7 Best Waterproof Drones of 2025

This beast of a fishing drone redefines what’s possible from shore-based angling. The Swellpro Fisherman MAX isn’t just waterproof—it’s a fully IP67-rated powerhouse built to dominate rough coastal conditions, with 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs) bait capacity that lets you launch large live baits or deep-sea rigs far beyond the surf line. Its 4K camera with multi-color display remote delivers crisp, real-time visuals without relying on your phone, giving you instant fish-spotting intelligence and pinpoint casting accuracy—critical for targeting elusive offshore species.

In real-world testing, the Fisherman MAX shines in open ocean environments where wind and water are constant challenges. With a 1.5 km (1 mile) casting range and Level 6 wind resistance (up to 40 mph), it maintains stable hover and precise GPS positioning even in gale-force gusts. The auto-fish beta feature via the FDFly app allows you to pre-map drop zones and automate bait deployment—perfect for reef edges or drop-offs—while the self-return function kicks in during low battery or signal loss, minimizing crash risks. However, its size and weight make it less ideal for quick pack-and-go trips, and the splash-proof remote requires careful handling in heavy spray.

Compared to the Xpece models, the Fisherman MAX trades simplicity for raw capability—this is a pro-tier tool for serious offshore anglers, not casual hobbyists. While the Xpece drones offer plug-and-play ease, this Swellpro model delivers unmatched payload and range, making it the top choice for those targeting trophy fish in deep water. Against the SwellPro FD2 (B0D5HQGDMW), it offers nearly identical specs but with added fish-finding tech—justifying its premium status as a high-end, mission-capable fishing drone.

The Xpece Waterproof Fishing Drone is a plug-and-play marvel designed for anglers who want to skip the tech headaches and get straight to fishing. With zero app dependency, this drone boots up instantly and streams live HD video to its built-in super-bright monitor, eliminating the need for smartphones or complex setup—ideal for older users or those frustrated by buggy apps. Its 7-pound bait capacity and FAA Remote ID compliance make it both powerful and regulation-ready, ensuring you can fly legally in controlled airspace without extra modules.

Out on the water, the Xpece proves surprisingly stable thanks to its multi-satellite positioning system, which locks onto GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for rock-solid hover and reliable return-to-home performance. The three intuitive flight modes (Slow/Medium/Fast) let you adapt to wind or skill level effortlessly, while the modular camera system opens doors for future upgrades. However, the HD camera, while functional, doesn’t match the clarity of 4K competitors, and the drone can struggle in gusts above 25 mph—fine for calm bays but risky in open ocean.

Positioned between budget and premium models, this Xpece drone carves a niche as the most beginner-friendly heavy-lift option—beating the SwellPro FD1+ in tech and ease of use, while undercutting the Fisherman MAX in complexity. It’s not the most advanced, but for anglers who value instant operation and regulatory compliance, it’s a no-nonsense workhorse. Compared to the SwellPro FD3, it lacks 4K imaging and advanced autopilot, but wins with its app-free simplicity and FAA-ready design.

The Xpece Fish More Combo isn’t just FAA Remote ID ready—it’s a future-proofed fishing machine built for anglers who want to stay compliant without sacrificing performance. Like its sibling model, it boots instantly with no app or calibration required, streaming stabilized HD video to an on-board monitor so you can launch and locate fish in minutes. Its standout feature—integrated Remote ID—ensures you’re always within FAA guidelines, a major advantage over drones needing add-on modules, especially as regulations tighten nationwide.

Real-world performance mirrors the B0DZP6FXK3, with solid satellite reception across GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo networks enabling reliable position hold and accurate return-to-home tracking, even when the drone is out of sight. The three-flight-mode system adjusts speed on the fly, perfect for conserving battery in calm conditions or powering through crosswinds. However, like other Xpece models, it falters in high-wind zones and lacks the 4K clarity that helps spot fish in murky water—making it better suited for inland lakes or sheltered coastlines.

When stacked against the SwellPro FD2 or FD3, this Xpece model doesn’t compete on imaging or range, but it wins in regulatory readiness and ease of use—a compelling pick for public land anglers or those flying near controlled airspace. It’s pricier than the base Xpece, but the premium is justified by compliance and peace of mind. For drone fishers who prioritize legal safety and instant operation over cutting-edge imaging, this combo is a smart, forward-thinking investment.

If you’re looking for a no-frills entry into drone fishing, the Swellpro FD1+ delivers barebones reliability at a rock-bottom price. Stripped of a camera and focused purely on bait delivery, this drone is all about function—IP67 waterproof construction ensures it survives repeated water landings, while the dual bait release mechanism allows for multi-line drops, increasing your catch potential with every flight. With a 4.8 lb payload and 1.3 km range, it punches above its weight, letting shore anglers reach distant sandbars and drop-offs without a boat.

