Best Drone Accessories to Elevate Your Flying Experience

23 May 2025

Flying a drone is an exhilarating experience, isn’t it? Whether you’re capturing stunning aerial shots, racing through obstacles, or simply enjoying the thrill of flight, drones offer a perspective like no other. But the magic doesn’t stop with the drone itself. To truly elevate your flying experience, you’ll need to invest in the right accessories. Think of it like upgrading your car with shiny new rims or a high-performance engine—accessories can take your drone game to the next level.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the best drone accessories that will not only enhance your flying experience but also make you a more efficient and skilled drone pilot. So, buckle up and let’s take off!

1. Extra Batteries: More Juice for Longer Flights

You’ve probably experienced this—you're out in the field, your drone is soaring, the visuals are stunning, and then… beep beep. Low battery. Ugh! That’s the last thing you want when you're in the middle of a perfect shot.

Why Extra Batteries Are Essential

Most drones give you around 20-30 minutes of flight time on a single charge. And let’s face it, that’s not a lot if you plan on doing some serious flying or filming. By carrying extra batteries, you can extend your flight time significantly. With a couple of extra packs in your bag, you can keep your drone in the air for an hour or more—plenty of time to capture those breathtaking shots or practice tricky maneuvers.

Pro Tip: If you’re using high-end drones like DJI’s Mavic series, invest in official batteries. Knock-off versions can be cheaper, but they may not last as long or could even damage your drone.

2. ND Filters: Perfect Your Aerial Photography

Ever notice how sometimes your drone footage looks washed out or too bright, especially on sunny days? That’s because drones, like cameras, can struggle in bright light conditions. This is where Neutral Density (ND) filters come into play.

What Are ND Filters?

Think of ND filters as sunglasses for your drone’s camera. They reduce the amount of light entering the lens, allowing you to capture footage with better exposure, even in harsh sunlight. They’re especially useful for maintaining cinematic motion blur when shooting videos at lower shutter speeds.

By using ND filters, you’ll achieve more professional-looking shots that are well-balanced in terms of brightness and color contrast. Whether you're filming a sunset or high noon, these filters are a must-have for any drone photographer.

3. Propeller Guards: Safety First!

Let’s be honest—crashing your drone is every pilot’s worst nightmare. And while no accessory can make you an invincible pilot, propeller guards can certainly help reduce the damage.

How Propeller Guards Help

Propeller guards act as a protective barrier around your drone’s blades. They’re especially useful when flying in tight spaces or areas with obstacles like trees, walls, or even people. Not only do they protect your drone from damage, but they also reduce the risk of injuring someone if your drone accidentally bumps into them.

Bonus: Many beginner drones come with propeller guards, but if yours doesn’t, they’re an inexpensive add-on that can save you from costly repairs down the road.

4. Landing Pad: Precision and Protection on Takeoff and Landing

Have you ever tried to launch your drone from a rocky surface or tall grass? It’s not fun, and it can even damage your drone’s camera or gimbal. That’s where a landing pad comes in handy.

Why You Need a Landing Pad

A landing pad provides a clean, flat surface for your drone to take off and land safely. It helps prevent dirt, debris, or moisture from getting into your drone’s sensitive components, especially the camera and sensors. Plus, it’s a great way to protect your drone from uneven surfaces that could cause it to tip over during takeoff or landing.

Most landing pads are foldable and lightweight, making them easy to carry. And let’s be real, they also make you look like a pro when you whip one out before a flight!

5. Remote Controller Lanyard: A Simple But Useful Tool

Flying a drone requires a lot of focus, and the last thing you want is to accidentally drop your controller. Enter the remote controller lanyard.

Benefits of a Remote Controller Lanyard

Instead of constantly gripping your controller for dear life, a lanyard allows you to comfortably carry it around your neck. This frees up your hands when needed and adds an extra layer of safety, especially if you’re flying in challenging conditions.

