Best Drones For Commercial & Professional Use Reviewed

What is a Commercial/Professional Drone?

Conventional drones were designed with recreational activities in mind. They can produce reasonable quality photographs and footage with first-person immersion and include as some nice SMART/autonomous features, but commercial drones are so much more.

They are designed with industry-level cameras and other equipment, can handle heavier payloads, and feature hardware that enables them to perform a variety of more complex tasks. This could include structural inspections, agricultural mapping, and S&R missions, to name just a few. 

The bottom line is that commercial drones, as their name suggests, are designed with business in mind. And if you are looking to benefit your business by investing in a drone, we recommend you keep reading to find out all you need to know about professional drones and what our top picks are.

Commercial/Professional Drone Comparison Table 

Commercial Drone Uses

Real Estate

One of the most common uses for commercial drones is real estate. It allows realtors to capture images of the property they are selling from above, and in an exciting way. The best kinds are the more portable models with a high-quality camera that is easy to maneuver through the sky.

Business Events (Marketing/Promotional Purposes)

Marketing and promotional purposes are other key ways drones are used. It is a great way to add aerial footage to the promotional videos many businesses use. This can give it a high-budget look and feel. When footage is linear and all the same, it can be dull. An action-shot taken from a drone swooping down or just capturing the full scale of a business, their workplace, or even a factory, will make for more entertaining promotional work.

Wedding Photography/Cinematography

Drones can be used to take unique photographs and pieces of film of a happy couple’s big day. The best drones for this kind of use are those that can shoot high footage but are also quiet and relatively small, so they don’t cause a distraction.

Media Coverage

Journalists and TV producers for news channels and shows have started using drones more. They are ideal for capturing images and footage that, in the past, would have required a lot more planning if they were possible at all. When there are big crowds of people for a protest or at a celebration, a drone can be used to capture the scale.

Aerial Inspections (Infrastructure)

Many cities are now making use of drones for their surveys of properties and structures around their jurisdiction to assess their longevity. Because they can easily reach great heights and high-up areas that would be otherwise problematic or dangerous with operations involving an actual crew of people.

Land Mapping/Surveys

A more complicated and sophisticated use of drones is for aerial mapping and surveys. For this, special software is used to compile and collate images from above that can be turned into highly detailed maps. It can also be used by companies and government organizations to survey the condition of the land.

Military

The military has been using drones a lot, with the devices even being armed to fire missiles at enemy locations and individuals. They can also be used in rescue operations and to offer details of what dangers may lie ahead.

Rescue Operations & Police Surveillance (Public Safety)

Commercial drones can be used to save lives for various emergency services. Rather than spending days trying to scour the area where someone may be missing, they can use several drones to fly over and have a better view of what's happening below.

Drones enabled with GPS features are particularly useful in this scenario, and they can even be programmed to fly to a specific area. Pilots can send waypoints to help with this.

Police and fire departments can use them for rescue surveillance as well as planning out actual rescues.

Delivery

Although the first business that comes to mind when we mention drones delivering items is probably Amazon, it’s worth noting that they have yet to perfect a working system to do this. Other companies have used drones to deliver groceries and food to remote areas and even deliver medical supplies and blood to hard-to-reach parts of Rwanda.

Agriculture & Wildlife Conservation

Farmers have started using drones as part of their central systems for agricultural management. Just one drone can be used to achieve the same amount of work a whole team would take a day to do. They can be used to survey, map, and even monitor and spray soil.

When it comes to wildlife conservations, drones can be used in the monitoring and tracking of populations of different species. These drones are near-silent to avoid disrupting the animals.

Types of Drones

Benefits of Commercial Drones

There are many great benefits to owning and using a professional or commercial drone. For one thing, if you work in a retail environment, you can potentially deliver services and products much quicker than before.

As we all become more aware of the damage and harm that we cause the planet, drones can be helpful as an eco-friendly and efficient way of making one-off small deliveries, so companies don’t need to send large fuel-guzzling vehicles. It also reduces the number of staff required to perform those deliveries as well as the specialist equipment needed.

One way commercial drones are especially beneficial is they can complete tasks that would be otherwise dangerous to humans. Examples include surveying tall structures, towers, and buildings, analyzing the damage to properties and assessing mines.

Choosing High-Quality Commercial Drones

When choosing high-quality commercial drones, there are a lot of aspects of these UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicle) you need to consider. We've highlighted the most important below.

Material & Design

You will find that most high-end, top-quality professional drones are built on alloy chassis designed to be robust, but lightweight. All drones are not made equal, so you need to consider the usage and the times of day and weather conditions you might be flying a drone through. The number of propellers may help ensure you have a steadier flight during even the roughest of conditions.

