8 Best Drones Under 250 Grams 2025

This featherweight flyer punches well above its weight with a standout combination of 4K imaging, 45-minute flight time, and GPS-powered intelligence—all in a sub-250g frame that dodges FAA registration. The F2.15 wide-angle lens and physical anti-shake design deliver crisp visuals, while the dual 1800mAh batteries ensure you’re not cutting flights short. With features like Auto Follow, Tap Fly, and Circle Fly, it’s built for creators who want pro-style shots without complexity.

In real-world testing, the drone holds steady thanks to its brushless motors and handles wind up to level 5 with commendable stability. The 5G WiFi transmission keeps FPV feed solid up to 300 meters, extendable to 500 meters with the built-in repeater—ideal for exploring open fields or coastal trails. However, the lack of a mechanical gimbal means footage can show subtle jitters in turbulent air, and low-light performance is acceptable but not stellar. It excels in daylight filming and structured flight modes but falls short in true cinematic conditions.

Compared to the DJI Mini 4K, this model offers longer combined flight time and more intuitive GPS features at a lower price, but sacrifices gimbal stabilization and transmission range. It’s best suited for beginners and hobbyists who prioritize ease of use and flight duration over Hollywood-grade smoothness. While it doesn’t match the polish of premium brands, it delivers exceptional value for its class, making it a smart pick for those stepping into aerial photography without breaking the bank.

The DJI Mini 4K is a game-changer for budget-conscious creators, packing a 3-axis mechanical gimbal, 4K UHD video, and 10km HD transmission into a sub-250g body that flies under the radar—literally. Its cinematic stabilization transforms shaky aerial footage into buttery-smooth sequences, while the compact design makes it the ultimate travel companion for spontaneous shoots. Designed with beginners in mind, it offers one-tap takeoff, GPS return-to-home, and intuitive QuickShots that automate professional-looking flyaways and spirals.

During field testing, the drone proved remarkably stable in level-5 winds (38kph), thanks to its brushless motors and precision GNSS positioning. The 10km HD video transmission (in unobstructed areas) allows expansive exploration—perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes or tracking action over long distances. Low-light performance is impressive for its size, though noise appears in darker scenes. The single battery offers 31 minutes of flight, which feels generous, but swapping batteries mid-adventure means carrying spares and a charger if you’re out all day.

Against the Potensic ATOM SE, the Mini 4K delivers superior image stabilization and transmission reliability, though it lacks some visual tracking modes. It’s ideal for aspiring filmmakers and travelers who want studio-quality results without FAA hassles. While the base model has fewer batteries than combos, it sets the benchmark for budget-friendly 4K drones, offering unmatched refinement in its category.

The DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo is the complete aerial filmmaking package, combining everything great about the base model with triple the flight time and essential accessories for serious creators. With a 3-axis gimbal, 4K UHD clarity, and 10km HD transmission, it captures cinematic footage that rivals much heavier drones—all while staying under 250 grams. The inclusion of three batteries, a two-way charging hub, and a portable shoulder bag makes it perfect for day-long adventures, whether you’re documenting a hike or filming a family event.

In real-world use, the drone shines with consistent wind resistance, maintaining stable hover and smooth tracking even in gusty conditions. The QuickShots suite—including Helix, Dronie, and Boomerang—lets users generate social-ready videos with a single tap, while the GPS return-to-home ensures safe landings when signal drops or power runs low. The 10km transmission remains rock-solid in open environments, though urban interference can reduce range. One minor friction: the DJI Fly app isn’t on Google Play, requiring manual download—a small but notable hurdle for Android users.

Compared to the Potensic ATOM 2, this combo trades some AI-powered tracking and 8K photo modes for proven reliability and better app ecosystem. It’s best for content creators and travelers who value endurance, image quality, and ecosystem support over niche features. While pricier than entry models, it delivers the best balance of performance, portability, and peace of mind, making it the overall top choice for serious hobbyists.

The Potensic ATOM is a wind-defying powerhouse, engineered to dominate in challenging outdoor conditions with level-5 wind resistance, a 3-axis brushless gimbal, and 6km HD transmission—all within a sub-249g frame. It leverages a Sony CMOS sensor to deliver sharp 4K/30fps video, and its three-battery Fly More Combo provides up to 96 minutes of total flight time, making it ideal for extended shoots in remote areas. The SurgeFly control system ensures responsive handling, while visual tracking keeps moving subjects locked in frame with impressive accuracy.

Field tests confirm its rock-solid stability in high winds, outperforming many competitors in gusty coastal and mountainous environments. The 6km transmission range (20,000 ft) handles interference well, thanks to PixSync 3.0 technology, delivering low-latency FPV feed even at distance. The parallel 60W charging hub fully recharges all three batteries in just 1.3 hours, drastically reducing downtime. However, the app interface feels less polished than DJI’s, and low-light video lacks dynamic range compared to premium models.

Against the DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo, the ATOM matches flight time and exceeds in wind resilience and charging speed, but falls short in app refinement and transmission consistency. It’s best suited for outdoor adventurers and nature filmmakers who prioritize flight endurance and rugged performance over studio-level polish. With its strong hardware foundation and rapid charging, it’s the top pick for wind resistance and long-range exploration.

