Scored using Drones Methodology v2.0
Drones Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Drones Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,023 independent expert reviews and 2,622 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Drones Methodology v2.0

DJI Air 2S Review | 97 Data compared

Avg. price:~£880Max flight time:31 minVideo resolution:5.4K/30 fpsMax transmission distance:12 km

DJI Air 2S Review: Compare 97 technical specifications and 62 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Drones category and whether it is worth buying.

8.4

Overall score

Score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the drone's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best drones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

85%

8.3

Technical score

15%

8.8

Review score ( 24 · 38)

Review score 15% · 8.8 · based on 62 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 15%, technical score 85%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
★Better than 90% of drones
8.3

Technical score

Technical score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the drone's technical performance, covering key areas such as flight performance, camera quality, transmission, safety features, battery life, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare drones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

26%

8.2

Flight

24%

8.0

Camera

20%

9.0

Safety

16%

8.5

Connectivity

14%

7.7

Battery & Design

▲Better than 88% of drones
8.8

Review score

Review score
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 15% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 4 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (62)
24 reviews: 13 with a printed score, 11 estimated from the review. 38 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 15%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 11
✓ explicit
8
≈ estimated
3
Video reviews 10
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
★Better than 90% of drones
  • dji-air-2s
  • dji-air-2s
dji-air-2s
dji-air-2s

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Technical Specifications of drone DJI Air 2S

Technical score
Technical score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the drone's technical performance, covering key areas such as flight performance, camera quality, transmission, safety features, battery life, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare drones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

26%

8.2

Flight

24%

8.0

Camera

20%

9.0

Safety

16%

8.5

Connectivity

14%

7.7

Battery & Design

8.3
Review score
Review score
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 15% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 4 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (62)
24 reviews: 13 with a printed score, 11 estimated from the review. 38 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 15%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 11
✓ explicit
8
≈ estimated
3
Video reviews 10
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.8
Popularity
Popularity
9.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the drone.
When it matters
When you prefer to choose a drone reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
DJI Air 2S has a popularity score of 9.6 points, which is higher than that of 84.2% of products in this category.
9.6
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the drone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a drone with a good balance between flight quality, camera features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

