Best Drones with Obstacle Avoidance

The Obstacle Avoidance feature found on drone systems today can make a possible bad day a whole heck of a lot better.

That is, if that system works, depending on just how good of a system it is.

Should this be the sole feature you look at when purchasing a drone system? No! It should, however, be one of the things you’re looking for.

When buying a drone, you should always look at all facets of that system, such as durability, flight time, camera quality, price, and the applications you will be applying it to, among many others.

The obstacle avoidance in these systems today is light years from what it was just a few years ago, not only in their detection range, but in the Artificial Intelligence programming that they use to avoid objects.

As it is a passive system, you have limited control over it. Most are working quietly in the background.

Some of these systems will allow you to adjust the sensitivity of the system, and some only allow you to turn them either off or on.

One of the things you’ll find is that nearly all GPS drones will have some sort of obstacle avoidance. They are not all created equally, though, with some being much better at the task than others.

As with any tool in your drone toolbox, they are not entirely infallible either. Some may not pick up a small branch or wire. Some may sense that obstacle, but not react in time to avoid it.

Before we get too far into the drones that have the best obstacle avoidance systems, we should take a closer look at what those systems really are.

Let’s look at what type of optical sensors one system has over another, as well as the different types of obstacle avoidance systems and why they may be different.

Top Drone Courses

1. DJI Mini 3 Pro

DJI Mini 3 Pro (DJI RC)

It’s incredible how a small drone can have powerful features, especially for aerial photography. The compact and lightweight qualities of the DJI Mini 3 Pro make it sturdy enough to withstand strong winds.

Buy from Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.



07/25/2023 12:12 am GMT

DJI Mini 3 Pro Specifications

- Weight: less than 249 grams

- Dimensions Folded (without propellers): 145×90×62 mm (L×W×H)

- Dimension Unfolded (with propellers): 251×362×70 mm (L×W×H)

- Diagonal Length: 247 mm

- Max Ascent Speed: 5 m/s

- Max Descent Speed: 5 m/s

- Max Horizontal Speed: 16 m/s

- Max Takeoff Altitude: 4000 m

- Max Flight Time: 34 minutes

- Max Hovering Time: 30 minutes

- Max Flight Distance: 18 km

- Max Wind Speed Resistance: 10.7 m/s (Level 5)

- Photo Resolution: 48 MP: 8000 X 6000

- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra HD: 3840 x 2160 @ 60 fps

- Sensing Type: Downward vision system               

- Video Transmission System: DJI O2

- Battery Capacity: 2453 mAh

- Battery Charging Time: 1 hour

- Max Charging Power: 30 W

- File Storage: micro SD card (256 GB max)

✅ Pros

- Good value vs. cost

- Small and lightweight – under 250g

- Available extended battery

- Vertical video/photo mode

- Easy to use

❌ Cons

- No AirSense ADS-B

- No object tracking in verticle mode

- Camera sensor could be larger

- Limited Internal Storage

- Not a true 48MP sensor

- No upward obstacle avoidance

The Mini 3 Pro is equipped with a 4K/60fps video camera and a 48MP sensor, ensuring you capture high-quality footage and images.

Additionally, with a flight time of up to 34 minutes, you have more than enough time to capture stunning aerial shots.

One of the remarkable features of the DJI Mini 3 Pro is its obstacle avoidance system.

With front, rear, and downward sensors, this drone can detect and avoid obstacles in its path, making it easier to fly and reducing the risk of crashes.

The Mini 3 Pro also comes with a return-to-home feature, ensuring that the drone will safely return to its take-off point if it loses signal or if the battery is running low.

This feature adds an extra layer of safety and peace of mind when flying.

The DJI Mini 3 Pro also offers the ability to active track and, with its low cost, is a sure winner.

2. Autel EVO Lite Plus

Autel EVO Lite Plus

Premium Bundle, NEWEST 1-Inch CMOS Drone with 6K HDR Camera, F2.8 - F11 Aperture, 6K/30fps Video, 40 Mins Flight Time, 3-Way 360° Obstacle Avoidance, 12Km (7.4 Miles)

Buy from Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.



07/25/2023 07:31 am GMT

Autel EVO Lite Plus Specifications

- Weight: 820 grams

- Dimensions Folded (without propellers): 210×104×85 mm (L×W×H)

- Dimension Unfolded (with propellers): 430×517×85 mm (L×W×H)

- Diagonal Length: 368 mm

- Max Ascent Speed: 8 m/s

- Max Descent Speed: 4 m/s

- Max Horizontal Speed: 19 m/s

- Max Takeoff Altitude: 5000 m

- Max Flight Time: 40 minutes

- Max Hovering Time: 38 minutes

- Max Flight Distance: 24 m

- Max Wind Speed Resistance: Level 7

- Photo Resolution: 50M：8192×6144

- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra HD: 3840×2160 @60 fps

- Max Bit Rate: 120 MBPS

- Wi-Fi Transfer: 20 MB/s

- Battery Capacity: 6175 mAh

- Battery Charging Time: 90 minutes.

- Max Charging Power: 78 W

- File Storage: micro SD card (256 GB max)

✅ Pros

- 6K 30fps video

- Night mode

- Good flight time – 40 mins.

- Variable aperture

- 1″ camera sensor

❌ Cons

- No vehicle tracking

- No top or side obstacle avoidance

- Props show in ludicrous mode

- No D-log profile

- More costly than the DJI Air 2S

The EVO Lite Plus utilizes a binocular vision principle combined with a three-way obstacle avoidance system to detect and avoid obstacles.

