Cyber Monday has become the go-to day for drone enthusiasts to snag high-tech gear at steep discounts. Even a simple 20% discount can mean hundreds of dollars in savings — making this Cyber Monday 2024 a great opportunity to jump on drone deals.

But speaking of Cyber Monday 2024, today’s deals might mark the end of an era for budget-friendly drones. After all — with potential tariffs looming — DJI and other Chinese drone makers may never be able to offer prices this low again.

It all comes down to escalating U.S.-China trade tensions. Donald Trump has said that he would impose the across-the-board tariffs on Day 1 of his second term as president. In a post on Truth Social, Trump also threatened an additional 10 percent tariff on all products from China, which means DJI drones. Some have worried the Trump Administration could go so far as to ban drones from China.

This comes at a time where drone prices have been historically low relatively to what they entail. Just ahead of the 2024 holiday season, DJI released the DJI Air 3S drone, which is a tricked out version of the older DJI Air 3 — albeit for the same $1,099 price. Also this season, DJI released its cheapest drone yet: the DJI Neo (which comes in at less than $200).

However, that trend could change, and Cyber Monday 2024 could be the last chance for drone pilots to capitalize on historically low prices before tariffs drive costs back up.

If you’re considering a drone purchase, these Cyber Monday 2024 deals might mark your best opportunity to grab Chinese-made drones without breaking the bank.

Cyber Monday 2024: The best deals on camera drones we’ve seen

If you’re looking to acquire a new drone at a reasonable price, now’s the time to act. Here are some of the best Cyber Monday 2024 drone deals, particularly on Chinese-made options:

1. DJI Air 3

• Deal: $879 (down from $1,099) on DJI’s official website and select retailers like Amazon.
• Why It’s a Steal: I’ve never seen the price this low on this lightweight, foldable drone. It stands out for its dual-camera systems, exceptional flight time and cutting-edge obstacle avoidance. It’s the older model of the new DJI Air3S, but it still holds its own as a great, budget-minded choice for travelers. Learn more in my DJI Air 3 review.

• Buy the DJI Air 3 from Amazon now
• Buy the DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo from Drone Nerds now

2. Autel EVO Lite+ (40% off)

• Deal: $1,149 (down from $1,249) on B&H Photo.
• Why You’ll Love It: Wowzers, I consider the Autel Evo Lite+ to be the top non-DJI alternative to the DJI Mini lineup — and this makes it even more compelling. A 40% discount (bringing it down to $689 as a starting price) is staggering. Learn more in my Autel Evo Lite+ review.

Get the Autel Evo Lite+ now. Discounted pricing is available at retailers including:

• Amazon
• Adorama
• Directly from Autel
• B&H Photo

3. HOVERAir X1 (30% off)

• Deal: $299 (down from $429) on the HOVERAir X1.
• Why You’ll Love It: That’s not the only competing, non-DJI drone on sale. The HOVERAir lineup of drones are also made in China, and the company wants to get in the hands of consumers now by offering a discount. Through the end of today, you can nab the HOVERAir X1 for up to 30% off. Plus they are throwing in a free bonus battery.

Learn more in my HoverAir X1 review. and then get in on the HOVERAir X1 sale before it ends on Dec. 2.

4. DJI FPV Avata 2 Pro View Combo

• Deal: $748 (originally $1,388).
• What’s Special: Experience the thrill of first-person drone piloting with DJI’s best FPV drone available on the market today. With this combo, you get goggles that put you in the cockpit, as well as high-speed flight capabilities. And though it’s marketed as a racing drone, it’s actually a great camera drone too — particularly if you’re looking for an indoor drone. Learn more in my DJI Avata 2 review.

• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from Adorama.
• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from Amazon.
• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from B&H Photo.
• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from GetFPV.

5. Potensic Mystery Box Surprises for less than $20

• Deal: $19.99 for a mystery box worth $40
• Why it’s fun: This is the most chaotic Cyber Monday 2024 deal I’ve seen, and I love it. Why? You don’t know what you get. Plunk down $20, and Chinese drone-maker Potensic will send you a surprise box. They promise it’s worth $40 in value — but that assumes you’ll actually value the items you get the same way. Think of it as paying $20 for the thrill of the anticipation.

Purchase a Potensic Mystery Box Surprise now starting at $19.99.

Why we’re watching Cyber Monday prices closely — and into 2025

To be clear, proposed tariffs would impact far more than just drones. Expect major shakeups for prices on other things such as cars, food, and all sorts of other materials and finished goods.

If tariffs are implemented, drone pilots should expect price increases as soon as early 2025. That could mean bad news ahead. But for now, the good news is that it’s made Cyber Monday 2024 a golden opportunity for drone enthusiasts to upgrade or expand their fleets.

Now those deals named above are all related to Chinese-made drones. However, there are a bunch of other Cyber Monday deals for drone pilots. Many of these deals come from American companies, including those offering online Part 107 course deals.

What drones are you eyeing this Cyber Monday 2024? Let me know in the comments below!

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