8.4

Overall score

40%

5.9

Price

7.6
Max flight time
31 min
Max flight time
31 min
This drone has a max flight time of 31 min, longer than 71.5% of drones and equal to 4.5% of drones.
Max flight distance
12 km
Max flight distance
12 km
This drone has a max flight distance of 12 km, farther than 79.6% of drones.
Maximum range varies by region (for example FCC vs CE).
Max flight speed
19 m/s
Max flight speed
19 m/s
This drone has a max flight speed of 19 m/s, faster than 78.5% of drones and equal to 1.9% of drones.
Max wind resistance
10.7 m/s
Max wind resistance
10.7 m/s
This drone has max wind resistance of 10.7 m/s, higher than 48.9% of drones and equal to 23.7% of drones.
Max service ceiling (ASL)
5,000 m
Max service ceiling (ASL)
5,000 m
This drone has a max service ceiling of 5,000 m, higher than 67.9% of drones and equal to 10.5% of drones.
Show more
What reviewers say
Video resolution
5.4K/30 fps
Video resolution
5.4K/30 fps
This drone records video at 5.4K/30 fps, higher than 93.6% of drones.
4K camera
yes
4K camera
yes
This drone supports 4K video. 46% of drones support 4K video.
Sensor size
1"
Sensor size
1"
This drone has a sensor size of 1", larger than 84.3% of drones and equal to 8.3% of drones.
Main camera megapixels
20 MP
Main camera megapixels
20 MP
This drone has a main camera resolution of 20 MP, higher than 64% of drones and equal to 9.3% of drones.
Max movie bitrate
150 Mbps
Max movie bitrate
150 Mbps
This drone has a max movie bitrate of 150 Mbps, higher than 81.6% of drones and equal to 6.6% of drones.
Show more
What reviewers say
Obstacle detection
yes
Obstacle detection
yes
This drone supports obstacle detection. 69.5% of drones support obstacle detection.
Return to Home (RTH)
yes
Return to Home (RTH)
yes
This drone supports Return-to-Home (RTH). 33% of drones support Return-to-Home (RTH).
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
This drone supports GPS. 35.3% of drones support GPS.
GNSS systems supported
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
GNSS systems supported
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
This drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo GNSS systems, which are more comprehensive than those of 68.8% and the same as those of 4%.
Obstacle sensing directions
forward/backward/upward/downward
Obstacle sensing directions
forward/backward/upward/downward
This drone senses obstacles in forward/backward/upward/downward directions, which is more comprehensive than that of 82.9%.
Show more
What reviewers say
Max transmission distance
12 km
Max transmission distance
12 km
This drone has a max transmission distance of 12 km, farther than 85.2% of drones and equal to 1.5% of drones.
Maximum range varies by region; CE/SRRC/MIC limits can be lower.
Transmission latency
120 ms
Transmission latency
120 ms
This drone has transmission latency of 120 ms, lower than 59.2% of drones and equal to 28.2% of drones.
Video transmission system
O3
Video transmission system
O3
This drone uses O3 for video transmission, which is more advanced than the system used by 86.7% and the same as that used by 4.1%.
Live view quality
1080p@30 fps
Live view quality
1080p@30 fps
This drone offers live view quality of 1080p@30 fps, higher-quality than 60.9% of drones and equal to 18.8% of drones.
Remote control
yes
Remote control
yes
This drone has a handheld remote controller. 5% of drones offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
3,500 mAh
Battery capacity
3,500 mAh
This drone has a battery capacity of 3,500 mAh, larger than 76.7% of drones and equal to 2.1% of drones.
Battery energy
40.42 Wh
Battery energy
40.42 Wh
This drone has battery energy of 40.42 Wh, higher than 75.3% of drones and equal to 0.6% of drones.
Charging time
95 min
Charging time
95 min
This drone charges in 95 min, slower than 56.9% of drones and equal to 0.6% of drones.
Weight
595 g
Weight
595 g
This drone weighs 595 g, heavier than 74.2% of drones and equal to 0.5% of drones.
Removable battery
yes
Removable battery
yes
This drone has a removable battery. 0.5% of drones have a removable battery.
Show more
What reviewers say

