In 2024, waterproof drones are expected to become even more advanced and widely used. With technology constantly improving, drones that can withstand splashes, rain, and even full submersion will likely dominate the consumer and commercial markets. As these rugged drones become more affordable and packed with features, they will unlock new recreational and industrial applications.
And this article will contain the best of the best in all those categories and more，also read：
https://www.drones-for-sale.com/best-drones-for-water-sports-and-how-to-fly
https://www.drones-for-sale.com/9-best-underwater-drones-in-2024
https://www.drones-for-sale.com/5-best-fishing-drones-in-2024
In this article I will recommend this drones for you:
1、SwellPro SplashDrone 3+
2、DJI Matrice 210 V2
3、Autel Robotics EVO 2
4、Parrot Anafi USA
5、Yuneec H520E
6、Holy Stone HS720E
7、Geneinno Titan
In this article, X Drone Shop will delve deeper into the topic of:（7 Best Waterproof drones in 2024）
Let’s started now！
What is Waterproof drones？
Waterproof drones are drones that are designed to be able to fly and operate in wet conditions or even when fully submerged in water. They have special waterproof casings and components that prevent water from getting inside the sensitive electronics. This allows them to be used for applications like water sports, underwater inspections, marine research, and search and rescue operations.
What are the main features of Waterproof drones？
- Waterproof motors and wiring that won’t short circuit when wet. Motors are often brushed or sealed.
- Water-resistant camera and video transmission system to capture underwater footage.
- Watertight drone body and compartments to protect components. Rubber gaskets and o-rings seal out water.
- Floats or water landing gear so the drone can float and take off from water.
- Hydrodynamic design to move through water with less drag.
- Anti-corrosion treatments for saltwater use.
- Quick drying materials so the drone dries faster after use.
What should you pay attention to when buying a Waterproof drones?
- Intended use – Consider if you need a drone for rainy conditions, ocean surface, or full underwater operation.
- Battery life – Flight times are reduced when motors have to work harder under water.
- Camera features – Still photo or video capabilities. Some waterproof drones have built-in cameras.
- Live video feed – Important for controlling and framing underwater shots.
- Self-draining – Ability to drain water from interior compartments after submersion.
- Replacement parts – Availability of spare waterproof components.
- Manufacturer warranty – Many offer water damage coverage.
7 Best Waterproof drones in 2024
| Drone Model | Waterproof Rating | Camera Resolution | Flight Time | Range | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SwellPro SplashDrone 3+ | IP67 | 4K | 30 min | 1,000m | $499 | ★★★★☆ |
| DJI Matrice 210 V2 | IP43 | 20MP | 16 min | 8km | $2,999 | ★★★★★ |
| Autel Robotics EVO 2 | IP54 | 8K | 40 min | 9km | $1,495 | ★★★★☆ |
| Parrot Anafi USA | IPX3 | 48MP | 32 min | 4.3mi | $1,000 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Yuneec H520E | IP43 | 20MP | 28 min | 1.2mi | $1,799 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Holy Stone HS720E | IP54 | 4K | 26 min | 3.1mi | $399 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Geneinno Titan | IP67 | 4K | 45 min | 2km | $1299 | ★★☆☆☆ |
1、SwellPro SplashDrone 3+
The SwellPro SplashDrone 3+ is a waterproof drone that can handle full water submersion. It has an IP67 waterproof rating, allowing it to be immersed in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This makes it great for water sports and underwater photography. The SplashDrone 3+ comes equipped with a 4K camera capable of capturing vivid, high-resolution photos and video. It has a flight time of 30 minutes on a single charge.
Pros:
- Fully waterproof design enables underwater operation
- Built-in 4K camera takes great underwater shots
- Decent 30 minute flight time
- Intuitive companion app with auto return-to-home
- Durable construction for ocean and pool use
Cons:
- Shorter range of only 1,000 meters
- No onboard storage for photos and videos
- Struggles in windy conditions
- Propellers can scatter water when taking off from water
Overall, the SplashDrone 3+ is one of the top waterproof drone options available today thanks to its IP67 rating, 4K camera, and advanced flight modes. Just be aware of its limitations in windy weather and lack of onboard storage.
2、DJI Matrice 210 V2
The DJI Matrice 210 V2 is DJI’s professional rugged drone platform built for industrial applications. It has an IP43 water and dust resistance rating, allowing it to operate in light rain and dust conditions. The drone comes equipped with a 20MP 1-inch CMOS sensor camera capable of capturing high-resolution images and 4K video. It has a maximum flight time of 38 minutes and transmission range of 8 km.
Pros:
- Rugged, lightweight aerospace-grade aluminum construction
- Powerful flight performance with 38 minute max flight time
- Long 8 km transmission range
- IP43 rating enables operation in light rain
- 20MP 1-inch camera takes stunning visual data
- Modular design supports many payloads
Cons:
- Very expensive at $2,999 just for base package
- Not fully waterproof for immersion
- Large and heavy, requiring 2 person operation
- Overkill for casual users
- Does not come with onboard storage
The Matrice 210 V2 is an enterprise-level drone suited for inspection, surveying, mapping and more. It offers excellent flight capabilities but at a steep price. The IP43 rating provides some water protection, but it cannot be fully immersed. Overall best suited for professional commercial use.
3、Autel Robotics EVO 2
The Autel EVO 2 is a folding drone that offers an 8K camera, 40 minutes of flight time, and a 9km transmission range. It has an IP54 rating, making it resistant to splashing water and dust. The 3-axis gimbal stabilized camera can shoot 8K video and 48MP photos.
