Alternatives to DJI

Seeking Advice
1

Some of you may be aware that the government is concerned about DJI drones because the company has close links to the Chinese government. I am NOT interested in starting a discussion about whether this is alarmist, advisable, an overreaction, or whatever and I’m not trying to start an argument here.

My question is this: if for whatever reason DJI drones were no longer available, what other companies sell drones that are similar to DJI’s products with respect to price and features? I’m thinking primarily of the lower cost drones (e.g., Mini 2, Mini 3, Mini 3 Pro) that are often the entry level machines for drone enthusiasts.

Do you think other companies would step into the vacuum and try to compete to recreational flyers?

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-15/us-senators-see-security-threat-from-dji-ask-renewed-assessment#xj4y7vzkg

2

Honestly, nothing quite matches DJI in terms of price and product quality, but Autel comes closest.

3

Hadi said:
Honestly, nothing quite matches DJI in terms of price and product quality, but Autel comes closest.

Autel is also Chinese, so it might face the same issues if Congress takes action.

4

@Jamie
True, but it’s significantly less used than DJI.

5

@Jamie
I thought Autel was an American company?

6

Not much else out there that compares to DJI price-wise. Skydio has a consumer model for a bit over 2k: Skydio Autonomous Drones for Public Safety, Defense, and Energy | Skydio. There are others, but many are over 5k.

7

Luca said:
Not much else out there that compares to DJI price-wise. Skydio has a consumer model for a bit over 2k: Skydio Autonomous Drones for Public Safety, Defense, and Energy | Skydio. There are others, but many are over 5k.

I’ve flown a Skydio and wasn’t impressed with the response. My Mini 2 feels smoother to fly.

8

@Blair
I felt the same at first but adjusted the controls. Skydio is as nimble as my old Mavic 2 once you get used to it.

9

A friend recently switched from DJI to Parrot ANAFI drones and seems pleased with them. Parrot has solid API support, which DJI lacks. Parrot ANAFI USA - The professional drone made in U.S.A.

10

Harley said:
A friend recently switched from DJI to Parrot ANAFI drones and seems pleased with them. Parrot has solid API support, which DJI lacks. Parrot ANAFI USA - The professional drone made in U.S.A.

Parrot has poor customer service and doesn’t offer replacement parts if you crash.

11

There aren’t many non-Chinese options. However, the government likely won’t ban consumer DJI drones, just restrict them for government use.

12

Keaton said:
There aren’t many non-Chinese options. However, the government likely won’t ban consumer DJI drones, just restrict them for government use.

But the ban might apply more broadly. Article link

13

Autel is the closest alternative.

14

Sam said:
Autel is the closest alternative.

But even Autel might be banned in some places.

15

If DJI exits, it would be hard to find similar-quality consumer drones. DJI really dominates the hobby market.

16

Taran said:
If DJI exits, it would be hard to find similar-quality consumer drones. DJI really dominates the hobby market.

The hobby won’t disappear; laws aren’t strictly enforced.

17

Does anyone have firsthand experience with Autel? It looks good on paper, but I’m curious about real-life use.

18

Xian said:
Does anyone have firsthand experience with Autel? It looks good on paper, but I’m curious about real-life use.

I’ve had issues with my Evo II Enterprise—it’s been unreliable and the flight planning interface is clunky.

19

Xian said:
Does anyone have firsthand experience with Autel? It looks good on paper, but I’m curious about real-life use.

I’ve used a few Autel models, and they’re comparable to DJI in controls and build quality.