5 Best Drones That Follow You [2024]

Ever imagine your epic mountain bike ride captured from a bird’s-eye view? Follow-me drones are transforming outdoor experiences, letting you capture the action without breaking a sweat.

This guide equips you with the knowledge to choose the perfect drone companion for your next adventure. We’ll break down the key features to consider, from camera quality to flight times that keep pace with your journey.

We’ll also explore cutting-edge follow-me technology and obstacle sensing capabilities that ensure smooth sailing, even in the most rugged terrain.

Ready to take your outdoor adventures to the next level?

Let’s find the perfect follow-me drone to become your silent aerial storyteller.

Disclaimer: Always remember to follow local regulations and guidelines when operating a drone. Respect privacy and safety rules in your area.

To begin our exploration of follow-me drones, let’s define what exactly they are.

Concept of Drones That Follow You

Drones That Follow You, also known as follow-me drones, are autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with advanced tracking systems. These drones are designed to lock onto a target, usually a person or object, and autonomously follow their movements, allowing for hands-free aerial photography and videography.

Why should you consider purchasing a follow me drone? The answer lies in the section that follows.

Advantages of Follow Me Drones

Follow-me drones are revolutionizing the way we capture our adventures and experiences. These innovative aerial companions are more than just fancy toys; they’re game-changers for anyone who craves stunning visuals and hands-free exploration.

Let’s dive into some of their most significant advantages:

• Hands-Free Operation: Drones that can follow you autonomously allow you to remain completely hands-free, providing a seamless experience while capturing your adventures. No need to worry about controlling the drone manually.
• Action Tracking: Equipped with advanced tracking systems, these drones can effortlessly track your movements, ensuring you receive perfectly framed shots without the need for intervention. Now you can focus on your activity while the drone takes care of capturing the moment.
• Precise and Stable Footage: The best drones that follow you come with built-in stabilization technology, ensuring smooth and steady footage even in challenging environments. This feature is especially crucial for action-packed activities or when capturing cinematic aerial shots.
• Versatile Shooting Modes: From orbiting around you to capturing stunning panoramic shots, drones with follow mode offer a range of shooting options that allow you to unleash your creativity and capture unique perspectives.

Let’s now take a closer look at some of the top picks of follow-me drones.

5 Best Drones That Follow You

Among the myriad options available, we’ve selected 5 drones with advanced follow-me features.

1. DJI Air 2S

Credit: DJI

The DJI Air 2S is a powerful drone packed with impressive features. This drone is equipped with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, allowing it to capture stunning 20-megapixel photos and record 5.4K videos. With its ActiveTrack 4.0 technology, the DJI Air 2S can intelligently track and follow subjects with great precision. Whether you are hiking, biking, or simply exploring the great outdoors, this drone will seamlessly capture every moment.

Specifications

2. DJI Mini 3 Pro

Credit: DJI

For those seeking a more portable option, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is a perfect choice. This lightweight drone is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, yet it offers advanced features that make it a powerhouse in the sky. With its upgraded motors and enhanced flight performance, the DJI Mini 3 Pro can effortlessly keep up with fast-paced activities. Whether you are racing down a mountain trail or participating in extreme sports, this drone will document every exhilarating moment.

Specifications

3. Autel Robotics EVO Nano

Credit: Autel

The Autel Robotics EVO Nano is another exceptional drone that follows you with precision and accuracy. This compact drone offers an impressively long flight time of up to 40 minutes, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the action without worrying about battery life. Equipped with intelligent flight modes, such as Orbit and Waypoint, the Autel Robotics EVO Nano ensures that you can capture stunning cinematic shots effortlessly.

Specifications

4. Skydio S2+

Credit: Skydio

When it comes to autonomous drones, the Skydio S2+ shines brightly. This drone is equipped with six 4K navigation cameras, enabling it to track and follow subjects with unrivaled precision. The Skydio S2+ is perfect for capturing dynamic and fast-paced activities, such as mountain biking or snowboarding. With its advanced obstacle avoidance system and intelligent tracking capabilities, this drone will seamlessly navigate through any environment, ensuring that you never miss a moment.

Specifications

5. DJI Mavic 3 Pro 

Credit: DJI

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro with DJI RC is a top-of-the-line drone that offers unparalleled performance and versatility. Equipped with an impressive Hasselblad camera and a 4/3-inch CMOS sensor, this drone captures breathtaking 20-megapixel photos and records cinematic 4K videos. With its advanced flight modes, including Spotlight 2.0 and ActiveTrack 5.0, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro with DJI RC ensures that you can effortlessly capture stunning footage from every angle.

