This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
Drones and quadcopters are increasingly popular. They’re also increasingly accessible — as drones have become more affordable, more people have turned to drone flying as a hobby. Drones are also now central to modern photography, helping both amateur and professional photographers reach new heights (quite literally).
Indeed, there are different types of drone-based fun — from aerial snapshots to FPV racing — but don’t jump in and buy one just yet. There are things you need to know first, such as the various specifications you can find across a range of drone models, plus regulations and related costs that you incur before taking to the skies.
If you’re keen to get up and flying, though, we can help you navigate the world of drones and pick a model that suits your skill level and experience. Here’s some useful information plus a selection of the very best drones available right now.
What is a drone?
A popular gadget of recent years — not to mention big news thanks to their role in military and security tech — drones are remote-controlled aerial vehicles. The most common type for leisure activities is the quadcopter, a small drone with four rotors.
They can be small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. This is common with beginner-level models. They’re controlled and utilised in a variety of ways and flown at various distances and heights. This all depends on how advanced the drone is.
What is a drone used for?
The most common uses for drones are photography and racing. Drones can be fitted with HD cameras and are capable of recording and transmitting 4K quality footage. Depending on the drone, device, and app you’re using, they may be able to transmit this footage in real time or even post straight to social media. Drones are used by filmmakers and professional photographers, but are also great for taking fun snaps.
How do you fly a drone?
If you know your way around a games controller, it’s a breeze to learn. Drones are controlled by either a handheld controller or a smart device app. Some will combine the two and have a controller that connects to your phone and displays real-time video.
What is FPV racing?
FPV drones are their own category of drone — generally the same as regular drones in how they’re built and how they fly, but with a key difference: How you control them. FPV drones (first person view) are flown as if you’re in the cockpit, with a camera transmitting the drone’s point-of-view to your device or a set of VR-style goggles.
How far does a drone fly?
Basic drones tend to fly between a range of 80 and 500 metres. Top drones, however, will fly out several kilometres. It all depends on the kind of tech you want and how much you’re willing to spend. If you want a camera drone that flies a long way out, make sure it has a decent range for transmitting back your photos and video.
How fast does a drone fly?
Once again, it all depends on how hi-spec and advanced your drone is, or how much it’s geared towards racing and high-speed performance. The kinds of drone we’ve included in this list will go somewhere between 29 mph and 45 mph.
Do you need to register your drone?
If your drone weighs 250 grams or more, you need to register the drone with the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) for a small fee — even if it’s just a hobby and you’re only planning to fly it in your garden. Piloting an unregistered drone is against the law. If your drone doesn’t weight 250 grams, still visit CAA.co.uk for all the rules and regulations and CAA Consultations for drone registration.
What is the best drone?
We’ve done the research and put together a list that has something for every kind of drone pilot — whether you’re a novice, an expert, a photographer, or racer, we can recommend a drone that’s perfect for you.
These are the best drones in 2025.
