Mini 3 Pro the best drone for the money
- It can capture pictures at a 4K HD resolution with a 48MP, 1/1.3” CMOS sensor, resting on a three-axis mechanical gimbal that rotates to portrait orientation
Our #2 Rated
DJI Mavic Pro 3
"Best High-End Deal"
- Flight time for Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine is really something that makes them stand out.
- Obstacle avoiding sensors have also been improved so when you’re flying your Mavic 3 through the woods, there’s nothing to worry about!
- 46 minutes of max flight time without wind surpasses the Mavic 2 Pro and the Air 2S by a lot. It’s all because of the battery - 5000 mAh makes a difference.
Our #3 Rated
Holy Stone HS720E
$300-$350 Deal
- The HS720E quadcopter comes with a flight time of 23 minutes per battery, which is unheard of for a drone just over $300.
- Range of 1600 m when using a controller and 800 m when flying with a WiFi connection. It also uses an ergonomic 2.4Hz transmitter with an LED screen to bolster the whole flying experience.
- This drone is fitted with a 4K FHD camera that allows you to capture high-quality footage at a resolution of 2048 x 1152p.
1. DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro
Best Value Drone this Black Friday
The best drone deal for those who do not have a ton of money to spend, DJI brings the Mavic Mini 3 Pro, a foldable, under 250 g drone, that's the size of your palm, and doesn't require FAA registration.
The DJI manufacturer has done it again! Despite all odds, they have released the newest edition to the Mavic line of drones - the Mavic Mini 3 Pro.
Not so long ago, the DJI Mavic Mini 2 made its official aerial entrance back on the 11th of November 2019 and has been unrivaled among other foldable, under 250g drones.
But, a new competitor has swept the title of the best - the Mavic Mini 3 Pro.
As with all drones that fall under the category of under 250g - the need for its official registration is bypassed, unless you wish to use it for professional purposes. As long as you plan on capturing and filming light pictures of your family and friends, you won’t need to register the Mini 3.
Most drones will require special transport needs, due to their size. But, with an undemanding and compact design, you can carry it leisurely in a backpack. Just remember to fold it first!
Specifications:
Straight to the point - the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus can pull off an incredible maximum flight time of 47 minutes. Even the entry-level battery outshines the Mavic Mini 2, with a 34-minute maximum flight time!
You’ll soon realize that there’s a difference between the Intelligent Flight Battery and the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus - a rather big one if you ask us!
With the Mavic’s Mini 3 Pro Intelligent Flight Battery, you can effortlessly travel and control the drone a maximum of 18km distance. But, if you decide to upgrade your drone with an Intelligent Flight Battery Plus - you can extend the range to 25km, as long as the conditions are optimal.
Also, you should bear in mind that the maximum wind speed resistance is capped at 10.7 m/s (level 5).
Camera:
The bread and butter of this drone is its camera performance. It can smoothly capture pictures at a 4K HD resolution with a 48MP, 1/1.3” CMOS sensor, resting on a three-axis mechanical gimbal that rotates to portrait orientation - the first time on a DJI drone.
The camera uses a 24mm F1.7 fixed-aperture lens that can deliver an 82.1° FOV. With the portrait orientation, you can capture social media-friendly vertical images without worrying about sacrificing quality from cropping, as there won’t be any!
One of the fan-favorite features is the Slow Motion video recording. The Mavic Mini 3 Pro comes with this feature, capable of Slow Motion recording videos at 1080p 120fps.
Furthermore, the Mavic Mini 3 Pro offers Timed Shots, Burst Mode, and D-Cinelike Color mode that provides you with more flexibility and color possibilities when editing. Keep in mind that 48MP images can only be shot as a single image. So, to trigger stuff like Timed Shots, Burst Mode, or AEB - you’ll need to switch to 12MP shooting.
Features:
Here are some new-and-improved features and innovations that it brings to the table:
- APAS (Advanced Pilot Assistance System) 4.0 Obstacle Avoidance
- 4-directional environmental sensing
- O3 transmission system with 5.4K video transmission of up to 12km
- Dual-frequency 2.4/5.8GHz communication
- MasterShots technology
- 1-inch CMOS sensor
- FocusTrack intelligent tracking modes
- GPS + GLONASS satellite systems
When all things are considered, this is one of the best “mini” drones currently available on the market. It’s safe and compact, and it boasts countless features that are new on the quadcopter market.
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2. DJI Mavic Pro 3
The Best High-End deal
It's here...it's finally here! And Just in time for Black Friday.
Every time a new DJI drone comes out, we feel like little kids on Christmas! Well, the DJI Mavic 3 has just come out, and just in time for Black Friday (coincidence, we think not).
Today is that day, and we’re able to tell you everything about this drone from our personal experience.
The Specs
Mavic 3 is a long-awaited successor of the Mavic 2 Pro, which is a professional-oriented tool for high-quality aerial photography and videography.
It’s ultra-lightweight for a large, professional drone (221×96.3×90.3 mm folded without propellers) that offers this much. The takeoff weight of the Mavic 3 is 895 g and the takeoff weight of the Mavic 3 Cine is 899 g.
