DJI Neo at $159 deal is wild


I’ve been masking drone offers for over a decade. I’ve seen loads of Black Fridays, Cyber Mondays, and suspiciously-timed “flash gross sales” that occur each different Tuesday. However the DJI Neo at $159? This is likely to be probably the most absurd drone deal I’ve ever seen.

Let me put this in perspective: $159 is toy drone pricing. The sort of cash folks spend on these low cost Amazon quads that break after three flights. Besides the Neo isn’t a toy—it’s a respectable 4K digicam drone from DJI that I truly suggest. That is the drone equal of discovering a Tesla at Honda Civic costs.

In case you’ve been on the fence about entering into drones, that is your second. Not subsequent month. Not “when I’ve extra time to analysis.” Proper now, at this time, whereas this deal lasts.

The 2025 Black Friday deal that’s breaking my mind: DJI Neo for $159

The DJI Neo drone. (Photograph by Sally French)

Let me break down why this $159 price ticket is genuinely surprising:

What you’re getting:

  • 4K video at 30fps (not 720p rubbish—precise usable 4K)
  • 18 minutes of flight time
  • Palm launch and touchdown (no controller wanted)
  • Totally-enclosed propellers (protected for indoor flying)
  • 135 grams (no FAA registration required)
  • AI monitoring modes that truly work

What you’re NOT getting:

  • Flimsy toy-grade construct high quality
  • Horrible digicam that makes all the things appear like it was filmed on a potato
  • Controls that require a PhD to determine
  • A drone that’ll be in a landfill by January

It is a actual drone with DJI’s legendary construct high quality and help. At $159, it’s priced under some toy knockoffs on Amazon. The mathematics doesn’t math, however I’m not complaining.

Learn my full DJI Neo overview.

Who can buy this:

  • Actually anybody interested in drones
  • Dad and mom searching for a present that received’t be damaged by Christmas dinner
  • Content material creators who need aerial photographs with out studying to fly
  • Skilled pilots who need a grab-and-go drone
  • Anybody with $159 who likes good offers

However critically—at this worth, even when you solely use it a handful of occasions, you’re getting your cash’s price. I’ve spent extra on disappointing fancy restaurant meals.

Different nice 2025 Black Friday offers to comply with

DJI Mini 4K – $239 (was $299)

The DJI Mini 4K delivers true 4K video at 30fps, a devoted distant controller, and 31 minutes of flight time. At underneath 250 grams, leisure pilots don’t must register it with the FAA.

Why it’s price it: For about $80 greater than the Neo, you get almost double the flight time and a correct controller. That is the candy spot for newbies who need a conventional drone flying expertise.

Sally French, The Drone Lady, critiques the DJI Flip. (Photograph by Hamilton Nguyen)

DJI Flip – $349 (was $439)

The DJI Flip shocked me when it launched in January 2025. At $349 (usually $439), it gives the identical 48MP digicam high quality because the Mini 4 Professional (which prices $410 extra at common worth!) with a singular foldable design that includes full-coverage propeller guards.

Why it’s price it: Skilled-level digicam in a beginner-friendly package deal. The vertical taking pictures mode is ideal for Instagram Reels and TikTok. At $90 off, that is one of the best worth for a high-quality digicam drone underneath $500.

DJI Mini 3 – $335 (was $419)

The Mini 3 gives the longest flight time of any DJI drone underneath $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.

Why it’s price it: In case you want prolonged airtime for complicated photographs or a number of takes, that is your drone. At $335, it’s now cheaper than the Flip whereas providing longer battery life.

Buy the DJI Mini 3 beginning at simply $335 (no controller) now from:

Past drones: DJI’s electrical mountain bikes

DJI bike Avinox Drive System Amflow PL

Amflow Bikes – As much as $1,600 Off (Nov. 28 – Dec. 23)

Present Picture

Wait, DJI makes bikes? Form of. Amflow Bikes launched within the US this summer season because the world’s first light-weight, full-powered electrical mountain bike. The connection? They’re backed by the identical mother or father firm as DJI, and the engineering reveals. These bikes deliver the identical obsessive consideration to element you see in DJI drones.

I haven’t personally examined these (but—they’re on my record), however the specs are spectacular: an unmatched combo of energy, vary and efficiency in a surprisingly modern package deal.

