One of the most exciting advancements in drone technology is the Follow Me feature. This technology allows drones to autonomously track and follow a moving subject, making them ideal for capturing dynamic video footage without needing constant manual control.
Follow-me mode is perfect for capturing action shots in sports and athletics. It helps you capture that awesome bird’s eye view of a bicyclist during a race or an epic shot of a skier descending the slopes.
However, not all Follow-Me modes are made equal. So, what drones have the best follow-me mode?
In this guide, we’ll explore the ten best drones that follow you, examining their features and capabilities and explaining why they’re worth considering.
How Drones That Follow You Work
Drones with Follow Me mode use advanced technologies such as GPS, computer vision, visual recognition, obstacle avoidance, and intelligent flight modes to lock onto and follow a subject.
Once you select your target, these drones can automatically maintain a steady flight path, avoid obstacles, and capture high-quality footage of the target without needing manual piloting.
This is perfect for fast-paced action shots and for going hands-free when you want the drone to capture yourself while you’re on the move. This style of videography is super immersive and allows you to be the subject rather than the videographer.
How We Chose the Drones on This List
We are drone fanatics and wanted to find the best Follow Me drone on the market. So, we researched and investigated dozens of models to determine the best Follow Me drones available in 2024.
Our selection is based on a combination of factors including battery life, flight time, camera quality, stability, maneuverability, and user reviews. We also considered additional features such as obstacle avoidance and intelligent flight modes to ensure these drones offer a superior Follow Me experience.
Follow Me Technology
The core of Follow Me drone technology is its ability to track a subject. This is achieved through GPS tracking, visual recognition software, or a combination of both. The most advanced drones use a blend of these technologies for precise and reliable tracking. They also feature great obstacle avoidance technology to ensure the drone doesn’t collide with anything on the flight path while tracking the subject.
Follow Me drone technology first emerged on the consumer market in 2016 and has been improving ever since.
GPS Capability
GPS capability is crucial for drones to follow you accurately. Drones equipped with GPS can lock onto a subject’s position and maintain that position even at high speeds or over long distances.
Range
The range of a drone determines how far it can fly from the controller while maintaining a strong connection. For Follow Me drones, a longer range means greater freedom for the subject to move without losing the drone. This is great for outdoor activities like bike or car racing, hiking, sailing, skiing, and more.
Stability and Maneuverability
When you’re capturing a once-in-a-lifetime action shot, it is important to have a nimble yet stable camera. The more stable and maneuverable a drone is, the smoother the footage will be from the drone’s camera.
Drones with advanced stabilization systems and agile maneuvering capabilities perform better in various conditions, from windy environments to complex terrain. They also tend to have better obstacle avoidance because they can more easily move around.
Camera
In addition to stability, the quality of the drone’s camera is vital for capturing high-resolution images and videos. Look for drones with high-quality cameras, such as those with Hasselblad lenses or 1-inch sensors, to ensure stunning visuals.
Flight Modes
Intelligent flight modes enhance the Follow Me experience by allowing the drone to perform complex maneuvers automatically. Modes like orbit, waypoint navigation, and active tracking can make capturing professional-quality footage effortless.
Flight Time
If you’re shopping for a Follow-Me drone, it is best to look for one with a long flight time. If you are trying to follow the action and don’t want to miss the shot, you don’t want to waste time worrying about battery life.
Drones with longer flight times allow for extended sessions without frequent recharging, ensuring you can capture all the action.
Obstacle Sensing
Obstacle avoidance technology is essential for preventing crashes and ensuring smooth tracking. Drones equipped with sensors can detect and avoid obstacles in their path, even at high speed, providing a safer flying experience.
Our Experience – Why Trust Our Opinion?
Our team has extensive experience in testing and reviewing drones, and we prioritize real-world performance. We evaluate each drone based on hands-on testing, user feedback, and expert analysis to provide trustworthy recommendations.
The Best Drones That Follow You
Here is our list of the 9 best drones that follow you, including the best budget drones, nano drones, mid-range drones, and professional drones.
1. DJI Mini 3 Pro
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is a compact and streamlined design provides amazing performance without any bulk. It is easy to travel with and captures phenomenal footage.
Some key features include:
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Lightweight: weighs only 249g
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Extended flight time up to 34 minutes
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1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor features dual native ISO
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Direct output of HDR footage
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4K HDR video
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48MP RAW photos
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1080p/120fps slow-motion video
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D-Cinelike Color mode
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Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing
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Active Track Follow Me Technology
Pros of the DJI Mini 3 Pro
If you are a travel vlogger or maybe a hiker who needs to travel light, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is a perfect compromise for performance and size. It is also a more affordable option than other models.
Cons of the DJI Mini 3 Pro
If you need all the advanced features that come on pro models, then a Mini drone probably won’t suit your needs.