DJI Air 2S vs the average drone

246810TotalFlightCameraSafetyConnectivityBattery & Design
  • Larger sensor size
    Sensor size
    1"
    This drone has a larger sensor than the average drone (1" vs 1/2.3"). The average drone uses a sensor of 1/2.3".
    1" vs 1/2.3"
  • 11 km longer transmission range
    Max transmission distance
    12 km
    This drone has a longer max transmission distance than the average drone (12 km vs 1 km). The average drone reaches 1 km of transmission distance.
    Maximum range varies by region; CE/SRRC/MIC limits can be lower.
    12 km vs 1 km
  • Supports obstacle detection
    Obstacle detection
    yes
    This drone supports obstacle detection, while the average drone does not.
  • 11 km longer flight distance
    Max flight distance
    12 km
    This drone has a longer max flight distance than the average drone (12 km vs 1 km). The average drone can fly up to 1 km.
    Maximum range varies by region (for example FCC vs CE).
    12 km vs 1 km
  • 50 Mbps higher video bitrate
    Max movie bitrate
    150 Mbps
    This drone supports a higher maximum video bitrate than the average drone (150 Mbps vs 100 Mbps). The average drone supports a maximum video bitrate of 100 Mbps.
    150 Mbps vs 100 Mbps
  • 3 more gimbal axes
    Gimbal axes
    3
    This drone has more gimbal axes than the average drone (3 vs 0). The average drone has 0 gimbal axes.
    3 vs 0
  • 11 min longer flight time
    Max flight time
    31 min
    This drone offers longer max flight time than the average drone (31 min vs 20 min). The average drone offers 20 min of max flight time.
    31 min vs 20 min
  • Supports low-light mode
    Low light mode
    yes
    This drone supports low-light mode, while the average drone does not.
  • 48.2% more popular
    DJI Air 2S is more popular than the average drone (9.59 vs 6.5).
    9.59 vs 6.47
  • 7.9% better value for money
    DJI Air 2S has better value for money than the average drone (7.62 vs 7.1).
    7.62 vs 7.06
  • 11 km longer flight distance
    Max flight distance
    12 km
    This drone has a longer max flight distance than the average drone (12 km vs 1 km). The average drone can fly up to 1 km.
    Maximum range varies by region (for example FCC vs CE).
    12 km vs 1 km
  • 11 min longer flight time
    Max flight time
    31 min
    This drone offers longer max flight time than the average drone (31 min vs 20 min). The average drone offers 20 min of max flight time.
    31 min vs 20 min
  • 4 m/s faster flight speed
    Max flight speed
    19 m/s
    This drone reaches a higher max flight speed than the average drone (19 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    19 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • 2 m/s faster descent speed
    Max descent speed
    6 m/s
    This drone descends faster than the average drone (6 m/s vs 4 m/s). The average drone descends at 4 m/s.
    Value reflects maximum descent speed in higher-performance flight mode.
    6 m/s vs 4 m/s
  • 1 m/s faster ascent speed
    Max ascent speed
    6 m/s
    This drone climbs faster than the average drone (6 m/s vs 5 m/s). The average drone climbs at 5 m/s.
    6 m/s vs 5 m/s
  • 1,500 m higher service ceiling
    Max service ceiling (ASL)
    5,000 m
    This drone can fly at a higher max service ceiling than the average drone (5000 m vs 3500 m). The average drone reaches 3500 m.
    5,000 m vs 3,500 m
  • Larger sensor size
    Sensor size
    1"
    This drone has a larger sensor than the average drone (1" vs 1/2.3"). The average drone uses a sensor of 1/2.3".
    1" vs 1/2.3"
  • 50 Mbps higher video bitrate
    Max movie bitrate
    150 Mbps
    This drone supports a higher maximum video bitrate than the average drone (150 Mbps vs 100 Mbps). The average drone supports a maximum video bitrate of 100 Mbps.
    150 Mbps vs 100 Mbps
  • 3 more gimbal axes
    Gimbal axes
    3
    This drone has more gimbal axes than the average drone (3 vs 0). The average drone has 0 gimbal axes.
    3 vs 0
  • Supports low-light mode
    Low light mode
    yes
    This drone supports low-light mode, while the average drone does not.
  • More color profile options
    Color profiles
    Normal, D-Log, HLG
    This drone supports Normal, D-Log, HLG color profiles, while the average drone supports Normal.
    Normal, D-Log, HLG vs Normal
  • More video codec options
    Video codecs supported
    H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC
    This drone supports H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC video codecs, while the average drone supports H.264/AVC.
    H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC vs H.264/AVC
  • Captures RAW photos
    RAW photo capture
    yes
    This drone can capture RAW photos, while the average drone cannot.
  • More advanced stabilization
    Image stabilization type
    3-Axis Mechanical
    This drone uses 3-Axis Mechanical image stabilization, while the average drone uses EIS (Digital).
    3-Axis Mechanical vs EIS (Digital)
  • More video format options
    Video formats
    MP4, MOV
    This drone supports MP4, MOV video formats, while the average drone supports MP4.
    MP4, MOV vs MP4
  • Supports slow-motion mode
    Slow-motion mode
    yes
    This drone supports slow-motion mode, while the average drone does not.
  • 7.2 GB more internal storage
    Internal storage
    7.2 GB
    This drone has more internal storage than the average drone (7.2 GB vs 0 GB). The average drone has 0 GB of internal storage.
