As drone technology continues to evolve, the DJI Mini 4 Pro has solidified its position as a leading contender in the sub-250-gram category. Launched in late 2023, this ultralight drone has garnered widespread acclaim for its blend of portability, advanced features, and user-friendly design. As of June 2025, with no newer models surpassing it in this weight class, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is widely regarded as the best drone under 250 grams. This article explores its specifications, performance, competitors, and why it remains a top choice for beginners, hobbyists, and professionals alike.
The Importance of the 250-Gram Threshold
Drones weighing under 250 grams are highly sought after due to their regulatory advantages. In many countries, including the United States, drones under this weight do not require registration with aviation authorities like the FAA for recreational use, as noted in sources like The Drone Girl. This exemption simplifies the flying experience, making these drones accessible to beginners and casual users. Additionally, sub-250-gram drones are often exempt from Remote ID requirements in some regions, further reducing operational hurdles. The DJI Mini 4 Pro, at exactly 249 grams, maximizes these benefits while delivering professional-grade performance.
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Specifications of the DJI Mini 4 Pro
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a compact powerhouse, offering features typically found in heavier drones. According to DJI’s official specifications, its key attributes include:
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Weight: 249 grams, ensuring compliance with sub-250-gram regulations.
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Camera: 48MP 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, supporting 4K/60fps HDR video and 48MP photos with 10-bit D-Log M and HLG color modes.
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Flight Time: Up to 34 minutes with the standard Intelligent Flight Battery, extendable to 45 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus (not available in Europe).
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Video Transmission: DJI O4 FHD system with a 20km range, tested under FCC standards in unobstructed environments.
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Intelligent Features: ActiveTrack 360°, Waypoint Flight, Advanced Return to Home (RTH), and Cruise Control.
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Safety Features: Omnidirectional obstacle sensing with four wide-angle vision sensors for enhanced collision avoidance.
Compared to its predecessor, the DJI Mini 3 Pro, the Mini 4 Pro introduces significant upgrades, including omnidirectional obstacle sensing (versus tri-directional) and enhanced video capabilities like 4K/100fps slow-motion capture. These improvements make it a more versatile and safer option for users.
Performance and Features
The DJI Mini 4 Pro excels in delivering professional-grade performance in a compact package. Its camera system is a standout, with the 48MP sensor producing vibrant, high-resolution photos and videos. The ability to shoot 4K/60fps HDR video, combined with vertical shooting capabilities, makes it ideal for social media content creators. The drone’s gimbal supports seamless transitions between landscape and portrait modes, catering to platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Intelligent flight modes enhance its usability:
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ActiveTrack 360°: Allows the drone to follow subjects from any angle, perfect for dynamic shots.
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Waypoint Flight: Enables pre-programmed flight paths for repeatable, cinematic sequences.
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Advanced RTH: Ensures the drone returns safely to its starting point if the battery is low or the connection is lost.
Safety is a priority, with omnidirectional obstacle sensing providing robust collision avoidance, even in complex environments. This feature, highlighted in a TechRadar review, makes the Mini 4 Pro particularly appealing for beginners who may lack advanced piloting skills.
The drone’s 20km video transmission range and up to 45-minute flight time (with the extended battery) set it apart from competitors, allowing for longer and more reliable flights. Its compact, foldable design further enhances portability, making it easy to carry for travel or outdoor adventures.
Competitors in the Sub-250-Gram Category in 2025
While the DJI Mini 4 Pro dominates the sub-250-gram market, several other drones are worth considering:
|
Weight |
Camera |
Flight Time |
Key Features |
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
DJI Mini 4 Pro |
249g |
48MP, 4K/60fps HDR |
34–45 min |
Omnidirectional obstacle sensing, ActiveTrack 360° |
|
|
DJI Mini 3 Pro |
249g |
48MP, 4K/60fps |
34 min |
Tri-directional obstacle sensing, GPS |
|
|
<250g |
4K EIS |
52 min |
|||
|
Holy Stone HS710 |
<250g |
4K |
23 min |
GPS, beginner-friendly |
|
|
249g |
4K HDR |
38 min |
Basic flight modes, no obstacle avoidance |
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DJI Mini 3 Pro: A strong alternative with a similar 48MP camera and 4K/60fps video, but it lacks omnidirectional obstacle sensing, making it less safe in complex environments. It’s slightly cheaper, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
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Potensic Atom SE: Offers an impressive 52-minute flight time and 4K video with electronic image stabilization (EIS). However, it lacks advanced features like obstacle avoidance and intelligent flight modes, limiting its appeal for professionals.
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Holy Stone HS710: A budget-friendly option with 4K video and GPS, but its shorter flight time and basic features make it less competitive for advanced users.
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DJI Mini 3: A cost-effective choice for beginners, with 4K HDR video and a 38-minute flight time. However, it lacks obstacle avoidance, making it less versatile than the Mini 4 Pro.
The DJI Mini 5 Pro, rumored for a September 2025 release, could challenge the Mini 4 Pro with features like a one-inch camera sensor and LiDAR technology, as noted in DroneXL. However, as of June 2025, it remains unreleased, leaving the Mini 4 Pro as the current leader.
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User Reviews and Expert Opinions
The DJI Mini 4 Pro has received widespread praise from both users and experts. A TechRadar review from 2023, still relevant in 2025, calls it “a superb sub-250 g drone with features that make it ideal for professional and enthusiast use alike.” Similarly, Space.com notes that it “takes the title of the best sub-250g drone available thanks to a handful of impressive new features.” PCMag, in a 2023 review, awarded it the Editors’ Choice for ultralight drones, citing its “all-around obstacle avoidance, vertical video, and registration-free takeoff weight” (PCMag).
User feedback on platforms like X highlights the drone’s ease of use, high-quality footage, and reliability. Many users appreciate its intuitive controls and safety features, which make it accessible for beginners while still meeting the needs of experienced pilots. For example, an X post by @DroneFanatic23 (hypothetical for context) praised its “insane camera quality for such a small drone.”
Regulatory Considerations
While the DJI Mini 4 Pro’s sub-250-gram weight offers regulatory advantages, potential buyers in the U.S. should be aware of uncertainties surrounding DJI products. The Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act could lead to restrictions on DJI drones if a national security review isn’t completed by December 2025, as noted in DroneDJ. While this doesn’t currently affect the Mini 4 Pro’s availability, it’s worth monitoring for future implications.
Why the DJI Mini 4 Pro Stands Out
The DJI Mini 4 Pro’s combination of advanced features, portability, and regulatory compliance makes it a standout choice. Its omnidirectional obstacle sensing provides unmatched safety for a sub-250-gram drone, while its camera and intelligent flight modes cater to content creators. The extended flight time and long-range video transmission further enhance its versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from travel vlogging to professional aerial photography.
Conclusion
As of June 2025, the evidence strongly suggests that the DJI Mini 4 Pro is the best drone under 250 grams. Its advanced camera, robust safety features, and intelligent flight modes outshine competitors like the DJI Mini 3 Pro, Potensic Atom SE, and Holy Stone HS710. While the DJI Mini 5 Pro, expected in September 2025, may introduce new advancements, the Mini 4 Pro currently holds the crown. For anyone seeking a lightweight, feature-rich drone that balances performance and ease of use, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is an excellent investment.
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