Best Drone Accessories in 2023 for More Fun Flying
Getting the right accessories for your drone is a great way to expand its potential without spending a ton of money. Make sure you stick to these options.
This guide to the best drone accessories will make sure your flying experience is a lot more enjoyable than before.
Whether you’ve just bought your first drone, or have hundreds of flights under your belt, these drone accessories will definitely help.
While there are a ton of third-party products out there, I’ve only included the absolute best drone accessories of 2023.
My first drone was a Phantom 4 – since then I’ve owned a Mini and a Mavic Air 2, accessorising it with several of the products you’ll see below.
Most drones won’t need additional accessories right away, but having a spare battery and memory card will become essential if you fly often.
Other drone accessories like lights, landing pads and filters may also be useful, depending on your needs.
Let’s take a closer look at the options.
Table of Contents
Which Drone Accessories Should You Buy First?
| Image | Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | DJI Mini 3 Pro Intelligent Flight Battery |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | Arzroic Battery Safe Bag |
| Check AMAZON Price → |
 | Smatree DJI Backpack |
| Check AMAZON Price → |
 | EVO Select 128GB |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | Freewell Standard Day Filter Kit |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | STARTRC Sun Hood Sunshade |
| Check AMAZON Price → |
 | SEASKY Neck Lanyard Strap |
| Check AMAZON Price → |
 | SYMIK Drone Strobe Lights |
| Check AMAZON Price → |
 | STARTRC Drone Landing Pad Pro |
| Check AMAZON Price → |
 | DJI Air 2S Fly More Combo |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
1. Spare Batteries for Drones
The more spare batteries you have, the more flying time you’ll have. It’s that simple.
Yes, they can be expensive, but it’s worth investing in the best drone accessories to help you keep flying for longer.
DJI Mini 3 Pro Intelligent Flight Battery
For anyone with a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone, this is an essential drone accessory.
You can charge it via a charger or USB-C cable, and once fully charged it will give you up to 34 minutes of flight time.
It’s worth noting, too, that there is also an Intelligent Plus version of this battery which will give you 47 minutes of flight time.
Powerextra Mavic Pro Battery
Compatible with the Mavic Pro, DJI Mavic Pro Platinum, and DJI Mavic Pro Alpine White, this spare battery, when fully charged, will give you 18 to 25 minutes of flight time.
It has an LED display that tells you how much charge the battery has and comes with a LiPo battery-safe bag for storage.
If you decide to charge multiple batteries, it’s great to be able to see at a glance how much power is left in each one (like you can do with the original DJI batteries).
2. LiPo Battery Bags for Drone Batteries
LiPo batteries have a reputation as being somewhat unpredictable, and more fragile than people think. This fragility can lead to them being dangerous if not taken care of properly.
A LiPo battery bag is a bag specifically designed to safeguard your batteries during charging and transportation, or just for storage.
They protect your batteries from the elements, and from changes in internal temperature that could damage them or cause them to catch fire.
As they’re made of fire-retardant material, they also protect you if your battery catches fire or explodes.
Arzroic Battery Safe Bag
These high-density fibreglass safe bags are essential drone accessories for anyone with a DJI Mavic Mini, or DJI Mini 2.
They’ll protect your LiPo batteries from harm when you’re on the move and when you’re not.
Suncentech LiPo Battery Bags
These battery-safe bags are designed for use with the LiPo batteries used by the DJI Mavic Pro, and the DJI Phantom 3 and 4.
They’ll completely safeguard your batteries and are fire and water-resistant.
3. Carrying Case/Backpacks for Drones
Deciding how to carry your drone is an essential part of owning and flying drones. If you have a cheap, light mini drone, then carrying it by hand or putting it in your everyday bag might be ok for you.
But, if you have a more expensive drone, a heavier one, and/or need to carry it long distances, you’re going to need something better.
And you’ll need to decide between a carrying case or a backpack.
Generally, if you’re travelling, you’ll need the protective hard shell that a carrying case provides. If you want to be mobile, for example, take the drone out hiking, then you should look at getting a backpack.
Smatree DJI Backpack
This hardshell backpack from Smatree covers both the uses I mentioned above.
It has a hard, water-, dust-, and shock-resistant exterior, and comfortable straps for carrying long distances.
The main compartment is designed to carry your drone, controller, up to four batteries, and other accessories. They fit snugly and securely into the tailor-made foam cut-outs.
The smaller front pocket is made for your GoPro, and it’s the same deal. There are foam cutouts into which you can place your GoPro, batteries, mounts, and other accessories such as a tripod.
For action lovers who want to travel with a drone and a GoPro, this is the perfect piece of kit.
There’s a version that’s compatible with GoPros and the DJI Air 2S / DJI Mavic Air 2 – tap the button above to see it.
And Smatree also makes this backpack that fits the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Zoom Drone, the DJI Osmo Pocket 2, and DJI Osmo Pocket.
Lekufee Waterproof Hard Case
The Lekufee Waterproof Hard Case is a rugged option for carrying your DJI Mini 2 SE or DJI Mavic Mini.
