Best sub 250g DJI drones 2026: Mini 5 Pro vs Flip vs Neo 2

Drones weighing under 250g have the most flight freedom without requiring drone training, like the A2 CofC or GVC.

With a sub-250g drone, you:

• Can fly over people, including people who are not involved in what you're doing.

• Can fly in residential, recreational, commercial or industrial areas.

• Can fly at night, but must have a green flashing light turned on. The UK CAA has issued advice for drones, like the Mini 5 Pro, where the lights go off when recording - learn more here.

• Must keep your drone in visual line of sight (VLOS).

• Must not fly over crowds.

• Must keep your drone at a safe distance from people.

• Must not fly above 120m (400ft).

• Must not fly in restricted airspace.

For more details, visit our in-depth guide to UK drone laws.

Yes, in most cases, you require drone registration in the UK if you have a drone that weighs under 250g.

You must have a Flyer ID if your drone or model aircraft weighs 100g or more. Sit the free test on the UK CAA's website to obtain your Flyer ID.

If you own or are responsible for a drone that weighs 100g or more and has a camera, you must obtain an Operator ID from the UK CAA.

Find out more about Flyer IDs and Operator IDs here.

No, you do not need to do a drone training course, such as the A2 CofC or GVC, if you are flying a sub-250g drone.

The only 'training' you need to do, if your drone weighs over 100g, is to conduct the UK CAA's test to obtain a Flyer ID, if you do not have one already.

However, in the interests of enhanced safety and competency, we do encourage pilots to sit the A2 CofC as a minimum, especially if pilots are using sub 250g drones commercially. However, it is not a legal requirement.

Find out more in our in-depth guide to UK drone laws.

Yes, you can fly your sub-250g drone at night.

However, you must keep your drone in visual line of sight at all times, and adhere to usual drone laws. Find out more here.

If you fly a drone at night, it must have a green flashing light turned on.

The UK CAA has issued advice for some C0 drones (sub 250g) whose lights turn off when recording. Find out more here.

The DJI Mini 5 Pro introduces major upgrades across its camera, sensing, flight performance, and transmission systems. Key improvements include:

1. Camera system: Equipped with a 1-inch CMOS sensor and a new image processing platform, the Mini 5 Pro delivers up to 14 stops of HDR video dynamic range¹. It also introduces a 48mm Med-Tele mode (2x zoom) and DJI’s portrait optimisation technology² for high-quality portrait photography.

2. Flexible gimbal rotation: The gimbal supports 225° of roll rotation, which can be controlled manually or through intelligent modes such as QuickShot Rotate, Timelapse, Spotlight, and Waypoint Flight, making it easy to create dynamic rotational shots.

3. Sensing system: Forward-facing LiDAR enables 1-lux nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing³ and next-generation Smart RTH. The aircraft can actively detect and avoid obstacles, including buildings, along its flight and return paths. It can also memorise flight routes in well-lit conditions, allowing quick take-offs and safe returns even without satellite signals³.

4. ActiveTrack: The Mini 5 Pro automatically detects different sports scenarios and selects either Cycling or Standard mode for optimal framing and tracking. Its improved performance balances speed, agility, and safety.

5. Flight performance⁴: The Intelligent Flight Battery provides up to 36 minutes of flight time, a maximum take-off altitude of 6,000 metres, and a forward flight speed of up to 18 m/s.

6. Video transmission: DJI O4+ Video Transmission offers up to 20 km of 10-bit HDR video transmission⁵, with stronger signal stability, enhanced anti-interference performance, and excellent image quality.

7. Off-State QuickTransfer: With 42GB of internal storage, the Mini 5 Pro supports remote wake-up through the DJI Fly app within Bluetooth range. This enables high-speed file transfers of up to 100MB/s⁶.