2. DJI Air 3
A major highlight of the DJI Air 3 is its omnidirectional obstacle sensing, giving it next-level obstacle avoidance capabilities. It can sense objects from the forward, backward, left, right, top, and bottom directions.
Some key features include:
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Weight: 720g
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Extended flight time up to 46 minutes
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Dual cameras with 4K/60fps HDR video
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48MP RAW photos
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1/1.3-inch-CMOS wide-angle camera and a 1/1.3-inch-CMOS 3x medium tele camera
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O4 HD Video Transmission
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Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing
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Active Track Follow Me Technology
Pros of the DJI Air 3
The DJI Air 3 is a perfect mid-range option, with a decent selection of features for around $1,000.
Cons of the DJI Air 3
As a mid-range option, the DJI Air 3 is missing some of the most premium options. For example, it does not have the Hasselblad Camera that can be found on the DJI Mavic 3 Pro.
3. DJI Mavic 3 Classic
The Classic model is considered the most value for your dollar when choosing between different models in the DJI line. It provides the most useful features without an overly hefty price tag.
Some key features include:
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Weight: 895 g
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Extended flight time up to 46 minutes
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4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera with 4K/60fps HDR video
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48MP RAW photos
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O3+ HD Video Transmission
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Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing
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Active Track Follow Me Technology
Pros of the DJI Mavic 3 Classic
The extended flight time, long battery life, high quality cameras, obstacle avoidance capabilities, and Active Track technology makes the Classic a strong contender as the best Follow-Me drone on the market.
Cons of the DJI Mavic 3 Classic
There are very few cons to the Classic. If you need a lightweight, travel model, it might be too large for your purposes. Also, if you are looking for a budget drone, this might be out of your price range. In that case, a mini model might be better suited to your needs.
4. DJI Mavic 3 Pro
If the Classic is not the best Follow-Me drone on the market, then the Pro might be. It contains some of the best features available for videographers who want to level up their visual storytelling abilities with all the best camera equipment and bells and whistles that camera drones offer.
Some key features include:
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Weight: 968 g
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Extended flight time up to 43 minutes
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Dual cameras with 4K/60fps HDR video
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48MP RAW photos
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Three cameras: 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera, 1/1.3-inch CMOS Medium Tele Camera, and 1/2-inch CMOS Tele Camera
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O4 HD Video Transmission
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Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing
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Active Track Follow Me Technology
Pros of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro
The heart of what makes this model so amazing is its triple-camera system, including a Hasselblad camera, enabling you to take your video storytelling to an entirely new level. The quality of its cameras are unmatched. It also has exceptional battery life to handle longer flight times.
Cons of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro
This model is at the top of the DJI price range. If you don’t need all of the features, it may be more expensive and you need. It is also the heaviest of the DJI models we’ve mentioned in this article, so it may be too large and heavy for everyone to easily travel with.
5. Skydio 2+
The Skydio 2+ is another favorite Follow-Me drone. While Skydio is newer to the market, it is a strong contender emerging in the American-made sector. It is powered by AI technology, resulting in one of the most advanced autonomous flight software systems in a drone.
Some key features include:
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Weight: 790 g
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Extended flight time up to 27 minutes
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1/2.3” 12.3MP CMOS SONY camera
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4k 60 HDR video
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12MP photos
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O4 HD Video Transmission
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Trinocular Obstacle Sensing
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Follow Me Technology
Pros of the Skydio 2+
The Skydio 2+ offers some of the same features that the DJI line offers, but it is more lightweight and has more sophisticated controls and AI technology. Skydio also has a strong community behind it, and you can join their Skydio Discord channel to connect with other drone pilots, get expert tips, and recommend software improvements.
Cons of the Skydio 2+
Since it is newer to the market, it can have connectivity and technical issues that you don’t get in more established lines. It also has a shorter flight time than other models on this list.
6. Autel Evo II Pro
Autel is a leader in terms of picture quality and flight intelligence technology, making the Autel Evo II Pro one of the most advanced Follow-Me drones you can get. With up to 6K photos, the camera quality is unmatched.
Some key features include:
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Weight: 1191 g
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Extended flight time up to 34 minutes
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20 megapixel 1-inch CMOS SONY image sensor
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4K HDR Video up to 6K HDR video
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20MP photos
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SkyLink 2.0 Video Transmission
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360° Obstacle Avoidance
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Follow Me Technology
Pros of the Autel Evo II Pro
This drone undoubtedly can capture some of the most stunning photos and videos out there. With greater dynamic range, stronger background noise suppression capabilities, and higher frame rates, this camera drone gives photographers unmatched creative control.
Cons of the Autel Evo II Pro
While this drone is phenomenal, it does come at a higher price point than other drones on this list. Also, if you are not a professional videographer requiring all the advanced features, this drone may be difficult to use and provide more camera options than you need. In this case, a simpler camera drone might be a better option for your needs.