    7.2 GB vs 0 GB
  • More capable focus system
    Focus system
    autofocus + manual focus
    This drone uses autofocus + manual focus for focusing, while the average drone uses fixed focus.
    autofocus + manual focus vs fixed focus
  • Supports HDR mode
    HDR mode
    yes
    This drone supports HDR mode, while the average drone does not.
  • Richer manual controls
    Manual camera controls
    partial
    This drone offers partial manual camera controls, while the average drone offers no.
    No shutter-speed control.
    partial vs no
  • 5 x higher digital zoom
    Digital zoom
    8 x
    This drone offers more digital zoom than the average drone (8 x vs 3 x). The average drone offers 3 x of digital zoom.
    8 x vs 3 x
  • Higher video resolution
    Video resolution
    5.4K/30 fps
    This drone offers higher video resolution than the average drone (5.4K/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    5.4K/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • Supports burst mode
    Burst mode
    yes
    This drone supports burst mode, while the average drone does not.
  • 8 MP more camera resolution
    Main camera megapixels
    20 MP
    This drone has more main camera megapixels than the average drone (20 MP vs 12 MP). The average drone has 12 MP on the main camera.
    20 MP vs 12 MP
  • Supports panorama mode
    Panorama mode
    yes
    This drone supports panorama mode, while the average drone does not.
  • 6,400 ISO higher max ISO
    Max ISO
    12,800 ISO
    This drone reaches a higher max ISO than the average drone (12800 ISO vs 6400 ISO). The average drone reaches 6400 ISO.
    12,800 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
  • Supports obstacle detection
    Obstacle detection
    yes
    This drone supports obstacle detection, while the average drone does not.
  • ADS-B In (AirSense)
    ADS-B In (AirSense)
    yes
    This drone includes ADS-B In (AirSense), while the average drone does not.
  • 0.2 m tighter hover accuracy
    Hover accuracy (horizontal)
    0.1 m
    This drone has better horizontal hover accuracy than the average drone (0.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average drone has horizontal hover accuracy of 0.3 m.
    0.1 m vs 0.3 m
  • Supports waypoint flight
    Waypoint flight
    yes
    This drone supports waypoint flight, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports QuickShots
    QuickShots
    yes
    This drone supports QuickShots, while the average drone does not.
  • 4 more flight modes
    N. of intelligent flight modes
    8
    This drone offers more intelligent flight modes than the average drone (8 vs 4). The average drone offers 4 intelligent flight modes.
    ActiveTrack, Spotlight, POI, Waypoint Flight, QuickShots, MasterShots, Hyperlapse, Cruise Control
    8 vs 4
  • 7.5 m/s faster tracking speed
    Max subject tracking speed
    20 m/s
    This drone can track subjects at a higher speed than the average drone (20 m/s vs 12.5 m/s). The average drone tracks subjects at 12.5 m/s.
    20 m/s vs 12.5 m/s
  • Remote ID
    Remote ID
    yes
    This drone supports Remote ID, while the average drone does not.
    Available via firmware update.
  • Less restrictive EU class
    EU class marking
    C1
    This drone is rated as C1 under the EU drone class system, while the average drone is rated as None.
    C1 vs None
  • 2.39x lower takeoff weight
    Max takeoff weight
    595 g
    This drone has a lower max takeoff weight than the average drone (595 g vs 249 g). The average drone has a max takeoff weight of 249 g.
    595 g vs 249 g
  • 11 km longer transmission range
    Max transmission distance
    12 km
    This drone has a longer max transmission distance than the average drone (12 km vs 1 km). The average drone reaches 1 km of transmission distance.
    Maximum range varies by region; CE/SRRC/MIC limits can be lower.
    12 km vs 1 km
  • More polished companion app
    Companion app
    DJI Fly
    This drone uses the DJI Fly companion app, while the average drone uses HS FPV.
    DJI Fly vs HS FPV
  • 10 ms lower latency
    Transmission latency
    120 ms
    This drone has lower transmission latency than the average drone (120 ms vs 130 ms). The average drone has transmission latency of 130 ms.
    120 ms vs 130 ms
  • More capable transmission system
    Video transmission system
    O3
    This drone uses O3 for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    O3 vs SkyLink 2.0
  • Better live view quality
    Live view quality
    1080p@30 fps
    This drone has better live view quality than the average drone (1080p@30 fps vs 1080p@25 fps). The average drone offers live view quality of 1080p@25 fps.
    1080p@30 fps vs 1080p@25 fps
  • 1,300 mAh more battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    3,500 mAh
    This drone has a larger battery capacity than the average drone (3500 mAh vs 2200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2200 mAh.
    3,500 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • 23.24 Wh more battery energy
    Battery energy
    40.42 Wh
    This drone has higher battery energy than the average drone (40.4 Wh vs 17.18 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.18 Wh of energy.
    40.42 Wh vs 17.18 Wh
  • More modern charging port
    Charging interface
    hybrid (proprietary + USB-C)
    This drone uses hybrid (proprietary + USB-C) for charging, while the average drone uses micro-USB.
