Amazon's new Ring camera is actually a flying drone -- for inside your home
Amazon's new Ring camera is actually a flying drone -- for inside your home
Update, Sept. 28, 2021: Amazon hosted an event today to show off the latest editions to its growing lineup of devices as well as updates on its services. You can read a recap on our event coverage page. Original story follows.
Read more: Amazon's smart products lead the market even as trust in the company lags
Ring introduced a new product to its growing roster of smart home devices -- the Ring Always Home Cam. Unlike the Amazon company's other security cameras, the Always Home Cam is a flying camera drone that docks when it isn't in use. The Ring Always Home Cam will be available in 2021 for $250.
Along with this hardware announcement, Ring says you'll be able to turn on end-to-end encryption in the Ring app's Control Center "later this year" in an effort to improve the security of its devices.
Read more: Amazon's Ring drone camera sets a bad precedent for privacy
A bit of Ring history
Before Ring was Ring, it was a startup called Bot Home Automation. Bot Home's inaugural product, the 2014 Doorbot, was among the first video doorbells on the market. It had a lot of problems, however -- clunky design, limited features and poor performance. Then Bot Home rebranded to Ring, was purchased by Amazon and now sells a growing variety of smart home security and automation devices and related accessories.
Ring has been in the news for its Neighbors program partnership with law enforcement agencies, which allows Ring customers to share their saved video clips. Privacy advocates express concern about how Ring and law enforcement agencies collect and use the information they gather. Ring also has patents for facial recognition technology that would scan through law enforcement databases.
Security has also been a big topic of conversation, following user data being exposed in December 2018. This prompted Ring to require two-factor authentication and add a privacy and security Control Center in the app where customers can more easily find and make changes to their personal account settings.
The Always Home Cam and end-to-end encryption
Ring says the Always Home Cam travels on a set path you designate -- it can't be controlled manually -- and you can view the feed live in the Ring app. "The path is entirely determined by the customer ... you actually walk the device around your home and ... train it on that path and can set different waypoints for the camera to fly to," Ring President Leila Rouhi told me over the phone.
It has HD live streaming and a 5-minute runtime, and takes about an hour to charge. Rouhi said that short runtime was deliberate, to make it a "purpose-driven security camera."
It can work with the Ring Alarm security kit, so that if activity is detected while your security system is set to away mode, the Always Home Cam is supposed to leave its dock and fly around to see what's happening.
As far as privacy goes, the Always Home Cam's camera is hidden when it's docked and should only begin to record when it leaves the dock and flies around your house. It's designed to hum so you know when it's flying and recording. The camera is also equipped with "obstacle avoidance technology," so it should avoid things in its path. If it does sense an obstacle in the way of its normal path, the camera will return to its dock and send an alert, letting you know it couldn't complete its pass around your home.
Ring has also added a video encryption page to its Control Center privacy and security landing page. After end-to-end encryption becomes available later this year, customers should be able to turn on the feature for each individual compatible device. Ring will be providing a list of compatible devices later this year.
Finding the best rates and terms on a car loan can help you save hundreds or even thousands in interest. With interest rates rising and the cost of car insurance premiums increasing, it's important to shop around with different lenders to find the most affordable car loan for your new or used car.
An auto loan is a secured installment loan, which means the vehicle you purchase acts as collateral and can be subject to repossession if you fail to repay the loan. But the trade-off is a lower interest rate than with unsecured borrowing, such as a personal loan. You can apply for a car loan at a car dealership, bank, credit union or through an online lender.
We'll lay out some of the basics here. Plus, we've evaluated the major national auto loan providers and highlighted the best options for new, used and private party (purchase of a car from a private seller) loans below. We'll update this list regularly as terms change and new loan products are released. Note that all the starting APRs listed assume an "excellent" credit score of 800 or above.
Rates as of Aug. 3, 2022.
PenFed Credit Union
APR: Starting at 3.44% (new car loans through PenFed Car Buying Service), 4.84% (used car loans through PenFed Car Buying Service); Loans outside of this service start at 4.24% (new car loans) or 5.04% (used car loans)
Loan amounts: $500 to $100,000
Loan terms: 36 to 84 months
Minimum annual income: Not specified
Availability: 50 states
Prepayment penalty: No
Pentagon Federal Credit Union is a credit union that offers low auto loan rates for both new and used cars, through the PenFed Car Buying Service. You'll need to become a credit union member to use this service, but membership is open to everyone, and requires opening a savings account with a minimum $5 deposit. If you're not interested in using PenFed's program to buy a car, you can still secure lower-than-average rates on new and used cars purchased outside of the service.
With flexible loan terms extending up to seven years, nationwide availability and no prepayment penalties, PenFed is the contender to beat in the auto loan industry.
