Keep in mind when Black Friday really occurred on, you recognize, Friday? These days are lengthy gone. This yr’s offers are dropping so early, I’m half-expecting Cyber Monday to reach earlier than Thanksgiving. However hey, I’m not complaining when the financial savings are this good.
If you happen to’ve been eyeing new drone gear, on-line programs or inventive studying alternatives, now’s the time to strike. Listed below are the standout offers accessible earlier than Thanksgiving has even arrived:
The most effective early 2025 Black Friday offers (to date)
DJI drones: high picks below $1,000
DJI Neo – $159
At $199, the DJI Neo stays the most effective entry-level drone you should purchase — Black Friday deal or not. However for Black Friday, it’s down to only $159. This nifty drone launches out of your palm, shoots 4K video, and weighs simply 135 grams (no FAA registration wanted). The fully-enclosed propellers make it good for indoor flying and secure round youngsters.
Why it’s value it: That is already DJI’s most cost-effective drone. If you happen to see any bundle offers pop up (further batteries, reminiscence playing cards), bounce on them.
DJI Mini 4K – $239
The DJI Mini 4K delivers unbelievable worth at its common $299 worth, however now it’s down to only $239. You get true 4K video at 30fps, a devoted distant controller, and 31 minutes of flight time. At below 250 grams, leisure pilots don’t must register it with the FAA.
Why it’s value it: For about $100 greater than the Neo, you get practically double the flight time and a correct controller. That is the candy spot for learners who desire a “actual” drone expertise.
DJI Flip – $349
The DJI Flip shocked me when it launched in January 2025. At $439 (however on sale now for simply $349), it affords the identical 48MP digicam high quality because the Mini 4 Professional (which prices $320 extra!) with a singular foldable design that includes full-coverage propeller guards. The vertical taking pictures mode is ideal for Instagram Reels and TikTok content material.
Why it’s value it: Skilled-level digicam in a beginner-friendly, travel-ready bundle. The propeller guards alone make this value contemplating for anybody who flies indoors or round folks.
DJI Mini 3 – $335
The Mini 3 affords the longest flight time of any DJI drone below $500 — as much as 38 minutes with the usual battery, or 51 minutes with the Plus model. The 1/1.3-inch sensor captures beautiful 4K HDR video, and True Vertical Taking pictures makes it excellent for social media content material.
It normally sells for $419, however proper now it’s on sale for simply $335.
Why it’s value it: If you happen to want prolonged airtime for advanced photographs or a number of takes, that is your drone. The latest worth drop makes it the most effective values within the sub-$500 class.
Buy the DJI Mini 3 beginning at simply $335 (no controller) now from:
MasterClass: As much as 50% Off (Nov. 20-26)
MasterClass is operating its pre-Black Friday sale with vital reductions on memberships. For drone photographers and aerial filmmakers, these two programs are notably value your time:
Jimmy Chin Teaches Journey Pictures – Study from the man who filmed Free Solo whereas hanging off a cliff. His insights on composition, lighting and capturing journey translate on to aerial cinematography (sure, they used drones within the filming course of).
Werner Herzog Teaches Filmmaking – Herzog’s unconventional strategy to storytelling will problem how you concentrate on drone footage. This isn’t simply technical instruction; it’s about creating work that issues.
UAVCoach: 50% off all on-line programs (Nov. 20 – Dec. 4)
UAVCoach is operating their greatest sale of the yr with 50% reductions utilized at checkout utilizing code FLYDAY25. Notice that in-person coaching isn’t included on this sale. And sorry, my traditional promo code DRONEGIRL100 received’t work on this, however hey, use FLYDAY25 as a result of it’s higher! Severely!
Right here’s what you’ll pay:
If you happen to’ve been pushing aside getting Half 107 licensed or need to sharpen your industrial drone abilities, that is your window.
HOVERAir: As much as 30% off + free battery
HOVERAir is discounting their total lineup with bonus free batteries on choose purchases. These are strong choices if you’d like one thing actually transportable with out registration complications.
HOVERAir X1 – Beginning at $249 The Freedom Fly Extra Combo weighs simply 125 grams, making it exempt from FAA registration. It’s genuinely pocket-sized and useless easy to fly, although don’t count on professional-grade footage.
HOVERAir X1 PRO – Beginning at $499 The PRO provides pace (as much as 26 mph) and improved AI monitoring. Higher for outside motion photographs and sports activities, although nonetheless restricted in wind.
HOVERAir X1 PROMAX – Beginning at $599 That is the place it will get attention-grabbing: 8K video, energetic collision detection, and clever comply with modes, all whereas staying below 250g. The picture high quality is genuinely spectacular for one thing this small.
Associated learn: HOVERAir X1 PROMAX packs an 8K video into a conveyable drone that competes with DJI
Snowboarding Combo – 20% Off + Free Further Battery Designed particularly for winter sports activities with hands-free modes optimized for snowboarding and snowboarding. If you happen to’re hitting the slopes this season, this bundle is sensible.
Associated learn: DJI Neo versus HOVERAir X1: which hand-launch drone is greatest?
Find out how to know in case your Black Friday deal is sweet
These offers are official, not the inflated “low cost” nonsense some retailers pull. MasterClass and UAVCoach gross sales signify real studying worth, whereas HOVERAir’s pricing makes their ultra-portable drones extra accessible.
Simply keep in mind: the most effective deal remains to be the one on gear you’ll really use. Don’t purchase a course that’ll sit unwatched or a drone that’ll gather mud. Purchase what suits your precise wants and ability degree.
And sure, I’ll be again with extra offers as we get nearer to precise Black Friday. As a result of apparently, we’re doing this all month now.
Associated
Uncover extra from The Drone Lady
Subscribe to get the most recent posts despatched to your e-mail.