    hybrid (proprietary + USB-C) vs micro-USB
  • 92 mm shorter body length
    Length
    183 mm
    This drone is shorter than the average drone (183 mm vs 275 mm). The average drone is 275 mm long.
    183 mm vs 275 mm
  • Narrower aperture
    Aperture
    f/2.8
    This drone has a narrower aperture than the average drone (f/2.8 vs f/2). The average drone uses an aperture of f/2.
    f/2.8 vs f/2
  • 2.42x higher weight
    Weight
    595 g
    This drone is heavier than the average drone (595 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    595 g vs 246 g
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    GNSS systems supported
    GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
    This drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    GPS, GLONASS, Galileo vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • 4.4x more expensive
    DJI Air 2S is more expensive than the average drone (£880 vs £200).
    £880 vs £200
  • No headless mode
    Headless mode
    no
    This drone does not support headless mode, while the average drone does.
  • 2 years older release date
    Release date
    2021
    This drone is older than the average drone (2021 vs 2023). The average drone was released in 2023.
    April 2021
    2021 vs 2023
  • 14.5 mm taller body height
    Height
    77 mm
    This drone is taller than the average drone (77 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    Folded height listed as 77 mm.
    77 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • 5 min longer charging time
    Charging time
    95 min
    This drone charges more slowly than the average drone (95 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    95 min vs 90 min
  • 4.4x more expensive
    DJI Air 2S is more expensive than the average drone (£880 vs £200).
    £880 vs £200
  • 2 years older release date
    Release date
    2021
    This drone is older than the average drone (2021 vs 2023). The average drone was released in 2023.
    April 2021
    2021 vs 2023
  • Narrower aperture
    Aperture
    f/2.8
    This drone has a narrower aperture than the average drone (f/2.8 vs f/2). The average drone uses an aperture of f/2.
    f/2.8 vs f/2
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    GNSS systems supported
    GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
    This drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    GPS, GLONASS, Galileo vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • No headless mode
    Headless mode
    no
    This drone does not support headless mode, while the average drone does.
  • 2.42x higher weight
    Weight
    595 g
    This drone is heavier than the average drone (595 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    595 g vs 246 g
  • 14.5 mm taller body height
    Height
    77 mm
    This drone is taller than the average drone (77 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    Folded height listed as 77 mm.
    77 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • 5 min longer charging time
    Charging time
    95 min
    This drone charges more slowly than the average drone (95 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    95 min vs 90 min
  • 12 mm wider width
    Width
    253 mm
    This drone is wider than the average drone (253 mm vs 241 mm). The average drone width is 241 mm.
    253 mm vs 241 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
The Project Photography
≈ estimated
29/07/2023
Hands-on review · landscape photography and image quality
Verdict
DJI Air 2S has very good image quality for a drone and is a strong package for the price.
9.0
Air Photography
≈ estimated
15/04/2022
One-year review · cold-weather flying and features
Verdict
DJI Air 2S is still a solid choice in 2022, and its one-inch sensor should keep it relevant for years.
9.5
Air Photography
≈ estimated
09/10/2021
Long-term review · six months of regular flying
Verdict
DJI Air 2S suits beginners and experienced pilots alike, and its image quality holds up for commercial work.
9.0
Dustin Dunnill
≈ estimated
27/06/2021
Range test · long-distance flight and battery landing
Verdict
DJI Air 2S handled range well, flying over four miles with no control glitches at all.
7.0
CAPTAIN DRONE
≈ estimated
21/05/2021
Full review · price and value analysis
Verdict
DJI Air 2S is the best drone in its class, but overpriced; the cheaper Mavic Air 2 is the smarter buy.
8.0
PCMag
✓ explicit
15/04/2021
Hands-on review · camera, battery and feature overview
Verdict
DJI Air 2S suits pros who want top image quality; most casual buyers can save money with the Mavic Air 2.
9.0
Dan Watson
≈ estimated
15/04/2021
Hands-on review · camera, tracking and feature tests
Verdict
DJI Air 2S is the best choice for photographers and videographers in its size class, with 5.4K video and a 1-inch sensor.
9.0
FlytPath
≈ estimated
15/04/2021
Hands-on review · features, remote and camera overview
Verdict
DJI Air 2S sits between the Mini 2 and Mavic 2 Pro, and is an easy upgrade from the Air 2.
9.5
Ready Set Drone
≈ estimated
15/04/2021
Hands-on review · flight modes, camera and range
Verdict
DJI Air 2S is compact and powerful, and few camera drones seem to compete with it.
9.5
Drone Valley
≈ estimated
25/04/2021
First flight · first impressions and sample footage
Verdict
DJI Air 2S is the best drone for the money, with responsive controls and good-looking footage.

