Are you a drone enthusiast? You’ve probably heard of popular drone models like the DJI Mavic Pro.
The DJI can help hobby photographers. It can also help professional surveyors and search and rescue operators.
It is popular with many drone pilots for its reliable, premium performance.
Although DJI is the largest drone manufacturer in the world, it is based in Shenzhen, China. It is not an American company.
US regulations and government agency requirements have caused a growing demand in the drone industry. The demand is for American-made drones.
It can be tricky to find American-made drones. Products labeled “made in the USA” incorporate components from global sources.
We’ve done the research to save you some time. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best American-made drones available today.
What Counts as an American-Made Drone?
An American-made drone is designed, manufactured, and assembled in the United States. This includes the drone’s hardware and software. It also includes key parts like motors and controllers.
But, many drone products labeled as “made in America” contain foreign parts.
This is because electronics manufacturing is a global industry. There isn’t much domestic manufacturing in the US.
Despite this, some American drone companies manufacture everything in the US. They tend to be more expensive than foreign alternatives.
To earn the label “made in the USA,” companies must design and assemble at least part of the product within the U.S.
How We Chose the American Drones on This List
We researched many American-made drones and drone companies. We did this to find the best drones available in 2024.
We considered several factors when reviewing the state of the drone market:
Build Quality: High-quality, durable materials used in construction
Performance: Long flight time and range, and high speed and stability
Technology: Features like GPS, camera quality, obstacle avoidance, and autonomous capabilities
User Reviews: Feedback from actual users and industry experts
Company Reputation: The reliability and innovation of the manufacturers
Customer Support: Availability and quality of customer service and warranty
NDAA Compliance: US regulations for cybersecurity, clearance to be used safely in the United States
Why trust our opinion? Our team consists of experienced drone pilots, tech enthusiasts, and industry analysts.
We’ve spent countless hours testing and reviewing commercial drones. We also attend industry expos. We stay up-to-date with the latest drone advancements. Our passion for the technology ensures our recommendations are informed and trustworthy.
The Best American Drone Companies
Several US-based drone companies are now leading the way in commercial drone innovation.
These companies produce high-quality drones. They also contribute to innovation and advancements in drone technology and applications.
Some of the most popular American drone manufacturers in 2024 include:
Skydio
Many drone enthusiasts consider Skydio to be a clear front-runner in American drones. Skydio is one of the best-known American drone manufacturers.
Founding: Skydio was founded in 2014 by early pioneers of autonomous drone technology
Location: Headquartered in San Mateo, California
Specialties: The company manufactures drones primarily for use by the military for battlefield situational awareness, by first responders for public safety, and by energy and utility companies for safety inspections
Best Features: Their drones use cutting-edge technology, are well-built, and are highly reliable
Most Popular Model: Skydio 2+
AeroVironment
AeroVironment is another frontrunner of American-made drones. AeroVironment is an American defense contractor.
Founding: The company was founded by an aircraft designer in 1971
Location: Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia
Specialty: Military and industrial drones manufactured in the US
Most Popular Model: Quantix Recon
Teal Drones
Teal Drones is a powerhouse in American drones.
They strive to create more than just “flying cameras.” Instead, Teal strives to transform America’s sUAS industrial base and compete on a global scale.
Founding: Teal Drones was founded in 2014
Location: They are headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah
Specialty: They claim to have built the first mass-produced commercial drone made entirely in the US with DoD-compliant components
Most Popular Model: Teal 2
Freefly Systems
Freefly Systems are popular with photographers and cinematographers. They make fantastic camera drones for aerial cinematography.
Founding: Freefly Systems was founded in 2011
Location: Headquartered in Woodinville, Washington
Specialty: The design and manufacturing of camera movement systems and camera stabilizers
Most Popular Model: Astro
Parrot ANAFI USA
Parrot ANAFI USA is a subdivision of the French company, Parrot.
All Parrot ANAFI USA products are designed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA. They partner with NEOTech. It is an electronics manufacturing services provider for the aerospace and defense industry.
Founding: The USA division was founded in 2020.
Location: NEOTech is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts
Specialty: Government agency partnerships and enterprise drone solutions
As of 2024, Parrot ANAFI USA has discontinued its line of consumer-level commercial drones.
