The cheapest DJI drones (that we’d actually recommend)

Posted by Dronerator

Searching for a high-quality DJI drone at the lowest cost possible? The cheapest DJI drones that The Drone Girl currently recommends are the DJI Mini 4K, DJI Mini 2 SE, and DJI Mini 3. 

Each of these drones offers a great balance of features and price, making them excellent choices for both beginners and more experienced pilots on a budget. Also, all of these drones are under 250 grams (read why that’s such a big deal).

The cheapest DJI drones: side-by-side 

So how do these three affordable drones stack up? Let’s put them side by side:

Feature DJI Mini 2 SE DJI Mini 4K DJI Mini 3
Cost $279 $299 $419 
Flight Time 31 minutes 31 minutes 38 minutes (standard battery), 51 minutes (Intelligent Flight Battery Plus
Image Sensor 1/2.3-inch CMOS 1/2.3-inch CMOS 1/1.3-inch CMOS
Video 2.7K/30fps 4K/30fps 4K HDR
Obstacle Sensing Downward Downward Downward
Effective Pixels 12 MP 12 MP 12 MP

DJI Mini 2 SE: the most budget-friendly option

The DJI Mini 2 SE is the most budget-friendly option among the three, priced at around $279. It features a 1/2.3-inch CMOS image sensor and can capture video at 2.7K resolution at 30fps. 

This makes it a good option for beginners or those who primarily take photos and aren’t focused on high-resolution video. With a flight time of up to 31 minutes, it’s capable of covering a decent amount of ground. The Mini 2 SE also benefits from DJI’s smart features, like GPS-guided return to home and one-tap takeoff and landing.

The most notable drawback of the Mini 2 SE compared to both the DJI Mini 4K and the Mini 3 is its lower video quality. The Mini 2 SE records 2.7K, which is a significant step down from the 4K video capability. 

However, when it comes to still photos, the quality remains largely comparable across these models.

DJI Mini 4K: the best value for the price

At just $20 more than the Mini 2 SE, the DJI Mini 4K offers a significant upgrade for an insignificant price increase. That’s especially apparent in terms of video quality, as it can shoot 4K video at 30fps. With that, expect a much sharper and more detailed image than the 2.7K offered by the Mini 2 SE. 

Like its budget-friendly counterpart, the Mini 4K also features a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor and 12 MP stills, along with a 3-axis motorized gimbal for stable footage.

The Mini 4K maintains the same 31-minute maximum flight time and includes DJI’s easy-to-use features like GPS return to home. This drone is an excellent choice for those who want better video quality without spending a lot more money. 

Given that, there’s very little reason to get the DJI Mini 2 SE (unless you’re pinching pennies and every dollar matters, or you know for a fact you’ll never shoot video). Go for the DJI Mini 4K, at least.

DJI Mini 3 discount drone

DJI Mini 3: the best camera quality under $600

The DJI Mini 3, now available for just $419, offers the best camera quality of the three drones on this list of cheapest DJI drones. 

It features a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, which is larger than those in the Mini 2 SE and Mini 4K, resulting in better low-light performance and more detailed images. The Mini 3 can capture 4K HDR video, providing rich colors and contrasts for those who prioritize high-quality footage.

The Mini 3 also boasts a longer flight time, with up to 38 minutes on the standard battery and up to 51 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. While it lacks the omnidirectional obstacle sensing found in higher-end models like the Mini 4 Pro, it does have downward sensing, which aids in safer landings. 

This drone is ideal for those who are serious about aerial videography and photography and want the best possible quality without exceeding a $600 budget.

Of course, $419 is much more than the $299 Mini 4K price tag. But consider this: the DJI Mini 3’s current price is massively lower than the $559 price that the same RC-N1 configuration of the DJI Mini 3 was set at when launched. And the deals get even better. For just $20 more, Adorama is selling an upgraded DJI Mini 3 drone with a basic accessories kit for $439. This package also includes a SanDisk Extreme microSD card, a Slinger shoulder bag, and a Corel software kit. The software kit alone is valued at $200.

How to pick the most affordable drone

When weighing a drone’s cost versus features, The Drone Girl recommends the DJI Mini 4K as the best overall of the cheapest DJI drones. It’s difficult to beat the value the DJI Mini 4K offers with 4K video capabilities, a stable 3-axis gimbal, and user-friendly features—all for just $299. This model is ideal for hobbyists and casual flyers who want high-quality footage without investing in more advanced features.

For what it’s worth, DJI Mini 3 is a close contender in a ranking of best, cheapest DJI drone. That’s due to its superior camera quality, longer flight time, and recent price reduction. Its 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and 4K HDR video provide richer details and colors, making it a great choice for those who prioritize image quality, such as content creators or enthusiasts who want to capture stunning visuals. The longer battery life also offers more flexibility for extended shoots.

However, the higher price of the Mini 3 might not be enough to justify the upgrade for everyone, especially if you’re mainly sharing content on social media where the difference in video quality might not be as noticeable. On the other hand, the minor price difference between ($20) the Mini 2 SE and the Mini 4K is certainly worth it for the upgrades you are getting. 

For those who prioritize the best value at the lowest price, the DJI Mini 4K is your best pick given its impressive features and affordability. For those of you who are looking to take your drone photography to the next level (while still on somewhat of a budget) then the Mini 3 is the best option. 

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