Consumers Credit Union
APR: Starting at 3.49% (car loans for 2020 or newer vehicles) and 3.74% (car loans for 2016-2019 vehicles)
Loan amounts: $250 to $100,000
Loan terms: 0 to 84 months
Minimum annual income: Not specified
Availability: Branches across Illinois, shared branches nationwide
Prepayment penalty: No
Consumers Credit Union is an Illinois-based credit union that has recently opened membership nationwide. Though its auto loan rates for vehicles made prior to 2020 are average for the market, their new car loan rates are a great deal. Consumers Credit Union also offers significant flexibility, with the widest range of loan terms and amounts of the providers we evaluated.
You can become a member online with a valid ID, two recent pay stubs, two tax returns from recent years, five references, two utility bills and a one-time $5 fee to the Consumers Cooperative.
Lightstream
APR: Starting at 3.99% (new and used car loans) and 4.99% (private party car loans) with Autopay
Loan amounts: $5,000 to $100,000
Loan terms: 24 to 84 months
Minimum annual income: Not specified
Availability: Online
Prepayment penalty: No
LightStream is an online lender under Truist Financial that offers low rates for private party car loans. Though its loan amounts and terms are of average flexibility, it offers a variety of auto loan options. It places no restrictions on model year, make or mileage, making it the ideal lender if you plan to purchase an older car. LightStream's slogan, "Lending Uncomplicated®," promises a simplified lending process that includes being able to fund your loan the same day you apply, under certain conditions.
In order to access LightStream's best terms, you'll need to sign up for AutoPay. LightStream's lowest rate loans are also unsecured -- so your car won't be repossessed if you can't make your payments, but your credit will suffer.
Bank of America
APR: Starting at 4.24% (new car loans), 4.44% (used car loans), and 7.19% (private party loans)
Loan amounts: $7,500 ($8,000 in Minnesota) to $100,000
Loan terms: 48 to 72 months
Minimum annual income: Not specified
Availability: 50 states
Prepayment penalty: No
As one of the world's largest banks, Bank of America offers unbeatable availability and great rates. Though you don't need to be a member of Bank of America to use its auto loan services, members may qualify for special perks. For example, if you qualify for Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program -- based on your qualifying combined balances in your BOA deposit and/or Merrill® investment accounts -- you can be eligible for up to 0.50% off your APR.
But Bank of America's loan policies can lack variety. For example, it offers one of the least flexible loan terms on this list, with the shortest loan term set at 48 months. In addition, the minimum financing amount is $7,500, which rules out Bank of America as a loan financier for more inexpensive used vehicles.
U.S. Bank
APR: Starting at 4.49% (for new and used car loans)
Loan amounts: $5,000 to $100,000
Loan terms: 12 to 72 months
Minimum annual income: Not specified
Availability: Branches in 26 states
Prepayment penalty: 1% of the original loan amount, with a minimum charge of $50 and a maximum of $100
U.S Bank offers interest rates as low as 4.89% for both new and used cars, which makes it a great lender for those purchasing preowned vehicles. If approved, the U.S Bank offers financing of up to 120% of your car's value, with no down payment required.
However, to lock in the lowest used car rates, you'll need to meet specific criteria: Next to have excellent credit, you must have a loan-to-value ratio of 80% or less, buy a used car that's less than 1 year old, have a loan amount of at least $30,000, a loan term of 36 months or less and an automatic payment set up from a U.S. Bank account. Though these requirements are stringent, the low auto loan rates make them worth it for certain buyers.
What are the drawbacks? U.S. Bank's availability is limited to 26 states. Plus, it charges a prepayment penalty of 1% of the original loan amount if you pay off your loan within a year's time.
Carvana
APR: Starting at3.9% (used cars only)
Loan amounts: Not specified
Loan terms: 36 to 72 months
Minimum annual income: $4,000
Availability: Not available in Alaska or Hawaii
Prepayment penalty: No
Though Carvana is mostly known for its online used car shopping experience, it also offers auto loans on vehicles you buy through the site. Carvana's only requirements are that you're over 18, make $4,000 annually and have no active bankruptcies, so it's a great choice for those with poor credit. Furthermore, Carvana's wholly online model combines the buying and financing experience, making the process of purchasing a used car relatively painless.
However, though Carvana makes it possible for customers with bad credit to obtain a loan, the best auto loan rates will always be reserved for those with excellent credit – and it's important to note that it offers, by far, the highest starting APR on our list.
