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10 Best Self Following Drone 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

DJI Mini 4K Camera Drone Combo, Drone with 4K UHD Camera for Adults, Under 249 g, 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization, 10km Video Transmission, Auto Return, 2 Batteries for 62-Min Max Flight Time, QuickShots

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,216
Camera Quality
Battery Life
Obstacle Avoidance

Most important from
17598 reviews

Camera Quality
The video quality is exceptional, delivering beautiful, stable images that complement professional equipment.
Battery Life
Flight time is around 20 minutes per battery, but with extra batteries and a charger, you can achieve near-continuous flying sessions.
Obstacle Avoidance
Despite lacking obstacle avoidance sensors, the drone’s precise height and camera view help prevent accidental collisions when flown carefully.
Flight Range
The drone maintains a strong signal and impressive range of about half a mile to a mile, allowing confident exploration without losing connection.
Portability
Its lightweight and compact design under 249 grams make it highly portable and exempt from many registration requirements.
Ease of Use
One-tap takeoff and landing, along with GPS-based auto return, make flying extremely easy and safe, even for complete beginners.

The DJI Mini 4K Camera Drone Combo is an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight, easy-to-use drone with outstanding camera features. Its key highlight is the 4K Ultra HD camera combined with a 3-axis gimbal, enabling smooth, cinematic video footage even under challenging lighting conditions. With a maximum flight time of up to 62 minutes using two batteries and a flight range of up to 10 km, it provides ample freedom for outdoor exploration. Its compact design and weight under 249 grams make it highly portable and exempt from FAA registration requirements for recreational users in many areas.

Designed with beginners in mind, the drone offers one-tap takeoff and landing, GPS-based auto return, and stable hovering, which help new users fly with confidence. It also performs well in wind speeds up to 38 kph, maintaining steady flight in breezy conditions. However, it does not have explicit obstacle avoidance sensors, so users should exercise caution around trees or buildings to prevent collisions. Additionally, the 'Follow Me' mode is not prominently featured, so those looking for advanced self-follow capabilities might find the drone somewhat limited.

Another consideration is that the DJI Fly app is no longer available on Google Play and must be downloaded directly from DJI's website, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users. This drone suits beginners and hobbyists who desire high-quality video, good flight time, and simple controls in a compact form, but those prioritizing obstacle avoidance or advanced automated follow modes may wish to explore other options.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,216
Camera Quality
Battery Life
Obstacle Avoidance

Most important from
17598 reviews

Camera Quality
The video quality is exceptional, delivering beautiful, stable images that complement professional equipment.
Battery Life
Flight time is around 20 minutes per battery, but with extra batteries and a charger, you can achieve near-continuous flying sessions.
Obstacle Avoidance
Despite lacking obstacle avoidance sensors, the drone’s precise height and camera view help prevent accidental collisions when flown carefully.
Flight Range
The drone maintains a strong signal and impressive range of about half a mile to a mile, allowing confident exploration without losing connection.
Portability
Its lightweight and compact design under 249 grams make it highly portable and exempt from many registration requirements.
Ease of Use
One-tap takeoff and landing, along with GPS-based auto return, make flying extremely easy and safe, even for complete beginners.
#2

DJI Mini 3 (DJI RC), Lightweight 3x Mechanical Gimbal Drones with Camera for Adults 4K, 38-min Flight Time, up to 32800ft (10km) Video Transmission, Vertical Shooting, GPS Auto Return Integrated

Rating
9.6
Camera Quality
Battery Life
Portability

Most important from
4807 reviews

Camera Quality
Delivers stunning 4K video and sharp photos with smooth stabilization, even in low light conditions.
Battery Life
Impressive battery life, capable of flying up to 38 minutes on a full charge.
Portability
Incredibly lightweight and compact, making it perfect for travel and easy to transport.
Ease of Use
User-friendly with intuitive controls and smart flight modes, ideal for both beginners and experienced users.

The DJI Mini 3 is a lightweight and portable drone weighing just under 249 grams, which means you don’t need to register it with the FAA if flying recreationally—a big plus for casual users. It shoots stunning 4K HDR video with good detail even in tricky lighting, thanks to advanced camera tech. The vertical shooting mode is neat for social media posts like Instagram or TikTok.

Battery-wise, it offers a solid 38 minutes of flight time, which can be extended with an optional battery upgrade, though that adds weight. The drone is beginner-friendly with GPS return home, precise hovering, and auto takeoff/landing. The flight range is impressive at up to 10 kilometers for clear video transmission, letting you explore large areas without losing connection. It also handles wind well and has a 3-axis gimbal to keep footage steady. The included DJI RC controller has a bright built-in screen, making it easy to fly without needing a phone.

While the Mini 3 is great for beginners and casual flyers who want high-quality video and portability, more advanced users or those needing robust autonomous tracking and obstacle avoidance might find it lacking. It is a reliable, compact drone that suits hobbyists and content creators looking for excellent image quality and easy flying.

