7 Best Underwater Drones of 2025

The CHASING DORY redefines underwater exploration for casual adventurers with its palm-sized design and plug-and-play simplicity. This tiny powerhouse dives up to 49 feet and captures 1080p HD footage through an F1.6 aperture lens, backed by dual 250-lumen headlights that illuminate shallow reefs and murky pools. Its standout feature? A true color restoration algorithm that combats underwater blue-green tinting—delivering vibrant, lifelike visuals without post-processing. For travelers and snorkelers, it solves the hassle of bulky gear with a drone that fits in a daypack and launches in seconds.

In real-world use, the DORY shines during pool inspections, shallow lake dives, and coastal snorkeling trips. It connects via a floating WiFi buoy and streams live 720p video directly to your smartphone using the CHASING GO2 app—no extra hardware needed. While it handles calm waters with ease, signal stability begins to degrade beyond 30 feet, and current resistance is modest due to its lightweight frame. The 4800 mAh battery delivers about an hour of runtime, which is solid for its class, but lacks the power for deep or prolonged missions. It’s not built for professional tasks, but for spontaneous underwater filming, it’s remarkably capable.

Compared to the heavier-duty Gladius MINI S or FIFISH V-EVO models, the DORY is the clear choice for beginners and recreational users who prioritize portability over depth or resolution. It trades raw performance for unmatched accessibility—making underwater drones feel less like tech gadgets and more like aquatic toys. While it can’t match 4K clarity or 300+ foot dives, it brings real-time exploration within reach of families, educators, and casual divers. For those stepping into underwater robotics for the first time, this compact yellow drone offers a smoother onboarding experience than any other model at this tier.

The Chasing Gladius MINI S emerges as a serious upgrade for enthusiasts seeking pro-grade imaging without stepping into industrial territory. Armed with a 4K UHD camera, EIS anti-shake stabilization, and a 1/2.3” Sony CMOS sensor, it captures cinematic underwater footage with exceptional detail and minimal motion blur. Its 330-foot diving depth and 660-foot horizontal range open access to shipwrecks, deep reef walls, and submerged caves—making it a favorite among serious hobbyists and semi-pro videographers. The dual 1200-lumen LED lights punch through darkness, while the removable 64GB SD card (expandable to 512GB) ensures you never run out of storage during long expeditions.

During field testing, the Gladius MINI S proved its mettle in strong currents and rocky seabeds, thanks to patented anti-stuck motor technology that prevents debris jams. The wired remote controller supports both WiFi and data cable connections, with the latter delivering rock-solid signal transmission—ideal for inspections or filming where dropouts aren’t an option. With two 4800 mAh batteries, it achieves up to four hours of total runtime, a major leap over competitors in its category. However, the lack of a robotic arm or VR control limits its interactivity compared to higher-end models like the FIFISH V-EVO.

Positioned between entry-level and professional tiers, the Gladius MINI S outperforms the basic DORY and even edges past the budget-focused MINI S variant by offering better software integration and mechanical durability. It’s perfect for marine biologists, underwater photographers, and adventure YouTubers who need reliable, high-res footage without the $4K price tag of industrial ROVs. While it doesn’t offer the 6-hour battery life or AI tracking of the FIFISH V6 Expert, it delivers outstanding value for its performance envelope, balancing power, depth, and usability in one compact aluminum alloy body.

Step into the future of underwater exploration with the V-EVO 4K60FPS, a cutting-edge ROV that combines cinematic frame rates, AI-powered tracking, and VR immersive control into one sleek package. This drone doesn’t just record video—it transforms diving into a first-person experience. The 4K60FPS camera captures ultra-smooth footage, essential for slow-motion analysis or dynamic marine life tracking, while the 166° ultra-wide lens reveals vast seascapes in a single shot. Its 5000-lumen LED array cuts through dark, silt-heavy waters, and the AI Vision Lock keeps fast-moving fish or swimmers perfectly framed—no manual joystick adjustments needed.

Real-world testing shows the V-EVO excels in complex environments like coral reefs, marinas, and murky lakes. The 360° omnidirectional thrusters allow it to hover, tilt, and spin on a dime, giving unmatched maneuverability for tight spaces like shipwreck interiors or underwater structures. When paired with the smart VR goggles, head movements translate directly into camera panning—creating a true FPV (first-person view) sensation that’s both intuitive and thrilling. However, the floating buoy tether system can be sensitive to surface waves, and the app occasionally lags when switching between VR and standard modes. Still, for content creators and tech-forward explorers, these are minor trade-offs.

Against the Gladius MINI S, the V-EVO stands out with higher frame rates, superior lighting, and VR integration—making it the best value for users who want premium features without the top-tier price of the FIFISH V6 Expert. It’s ideal for filmmakers, educators, and drone enthusiasts who crave immersive control and broadcast-quality output. While it doesn’t include a robotic arm like the FIFISH V-EVO (B0FL28MMF9), it offers nearly identical imaging specs at a lower cost—delivering exceptional bang for the buck in the mid-to-high-end underwater drone market.

The GLADIUS MINI S (budget variant) proves you don’t need to break the bank to access high-performance underwater imaging. This compact ROV dives to 330 feet, records 4K video with EIS stabilization, and runs for up to four hours on dual 4800 mAh batteries—specs that rival far more expensive models. Its five-thruster configuration enables precise 360° movement, while the F2.8 lens and dual 1200-lumen LEDs ensure crisp, well-lit footage even in low-visibility zones. The wired remote controller guarantees a stable connection, eliminating the dropouts common in WiFi-only systems—making it ideal for inspections, research, or real estate surveys.

