While many people enjoy flying drones outdoors, there are plenty of reasons to consider flying indoors. Whether it’s due to rough weather or crowded airspace, indoor drone flying can often be a better and safer option. However, not all drones are well-suited for indoor use. Some actually perform better inside, and in this guide, we’ll explore the best indoor drones for 2024.
Many of the drones listed here are budget-friendly, which means they might struggle in outdoor conditions like wind. However, several of them also work great outside when the weather is calm, giving you flexibility. Our top pick even boasts impressive Level 5 wind resistance, making it highly versatile.
Best Overall Indoor Drone: The best indoor drone: DJI Avata 2
Best Indoor Drone for Indoor & Outdoor Use: DJI Mini 4
Best Budget Indoor Drone: DJI Neo
Best for Drone Racing Enthusiasts: Fat Shark 101 Training System
Best Indoor Drone for Star Wars Fans: Propel Star Wars High-Performance Battle Drone (Collectors Edition Box)
Best Indoor Drone for Recording Sound: HoverAir X1
Best True FPV Drone: Flywoo Explorer with Naked GoPro 10
Best Cheaper Alternative to DJI Mini 4 Pro: DJI Mini 4K
Best Overall Indoor Drone: The best indoor drone: DJI Avata 2
The DJI Avata 2, released in April 2024, is an upgrade to DJI’s original Avata drone from August 2022, specifically designed for indoor drone flights. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced drone operator, the Avata 2 is the top choice for indoor use, thanks to its superior features and performance compared to its predecessor.
Sensor: 1/1.3-inch CMOS Super-Wide-Angle 12MP Camera
Video Capabilities: Films in 4K/60fps, with slow-motion footage at 2.7K/50/60/100/120fps
Lens: Ultra-wide-angle with a 155° field of view
Color Mode: 10-bit D-Log M for richer details and smoother color grading in post-production
Compact, Indoor-Friendly Design:
Size: 185×212 mm, perfect for tight indoor spaces
Weight: Just 377 grams, making it agile and easy to control indoors
Propeller Guards: Built-in to prevent damage in case of minor crashes indoors
Unlike standard drones, the Avata 2 is an FPV (first-person view) drone designed to be flown with DJI FPV Goggles and controlled via the Motion Controller 3. This controller allows intuitive movement-based control, but you can also switch to the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 for a more traditional flying experience if preferred.
Indoor and Outdoor Versatility:
Although primarily designed for indoor use, the Avata 2 also excels outdoors, boasting Level 5 wind resistance. This allows it to handle wind speeds between 19-24 mph, equivalent to moderate beach winds, making it versatile for various environments.
Fly More Combo: $999, which includes the essential components for immersive FPV flying
Standalone Drone: Available for those who already own compatible controllers and goggles
Additional Accessories: Standard remote controller and extra batteries, sold separately
The DJI Avata 2 is not only the best indoor drone due to its ease of use, compact size, and advanced features, but it also stands out for its incredible camera quality, offering stunning 4K footage with ultra-wide angles. Whether you’re flying indoors or taking it outside in moderate winds, the Avata 2 excels in performance, making it an excellent choice for various use cases, from recreational flying to professional filming.
One noteworthy use of the original Avata (which shares many qualities with Avata 2) was in real estate, where it effortlessly captured an impressive property tour, showcasing its agility in confined spaces.
The DJI Avata 2 is an all-around winner for drone enthusiasts looking for the best of both indoor and outdoor flights.
Best Indoor Drone for Indoor & Outdoor Use: DJI Mini 4
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is primarily designed as an outdoor drone. Still, it stands out for its versatility and advanced safety features, making it a solid option for both indoor and outdoor flights. While it excels outdoors, it’s also equipped with omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, providing near-crash-proof performance even in tighter spaces.
Sensor: 1/1.3-inch CMOS camera
Image Quality: Captures photos at up to 48MP
Video Resolution: Shoots video up to 4K/60fps
Digital Zoom: 2x zoom in 4K, up to 4x in lower resolutions
Aperture: f/1.7, ideal for low-light conditions
HDR Video Recording: Available at 4K/60fps
Night Shots Mode: Produces clean footage even in low-light environments
Omnidirectional Obstacle Avoidance: This feature is the highlight of the Mini 4 Pro, offering robust protection against crashes during flight. While DJI doesn’t market it as entirely crash-proof, it’s as close as possible, especially in tight indoor settings.
