How to find a good drone deal for Prime Day (and avoid sketchy ones)
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Prime Day (and its fall spinoff, Prime Big Deal Days) is usually one of the best times of the year to buy a drone. This year, however, things are a little bit complicated. As you might have heard, there’s a potential U.S. ban on DJI drones due to growing concerns over national security and a required risk assessment that all DJI products must undergo before they can be sold in the United States. This, of course, has caused issues with the availability and pricing of popular models, with many being listed as “out of stock” on the DJI website.
The good news is that Amazon has a ton of drones, including DJI, on sale for Prime Day. But there’s a catch: many of these deals are on drones sold from sketchy, third-party sellers with ridiculously jacked-up prices. With our help, you can find the deals that are actually worth it.
Be the first to know about the best October Prime Day deals. Follow Mashable's Prime Big Deal Days live blog and keep checking back for the latest discounts, stock alerts, and deal drops.
Here are the best Prime Big Deal Days drone deals we could find as of Oct. 7:
Best drone deal overall
Why we like it
For under $250, getting a drone with this many features is pretty rare. The Potensic ATOM SE shoots stable 4K video, takes 12MP photos, and has an impressive 62-minute flight time thanks to the two batteries included in this kit. It's a great middle-ground for people who want to move beyond a basic beginner drone without shelling out for a DJI.
With this deal, you get the drone itself (which weighs less than 249g, so no need to register it with the FAA), a remote controller, two batteries, and a carrying bag. It’s a complete kit that has everything you need to start flying right out of the box.
Best DJI drone deal
Why we like it
The DJI Neo Mini Drone is 20% off at Amazon, making it just $159, down from $199. This lightweight drone is just 135 grams, and it comes with a wide range of features, including a 4K camera with palm takeoff and landing. You don't even need a controller to get it up into the air if you'd rather not use one, but it's still simple to use and maneuver around in the air. It's perfect for tossing into a backpack and heading out, especially since it can take off with the push of a button. That makes it a much simpler prospect for just about any user. So if you're looking for a first-time drone or just something compact to take out and about, this is it and then some, all for under $200 while it's still in stock.
Best drone deal for kids
Why we like it
It’s actually really hard to find a decent drone for kids on Amazon that isn’t sold by a sketchy third-party vendor. But other retailers, like Target, have a wider selection of child-friendly drones that you can trust for a reasonable price.
The Contixo F19 Drone looks like a “real drone” instead of a toy and comes with all the things your kid needs to get started, including a remote control, beginner-friendly features, and an integrated camera for aerial photography and videography. It’s also foldable and comes with a carrying case, so they can take it wherever they go.
More Prime Day drone deals you can trust
Snaptain K30 Mini — $69.99
$89.99(save $20)Contixo F24 Pro Drone — $229.99
$299.99(save $70)DJI Neo Drone Mini 4K UHD Video Quadcopter + Extended Warranty Accessory Kit Bundle — $339.99
$1,499.99(save $1,159.01)DJI Neo Drone Fly More Combo — $549
$628.92(save $79.92)DJI Neo Three-Battery Combo — $289
$229(save $60)DJI Mini 3 — $335
$419(save $84)
Tabitha Britt is an award-winning freelance journalist, editor, and SEO/AEO strategist. Aside from reviewing dating apps and sex toys for Mashable, Tabitha is also the founding editor-in-chief of DO YOU ENDO — a digital magazine by individuals with endometriosis, for individuals with endometriosis. She has a Master's degree in Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism from The New School for Social Research and is a grad of Sextech School. You can find more of her work in various online publications, including National Geographic, Glamour, Better Homes & Gardens, and Everyday Health.
