DJI Neo at $159 deal is wild

I’ve been overlaying 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 essentially the most absurd drone deal I’ve ever seen.

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

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

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

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)
• Absolutely-enclosed propellers (secure for indoor flying)
• 135 grams (no FAA registration required)
• AI monitoring modes that really work

What you’re NOT getting:

• Flimsy toy-grade construct high quality
• Horrible digital camera that makes all the things appear to be 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 assist. 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 evaluation.

Who can purchase this:

• Actually anybody inquisitive about drones
• Mother and father 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 desire a grab-and-go drone
• Anybody with $159 who likes good offers

However critically—at this value, even if you happen to solely use it a handful of instances, you’re getting your cash’s price. I’ve spent extra on disappointing fancy restaurant meals.

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 practically double the flight time and a correct controller. That is the candy spot for learners who desire a conventional drone flying expertise.

DJI Flip – $349 (was $439)

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

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

DJI Mini 3 – $335 (was $419)

The Mini 3 presents 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: If you happen to want prolonged airtime for advanced 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

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

Present Picture

Wait, DJI makes bikes? Kind 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 guardian firm as DJI, and the engineering exhibits. 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 listing), however the specs are spectacular: an unmatched combo of energy, vary and efficiency in a surprisingly modern package deal.

Amflow PL Carbon (800Wh)

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

Amflow PL Carbon Professional (800Wh)

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

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

Who ought to take into account this:

• Mountain bikers seeking to go electrical with out sacrificing efficiency
• Drone pilots who admire DJI’s engineering philosophy
• Anybody who desires to discover trails that have been beforehand out of attain

Actual speak: These aren’t impulse purchases just like the $159 Neo. However if you happen to’ve been contemplating an e-bike and have the funds, Black Friday by means of December 23 is your window.

Skilled growth dealls

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

MasterClass prolonged their Black Friday sale by means of November twenty eighth. If you happen to missed it earlier this week, you’ve bought yet one more day.

For drone photographers and aerial filmmakers, these programs are price 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 method to storytelling will problem how you concentrate on 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 means of Dec. 4

UAVCoach is working their largest sale of the 12 months with 50% reductions utilized at checkout utilizing code FLYDAY25. Word that in-person coaching isn’t included on this sale. And sorry, my normal promo code DRONEGIRL100 received’t work on this, however hey, use FLYDAY25 as a result of it’s higher! Critically!

Right here’s what you’ll pay:

Why it’s price it: If you happen to’ve been laying aside getting Half 107 licensed or need to sharpen your industrial drone expertise, 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 in order for you one thing really 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 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 out of doors 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, lively collision detection, and clever observe 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. If you happen to’re hitting the slopes this season, this package deal is smart.

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

Black Friday 2025 offers on different gear I like

Fitbit Encourage 3 If ya’ll know me, ya’ll know I’m ADDICTED to getting my steps in (you may additionally 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 the moment 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 bought 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 holding you hydrated with out taking on an excessive amount of house. Usually $30, it’s on sale for $24.

My sincere 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 couple of issues going into Black Friday 2025:

• One of the best offers aren’t all the time the largest reductions. A 20% low cost on a drone you’ll truly use beats a 50% low cost on one which’ll gather 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 possibly as soon as each few years. If you happen to’ve been inquisitive about 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 will be sneaky good. Typically the perfect 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.
• Test return insurance policies. Black Friday purchases are sometimes closing sale. Be sure to know what you’re shopping for earlier than you click on that button.

Black Friday has grow to be much less “someday of offers” and extra “three weeks of gross sales anxiousness.” However each on occasion, you get a deal that’s genuinely definitely 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 stated “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 if you happen to like it? You simply bought into one of the vital artistic, rewarding hobbies on the market for the value of a mid-range meal.

Pleased Black Friday, and glad flying!

Disclosure: Some hyperlinks on this information are affiliate hyperlinks, which implies I could earn a small fee if you happen to make a purchase order. This doesn’t value you something further and helps assist my work creating free content material. I solely advocate 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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