Compact and Lightweight: It weighs just under 249 grams and is highly portable and easy to handle indoors or in confined spaces.
Indoor and Outdoor Versatility:
Although it’s recommended for outdoor flying due to its high wind resistance and advanced obstacle detection, the Mini 4 Pro is flexible enough for indoor use, making it the best option if you’re looking for a drone that can seamlessly transition between the two environments.
Of all the drones in this guide, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is closest in comparison to the Avata 2. However, the two are pretty different, especially in how they handle and the type of flying experience they offer. The Avata 2 focuses more on FPV (First-Person View) flying with FPV goggles, while the Mini 4 Pro is more traditional and more accessible for general outdoor photography and videography.
In conclusion, the DJI Mini 4 Pro delivers excellent camera quality, omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, and versatility, making it the best option for those needing a drone that can easily handle both indoor and outdoor flights.
Best Budget Indoor Drone: DJI Neo
The DJI Neo, launched in September 2024, is DJI’s most affordable drone to date, offering impressive features for its price point and replacing the now-discontinued DJI Tello as the top budget option for indoor flying. Though slightly more expensive than the Tello, the Neo offers substantial upgrades that make it worth the extra investment.
Camera Resolution: 12-megapixel
Video Quality: Shoots 4K at 30fps, with additional options of 1080p at 60/50/30fps
Budget-Friendly Price: Priced at $199, the Neo is excellent value for a beginner-friendly, high-quality drone, especially for indoor use.
Improved Camera Quality: Unlike its predecessor, the Tello, which only had 720p video, the Neo features 4K video, allowing for much sharper images and video content.
App-Based Control: The DJI Neo is primarily controlled via a mobile app, though you can purchase an external RC transmitter if you prefer a more tactile experience.
Voice Command: A unique feature for this price range, allowing you to control the drone using voice commands.
Indoor and Outdoor Performance:
The DJI Neo excels indoors with its compact size and easy maneuverability in smaller spaces. However, it still holds up reasonably well in most outdoor conditions, offering versatile flying options.
While its video quality doesn’t quite match DJI’s more premium drones like the Mavic 3 Pro, it’s more than adequate for casual users looking for a fun, affordable flying experience. For those seeking a low-cost entry into drone flying, the DJI Neo is an excellent choice, delivering solid performance without breaking the bank.
Best for Drone Racing Enthusiasts: Fat Shark 101 Training System
The Fat Shark 101 Training System is a comprehensive kit designed for those interested in entering the world of drone racing. Known for its industry-leading FPV (first-person view) headsets, Fat Shark extends its expertise into an all-in-one package that caters to both beginners and more experienced pilots.
FPV Camera: Included for an immersive first-person view experience
Goggles: Fat Shark’s renowned FPV goggles provide a clear and immersive flying experience
RC Transmitter: Comes with two modes to accommodate both beginner and advanced pilots
Tiny Quadcopter: A small, easy-to-fly drone that’s perfect for training
Beginner-Friendly: The included RC transmitter offers dual modes, making it easy for beginners to get started while also providing room for skill development.
Upgrade Flexibility: Each modular kit component allows you to upgrade individual parts (such as the goggles or drone) as you advance in your drone racing journey.
Self-Improvement: Ideal for practicing and improving your skills from the comfort of your home.
Currently, the Fat Shark 101 Training System is out of stock. However, you can sign up for notifications on the GetFPV product page to be alerted when it becomes available again.
This all-in-one training system is a fantastic way to dive into the exciting world of FPV drone racing, offering a complete package that combines high-quality components with the flexibility to grow as you gain experience.
Best Indoor Drone for Star Wars Fans: Propel Star Wars High-Performance Battle Drone (Collectors Edition Box)
For Star Wars enthusiasts, the Propel Star Wars Battle Drones offer an unparalleled blend of fan appeal and interactive fun. These drones aren’t just visually stunning—they. They also provide a unique flying and battling experience that distinguishes them from other drones.