In practice, the FD1+ excels in calm, predictable environments—its GPS 9.0 positioning keeps it stable in light winds, and the auto-return function reliably brings it back when signal drops or battery runs low. The lack of a camera is a major limitation, forcing you to fly blind unless you mount your own, but for experienced anglers who already know their fishing spots, this can be a non-issue. It struggles in strong gusts and offers no real-time visual feedback, so it’s best for users who value mechanical precision over digital intelligence.

Compared to the camera-equipped SwellPro FD1+ (B0DG2JZT4P), this version is nearly identical but marketed as a dual-release variant—ideal for tandem hook setups. Against the Xpece or Fisherman MAX models, it’s clearly the budget play: no live video, no app, no 4K—but also no bloat. For anglers who want a durable, waterproof drone strictly for bait deployment, and are willing to trade tech for savings, this is the most cost-effective gateway into drone-assisted fishing.

The SwellPro FD1+ is a no-nonsense starter drone that gets beginners flying safely and confidently—without overwhelming them with tech. Designed specifically for entry-level anglers, it features calibration-free sensors and GPS 9.0, so you can power it on and take off immediately, even with zero drone experience. Its 4.8 lb payload and 1.3 km range let you cast baits well beyond the surf line, while the IP67 waterproof hull and self-floating design ensure it won’t sink if it lands in the water—critical for new pilots still mastering landings.

In real use, the FD1+ proves surprisingly resilient. The automatic flip feature is a game-changer—if the drone capsizes, you can use the joysticks to roll it upright and fly home, avoiding costly losses. The auto-return function activates during low battery or signal loss, bringing it back to the launch point with reliable accuracy. However, the lack of a camera means you’re flying blind, limiting its usefulness for fish-spotting; it’s purely a bait-delivery tool, best for users who already know where to drop.

Compared to the FD3 or Fisherman MAX, this model is clearly the budget-conscious beginner’s pick—it lacks 4K imaging and advanced app features but offers core functionality at a fraction of the cost. Against the camera-less FD1+ (B0DDQYNP5D), it’s nearly identical, though marketed more clearly as a beginner platform. For new drone fishers who want a forgiving, waterproof, and self-rescuing drone, this is the safest first step into the sport—simplicity with survival instincts built in.

The SwellPro FD3 strikes a perfect balance between performance and accessibility, making it the best all-around 4K fishing drone for serious but not extreme anglers. Its 4K camera delivers stunning clarity, allowing you to spot fish, read water color changes, and precisely time bait drops—all on a real-time feed that’s sharp even in low light. Combined with GPS 9.0 and L7 wind resistance (up to 40 mph), it stays rock-steady in coastal gusts, giving you control when others would lose signal or drift off course.

On the water, the FD3 proves its worth with 1.3 km range and auto-drop functionality, letting you mark spots in the FDFly app and trigger releases with a tap—ideal for repeat casts to productive zones. The IP67 waterproof body and automatic flip feature mean it can land on waves, float, and be righted remotely, drastically reducing loss risk. However, its 4.4 lb payload is lighter than the Fisherman MAX, limiting use with very large baits, and the app, while powerful, has a learning curve for tech-shy users.

Pitted against the FD2 or Fisherman MAX, the FD3 offers nearly identical stability and imaging but with less lifting power—making it ideal for inshore to mid-range offshore fishing rather than heavy-duty live bait runs. Compared to the Xpece models, it’s far more advanced, with true smart-fishing capabilities like route planning and spot saving. For anglers who want 4K precision, reliability, and smart features without max payload, the FD3 is the sweet spot of tech, toughness, and usability.

The SwellPro FD2 is the definitive all-rounder in waterproof fishing drones, blending pro-level power, smart features, and rugged design into one compelling package. With a 7.0 lb bait capacity and 1.5 km casting range, it dominates long-distance fishing scenarios, letting you drop rigs far past breakers where big game fish lurk—without a boat. Its IP67 waterproof foldable frame makes it both durable and portable, while the 4K camera and multi-color display remote deliver rich, real-time visuals without phone dependency—perfect for quick fish ID and accurate drops.

In field tests, the FD2 shines in high-wind coastal zones, holding position at up to 40 mph thanks to its high-thrust motors and advanced GPS 9.0 controller. The FDFly app unlocks powerful tools like tap-to-fly, spot saving, and auto-fish mode, turning complex missions into simple taps—ideal for repeat drops on reef lines. However, like all large drones, it demands space to launch and isn’t stealthy; plus, the splash-proof remote needs protection in heavy rain, a minor but notable oversight.

Against the FD3, the FD2 offers greater range and payload, making it better for open ocean fishing, while the FD3 wins on beginner-friendliness. Compared to the Xpece models, it’s far more advanced but requires more setup and learning. For anglers who want the best blend of range, lift, imaging, and smart flight, the FD2 stands as the most complete, high-performance waterproof fishing drone—delivering pro capability without sacrificing usability.