Mavic 3 Cine is a more expensive variation of this drone, and it compensates the price with 1TB of internal storage and Apple's ProRes 422 HQ codec that applies the least amount of compression to video files for the highest quality of imagery possible.
Camera
The sensor on the Mavic 3 camera is 4/3’ CMOS which shoots 20 Mpx. There’s a wide lens (24mm) and variable F2.8-11 aperture and a telephoto one on top (160mm) with fixed F4.4 aperture and 28X hybrid zoom.
The video quality that is available to you while filming with the Mavic 3 is the following:
5.1K: 5120×2700@24/25/30/48/50fps
DCI 4K: 4096×2160@24/25/30/48/50/60/120*fps
4K: 3840×2160@24/25/30/48/50/60/120*fps
*with Apple ProRes 422 HQ
5.1K: 5120×2700@24/25/30/48/50fps
DCI 4K: 4096×2160@24/25/30/48/50/60/120*fps
4K: 3840×2160@24/25/30/48/50/60/120*fps
FHD: 1920×1080p@24/25/30/48/50/60/120*/200*fps
*with H.264/H.265
Features
Listing all the features for the Mavic 3 would be as a tedious endeavour, however you’ll be able to view these on the manufacturer’s listing by clicking the check price button below. Instead, we will focus on where DJI have made major steps forward.
Flight time for Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine is really something that makes them stand out.
Obstacle avoiding sensors have also been improved so when you’re flying your Mavic 3 through the woods, there’s nothing to worry about!
Another thing that has been greatly improved upon is the transmission range of this drone. 15KM is significantly more than the Mavic 2 Pro or any other competitor out there.
46 minutes of max flight time without wind surpasses the Mavic 2 Pro and the Air 2S by a lot. It’s all because of the battery - 5000 mAh makes a difference.
DJI Mavic 3 - Should You Buy It?
If you’re someone who’s basing your income on drones or are a drone enthusiast, it’s an understatement to say that Mavic 3 is a perfect choice.
But, the price tag of over $2,000 isn’t something that is ok for everyone, and we do not expect any discounts for Black Friday, as the drone has just been released.
We know that everything you’ll get for that money is worth every penny, but it’s not easy to pay that much for a piece of equipment.
Mavic 3 is the top-of-the-line choice, but its predecessor is still more than capable.
3. DJI Mavic Air 2S - More Expensive Black Friday Deal
If you’re shopping for a serious drone expert this holiday season, consider buying the DJI Mavic Air 2S this Black Friday. This is a next-level drone that is perfect for any drone lover and adventurer.
The Mavic Air 2S has tons of great flight features including an extremely high-quality camera and multiple different flight modes to create an all around amazing experience for pilots.
This drone also features a foldable design which is ideal for anyone who is on the go. While it’s one of the more expensive drones, it’s well worth the price and you can most likely find discounts on it this Black Friday.
Specifications:
Drone pilots will appreciate the Mavic Air’s 2 34 minute flight time which will give them ample amount of time to experience all of the drone’s exciting features. Plus, DJI uses unique technology so the drone is stable throughout the entire flight. Pilots will have easy and safe flights every time with the autonomous flight modes.
Camera:
The camera is identical to the Mavic 2 except it has a larger 1 inch type sensor that many users had hoped for.
One of the most impressive things about the DJI Mavic Air 2S is its camera. It shoots footage in incredible 4K quality and uses a 3-axis gimbal system to capture the most clear footage. Not only that, but you can take stunning panoramic photos and even shoot video footage in slow motion. You can even use HDR technology to help you have the best lighting and exposure in your photos and videos.
It also features a bigger and better camera sensor than the original Mavic Air, which can
Features:
As you can see, the DJI Mavic 2S Air has many great features including its high-quality camera and long flight time. While it is an investment to purchase this drone, any serious pilot will enjoy all of the features it comes with. The multiple flight modes are ideal for creating unique and personalized flight experiences each time.
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4. Ruko F11 4k Drone - Sub $300 Deal
"Cheap Camera Drone Option"
When you’re looking for a good quality drone for a decent price, it can easily become frustrating - especially if you’re a first-time buyer. Finding that ideal drone to add to the cart can become tough if you’re looking for some top-tier performance.
Then again, the Ruko F11 proves that some drones fly well beyond their price range.
Specifications:
Why should you even consider this drone if it’s slightly above your price range?
Well, whenever we discuss the qualities and performance of a drone, the first thing that pops into everyone’s heads is its battery life and flight time.
But even though this is arguably the most important aspect of a drone, at the end of the day, most manufacturers can't brag about the flight time of their models - especially not at this price range.
Yet, with the Ruko F11, the manufacturers didn't slack when it comes to the flight time of this drone. The F11 promises up to 30 minutes of flight in calm conditions - which is insane.
Even if 30 minutes is somehow not enough for you, you'll have the second 2500mAh Lithium Polymer battery at your disposal.
So, when you add up the extra time, you can have up to an hour of stable flight with this unit!
What about the control range of this drone? We're glad to inform you that the Ruko F11 offers a 1200-meter (3937-foot) max control range.