What reviewers agree on

Based on 24 · 46

Reviewers love the image quality and compact size, but miss an adjustable aperture, want longer flights and split on obstacle sensing.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

10
techradar.com
✓ explicit
30/10/2022
Expert review · All-round drone
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S is a top all-rounder that sits between the Mavic Air 2 and Mavic 2 Pro, though bright days call for ND filters.
8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
15/04/2021
Lab and flight test · Camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S is a big step up from the Mavic Air 2 in image quality and safety, though casual fliers may not need the extra.
9.5
dpreview.com
≈ estimated
17/04/2021
Expert review · Camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S gives clearly better 5.4K footage than its predecessor and good safety sensors, but some modes drop resolution and flights are slightly shorter.
8.0
theverge.com
✓ explicit
15/04/2021
Expert review · Camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S gives near-flagship photos and video in a folding body, but it flies slightly shorter than its predecessor and limits obstacle avoidance at high resolutions.
9.0
in.ign.com
✓ explicit
15/04/2021
Expert review · Creator drone
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S is a portable mid-size drone with professional image features for creators, limited by no side sensors and just 8GB of storage.
10
digitalcameraworld.com
✓ explicit
15/04/2021
Expert review · Camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S sets a new bar for mid-range drones and rivals the Mavic 2 Pro on image quality, though it has no side sensors.
8.0
cameralabs.com
✓ explicit
15/04/2021
Flight test · 1-inch camera
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S takes clearly better photos and video than its predecessor, especially in low light, but real flights last only about 20–25 minutes.
9.0
cined.com
≈ estimated
15/04/2021
Filmmaker's review · Video quality
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S beats the Mavic 2 Pro on dynamic range and noise, but filmmakers will miss a variable aperture, 5.4K FocusTrack and good slow motion.
9.6
techgearlab.com
✓ explicit
24/12/2021
Hands-on test · Camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S is an easy-to-fly portable drone with a very stable gimbal and sharp 5K video, though bright days call for ND filters.
9.5
cnet.com
≈ estimated
03/03/2026
Field test · Landscape photography
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S suits landscape photographers, giving detailed 20MP RAW photos from a 595g drone, but real flights last only 20–25 minutes.
9.0
space.com
✓ explicit
01/11/2021
Expert review · Folding camera drone
Verdict
DJI Air 2S is a light folding drone whose 1-inch sensor shoots high-end 5.4K video, though its fixed f/2.8 aperture means you'll need ND filters in bright light.
9.0
chip.de
✓ explicit
23/12/2021
Expert review · Camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S is a compact drone with superb image quality and strong filmmaking tools, held back by a fixed aperture and small built-in storage.
9.0
smart-home-fox.de
≈ estimated
20/01/2025
Expert review · All-in-one drone
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S is a strong all-rounder with excellent 5.4K footage and a 12km link, though flight time and ActiveTrack fall short at high settings.
9.0
neukamp.de
≈ estimated
25/11/2024
Photographer's review · Aerial photos
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S works like an extra lens for photographers, giving 20MP stills and 5.4K video in a portable body, though it lacks side sensors.
9.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
20/05/2022
Expert review · Camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S is a leading camera drone with a large 1-inch sensor and strong connection, but it has no side sensors and real flights are short.
8.7
photoetmac.com
✓ explicit
18/07/2021
Field test · Creator drone
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S is a light drone for creators that handles high-contrast scenes very well, though you'll need ND filters in bright light.
9.0
33iso.com
≈ estimated
17/10/2022
Expert review · Camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S is a portable flying camera with near-professional image quality, held back by a fixed aperture, no side sensors and little built-in storage.
9.0
photolari.com
≈ estimated
03/02/2022
Expert review · Mid-size drone
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S is a versatile all-rounder with clearly better image quality than the Mini 2, but it is heavier and louder and needs registration in many places.
9.0
tomshw.it
✓ explicit
15/04/2021
Hands-on review · Camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S is a big step up in image quality with a strong long-range link, though it lacks side sensors and flies about 25 minutes per battery.
8.0
dronezine.it
≈ estimated
23/04/2021
Hands-on review · Camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S is a foldable, easy-to-carry drone with excellent image quality and good safety aids, though bright light calls for ND filters.
9.0
fotografidigitali.it
≈ estimated
15/04/2021
In-depth review · Camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S packs near-professional 5.4K video into a portable drone, but you will need ND filters and a fast microSD card from day one.
8.0
dronewatch.nl
✓ explicit
23/04/2021
Expert review · 1-inch camera
Verdict
The DJI Air 2S is a compact all-rounder whose 1-inch sensor gives excellent images even in low light, though the fixed aperture and missing side sensors hold it back.

