Best Drones for Beginners: A Guide to Getting Started

Drones are more popular than ever—used for fun, photography, work, and even inspections. But if you’re just starting out, it can be hard to know which drone to choose, how to fly legally, and what features really matter.

We look at...

• Top Beginner-Friendly Drones: An overview of the best drones suited for new pilots, including models like the DJI Mini 4 Pro, DJI Flip, and DJI Neo.​

• Key Features to Consider: Insights into essential features such as ease of use, safety mechanisms, camera quality, and flight time.​

• Regulatory Guidelines: Information on drone regulations, including registration requirements and recommendations for pilot competency.​

• Practical Applications: Examples of how beginners can use drones for recreational flying, content creation, and basic inspections.​

• Purchase and Rental Options: Details on acquiring drones, including purchase packages, rental services, and available accessories.

By the end of this guide, you'll have a solid foundation to choose the right drone, understand the necessary regulations, and take to the skies with confidence.

What can drones be used for?

• Aerial photography

• Filmmaking

• Recreational flying

• Roof or property inspections

• Surveying and mapping

• Search and rescue missions

• Farming and crop monitoring

Best type of drone for beginners

If you’re new to flying, choosing the right type of drone is important—and mini drones (under 250g) are one of the best places to start.

They’re lightweight, affordable, and often don’t require registration, depending on where you fly. Mini drones are easier to handle and safer while learning - and smaller drones from leading drone manufacturer DJI are packed with features such as omnidirectional obstacle sensing and smart flight modes to build your confidence.

Being under 250g also makes them more regulation-friendly than larger models.

What to Look for in a Beginner Drone

When choosing your first drone, look for features that make flying easier and safer:

• Simple controls and good stabilisation to help with smooth flight.

• GPS and return-to-home functions for added security.

• Battery life of at least 20 minutes so you have enough time to practise.

• Camera quality, if you want to take photos or shoot video.

All of the drones listed below have these qualities and more.

Best beginner drones

DJI Mini 4 Pro

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is one of the best drones for beginners. Weighing under 250g, it’s lightweight, easy to carry, and regulation-friendly.

It features obstacle avoidance, GPS, and a high-quality 4K camera—ideal for first-time flyers who want great photo and video results with simple controls. Automatic flight modes and return-to-home add an extra layer of safety.

Additionally, the Mini 4 Pro is compatible with DJI Goggles 2 and DJI Goggles Integra when paired with the DJI RC Motion 2 controller, allowing for an FPV flight experience. 

This setup enables immersive flying by combining the drone's advanced features with first-person viewing. Note that, as of now, other remote controllers are not supported for use with the goggles. ​

DJI Flip

​The DJI Flip is a fun, compact drone that's excellent for beginners. Its foldable design enhances portability, allowing you to take it anywhere with ease. 

Equipped with built-in, full-coverage propeller guards made from lightweight carbon fibre, the Flip ensures safer flights by protecting both the drone and its surroundings. 

Despite its small size, it boasts impressive features like automatic takeoff, intuitive flight modes, and a high-quality 4K camera, delivering professional-level results in a user-friendly package.

DJI Neo

The DJI Neo is tailored for beginners, offering a straightforward and secure flying experience. Weighing just 135g, it's DJI's most compact drone, making it highly portable and compliant with many regulations. 

Its innovative palm take-off and landing feature, combined with voice command capabilities, allows for intuitive, hands-free operation. For an immersive first-person view, the Neo pairs seamlessly with DJI Goggles N3. 

Additionally, it supports control via the DJI RC-N3 and DJI RC-N2 remote controllers, providing flexibility for users who prefer traditional controls. These features make the DJI Neo an excellent choice for casual use and social content creation.

Buying or rent from Heliguy

Heliguy offers both purchase and rental options—rental is currently available for the DJI Mini 4 Pro.

For purchase, choose from standalone or combo packages, depending on whether you just need the drone or want a full kit with an advanced remote controller and extra accessories.

​All purchases can be supported with heliguy™ Repair Refresh for added peace of mind. This comprehensive crash cover offers up to 12 months of protection, including one repair or replacement, with no hidden fees. Benefits include free UK shipping and dedicated support from our UK-based, DJI-trained technicians.

For short-term use or if you’d like to try a drone before committing, our rental service is a flexible, cost-effective solution.

Do You Need a Licence to Fly a Drone in the UK?

​If your drone weighs 250g or more, or has a camera (unless classified as a toy), you must register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and obtain an Operator ID. 

While sub-250g drones with cameras don't require a Flyer ID, obtaining one is recommended to enhance pilot competency and regulatory understanding

Read our Drone Laws blog to learn more about how to stay regulation compliant.

Top tips for first-time flyers

• Fly in an open space, away from people and buildings

• Always check your drone’s battery and signal before takeoff

• Use beginner mode if your drone has one

• Don’t fly higher than 120m

• Keep your drone in sight at all times

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best beginner drone is all about what you want to do—whether it’s flying for fun or capturing great footage. Start small, learn the rules, and build your skills as you go.

Need help choosing the right drone? Contact Heliguy for expert advice.