2022 Christmas buying guide: drones to put under the tree

Josh Spires | 18 November, 2022 | News

Christmas is nearing and it's time to start looking the perfecto drone to buy friends or family, especially with increase in delivery times and lower stock availability. Let's look at some of the best drones to put under the Christmas tree in 2022.

Best overall: DJI Mini 3 Pro

The biggest drone of the year and arguably the best mini drone at the moment is the DJI Mini 3 Pro. Mini 3 Pro features the latest of DJI's smart flight modes, an impressive camera, and forward-facing obstacle avoidance sensors all in a package under 250 grams.

Top features:

Weighs less than 249g
Tri-directional obstacle sensing
34-min max flight time
4k 60fps video
4k 30fps HDR video
Vertical shooting

Buy DJI Mini 3 Pro w/ DJI RC | Buy the latest Mini 3 Pro accessories

Best camera: DJI Mavic 3 Classic

DJI Mavic 3 Classic takes the great main camera from the original Mavic 3 and lowers the price. Mavic 3 Classic captures amazing quality photos and video with a 4/3 Hasselblad sensor and a 46-minute flight time.

Top features:

4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera
5.1K HD Video
46-min Max Flight Time
Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing
15km HD Video Transmission
Advanced RTH

Buy DJI Mavic 3 Classic w/DJI RC | Buy the latest Mavic 3 Classic accessories

Under 250 grams: Autel EVO Nano+

Another great option under 250 grams is the Autel EVO Nano+, featuring a 1/1.28" CMOS sensor capable of 4K HDR video and 50MP stills with a flight time of up to 28 minutes.

Top features:

RYYB 1/1.28" CMOS sensor
4k HDR video
50MP photos
F/1.9 aperture
16x digital zoom
Dynamic Track 2.1
28-min battery life

Buy Autel EVO Nano+ | Buy the latest EVO Nano+ accessories

FPV drone: DJI Avata

DJI Avata is DJI's second FPV drone packed with DJI's great technology. Avata gives users the ability to easily fly FPV with its beginner flight modes, easy-to-use goggles and great image quality allowing for 4K/60fps videos to be captured. DJI Avata can also be controlled using DJI's Motion Controller.

Learn more about the FPV rules.

Top features:

Immersive Flight Experience
Intuitive Motion Control
4K/60fps 155° Super-Wide FOV Videos
Powerful Video Stabilisation
Weighs About 410 g, Lightweight and Portable
Enhanced Safety with Built-in Propeller Guard
10km 1080p Low-Latency Video Transmission

Buy DJI Avata Pro-View Combo | Buy the latest Avata accessories

Drone for the kids: Ryze Tech Tello

The Ryze Tech Tello powered by DJI is one of the best beginner drones for both kids and adults. The drone is the perfect indoor drone and comes packed with DJI's great flight control software and the ability to easily code its movements, making it a great way to get into programming.

Top features: