When searching for the best drones for GoPro cameras, you’ll need to decide on the features that are right for your personal setup. We recommend that you prioritize durable drones with high-grade components and those that are built to be able to handle a wide array of GoPro camera models. Make sure you consider battery life and the overall noise output, as a noisy drone could impact audio if you are shooting video. Also, when buying a drone for use with GoPro camera devices, look at what attachment accessories are included and what control options are offered. These are what often make the best drones in the market.
After researching a wide range of models with different features and at various price points, we’ve concluded that the 3DR Solo Quadcopter is the best drone for GoPro cameras you can buy today. Continue reading for more on this model and our other top picks for the best drones on the market.
Top 10 Best Drones for GoPro
#1 3DR Solo Quadcopter Drone for GoPro
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Best drone for GoPro Hero 9 cameras, with functionality across most of the GoPro line and offering decent battery life, 15 minutes per charge, and an intuitive smartphone-based control scheme.
- HDMI port for easy viewing
- Various functions, including follow modes and selfie modes
- Intuitive smartphone-based control scheme
- Requires FAA registration
- On the expensive side
The 3DR Solo Quadcopter is a fantastic drone with a camera, as it integrates nicely with nearly every GoPro model, including the renowned Hero line. We appreciated the integrated HDMI port, which makes for easy viewing on just about any screen, and the intuitive smartphone-based control scheme. This control scheme is aided further by the included analog remote. We also loved the wide variety of drone functions available, including a follow-me mode, a selfie mode, an orbit mode, and more. So, comparing a camera vs a drone, which one do you think is better?
This is a professional-grade drone and, as such, it will require registration with the FAA to legally fly it. Additionally, this model is on the expensive side, likely due to the number of advanced features on offer. Some slightly cheaper options can also be found in the best drone for kids and teenagers that is purpose-built for performing acrobatic tricks.
#2 DJI Phantom 2 Quadcopter Drone for GoPro
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Great DJI drone with a full range of high-end features, such as a lithium battery that allows for 25 minutes of flight time per charge and the inclusion of a Zenmuse H3-3D 3-axis gimbal for increased camera stability.
- Battery gets 25 minutes per charge
- Zenmuse H3-3D 3-axis gimbal for stability
- Intuitive smartphone-based control scheme
- Pricier than many models
- Gimbal installation can be time-consuming
The DJI Phantom 2 Quadcopter Drone for GoPro is a great choice for consumers looking to shoot stable and ultra-smooth video and still shots, thanks to the inclusion of the renowned Zenmuse H3-3D 3-axis gimbal. We loved the integrated lithium-ion battery pack, which allows for 25 minutes of flight per charge, and the intuitive analog control stick complete with battery power indicators and a dedicated thrust knob.
This is a pretty expensive drone, however, likely due to the reputable DJI brand name and the fantastic features available. Also, the included gimbal does require manual installation and the process can be frustrating. So, if you need a little more help on fixing a drone gimbal, our articles have more info. Plan on setting aside an hour or so. Consider instead any of the top 7 best drones for beginners that takes all the intimidation out of operating a drone.
#3 Yuneec Q500 Typhoon Drone for GoPro
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: High-quality drone that ships with an integrated 3-axis precision gimbal camera, saving you the trouble of purchasing one on your own, and featuring an analog remote control receiver unit that boasts a 5.5” touchscreen display.
- Analog remote with touchscreen display
- Integrated 3-axis precision gimbal camera
- 25 minutes flight time per charge
- Extremely expensive
- No carrying case included
The Yuneec Q500 Typhoon Drone for GoPro is of exceptional quality, offering several high-end features including an analog remote control and receiver combo unit that boasts an intuitive and large touchscreen display. We loved that this drone ships with an integrated 3-axis precision gimbal camera pre-installed, saving consumers a fair amount of hassle. We also enjoyed the fantastic battery life available with this drone, as the integrated lithium-ion battery allows for up to 25 minutes of flight time per charge. This may make it one of the best drones for hunting.
Though this drone does come with a whole suite of bells and whistles, it does not include a carrying case, so we’d recommend purchasing your own. Additionally, this is an extremely expensive model, likely due to the inclusion of a gimbal and camera. A slightly more affordable option may be the best drone for beginners with a camera and GPS.
#4 Altair Aerial Blackhawk Drone for GoPro
Award: BEST DURABILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Heavy-duty and durable model, thanks to a metal body that excels in windy conditions, with a 500-meter transmission range, and offering full integration with most GoPro action cameras.
- 6-axis gyros for smooth control
- Battery lasts nearly 20 minutes per charge
- 500-meter transmission range
- No carrying case included
- No dedicated smartphone app
The Altair Aerial Blackhawk Drone for GoPro is an incredibly durable and sturdily built model, featuring a mostly metal body that absolutely excels in windy conditions and should survive whatever is thrown at it. We admired the relatively robust battery on offer here, allowing for nearly 20 minutes of flight time per charge, and the 500-meter transmission range. We also liked the integrated 6-axis gyro, offering smooth and unparalleled flight control even while making sudden turns.
Though the included analog remote control unit is highly intuitive and allows for performing tricks, the company does not offer a dedicated smartphone app for additional control options. Also, there is no carrying case included with a purchase and we’d recommend investing in one for protection. Speaking of protection, the best drone for traveling has sensors on each side that help avoids obstacles and prevent crashes. And, if it doesn’t, our article on making an obstacle avoidance drone can help.
#5 Xiro Xplorer Drone for GoPro
Award: BEST FOR HERO 4 CAMERAS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Purpose-built for GoPro Hero 4 action cameras, with a fantastic battery that can get 25 minutes of use per charge and an ultra-precise 3-axis camera stabilization system.
- 25 minutes flight time per charge
- High-precision 3-axis camera stabilization system
- “Follow Me” and “Circle Around Me” functions
- On the heavier side, at 8lb
- Steep learning curve
The Xiro Xplorer Drone for GoPro is a great option for consumers who already own a GoPro Hero 4 action camera, as this model has been built for seamless integration with the popular camera. We loved the high-precision 3-axis camera stabilization system, helping produce smooth stills and video streams. We also appreciated the lengthy battery life here, with 25 minutes of flight time per charge.
This is a heavier-than-average drone, coming in at just over eight pounds, which could impact the ease of transport. Additionally, there is a steep learning curve here to get the controls down, though there is a control scheme available for amateurs. Compare that with the best fixed-wing drone that has an automatic takeoff and landing feature which makes it easy to operate.
#6 Potensic D85 Drone for GoPro
Award: BEST ALL-IN-ONE PACK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Incredibly useful combo pack that includes the drone itself, a pair of lithium batteries, a sturdy carrying case, and a 2K FHD sports camera, in addition to featuring a brushed motor that can reach speeds up to 30MPH.
- Reaches speeds up to 30MPH
- 2K FHD sports camera included
- Push-button takeoff and landing
- No guard included
- Camera does not record sound
The Potensic D85 Drone for GoPro is a great option for consumers looking for a headache-free all-in-one solution, as this multipack includes the drone itself, a hardshell carrying case, a pair of lithium-ion batteries that add up to 40 minutes of use per charge, and a 2K FHD sports camera. We loved the durable and sturdily built brushless motor system that allows the drone to reach speeds up to 30 miles per hour. We also liked the push button takeoff and landing functionalities, further increasing this drone’s usefulness.
There are no guards to protect against accidental damage with this drone, though third-party guards can easily be installed. Additionally, the integrated camera is of high quality, and it can be swapped out for a GoPro, but it does not record sound, just video or stills. Compare this with the best follow-me drone that can transmit a live video stream.
#7 Walkera QR X350 Pro Drone for GoPro
Award: BEST CONTROLS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Boasts an incredibly intuitive and seamless control scheme, thanks to shipping with the renowned Devo F7 receiver and analog remote, in addition to offering a transmission range of over one mile.
- Camera and stabilizing gimbal included
- Light form factor, weighing less than 2lb
- Transmission range of over 1 mile
- 11 minutes of flight time per charge
- Not designed for maximum wind-resistance
The Walkera QR X350 Pro Drone for GoPro offers an unparalleled control scheme, thanks to the inclusion of the renowned and high-grade Devo F7 receiver and analog control stick hybrid unit. We appreciated the incredibly light form factor here, weighing less than two pounds, and the impressive transmission range that allows for accurate control from over a mile away. We were also impressed with the fact that this drone ships with a camera and a stabilizing gimbal.
The battery life here does leave something to be desired, as you’ll only get around eleven minutes of flight time per charge. Also, this drone has not been designed with wind resistance in mind, so be careful while flying it during extreme weather conditions. Compare this with the best foldable drones that feature obstacle avoidance sensors for safer flying.
#8 Drocon Bugs 3 Drone for GoPro
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-conscious drone with some enviable features, such as a high-grade lithium battery that allows for 15 – 20 minutes of flight time per charge and a durable brushless motor system.
- Easily performs acrobatic tricks
- Battery allows for 20 minutes of use
- Durable brushless motor system
- Does not support all GoPro models
- Can be noisy during use
The Drocon Bugs 3 Drone for GoPro is a great choice for consumers looking to save a few bucks while still being able to access high-quality features. This drone includes a fantastic lithium-ion battery pack that allows for up to 20 minutes of flight time per charge and a durable and sturdily built brushed motor system. We also loved the intuitive control scheme that allows for the performance of acrobatic tricks with just a single push of a button.
Though this drone offers support for a variety of smaller GoPro cameras, some of the larger ones won’t work, due to this drone’s relatively small size and low weight. Still, it is one of the cheapest drones for GoPro cameras out there. For indoor drone photography, consider the best indoor drone that offers a relatively quiet operation and a design that allows for full control via a smartphone or tablet.
