10 Best Underwater Drones 2025 in the United States

The Chasing Gladius Mini S is a versatile underwater drone designed to capture stunning underwater footage and provide reliable performance. With a depth rating of up to 330 feet, it can explore deep underwater environments, making it suitable for both recreational and professional use. The 4K UHD camera, complemented by EIS anti-shake technology and a 1/2.3 SONY CMOS sensor, ensures high-quality, stable videos and photos, important for a superior underwater photography experience. The addition of LED lights enhances visibility in dark underwater conditions.

The drone's battery life is impressive, providing up to 4 hours on a single charge, which doubles the typical battery life of similar products, allowing for extended exploration sessions. Weighing less than 6.6 pounds and housed in an aluminum alloy body, it is reasonably portable despite its robust capabilities. Maneuverability is supported by its ability to move at speeds of up to 4 knots and its anti-stuck motor technology, making it adept at handling complex underwater environments. The control range is extensive, with a horizontal shooting radius of 660 feet and stable wired transmission to mobile devices.

This ensures uninterrupted control and data transmission. However, the control setup relies on a wired connection, which may not appeal to users seeking fully wireless operation. The drone supports multiple mounts, including mechanical arms and motion cameras, making it adaptable for different tasks such as object retrieval or enhanced photography. A convenient feature is the removable 64GB SD card, which supports up to 512GB for ample storage. The comprehensive app includes useful functions like live broadcasts, social media sharing, and easy editing tools, enriching the user experience. While the product is quite substantial at 22.4 pounds when packaged, its portability is enhanced with the included waterproof backpack. This drone is ideal for underwater photographers, videographers, and industry professionals needing reliable underwater monitoring support.

The GLADIUS MINI S underwater drone is designed for both enthusiasts and professionals seeking a reliable submersible camera for underwater photography, exploration, or inspections. One of its significant strengths is the 4K HD camera coupled with image stabilization, which helps capture clear and stable footage, even in low-light conditions. This feature makes it ideal for underwater exploration where visibility can be a challenge. The drone's depth rating of 330 feet allows for extensive exploration, and its maneuverability with a maximum speed of 4 knots enhances its usability in various underwater environments.

Battery life is another highlight, offering up to 4 hours of operation, which is sufficient for prolonged tasks like construction inspections. The direct-connect remote controller ensures stable operation without signal dropouts, which is crucial when working underwater where wireless signals can be unreliable. The option to add attachments like a grabber claw adds versatility for different applications.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The drone's weight of around 6 lbs might make it less portable for some users, especially if they plan to carry it over long distances. Additionally, while the product has received a moderate customer rating, this suggests that some users may have experienced issues, potentially indicating reliability concerns or a learning curve for beginners. Lastly, while it supports a decent storage capacity, users should note that the included battery capacity of 300 milliamp hours could lead to limited recording time if not managed properly. The GLADIUS MINI S meets the core needs of underwater drone users but has certain limitations that should be considered before purchase.

The FIFISH V6 Expert M100A is a high-end underwater drone designed mainly for professional users who need advanced features and reliability. It has a solid depth rating of 330 feet, which is enough for most recreational and professional underwater tasks. One of its standout features is the 4K UHD camera with a wide 166° field of view and slow-motion capabilities, delivering very clear and vibrant underwater footage, even in dark or murky conditions thanks to its powerful 6000 lumen LED lights. This makes it great for underwater photography and inspections.

The drone’s battery life is impressive, offering up to 6 hours of continuous use and very fast charging, which is helpful for long sessions. Maneuverability is excellent due to its patented omnidirectional movement and 360° control, allowing smooth and precise navigation underwater. The control range is roughly 330 feet, limited by the tether, which is standard for underwater drones to maintain stable communication.

A unique advantage of the M100A package is its robotic arm, enabling users to interact with underwater objects, which is useful for industrial or research tasks. The drone is relatively heavy at over 13 kg (28 pounds), which might make transport a bit cumbersome, but it comes with a sturdy industrial case to protect it. Although it is packed with professional tools and features, it may be complex and heavy to operate for beginners. Those needing a reliable, long-lasting underwater drone with excellent video quality and advanced capabilities will find the FIFISH V6 Expert M100A a strong choice.