A few days ago, DJI sent me their soon-to-be-released DJI Flip Drone. Although they probably explained everything about it in the emails they sent, I’ll admit—I didn’t read a word. Instead, I ripped open the box, grabbed the drone, and decided to figure it out on my own.When I first saw it, I assumed (based solely on its name and the unusual propeller guards) that it was some kind of stunt drone capable of performing backflips and crazy aerobatics. I was completely wrong. The DJI Flip Drone falls under the ultralight category, weighing just 249 grams. Those quirky propeller guards? They’re all about safety, allowing the drone to bounce off objects without damaging itself—or whatever it hits. That’s a feature I tested accidentally more than once!
DJI sent me their Fly More Combo, which includes: the DJI Flip Drone, three batteries for extended flight time, the new RC 2 remote control with a built-in screen, and a charging hub. I was especially excited to try out the RC 2. As someone who had previously invested nearly $1,000 in DJI’s older Smart Controller, I was curious to see how this one compared. The verdict? The RC 2 is phenomenal. It boots up extremely quickly, the screen is sharp and bright even outdoors, and the interface feels like using a modern smartphone—smooth and responsive.
At first, I didn’t expect much from the Flip Drone. It’s small and lightweight, and I assumed the image quality would feel like a toy. But once I got it up in the air, I was blown away. The live feed on the RC 2 screen was the best I’ve ever seen on any drone, with sharp, vibrant video that exceeded my expectations. What really surprised me was the drone’s speed and efficiency. Swapping batteries in the field? Incredibly fast. The drone and controller reconnect in seconds—something that’s painfully slow on older drones.
Reading the press release (after my initial flights), I learned about the Flip Drone’s autonomous flying capabilities: You can fly it with the RC 2, your iPhone, or let it fly itself using voice commands. Highlight a subject on your phone, and the drone will track it automatically. I tested this while riding my electric skateboard at 20 mph, weaving through a narrow street, and it kept up perfectly. It even has MasterShots, where it autonomously captures a variety of cinematic shots—circles, flyovers, and more—then edits everything together for you, complete with music. The results? Shockingly good. I’d spend 45 minutes creating similar edits manually, but the Flip Drone does it in seconds.
One area where the Flip Drone struggles is strong winds. At about 20 mph winds, the drone would sometimes refuse to perform advanced photo or video modes, displaying warnings to return home. This isn’t surprising for such a small and light drone, but it’s something to keep in mind if you plan to use it in less-than-ideal conditions.
This drone is perfect for beginners. It’s easy to fly, ultra-safe with its built-in propeller guards, and versatile enough to fly with a controller, a phone, or just your voice. If you’re new to drones or want something lightweight and portable, this is the ideal choice. That said, if video quality is your top priority, you might want to look at a larger drone like DJI’s Mavic series, which balances compact size with higher-quality cameras.
When I checked out the price of the Flip, I was even more impressed. Here’s the breakdown: Drone + Controller (no built-in screen): $439. Drone + RC 2 Controller with Screen: $639. Fly More Combo (with extra batteries and accessories): $779. For what you’re getting, this pricing is unbelievable. The RC 2 alone is worth the upgrade, given how much better it performs compared to previous controllers.
After using the DJI Flip Drone for a few days, I’m genuinely impressed. Its portability, ease of use, and advanced features make it a standout choice for casual users and budding drone enthusiasts. Sure, it’s a bit bulkier to pack than some other ultralight drones, but the added safety of the propeller guards is well worth the tradeoff if you're a new pilot. If you’re looking for a drone that’s easy to fly, packed with smart features, and surprisingly affordable, the DJI Flip Drone is a no-brainer.