Third-party reviews

What we like about DJI Air 2S

  • High-quality 1-inch sensor capable of 20MP stills and 5.4K video resolution
  • Excellent low-light performance and 10-bit D-Log-M color profile for professional grading
  • Robust four-directional obstacle avoidance system (up, down, forward, backward)
  • Intelligent flight features like MasterShots, ActiveTrack 4.0, and OcuSync 3.0 (O3) transmission
  • Compact, foldable design that remains highly portable despite the larger camera housing
  • Quiet flight operation and improved wind resistance up to 40 mph
  • Built-in AirSense (ADS-B) technology to alert users of nearby manned aircraft

What we don't like about DJI Air 2S

  • Fixed f/2.8 aperture necessitates the frequent use of ND filters in bright conditions
  • Lack of side-facing obstacle sensors makes sideways flight risky
  • Limited internal storage of only 8GB, which fills up quickly at high resolutions
  • Real-world battery life typically averages 20-25 minutes, falling short of the 31-minute rating
  • Certain advanced features like ActiveTrack do not work at maximum 5.4K resolution
  • Noticeable rolling shutter effect during high-speed maneuvers or quick pans
  • 4K/60fps video mode significantly crops the frame

Verdict

The DJI Air 2S is a high-performance, foldable drone featuring a 1-inch CMOS sensor capable of capturing 20MP photos and up to 5.4K/30fps or 4K/60fps video at a 150 Mbps bitrate. Key characteristics include its lightweight 595g frame, a 31-minute maximum flight time, and the O3 transmission system providing a 12km range with 1080p live feeds. Main pros consist of excellent low-light performance with 2.4μm pixels, a 10-bit DLog-M color profile, and robust safety through four-directional obstacle sensing and AirSense (ADS-B). However, notable cons include the lack of side-facing obstacle sensors, a limited 8GB of internal storage, and the inability to use certain features like APAS 4.0 or ActiveTrack at the highest 5.4K resolution.

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