The Potensic ATOM SE strikes a sweet spot between performance and price, offering 4K EIS video, 62 minutes of flight time, and level-5 wind resistance in a sleek, pocketable design. Its 1/3″ Sony sensor captures crisp 12MP photos and smooth 4K footage, while ShakeVanish stabilization minimizes shake for handheld-like smoothness without a gimbal. The dual 2500mAh batteries provide generous airtime, and the SurgeFly flight system offers three modes—Video, Normal, and Sport—letting pilots grow from novice to pro with confidence.

In practice, the drone handles moderate winds with impressive composure, and Sport Mode rockets to 16m/s in 2.8 seconds, adding excitement for dynamic tracking shots. The 4km FPV transmission via PixSync 2.0 delivers reliable HD feed in most conditions, though dense urban areas can introduce lag. GPS-based features like Follow Me, Waypoint Flight, and Auto Return work reliably, making it a solid choice for solo creators. However, the lack of a mechanical gimbal means footage isn’t as fluid as DJI or ATOM 2 models.

Compared to the Holy Stone HS440G, the ATOM SE offers longer flight time, better wind resistance, and more intelligent flight modes, justifying its higher cost. It’s ideal for intermediate users and budget-focused enthusiasts who want real performance gains without premium pricing. For its class, it delivers exceptional mid-range value, balancing features, flight time, and durability in one compelling package.

The Potensic ATOM 2 is a feature-packed powerhouse, pushing the limits of sub-250g drones with 8K photos, 4K HDR video, AI-powered tracking, and 10km transmission—all wrapped in a no-registration-required design. The 1/2″ Sony CMOS sensor and F1.8 aperture deliver exceptional low-light performance, while the 3-axis gimbal ensures cinematic smoothness. With AI Night Shot, it captures bright, detailed footage after sunset, a rare feat in this weight class.

Real-world testing reveals its AI tracking—Spotlight, Follow, and Parallel—is impressively accurate, keeping subjects centered even during complex movements. The 10km control range with PixSync 4.0 stays locked in open areas, and the 1.3-hour fast-charging hub refuels all three batteries simultaneously. Creative tools like Dolly Zoom, Slow Motion, and Vertical Shooting make it a social media creator’s dream. However, the app can lag during firmware updates, and 8K photos are heavily cropped, limiting wide-angle flexibility.

Against the Ruko U11MINI, the ATOM 2 offers superior AI features, better transmission, and more shooting modes, though both share 96-minute flight time. It’s perfect for advanced hobbyists and content creators who want cutting-edge features without FAA registration. While it demands a steeper learning curve, it delivers the most advanced capabilities in the under-250g category, justifying its premium positioning.

The Holy Stone HS440G is a no-frills entry point into aerial photography, offering 4K UHD video, GPS intelligence, and brushless motor reliability in a palm-sized, sub-250g body. With a 120° wide-angle lens and 5GHz FPV transmission, it delivers clear, real-time video up to 1,640 feet, making it surprisingly capable for its size. It supports Follow Me, Waypoint Flight, and Point of Interest modes—features usually found on pricier models—giving beginners a taste of pro-level automation.

In real use, the drone performs solidly in calm conditions, with dual GPS/GLONASS ensuring reliable positioning and smooth return-to-home. The 23-minute flight time per battery is on the shorter side, but enough for quick captures. Wind resistance is acceptable up to level 3, but it struggles in stronger gusts. The one-key takeoff/landing and emergency stop make it safe for new pilots, while the compact foldable design slips easily into a backpack.

Compared to the DJI Mini 4K, it lacks a gimbal and long-range transmission, but wins on price and simplicity. It’s best for absolute beginners and casual users who want a low-cost, easy-to-fly drone with core GPS features. While it doesn’t match the refinement of premium models, it offers the best starting point on a tight budget, proving you don’t need to spend big to take flight.

The Ruko U11MINI 4K is a flight-time titan, delivering up to 96 minutes of airtime with its triple-battery Fly More Combo—the longest in this lineup. It packs a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor for 8K photos and 4K/30fps video, stabilized by a 3-axis brushless gimbal and EIS, ensuring buttery-smooth footage even on extended missions. The R2 digital transmission system reaches an astonishing 20,000 feet (6km), operating independently of Wi-Fi for lag-free, interference-resistant FPV—a major win for long-range explorers.

In testing, the drone excels in open-field tracking and long-duration filming, with AI Takeoff/Landing making first flights stress-free. The quadruple positioning system (GPS, barometric, TOF, optical flow) ensures precise hover, while the built-in beeper helps locate the drone if it lands off-path. However, 8K photos are interpolated and best for cropping, not true resolution. The app lacks some polish, and low-light video shows more noise than rivals like DJI.

Against the Potensic ATOM 2, it matches flight time and offers longer transmission, but lacks AI Night Shot and advanced creative modes. It’s ideal for beginners and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize flight endurance and range over AI smarts. With best-in-class battery life and solid stabilization, it’s the top pick for long flight time, letting you stay airborne longer than any other sub-250g drone here.