Specifications

As you can see there are plenty of follow me drone options to choose from. But how do you choose which one is right for you?

Let’s take a closer look at factors to consider before buying a follow-me drone.

What to Look for While Choosing a Follow Me Drone

When it comes to choosing the best drone that follows you, here are the key factors that will ensure that you get a drone that meets your needs and provides a smooth and reliable tracking experience.

Camera

This is a no-brainer. After all, the whole point of having a drone that follows you is to capture stunning aerial footage. Look for a drone that has a high-resolution camera capable of shooting in 4K or even higher. The drone’s camera sensor size and resolution determine the detail and clarity of your photos and videos. Larger sensors and higher resolutions generally produce better results, especially in low-light conditions.

Flight Time

Since follow me drones are often used for capturing action-packed moments, you’ll want a drone that can stay in the air for a decent amount of time. Look for a drone that offers a flight time of at least 20 minutes or more. This will ensure that you have enough time to capture the shots you want without constantly having to return to base for a battery change.

Follow Me Technology: GPS Tracking or ActiveTrack

The follow me functionality of a drone relies on advanced tracking technology. There are two main types of follow me technology: GPS tracking and ActiveTrack.

GPS tracking uses satellite positioning to track and follow the GPS coordinates of a target. This technology is more accurate and reliable, making it ideal for areas with an open sky and good satellite reception. Drones that use GPS tracking are great for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and skiing.

On the other hand, ActiveTrack technology uses computer vision algorithms to detect and track a target in real-time. This technology is ideal for scenarios where GPS signals might be weak or obstructed, such as indoor activities or in dense urban environments. Drones with ActiveTrack technology are perfect for capturing fast-paced action sports or filming in crowded areas.

Obstacle Sensing

Obstacle sensing is an essential safety feature to consider when choosing a follow me drone. This technology allows the drone to detect and avoid obstacles in its path, preventing collisions and accidents. Look for a drone that has obstacle sensors on multiple sides, including the front, back, sides, and bottom. This will provide maximum protection against obstacles during autonomous flight.

With these factors in mind, here is a quick comparison table that will allow you to choose the best follow me drone:

Conclusion

Drone technology has come a long way, and drones that follow you offer a whole new level of freedom and creativity. With the right combination of features such as a high-quality camera, long flight time, advanced tracking technology, and obstacle-sensing capabilities, you can capture breathtaking footage from a unique perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Are Active Track And Sensors In Follow Me Drones?

Active Track and Sensors are advanced tracking and sensing technologies that enable the drone to follow its subject accurately and safely, even in challenging environments and at high speeds.

2. What is the “Follow Me” Option on Drones?

The “Follow Me” feature on drones allows the aircraft to autonomously track and follow a moving subject. Combining advanced GPS technology, artificial intelligence, and computer vision, these drones can keep you in frame without any manual control. It offers a hands-free experience, allowing you to focus on your activities while the drone captures mesmerizing footage from unique perspectives.

3. How Does a Drone Follow Me?

Drones with the follow me function use various methods to track and follow a person. Most commonly, they utilize the GPS signal from your smartphone or a dedicated tracking device. By connecting to the drone’s app, the aircraft receives real-time information about your location, ensuring accurate tracking. Additionally, some advanced drones employ object recognition and computer vision algorithms to precisely follow a subject, even in complex environments.

4. How Long Can a Drone Follow You?

The duration a drone can follow you depends on several factors, including its battery life and the specific model’s capabilities. Battery life varies among drones, with some lasting as little as 20 minutes while others fly for over 30 minutes on a single charge. However, with advancements in drone technology, battery life is continually improving. Additionally, modern drones often offer return-to-home features, automatically returning to their take-off point when the battery is running low. This ensures your drone won’t get stranded in the sky while following you.

5. What is it Called When a Drone Follows You?

When a drone actively follows you, it is commonly referred to as “autonomous tracking” or “active tracking.” These terms embody the ability of the drone to independently track your movements and adjust its flight path to keep you in focus. The follow-me function enables the drone to act as your aerial camera operator, capturing your adventures from stunning angles while you remain completely engrossed in the moment.