This system can detect objects in three directions: forward, backward, and downward, allowing the drone to obtain images of obstacles and accurately locate them to avoid collisions.

The EVO Lite Plus can fly faster, safer, and more confidently than ever before with its obstacle avoidance system.

Additionally, the drone has a range of up to 12 km (7.4 miles) for HD transmission and no geo-fencing, providing a long and reliable connection with the camera.

3. DJI Air 2S

Droneblog's Choice









DJI Air 2S

DJI Air 2S has the ability to perceive its environment in four directions: up, down, forward, and backward, allowing it to actively avoid obstacles, even in complex scenarios and at high speeds.

Buy from Amazon





Our Review

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.



07/25/2023 11:51 am GMT

DJI Air 2S Specifications

- Weight: 595 grams

- Dimensions Folded (without propellers): 180×97×77 mm (LxWxH)

- Dimension Unfolded (with propellers): 183×253×77 mm (L×W×H)

- Diagonal Length: 302 mm

- Max Ascent Speed: 6 m/s

- Max Descent Speed: 6 m/s

- Max Horizontal Speed: 16 m/s

- Max Takeoff Altitude: 5000 m

- Max Flight Time: 30 minutes

- Max Hovering Time: 31 minutes

- Max Flight Distance: 18.5 km

- Max Wind Speed Resistance: 10.7 m/s (Level 5)

- Photo Resolution: 5472×3078 (16:9)

- Video Resolution: 5.4K: 5472×3078 @30 fps

- Sensing Type: Downward vision system               

- Video Transmission System: DJI O2

- Battery Capacity: 3500 mAh

- Battery Charging Time: 1 hour

- Recommended Charger: DJI 35W USB-C Charger

- File Storage: micro SD card

✅ Pros

- 1″ CMOS 20MP sensor

- 4K to 5.4K 30fps video

- Compact, easy to carry

- Decent flight time

- Robust safety features

- AirSense ADS-B

❌ Cons

- Fixed aperture

- Image edges soft

- Long charging time

What sets the DJI Air 2S apart from other “follow-me” drones is its advanced obstacle avoidance system that can detect objects in four directions and avoid colliding with them, keeping you and your drone safe during your adventures.

This feature is especially useful when you’re engaged in an action sport and don’t have time to worry about flying your drone safely.

Another advantage of the DJI Air 2S is its long flight time of up to 31 minutes, so you can capture more footage without worrying about the battery life.

With a 1-inch CMOS sensor and 5.4K video, the DJI Air 2S can capture stunningly clear and detailed footage that’s perfect for professional use.

Additionally, the drone’s 12 km of 1080p video transmission ensures that you can always see what the drone is capturing in real-time.

» MORE: Autel Evo Lite+ vs DJI Air 2S

4. Autel EVO Nano+

Autel EVO Nano Plus

Lightweight and Foldable Camera Drone with 4K/30FPS HDR Video, 50MP Photo1/1.28"(0.8") CMOS RYYB Sensor, Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing,3-Axis Gimbal, 3-Way Obstacle Avoidance.

Buy from Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.



07/25/2023 12:41 am GMT

Autel EVO Nano Plus Specifications

- Weight: 249 grams

- Dimensions Folded (without propellers): 140×90×50 mm (L×W×H)

- Dimension Unfolded (with propellers): 264×310×50 mm (L×W×H)

- Diagonal Length: 231 mm

- Max Ascent Speed: 6 m/s

- Max Descent Speed: 4 m/s

- Max Horizontal Speed: 15 m/s

- Max Takeoff Altitude: 4000 m

- Max Flight Time: 28 minutes

- Max Hovering Time: 26 minutes

- Max Flight Distance: 16.8 m

- Max Wind Speed Resistance: 10.7 m/s (Level 5)

- Photo Resolution: 50M：8192×6144

- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra HD: 3840×2160 @60 fps

- Max Bit Rate: 100 MBPS

- Wi-Fi Transfer: 20 MB/s

- Battery Capacity: 3930 mAh

- Battery Charging Time: 90 minutes.

- Max Charging Power: 30 W

- File Storage: micro SD card (256 GB max)

✅ Pros

- Under 250g

- Good range

- Tri-directional obstacle avoidance

- Phase-contrast autofocus

❌ Cons

- Slow speed

- 60fps only in 1080p

- value vs. cost

This lightweight and foldable drone is equipped with advanced obstacle avoidance technology, making it the top choice for photographers and videographers.

The three-way binocular vision sensors enable the EVO Nano Plus to detect objects around it, making it easy to navigate and avoid obstacles in its path.

The Autel EVO Nano Plus also boasts a 4K/30FPS HDR video camera and a 50MP photo 1/1.28″(0.8″) CMOS RYYB sensor, ensuring stunning, high-quality footage every time.

The 3-axis gimbal provides smooth and stable camera movement, while the 3-way obstacle avoidance system keeps your investment safe.

5. DJI Mavic 3 Series

DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Flagship Triple-Camera Drone with 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera, 43-Min Flight Time, and 15km HD Video Transmission, for pro aerial photography.

Buy from Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.



07/25/2023 01:22 am GMT

Mavic 3 Pro Specifications

- Takeoff Weight: Mavic 3 Pro: 958 g, Mavic 3 Pro Cine: 963 g

- Dimensions: Folded (without propellers): 231.1×98×95.4 mm (L×W×H)
Unfolded (without propellers): 347.5×290.8×107.7 mm (L×W×H)
https://skydanceimaging.com/best-drones-with-obstacle-avoidance/