Inspired Flight
Inspired Flight is very popular among American drone pilots.
Founding: The company was founded in 2017
Location: They are based in San Luis Obispo, CA
Specialty: Military and commercial drone applications
Best Features: They are NDAA Compliant and Blue sUAS approved. This makes them high-quality, reliable, and adaptable for many uses.
Most Popular Models: The IF800 Tomcat and the IF1200
3DR
According to their website, 3DR drones are designed, manufactured, and assembled in California. That makes their product completely made in the USA.
Founding: 3DR was originally founded in 2014
Location: They are headquartered in Berkeley, CA
Specialty: Professional-grade drones for mapping and surveying with autopilot, telemetry, and GPS
Best Features: They use open-source and open hardware-based autopilots
Most Popular Model: 3DR Solo
The drone company was founded in 2014. However, it was sold in 2023. The company no longer provides support or warranty for any products sold before 2023.
Draganfly Innovations
Draganfly Innovations is another long-time player in the US autonomous vehicle market.
They released the first commercialized quadrotor UAV in 1999. They released the first multirotor UAV with an integrated camera system in 2001.
Today, the Draganflyer X6 is used by several police departments in the US.
Founding: Draganfly Innovations was founded in 1998
Location: US and Canada
Specialty: Their drones are fully customizable to best suit any need
Most Popular Model: the Draganflyer X6 and the Draganflyer Commander2
However, the company operates in the US and Canada, so they are not strictly made in the US.
The Best American Made Drones
Here is our list of 12 of the best American-made drones on the market in 2024. We did a comprehensive analysis of the drone industry to pick these drones.
All these drones are marketed as made in the USA. Please note not all of these drones are NDAA-compliant or on the Blue UAS-cleared list.
This is not a fully comprehensive list of all drones made in the USA. We selected them for their high-quality construction, ease of use, top performance, and selection of innovative features.
Skydio 2+
The Skydio 2+ by Skydio is a top choice for both recreational and professional use.
It is a compact autonomous drone with excellent 360-degree obstacle avoidance technology. It can easily navigate tight spaces. It can fly efficiently, even in GPS-limited environments.
This is a great drone for photography. It is equipped with a 4k 60 HDR video / 12 MP photo camera.
The Skydio 2+ has a battery life of 26 minutes, a top speed of 36 mph, and a maximum range of up to 6 km.
The Skydio 2+’s cutting-edge technology makes it a great camera drone. It is one of the most advanced (and favorite!) American-made drones on the market.
AeroVironment Quantix Recon
The Quantix™ Recon by AeroVironment is an easy-to-use drone. It provides high-resolution, georeferenced aerial images and maps directly on the operating tablet.
It outperforms most other commercial quadcopters in range and efficiency.
Its maximum flight time is 45 minutes, and its maximum range is 40 km (20 km round-trip).
It can cover a mission area of 3.24 km2.
Teal 2
The Teal 2 by Teal Drones is Blue UAS certified by the DoD.
It is equipped with advanced thermal imaging technology. It is optimized for nighttime operations and applications like military or search-and-rescue operations. It also has applications in firefighting operations, public safety, and commercial uses.
Its data is fully encrypted. This keeps your information confidential and secure from unauthorized users.
The Teal 2 can fly for 30+ minutes at a top speed of 23 mph. It has a maximum range of 3.1 miles and a battery life of up to six hours. It can operate in a temperature range of -32 to 110 degrees F.
3DR Solo
The 3DR Solo was discontinued and is no longer supported by 3DR after the company was sold in 2023.
However, this drone is still a fan favorite for many enthusiasts. This is because it has unbeatable reliability and powerful advanced features. This American drone is a good option for photographers and hobbyists.
If you can find a lightly used one, there are workarounds. You can use resources online to update its batteries, software, and GPS.
Some of the best features include:
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Autonomous flight modes
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Gimbal-stabilized camera system
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Compatibility with GoPro cameras
With a flight time of 20 minutes and a range of 0.5 miles, it’s well-suited for aerial photography and videography.
Draganflyer Commander 2
The Draganflyer Commander2 is a versatile, high-endurance drone. It features an innovative, foldable carbon fiber frame. It also has interchangeable payloads, automated flight options, and other advanced features.
