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Tom's Guide
03-08-2025
- Tom's Guide
Flying drones is my job (yes, really) — here are 5 things you should consider before you buy one
The best drones come in all shapes and sizes — from heavy models that weigh over 2 pounds to really light ones that weigh less than 8 ounces. I test drones for a living and put them through rigorous testing to determine whether they're good value for money. I've reviewed some fantastic quadcopters from DJI, HoverAir and Potensic — each with its own unique selling points. If you're on the hunt for a drone and buying for the first time, it can feel overwhelming at first. Drone technology has come a long way, and today, there's one for every purpose and everyone — whether you're a professional or a hobbyist. Since flying drones is one of my favorite hobbies (and my job), I thought I'd take you through the five things you need to consider before dropping your hard-earned money on a drone. I'm going to keep the first tip short and sweet. The most important question you need to ask yourself is a simple one: "What do I need the drone for?" Answering this question will help determine not just the purpose of the drone, but your budget as well. See, if you're getting a drone just for fun, you won't need to spend thousands of dollars. But if you're getting it for professional work, you'll need to extend your budget by a lot. There are many different drones available — ones specifically designed for selfies, mini drones, drones for prosumers, the list goes on. Many drones today come equipped with safety features that help instill more confidence in pilots, both new and old. Return to Home (RTH) is one such feature, and most drones have it. Basically, you can hit a button on your controller or smartphone and it'll make the drone to return to its last known take-off point. Drones like the DJI Flip also automatically return to home when their battery is low. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Another feature to think about is obstacle avoidance. The pricier your drone, the more adept it as at avoiding obstacles. Some drones, like the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, feature omnidirectional collision avoidance thanks to the multiple sensors on their body. This, essentially, means that the drone will either brake or swerve to avoid obstacles in its path or around it. But this technology is expensive. Cheaper drones, like the HoverAir X1 Pro, feature either front- or rear-facing obstacle sensors only, making them trickier to fly in complex environments. However, having unidirectional obstacle avoidance is better than having none (the DJI Neo doesn't have any). How many cameras is too many? Depends on who you ask — or the drone you get. There are many single-camera drones out there, such as the DJI Neo which takes 12MP images and 4K/30fps video only. Then there are dual camera drones, like the DJI Air 3S which captures either 50MP (wide-angle) or 48MP (tele) photos and 4K/60fps footage. And then you've got triple camera drones, like the DJI Mavic 4 Pro which has a 100MP Hasselblad camera, a 50MP tele and a 48MP medium-tele camera. For most casual pilots, a single camera drone will more than suffice. Because many drones feature intelligent flight modes (where the drone flies autonomously, records short-form video and returns to its take-off position), you can still have a lot of fun with just one camera. Dual- and triple-camera drones offer versatility and can help take photos from different angles and at various zooms, but they aren't necessary for everyone. Again, consider your budget and purpose before frivolously spending more money than you originally intended. Battery life is another important consideration, and it ties into the first point I made up top: how long you want a drone to last will depend on its intended purpose and your budget. Of course, we all want to keep flying our quadcopters forever and never worry about running out of juice, but that isn't the reality. Smaller drones, like the DJI Neo (18 minutes) and the HoverAir X1 ProMax (16 minutes), don't last nearly as long as bigger ones, like the DJI Mavic 4 Pro (51 minutes) and the DJI Air 3S (46 minutes). You've also got drones that fall in the middle, such as the Potensic Atom 2 (32 minutes) and the DJI Flip (31 minutes). If you're getting a drone just for taking selfies and very casual videography, you'll be fine with a single charge lasting under 20 minutes, but I'd recommend spending a little extra on a drone that lasts at least (or over) 30 minutes if you want to fly high or far. Many drones also come as bundles which cost extra but give you additional batteries, so you can swap dead ones for fresh ones when you're out in the field. Often, these can be bought separately too, so don't fret too much if you don't get them when you buy the drone. Last but not least, remember that various laws apply to drones depending on their weight class, and this true for almost every part of the world. You'll need to register your drone with a specific organization depending on the country you're flying in, and you usually need to undertake a test to prove you're a capable pilot. If the drone weighs less than 249g (8.78oz), you don't necessarily need to register with the F.A.A. in the U.S. or