The DJI Mini 5 Pro ‘raises the bar for beginner drones’ – this five-star-rated model is a fantastic buy right now, with one caveat

Thinking about getting into drones and have some extra cash to spend? One model that should be high on your shortlist is the excellent DJI Mini 5 Pro, which we currently rank as the best DJI drone for most people.

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

It’s an easy recommendation—and one that stood out immediately while browsing this week’s deals at Best Buy. The retailer is currently offering discounts of up to $350 on select Mini 5 Pro bundles, making it especially appealing if you’re planning to invest in extra batteries, controllers, or other accessories right from the start.

In terms of upgrades, the Mini 5 Pro represents a noticeable step up from the already impressive Mini 4 Pro. It features a larger 1-inch sensor for improved low-light performance, omnidirectional LiDAR-assisted obstacle avoidance, and a generous 42GB of built-in storage. All of this makes it an excellent choice for beginner pilots who want premium features without jumping straight into a full-size drone. If you’re on a tighter budget, the DJI Mini 4 remains a solid option—but if you can spend a bit more, the Mini 5 Pro is well worth it.

A fantastic drone — but expect to register it

Before pulling the trigger on the Mini 5 Pro, there’s one important detail to keep in mind, especially if you’re considering one of the combo kits.

Officially, the Mini 5 Pro weighs 249g, placing it just under the FAA’s registration threshold for recreational drones. In theory, that means you wouldn’t need to register it to fly legally. However, small variations in manufacturing can push the actual weight slightly higher. While that may not be an issue in many regions, the FAA in the US enforces weight limits very strictly.

As a result, you may need to weigh the drone before flying—or simply register it in advance to avoid any complications. Fortunately, registration is quick, costs just $5, and can be completed online. Once registered, you won’t need to worry about weight limits and can freely use Intelligent Flight Batteries and other accessories without concern.

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