Aesthetic Appeal: Each drone is hand-painted and meticulously designed to resemble iconic Star Wars ships, such as the TIE Fighter, Speeder Bike, and X-Wing. They are highly realistic and sure to impress any Star Wars fan.
Battle Mode: Equipped with eye-safe lasers, these drones can engage in aerial battles. When a drone is hit by a laser, it wobbles, and the controller vibrates, simulating the impact. After three hits, the drone performs a crash landing.
Interactive Gameplay: You can battle with a friend or compete against virtual opponents. The system records and compares your performance, allowing you to test your skills against others globally.
$140, though you might find it for less with some searching. It’s often listed as a collector’s item or an exceptional gift for a dedicated Star Wars fan.
While the Propel Star Wars Battle Drones are pricier, they offer an engaging and immersive experience that combines the thrill of drone flying with the excitement of Star Wars-themed battles. Whether you want to add a unique piece to your collection or find an unforgettable gift for a fan, these drones are a stellar choice.
Best Indoor Drone for Recording Sound: HoverAir X1
The HoverAir X1 offers a distinctive approach to indoor drone flying with its 12-megapixel camera and 2.7K video recording capabilities. While it lacks a traditional controller, its innovative features make it an exciting option for both indoor and outdoor use.
Resolution: 12-megapixel
Video Quality: Shoots 2.7K video for clear and detailed footage
Pre-Programmed Flight Paths: Includes Hover, Follow, Zoom Out, Orbit, and Bird’s Eye modes. For indoor flying, using the manual control mode is recommended for precise maneuvering.
Sound Recording: Unique to the HoverAir X1, it records sound through your phone, which acts as the controller. While the sound quality is decent, syncing audio with video can be inconsistent. To address this, HoverAir X1 suggests using a third-party app for audio editing.
Wind Resistance: Level 4, making it suitable for moderate outdoor conditions
Maximum Height: Reaches up to 15 meters, allowing for versatile filming options
While the HoverAir X1 may require some additional effort to align audio with video, its unique sound recording feature and variety of flight modes make it a compelling choice for those interested in innovative drone technology.
Best True FPV Drone: Flywoo Explorer with Naked GoPro 10
For those seeking a top-tier FPV (First-Person View) experience, the Flywoo Explorer LR 4″ Quadcopter HD paired with the Flywoo Naked GoPro 10 Action Camera is an outstanding choice. This combination offers exceptional video quality and is particularly suited for indoor flying.
Model: Flywoo Naked GoPro 10 Action Camera
High-Quality Footage: As a stripped-down version of the GoPro Hero 10, it delivers premium video quality ideal for FPV flying.
Lightweight Design: Weigh just 44 grams, which is crucial for maintaining optimal flight performance and maneuverability.
Size: 4 inches, making it an excellent choice for navigating tight indoor spaces.
Noise Level: Smaller size contributes to quieter operation compared to larger 6-7 inch drones, which is beneficial for indoor use.
Compatibility: Designed to work seamlessly with the Flywoo Naked GoPro 10 Action Camera mounted on top for superior footage quality.
DJI O3 System: Enhances the FPV experience with advanced video transmission and control.
Touchscreen + Filter Set: Adds versatility and control, enhancing the overall functionality of the camera.
Best Cheaper Alternative to DJI Mini 4 Pro: DJI Mini 4K
The DJI Mini 4K offers an excellent balance of affordability and performance, making it a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor drone flying.
Video Quality: 4K at 30fps
Stills: 12 MP with a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor
Dimensions: Just 11.3 inches wide when unfolded (including propellers), which provides ample clearance to navigate through standard doorways and tight indoor spaces.
Versatility: While designed primarily for outdoor flight, its compact size is surprisingly well-suited for indoor use.
Cost vs. Quality: The Mini 4K is more affordable than the Mini 4 Pro but offers slightly lower video and photo quality. Despite this, it remains a strong contender among budget-friendly DJI drones under $600.