Drone Flying Skill/Purpose

The intended purpose for your professional drone should be considered. You will find that some are designed as general-purpose UAVs and are flexible enough and versatile enough to be configured for various uses. Whereas there are some drones, as noted above, designed for one specific purpose.

So, make a note of how you plan on using your drone and look for one that ticks all the boxes. It’s often a good idea to leave room for expanded uses, through reconfiguration, as your needs may change over time.

Project & Operator Requirements – Payload Capacity & Maintenance Requirements

There may be specific requirements and specification you need to make for projects. For instance, if you need to fly the drone over a longer distance than usual, you need to know the wireless connectivity and availability. Depending on the model, you also need to consider the operator requirements. Does the drone require additional manual controls in addition to computer-aided flights using GPS, VR or visual line of sight? 

The payload capacity needs to be bigger than the maximum weight of whatever you need to carry on your drone. It is dangerous to fly a drone when it is at either near or full capacity. Try to aim for using only half the max capacity. Another important consideration is the maintenance requirements. If the drone you choose needs a lot of tweaking, repairs, and customization, it can increase the overall cost of running it.

Control Range, Drone Flight Time & Distance

These are hopefully common sense, but you need to take into consideration the control range for the drone you are interested in. How far can you be away from the actual UAV and still control it properly? How long can it stay in the air and how far can it travel before it runs out of charge? These are all questions you need to ask.

Intelligent/Autonomous Flight Modes

Some drones can be flown based on programmed flight patterns and GPS coordinates. If you are looking for a professional drone that you don't always need to worry about all the time while it's in the air or have your hands on the controls, these are the features you need to look for.

Speed & Height

The speed and height are other essential aspects of drones that need to be considered. There are some applications where it may be vital that the drone can deliver items safely, but quickly. There will also be times when drones are needed to fly to great heights to get the footage or data the project it is being used for requires.

Features (GPS Sensors/ Drone Transmitters, Cameras & Live Feed, Controllers)

The features are the real nitty-gritty about what the drone can do. Having GPS sensors is very important in anything involving mapping, delivery, or trying to locate someone or something in a rescue mission. Drone transmitters are vital as they enable the pilot to fly and control the aircraft wirelessly. It works in unison with the controller which gives you a versatile range of movement to fly the drone through. 

Cameras are one of the most sought-after features and found on most drones. Some offer live feed functionality, which is ideal if you are sending one on a recon mission or to assess the damage of a building or check for survivors from a disaster or accident.

Safety Features – Obstacle Avoidance & Weather Resistance

Most drones are fitted with safety features of some kind. The type of safety features you need specifically will depend on the intended use of the drone. Things like obstacle avoidance and weather resistance are good things to have, though, regardless of application.

Even a very cautious and experienced pilot can benefit from that extra help. It comes in the form of sensors that detect obstacles and helps the drone to avoid them. Many modern models also come equipped with real-time positioning information trackers, so you know if there are any manned or even other unmanned aircraft in the air space.

Weather resistance is just as good, because even if you think you are only going to use your drone in fair conditions, it's best to be prepared for quick changes. Failing to prepare might lead to very costly repairs and damages.

Camera And Video Quality

While most drones tend to have cameras, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are all high quality. Some have better video and camera quality than others. If you're purchasing a drone specifically for video and picture footage, you will want to choose one with a high-end camera.

Completion Level

One thing that’s unique to drones and radio-controlled devices is the fact that while some come ready to use out of the box, others need to be assembled or configured appropriately. It really depends on what you intend to use it for. If you need a simple but effective device for taking pictures or filming footage and are not worried about customizing it, you should get one that comes ready to use.

Price & Warranty – Value For Money

Although we’d never suggest you put the price ahead of any of the above factors, it is still something you should consider from the very beginning of your search. You need to establish a reasonable budget and make a list of all the features you need the drone to have and what it will be used for.

While cheaper models may seem like a better investment, if they are not designed for the purpose, they may break or damage too easily. You also need to think about the warranty you get with the drone. Not only does a long warranty guarantee you can cover the cost of problems and issues that were out of your control, but it's a good barometer for how much faith the manufacturer has in their product.

1. DJI Mavic 2 Zoom

2. DJI Mavic 2 Pro

3. DJI Mavic Air

4. Autel Robotics EVO

There is a lot to recommend this Autel Robotics drone, and we find that it is the best professional drone. For one thing, it's one of the lower to mid-range priced models in our guide and still provides a sterling selection of features including Mavic models at 45mph. It will stay in the air for up to 30-minutes, depending on the weather conditions.

