TL;DR
A year-end roundup tests and ranks ten drones across price tiers, adding several new models and noting regulatory shifts that affect availability. The guide highlights top picks such as the DJI Mini 5 Pro, examines non-DJI alternatives like the Potensic Atom 2, and explains legal and accessory considerations for pilots.
What happened
Wired published an updated buyer’s guide to the best drones in December 2025 after flight-testing a selection of models across budgets and use cases. The update added several new entries — including the DJI Mini 5 Pro, DJI Neo 2, DJI Mini 4K, Antigravity A1 and the Potensic Atom 2 — and included a new section on a recent regulatory development affecting DJI. On December 23, 2025, DJI was placed on the FCC’s "Covered List," a move that effectively bars the company from launching new products in the U.S. The guide notes that existing DJI units in the U.S. still function but that future software updates and availability of retail stock could be uncertain. The round-up also covers flying laws that hinge on drone weight, recommended accessories such as spare batteries and ND filters, and model-specific strengths and weaknesses discovered during testing.
Why it matters
- Drone technology has lowered the barrier for cinematic and creative aerial video, making advanced shots accessible to consumers.
- Regulatory action against DJI changes product availability and could restrict future updates for U.S. owners.
- Sub-250-gram models are treated differently under many national rules, affecting where and how people can fly.
- Alternatives to DJI are emerging or gaining visibility, which may reshape buying choices for U.S. consumers.
Key facts
- Wired updated its "Best Drones" guide in December 2025 and added multiple new models.
- On December 23, 2025, DJI was added to the FCC’s "Covered List," preventing the company from launching new products in the U.S.
- The DJI Mini 5 Pro features a 1-inch sensor, 4K up to 120 fps video, 50-megapixel stills, and is reported to deliver about 14 stops of dynamic range.
- DJI Mini 5 Pro uses forward-facing LiDAR plus omnidirectional vision sensors for obstacle detection and handled gusts past 30 mph in testing.
- Potensic Atom 2 is presented as a viable non-DJI alternative: it is sub-250 grams, uses a 1/2-inch Sony sensor capturing 48-megapixel photos and 4K HDR video at 30 fps, has a three-axis gimbal, and up to 32 minutes of battery life; it lacks obstacle avoidance.
- The Antigravity A1 is described as a 360-degree drone that records spherical 8K video up to 30 fps and can be flown under 250 grams, using dual ultra-wide lenses and software that removes the drone from footage.
- Autel Robotics is reported to have withdrawn from the consumer drone market, contributing to a changing competitive landscape.
- Wired recommends spare batteries, ND filters, and a carrying case as useful accessories for getting the most out of a drone.
- Legal requirements vary by country; generally, lighter drones (sub-250 grams) face fewer restrictions in many jurisdictions.
What to watch next
- Availability of DJI products in U.S. retail channels and whether existing stock will remain for sale or be pulled.
- Whether DJI will be able to secure or request a formal national-security audit that changes its status — not confirmed in the source.
- Potential limits on future DJI software updates or services for U.S. owners after the FCC action.
- How competing manufacturers respond to the market shift created by DJI’s restriction and Autel’s consumer exit.
Quick glossary
- LiDAR: A sensing method that uses lasers to measure distance to objects; often used on drones for obstacle detection and mapping.
- Gimbal: A mechanical stabilization system that keeps a camera steady and smooths out motion during flight.
- Sub-250-gram classification: A weight category under which many national rules impose fewer registration and operational requirements for drones.
- ND filter: A neutral density filter that reduces the amount of light entering the camera, allowing slower shutter speeds for motion blur or correct exposure in bright conditions.
- Dynamic range: The range of brightness a camera sensor can capture from shadow to highlight without losing detail.
Reader FAQ
Is DJI banned in the United States?
DJI was added to the FCC’s "Covered List" on December 23, 2025, which blocks new product launches in the U.S.; the company disputes the concerns and seeks an audit. Existing DJI drones in the U.S. continue to function.
Do I need to register a drone?
Laws differ by country; the guide notes heavier drones face more rules while sub-250-gram models often face fewer requirements.
Which drone does Wired recommend for most people?
The DJI Mini 5 Pro is named the best drone for most people in the guide, but U.S. availability is reported as effectively limited due to regulatory action.
Are there good non-DJI options?
Yes — the guide highlights the Potensic Atom 2 as a credible alternative for those in the U.S., and also reviews the Antigravity A1 for 360-degree capture.
Will DJI products still receive software updates?
The guide says future software updates could be restricted for U.S. users, but the long-term outcome is unclear.
SAM KIELDSEN GEAR DEC 28, 2025 7:30 AM The Best Drones for Every Budget Whether you want to battle Star Wars spaceships or shoot a cinematic masterpiece, one of these…
Sources
- 10 Best Drones (2025): Flight-Tested and Reviewed
- The Best Drones We've Tested for 2025
- The best drones: my top flying camera picks, for all budgets
- Best Drones 2025: The Ultimate Expert Buying Guide
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