Camera:
Okay, here’s a piece of advice. When you’re drone-shopping, it's important to remember that a good camera goes a long way.
You may not expect a lot from a budget-friendly drone like this one, and yet, once again, the Ruko F11 manages to exceed all your expectations with the camera quality it brings to the table.
The 90-degree angle camera boasts 4K resolution and will capture photos with exceptional clarity. Even the smallest details won't escape this powerful camera. As for the videos this drone can record, they are in 2K resolution.
The uniaxial gimbal with shock absorbers is the cherry on top, offering concrete stability - even in challenging weather conditions.
Features:
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5. Holy Stone HS720E - $300-$350 Deal
"Cheap GPS Option"
The Holy Stone HS720E will be the perfect Black Friday buy for any drone enthusiast! This new release from Holy Stone and an upgrade of their HS700 model boasts high-end features that you won’t find in a drone in its price range.
Aimed at beginner to intermediate pilots, the HS720E offers ample playtime with its long flight time and packs a slew of high-performance features.
I particularly liked the GPD Assisted Intelligent Flight function, which makes the ordeal even more satisfying for inexperienced users.
Specifications:
The HS720E quadcopter comes with a flight time of 23 minutes, which is unheard of for a drone just over $300. Thanks to its intelligent Lithium Polymer battery and brush less motor, the drone will fly to a range of 1600 m when using a controller and 800 m when flying with a WiFi connection. It also uses an ergonomic 2.4Hz transmitter with an LED screen to bolster the whole flying experience.
Camera:
This drone is fitted with a 4K FHD camera that allows you to capture high-quality footage at a resolution of 2048 x 1152p.
The camera can tilt 90 degrees and a shock absorption holder helps to keep it stable in the face of vibrations. The camera is also 5G-enabled, which ensures that the FPV live video streaming is fast and seamless. Quite impressive for such a relatively small drone!
Features:
As with any Holy Stone Drone, the list of extra features you get on the HS720E is extensive. The intelligent flight functions such as follow-me mode, custom-flight mode, as well as orbit mode, simplify piloting of the quadcopter.
You’ll also enjoy the return-home function and simple controls on the transmitter that allows novices to fly without much trouble. Finally, the drone flies stealthily, ensuring that your neighbors don’t have to deal with a noise nuisance.
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6. Contixo F22 GPS Drone with Camera
If you already have some experience flying drones, then the next logical step is getting yourself a model that comes with a camera. In the past, getting a drone with a 4k camera would set you back for a couple of thousands of dollars.
Thankfully, the manufacturing process has been refined and the cost have plummeted in the past decade. Today, you can quite a few quadcopters that come with a decent camera and are decently priced.
One such drone is the Contixio F22. This affordable drone comes with a wide angle 4K camera, GPS assisted flight, and a carrying case.
Let’s take a closer look at what the F22 has to offer.
Specifications:
As we mentioned before, one of the most important specs of any drone is the flight time. Contixion F22 is capable of flaying for around 15 minutes on a full charge. While this is far from the longest flight time, it’s pretty decent for a low-end drone.
Thankfully, the F22 comes with an extra battery so you effectively get around half an hour of flight time. The recharge time is around 120 minutes which means you’ll have to wait for a while before you can start flying again.
The range on the F22 is also pretty surprising for a budget drone. The F22 has a control range of around 1800 feet. With this much range, you’ll have no problem taking incredible aerial shots. Unfortunately, there’s no video stabilization but you can expect that from a budget drone.
Camera:
Contixio F22 comes with a wide-angle 4K camera. The camera can record video in 2K FHD resolution and take stills in 4K. The only thing we don’t like about the camera is that there is no stabilization - it doesn’t come with a gimbal.
But, when you factor in that this is a drone that’s under $200, you get more than you paid for.
Features:
The F22 comes with a whole slew of useful features. For starters, this comes with gesture control. If you make a “yeah” gesture, the drone will start taking photos and if you make a “palm” gesture, the drone will start video recording.
The most useful feature is definitely the custom flight path. In the Contixio drone app, you can plot a route by simply adding points on the map. The app supports up to 16 points which is more than enough for taking aerial footage.
Another cool feature is the follow mode. You can set the F22 to follow you while you’re riding a bike, skate, or doing any other activity. This is perfect if you’re an outdoorsy type that likes capturing every moment.
You can also set this drone to orbit around a preset point. You can use this mode to create dynamic videos and capture action in 360 degrees.
When it comes to safety, the F22 comes with an auto ‘return home’ feature. This feature will fly the drone back to you with just one press of a button. The drone will also automatically fly back to you if it gets out of range.
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Black Friday Deals Frequently Asked Questions
When is Black Friday 2024?
Black Friday 2024 is on Friday, November 25, 2024.
Where can I buy drones for Black Friday?
Drones will be available to buy online from retailers such as Amazon as well as in-stores at retailers such as Best Buy.
Where can I find Black Friday deals?
Retailers often announce their Black Friday deals and specials sometime in November shortly before Thanksgiving. You can search for them online or subscribe to email lists to be the first to know about Black Friday deals and discounts.
Last update on 2024-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API This article contains affiliate links which for which the owner of the site may receive a commision.