It is great for use in agriculture, public safety, 3D modeling, and aerial photography.
The coolest thing about the Draganflyer Commander 2 is it is highly customizable. You can work with the company to build a custom drone that fits your specific needs. If you don’t need customization, you can also buy it as a robust turnkey drone solution.
No other drone companies offer such comprehensive customization options.
However, Draganflyer is a Canadian company, so its drones are North American-made. Only some products are American-made. They are not Blue UAS cleared and not suited for government agencies.
IF800 Tomcat
The Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat is a Medium-Lift UAS. It is great for applications like high-resolution aerial photogrammetry. It is also good for surveying. It is also good for search and rescue, public safety, and infrastructure inspections.
The IF800 Tomcat’s maximum flight time is 54 minutes and its maximum speed is 49 mph. It can support payloads up to 6.6 pounds and has great flight stability, as it can resist wind gusts up to 23 knots.
It is a dependable, adaptable, and easy-to-use drone model for professionals.
One of the best things is that Inspired Flight offers excellent customer service. They provide high-quality customer care and drone pilot training to customers. There is a reason they are a favorite American drone company among professionals!
IF1200
Inspired Flight also offers the IF1200. It is a Heavy-Lift UAS. It is well-suited for tough tasks, like powerline inspections and precise LiDAR mapping. It also excels at aerial photogrammetry and rapid emergency response. It is great for government tasks and more.
The IF 1200 is a great drone. It’s perfect for industries like national defense, public safety, surveying, mapping, and inspections.
Its flight time is shorter than that of the IF800, at just 43 minutes.
However, it can carry heavy payloads of over 19 pounds and travel at a maximum speed of 63 mph. Like the IF800, it has great flight stability and can resist wind gusts up to 23 knots.
The company also provides great customer care, support, and training.
Alta X
The Alta X by Freefly Systems is an “industrial workhorse.” It is designed for industrial drone pilots. It might be one of the coolest American drones on this list.
The Alta’s design uses large, efficient props and provides crisp control and precision.
It has a max flight time of over 41 minutes.
Its innovative design allows it to fold into itself. When not in use, it can fold into half its full size at the push of a button.
The Alta X is also designed to have only 1/5 the average vibration level when in flight. The reduced vibration helps reduce fatigue on the components and motor bearings. This increases the lifetime and durability of the drone.
The design also reduces payload vibration. This enables better-quality data collection and improved footage quality when using the camera.
The reduced vibrations are a key feature of the Alta X.
Astro
The Astro by FreeFly Systems is another fan favorite among American drone enthusiasts.
Key features include:
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28-minute flight time
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61 MP Sony LR1 camera
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A steady built-in camera gimbal
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High-quality thermal imaging
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Advanced flight controls, including obstacle avoidance
The Astro also has some of the largest props available on the market. With impressive 21-inch props used on a 14-inch drone body, this model has great flight control.
It is one of the most stable drones available on the market. With long flight times, precise control, and minimized noise, it is a fan favorite on this list.
Parrot ANAFI USA
Parrot is one of the newest American drone companies to hit the scene.
Their American-made drones are designed for the U.S. Army and Enterprise solutions.
They offer a government model and a military model.
Their drones include amazing features. For example, their cameras feature an impressive 32x camera zoom. They also have thermal cameras that work accurately at an altitude of up to 131 feet.
These drones offer robust data encryption. They are Blue sUAS program-approved and are NDAA and TAA compliant.
However, Parrot ANAFI is a newer company and has some issues to work through. Some users report issues with inconsistent control and reliability with this drone manufacturer.
WISPR SkyScout
The SkyScout by WISPR is a quality American-made industrial drone. It’s a great solution for mapping. It’s also good for surveying, construction, public safety, and powerline inspection.
It is highly customizable and designed to handle hefty payloads on the job site.
The SkyScout is made of all carbon fiber, making it lightweight, strong, robust, and durable. It can carry payloads up to 7 pounds.
It features advanced safety technology. For example, its shielding technology is innovative. It protects the drone against EMI when flying near powerlines.
It works in extreme hot and cold temperatures.
