DJI is the world’s leading drone manufacturer, known for reliability, advanced features, and excellent cameras. However, DJI isn’t the only option anymore. Whether DJI products are hard to find in your region, feel too expensive, or you simply want to support alternative brands, there are now several capable competitors worth considering.
In this guide, we explore 10 strong DJI alternative Drones, all weighing under 250 grams. This weight class is especially important because, in many countries—including the United States—sub-250g drones do not require FAA registration or Remote ID. That makes them easier to own, travel with, and fly legally.
Each drone below varies in price, performance, and purpose. Some are ideal for beginners, others for cinematic footage, travel, or even FPV flying. Let’s break them down clearly so you can choose the best drone for your needs.
Sky Rover S1 – Best Value for Money
One of the strongest competitors to DJI in terms of value is the Sky Rover S1. This drone stands out for offering premium features at a relatively affordable price. It delivers impressive range, strong flight time, and a stabilized 4K camera capable of recording at 60 frames per second. Although it uses DJI-based software and components and is only available in the United States, it includes advanced features such as front obstacle avoidance and intelligent flight modes. For many users, it offers one of the best performance-to-price ratios on the market.
Key highlights:
- 4K 60fps camera with 3-axis gimbal
- Over 30 minutes of flight time
- Up to 7.5 miles of range
- Front obstacle avoidance
- Price under $300
Sky Rover X1 – Best Overall DJI Alternative
For pilots looking for the best overall DJI alternative Drones, the SkyRover X1 is a standout choice. It offers full obstacle avoidance, including front, rear, and downward sensors, along with the most impressive camera in this category. With a larger sensor, strong low-light performance, and support for 4K video at up to 100 frames per second, it rivals DJI’s top mini drones. While it is more expensive than the S1, it delivers outstanding performance and advanced intelligent flight features that make it suitable for serious enthusiasts and content creators.
Key highlights:
- Larger camera sensor for better low-light performance
- 4K 60fps and 4K 100fps slow motion
- Full obstacle avoidance (front, back, and bottom)
- Intelligent flight modes like Follow Me and Return to Home
- Around $500 depending on the package
Hover X1 Pro Max – Best Travel & Selfie Drone
Finally, the Hover X1 Pro Max is the most travel-friendly and beginner-safe option on the list. Designed primarily as a selfie drone, it features enclosed propellers, a foldable body, and strong subject tracking. While its range and flight time are limited compared to traditional drones, its portability, safety, and ease of use make it ideal for travelers and casual users who want a camera drone they can carry anywhere.
Key highlights:
- Fully enclosed propellers for safety
- Excellent follow-me tracking
- Compact, foldable design
- About 16 minutes of flight time
- Short range (~50 meters)
Potensic Atom 2 – Best Mid-Range Option
Mid-range buyers often look to the Potensic Atom 2 and the FIMI Mini V3, both of which deliver strong performance. These drones feature three-axis gimbals, intelligent flight modes, and respectable flight times. While manufacturers often overstate range and battery life, real-world performance typically reaches around 80 percent of advertised figures, which is still solid for casual and semi-serious flying.
Key highlights:
- 4K 30fps camera
- 3-axis gimbal
- Over 30 minutes claimed flight time
- Up to 4 miles of range
- Around $300
Falcon Mini – Most Unique and Fastest
The Falcon Mini offers a completely different experience and stands out as one of the most unique drones in this category. Featuring a dual-motor design, compact folding body, and quiet operation, it is built for speed and agility. With a top speed of around 35 miles per hour, it is one of the fastest drones on this list. Although it lacks obstacle avoidance, it includes intelligent flight modes and a stabilized 4K camera, making it a fun and capable option for pilots who want something different.
Key highlights:
- 4K camera with 3-axis gimbal
- Foldable and portable
- Up to 35 mph top speed
- Around 1.5 miles of range
- Price starts around $300
Specta Mini – DJI Without the Branding
The Specta Mini is essentially a DJI drone sold under a different name. It shares the same internals, camera, and design as the DJI Mini 4K but is marketed separately in the United States. While this approach may feel like a workaround, it still delivers DJI-level performance at a competitive price, making it a strong option for buyers who want DJI quality without purchasing directly from DJI.
Key highlights:
- Same internals as DJI Mini 4K
- 4K camera with 3-axis gimbal
- 31-minute flight time
- Around 6 miles of range
- About $300
FIMI Mini V3 – Long-Range Performer
The FIMI Mini V3 is similar to the Potensic Atom 2 but offers even more range. It’s a great option for pilots who want to fly farther while staying under 250g.
Key highlights:
- 4K camera with intelligent flight modes
- Up to 5.5 miles of range
- Around 25 minutes real-world flight time
- Price around $300
Be cautious with battery choices, as larger batteries may push it over the 250g limit.
C-Fly Mini 1 & Mini 2 – Budget-Friendly Choices
CFly’s Mini 1 and Mini 2 provide additional budget-friendly options. While the Mini 1 offers basic performance, the Mini 2 is the better choice thanks to its improved camera, longer flight time, and better range. These drones are widely available and appeal to users who want a simple, affordable drone without sacrificing too much quality.
Key highlights:
- Mini 1: 4K at 15fps, ~25 minutes flight time
- Mini 2: 4K at 30fps, ~32 minutes flight time
- Range up to 5 km on Mini 2
- Price between $150–$250
The Mini 2 is the better choice if video quality matters to you.
Holy Stone HS900 – Amazon Favorite
Holy Stone’s HS900 is one of the most popular drones available on Amazon and is manufactured by a reputable company. It features a three-axis gimbal, 4K camera, intelligent flight modes, strong range, and solid battery life. With various bundle options available, it offers excellent value and competes closely with other mid-range drones in this category.
Key highlights:
- 4K camera with 3-axis gimbal
- Over 30 minutes of flight time
- Up to 6 miles of range
- Intelligent flight modes
- Around $350
BetaFPV Pavo 20 Pro – FPV Wildcard
For FPV enthusiasts, the BetaFPV Pavo 20 Pro stands out as a wildcard option. Unlike traditional camera drones, this cinewhoop-style FPV drone requires separate goggles, controllers, and batteries. It offers an immersive flying experience and supports multiple video systems, including DJI, making it highly customizable. While it serves a different purpose than standard camera drones, it excels at capturing dynamic, close-proximity footage.
Key highlights:
- FPV-style flying
- Requires goggles, controller, and batteries
- Supports multiple video systems
- Compact and agile for tight spaces
LYZRC L200 – Cheapest Entry-Level Drone
For those entering the drone world on a tight budget, the LYZRC L200 is a solid starting point. Priced at around $100, it offers surprisingly good value for beginners. While it is not designed for professional use or heavy crashes, it includes a full three-axis gimbal, a 4K camera, a flight time of around 20 to 25 minutes, and a range of up to 3 kilometers. It is an excellent option for learning the basics without making a large investment.
Key highlights:
- Full 3-axis gimbal
- 4K camera
- 20–25 minutes of flight time
- Up to 3 km range
- Around $100
Final Thoughts
There are now plenty of excellent DJI alternative Drones, especially in the sub-250g category. Whether you want the best camera, longest range, FPV fun, or a portable travel drone, there’s an option for you.
If you want the best overall alternative, the Sky Rover X1 stands out. For value, the Sky Rover S1 is hard to beat. And for travel, the Hover X1 Pro Max is unmatched.
The best drone is the one that fits your purpose—and now, you have plenty of great choices.
Read More: Best 50 Tips & Settings for DJI Mini 5 Pro
