As a drone enthusiast and professional photographer, I have spent countless hours researching the best drones on the market to make money with. Whether you are looking to start a drone photography business or simply want to monetize your hobby, choosing the right drone is crucial for success.
After testing and comparing numerous models, I have narrowed down my top picks for the best drones to make money with. These drones offer a perfect balance of quality, performance, and affordability, making them ideal for commercial use.
From aerial photography and videography to surveying and mapping, these drones are versatile tools that can help you generate income in various industries. Investing in the right drone can open up a world of opportunities and take your business to new heights.
Factors to consider when choosing a drone for making money
When selecting a drone for commercial use, there are several important factors to take into consideration in order to maximize your earning potential. As an experienced drone pilot, I have learned that the quality of the camera is crucial for capturing high-resolution images and videos that clients will be willing to pay for. Investing in a drone with a high-quality camera can set you apart from competitors and attract more clients.
Another important factor to consider is the flight time and battery life of the drone. Longer flight times allow you to cover more ground and complete more projects in a single session, increasing your efficiency and potential earnings. Additionally, a drone with a reliable battery life will ensure that you can complete projects without interruptions or delays due to low power.
- Portability: A portable drone is easier to transport to different locations, allowing you to take on a variety of projects and expand your client base.
- Range: A drone with a long range capability will enable you to reach distant subjects and capture unique perspectives, attracting clients looking for specialized aerial photography.
- Obstacle avoidance: Drones equipped with obstacle avoidance sensors can help prevent collisions and ensure the safety of your equipment, reducing the risk of costly repairs and downtime.
- Price: Consider your budget and the potential return on investment when choosing a drone. While high-end drones may offer advanced features, they may not always be necessary for your specific business needs.
DJI Mavic Air 2: A preferred choice for aerial photography and videography
When it comes to capturing stunning aerial shots and videos, the DJI Mavic Air 2 stands out as a reliable and versatile drone. With its advanced camera capabilities and intelligent flight features, this drone is a top choice for professional photographers and videographers looking to elevate their work.
Equipped with a high-quality camera that can shoot up to 4K video at 60fps and capture 48-megapixel photos, the DJI Mavic Air 2 delivers crisp and detailed images from the sky. Its 3-axis gimbal stabilization ensures smooth and steady footage, even in windy conditions, allowing you to capture cinematic shots with ease.
- The DJI Mavic Air 2’s impressive battery life of up to 34 minutes allows for extended flight time, giving you more opportunities to capture the perfect shot.
- Its intelligent flight modes, such as ActiveTrack 3.0 and APAS 3.0, make it easy to track subjects and avoid obstacles, ensuring a seamless and safe flying experience.
- With its compact and foldable design, the DJI Mavic Air 2 is portable and easy to transport, making it ideal for on-the-go photography and videography assignments.
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0: Ideal for professional cinematography
When it comes to capturing stunning aerial footage for professional cinematography projects, the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 stands out as a top choice. As a professional drone pilot, I have used this advanced drone extensively and can attest to its exceptional performance and capabilities.
Equipped with a high-quality camera that shoots in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 delivers crystal-clear footage with vivid colours and incredible detail. Its 1-inch CMOS sensor ensures excellent low-light performance, making it ideal for capturing cinematic shots even in challenging lighting conditions.
- The drone’s intelligent flight modes, such as ActiveTrack and TapFly, allow for precise and dynamic shots, while its obstacle avoidance sensors ensure safe and reliable operation.
- With a maximum flight time of up to 30 minutes and a range of over 7 kilometres, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 provides ample time and distance to capture the perfect shot.
- Overall, the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is a versatile and reliable tool for professional cinematography, offering unmatched image quality and performance for capturing stunning aerial footage.
Yuneec Typhoon H Pro: Perfect Choice for Commercial Inspections and Surveillance
When it comes to using drones for commercial purposes such as inspections and surveillance, the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro stands out as an excellent option. As a professional drone pilot, I have found the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro to be a reliable and versatile tool for various business applications.
One of the key features that make the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro ideal for commercial use is its advanced camera capabilities. Equipped with a high-quality 4K camera and a 3-axis gimbal, this drone delivers crisp and clear footage for inspections and surveillance tasks. The camera can rotate 360 degrees, allowing you to capture comprehensive views and details from different angles.
- The Yuneec Typhoon H Pro offers obstacle avoidance technology, making it safer and more efficient to navigate complex environments during inspections.
- With a flight time of up to 25 minutes and a range of 1 mile, this drone provides ample time and distance coverage for conducting thorough inspections or surveillance operations.
- The drone’s compact and foldable design makes it easy to transport and deploy on-site, ensuring quick setup and operation for time-sensitive tasks.
Autel Robotics Evo II: Perfect for Mapping and Surveying Tasks
Having experience with various drones for commercial purposes, I can confidently say that the Autel Robotics Evo II is an exceptional choice for mapping and surveying tasks. This drone stands out for its advanced features and capabilities that make it ideal for professionals in the field.
One of the key advantages of the Autel Robotics Evo II is its high-resolution camera and gimbal system, which allows for precise and detailed imaging during mapping missions. The drone’s stability and flight performance ensure smooth and accurate data collection, making it a reliable tool for creating 3D models, orthomosaics, and topographic maps.
- The Autel Robotics Evo II’s long flight time of up to 40 minutes
- The drone’s obstacle avoidance sensors
- The comprehensive software compatibility
Parrot Anafi: Budget-friendly option for beginners in the drone business
If you are just starting out in the drone industry and looking for a cost-effective option to kickstart your business, the Parrot Anafi could be a great choice. This drone offers a good balance between price and performance, making it ideal for beginners who want to explore the possibilities of aerial photography and videography.
With its compact and lightweight design, the Parrot Anafi is easy to transport and maneuver, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you are capturing stunning landscapes, conducting aerial inspections, or shooting creative videos, this drone can help you achieve professional-looking results without breaking the bank.
- The Parrot Anafi features a 4K HDR camera with a 180-degree tilt gimbal, allowing you to capture high-quality photos and videos from unique angles.
- It offers a variety of intelligent flight modes, such as Follow Me and Flight Plan, to help you capture dynamic shots with ease.
- With a flight time of up to 25 minutes and a range of up to 2.5 miles, the Parrot Anafi gives you plenty of time and freedom to explore different aerial perspectives.
Inspire 2: High-end drone for professional filmmakers and content creators
As a professional filmmaker and content creator, I understand the importance of using top-of-the-line equipment to capture stunning aerial footage. That’s why I rely on the Inspire 2 drone, a high-end aerial platform that delivers exceptional performance and versatility.
The Inspire 2 is equipped with a powerful camera that allows me to capture cinematic quality footage in up to 5.2K resolution. With its advanced image processing system and intelligent flight modes, this drone enables me to achieve smooth and stable shots even in challenging environments.
- High-quality camera for cinematic footage
- Intelligent flight modes for stable shots
- Advanced image processing system
Conclusion
Skydio 2 is a top-notch drone that excels in autonomous flight and tracking shots. Its advanced AI technology allows for seamless obstacle avoidance and smooth tracking capabilities, making it perfect for capturing dynamic aerial footage without the need for manual piloting skills. With its impressive camera quality and intelligent flight features, Skydio 2 is an excellent choice for professional videographers, content creators, and drone enthusiasts looking to make money with their aerial photography and videography services.
Whether you’re shooting action sports, real estate properties, or cinematic sequences, the Skydio 2 offers unparalleled precision and control to elevate your visual storytelling. Its compact and portable design, along with the user-friendly app interface, makes it a versatile tool for capturing stunning aerial shots in various environments. The Skydio 2 is a valuable investment for those seeking a reliable drone that delivers exceptional performance and creative possibilities for generating income through aerial photography and videography projects.
Best drone to make money with