Best car loan lenders, compared
Lenders
PenFed CreditUnion
Consumers Credit Union
LightStream
Bank of America
U.S. Bank
Carvana
Best for
New car loans
Used car loans
Private party car loans
Big bank option
Short loan terms
Those with poor or no credit
APR for new car loans
Starting at 3.44% (through PenFed Car Buying Program)
Starting at 3.49 (car loans for 2020 or newer vehicles)
Starting at 3.99%
Starting at 4.24%
Starting at 4.49%
N/A
APR for used car loans
Starting at 4.84% (through PenFed Car Buying Program)
Starting at 3.74 (car loans for 2016-2019 vehicles)
Starting at 3.99%
Starting at 4.44%
Starting at 4.49%
Starting at 3.9%
APR for private party loans
N/A
N/A
Starting at 4.99%
Starting at 7.19%
N/A
N/A
Loan amount
$500 to $100,000
$250 to $100,000
$5,000 to 100,000
$7,500 ($8,000 in Minnesota) to $100,000
$5,000 to $100,000
Not specified
Repayment terms
36 to 84 months
0 to 84 months
24 to 84 months*
48 to 72 months
12 to 72 months
36 to 72 months
Credit requirement (estimate)
Not specified
Not specified
Good to Excellent
Not specified
Not specified
Accepts all credit, no active bankruptcies
Availability
All 50 states
Branches across Illinois, shared branches nationwide
Online
All 50 states
Branches in 26 states
Not available in Hawaii or Alaska
What to know when applying for an auto loan
While car loans usually have fixed interest rates and loan terms, they can often be negotiated, depending on your lender. Your loan rate will generally depend upon your credit score -- the higher your credit score, the lower your annual percentage rate. A higher credit score may also give you access to a larger loan amount or more favorable repayment terms.
Next, you should consider loan terms. Let's say you qualify for a 2.5% APR loan. You'll pay less interest over time with a shorter term loan, but your monthly payments will be higher. Similarly, you'll pay more in interest over time with a longer loan term, but your monthly payments will be lower. Consider your budget and financial goals to determine which loan term will work best for you.
As you consider lenders, find out if they offer a preapproval process. Preapproval allows you to see the rates you qualify for without a hard inquiry -- when a creditor pulls your credit history -- which can cause your credit score to slightly dip. It also allows you to review options upfront without having to commit to a particular lender.
Lenders reviewed:
Autopay
Bank of America
Capital One
Carvana
Chase
Consumers Credit Union
LightStream
MyAutoLoan
PenFed Credit Union
PNC
U.S. Bank
*Your loan terms, including APR, may differ based on loan purpose, amount, term length, and your credit profile. Excellent credit is required to qualify for lowest rates. Rates range from 3.99%-10.49% APR w/AutoPay. Rate is quoted with AutoPay discount. AutoPay discount is only available prior to loan funding. Rates without AutoPay are 0.50% points higher. Subject to credit approval. Conditions and limitations apply. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without notice.
Payment example: Monthly payments for a $10,000 loan at 3.99% APR with a term of 3 years would result in 36 monthly payments of $295.20.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
MacOS Monterey was bricking some laptops. That's been fixed
MacOS Monterey was bricking some laptops. That's been fixed
Installing a new operating system is an emotionally complicated process. On the other side of the update, the new OS promises new toys to play with and enhancements to older features. But there's always the fear that something goes wrong. Maybe something's a little buggy in the new operating system, maybe your system rejects the upgrade or maybe your whole laptop gets bricked.
That particular nightmare became a reality for some users who said that the new MacOS Monterey upgrade completely shut down their Macs. Several people reported online that their computers refused to boot up after they installed Monterey, with others reporting that the ports no longer worked, or that their MacBook got stuck in a loop of trying (but failing) to update.
Apple didn't respond to a request for comment. However, tech reporter Rene Ritchie tweeted a statement from Apple a few days later, saying that the issue was related to the T2 security chip and had been fixed in a recent update. So if you've been putting off the upgrade, it should be safe to download Monterey now.
Users faced similar issues with last year's launch of MacOS Big Sur, so the Monterey problems weren't exactly a surprise. That's why we always recommend backing up your computer before you install any major update, especially new operating systems.
If you're ready to upgrade, make sure to check whether your computer is compatible with Monterey. And look through our favorite features in MacOS Monterey.
Best OLED TV Deals: Save $903 Off 65-inch C1, $503 Off 65-inch B2 and More
Best OLED TV Deals: Save $903 Off 65-inch C1, $503 Off 65-inch B2 and More
Playing online games, viewing live sports and streaming movies and shows occupies a large portion of free time for most people these days, which is why you need to make sure your entertainment center can accommodate whatever it is you like to do. If you're looking for a brand-new TV, you already know that cost and picture quality are often the deciding factors in the purchase of such a big-ticket item. But it's rare for those two elements to work to your advantage.
Most people know by now that OLED TVs are some of the best smart TVs out there. Thinner and more lightweight than LED competitors, they're famous for bringing you the best image quality available, which has upped their popularity in recent years. Providing true blacks and deep color saturation, the contrast and sharpness of an OLED TV is unbeatable. They outshine the best in LCD, LED and comparable technology when it comes to motion quality and other display aspects. That excellence has come at a premium, but OLED screens are starting to drop in price, and we've pulled together a roundup of the best OLED TV deals.
