After launching its first drone in 2020, EXO made its way into the drone industry with its affordable prices and top-notch traits. Within a year of its launch, the company had drones for every price range and from beginner’s drones to a flagship machines.
What’s more was the additional things they were providing, such as free tutorial videos and tech support. Today, anyone looking for a new drone will come across this company.
However, the prices and versatile range might confuse you. Moreover, can you trust a drone in this price range? Because you might find mixed reviews online. Don’t worry; we have got you covered with a top 5 trending Exo drones review and a complete guide.
Before we get onto the reviews, let’s dive right a few key features you need to think about when buying a drone.
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Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Key features to look for in Exo drones
Camera quality
Exo drones gave the market a tough time when it launched drones with high-end camera quality for much less money. Let’s talk about the camera in the higher-end models first. The Blackhawk 2 pro and mini pro were launched with stunning 48mp cameras and other pointers like larger sensors and adjustable aperture.
Then there are the mid-range models like the Exo ranger or the cinemaster 2. Both are exceptional drones at a mid-range price point. The latter has all the camera qualities like a UHD camera with a sony sensor.
Lastly, even the low-end models have a 2k video camera built in with zoom like the scout.
Flight time and range
The flight time is also great on the higher-end models compared to the drone market. For instance, the mini pro has an impressive flight time of 40 minutes, around 9 minutes more than dji mini 2. However, on mid-range and budget drones, the flight time is not that great, so buying extra batteries with them is advised. Exo also provides free batteries with most models, so it’s best to check that option out too.
Regarding the range, Exo drones lag behind its competitors; however, it’s best to check the range of every model as most people will find that range enough for flying.
Camera stabilizer
Another great feature about EXO drones is the 3-axis gimbal stabilization they provide in all their models (except for scout). This stabilization allows the camera to be adjusted in all directions without moving the drone. Furthermore, the stabilizer automatically adjusts when you use features like follow an object.
Image quality
The images are mesmerizing, and they do stand up to the crisp camera features as advertised. The video quality is a little off in the lower-end models; however, the images are great in those variants, too, thanks to the 4k cameras for photography with Sony sensors in most variants. The lower aperture and bigger sensors make most drones great for low-light photography.
In-display controller
Exo does offer an in-display remote control for most of its variants, like in the Blackhawk. The display is HD, 720p, with precise joystick controls, which are easy to control. However, most models do not come with a full display but an assisting display only, as seen in the Exo x7 ranger plus.
Drone pilots handling
The drone handling of most Exo drones is simple, even for beginner drone pilots. That is because of easy-to-use controllers, as stated above, and free courses provided with most models. Even full-length professional courses are provided with high-end variants.
Additional features
Exo has other features along with the standard ones like a return home obstacle avoidance, follow an object, and VR support like seen in dji drones. One of the great features by Exo is that you can put several pins on your map, and the drone will follow the route without you having to pilot it. This can be helpful for surveyors in the GIS field.
Trending Exo drones review | top five
1. EXO X7 Ranger Plus
If you are looking for a simple drone at an affordable price, then it would be helpful to check this one out. This one is an upgraded version of the Exo X7 Ranger series. It comes with a free obstacle avoidance module and 360-degree laser detection, priced at around 50 dollars. Furthermore, additional items such as a spare battery and a case is also included with the ranger plus variant.
The battery life is also an upgrade in this variant as it has a 3400 mah battery which can last up to 25 minutes of flight time. Exo x7 ranger plus is also equipped with an upgraded 3 axis gimbal for easy camera use.
Exo x7 ranger is a smart choice for anyone looking for a drone to fly in tough environments with minimalistic features.
- 360 laser obstacle avoidance
- An affordable drone with minimal design
- 3 Axis gimbal camera shooting at 2k
- 4k camera resolution for photography
- Smart and safety features enabled
- Poor battery life
- Shoots in 2k video only
- 9mp camera for a drone in 2023
- Maximum range of a half mile
- Needs registration due to the weight
Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. EXO Blackhawk 2
For those looking for the most premium drone by EXO, the Exo Blackhawk Pro 2 is one of the best drones by Exo. Despite having all the premium features, blackhawk pro is still at an average price point compared to the premium DJI drones. Firstly, the camera of this drone is exceptional as it has 4k video with HDR.
For photography, the camera is 48mp with a 1.3 CMOS sensor to capture stunning colors. Furthermore, the camera also supports night mode. The flight time is also a huge upgrade compared to other drones, as they can fly up to 35 minutes. The drone also has a three-way obstacle avoidance and a flight range of 5 miles.
Lastly, the drone also comes with a free course which, according to EXO, is worth over 100 dollars.
- Extravagant design
- Shoots 4k video with 1/1.3in CMOS sensor
- Equipped with a 48mp camera and 1.85 aperture
- Supports 3-axis gimbal
- Longer flight time and distance
- Great battery time
- Maximum wind resistance relative to other EXO drones
- Not the best software for a premium drone
- EXO care coverage has to be bought separately
- The drone itself is around 543 grams
- The drone needs to be registered in most areas
Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. EXO Mini Pro
If you are looking for a premium drone like the EXO blackhawk but don’t want to go through the registration process, then the exo mini pro tier drone is one of the best Exo drones ever made. The Exo mini pro tier drone is one of the best portable drones which can fit in one’s pocket when folded. It also only weighs 249g, but the design is similar to the Blackhawk series.