the C.A.A. in the U.K. Sub-249g drones include ones like the DJI Neo, the DJI Flip, the Potensic Atom 2, and the HoverAir X1 Pro, to name a few. If you're flying a heavier drone, one that weighs over 249g, you need register with the aforementioned organizations. When I registered to become a drone pilot in the U.K., I had to take a flying test to obtain a Flyer ID and an Operator ID (which costs £11) from the C.A.A. This applies to drones like the DJI Air 3S, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, and (the very high-end, cinematography-oriented) DJI Inspire 3. In the U.S., the laws are a bit less stringent if you want to fly a drone casually, but you must take and pass a free online test. And there you have it. These are the five things you need to consider when buying a drone: intended purpose, safety features, cameras and resolution, battery life, and weight restrictions. Is there anything else you gave a lot of thought to before buying your first (or second or third) drone? Let me know in the comments below! Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Engadget
09-07-2025
- Business
- Engadget
The best Amazon Prime Day deals offer discounts on headphones, TVs, robot vacuums and more
Amazon Prime Day is here, so Prime members can finally take advantage of the long-awaited discounts across Amazon's site. The online retailer has hosted its main, annual shopping event in July (almost) without fail for a decade, and it typically brings some of the best prices of the year to clothing, household goods, and yes, even consumer electronics. This year is no different — a number of our top picks for the best tech you can buy right now have been discounted for Prime Day. Most Prime Day deals are exclusively available to Prime members, but there are always a few stragglers that anyone with an Amazon account can get. We've gathered the best Amazon Prime Day deals for day two on tech that we could find here. We'll be updating this post regularly throughout the duration of Prime Day, so check back to see the latest discounts. Apple AirPods Pro 2 for $149 (40 percent off): The AirPods Pro 2 remain Apple's best set of wireless earbuds, as they offer the full set of Apple-focused features, strong ANC, onboard volume controls, a comfy in-ear design and a warm sound profile that most should find agreeable. They can even work as a hearing aid now. Samsung SmartTag 2 for $15.50 (48 percent off): Samsung users looking to keep track of their stuff need look no further than the SmartTag 2. One of our top picks for the best Bluetooth trackers, this accessory easily attaches to keys, bags and other items and uses Samsung's large finding network to show you their last known location. Leebein Electric Spin Scrubber for $38 (46 percent off): This was my favorite thing I bought last year because it makes the must-detested chore of cleaning my shower less of a pain. It's an electric spin scrubber that comes with multiple cleaning heads so you can use it on your countertops, sinks, tubs and showers and more. It also has an adjustable arm so you can reach tough spots in hard-to-reach places, and it convenient recharges via USB-C. DJI Neo drone for $159 (20 percent off): The DJI Neo may be an inexpensive, beginner-friendly drone, but has powerful features like subject tracking and quick shots. It can shoot video at up to 4K 30 fps and is quick and maneuverable, though it's also fairly loud. You can also grab one with three batteries and a charger for $229 (21 percent off). iRobot Roomba Vacuum and Mop Combo for $140 (49 percent off): A version of one of our top favorite robot vacuums, this budget-friendly machine comes with a water reservoir that allows it to mop hard floors. It connects via Wi-Fi to the iRobot app as well, which lets you set cleaning schedules and further control the machine. Dyson V15 Detect Plus for $570 ($180 off): You can't get much better than a Dyson if you're on the market for a cordless stick vacuum, and the V15 Detect delivers. It's our current top pick for the best cordless vacuum overall thanks to its excellent suction power, lightweight design, good battery life and the included Fluffy Optic cleaning head that uses a laser to show you where all the debris is while you're using it. Samsung 55-inch The Frame QLED 4K smart TV for $798 (47 percent off): This is the set that spurred all of the art TV copycats, and it's been a favorite of our staff for a long time. Samsung's set looks like a piece of art hanging on your wall when you're not watching TV, and you can cycle through thousands of images to show on the TV so you'll always have something new to display. Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle for $500: We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the fact that Amazon has the Nintendo Switch 2 available to order "by invitation" now. The Mario Kart World bundle is listed at the standard $500 price, so it's not a Prime Day deal per se, but considering Amazon was (supposedly) shut out of the initial Switch 2 order process earlier this year, it's notable to see the console listed on the site at all. Audible Premium Plus (three months) for $3 ($42 off): New subscribers can get three months of Audible for only $3, which represents a $42 discount. The Premium Plus tier gives you one book credit per month to use on any audiobook the service has, and you can stream any of the included titles for free on top of that. Audible also has members-only sales and discounts that you'll be able to take advantage of, too. The deal runs through July 31. Jisulife Life7 handheld fan for $23 (21 percent off): Jisulife makes handheld fans we've recommended in past gift guides and this is one of its newer models. It can be held, folded so it sits flat on a table or worn around your neck for a cool breeze wherever you're going. It has an easy-to-read display in its center that will show you the fan speed level or current battery life, and its 5,000 mAh battery can last up to 19.5 hours on a single charge when you're running the fan on its lowest setting. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $35 ($25 off): This stick handles Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, 4K video and HDR10+ and supports Wi-Fi 6E. It has the fastest processor of any Fire TV Stick and Engadget's Jeff Dunn has gotten a lot of use from the stick as a retro gaming emulator. Of course, Amazon's user interface is less elegant (and less democratic) than others. And it highly prioritizes Prime Video content. Amazon Echo Spot for $45 (44 percent off): Amazon revived the Spot smart alarm clock last year, which features a half-circle shaped display that shows the time, weather and other information like song titles when you're using the speaker to play music. It has a compact design that will make it easy to fit on a desk or a nightstand, and as with any Alexa smart speaker, you can use it to control IoT devices like smart lights, locks and more. Apple iPad (A16) for $280 (20 percent off): The latest base model iPad comes with a faster A16 chip, 2GB more RAM and 128GB of storage as standard. It earned a score of 84 in our review — if you only need an iPad for roaming the internet, watching shows and doing some lighter productivity tasks, it's a good starter tablet. Apple Watch Series 10 for $280 ($120 off): We consider Apple's flagship wearable to be the best smartwatch you can buy, period. It's a mostly iterative update, with faster charging, a slightly slimmer design and a marginally larger display than the prior Series 9. That said, it's still a comprehensive fitness tracker, and no other smartwatch can integrate as neatly with iPhones and other Apple devices. AirPods Max (USB-C) for $399 (27 percent off): If you're looking for over-ear headphones with all of the conveniences of in-ear AirPods, the AirPods Max are one of your only options (with the others being Beats devices). The latest models have the same design as the originals, but now charge up via USB-C instead of Lightning. Microsoft Surface Laptop (13.8-inch, Snapdragon X Plus) for $880 (27 percent off): In addition to running on a Snapdragon X Plus processor, this 2024 Surface Laptop has 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. It's a Copilot+ PC that also has a 13.8-inch touchscreen, and it should last up to 20 hours on a single charge. Google Pixelbook Go (13-inch, Intel Core M3) for $319 (51 percent off): The Pixelbook Go is a bit old at this point, but if you're a Chrome OS lover and want a Google-made laptop, this is a solid option. It includes an Intel Core M3 processor, 8GB of RAM, 64GB of storage and a 12-hour battery life. Hisense S7N CanvasTV (65-inch) for $898 (31 percent off): Hisense's spin on Samsung's Frame sets, the CanvasTV, comes in much cheaper and with a boatload of features. The S7N sports an anti-glare display and art mode, as you'd expect, but there's also 144Hz support for a bit of gaming. It also comes with a slim wall mount so you can hang it on your wall like a genuine work of art. (The 55-inch model is also a great deal at $689, and the 77-inch is down to $1,399.) Bose QuietComfort headphones for $199 (42 percent off):design is slightly dated, the Bose QuietComfort headphones provide stellar noise cancellation and will sit comfortably on your head for hours on end. These cans have up to 24 hours of battery life and support for multi-device connectivity as well. Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $298 (25 percent off): While the XM6 headphones are the latest and greatest, they only make small changes to the already stellar XM5. These were our top pick for the best wireless headphones for a long time before the XM6 launched earlier this year, and we still like them for their excellent sound quality, strong ANC, multi-device connectivity and good battery life. Sonos Beam Gen 2 for $369 (26 percent off): The second-gen Beam soundbar has support for Dolby Atmos and it has a relatively streamlined design that should be easy to fit into most home entertainment setups. Kindle for $85 ($25 off): Our favorite budget option in our guide to the best ereaders, the latest base Kindle has 16GB of storage — more than enough to hold hundreds of books at a time. It has a compact and durable design that's easy to take anywhere, and the latest model is faster than before with speedy page turns and a more seamless navigation between books, your library and other parts of the UI. Kindle Scribe for $260 ($140 off): The Scribe is one of the best E-Ink tablets you can buy at the moment, and certainly the top pick if you want a writable table that also excels as an ereader. It provides a great reading and writing experience, thanks in part to its ability to access the entire Kindle ebook library, and it has handy Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox integration. Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 multicooker for $70 (50 percent off): This six-quart pressure cooker and multicooker is a versatile kitchen tool for anyone who (somehow) didn't buy into the Instant Pot craze a few years back. It can do a lot with its nine cooking modes, including pressure cook, slow cook, steam, rice cook, saute and more, and the six-quart size is great for families and meal-preppers. Ninja Dual-Zone air fryer (10 quart) for $180 ($50 off): This model is one of our favorite air fryers thanks to its dual-zone cooking system, which allows you to prepare two separate foods at different temperatures and settings. There's even a Match Cook feature that ensures both foods will be done at the same time, regardless of their cooking settings. Levoit Core 400S air purifier for $183 ($37 off): Our top pick for the best air purifier, Levoit's Core 400S reliably improved air quality in our testing, plus it has easy to use onboard controls and replaceable filters that are not too expensive. We also found it to not be offensively loud, even on its highest setting. TP-Link Deco XE75 Wi-Fi 6E mesh system for $200 (20 percent off): Our top pick for the best mesh Wi-Fi system, this Deco XE75 three-pack is easy to set up and provides excellent performance with no-frills. The Deco mobile app lets you check speeds for each node, and you can see all of the devices on your network at any time. Ring Doorbell Battery + Indoor Cam 2 for $70 (50 percent off): If you're looking to build out a security system in your home, this bundle is a good place to start, giving you a video doorbell and an indoor security camera. You'll be able to see both live feeds in the Ring app, and they can send you motion alerts and let you speak to people on the other end of the camera when you're not at home. Amazon Fire TV Cube for $90 ($50 off): Amazon's most powerful streaming device, the Fire TV Cube can play 4K video with Dolby Vision and HDR10+, plus it supports Wi-Fi 6E and has a built-in Ethernet port for those who want a hardwired connection. Amazon 55-inch Omni mini-LED Fire smart TV for $700 ($120 off): A top-of-the-line model in the Fire TV family, this set has a 4K QLED mini-LED display with 1,400 nits of peak brightness and "intelligence picture" technology that adapts the screen to your room's lighting conditions. It also has a 144Hz refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync. Prime Day is Amazon's members-only shopping event, which means you'll have to be a Prime subscriber on Prime Day to take advantage of most of the savings. Amazon still offers a 30-day free trial to new Prime subscribers, so you can start your free trial closer to July and participate in the event. Amazon Prime Day 2025 will be back this year on July 8 through July 11. Amazon Prime Day typically comes around annually in July. In the last few years, Amazon has also had its "Big Deal Days" in October, which is effectively a second Prime Day and the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season. Prime subscribers can go to Amazon's site on Prime Day to see all of the exclusive deals they have access to. Prime subscribers do not have to do anything additional to get Prime Day sales: the discounts you see on product pages will show up in your cart automatically. If you're not a Prime subscriber and you go to Amazon to shop on Prime Day, you'll likely see tons of items on sale but only "with Prime;" those discounts will not be available to those who are not active Prime subscribers. Technically yes, but even if you do not pay for a Prime membership, you should still check out Amazon on Prime Day. While most Prime Day deals will be exclusively available to subscribers, there are always a handful of sales available to all shoppers. Amazon distinguishes between them very clearly: you'll see "Prime exclusive" on product pages near the deal pricing on the discounts that are only available to paying members. Separately, it's very likely that other retailers like Walmart, Target and Best Buy will have their own competing Prime Day sales during that time frame, too. So if you're not keen on shopping at Amazon at all, it's worth checking out other retailers during the week of Prime Day to see if they are matching Prime Day deal prices. Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones for $430 ($20 off): Sony's latest flagship headphones have only been out a few months and we're already seeing a small discount on them. These are my top pick in our headphones guide for the combination of advanced features, comfy fit, great sound and improved active noise cancellation (ANC). Roku Streaming Stick+ for $30 (down from $40): The Roku Streaming Stick+ is the easiest way to bring Roku's robust app selection to any 4K TV. It's a great option for first-generation 4K sets that either had no streaming apps, or are way too slow by now. And it's a great gadgets to bring on trips to maintain access to all of your favorite streaming services. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds for $129 (28 percent off): The best Bose earbuds for most people are getting a decent discount this week. This model gives you the company's powerful ANC and great sound for less than flagship prices. You also get spatial audio and dependable battery life in this affordable option. Roku Smart TV (65-inch) for $350 (down from $450): It's hard to find a decent 65-inch TV under $400, so that alone makes the Roku Smart TV worth a look. It offers Roku's software built-in, supports HDR10 and it also works with a variety of smart speakers, including Alexa and Google Home. Roku's Smart TVs also ship with the company's Enhanced Voice Remote, which makes searching for something to watch a cinch with your voice. Google Pixel Tablet for $249 ($150 off, lowest price ever) : The Pixel Tablet isn't meant to be a dedicated gaming device, but as something that can play casual titles (my current favorite is Sword of Convallaria ) while also offering some nifty smart home features, this is a great shared device that can live on your coffee table. Plus, at just $249, this is the lowest price we've seen for the Pixel Tablet yet. And if you go for Google's optional speaker dock, you get a well-rounded device for playing music, browsing the web or watching shows that you can easily carry from room to room. Amazon Luna Controller and one month of Luna+ for $40 ($30 off) : The Luna Controller by itself is down to $40, which matches a record-low price. However, if you're a newcomer to Luna+, you may as well pick up this bundle (which is also matching a record low) for the same price, as it includes one month of access to the service for new subscribers. This gamepad is a solid option for those who want to check out Luna, Amazon's cloud gaming service. Prime subscribers get access to a dedicated channel with a rotating selection of games at no extra cost. This month, for instance, you can check out Death Stranding Director's Cut, Hollow Knight and EA Sports FC 25 . Lexar Professional Silver Plus for $38 (48 percent off): Our tests showed this to be the fastest microSD card on the market, beating out the whole Samsung line. Not only is it fast enough to download and upload 4K files without trying your patience, it's also waterproof, cheap and squeezes in both USB-A and USB-C ports. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 for $170 (25 percent off): The best earbuds for Pixel phone users are down to $170, which makes them a great purchase right now. Live translate and hands-free access to Gemini might be the highlight, but these earbuds have great sound and capable ANC too. Samsung The Frame Pro (65-inch) for $1,899 (down from $2,200) : New for 2025, Samsung's Frame Pro sets offer brighter and higher-quality Mini LED panels for a superior TV watching experience. The 65-inch Frame Pro is a great option for most living rooms since it's large enough to deliver an immersive viewing experience, and it also comes with Samsung's wireless One Connect box for less cable clutter. While there's still no OLED Frame TV yet, this Mini LED set is the closest you'll get today. (If you're looking for something larger, the 75-inch Frame Pro is down to $2,699, and the 85-inch is $3,799.) Kindle Paperwhite for $125 ($35 off with Prime) : The Paperwhite is an elevated version of the Kindle, with a larger, seven-inch, flush-front screen and an adjustable warm front light. A faster processor gives it quicker page turns than its predecessor and the device itself is waterproof. Sonos Beam for $369 (26 percent off): The Sonos Beam is a fantastic choice for a mid-budget soundbar. It's one of the most accessible Dolby Atmos systems, and uses careful audio alterations to achieve a much more immersive sound than other bars of its size. Razer Enki Gaming Chair for $450 ($50 off) : If you're going to be spending all day in front of a screen gaming, you better make sure whatever you're sitting on is super comfy. And as I've been using the Razer Enki every day for the last four years, I can attest that this chair is worth the money. It has a ton of adjustability for things like the arm rests, seat height and more. For more flexible folks, it was even designed so people can sit cross-legged. I also appreciate that in homes where neon green might not fit your vibe, there's an all-black model (plus a pink one too, though that one is currently sold out). JBL Go 3 for $28 (30 percent off): The JBL Go 3 improves on its predecessor with a carabiner-friendly design, five hours of battery life, and IP67-rated waterproofing and dustproofing. It's not exactly powerful, but it's way better than a phone speaker for driving, trekking or camping. Crucial P310 1TB for $60 (20 percent off): This deal on the Crucial P310 is one of the best we've seen so far for a Gen 4 SSD. At the 1TB capacity, it reads up to 7,100MB per second for noticeably faster performance. Just be warned that the deal doesn't include a heatsink. Sony Bravia 8 II (65') QD OLED for $2,998 (down from $3,500): Sony's top of the line set has everything you'd want in a high-end TV, like quantum dots for improved color and brightness, as well as the inky dark blacks and infinite contrast of a modern OLED panel. You'll always pay a bit of a premium for Sony TVs, but partially that's due to their world-class image processing – in this case, that's handled by Sony's XR chip. (You can also snag the 55-inch model for $2,500.)