If you're not shopping specifically for an OLED model, we do have other cheap TV deals worth looking into. However, if you want to snag a deal on the superior picture OLED offers, we've listed the best deals currently available below. Discounts come and go quickly at some retailers, but we'll keep this page up-to-date as new deals drop or expire, so keep checking back.
Sony
This TV has a Cognitive Processor XR that delivers intense contrasts and vibrant natural colors. It also supports Dolby Vision, Imax Enhanced and Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode to give you a cinematic experience at home. It has powerful audio, too, with Acoustic Surface Audio Plus and Dolby Atmos support. It has triple actuators and dual subwoofers. It also upscales your content to 4K resolution and has XR OLED Motion to produce a blur-free picture, even when there's lots of action. And for those who game, this TV has low input lag and exclusive features for the PlayStation 5 to improve gaming picture quality.
LG
Whether you're streaming your favorite shows or online gaming, this TV is up to the task. The 65-inch OLED screen with infinite contrast is only the beginning. This television also features an advanced a7 Gen5 AI processor, as well as technologies such as Nvidia G-Sync, FreeSync Premium and VRR for smooth gameplay, plus a game optimizer and 120Hz refresh rate. You can also use your voice to control your TV and connected devices with built-in support for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay, HomeKit and more.
LG
This 55-inch model of the LG A1 is a great size for most living rooms, and the built-in Alexa makes it a great hub for your smart home in addition to all the excellent gaming and cinematic features included, like its a7 Gen 4 AI processor and built-in game optimizer.
LG
The Gallery design leaves no gap when you hang this TV on the wall. It also features LG's Brightness Booster Max, which works with the a9 Gen5 AI processor 4K to improve the OLED performance of the TV, giving you lifelike graphics and vivid colors. With Filmmaker mode, featuring Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos, you can get a cinematic experience at home. And with Nvidia G-Sync, FreeSync Premium and VRR, along with the LG game optimizer, you can be sure your TV will keep up with the action. This TV also comes with a wall mount and a Magic Remote.
Vizio
This OLED TV offers a borderless screen with a pencil-thin profile and wide viewing angles. It also features 8 million self-illuminating pixels to provide the contrast and clarity one would expect from an OLED screen, and Dolby Vision HDR. Plus, it supports 120Hz and a ProGaming Engine to automatically optimize gameplay and support smoother graphics, faster response and better 4K HDR picture quality, as well as low input lag and tear for stutter-free gaming.
Samsung
This TV features over 8.3 million self-illuminating pixels and 4K upscaling for non-4K content. It also has a super-slim profile with minimal bezels and comes equipped with Dolby Atmos for great sound quality and even provides access to a gaming hub that can stream Xbox games without a console. The Motion Xcelerator Turbo Plus reduces lag and blur and keeps everything crisp up to 4K at 120Hz. There is even an Eye Comfort Mode that will adapt your display to reduce blue light during certain times of day.
If you've never flown a drone before, you've got lots of fun in store. Learning how to fly a drone is an exhilarating experience. But it's even more fun when you can use a drone camera to take beautiful videos and photos from the sky. The best drone cameras can bring you views that you'd never be able to shoot from the ground, which will wow your family, friends and TikTok fans. And these days, you can get a great drone with a camera for less than $500.
There are plenty of affordable options for drone owners that offer various combinations of features, video quality and prices to suit every drone enthusiast. So, whether you're looking to get into drone photography or just want to enjoy the thrill of the flight, we've got some recommendations. Here are the best drones for both beginner and intermediate drones.
We've outlined our top picks for the best drones for beginners, intermediate users and "prosumer" enthusiasts, as well as an introductory drone for folks interested in racing, which is a whole scene unto itself. We'll update this list periodically. We've also included a more in-depth buying guide and FAQ on the best drones below, with more information about the key things to consider before you buy.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
With its large 1-inch image sensor, the DJI Air 2S is able to take great-looking photos and videos from the sky. It'll shoot video at up to 5.4k resolution, while still images can be taken in DNG raw format at up to 20 megapixels. The drone has a variety of intelligent flight modes too that makes it particularly easy to capture cinematic footage even when you're out hiking by yourself, including a mode that follows you as you walk through the hills and a mode that automatically circles a point of interest.
One thing it doesn't do is flip the camera over to let you shoot in portrait orientation. That's a shame, as it means that capturing vertical video for TikTok or Instagram Reels is more difficult as you'll need to crop your video down the middle, losing a lot of resolution in the process. If that's a priority for you, look towards DJI's Mini 3 Pro.