We especially like the Follow Orbit Return-to-Home waypoint function and the obstacle avoidance system it utilizes to significant effect. With a control range of 4.3-miles, we think this is a great entry-level professional drone. It might not be suitable for more specific uses but will suit those looking to benefit from aerial photography for weddings and events or just surveying areas and getting crisp wildlife shots.

Despite its lower price tag, it still features a remote controller that consists of a 33-inch crisp and clear OLED screen. You can use it not only to analyze flight information but also to view a live feed in 720p HD of what the camera is picking up — negating the need to sync it with your smartphone. There is also a full range of Evo accessories, which gives you extra confidence in Autel as a brand.

5. Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon

A low-priced drone, the Yuneec Typhoon is not cheaply made, and it is actually the best lightweight professional drone that we could find. It offers you a stable and smooth flight that's perfect for taking video footage in 4K as well as those aerial shots.

The funny thing is that it’s quite big. Not amazingly big, but still significant compared to some of the more compact models such as the DJI Phantom 3. Although this helps with keeping track of it in the sky when you're at a distance from it, it does make it harder to fit inside a backpack.

You get everything you need in the set to have liftoff, and with the decent camera and steady handling, it seems to be a real joy to fly. What's more, the most significant advantage this has over many others is the fact it can be operated straight out of the box. So, if you just want to soar high, this is a perfect choice. Need more convincing of this lightweight contender's abilities? Check out this awesome video.

You’d be forgiven for thinking it was in anything other than a fully rigged and steady cinema-grade camera.

6. Autel Robotics Vooco X-Star

The world of drones can be off-putting for some people. They see the staggering list of specs and features that comes with even the simplest and least expensive model and panic. Autel Robotics drones, although sophisticated, have tried to take a lot of the mysticism out of them.

This drone from Autel Robotics X-Star is great competition for the leaders of the industry and has the best professional drone camera.

One of the things we like about this drone is the remote controller and its user-friendly LCD screen. Even if you are a rank beginner with piloting drones, it won't take very long to learn how to navigate through the sky with this thing. To keep things nice and simple, the controller has just two sticks and a couple of buttons.

The onboard camera is steadied and secured by the 3-axis gimbal, and as is the case with all the drones featured in our guide, you can film 4K footage with relative ease. We're bowled over by yet another example of how Autel Robotics is taking a real challenge to the big players in the drone world. Look at this footage of action-packed kayaking that really makes you feel you’re there with them.

7. DJI Phantom 3

The DJI Phantom 3 is undoubtedly one of the best professional quadcopters, not just from DJI, but overall. It has remained on the top spot or at least close to it for several years now. This is mostly due to the less than a grand price tag, and the fantastic features it benefits from that makes it perfect for a multitude of commercial and professional uses. There really is no limit to what you can do with this and therefore, if your needs change, this will evolve with you.

For example, its 720p live streaming video mode is ideal for tracking and monitoring industrial processes. If you are inclined to do so, you can even set it up to live stream directly to YouTube. This guide from DJI helps you get started.

It utilizes unique Lightbridge streaming tech that makes it easy to see what the quadcopter can see without disruptions. Like the model above, the controller for the Phantom 3 features an LCD screen. What we like is that this is a drone anyone can have a go at. It even has a beginner flight mode that restricts the distance you can travel both vertically and horizontally.

8. Altair The Outlaw Se

The DJI Mavic and Phantom models are all well and good if you have a more generously sized budget. What, though, if you need to avail yourself of the benefits of a commercial quality drone, but don't want to spend the price many of the above models retail for? You look to the Altair Aerial Outlaw SE. Although it's marketed at a surprisingly low price, it does not mess about when it comes to features and is the best commercial drone for the money.

Firstly, you get a high quality 1080p camera built into its design, allowing you to take amazing aerial shots and video footage. Thanks to the powerful and efficient GPS features, you will find it relatively easy to keep the Outlaw SE under control and stable in the air.

We really like the one-touch take-off and landing feature. Even if you have trouble initially, there are some great video tutorials online to help you handle this little beauty, like this introductory video directly from Altair. What’s more, the Outlaw SE has clearly been developed to grow with the pilot. So, as you get better at flying it, you can get more and more out of it each time.

Don’t just think drones and think Mavic, give Altair and The Outlaw SE real consideration.