Amflow PL Carbon (800Wh)

  • Sale worth: $6,499
  • Common worth: $7,499
  • Financial savings: $1,000

Amflow PL Carbon Professional (800Wh)

  • Sale worth: $8,599
  • Common worth: $10,199
  • Financial savings: $1,600

Obtainable solely at: www.amflowbikes.com
Sale dates: November 28 – December 23

Who ought to think about this:

  • Mountain bikers trying to go electrical with out sacrificing efficiency
  • Drone pilots who respect DJI’s engineering philosophy
  • Anybody who needs to discover trails that had been beforehand out of attain

Actual discuss: These aren’t impulse purchases just like the $159 Neo. However when you’ve been contemplating an e-bike and have the finances, Black Friday by December 23 is your window.

Skilled improvement dealls

MasterClass: As much as 50% Off (Nov. 20-26)

Jimmy Chin. Picture courtesy of MasterClass.

MasterClass prolonged their Black Friday sale by November twenty eighth. In case you missed it earlier this week, you’ve received another day.

For drone photographers and aerial filmmakers, these programs are price your time:

Jimmy Chin Teaches Journey Images – Be taught 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 method to storytelling will problem how you consider drone footage. This isn’t simply technical instruction; it’s about creating work that issues.

Why it’s price it: At 50% off, you’re getting world-class instruction from masters on the high of their craft. The storytelling rules apply on to aerial cinematography.

UAVCoach: 50% off all on-line programs by Dec. 4

UAVCoach is working their largest sale of the yr with 50% reductions utilized at checkout utilizing code FLYDAY25. Word that in-person coaching isn’t included on this sale. And sorry, my regular promo code DRONEGIRL100 received’t work on this, however hey, use FLYDAY25 as a result of it’s higher! Significantly!

Right here’s what you’ll pay:

Why it’s price it: In case you’ve been pushing aside getting Half 107 licensed or need to sharpen your business drone expertise, that is your window.

DARTdrones Coaching: 25% off all lessons

Save 25% on all DARTdrones lessons this Black Friday utilizing code BLACKFRIDAY25. This low cost will not be eligible for personal trainings.

Black Friday 2025 FPV racing gear offers

In case you’re into FPV racing or need to get began, there are some strong offers on racing elements this yr:

BETAFPV LiteRadio 4 Radio Transmitter – ELRS 2.4GHz – $59.80 (was $64.99)

A beginner-friendly FPV transmitter that doesn’t skimp on options. At underneath $60, that is an accessible entry level for anybody interested in FPV racing.

Tattu R-Line Model 3.0 1800mAh 4s 120C Lipo Battery – $30.03 (was $52.99)

It is a real steal — 43% off knowledgeable racing battery. The R-Line collection is designed for aggressive FPV racing with decrease inner resistance and better capability than comparable packs. At $30, refill when you’re already flying.

DarwinFPV CineApe 35 Drone HD w/ DJI O3 – 6S – $474.21 (was $649.99)

This 3.5-inch cinewhoop comes with DJI’s O3 system and might mount a full GoPro. It gives 10-minute flight occasions and speeds as much as 102 km/h, making it versatile for each cinematic work and freestyle flying. The 27% low cost brings it into vary for critical hobbyists.

HISINGY Sunray RTF Drone Equipment w/ Goggles + Radio + App – $332.83 (was $453.99)

An entire ready-to-fly FPV package deal together with goggles and controller. The gamified app expertise makes it approachable for newbies, although don’t anticipate professional-grade efficiency at this worth level.

HOVERAir: As much as 30% off + free battery

HOVERAirX1 PRO (left) versus HOVERAirX1 PROMAX (right).
HOVERAirX1 PRO (left) versus HOVERAirX1 PROMAX (proper).

HOVERAir is discounting their total lineup with bonus free batteries on choose purchases. These are strong choices if you would 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 lifeless easy to fly, although don’t anticipate professional-grade footage.

HOVERAir X1 PRO – Beginning at $499 The PRO provides velocity (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 fascinating: 8K video, energetic collision detection, and clever comply with modes, all whereas staying underneath 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. In case you’re hitting the slopes this season, this package deal is smart.

Associated learn: DJI Neo versus HOVERAir X1: which hand-launch drone is greatest?