It’s a small, affordable accessory, but trust me, once you use one, you’ll wonder how you ever flew without it.

6. Carrying Case: Protect Your Drone On the Go

If you’re constantly on the move, you’ll need a reliable way to transport your drone and gear. A dedicated carrying case not only keeps everything organized but also protects your drone from knocks, bumps, and the elements.

What to Look for in a Carrying Case

When choosing a carrying case, look for one with a custom foam interior that snugly fits your drone, controller, batteries, and other accessories. Waterproof or weather-resistant materials are also essential if you often fly in different environments. And don’t forget about pockets—extra compartments for things like ND filters, cables, and SD cards will make your life a whole lot easier.

7. Tablet Mount: Bigger Screen for Better Control

Most drones come with a built-in smartphone mount on their controllers, but let’s admit it—sometimes your phone screen feels a little too small when you’re trying to frame that perfect shot. That’s where a tablet mount comes in.

Why a Tablet Mount Is a Game Changer

A tablet gives you a much larger screen to view your drone’s live feed, making it easier to see details and control the camera. This is especially useful for photographers and videographers who need precision when framing their shots. A tablet mount attaches to your controller, just like a phone mount, but it’s designed to hold larger devices securely.

If you love shooting stunning landscapes or complex urban scenes, upgrading to a tablet mount can drastically improve your control and visibility.

8. High-Capacity Memory Cards: Don’t Run Out of Space Mid-Flight

Running out of storage space mid-flight is beyond frustrating, especially when you’re capturing that perfect shot or video. A high-quality, high-capacity memory card ensures you’ll have plenty of room for all your footage.

What to Look for in a Memory Card

Look for a card with a high write speed (at least 30MB/s) to ensure smooth recording, especially when shooting 4K or high-definition videos. Popular options like SanDisk Extreme or Lexar Professional are reliable and designed for high-performance drones.

Also, aim for at least 64GB of storage. With the high resolution that drones typically shoot in, files can take up a lot of space rather quickly. Having a larger memory card ensures you don’t have to constantly swap them out or worry about running out of space during a long shoot.

9. FPV Goggles: Experience the Thrill of First-Person View

If you want to feel like you’re actually in the cockpit of your drone, FPV (First-Person View) goggles are the way to go. These aren’t just for racing drones; even recreational pilots can enjoy the immersive experience they provide.

Why FPV Goggles Are a Must-Try

FPV goggles give you a real-time view from your drone’s camera, making you feel like you’re flying through the sky yourself. They’re also invaluable for precision flying, especially in tight spaces or when navigating through obstacles. Brands like DJI make high-quality FPV goggles that feature low latency and sharp visuals, giving you a smooth, uninterrupted flying experience.

Even if you’re not a hardcore racer, FPV goggles add a whole new dimension to your drone flights, making them more interactive and thrilling.

10. Signal Range Extender: Go Further, Fly Longer

Ever find yourself losing signal when your drone flies too far? It’s a common problem, especially if you’re flying in areas with lots of interference or obstacles. A signal range extender can help solve that problem.

How Signal Range Extenders Work

Signal extenders boost your remote controller’s signal, allowing you to fly further without losing connection. They come in various forms, from antenna attachments to signal boosters. With a stronger signal, you can explore wider areas and fly with greater confidence, knowing your drone won’t suddenly lose contact and initiate a dreaded "return to home."

For those who love pushing their drones to the limits—whether that’s capturing distant landscapes or just seeing how far you can go—a signal range extender is a worthy investment.

Conclusion: The Right Accessories Make All the Difference

Flying a drone is an exciting and rewarding hobby, but adding the right accessories can take your experience to new heights (pun intended). Whether you want to fly longer, capture better footage, or simply protect your drone from damage, investing in the right gear is essential for any serious drone pilot.

So, what are you waiting for? Start building out your drone kit with these must-have accessories, and watch as your flying experience soars to new levels of enjoyment and productivity.