Tom's Guide
08-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
I've flown the DJI Neo for 10 months — and it just crashed (in a good way) to its lowest ever price for Prime Day
I'm a simple woman: I see a good discount on a drone in this year's Prime Day sales, I inform you of it... and I won't stop droning on about it until you buy one. Drone deals are really starting to take off, and there's no better time to take up aerial photography as a hobby. If you're a beginner on a budget, I'd recommend the DJI Neo which I wholeheartedly recommend at its retail price of $199 / £169. But what's even better is that the drone is currently down to its lowest ever price! That's right: right now you can grab the DJI Neo for just $159 at Amazon, and it's 20% off in both the U.S. and the U.K. At this price, it's a no-brainer. The DJI Neo is lightweight and sports a minimalist design. It captures lovely 4K/30fps footage, detailed stills, and remains stable in tricky conditions. Easy to control with the RC-N3 controller or the DJI Fly app on a smartphone, the Neo makes drone photography more accessible thanks to its low price point. In the U.K., the DJI Neo is discounted by 18%, bringing it down to just £137 from its retail price of £169. When I was curating the best drones buying guide, I had to rank the Neo as the best cheap drone. It's the cheapest way to get a drone that shoots 4K/30fps footage and takes 12MP stills. It's extremely easy to fly, with a smartphone (DJI Fly app required) or the RC-N3 controller. If you have neither at your disposal, simply press the button on the Neo's body to toggle one of several short-form QuickShot modes. The drone will record you by following you, spiralling away from you, etc. and return to its takeoff position. All video and stills are stored in its 22GB internal hard drive. The Neo is extremely compact and lightweight too, so you can easily carry it in your backpack. Since it weighs less than 249g, you don't necessarily need to register it with the F.A.A. in the U.S. or the C.A.A. in the U.K., making aerial photography more accessible. I've had a lot of fun flying the Neo, and I even do so 10 months on since I tested it. I remember the first time I flew the Neo, all I could think about was flying it after the first flight. Yes, it's extremely addictive, and I'm sure you'll feel the same way. If you own other drones, the Neo is a nice little second drone to have for when you just want to have fun with your family and friends. Right now, the Neo is available for just $159 at Amazon U.S. and £137 at Amazon U.K. so there's no better time to get into aerial photography. And remember, for more deals, tune into our Amazon Prime Day live blog, and be sure to check out the freebies you can score this week!
Tom's Guide
08-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
I'm a drone pilot — here are my favorite Prime Day deals from DJI, Potensic and HoverAir
Happy Prime Day deals week! We've slowly been inching towards this day, and it has finally arrived. It's one of the only times in a year when tech is heavily discounted — I'm talking about massive discounts on TVs, laptops, espresso machines, instant cameras, action cams, and more. If you've been thinking about picking up a new hobby this year, say, flying a drone, you've come to the right place. Hi, I'm Nikita. I'm a licensed drone pilot, and I test the best drones at Tom's Guide. I've been keeping a close eye on Amazon for any deals on drones — and they've finally landed in both the U.S. and the U.K. My favorite deal right now is on the HoverAir X1, which is currently 30% off at Amazon. It's a great selfie drone as it doesn't require any controller to fly. If you consider yourself more of a professional, then you'll love the DJI Air 3, which is currently down to $934 from its retail price of $1,099. The drone features obstacle avoidance and captures stunning 48MP images, making it great for prosumers. There's also a fantastic U.K.-only deal on the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, one of our favorite drones, as it's discounted by £230. And there's more where that came from! I'll be updating this page as I find more deals, but for now, here are the best Prime Day drone deals I wholeheartedly recommend. It's very rare that the DJI Neo gets a price cut, considering it costs very little to begin with, so I'd snag this deal right away if I were you. In my DJI Neo review, I praised this drone for its lightweight, compact and minimalistic design. It can shoot 4K footage at 30fps, take detailed stills, and remain stable in tricky conditions. Easy to control with the RC-N3 controller or the DJI Fly app on a smartphone, the Neo makes drone photography more accessible thanks to its low price point. The DJI Mini 4K features some pro specs. Not only can you capture 4K/30fps footage, but you also get access to QuickShots and panoramas with a 31-minute flight time. The drone also features a smart return to home and stable hovering, making it the ideal drone for beginners and drone enthusiasts. With dual cameras capable of shooting 48MP stills and 4K/60fps HDR video and a flight time of up to 46 minutes, the DJI Air 3 is one of the best consumer drones. One of the two lenses allows you to zoom in 3x so you can capture every detail, and you