It also features excellent obstacle avoidance technology.
Their remote control system is very popular, offering an unparalleled flight experience.
Piloting the SkyScout is easy for both beginners and professionals. It features advanced navigation tools, real-time data analytics, and user-friendly interfaces.
Headquartered in Mississippi, WISPR drones are proudly designed and made in the USA.
BRINC Lemur 2
The Lemur 2 by BRINC is popular among police forces and public safety professionals.
The company was founded in response to the tragic 2017 Las Vegas Shooting. BRINC focuses on drone technologies that de-escalate emergency situations and help save lives.
They are used in nonviolent manners to respond to emergency situations. For example, Hazmat response, search and rescue, bomb squads, hostage rescue, and more.
Advanced obstacle awareness technology enables the drone to navigate complicated indoor environments.
They are equipped with 4K cameras for daylight and nighttime vision. They also have thermal sensors, two-way communication, video live-streaming, and glass-breaking capabilities.
They have a payload capacity of up to 1 pound. Features like the multi-purpose dropper arm help with quick and successful emergency response.
The Lemur 2 is NDAA-compliant and made in the USA.
This drone model might not be the top choice for hobbyists and photographers. However, it is an innovative model. Consider it when evaluating the best American-made drones in 2024.
The Importance of American-Made Drones
Some consumers might not care about the manufacturing location of their drones. Yet, there are many benefits to American-made drones over foreign-manufactured drones.
First, American-made drones are essential for protecting sensitive information from foreign espionage. They also resist interference. This makes them good for public safety. Also, for national security, government contracts, and military missions.
NDAA compliance and Blue UAS approval keep sensitive data in the US. These certifications follow strict regulatory standards.
American-made drones play a crucial role in enhancing national security. That is why many government agencies require their use.
Furthermore, American-made drones support local economies. Supporting American drone manufacturers helps create jobs.
The companies developing them also drive technological innovation within the United States. They are fostering advancements in drone technology that can benefit the country.
Foreign Made Vs American Made Drones
Foreign-made drones like DJI dominate the market. However, American drones offer several advantages over their foreign counterparts.
First, drone companies in the United States provide better customer support. They are easier to get in touch with when you need to troubleshoot any product issues.
American drone companies must adhere to strict data security protocols. This means their products have increased safety and security.
Lastly, these companies provide American jobs. They drive forward American innovation and contribute to the local economy.
Foreign drone companies used to dominate the market. But, American drone companies are changing that. These companies have led to many technological innovations. This means American drone manufacturers are more competitive in today’s drone market.
Some industries even require their projects and contracts to use only Blue UAS-cleared American-made drones. This is to ensure data encryption and protect national security and privacy.
Regardless, foreign drones are still popular because they are more affordable. Since there are so many foreign drones on the market, they also offer a wider range of consumer options. In the foreign market, there is a model for everyone to pick from.
You may choose to buy American or foreign drones. The choice depends on your needs and priorities.
We love supporting American drone companies. But, one choice is not better than the other. The best drone solution for your use case depends on your mission and goals.
DJI Drones in the US
DJI is a leading Chinese drone manufacturer. They’ve long been a major player in the global drone market.
Users recognize DJI drones for their advanced features, reliability, and affordability.
They are very popular with both amateur and professional photographers and videographers.
But, there are big concerns about data security. Also, there are worries about depending on foreign technology. This is because DJI drones are made in China.
Factors like these have increased interest in developing the American drone industry.
Regardless, DJI continues to be popular with drone pilots in the U.S.
Many users appreciate the innovative designs and comprehensive support.
If you’re switching from DJI to the US drone market, try the drone called Skydio 2+ or another drone on this list.
You may find that American-made is the perfect drone solution for you!
Key Takeaways: The Best American-Made Drones
American-made drones are making significant strides in the industry. They offer high-quality, reliable, and innovative options for recreational, professional, and government use.
The Skydio 2+ drones have advanced autonomous capabilities. The Inspired Flight models are versatile. There are many choices available to suit every need.
If you’re passionate about drones and want to master your flying skills, sign up for our Drones 101 course.
The course is for beginners and experts. It will teach you all you need to know about drones.
Sign up today and take your drone flying to the next level!
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