8. Battery charging efficiency⁷: Using the DJI 65W Portable Charger and the Two-Way Charging Hub, a single Intelligent Flight Battery can be fully charged in around 46 minutes. Charging three batteries takes approximately 115 minutes. ¹ 14 stops of dynamic range are achievable for video in Auto mode, but not for slow-motion video or 48mm Med-Tele mode. ² Only available in Normal mode; not supported in HLG or D-Log M. ³ Nightscape obstacle sensing requires discernible textures and over 1 lux illumination; flight route memorisation requires discernible textures and over 10 lux. See the official DJI website or user manual for details. ⁴ Flight time and maximum forward speed were measured in laboratory conditions; maximum take-off altitude was measured in a high-altitude environment. See the Specs page or user manual for details. ⁵ Measured in an outdoor, interference-free environment, with FCC compliance. Data shows one-way, non-return flights. Always follow in-app reminders when flying. ⁶ Measured in a lab environment with minimal interference in regions supporting both 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz. Actual speeds may vary. ⁷ Charging time measured at 25°C (77°F). Actual time may vary due to higher ambient temperatures or mains voltage differences across regions.

Learn more about the DJI Mini 5 Pro from our blog: Top 10 features of the Mini 5 Pro.

At Heliguy, we offer two DJI Mini 5 Pro combos: the standard Mini 5 Pro package with essential accessories and the RC-N3, and the Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo with extra accessories and the RC 2.

DJI Neo 2 has comprehensive improvements compared to the DJI Neo. DJI Neo 2 has an enhanced vision sensing system, camera system, video transmission system, and more intelligent features.

The main improvements include:

1. New omnidirectional monocular vision system and forward-facing LiDAR: With the new omnidirectional obstacle sensing feature, Neo 2 can detect and avoid obstacles when tracking from the front or sides, so even beginners can operate the drone with ease, stability, and confidence. Neo 2 supports versatile flight (indoor and outdoor) with enhanced hovering and positioning capabilities over Neo, making it easier to navigate challenging environments like indoors, near buildings, over water, or on snow.

2. Enhanced imaging performance: Neo 2 features a 12MP, 1/2-inch CMOS sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and high-performance image processor for clearer, low-noise footage. Shoot in 4K/60fps video, 4K/100fps slow motion (when using remote controller or motion controller), and 2.7K vertical video, all stabilised by a 2-axis gimbal.

3. New displays: DJI Neo 2 has a new onboard display, a dedicated takeoff button, and a mode switch button.

4. New intelligent features: These include gesture control, Return to Palm, SelfieShot, Dolly Zoom, MasterShots, and Cycling Follow, among others.

5. Increased internal storage: DJI Neo 2's internal storage is 49 GB.

The table below provides an overview of the key differences between DJI Neo 2 and DJI Neo.

Heliguy offers the following DJI Neo 2 packages:

• DJI Neo 2 (Drone Only): Best for those who want to control the drone by Gesture, Voice, or Mobile, or for pilots who already own compatible DJI controllers and DJI goggles. The following controllers/goggles are compatible with DJI Neo 2: DJI RC 2, DJI RC-N3 Remote Controller, DJI RC-N2 Remote Controller, DJI RC Motion 3, DJI FPV Remote Controller 3, DJI Goggles 3, and DJI Goggles N3. Please note, when used with DJI RC Motion 3 or DJI FPV Remote Controller 3, only DJI Goggles 3 and DJI Goggles N3 are supported.

• DJI Neo 2 Fly More Combo: Best for those who want a traditional control experience with a range of extra accessories.

• DJI Neo 2 Motion Fly More Combo: Best for those who want to enjoy FPV drone flight.

The difference between them is what is included in the box.

• DJI Neo 2 (Drone Only): Includes the drone, one Intelligent Flight Battery, spare propellers, and propeller guards.

• DJI Neo 2 Fly More Combo: Includes the drone, RC-N3 remote controller, three Intelligent Flight Batteries, a Two-Way Charging Hub, Digital Transceiver, spare propellers, propeller guards, and more.

• DJI Neo 2 Motion Fly More Combo: Includes the drone, RC Motion 3, Goggles N3, three Intelligent Flight Batteries, a Two-Way Charging Hub, Digital Transceiver, spare propellers, propeller guards, and more.

Look at the table below to compare all the DJI Flip combos side by side. This will help you find the best value and the option that suits your needs.