can enjoy a stable 1080P/60fps live feed up to 12.4 miles, ensuring smooth flights with clear and reliable transmission. The HoverAir X1 is a great selfie drone as it can fly without a controller or a smartphone — all you need to do is press the buttons on its body, and it'll record short-form videos. My colleague enjoyed using it a lot and appreciated its surprisingly good obstacle avoidance and subject tracking features such as follow, rocket, and more. Featuring 32GB of internal storage, the HoverAir X1 Pro is a lovely little drone that can capture 4K/60fps and FHD/120fps slow-motion footage. It's extremely easy to fly, and in my review, I noted that the drone offered awesome hands-free shooting capabilities, going toe-to-toe with the DJI Neo. The HoverAir X1 ProMax is the premium model in the X1 lineup, capable of capturing 8K/30fps and 4K/60fps video. It comes with 64GB of internal storage so you can keep recording without worrying about running out of space. This bundle includes the Joystick and Beacon which, when combined, act as a regular controller, giving you more control over the drone. The Potensic Atom is a fantastic alternative to DJI. In my Atom review, I noted that this drone is straightforward to fly, whether using the controller or not. It offers 4K/30fps recording in a compact and lightweight body, and also captures detailed still images. The Potensic Atom SE Fly More Combo includes the drone, a charging hub with three batteries, the controller, a carry bag and other goodies. The drone weighs less than 249g, so you don't need to register with the F.A.A. in the U.S. or the C.A.A. in the U.K. The Atom SE is a great starting point for new drone pilots. The Potensic Atom 2 is even better than its predecessor, as it can capture 48MP stills. In my review, I noted that it records stable, smooth 4K/30fps video and features advanced, accurate AI subject tracking, along with a new, easy-to-use controller and app. It's also lightweight yet sturdy. This deal includes extra batteries and a carry bag. All of the drones I mentioned above are also discounted in the U.K., but I've spotted a few more U.K.-only deals. If you live in the British Isles, you're in for a treat. The DJI Mini 4 Pro gains iterative improvements that give this tiny drone a robust package that caters to beginners and experienced flyers. What makes the latest in the series outstanding is its improved low-light performance, producing usable footage without the noise and grain that other mini drones deliver. Sure, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro has been succeeded by the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, but if the latter is way out of your budget, I'd highly recommend the Mavic 3 Pro, which is currently on sale. With three cameras that capture detailed stills, 5.1K/50fps video, a three-axis mechanical gimbal for stabilizing footage, a long flight time, omnidirectional obstacle avoidance and other goodies, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a fantastic drone. This deal includes a DJI RC touchscreen controller, three batteries and other goodies.
Tom's Guide
20-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
If I had to start my camera setup from scratch, I'd pick these 5 cameras and drones — here's why
I'm a reviews writer here at Tom's Guide, which means I get to test the latest and greatest in tech — and that includes the best mirrorless cameras and the best drones. While it fills me with joy to test these über-cool gadgets, I'm always sad when the loan units get sent back. So this morning I woke up and asked myself, "If money weren't an object, which three cameras and drones would be part of my setup?" It didn't take a lot of time for five names to pop up in my head. It all came down to which cameras I was saddest to see being picked up by the courier — almost like the 'ex-rule' for cleaning, in a way. The five cameras I thought of — the Sony A1 II, the Fujifilm X-T50, the DJI Neo, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, and the Fujifilm Instax mini 12 — would fulfil all of my shooting needs for different genres. So, without further ado, look into my mind for a second and see my vision. It's so funny that I'm including the Fujifilm X-T50 on this list because I literally bought it for myself last week — yes, around the same time the X-E5 was announced and I do not regret it. The X-T50 is a stunning camera, and even if I started my kit setup from scratch, I'd keep it in my arsenal. Its autofocus system is mighty fast, its 5-axis IBIS (up to 7 stops) works extremely well, and it takes stunning photos with its 40.2MP sensor. The Fujifilm X-T50 succeeds and improves on the X-T30 II, and it packs a punch with a huge 40.2MP sensor, excellent in-body image stabilization and reliable autofocus. Its biggest selling point is the new film simulation dial for maximum creativity. One of the things I love most about my latest possession is its film simulation dial, which lets you quickly swap between tailored color profiles for any and all shooting situations. The X-T50 packs other goodies too. It's got a 1.84M-dot touchscreen, which is very bright and detailed, there's a built-in flash for low-light, and it can shoot RAW photos. For portraits, landscapes, casual wildlife, street, travel, what-have-you, the