The content originally appeared on Mashable for American audiences and has been suitable for British audiences.
Drone and limb pilot More and more popular. They are also becoming easier to use – as drones become more and more affordable, more and more people are turning to drone flight as a hobby. Nowadays, drones are also at the heart of modern photography, helping amateur and professional photographers to reach new heights (literally).
Indeed, from aerial snapshots to FPV racing, there are different types of drone-based fun – but don’t jump in and buy one. You first need to learn a few things like the various specifications you can find in a range of drone models, as well as the regulations and related costs incurred before riding the sky.
But if you are eager to get up and fly, we can help you browse the world of drones and choose a model that suits your skill level and experience. Here is some useful information, as well as the best drones available at the moment.
What is a drone?
In recent years, it’s a popular gadget – thanks to their role in military and security technology, not to mention big news, drones are remote-controlled aircraft. The most common type of leisure activities is four-wheel drive, a small drone with four rotors.
They may be small enough to fit your palm. This is common for beginner-level models. They are controlled and used in a variety of ways and fly at various distances and altitudes. It all depends on how advanced the drone is.
What are drones used for?
The most common uses of drones are photography and racing. The drone can be equipped with a high-definition camera and is able to record and transmit 4K quality lenses. Depending on the drone, device, and apps you use, they may be able to transmit this video in real time, or even post directly to social media. The drone is used by filmmakers and professional photographers, but it is also perfect for taking interesting snapshots.
How do you fly a drone?
If you know the way you are on a game controller, it’s easy to learn. The drone is controlled by a handheld controller or smart device application. Some will combine both and have a controller that connects to your phone and displays live video.
What is FPV racing?
FPV drones are their own drone category – usually built and flying in the same way as regular drones, but with a key difference: how you control them. FPV drones (first person view) are flying, just like you are in the cockpit, where the camera transmits the drone’s viewpoint to a device or a set of VR-style goggles.
How far does a drone fly?
Basic drones often fly between 80 and 500 meters. However, the top drone will fly several kilometers. It all depends on the technology you want and how much you are willing to spend. If you want a camera that can fly for a long distance, make sure it has a decent range that can transfer your photos and videos.
How fast does a drone fly?
Again, it all depends on the progress of your HI-Spec and your drone, or it’s suitable for racing and high-speed performance. The drone types we include in this list will reach 29 mph to 45 mph.
Do you need to register a drone?
If your drone weighs 250 grams or more, you need to register a drone with the CAA (Civil Aviation Administration) for a small fee – even if it’s just a hobby and you’re only going to ride it in the garden. It is illegal to fly an unregistered drone. If your drone doesn’t weigh 250g, please still visit caa.co.uk for all rules and regulations and CAA consultation for drone registration.
What is the best drone?
We’ve done the research and have a summary of what to offer for a variety of drone pilots – whether you’re a newbie, expert, photographer or racer, we can recommend a drone that’s perfect for you.
These are the best drones of 2025.