Autel battery offers

In case you fly Autel drones (certainly one of my high options to DJI drones), these battery offers are price grabbing:

Autel Robotics EVO II Clever Battery – $175.20 (was $219.00)

The 7100mAh battery helps as much as 40 minutes of ahead flight for the EVO II collection. Suitable with EVO 2 8K, EVO 2 Professional 6K, EVO 2 Enterprise/RTK/Twin (640T) drones. Takes about 90 minutes to totally cost with overcharge and over-temperature safety.

Autel Robotics EVO Lite Enterprise Collection Battery – $143.20 (was $179.00)

The 6175mAh battery delivers as much as 40 minutes of flight time. Suitable with EVO Lite 640T Enterprise, Lite 6K Enterprise, EVO Lite, and EVO Lite Plus drones. Quick 90-minute charging with good LED indicators.

Black Friday 2025 offers on different gear I really like

Fitbit Encourage 3 If ya’ll know me, ya’ll know I’m ADDICTED to getting my steps in (you might also know I’m a aggressive powerlifter and weightlifter, thus love my steps)! The Encourage 3 is the precise step tracker I exploit. Usually $100, it’s on sale at this time for $70.

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Metal Water Bottle I hate when my water spills throughout my backpack, but it surely’s even worse if I’ve received costly tech gear inside. Owala is the one water bottle I’ll use (sorry, free drone convention swag…except it’s Owala I don’t need it). It is available in all types of sizes, however the 24 ounce one hits the candy spot between maintaining you hydrated with out taking over an excessive amount of area. Usually $30, it’s on sale for $24.

OM SYSTEM Olympus E-M10 Mark IV with 14-42mm Lens – $699.99 (was $899.99)

This Micro 4 Thirds digicam incorporates a 20MP sensor, 5-axis in-body picture stabilization, 4K video, and a flip-down monitor excellent for vlogging. The package contains the versatile 14-42mm lens. At $200 off, it’s a strong choice for content material creators who need skilled picture high quality in a compact package deal.

Youngsters Digicam Prompt Print – $29.99 (was $39.99)

A 1080P immediate digicam designed for teenagers ages 3-12. Options thermal printing (no ink wanted), 2.4-inch display, 16x digital zoom, and comes with 3 rolls of printing paper plus a 32GB reminiscence card. The BPA-free printing paper and shockproof shell make it protected and sturdy. Nice for getting children desirous about images with out handing them your telephone.

My trustworthy Black Friday 2025 recommendation after a decade of writing about drone offers

I’ve been writing about drone offers for over a decade, and I’ve realized a number of issues going into Black Friday 2025:

  • The very best offers aren’t all the time the most important reductions. A 20% low cost on a drone you’ll truly use beats a 50% low cost on one which’ll acquire mud in your closet.
  • The Neo at $159 is genuinely particular. I don’t say this calmly. That is the sort of deal that occurs perhaps as soon as each few years. In case you’ve been interested in drones, that is your entry level.
  • Don’t fall for FOMO. Simply because one thing is on sale doesn’t imply you want it. Ask your self: Will I truly use this, or am I shopping for it as a result of it’s low cost?
  • Bundle offers could be sneaky good. Generally one of the best Black Friday worth isn’t the drone low cost—it’s the “purchase this drone and get $200 price of equipment” bundle. Look ahead to these.
  • Verify return insurance policies. Black Friday purchases are sometimes last sale. Be sure you know what you’re shopping for earlier than you click on that button.

Black Friday has change into much less “sooner or later of offers” and extra “three weeks of gross sales nervousness.” However each on occasion, you get a deal that’s genuinely well worth the hype.

The DJI Neo at $159 is that deal. It’s the drone I like to recommend to each newbie. It’s the drone I throw in my bag for spontaneous photographs. It’s the drone I’m assured recommending to folks, vacationers, and anybody who’s ever mentioned “I want I might get aerial footage with out spending a fortune.”

At $199, it was already a no brainer. At $159? Simply purchase it. If you find yourself hating drones (unlikely), you’re out lower than the price of dinner and a film. And when you adore it? You simply received into probably the most artistic, rewarding hobbies on the market for the worth of a mid-range meal.

Completely happy Black Friday, and comfortable flying!

Disclosure: Some hyperlinks on this information are affiliate hyperlinks, which suggests I’ll earn a small fee when you make a purchase order. This doesn’t value you something further and helps help my work creating free content material. I solely suggest merchandise I’ve personally examined (besides in uncommon instances the place I disclose I haven’t personally examined it). I’ll solely inform you about merchandise I genuinely imagine in.


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