Price history for Brushless Super Endurance Foldable Drone with Camera for Beginners–60+ min Flight Time, WiFi FPV Quadcopter with 120°Wide-Angle 2K HD Camera, Brushless Motor, Auto Hover, Follow Me (3 Batteries) | |
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Features
Part Number | US-HS720GIM2B |
Color | Grey |
Size | AVI/MP4 |
Edition | 2 Batteries 52-Min |

Price history for Holy Stone HS720G 2-Axis Gimbal Drones with 4K EIS Camera, 2 Batteries 52-Min Flight Time, Brushless Motors, GPS Auto Return, Video Transmission, Mini Foldable Drone for Beginners Adults | |
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Features
Part Number | 6941565980328 |
Model | 6941565980328 |
Warranty | DJI |
Color | gray |
Release Date | 2024-04-29T00:00:01Z |

Price history for DJI Mini 4K, Drone with 4K UHD Camera for Adults, Under 249 g, 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization, 10km Video Transmission, Auto Return, Wind Resistance, 1 Battery for 31-Min Max Flight Time | |
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Features
Part Number | Ru44771 |
Model | F11 Pro |
Color | Black |
Is Adult Product | |
Release Date | 2019-07-01T00:00:01Z |
Size | Folding dimension 6.9*4.1*3.15 IN |
Edition | F11Pro |

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Price history for Super Enduring Brushless Motor Drone with Camera for Beginners, CHUBORY A68 WiFi FPV Quadcopter with 1080P HD Camera, Auto Hover, 3D Flips, Headless Mode, Trajectory Flight, 2 Batteries, Carrying Case | |
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Price history for Bwine F7GPS Drone with 4K Camera for Adults, 3-Axis Gimbal, Night Vision, 10000FT Transmission Range, FAA compliance, 50Mins Flight Time with 2 Batteries, GPS Auto Return+Follow Me+Beginner Mode | |
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Price history for Holy Stone HS600 2-Axis Gimbal Drones with 4K EIS Camera for Adults, Integrated Remote ID, 2 Batteries 56-Min Flight Time, 10000 FT Range Transmission, GPS Drone with Brushless Motors, 4K/30FPS | |
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Q&A:
What is the best drone to make money with?
One popular choice for making money with drones is the DJI Mavic 2 Pro. It offers excellent camera quality, long flight time, and advanced features that make it a great tool for aerial photography and videography businesses.
How can I make money with a drone?
There are several ways to make money with a drone, such as offering aerial photography and videography services for real estate, events, weddings, and construction projects. You can also provide inspection services for industries like agriculture, infrastructure, and utilities.