Best DJI Alternatives in 2025: Complete Comparison Guide
With the DJI ban now in effect, American drone pilots need alternatives. We've compared every viable option—from budget-friendly Holy Stone to enterprise Skydio—to help you find the right drone for your needs.
Last updated: December 26, 2025 • By Simon Mauerklang
⚠️ Important Context
As of December 23, 2025, the FCC has blocked DJI from receiving authorization for new products in the US. Read our full breakdown: DJI Ban 2025: What Every Pilot Needs to Know
Key insight: Some "alternatives" like Autel still manufacture in China and could face similar restrictions. If regulatory certainty matters, prioritize American-made options like Skydio.
Quick Recommendations by Use Case
Content Creators & Vloggers
You need great image quality, portability, and reliable tracking.
Travelers & Hobbyists
Lightweight, portable, and registration-free flying preferred.
Enterprise & Government
Security, compliance, and American/NATO manufacturing required.
Real Estate Photography
High-quality stills, stable video, and easy operation.
Full Specs Comparison
| Drone | Price | Origin | Flight Time | Camera | Blue sUAS | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Holy Stone HS790 Holy Stone | $399 | 🇨🇳 | 60 min (2 batteries) | 4K/30fps | 4.3 | |
Autel EVO Nano+ Autel Robotics | $849 | 🇺🇸 | 28 min | 4K/30fps | 4.2 | |
Skydio 2+ Skydio | $1,099 | 🇺🇸 | 27 min | 4K/60fps | 4 | |
Autel EVO Lite+ Autel Robotics | $1,149 | 🇺🇸 | 40 min | 6K/30fps, 4K/60fps | 4.5 | |
Autel EVO II Pro V3 Autel Robotics | $1,999 | 🇺🇸 | 42 min | 6K/30fps, 4K/120fps | 4.6 | |
Parrot Anafi AI Parrot | $4,500 | 🇫🇷 | 32 min | 4K/60fps | 4.1 | |
Skydio X10 Skydio | $14,000+ | 🇺🇸 | 35 min | 5.5K/60fps, 4K/60fps | 4.7 |
Detailed Reviews
Autel EVO Lite+
Autel Robotics • 🇺🇸 (US HQ, China manufacturing)
Pros
- Closest DJI experience
- Excellent low-light performance
- 40-min flight time
Cons
- US HQ but China manufacturing
- Smaller accessory ecosystem
- Software not as polished as DJI
"The best all-around DJI alternative for content creators. Offers similar capabilities at a competitive price."
Autel EVO Nano+
Autel Robotics • 🇺🇸 (US HQ, China manufacturing)
Pros
- Sub-250g (no FAA registration)
- Good image quality
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Future uncertain due to China ties
- Limited 4K framerate
- Smaller battery capacity
"Great sub-250g alternative to DJI Mini series. Perfect for travelers who want registration-free flying."
Skydio X10
Skydio • 🇺🇸 (Fully American)
Pros
- 100% American-made
- Blue sUAS approved
- Best-in-class autonomy
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- Enterprise-focused
- Limited consumer availability
"America's premium drone. Unmatched autonomy but priced for enterprise, not consumers."
Skydio 2+
Skydio • 🇺🇸 (Fully American)
Pros
- American-made
- Exceptional tracking AI
- Great for action sports
Cons
- Smaller sensor
- Limited manual controls
- Shorter range than competitors
"Best American option for consumers. Exceptional autonomy at a reasonable price."
Parrot Anafi AI
Parrot • 🇫🇷 (French)
Pros
- European (NATO-friendly)
- Blue sUAS approved
- 4G LTE connectivity
Cons
- Expensive for consumers
- Enterprise-focused features
- Limited consumer support
"Solid European alternative for enterprise. Great for those needing NATO-ally equipment."
Holy Stone HS790
Holy Stone • 🇨🇳 (Chinese)
Pros
- Exceptional value
- 60-min total flight time
- 3-axis gimbal
Cons
- Chinese manufacturer (future uncertain)
- No obstacle avoidance
- Smaller sensor
"Best budget option right now. Great value but faces the same regulatory uncertainty as DJI."
Autel EVO II Pro V3
Autel Robotics • 🇺🇸 (US HQ, China manufacturing)
Pros
- Pro-level specs
- Omnidirectional sensing
- 4K/120fps slow-motion
Cons
- Heavy and large
- Higher price point
- China manufacturing concerns
"The closest thing to a DJI Mavic 3 Pro. Excellent for professionals who need top-tier specs."
🇺🇸 Want Regulatory Certainty? Go American or Allied
If you're concerned about future bans affecting Chinese-manufactured drones (including Autel), these options offer the most regulatory stability:
Skydio X10
🇺🇸 (Fully American)
$14,000+
Skydio 2+
🇺🇸 (Fully American)
$1,099
Parrot Anafi AI
🇫🇷 (French)
$4,500
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Autel drones also get banned?
Possibly. While Autel has US headquarters, their manufacturing is in China. If the ban expands to include all Chinese-manufactured drones, Autel could be affected. There's no current legislation targeting Autel specifically.
What does "Blue sUAS" approved mean?
Blue sUAS is a Defense Innovation Unit program that certifies drones for use by US government agencies. It's the gold standard for security and supply chain transparency. Only Skydio and Parrot currently have Blue sUAS certified drones.
Can I still buy DJI drones?
Yes, for now. Retailers can sell existing inventory, and the used market remains legal. However, no new DJI models will enter the US market. See ourfull DJI ban explainer.
What's the best budget DJI alternative?
The Holy Stone HS790 offers the best value under $500, with a 3-axis gimbal, 60-min flight time, and FAA Remote ID. However, as a Chinese manufacturer, it faces similar regulatory uncertainty. See our HS790 review.