Rating
9.6
Camera Quality
Battery Life
Portability

Most important from
4807 reviews

Camera Quality
Delivers stunning 4K video and sharp photos with smooth stabilization, even in low light conditions.
Battery Life
Impressive battery life, capable of flying up to 38 minutes on a full charge.
Portability
Incredibly lightweight and compact, making it perfect for travel and easy to transport.
Ease of Use
User-friendly with intuitive controls and smart flight modes, ideal for both beginners and experienced users.
#3

DJI Neo, Mini Drone with 4K UHD Camera for Adults, 135g Self Flying Drone that Follows You, Palm Takeoff, Subject Tracking, QuickShots, Stabilized Video, Built-In Propeller Guard (Controller-Free)

Rating
9.4
Camera Quality
Battery Life
Ease of Use

Most important from
6584 reviews

Camera Quality
The video and quality is just awesome!
Battery Life
Batteries are not super long in duration, but enough to get some quick easy video clips.
Ease of Use
This is the ultimate beginner's best. It is very easy to fly and the build quality is great!

The DJI Neo is a lightweight self-following drone designed for users looking for an easy and portable flying experience. Weighing only 135 grams, this drone is both regulation-friendly and convenient for outdoor adventures, making it a great choice for families and casual users. The palm takeoff and landing feature simplifies operation, and the AI subject tracking allows for seamless filming as it follows the user. With 4K UHD video capabilities and stabilization technology, users can expect high-quality footage regardless of the environment.

One of the key strengths of the Neo is its versatile control options. You can fly it without a remote, using voice commands or a mobile app, catering to both beginners and more experienced users. The eight creative QuickShots modes enhance the filming experience, allowing for dynamic and engaging content creation. Additionally, the full-coverage propeller guards provide peace of mind for those concerned about flying in tight spaces or around obstacles.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The DJI Neo requires activation via the DJI Fly App, which is currently not available on Google Play. This may pose a challenge for users who are not familiar with downloading apps from other sources. Also, while the battery life is decent, users should be aware that frequent flying sessions may necessitate additional batteries for longer outings. The maximum flight range of 10 kilometers is impressive but may not be fully utilized by casual users. The DJI Neo serves as a well-rounded option for those looking to explore the world of drones, particularly for capturing outdoor moments and adventures. Its ease of use and portability make it accessible for beginners, although some challenges in app activation could hinder the experience for less tech-savvy users.

Rating
9.4
Camera Quality
Battery Life
Ease of Use

Most important from
6584 reviews

Camera Quality
The video and quality is just awesome!
Battery Life
Batteries are not super long in duration, but enough to get some quick easy video clips.
Ease of Use
This is the ultimate beginner's best. It is very easy to fly and the build quality is great!

Buying Guide for the Best Self Following Drone

Choosing the right self-following drone can be a bit overwhelming given the variety of options available. The key is to understand your specific needs and how different features and specifications can meet those needs. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast looking to capture your outdoor activities, a professional videographer, or just someone who enjoys flying drones, knowing what to look for will help you make an informed decision.
Camera QualityCamera quality is crucial if you plan to use your drone for photography or videography. It determines the resolution and clarity of the images and videos you capture. Camera quality is often measured in megapixels (MP) for photos and resolution (e.g., 1080p, 4K) for videos. Higher values mean better quality. If you're a professional, you might want a drone with a 4K camera or higher. For casual use, 1080p might be sufficient.
Battery LifeBattery life affects how long you can fly your drone before needing to recharge. This is usually measured in minutes. Longer battery life means more flight time, which is important for extended shoots or long adventures. Drones typically offer anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes of flight time. If you need longer sessions, look for drones with higher battery life or consider purchasing extra batteries.
Follow Me ModeThe 'Follow Me' mode is a feature that allows the drone to autonomously follow and film you. This is essential for capturing dynamic activities like running, cycling, or skiing. The effectiveness of this mode can vary, with some drones using GPS to follow you and others using visual tracking. For more accurate and reliable tracking, look for drones that combine both GPS and visual tracking technologies.
Obstacle AvoidanceObstacle avoidance is a safety feature that helps prevent your drone from crashing into objects. This is particularly important if you plan to use the drone in areas with many obstacles like trees or buildings. Drones with advanced obstacle avoidance systems use sensors to detect and navigate around obstacles. If you are flying in complex environments, this feature is a must-have.
Flight RangeFlight range refers to the maximum distance the drone can travel from the controller while maintaining a stable connection. This is important for capturing wide-area shots or exploring large spaces. Flight range can vary from a few hundred meters to several kilometers. If you need to cover large areas, look for drones with a longer flight range.
PortabilityPortability is about how easy it is to carry your drone around. This is especially important if you plan to travel with your drone. Some drones are designed to be compact and foldable, making them easier to transport. If you are always on the go, consider a lightweight and foldable drone that fits easily into your backpack.
Ease of UseEase of use refers to how user-friendly the drone is, including the simplicity of its controls and the intuitiveness of its interface. This is important for beginners or those who don't want to spend a lot of time learning how to operate the drone. Look for drones with features like one-touch takeoff and landing, intuitive mobile apps, and comprehensive user manuals.

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