Like the Smatree backpack, its innards are made of EVA, vibration-resistant foam, which has a variety of cutouts custom-made to fit your drone and its accessories.
Lekufee takes all kinds of security seriously. The case is waterproof up to IP67, so you can take it into pretty much any weather conditions, and there’s a twelve-month warranty, so your purchase is worry and risk-free.
Lowepro DroneGuard Backpack
Lowepro is a well-known name in the photo and video world, so it’s no surprise they have something for drone lovers.
I use Lowepro backpacks myself so I know that if you’re looking for something to comfortably carry your drone and all the other bits you need on a hike, then this backpack would be a great choice.
Like their camera bags, the insides have padded, Velcro dividers, so you can set up the compartment in exactly the configuration you need to keep your equipment safe and secure.
The LowePro DroneGuard BP 250 has an armoured shell for added protection, and it’s big. It’s designed to fit the DJI Mavic Pro or DJI Osmo, plus a phablet or smartphone, up to seven batteries, a 15-inch laptop, a 10-inch tablet, and a range of other accessories.
But, if that’s still not enough space for you, then you can always bump yourself and your drone up to the next size.
4. High Capacity Memory Cards for Drones
The higher capacity your memory card is, the longer drone flights you’ll have, and the more footage you’ll be able to capture.
Given that drones can’t be flown for a huge amount of time, one of the best drone accessories you can buy is a high-capacity memory card, so that you can record non-stop for a full flight.
EVO Select 128GB
To record 4K video, you should be using SD cards with a minimum write speed of 30MB/S, which is what the EVO Select offers.
128GB should also give you adequate storage space to film a whole flight. Most drones can’t fly more than 30 minutes on a single charge, and this amount of gigabytes should allow you to shoot at 4K for at least that amount of time.
PNY 256GB PRO
If you want to be even more comfortable, with the option to leave yourself space or leave the SD card in the drone for multiple flights, then this 256GB card from PNY could be the best bet.
Like the EVO Select, you’ll be able to record at minimum write speeds of 30MB/S, so shooting in 4K will be no problem.
5. Neutral Density Filters for Drones
There will be times you want to shoot in bright sunlight, but without a neutral density filter, your footage risks being an overexposed, blown-out mess.
These filters reduce the amount of light taken into the camera, allowing you to film bright scenes at the correct exposure whatever the light conditions.
Freewell Standard Day Filter Kit
This kit from Freewell, gives you pretty much anything you need to increase the flexibility and image clarity of your drone.
There are three ND filters, to bring the exposure down by 2, 3, and 4 stops, plus a circular polarizing filter, which is designed to combat scattered light or reflections and elevate colour and contrast.
ND filters for drones are also handy when you’re trying to take photos or videos of yourself in bright situations – essential for selfie drone usage.
6. Sunshades for Flying Drones
There’s no point taking your drone out to fly if you can’t see the footage you’re getting.
A sunshade will help you eliminate glare from your controller screen or smartphone, improving your flight vision.
STARTRC Sun Hood Sunshade
This sunshade is compatible with the DJI Mini 3 Pro, Mini 2, Air 2S, Mavic Air 2, and Mavic 3 controllers.
It’s designed to work with smartphones measuring 4.4-7.1 inches, and it’s made from material that won’t scratch your phone.
It’s also easy to attach and store. Magnetic clips hold the shade securely in place, and it can be folded flat to put away.
7. Lanyards for Drone Controllers
Between flights you might not always want to store your controller or put it down somewhere it could be damaged.
A lanyard will allow you to keep it close all the time while giving your arms a rest.
SEASKY Neck Lanyard Strap
This lanyard is for flyers using the DJI RC/RC Smart Controller – essential, in fact, for any screen-on-controller drone.
The hybrid leather and denim material is soft, durable and comfortable. It’s also fully adjustable and is fitted with two quick-release clips, so you can attach and detach it easily.
8. Drone Strobes (VLOS)
If you’re going to be flying your drone at night, it needs to be visible to aircraft and compliant with the national aviation authority’s requirements.
VLOS means Visual Line of Sight – you should always be able to see the UAV while flying – this way you can control the drone to avoid colliding with people, aircraft or other objects.
SYMIK Drone Strobe Lights
This is a pack of three, bright, LED lights, with a range of flashing patterns and colours.
They are FAA anti-collision compliant and compatible with all drone models.
With batteries that last for 3 hours on a single charge, they’ll easily outlast your drone’s flight time, so you shouldn’t have to worry about your drone going dark in the air.
Aside from allowing you to more eqasily track where your drone is in the night sky, they’ll definitely make your drone look cooler!
HeiyRC (Budget Option)
For those who just need a single light, this is a good option.
With lights visible up to 6 kilometres away, it’s compliant with the FAA’s anti-collision requirements.
Like the SYMIK lights it has three colours, red, white, and green, and varied flashing patterns.
Although it seems to be designed for DJI Mini and Mavic drones, from the consumer reviews, it seems to be compatible with many more too.
9. Landing Pads for Drones
If you’re using your drone in rugged or wet conditions, it can be difficult to work out where to have your drone take off from and land on.
You need a flat, stable surface, something to smooth out those bumps and protect your drone from whatever is on the ground.