#9 Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 for GoPro
Award: BEST VALUE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Value-friendly drone with some serious features that include a seamless smartphone-based control scheme and ships with a high-grade 720p camera for shooting stills and video.
- Robust smartphone control scheme
- Performs tricks with single button push
- Ships with 720p camera for stills and video
- Battery lasts just 11 minutes per charge
- Requires FAA registration
The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 arrives at a value-conscious price while offering features in line with more expensive competitors, such as the ability to perform acrobatic tricks, such as rolls and flips, with a simple push of a button. We loved the intuitive smartphone-based control scheme and the fact that this model ships with an integrated 720p camera for capturing still photos and shooting video.
The included lithium-ion battery is on the weaker side, allowing for just 11 minutes of flight time per charge, though a third-party battery can be purchased and installed. Additionally, this drone features a powerful motor, so it must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration. Compare this to the best FPV racing drone that comes with a fast motor and ultra-responsive transmission times.
#10 Holy Stone HS700D Drone for GoPro
Award: BEST EASE-OF-USE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Easy-to-use drone with an intuitive control scheme that is perfect for beginning pilots, featuring a GPS location system, for security, and a high-grade battery that lasts for 22 minutes on a single charge.
- 22 minutes of use per charge
- GPS location system
- One-touch takeoff and return
- Relatively expensive
- Requires FAA registration
The Holy Stone HS700D Drone for GoPro is a fantastic option for beginners, thanks to several design choices that optimize ease of use, including one-touch takeoff and return functions, an intuitive control scheme, and a headless flight mode. We loved the fantastic lithium battery included with this drone, lasting 22 minutes per charge, and the durable and well-made brushed motor.
This is a relatively expensive drone, however, as there is a 2K HD camera included with the purchase. Also, this camera is on the heavier side and features plenty of flight power, so you’ll need to have it registered with the FAA before use. Compare this with the best professional drones that feature high-grade components and professional-grade HD cameras.
How We Decided
To help narrow down the above list, we thoroughly researched several drones that integrate nicely with GoPro cameras, ensuring that they integrated nicely with a wide array of popular GoPro action cameras. To that end, we admired drones that offered extremely stable flight paths, typically via integrated gimbal systems, to offer the ability for smooth photo taking and video streaming.
As for the motor, we liked drones with high-grade, often brushless, motor systems that allowed for high top speeds and offered the ability to perform a wide range of acrobatic tricks, including rolls, flips, and sudden turns. The integrated batteries were also extremely important as we went about making this list and we made sure that each drone could successfully fly for a decent amount of time before needing a recharge. You may also check out the best underwater drone if you want one that works underwater.
We liked drones that offered a variety of intuitive control schemes to suit newbies and veterans alike, with integrated smartphone control and dedicated analog remote control. Finally, we admired drones that were ultra-durable and made from sturdy and long-lasting components such as metal or PVC.
Best Drones for GoPro Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- GoPro Camera Integration
It is only logical that your first consideration when shopping for a Drone for GoPro is the GoPro camera itself. Many models are now equipped with a GoPro mount, allowing you to use high-quality cameras to capture stunning aerial footage. There are also drone cameras available that offer incredible quality and resolution.- Not all drones are designed to integrate with every GoPro action camera, so be sure to read the fine print to make sure the GoPro model you have will do the job. Moreover, most drones come with a built-in camera that can take high-quality video and allow you to capture stunning aerial shots.
- In addition to simply supporting a GoPro camera, many of these drones ship with stability-enhancing gimbals, which can work to produce some fantastic photo stills and videos.
- The video quality and resolution are excellent, making these an ideal choice for photography, videography, or any other use that requires a high-quality drone.
- Motor and Battery
When deciding which top GoPro drone to purchase, the motor should be of paramount concern, as the motor can allow for impressive maximum speeds and the ability to perform acrobatic tricks, such as rolls and flips.- You should also take a good look at the integrated lithium-ion battery if only to ensure you’ll be able to have fun flying for a good amount of time before needing to find a power outlet for a recharge.
- But if you plan to stay out flying for extended periods of time, then additional batteries are recommended. Extra powerful batteries are a lifesaver in these situations, and they’re an assurance that you’ll have enough power to keep getting aerial shots.
- These batteries typically allow drones to operate anywhere from 11 minutes per charge to 30 minutes per charge.
- Additional Features and Accessories
In addition to soaring into the air to line up the perfect GoPro action shot, modern drones typically offer several additional features to suit a wide array of consumers and their specific needs.- Some selfie drones come with multiple batteries, upping flight time considerably, while some ship with high-quality hardshell carrying cases.
- Other models come with tool kits, for performing routine tasks, and allow for easy control via a smartphone or a dedicated remote device.
