Flying without a license is great. And doing so on the cheap is fantastic. But when you can have both and slap an autopilot button on top, that’s when you start living in the 21st century.

Drones are, without a doubt, one of the most exciting technologies right now. There’s so much effort that has gone into making UAVs safer, more practical, and worth the investment.

Here is a list of the top three drones of 2020.

The AirDog Drone

AirDog is a perfect example of a company that thinks out of the box.

Big claim? Definitely.

But stay with me.

These guys made a drone that takes commands from what looks like a smartwatch. They call this wristwatch the Air leash and it is capable of moving the drone in any direction. Imagine how big that is. You can finally take videos of yourself without help. And that makes it a perfect companion for people who skate, surf, or wakeboard.

On the downside, this drone does not come with a camera. But it features a gyro-stabilized gimbal that fits several third-party cameras. Think of it as an opportunity to use a high-quality camera.

3DR Solo Drone

Developed by 3DRobotics, this UAV is built for the camera. It features groundbreaking stabilization technology that makes it perfect for aerial shots. It comes complete with an auto take-off feature that lets you preprogram routes. You can instruct it to circle an area or go from A to B and back. This functionality allows users to concentrate on the actual footage rather than trying to control the device.

Unfortunately, the stock version of this device does not come with a gimbal mount or camera. But you have the option to buy a complete kit at a steeper price.

Yuneec Typhoon H

If you are in the market for a ready-to-fly drone, this is it. The Yuneec Typhoon H comes complete with a gimbal and camera. But that’s not the best part. The landing gear on this device folds up after take off. That gives the camera a 360-degree view.

On top of that, this Chinese UAV features six blades, making it super reliable. If one of the blades malfunctions, there is no need to go home. The drone can continue to fly with the remaining five blades.

Thoughtful, right?

The Bottom Line

These three options are your best bet if you are in the market for a drone in 2020. They come loaded with all the latest bells and whistles such as obstacle avoidance, auto take-off, and more. Still, it boils down to the intended use and the budget. For example, the Yuneec Typhoon H is a good rescue drone while it might be too much for a photoshoot.