Top Entry-Level Drones for New Pilots in 2025: A Beginner’s Buying Guide
By Damon Johnson, Founder of Raising Drones
So, you’re thinking about getting your first drone. Maybe you want to capture epic views from above, start a drone business, or just have fun learning to fly. No matter your reason, welcome to the skies! But before you lift off, you’ll need to pick the right drone to get started.
With so many choices out there, picking your first drone can feel a little overwhelming. But don’t worry—I’ve got your back. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the best beginner drones in 2025. These drones are easy to use, affordable, and packed with just enough features to help you learn without being too complicated.
Let’s dive in.
1. DJI Mini 4K – A Small Drone with Big Possibilities
If you’re looking for a drone that’s light, smart, and shoots great video, the DJI Mini 4K is a top choice. It’s small enough that you usually don’t need to register it, and it still delivers 4K video and sharp photos.
What I love about this drone is how easy it is to fly. It has a simple setup, strong GPS for stable flying, and even return-to-home if you lose signal. It also has a long flight time—up to 30 minutes—which gives you plenty of time to practice and have fun.
This one’s great for beginners who want something a little more serious without jumping into the deep end.
2. DJI Mini 2 SE – A Great Starter for Your Budget
The DJI Mini 2 SE is one of my go-to picks for folks who want to start flying without spending too much. It shoots in 2.7K video, which still looks really nice, and takes solid 12MP photos.
What makes it a winner for beginners? It’s light, easy to fly, and has a strong connection system, so it won’t cut out on you mid-flight. Plus, like the Mini 4K, it often doesn’t need to be registered.
If you’re new to drones and want something safe, simple, and fun, this drone is a smart first step.
3. Ryze Tello – Perfect for Indoor Flying and Learning the Basics
The Ryze Tello is a small drone that’s all about learning and having fun. It’s not built for long-distance flying or high-end video, but it’s perfect for practicing indoors or in a backyard.
It takes 720p video and 5MP photos, so don’t expect movie-quality footage—but that’s okay. This drone shines when it comes to helping you get the hang of flying. It’s stable, simple, and even lets you do little flips with the push of a button.
If you’re younger, or buying a drone for a student or curious beginner, this is a fun and safe option to start with.
4. Autel Evo Nano+ – A Powerful Alternative to DJI
While DJI might be the biggest name in drones, the Autel Evo Nano+ is proof that there are other strong players out there. This drone comes with a great camera (up to 50MP photos), strong flight controls, and obstacle avoidance—something many beginner drones don’t offer.
It’s lightweight and designed to be flown right out of the box. It also has features like auto-follow and a good flight time (around 28 minutes).
This is a great option if you want something a bit more advanced from the start—or if you’re looking for an alternative to DJI.
5. DJI Flip – Fun, Foldable, and Feature-Packed
The DJI Flip is one of the newest entries in 2025 and it’s making waves. This foldable drone is easy to carry and perfect for beginners who want a mix of style and performance.
It has a strong camera that shoots in 4K and includes features like one-tap takeoff and landing, safety guards, and front sensors. It’s fun, safe, and designed to make flying as stress-free as possible.
If you’re into tech that looks good and flies even better, the DJI Flip might just be your new favorite gadget.
Tips for Choosing Your First Drone
Still not sure which one to go with? Here are a few tips I give to all our new pilots at Raising Drones:
Start simple. Don’t go all-in on a super expensive drone right away. Learn the basics first.
Think about where you’ll fly. If you have a lot of open space, go with something with a longer range. If you’ll be flying indoors or in small areas, smaller drones are better.
Check the rules. Even small drones might need to be registered in your area, depending on local laws.
Flight time matters. Look for a drone with at least 20 minutes of flight time. Anything less can get frustrating real fast.
Practice, practice, practice. Don’t just fly once and put it away. The more time you spend flying, the better you’ll get—and the more fun you’ll have.
Final Thoughts
Starting your drone journey is exciting. And picking the right first drone can make all the difference. Whether you want to explore new places, build a business, or just enjoy the view from above, there's a beginner drone that fits your needs and budget.
At Raising Drones, we help new pilots every day—through hands-on training, licensing support, and business tips. If you’re not sure where to start, or if you want help getting your first drone off the ground (literally), we’re here for you.
Let’s get you flying with confidence!
Keep your batteries charged and your propellers spinning,
Damon Johnson
Founder, Raising Drones