Short version: our old list started with the DJI Mavic Mini, which is long gone. The best sub-250 g drones you can buy now are the DJI Mini 5 Pro (best camera), the DJI Mini 4 Pro (best value DJI) and the Potensic ATOM SE (budget pick). Drones at or under 250 g flown just for fun don’t need FAA registration, which is the whole point of this weight class.
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Why 250 grams? The FAA requires registration for recreational drones above 0.55 lb (250 g), so lighter drones skip the paperwork for hobby flying. Fly commercially, or above that weight, and the rules change (Drone U). Here are our updated picks, based on maker specs and the listings (we didn’t test them hands-on).
Quick comparison
| Drone | Weight | Camera | Max flight time | Obstacle sensing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Mini 5 Pro | 249.9 g ±4 g (weigh yours) | 1-inch, 50MP, 4K/120 | Up to 36 min (52 min with Plus battery) | Omnidirectional plus forward LiDAR |
| DJI Mini 4 Pro | Under 249 g (standard battery) | 1/1.3-inch, 48MP, 4K/100 | Up to 34 min (45 min with Plus battery) | Omnidirectional |
| Potensic ATOM SE | Under 249 g | 1/3-inch Sony sensor, 12MP, 4K/30 with EIS | 93 min total with 3 batteries | Not listed |
Specs from DJI’s Mini 5 Pro specs, DJI’s Mini 4 Pro specs, the ATOM SE listing on Amazon. Checked October 2026.
Weight note: the Plus batteries push the DJI Minis over 250 g, which brings back registration.
A note on DJI in the US
Since December 2025, foreign-made drones are on the FCC’s Covered List. New models can’t get approval, but models that were already authorized, including the Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro, can still be sold and flown (Drone U, UAV Coach). Stock can be uneven, so buy from a seller with clear returns.
1. DJI Mini 5 Pro: best camera under 250 g
- Why we like it: a 1-inch sensor in a palm-size drone means sunset shots that don’t fall apart.
- Watch out for: the ±4 g tolerance. Some units weigh in just over 250 g, so check yours.
2. DJI Mini 4 Pro: best value DJI
- Why we like it: omnidirectional obstacle sensing and 4K/100 at a lower price than the Mini 5 Pro.
- Watch out for: the optional Plus batteries put it over 250 g, so check which batteries your kit includes.
3. Potensic ATOM SE: budget pick
- Why we like it: GPS, a 4K camera and three batteries for a beginner-friendly price.
- Watch out for: no gimbal and no obstacle sensing listed, so fly in open space.
Gift it to: the traveler, the teenager who wants a camera that flies, or the dad who’s been watching drone videos on YouTube for a year.
Check Price on Amazon