It's as easy to fly as others in the DJI range and it has a range of obstacle sensors to help keep it in the air and avoid it plouwing headlong into a tree or a wall. Its maximum flight time of up to 31 minutes is solid for a drone of this size but it can be bought with a bundle of extra batteries for those of you that want to capture more footage from the sky.
Its folding design makes it quite easy to fit into a photography backpack, but it's physically larger and heavier than DJI's 'Mini' range, so keep that in mind if you're after the lightest model to take on your travels. But its combination of flight time, automated flying modes and excellent image quality make it a superb all-rounder that's well worth considering.
Read our DJI Air 2S review.
Joshua Goldman/CNET
The DJI Mini may have launched back in 2020, but it's still available to buy today and it's still a superb option for those of you looking to take your first steps into the world of aerial photography. Its compact, folding size means it's super easy to chuck in a bag and carry anywhere while its 249g weight means you don't need to register it with the FAA (in the US).
It uses the same control scheme as other DJI drones, which we've found to be easy for beginners learning the ropes while allowing more advanced flyers the flexibility to test their skills. It can fly for up to 31 minutes on a single charge and has a flying range of up to 6.2 miles (10 kilometers).
Its small camera unit is stabilized for smoother footage and it can shoot video at 4K at up to 30 frames per second. Still images are captured at 12 megapixels.
One of the reasons that the foldable drone is so light is that it has no sensors for obstacle avoidance. That means there will be a learning curve and potentially some crashing. So while it is an affordable beginner options, those of you with no existing flying skills should start out practicing in wide-open spaces until you get the hang of things. Once you do get more confident, the Mini 2 is stable, nimble, safe to fly and quieter than other DJI models.
Read our DJI Mini 2 review.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
While DJI's Air 2s and Mavic 3 offer superb image quality from the air, they lack the ability to flip the camera over and shoot video and photos in portrait orientation. As a result, those of you wanting to use your footage for your TikTok page or Instagram Reels will need to crop the video right down the middle, losing a lot of resolution in the process and making it harder to compose your shots when you're out on location.
The Mini 3 Pro has no such problem, as with a simple tap of an on-screen button its camera flips over into portrait orientation, allowing you to capture social content using the full view and maximum 4K resolution of the sensor. Videos can be shot at up to 60 frames per second, while still images can be captured in DNG at an impressive 48 megapixels.
Its folding design allows it to shrink down to something little bigger than a standard can of coke but it still packs a variety of sensors that help stop you crashing it into trees. Keep in mind though that its tiny size and 249g weight does mean that it's susceptible to strong winds and in blustery conditions will have to fight harder to remain airborne -- reducing your flight times.
Read our DJI Mini 3 Pro review.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
If you've been on Instagram or TikTok recently then you'll almost certainly have seen exhilarating videos of similar FPV drones flying through bowling alleys, factories or doing other incredible aerial maneuvers. To achieve that, FPV pilots wear headsets that let them see through the eyes of the drone, navigating those twisting turns and zooming through tight gaps as if they're behind the controls and up in the air.
And that's exactly how you'll fly the Avata; with a set of DJI FPV goggles that give you a view directly from the drone's perspective. It's an exhilarating way of flying as it really feels like you're up in the air controlling the drone from behind a steering wheel. It's a more extreme way of flying than you'll get from more typical drones like the Air 2S, with more instant controls and faster speeds.
The upside is that you get fast and exciting footage of your drone speeding through forests or through impossibly-small obstacles which you simply can't achieve with other drones on this list. The downside is that the first-person perspective can make you quite nauseous, particularly if you suffer at all from motion sickness. I found I could manage 5-10 minutes of flying at a time before needing an extended break.
The nature of wearing the goggles also means you're unable to see around you -- which makes it more difficult to spot any incoming dangers, such as rescue helicopters. As such, you're legally obliged in many areas (including the UK) to have a spotter next to you keeping an eye out on your behalf as you race your drone around the sky.
The Avata is smaller and lighter than DJI's first FPV drone and has built-in guards around its propellers which allow it to bump into walls, trees or other obstacles without necessarily being taken out of the air.
Its 4K, 60 frames-per-second video looks great and it's easy to fly using the DJI Motion Controller, which lets you simply maneuver the drone based on your hand movements. You'll see a crosshair in your view that moves around when you move the controller -- wherever you point the crosshair, the drone will follow. It's a simple 'point-and-click' way of flying that I really enjoyed.
Read our DJI Avata review.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The DJI Mavic 3's relatively high starting price of $2,000 makes it significantly more expensive than others on this list, but if you're a professional or enthusiastic photographer wanting superb photos and videos from the sky then it's an investment that might be worth making.
The Mavic 3 packs a 4/3rd-size image sensor which is physically larger than any other image sensor you'll get from other drones on this page. That bigger sensor allows it to capture more light and offer better dynamic range. As a result, its 5.1k video looks superb, with tons of detail for cropping into and excellent exposures, even in high-contrast scenarios.
