Black Friday is one of the most hotly anticipated sale events on the calendar, and every year, we've seen serious discounts on drones across a whole range of models. This year, the popular start of the holiday shopping season, which can see significant discounts from retailers and direct from manufacturers, falls on November 29 with Cyber Monday on December 2.
This money-saving event usually lasts from Friday through Monday, but many online retailers begin their Black Friday sales well ahead of time, and some continue them for a period after.
So, if you want to save big on a drone, the trick is to decide what you'd like to buy ahead of time, whether you've got a specific model or budget in mind.
Then, keep an eye on websites such as Amazon, online camera retailers and also the drone manufacturers' websites. Our round-up of the best Black Friday deals and best drone deals are a great places to start, but leave no stone unturned.
Drones usually drop in price either as part of a manufacturer's general sale or when a new model supersedes them. Since drones aren't seasonal products, Black Friday / Cyber Monday is a fantastic opportunity to bag a bargain.
In previous Black Friday sales, there were some major drone discounts. There was $200 off the DJI Air 2S, nearly $430 off the DJI Avata Pro-View and 50% off the Holy Stone HS720G, to name just a few.
So whether you're after a no-frills model or a flying, multi-camera powerhouse, there are often savings across the whole price spectrum.
Want a head start on getting a bargain drone? Don't forget to visit our dedicated Black Friday space gift deals for the best deals on drones, telescopes, cameras, binoculars, star projectors, Lego and more.
Drone models to look out for in 2024
2024 has been a brilliant year for drone releases, and that means Black Friday will likely see big savings on older drones which, while not the absolute latest models, are still highly capable. Some 'older' models will already have seen a dip in price, but Black Friday offers the potential for even bigger price drops. So, here are four drone models that could see major discounts this Black Friday.
DJI Mini 3 Pro
The DJI Mini 3 Pro was the best sub-250 g drone available until the DJI Mini 4 Pro was released in September 2023. The newer model is a better-specced drone overall, but both use the same 12.1/48MP 1/1.3-inch sensor image sensor and many features and functionality, including vertical shooting and 4K video are shared between the models.
The Mini 3 Pro remains a highly capable drone; in our review of the DJI Mini 3 Pro we called it '..a compact drone that punches well above its weight.' With some price reductions already, there's potential for the price to plunge further. The DJI Mini 3 Pro's price was slashed by $110 last Black Friday, so we could see a comparable discount this year.
DJI FPV
The DJI FPV has been available for a few years and is regularly discounted during sale events, though that doesn't make it a less worthy purchase. This is a large, powerful and amazingly fast FPV drone that's can be flown like a camera drone, albeit with the pilot wearing goggles, or treated like a traditional FPV drone. It's not brilliant for photos, but it absolutely excels at capturing immersive 4K video. Though as we pointed out in our DJI FPV review, this is best suited to experienced drone flyers.
Potensic Atom SE
The Potensic Atom SE has previously dropped in price thanks to the release of the Potensic Atom in September 2023. But don't let the existence of its somewhat better-specced sibling put you off. This is still one of the best budget beginner drones out there. In our Potensic Atom SE review we concluded it was '..one of the best inexpensive beginner drones available' and, as we hoped, its stability has only been improved with its firmware updates.
Both are a perfectly portable sub-250 g and their general designs are near-identical, with the SE being a little more basic. The Atom SE boasts a 2-axis gimbal alongside Electronic Image Stabilisation for smooth video capture. It can also capture photos in both JPEG and compression-free RAW and shoot 4K video.
Holy Stone HS720G
Amazon regularly discounts Holy Stone drones throughout the year. However, this Black Friday you may see additional discounts across the Holy Stone range, including the HS720G. This model has been superseded by the 3-axis gimbal Holy Stone HS720R but it remains available and as we noted in our Holy Stone HS720G review, it's a great entry-level drone.
The two drones' specifications are nearly identical. Both can capture 4K video and JPEG photos, but the key difference is that the HS720G has a 2-axis gimbal that stabilizes tilt and roll but not pan.
Which drone model is best for you?
Price is always going to be a major factor when purchasing a drone, as with any tech. But don't be tempted to dive in without thinking; you don't want to be stuck with a drone that you'll grow out of in six months. As the adage goes, 'buy cheap, buy twice'.
Instead, you may find that if the more expensive model fulfills your requirements perfectly, buying that model is worth saving for longer. That'll save you money in the long term instead of having to upgrade earlier than you would have liked. Here, we discuss whether it is best to buy a cheaper drone beginner model to learn with before taking the plunge on a more expensive model.
So, what should you consider when purchasing a drone? Camera functionality for photos and videos, flight features, flight performance, and size are factors to consider. Weight is important, too; unless you've got enough space to fly a drone on your doorstep, you'll need to carry it with you.
Some models are more suitable for specific tasks than others, so research the mode you're interested in before parting with your hard-earned money to be sure you're making the right choice. Our guide to 2024's best drones is a great place to start, though we also have specific guides like the best FPV drones and the best camera drones.
Why should I wait for Black Friday?
Black Friday is November 29, and Cyber Monday is December 2, so there are only a few weeks until you can find out if the drone of your choice has been discounted. Retailers will fight for your custom, alongside manufacturers themselves, so there's a strong possibility your patience will pay off.
Be aware that discounts are often region-specific, even with retailers who ship globally, such as Amazon. However, there's certainly no risk in waiting because prices aren't going to go up for Black Friday. So, if you're planning on buying a drone any time soon, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by waiting for Black Friday.
Check out our Black Friday 2024 deals page for discounts on telescopes, cameras, binoculars, star projectors, Lego and more.
Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.