It can also achieve a speed of 35 mph and a highest flight time of 40 minutes due to its weight. However, a lightweight drone has its cons, such as level 5 wind resistance. So it’s not the ideal choice for extreme environments but is excellent for subtle ones as it has all the premium features (even better.)
- Impressive battery life of 40 mins
- No registration is required; only 249 grams
- High speed of 35mph
- Same camera quality of a flagship drone
- longer flight range of 5 miles
- 3-axis gimbal
- Poor wind resistance
- A common problem of heating
- Not suitable for beginners
- Complicated for a mini drone
Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. EXO Cinemaster 2
If you are looking for a drone that is better than the Exo X7 ranger plus but a little lower than the premium models, this is a great drone for amateur pilots. With intuitive controls and brushless motors, it offers a longer range, an interest mode, and auto avoids crashes so you can start flying right away. With a little addition in the price, the Exo cinemaster 2 has a little bit of upgrade in the camera (UHD camera is included in this one with 1/2.3in CMOS sensor) and the battery life as compared to the EXO X7 ranger.
Furthermore, exo cinemaster 2 also has three-axis gimbal stabilization. Safety features such as return home, hover hold and automatic landing are all included. The drone is also smart, as it can follow automated paths. Cinemaster 2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor, for example it has double the range of its predecessor Cinemaster 1.
It is a good choice for those looking for a drone with better video quality than the EXO X7 ranger plus.
- Great for beginners and professional
- Smooth and stable video quality
- Shoots 4k videos
- With Smart features like return home
- Easy to fly
- Extra accessories included
- A good battery time
- The weight is around 650 grams
- Needs to be registered
- No HDR included
- No obstacle avoidance
Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. EXO Scout
Lastly, we have EXO scout, the most affordable high-speed drone by EXO and suitable for all ages. It’s a lightweight and pretty small portable drone, like a toy drone. However, unlike other toy drones, this one has a premium design look.
The drone is easy to fly due to automatic take-off and AI assist at the bottom of the drone. Furthermore, the drone flies in three different modes of speed. The drone can also click decent images in 4k and videography in FHD.
The camera can be adjusted two ways; it also provides a 10x zoom. It comes with free batteries and a compact case to carry the drone.
- Affordable drone for all ages
- Easy and safe to use for kids
- Durable and elegant looking
- Shoots images in 4k resolution
- The camera can be adjusted
- Shoots 2k video content
- Three different speed modes
- Suitable for indoors only
- Batteries take time to charge
- Poor battery life
- Only suitable as a toy
Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Extra purchases and ongoing costs of Exo drones
Extra purchases and ongoing costs are an important factor to consider when buying an Exo drone. While the initial purchase price of a high-quality Exo drone can come with many features, additional purchases may be necessary for the best performance or depending on the user’s skill level.
Picture quality and top speed are two key factors that require further investments. Good videos require a good build quality that can come with many features but also cost more money. It is important to consider the time flying speed, great pictures and obstacle avoiding capabilities of an Exo drone when making the purchase.
When buying drones from Exo it’s best to look for bundle deals that include batteries, propellers, a safe case to carry your drone, and an Exo care plan. The most common issue which you might face after much time is damaged propellers and weak batteries. Spare propellers and the battery price of a budget drone can be bought for a couple of dollars.
Exo Care
This is important, especially if you are planning on buying expensive models. Exo care will cover any unintentional damages to your product for one year after the purchase. This also includes a complete replacement of the drone for less than half of the price of the drone.
(For updated policy and pricing, check out Exo care policy)
FAQs
Where are Exo drones made?
Exo is an American company, and all the Exo drones are operated and warehoused in the United States, Wyoming. However, they are manufactured with their partners in Hong kong.
Who manufactures Exo drones?
Exo drones LLC manufactures their drones with their partners in Hong kong. The drones are later bought in Salt Lake City, UT, where they are further managed and stored.
How far can an Exo drone fly?
An Exo drone can fly a maximum range of 5 miles with the most expensive variants. However, mid-range drones provide an average range of half a mile.
Are Exo drones waterproof?
If you are flying your exo drones and it starts raining, it won’t get damaged, but it’s best to call the drone back as they can survive water but are not fully waterproof.
Do Exo drones support VR headsets?
Exo does not make VR headsets, but the drones do support VR headsets; in fact, they would also work with any inexpensive third-party headsets.
How does my phone connect with the drone?
No cell service is required as the drone connects with the remote controller and it connects with your smartphone via Wi-Fi.
Are Exo drones good for beginners?
Exo drones are great for beginners who want to get into the hobby of drone flying. Exo drones come with a range of features that make them perfect for new users, like auto-follow and an easy-to-use controller. With an exo drone, you can learn the basics of flying and then progress to more advanced maneuvers. So if you’re looking for an easy way to get into the wonderful world of drones, an exo drone could be perfect for you.
Final thoughts on Exo drones
Exo was a company launched by young technology enthusiasts who were tired of purchasing drones from big, expensive companies like Dji. Exo drones have indeed produced a series of drones which do compete with the popular drones of big industries.
This is due to better prices with better or the same specs and a completely American company tag. Furthermore, Exo’s affordable care and repair service is a cherry on top. However, Exo can do better, especially on their low-end models, such as by extending their mileage.