It's got sensors all-round too, keeping it safe from smashing into obstacles, while its huge 46-minute maximum flight time is better than almost any other drone around. It folds down to the size of a large camera lens, so it's relatively easy to get into a photography backpack, but those of you wanting a tiny drone for travelling should still look to the DJI Mini 3 Pro.
Read our DJI Mavic 3 review.
Drew Evans/CNET
The DJI FPV was the company's original first-person drone, offering a beginner-friendly entrance into the exhilarating world of FPV drone flying. We loved its lighting-fast 97mph top speed and its solid 4K video quality. And while the DJI FPV has been somewhat usurped by the new DJI Avata which is smaller, lighter and safer (thanks to built-in propeller guards), the original DJI FPV is still worth considering.
That's largely down to its price, which is now around $1,000 for a full kit with everything you need to fly, from the drone itself, to the controller and the original FPV headset. The DJI Avata comes in at $1,170 for the similar 'Fly Smart' combo which I personally think is worth paying (as it includes the motion controller which makes FPV flying much easier) but if you want an FPV experience at the lowest cost then the cheaper DJI FPV might be the better option.
Emax
Though mainstream drones like the DJI Mini can fly fast, racing drones fly even faster, capable of hitting speeds above 100 mph. They're also much more agile, built for acrobatic maneuvers with you at a set of manual controls. That means there's a learning curve that usually involves some crashes.
Getting started will be neither quick nor easy, but for a racing drone, the Emax Tinyhawk 2 keeps things relatively simple. You'll still need to learn how to pilot the thing, but the process will be less expensive and less frustrating than other entry-level systems. For one thing, you don't need to worry about getting all of the individual pieces to work together -- or soldering anything, which is required for many DIY models.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do drones cost?
The prices for drones varies depending on what kind of features you want or the quality you need from the camera. As with most areas of tech, price lines up with performance, with the more expensive models offering higher-resolution video with bigger image sensors and longer flight times.
DJI's range currently starts at only $450 for the Mini 2, which offers decent 4K video and strong flight times but lacks obstacle sensors or any kind of intelligent flight modes. At the higher end, the DJI Mavic 3 shoots 5.1k video with a large image sensor for pristine quality, its 40-minute flight times are class-leading and its range of obstacle sensors means it can fly autonomously to capture cinematic footage of you with minimal effort. At $2,000 though, you pay a lot for these kinds of features.
How far can drones fly?
Many drones in DJI's range can fly in huge areas, with the Mavic 3 being able to fly up to 9.3 miles (15km) away from you. That's in ideal conditions however, and sometimes you may find you get interference from other sources and the drone will advise a closer proximity.
Keep in mind too that while the drone may technically be able to fly a long way away, your local laws may not be so forgiving. In the UK, for example, your drone always has to remain in eyesight of the pilot, and the small size of these drones means they're likely going to be impossible to see once they get too far away.
How fast can drones fly?
The top speed of drones varies depending on their use for the most part. More typical camera-focused drones like the Mini 3 Pro can achieve up to 37 mph in its fastest "sport" mode, while the DJI FPV can hit a whopping 97 mph. FPV drones are designed for faster, more extreme flights so you'll typically find these drones have much higher top speeds. Some drones designed for racing can even achieve speeds of 170 mph.
What's the best DJI drone?
"Best" is of course a subjective word and what might suit your needs most may not suit someone else. If you're looking for the best image quality for beautiful landscape images, the big sensor of the DJI Mavic 3 is the one for you. Looking for the best small drone for travelling? The Mini 3 Pro's tiny design will suit you well.
If you want a generally solid all-round drone then look towards the DJI Air 2S. Its combination of travel-friendly size, excellent image quality and decent flight times means it ticks most boxes and could be the best drone for most people.
Which drones shoot vertical video for TikTok and Instagram?
While you may have seen lots of vertical videos from drones on your TikTok or Instagram feeds, the reality is that very few drones can actually shoot this video natively. Even camera-focused drones like the DJI Mavic 3 can't shoot video in portrait orientation, so drone users will have to crop their footage down the middle before uploading it to their social accounts.
The recent DJI Mini 3 Pro is one of the few drones currently able to flip its camera over and shoot vertically. It means you can take advantage of the full 4K resolution of the sensor, and have a much easier time in composing your shots as you don't need to imagine what it would like after the crop -- what you see as you fly is what you'll post to TikTok later.
How do you connect a drone camera to a phone?
Most drones -- including most of the DJI models featured here -- require you to connect your phone at some stage to act as the viewfinder and control screen for the drone. Usually that'll involve you connecting the phone physically to the controller using either a Lightning cable (for iPhones) or a USB-C cable (for Android phones) and using apps like DJI FLY. The controller then connects to the drone, showing the feed from your drone's camera right on your phone screen.