9. Hubsan Professional Version H501S X4

Even lower in price, the best cheap professional drone is this great model from the renowned manufacturer Hubsan. This is generally regarded as one of the best offerings from the company and its not hard to see why. It has a similar flight time to more expensive and comprehensive drones and handles flying indoors and outdoors with a significant amount of smoothness and steadiness.

The camera is also a great reason to invest in this model, and we’re sure you’ll be surprised at the quality of the images and footage it can produce. Designed clearly with the budget-hunting beginner in mind, there are some great safety modes, such as the headless mode, one-key return, and follow-me mode. We also love the crisp quality FPV you get so you can see exactly what the drone sees as it ripples through the sky. Again, owing to the camera’s high-end specification, despite the low-ticket price on the drone.

Just look at this bad boy in this video from Hubsan. It hardly seems like a bargain-priced drone. It has all the makings of a classic entry. We are happy to show love to Hubsan if they keep releasing drones like this.

10. DJI T600- Inspire 1

Commercial Drones Vs. Consumer Drones

As we've discussed earlier in our guide, there are two main, very broad categories of drones you need to be aware of when you are in the market for one of these UAVs. That is, there are commercial and consumer drones. You may be thinking, given how expensive professional drones are, that you could save a bit of money by instead investing in a consumer model.

However, it's essential to understand the differences. Professional drones are specifically designed to meet more demanding uses and requirements, so although they are both unmanned aerial vehicles and fly, professional drones are bigger, bulkier and therefore can take a heavier payload.

This means they can carry larger, professional-grade cameras. Whereas consumer drones tend to be smaller and lightweight with only room for a smaller built-in camera.

The FAA: Drone Regulations

Compared to other radio-controlled devices, there are stringent rules for flying drones. In the United States, you need to register your drone with the FAA, and you are not allowed to fly it at the height of more than 400-feet or 5 miles of any airport.

The FAA is the Federal Aviation Administration who oversee the rules and regulations related to all areas of civilian aviation around the US. As you can see, there is a lot more involved in owning and running a drone for commercial purposes. As well as registering your drone, you need to get a remote pilot certificate or drone license.

How to Get a Drone License from the FAA Step-by-Step Guide

You need to do the following:

Professional Drone Safety Tips

Obviously, given that your drone will be leaving the ground and flying through the sky, you need to take care. There are various rules about flying a drone safely. At the most basic level, you need to:

Assembling a Commercial Drone Kit

Not all drones come ready to fly out of the box, and depending on the model you invest in; you may have to carry out some assembly work. While all drones are different and each manufacturer has their own assembly instructions, we've highlighted some of the standard components you may need to assemble.

How to Become a Professional Drone Pilot

If you are looking to become a professional drone pilot, you need to get a drone license, as outlined further up the page. It is essential to learn how to fly your drone properly. Customers want to make sure they have skilled people who are aware of the rules and regulations and know what it takes to fly without issue every time.

Care and Maintenance: Commercial Drones

It’s fair to say that commercial drones are quite an investment. If you are using one for business, not only do you need to take into consideration the fact that it cost you so much, but also that if anything happens to it, you may lose business and income. Consequently, care and maintenance are vital.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Are commercial drones easy to fly? Do I need experience before buying one of these drones?

Drones, in general, take a lot of practice and as commercial drones are more expensive and involved in your business. It is best to gain experience. As you need a license to fly commercial drones, you will get experience.

What is the maximum altitude set for drones?

The maximum altitude set for commercial drones is 400-feet above ground level.

How far can professional drones fly?

It depends from model to model. Most drones can fly several hundred feet, but the most profession drones can fly up to 4.3 miles away from the operator. The distance drones can fly is also known as flight transmission range.

What are the risks of drones?

There are various risks when it comes to drones, one of the main being them flying and causing problems with manned and other unmanned aircraft or crashing.

How much does it cost to get a drone license?

It costs a flat $150 to get a drone license in the United States.

Do I need drone insurance for my commercial drone?

Yes, unlike consumer drone and hobby drone pilots who don’t need insurance for their UAV, commercial and professional drone pilots need insurance.

How much does a commercial drone cost?

A commercial drone can cost anything from a couple of hundred dollars to over a thousand and more

What are the best commercial drone brands?

The most popular and best brands of commercial drones include:

Conclusion

There you have it; if you are looking to invest in a drone for commercial use or are looking to start a business using a drone, there are a lot of things you need to consider. With the guide above, though, you should be able to find the professional-grade drone that meets your needs and requirements.

Although any of the products above would prove useful to your business needs, the best overall in our opinion is the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom. Not only is it easy to fly, but it comes packed with a high-quality camera and a plethora of useful and unique features.