In practical use, this drone handles demanding tasks like hull inspections, dam checks, and cave mapping with confidence. The removable 64GB SD card (supporting up to 512GB) simplifies data extraction, and the HDMI output allows live monitoring on external screens—a boon for team operations. It also supports time-lapse photography and simultaneous photo/video capture, adding creative flexibility. That said, the absence of AI tracking and VR control places it behind newer models like the V-EVO, and the app interface feels dated compared to QYSEA’s polished software suite.

Compared to the similarly named Chasing Gladius MINI S (B0DPMC52G7), this version offers nearly identical hardware but at a lower price point, making it the smarter pick for budget-conscious professionals. It’s not as flashy as drones with robotic arms or VR, but for long-duration missions and industrial applications, it delivers reliability, depth, and clarity without frills. If you need a no-nonsense workhorse that won’t quit mid-dive, this GLADIUS MINI S is a high-value performer that punches above its weight.

For creators who demand cinematic quality and interactive capability, the FIFISH V-EVO with Robotic Arm sets a new benchmark in consumer underwater drones. It captures 4K60FPS footage through a 166° ultra-wide lens, ensuring every frame is rich with detail and depth—perfect for slow-motion reels or documentary work. The 5000-lumen LED lights restore natural colors even at depth, while AI Vision Lock automatically tracks moving subjects with military-grade precision. But the real game-changer? The integrated robotic arm, which allows you to retrieve small objects, manipulate buoys, or interact with marine structures—transforming passive observation into active exploration.

Field tests confirm its superiority in scientific and recreational scenarios alike. Whether retrieving lost gear from a lakebed or inspecting a boat propeller, the arm performs reliably with smooth, responsive controls via the Q-Interface. The 360° omnidirectional mobility lets it hover and pivot effortlessly, and the removable SD card makes offloading footage a breeze. However, the tether management system requires careful handling, and the lack of VR control (present in the non-arm V-EVO model) feels like a missed opportunity given its premium price. Still, for users needing both imaging and interaction, this is unmatched.

Stacked against the V-EVO without the arm (B0F58YCJ73), this model trades VR immersion for tactile functionality—a strategic choice for researchers, inspectors, and serious hobbyists. It doesn’t have the 6-hour battery of the FIFISH V6 Expert, but it brings industrial-grade tool integration to a more accessible price bracket. For those who want to do more than just watch—those who want to engage with the underwater world—this drone delivers unrivaled versatility and creative control, making it the top pick for 4K60FPS recording with hands-on capability.

The FIFISH V6 Expert M200A is the undisputed king of underwater drones—a professional-grade ROV built for mission-critical performance. With a staggering 6-hour working time, 660-foot dive depth, and 4K low-noise imaging, it dominates in endurance, range, and clarity. Its 166° ultra-wide camera captures sweeping seascapes, while 240 FPS slow-motion and color-enhancing algorithms deliver broadcast-ready footage. The dual 3000-lumen LEDs provide balanced illumination in dark or turbid waters, and the Q-Interface supports over 20 industrial tools—from grippers to sensors—making it a modular platform for offshore, scientific, and commercial use.

In real-world deployment, the V6 Expert thrives in harsh conditions: deep ocean surveys, pipeline inspections, and scientific research dives. The industrial case and 660ft tether reel ensure durability and ease of transport, while the onshore power supply option enables unlimited operation. The patented omnidirectional thrusters offer pinpoint control, and the removable 128GB SD card streamlines data transfer between teams. However, its complexity demands training, and the $4K+ price puts it out of reach for casual users. It’s overkill for backyard pools but indispensable for pros.

Compared to the M100A (B0BB7C8F85), the M200A offers double the tether length—a critical advantage for offshore operations—while sharing the same robotic arm and 6-hour battery. Against the V-EVO series, it trades consumer-friendly VR for industrial ruggedness and tool scalability. This is the go-to drone for marine engineers, government agencies, and deep-sea explorers who need maximum uptime, depth, and integration. While it costs significantly more than entry models, its performance, build quality, and expandability justify every penny for those operating at the frontier of underwater technology.

The FIFISH V6 Expert M100A delivers industrial-grade performance in a slightly more accessible package than its M200A sibling. It shares the same 6-hour battery life, 4K camera, 166° ultra-wide lens, and robotic arm, but comes with a 330-foot tether and industrial case—ideal for inland inspections, aquaculture, and coastal research. Its quick-charge system reaches 90% in just one hour, minimizing downtime, and the 128GB removable SD card ensures seamless data handoff between dives. With AI Vision Lock and Q-Interface compatibility, it supports advanced tool integration and automated tracking, making it a powerhouse for professionals who need reliability without extreme depth requirements.

In practice, the M100A excels in lakes, reservoirs, and nearshore environments where 660 feet of tether isn’t necessary. The omnidirectional thrusters provide surgical precision, and the corrosion-protected motors withstand repeated saltwater exposure. It handles underwater structure inspections, fish farm monitoring, and environmental surveys with ease. However, the 330-foot limit restricts deep-ocean use, and like all V6 models, it requires significant training to master. The app is powerful but not beginner-friendly.

When compared to the M200A, the M100A sacrifices horizontal reach but retains all core capabilities at a slightly lower cost—making it the smarter choice for regional operators. Against the V-EVO series, it offers longer battery life and better tool support, though it lacks VR immersion. For users who need maximum dive time and industrial functionality without the full offshore tether, this model strikes the perfect balance. It’s the ultimate tool for scientists, inspectors, and underwater technicians who demand all-day endurance and hands-on control, offering elite performance tailored to practical, real-world missions.