It is also the heaviest drone on this list, coming in over 1000 g.
7. Autel Evo Nano+
The Autel Evo Nano+ provides a ton of performance in a tiny, compact package. It is the only nano-size drone that offers an advanced obstacle avoidance system, making it a great Follow-Me drone to travel with.
Some key features include:
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Weight: Under 249 g
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Extended flight time up to 29 minutes
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1/1.28-inch (0.8-inch) CMOS sensor
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50 MP photos
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PDAF + CDAF autofocus system
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Advanced obstacle avoidance system
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Follow Me Technology
Pros of the Autel Evo Nano
The Autel Evo Nano is one of the most compact and lightweight Follow-Me drones on the market, and it does it all without compromising too much on performance. It maintains a competitive flight time of 29 minutes, takes gorgeous footage, and has advanced obstacle avoidance technology that you can’t find on any other drones of its size.
Cons of the Autel Evo Nano
Since it is a nano model, this drone has a shorter flight time and battery life than pro models. While it has the most features available for a nano drone, it is still a nano model so it cannot compete with others on this list in all regards.
8. Holy Stone HS175D
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly model, the Holy Stone HS175D is a great entry-level Follow-Me drone. It is an affordable option that doesn’t have the most advanced features, but it gets the job done when you need to follow a subject.
Some key features include:
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Weight: 215 g
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Extended flight time up to 46 minutes
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4K UHD video
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GPS Smart Return
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Follow Me Technology
Pros of the Holy Stone HS175D
The Holy Stone HS175D is insanely lightweight, compact, and foldable, making it an amazing solution for lightweight travel vlogging. It also is incredibly affordable, making it the perfect option for a beginner-friendly drone.
Cons of the Holy Stone HS175D
Since the HS175D is a beginner model, it does not have the robust reliability and advanced features that the other drones do. If you are a professional, this won’t be the best fit for you. However, if you just want to dip your feet into the Follow-Me drone industry, this might be what you need.
9. Bwine F7
The Bwine F7 is another decent Follow-Me drone for entry-level users and those on a tight budget. It has all the basic features you need to get started, has an exceptionally long flight time, and it is lightweight.
Some key features include:
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Extended flight time up to 75 minutes
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4K video
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Night Vision
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Smart GPS
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Follow Me Technology
Pros of the Bwine F7
The Bwine F7 is a great budget-friendly Follow-Me drone for beginners. It has the longest flight length of all the drones featured on this list.
Cons of the Bwine F7
The Bwine F7 is an entry-level hobbyist drone, so like the Holy Stone, it does not have the robust reliability and advanced features that the other drones do. If you are a professional, this won’t be the best fit for you. However, this is a great option for beginners.
Uses For Drones That Follow You
Follow Me drones are versatile and can be used in various scenarios:
Outdoor Adventures: Capture your hiking, biking, or skiing adventures hands-free and capture those epic shots
Sports: Record yourself or others playing sports or practicing skills without needing a camera operator and grab those once-in-a-lifetime action shots
Vlogging: Enhance your video content with dynamic, moving shots that offer new perspectives for your viewers and keep them engaged
Professional Filmmaking: Achieve complex shots automatically that would be difficult to capture manually
DJI Active Track
DJI’s ActiveTrack technology is a standout feature for Follow Me drones. It uses advanced algorithms to recognize and track subjects, adjusting for speed and direction changes. ActiveTrack ensures smooth and accurate tracking, making it a preferred choice for many users. In many ways, DJI is just hard to beat!
Active Track has two main modes: Trace and Parallel. Trace will follow the subject at a variety of angles, whereas Parallel will follow the subject from the side.
DJI Active Track features a dynamic user interface that allows you to easily select a subject and then draw a flight path for the drone to follow around it. You can easily change the tracking position while filming if, for example, you want to reposition the drone from filming from the front to the back of the subject. The transition between positions is also very smooth and makes for fantastic footage.
You can also choose the distance the drone is from you, making it even easier to get the perfect shot. However, you want to avoid getting too close to the subject, as the drone is more likely to lose the subject if you are too close.
If the drone loses the subject at any time, it will stop moving and hover in place until it is given further instruction.
Drones such as DJI Mini 4 Pro, Mini 3 Pro, Mavic 3 Pro, and Air series all feature DJI Active Track technology.
Conclusion: What is the Best Follow Me Drone?
Choosing the right Follow Me drone depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize camera quality, flight time, or advanced features like obstacle avoidance, there’s a drone on this list that will meet your requirements. With the right drone, you can capture stunning footage effortlessly, allowing you to focus on your adventures and creativity.
By considering factors like GPS capability, stability, flight modes, and camera quality, you can find the perfect drone to follow you and enhance your aerial photography and videography experience.
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