At a Glance
- DJI banned from US sales effective December 23, 2025.
- DJI Mini 5 Pro offers 4K 120fps and 50MP stills but is unavailable in the US.
- Alternatives like Potensic Atom 2 and Antigravity A1 provide comparable performance at lower prices.
- Why it matters: US consumers lose access to the best drones, forcing them to choose less capable options.
The latest regulatory action has shut the door on DJI’s entire lineup in the United States, from drones to gimbals and microphones. The ban, which took effect on December 23, 2025, leaves many hobbyists and pros without the high-performance machines they once relied on.
DJI Ban Details
DJI’s products are now on the Federal Communications Commission’s “Covered List,” effectively prohibiting new releases in the US. Existing drones will keep working, but future software updates and new product availability are uncertain. The ban covers every DJI item, not just drones.
Best Drones for Every Budget
The following models represent the top options for different price points, all still available in the US.
| Drone | Price | Camera | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Mini 5 Pro | Not listed | 1-inch sensor, 4K 120fps, 50MP | Not listed |
| Potensic Atom 2 | $360 | 1/2-inch Sony, 48MP, 4K HDR 30fps | 32 min |
| Antigravity A1 | $1,599 | 8K 30fps 360° | <250g |
| DJI Neo 2 | £209 | 12MP, 4K 60fps | 10 min |
| DJI Air 3S | Not listed | 50MP 1-inch, 48MP 1/1.3, 10-bit 4K 60fps | 45 min |
| DJI Avata 2 | Not listed | 4K 60fps, 2.7K 120fps | Not listed |
| HoverAir X1 ProMax | Not listed | 8K, 48MP | 16 min |
| DJI Mavic 4 Pro | Not listed | 100MP, 6K 60fps | Not listed |
| DJI Mini 4 Pro | Not listed | 48MP 1/1.3, 4K 60fps, 100fps slow | 34 min |
| Propel Star Wars X-Wing | $130 | Not listed | Not listed |
Key Features by Category
- High-End: DJI Air 3S and DJI Mavic 4 Pro deliver 10-bit 4K and 6K video, 50MP and 100MP sensors, and long flight times.
- Mid-Range: Potensic Atom 2 and DJI Neo 2 offer solid 4K video, 48MP sensors, and 32-minute and 10-minute flight times respectively.
- Specialty: Antigravity A1 provides immersive 8K 360° footage, while DJI Avata 2 offers an FPV experience with 4K/60fps.
- Budget: HoverAir X1 ProMax and Propel Star Wars X-Wing cater to casual users and fans, with 8K and battle-mode features.
Legal and Access Considerations
Flying drones over 250 grams triggers stricter regulations. US pilots must register, pass exams, and label their drones. Sub-250-gram models like the Antigravity A1 fall into a lighter regulatory category, easing compliance.
Key Takeaways
- DJI’s ban on December 23, 2025 removes the best drones from the US market.
- Alternatives such as Potensic Atom 2 and Antigravity A1 offer comparable performance for a fraction of the price.
- New drone buyers should review local regulations and consider sub-250-gram options to avoid extra paperwork.
The ban reshapes the US drone landscape, pushing consumers toward less expensive or niche models while keeping the core technology available through other manufacturers.