Which drones are waterproof?
In short, almost none of them. Complete waterproofing is tricky for drones as the propellers need to be able to generate downforce (so can't be fully enclosed) and short of fitting wiper blades from a car, the camera will always be susceptible to raindrops. None of the drones on this list are sold with any kind of "waterproof" promise and while you can certainly get away with flying in a few spots of rain -- or even through clouds -- if it really starts to pour then you should land immediately.
How we test drones
Like all products on CNET, any items that feature on our best lists are tested by us to make sure that they perform as well as the manufacturers claim. Nothing is taken at face value and nothing is recommended to buy based on marketing promises or specs alone. If they don't perform, they simply don't make the list.
For drones, we take them out of the city to a safe flying spot. We set them up and connect them to the controllers and our phones, just as you would. We then send them into the sky, checking out how easy they are to fly, how responsive they are and whether there are any issues with signal transmissions or physical problems such as obstacle avoidance not working properly.
We test the flight times and battery capacity in different conditions. Most manufacturer's claims of battery life are done under perfect, wind-free conditions which isn't realistic for most of us. As such, we fly them in real-world scenarios and give an indication of what actual battery life you can expect.
And we of course shoot plenty of videos and photos, looking at the image quality, at the colors and the contrast. We pay attention to the dynamic range as this will determine how well a drone can balance a bright blue sky against the darker ground. If a drone offers DNG raw photos, we use this too, and we see how well the images can be artistically edited in software like Adobe Lightroom.
Things to consider before you buy a drone
New to the world of modern drones? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here's a quick overview of what any beginner needs to know to find the best drones for their money.
The price of the drone is only the beginning
Depending on the aircraft, extra batteries can run you from $5 for toys to more than $100 each for camera drones.
Joshua Goldman/CNET
You're going to want a couple extra batteries, some spare propellers, maybe some prop guards and perhaps a quick charger, so you're not waiting hours to fly again. You're more than likely going to crash, which could lead to repair costs -- either for replacement parts or shipping it back to the manufacturer for repairs. (This is exactly why DJI offers crash insurance for new drones.)
Before you buy a drone, it's worth spending a little time researching the price and availability of replacement parts, batteries and other accessories. And be cautious of third-party parts -- especially batteries and chargers -- which may be inferior to those made by the drone manufacturer.
Everyone will assume you're invading their privacy
When you're out flying in a public space, or even in your own backyard, anyone who sees you doing it will think you're spying on them or someone else. You could be standing in the middle of a 20-acre field with no one in sight and your drone no more than 50 feet directly overhead and you might end up answering questions about being a peeping Tom. It's happened to us. Repeatedly.
And along those same lines....
Everyone but you thinks they're dangerous
It doesn't matter if you're the safest drone pilot around or that you could do more damage hitting someone with a baseball than a drone -- onlookers may feel threatened. After all, nothing about plastic blades spinning at high speeds screams "safety."
Parrot's Bebop 2 has some nice safety features including propellers that stop instantly if they hit anything.
Joshua Goldman/CNET
As such, US-based pilots may benefit from an Academy of Model Aeronautics membership. Along with a whole host of benefits including access to AMA-member flying sites, the $75 annual membership protects you with $2,500,000 of comprehensive general liability insurance as well as $25,000 in accident or medical coverage, $10,000 maximum accidental death coverage and $1,000 fire, theft and vandalism coverage.
Finding places to fly can be a challenge
In population-dense places like cities and metropolitan areas, it can be difficult to find places to safely and legally fly. US national parks are off-limits. Regulations differ among state, county and municipal parks. And then there are the no-fly zones, which puts many metropolitan areas out of bounds as well as just dangerous, because of buildings, people and cars.
Before you buy a drone -- even a toy one, if you plan to fly outside -- you'll want to visit AirMap or download the FAA's B4UFly app to check for no-fly zones. These don't cover state or local ordinances, though, so you'll need to do additional research on your chosen environs before you fly.
The EU and UK's drone rules are based mostly on how heavy a drone weighs and no longer differentiate between people flying for fun, or people flying for professional purposes. Europeans among you with new drones should make sure to fully familiarize yourself with the 2022 drone regulations and ensure both you and your drones are registered before taking flight.
Any remote control aircraft except 'toys' need an FAA registration in the US
Screenshot by Sean Hollister/CNET
The US Federal Aviation Administration is requiring anyone who wants to fly an unmanned aerial vehicle that weighs between 0.55-pound (250 grams) and 55 pounds (approximately 25 kilograms) for recreation or hobby to register with the agency. Civil penalties for not registering such an unmanned aircraft may include fines up to $27,500. Criminal penalties may include fines up to $250,000, imprisonment for up to three years or both.