Pros:
- 8K camera captures ultra-high resolution footage
- 40 minute flight time is one of the longest available
- 9km range provides ample operating radius
- IP54 rating protects against splashing and dust
- Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance sensors
- Foldable design for easy transport
Cons:
- On the expensive side at $1,495
- Not fully waterproof for immersion
- Large and heavy compared to some drones
- 8K video can be data intensive and difficult to edit
- Advanced features targeted more for professionals
The EVO 2 is feature-packed drone aimed at aerial cinematographers and professionals. It combines a high-end camera, long flight time, and splash resistance in a powerful package. The price tag makes it more of an investment for serious drone users.
4、Parrot Anafi USA
The Parrot Anafi USA is a lightweight foldable drone built specifically to meet U.S. government security standards. It has an IPX3 water resistance rating, capable of operating in light rainfall. The drone comes with a 48MP camera for high resolution still images and 4K/2.7K video capture. Flight time reaches 32 minutes.
Pros:
- Secure AES 256 bit encryption
- 32 minute flight time
- 4.3 mile (7 km) range
- Withstand light rain with IPX3 rating
- 48MP camera takes detailed images
Cons:
- Not fully waterproof
- Expensive at $1,000
- Geofencing limits areas of operation
5、Yuneec H520E
The Yuneec H520E has a dustproof and splashproof IP43 rating, allowing it to handle water splashes and light rain. It offers 20MP still photo resolution and 4K video capture. Maximum flight time is 28 minutes and the operating range is 1.2 miles (2 km).
Pros:
- IP43 rating for splash resistance
- 20MP camera with 4K video
- Retractable landing gear
- Durable aluminum alloy frame
Cons:
- Limited 1.2 mile range
- Not fully waterproof for immersion
- Shorter flight time than some competitors
6、Holy Stone HS720E
The Holy Stone HS720E is a foldable drone with a 4K camera and several intelligent flight modes. Here are some pros and cons:
Pros:
- Foldable and portable design makes it easy to transport.
- Features a 4K camera capable of recording sharp, stable video footage.
- Intelligent flight modes like Follow Me, Orbit, and Waypoints allow for creative shots.
- Long flight time of 22 minutes from the 3500mAh battery.
- Obstacle avoidance sensors in front help prevent collisions.
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features like tracking or object avoidance.
- Controller range is only about 1000 feet, less than some competitors.
- Camera quality is decent but may lack detail in low light conditions.
- Does not come with any storage so you need to supply your own micro SD card.
In summary, the HS720E is a solid mid-range drone with good 4K video capabilities in a portable folding design. While it lacks some of the features of premium drones, it provides good value given its sub-$300 price point. The intelligent flight modes make capturing complex shots easy. Overall it’s a good option for hobbyist drone users looking for their first 4K camera drone.
7、Geneinno Titan
The Geneinno Titan is a heavy duty underwater drone designed for depths of up to 330ft (100 meters). It features six thrusters for stability, a 4K camera, and dual LED lights. The Titan is controlled through a smartphone app or dedicated remote.
Pros:
- Deep 100 meter diving capability
- Powerful six thruster system
- 4K camera with image stabilization
- Dual 2000 lumen LED lights
- Auto heading lock and depth hold
Cons:
- High price point over $1000
- Large and heavy, not as portable
- Short 2 hour battery life
- Not as intuitive controls
- No interchangeable sensor payload
With its robust thruster system and 100 meter rating, the Titan excels at deep water exploration and photography. But the short battery life, high cost, and lack of modularity limit its versatility for other professional applications. It’s best suited for recreational users seeking a sturdy deep diving drone.
Final words about Best Waterproof drones in 2024
With major improvements in water protection and pricing, 2024 may be the year when waterproof drones go fully mainstream. From inspecting underwater infrastructure to capturing ocean surfing footage, these drones will make their presence felt above and below the waterline. Advances in battery life and control systems will further expand what waterproof UAVs are capable of. The waterproof drone market looks poised for major growth and innovation in 2024 and beyond.
Know more about the Waterproof drones, please check the following video out:
FAQs about Best Waterproof drones in 2024
What are the most popular waterproof drone models?
Some of the top waterproof drones are the Splash Drone 3, SwellPro Splash Drone 3+, Hydro Drone, DJI Mavic Pro Platinum, and the PowerRay Wizard Underwater Drone.
What features should I look for in a waterproof drone?
Key features to look for are a waterproof casing and design, sealed motors and components, floating capability, a waterproof camera/gimbal system, and hydrodynamic shape for minimal water resistance.
How deep can waterproof drones go underwater?
Most amateur models can go down 1-2 meters underwater at most. Advanced professional waterproof drones can dive much deeper, some up to 100 meters.
Can waterproof drones be used in saltwater?
Yes, many waterproof drones are designed for both fresh and saltwater use. However, extra anti-corrosion treatments are needed for prolonged saltwater operation.
What accessories do I need with a waterproof drone?
Useful accessories include extra batteries, floats, propeller guards, landing pads, cable tethers, wrist controllers, and an underwater drone case for transporting and storing the drone.
Do I need a special controller or monitor to view underwater video?
Underwater video transmission requires a waterproof controller/monitor or using a waterproofed smartphone/tablet screen to view the drone’s camera footage in real time.
What are the main uses for waterproof drones?
Waterproof drones are great for water sports filming, marine life observation, yacht/boat inspections, underwater structural inspections, search and rescue, ocean research, fishing/aquaculture, and swimming pool fun.
What precautions should I take when flying waterproof drones?
Take care around wildlife, avoid restricted areas, rinse the drone off after use in saltwater, dry the drone thoroughly, inspect for leaks, and perform maintenance after wet flights.
What regulations apply to recreational waterproof drone use?
Recreational use is generally unregulated, but always check local laws. Avoid national parks, marine sanctuaries, military areas, shipping lanes, and airport flight paths.