X-T50 would be (and is) my go-to. The DJI Neo is one of my favorite drones — it's the first drone I reviewed from Tom's Guide, so I have a soft spot for it. I would, of course, keep the DJI Mavic 4 Pro in my backpack, and I'll talk about that in a second, but I'd also like a no-frills drone that I can just whip out to take some quick, short-form videos. A lightweight, compact, and minimalist drone, the DJI Neo is a fantastic option that can shoot 4K footage at 30fps, capture detailed stills, and remain stable in challenging conditions. Easy to control with the new RC-N3 controller or the DJI Fly app on a smartphone, the Neo makes drone photography more accessible thanks to its low price point. That's because the Neo doesn't really require a controller for flying. You can toggle QuickShot intelligent flight modes via the button on its body, and the drone will record short videos and return to its takeoff position. It can follow, circle, spotlight, and lots more. The Neo also captures 4K/30fps footage and 12MP photos, which is great for a drone this small (and cheap). While I'd use the Mavic 4 Pro for serious shooting, I'd use the Neo for fun when I'm out and about with my friends and family. It weighs next to nothing, too, at 4.76 ounces, so it's not like it would ever weigh me down. If money were no object (I wish), I'd break out the big guns. The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is the "big guns" in question here. I haven't stopped thinking of this mighty powerful drone ever since I tested it. It's the only drone (and one of four products) I've given a full 5-star rating to so far, as it's the most powerful consumer drone yet. The DJI Mavic 4 Pro improves on its predecessor by introducing 6K/60fps video, 100MP stills powered by a Hasselblad camera, and a brand new RC Pro 2 controller that makes flying a breeze. With a long flight time and 5-star performance across the board, it's the ideal drone for commercial and personal use, as long as you don't mind the weight restrictions. The Mavic 4 Pro doesn't give you much to complain about. With 6K/60fps video capabilities and a 100MP Hasselblad camera that takes extremely detailed photos, it's the only drone you need for capturing ridiculously stunning footage. I don't mind its heavy weight either, I'll go to the gym five days a week just so I can carry this drone and all the other cameras in my backpack. The RC Pro 2 controller, which is super bright and detailed with a 2000-nits touchscreen, also makes the Mavic 4 Pro a breeze to fly. Unfortunately, the Mavic 4 Pro isn't currently available in the U.S., but if you're in the U.K. and are a drone pilot, I'd highly recommend investing in one. If you know me or have kept up with my camera coverage at Tom's Guide, you'll know I love animals, and I often photograph birds of all kinds when I'm testing a camera. I consider myself a fairly decent wildlife photographer, which is why I'd pick the Sony A1 II with its stupidly intelligent autofocus system and sharp image quality. The A1 II has a very intelligent auto focusing system with new Auto subject-detection, and 8.5 stops of IBIS. It takes stunning 50.1MP photos, clear 4K and 8K videos, and boasts a long battery life. It's built really well and feels great to handle with a detailed viewfinder that ensures you don't miss any action-packed moment in sports or wildlife photography. When it comes to tracking fast-moving subjects, the A1 II never lets you down. That's thanks to its rapid autofocus system, which uses Real-time Recognition AF and Real-time Tracking to reliably follow humans. There's also a new Auto subject-detection mode at play here, which removes the need to switch between AF detection modes. The A1 II's massive 50.1MP sensor captures plenty of detail for extreme cropping, and when combined with the 30fps burst shooting (for up to 153 raw images and with pre-capture), the camera becomes an absolute beast. I love this camera, and if the opportunity arises, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. Here's another fun one I would have in my kitbag: the Fujifilm Instax mini 12. I love testing the best instant cameras and eagerly waiting for the photos to develop. The Instax mini 12 is one of the best cameras I've tested, as it's extremely easy to use and takes great photos with plenty of detail. The Fujifilm Instax mini 12 is an extremely easy-to-use instant camera that takes bright and detailed photos, even in low light. It comes with a handy app to scan and share your prints, a selfie mirror and a close-up mode for more versatile shots. There's a lot to love about this camera, aside from the print quality. The battery life is great, the aesthetic is cute and fun, and there's a useful app for scanning prints too. There's also a selfie mirror and a dedicated close-up mode that lets you, say, focus on a flower. In my imaginary kitbag, I'd love to have the Instax mini 12 as it's a fun camera that, like the DJI Neo, I can just take out of my backpack, take a photo and put it back in — no complicated processes here. And there you have it! If money were no object, the five aforementioned cameras and drones are what I would include in my kitbag. What camera gear, big or small, would you have in yours? Let me know in the comments!