Most sub-$100 UAS drones fall under this weight. A kitchen or postal scale can be used to weigh your drone or you can check with the manufacturer. Also, this applies to both store-bought and homemade aircraft.
The registration cost is $5 and it can all be done online in a matter of minutes. You don't have to register each aircraft you own -- just yourself; you'll be given a number to attach to what you're flying. That's it. Essentially, it's the FAA's way of getting you to agree that you've read its safety guidelines including staying more than five miles away from airports and below 400 feet.
The UK has its own registration requirements. Essentially, owners of drones that weigh more than 250 grams must register as a drone operator, which costs £9 annually. And pilots of drones that weigh more than 250 grams must pass a free online education course every three years. Australia has promised that new rules are "on their way," but for now there are no official requirements.
This story is part of Gift Guide, our year-round collection of the best gift ideas.
Mother's Day, May 8, is this weekend. Here at CNET, we know that giving the moms in your life a memorable, special day doesn't require you to spend a ton of money. That's why we've selected gifts that are both thoughtful and affordable for your last-minute shopping.
We've rounded up a list of gifts that will show Mom just how much you appreciate her without breaking the bank. If she's always on the go, get her the perfect travel mug that will keep her morning coffee piping hot. If she loves to get crafty, consider an Etsy gift card. If she needs some relaxation and self-care, pamper her with a spa-like gift. And don't forget the value of spending quality time together -- make memories by watching a movie, going for a nature walk or even staying in and making a nice dinner.
Read more: 18 Awesome Mother's Day Gifts for New Moms
You don't have to drop a ton of cash to make her feel special. Check out our list of budget-friendly and thoughtful Mother's Day gifts below.
Etsy
Etsy is a one-stop shop for everything from high-end jewelry to art from creators around the world. This Etsy gift card is fantastic because not only does it eliminate the guessing game of the ideal gift, but it's also great for the crafty mom who prefers to buy something handcrafted. The value of this gift card ranges from $25 to $250.
Amazon
Is your coworker an iced coffee connoisseur? To satisfy their iced coffee craving, they can instantly lower the temperature of their drinks with this HyperChiller. CNET's David Watsky gave this HyperChiller a glowing review because of it's ability to bring down hot drinks temperature in a matter of minutes, and it even chills warm wine effectively too.
Spongelle
From body buffers to foot care, Spongelle is a great stop for body care. I've personally tested Spongelle's body buffers and continue to buy them to this day. Not only do they smell wonderful, but it's nice to have a four-in-one product: loofah, exfoliation tool, cleanser and moisturizer. Once the infused body wash is gone, your mom can toss it right out. Prices start at $16 for a buffer that will last mom at least 14 washes.
Sephora
Does your mother love makeup, skin care and all things beauty? If so, then she'll enjoy a Sephora gift card. These start at $10 and go up to $250 all so you can help Mom get an array of beauty products from top brands that she will adore. Word of advice: You might want to add a little more than $10 on the gift card because Sephora can be pricey. I'd suggest starting at $25 and go from there.
TheraBox
TheraBox is known for its subscriptions, but did you know you can also grab a one-off beauty and wellness box like this self-care Reset Box? This fabulous box features a toner, facial exfoliator, a refreshing eye mask and more. Basically, this is a $55 spa in a box that makes it easier for your mom to have a cozy night in without having to leave home.
Amazon
If your mom is in need of a little stress relief, there's nothing like adding a bit of aromatherapy to her shower for a relaxing start to her day. These ZenTyme shower steamers come in six scents: lavender, rose, jasmine, mint, lemongrass and orange. All your mom has to do is drop one of these near the shower stream (not directly under it because it will dissolve too quickly) and breathe in to let the stress just melt away. These shower steamers are septic-safe and non-slip.
Yeti
Say goodbye to the cringey "best mom" mug and hello to the Yeti Rambler Mug. For about $30, you can get your mother a travel mug that will keep her hot drinks warm while also keeping cold drinks cold. This stainless-steel mug holds 24 ounces, is dishwasher-safe, and comes in multiple colors. This is a great choice for a mom on the go.
Amazon
When it comes to streaming devices, Roku is our favorite brand out there. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus is the latest edition to the Roku family, and it has everything your mom will need to stream her favorite TV shows and movies. It also features Dolby Vision support and a simple layout that makes finding what your mom wants as simple as possible. And with the addition of music and podcasts searches via voice control, the power your mom will have to watch and listen to anything is even easier.
Amazon
Tile trackers are a great gift for the mom who forgets her keys. This tile tracker is a practical and affordable way to keep everything in place. It's compatible with iOS and Android, water-resistant just in case it gets a little wet, and it can be used for just about anything you can hook it to within a range of 250 feet. Mom won't have to worry about losing anything again.
