If you’re weighing the pros and cons of buying a drone, you’re far from alone. These popular tech tools seem like an exciting craze—but if you’ve never had one, it can be hard to understand why people have been buying them in waves in recent years.
According to the Federal Aircraft Commission (FAA), there are over 500,000 recreational drones registered in the US. That’s without considering the people who buy drones but don’t register them!
Why should you consider buying a drone in 2021 and beyond? As you consider your options, here are a few key advantages to taking to the skies with these unique gadgets.
1. They’re Great for Leisure Purposes
One of the most straightforward reasons to buy a drone is because they’re simply fun to fly! Most people who purchase drones are in this category, and it’s no surprise why.
Drones can be an interesting, complex toy that allows enthusiasts to explore the world, maneuver around in new ways, and get the feeling of flying while you’re standing on the ground.
This is especially true for high-end drones, which can live-stream your footage to your phone. This is called first-person-view flying, or FPV, and it’s a great way to see what your drone is looking at in real-time. If you want to go a step further, you can even check out FPV goggles that make you feel as if you’re looking down from the sky as your drone flies!
2. They Let You Capture Amazing Footage
Tied to the perk above, it’s worth noting that drones have the ability to capture stunning birds-eye-view footage. Even better, you don’t need to be a professional photographer to capture gorgeous aerial footage from a view you’d normally never be able to see!
3. They Help You Check Out Inaccessible Places
If you’re into wandering remote areas or exploring places that are hard to reach, a drone can be a huge help. One of the benefits of a drone is that you can see places from afar! Whether you don’t have a good vehicle for offroad travel or you’re uncomfortable climbing over unstable ground, a drone can grant you access to places you’d never be able to set foot in.
Drone enthusiasts can check out remote mountain passes, go whale-watching from afar, or soar over impassable rivers with no effort at all.
Of course, as you decide where you want to fly, it’s important to make sure you adhere to the FAA’s restrictions. You can also download their B4UFLY app, which presents real-time details on the airspace restrictions around your current location.
4. Their Footage Makes Waves on Social Media
Social media is flooded with countless selfies, inspirational quotes, and videos—but it’s much rarer to see drone footage on most platforms.
If you’re trying to attract more followers—whether you have a personal account or you’re posting for business purposes—you can’t go wrong with drone footage. Unique overhead videos of your area, aerial shots of your family or your employees, and high-quality photos of your latest project can be a great way to make a splash online.
5. They’re More Affordable Than Ever
Drones used to be far beyond the price range of the average enthusiast, especially high-end drones with complex functions. However, thanks to developing technology, drones are getting more and more affordable with every passing year.
Though the price tag for a drone can range into the thousands for more complex builds and features, it’s possible to scoop up a drone for as low as $40. Even these low-tier drones come with basic camera setups, and their quality improves year over year.
High-end, professional-level drones are less expensive as well. Drone enthusiasts once had to pay between $3,000 and $5,000 for drones with enhanced specs, but today’s offerings from companies like Dr Drone cost a fraction of that price.
6. They Aren’t as Hard to Fly as You Think
If you’re worried about crashing your investment, you can be forgiven: there are plenty of drone failure compilations on YouTube to back you up!
However, while flying a drone does require keen attention and knowledge, it’s not impossible to learn with a little practice. As mentioned above, drone technology is improving year over year, and with this comes better controls and navigation support. This makes it easy for complete beginners to pick up their drone and get started, though it’s always a good idea to use caution when you’re starting out.
7. They’re Great for Business
If you own a business, you’d be surprised at how much a drone can help—though the details will depend on the type of business you run. Here are just a few areas where a drone can be a great tool:
- Contractors can use a drone to inspect a roof from the ground
- Supervisors can monitor workers and job sites from afar
- Construction workers can document their crew’s compliance
- Marketers can use aerial footage as part of a marketing campaign
- Delivery services can use drones to speed up the process
- Real estate agents can offer aerial views of properties for sale
- Farmers can monitor their farm and crops
- Photography professionals can take stunning shots
By getting creative with your drone, you might find that your new tool offers a huge ROI for your business!
Consider Getting a Drone Today
Now that you know more about the advantages of buying a drone, it’s time to consider your next steps. Whether you want to have fun exploring your area or ramp up your business’s social media, a drone can be a great and affordable way to get there. Think about your needs and do your homework to find a model that’s the right match for you.
Looking for more helpful tips like this one? Check out our other guides for additional insights!