STARTRC Drone Landing Pad Pro
This bright landing pad comes in double-sided bright orange and blue, which makes it a breeze for you and your drone to see where to land.
It’s heavy-duty, so the wind doesn’t bother it (although there are eyelets at the corners too, so you can peg it down), and it’s also waterproof.
It also folds flat into a bag and will take up very little room in your kit.
Best Drone Accessories Kits
Rather than purchasing drone accessories separately, a more convenient option is to acquire a comprehensive bundle of essential accessories from a single source.
Opting for an accessory kit provides a straightforward and hassle-free approach for individuals seeking an all-in-one solution.
DJI Air 2S Fly More Combo
At the centre of this kit is the DJI Air 2S drone. With it, you get the controller, 2 batteries, a charger, 2 spare propellers, and a range of cables.
All this packs away into a tailor-made, soft carry-case.
Bundled into this kit is also some peace of mind. You get flyaway and replacement coverage, which is insurance for if your drone is accidentally damaged, or goes missing in action.
DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo (Budget Combo Option)
Along with the DJI Mini 2 in this kit, you get a good, basic range of accessories.
There are 2 sets of spare propellers, 3 batteries, a charging brick, all the cables you need, the controller, spare screws and, of course, it all comes packed in a handy bag.
DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit Plus
This kit is for anyone who already has a DJI Mini 3.
You’ll get a soft case housing 2 spare batteries, a 2-way charging hub, 2 sets of spare propellers, a USB-C cable and 12 spare screws.
DJI Mavic 2 Fly More Kit
One for the DJI Mavic 2 owners.
It contains 2 Intelligent Flight batteries, a car charger, a battery charging hub, 2 spare sets of propellers, and a battery-to-power bank adaptor.
All of this fits neatly into a small but sturdy-looking shoulder bag.
Other Drone Accessories Worth Considering
Of course, what I’ve given you so far is not an exhaustive list of the drone accessories available to you.
As always, when it comes to technology, there’s an almost limitless amount of things you can invest in to enhance your experience.
- Spare Propellers – these are the most vulnerable part of your drone, and therefore the most susceptible to wear and tear. They can easily get damaged by debris in flight or during take-off and landing. It’s vital to have spares.
- GPS Tracker – some drones don’t come with in-built GPS, so having a way of tracking your precious drone baby is essential. One in three pilots will experience a flyaway drone at some point. That’s a lot of expensive, lost equipment.
- Propeller Guard– this is a cage that protects your propellers from damage, especially if you fly in tight spaces.
- Landing Gear – landing gear extensions can give your drone extra clearance from the ground, and you extra peace of mind. Many drones sit close to the ground, which can lead to dust getting onto the camera and gimbal, or debris being sucked into the propellers by updraft.
- Car Charger – if you’re camping, with no access to mains electricity, or just want to charge your drone when driving between locations, this is a handy drone accessory.
- VR Headset or AR Glasses – for a fully immersive first-person-view (FPV) flying experience, choose a virtual reality (VR) headset, and for an experience where you can still see your drone but receive more information, choose augmented reality (AR) glasses.
Many of the best drone accessories in this list are available on Amazon here.
You should also consider the costs of owning a drone and the quietest drones before making your decision.
Where Should I Buy Drone Accessories?
Many drone manufacturers make their brand-specific accessories, and this can be one of the easiest ways to pick up accessories at the same time as you buy your drone (or later).
But as it should be clear from this guide, there are quite a few third-party companies who specialise in drone accessories, and they might have something closer to what you’re looking for, either on their websites or in online shops like Amazon or BH Photo.
My preference is to buy drone accessories on Amazon since I like to take advantage of free shipping when it’s offered.
Amazon is also great with returns (refunds or exchanges), which is useful when you buy the wrong accessory for the model of drone you own.
Tap here to see the drone accessories available on Amazon.
Drone Accessory FAQs
What drone accessories do I need?
You don’t need all of them, you just need whichever ones will be suited to the flying you plan on doing with your drone.
Which drone accessories should I buy first?
I’d go for the essentials first. And to my mind, those are extra batteries, spare propellers, and high-capacity memory cards.
Why? Because those will maximise your flying time and give you peace of mind.
Is a drone landing pad necessary?
It’s not necessary, but landing pads are cheap, easy to store and carry, give your drone an even surface to take off from and land on, and also make it easier for your drone to find its way back to you.
They offer a lot for little cost.
How can I extend my cheap drone range?
Keep your firmware updated, and use fully charged and powerful batteries. Using FPV glasses can help you fly further too, as there’s less signal loss. Also, take care of where you fly. Make sure there are few obstructions, and low wind.
How do I choose drone parts?
If you’re buying spare parts for your drone, I’d recommend getting the replacement parts made by your drone’s manufacturer. If you’re building a drone from scratch, that’s a whole other article.
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Jeff Collier is an experienced film photographer who enjoys experimenting with modern digital photography equipment, software and apps. He’s also an ex-world champion triathlete and avid cyclist, clocking hundreds of km each week in the beautiful Tweed Valley of northern NSW, Australia.
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