Prices are list prices as of Oct 2026 from the stores linked.
How we researched this
We compared manufacturer specifications and US store listings (DJI Store, HOVERAir, Potensic) checked October 23–27, 2026. We have not flown these drones, so we don’t rate tracking reliability ourselves; we describe what each maker says its system does and the limits it lists. See our disclosure.
How follow-me works
“Follow-me” (DJI calls it ActiveTrack; others call it AI tracking) uses the drone’s camera to recognize a subject and keep it in frame while the drone flies itself. How well it avoids trees and other obstacles depends on its obstacle sensors. A drone without sensing will happily follow you into a branch.
Comparison
| Drone | Tracking | Obstacle sensing | Weight | Rated flight | Price (as of Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOVERAir X1 Pro | Self-flying follow modes, no controller needed | Rear ToF | 192 g | 16 min | From $499 (HOVERAir) |
| DJI Neo | Subject tracking, palm launch | None | 135 g | ~18 min | $169, DJI Store; out of stock Oct 27 (DJI) |
| Potensic Atom 2 | AI tracking | Downward only | <249 g | 32 min | $319.99 (Potensic) |
| DJI Flip | Subject tracking | Forward infrared braking | <249 g | 31 min | $439, DJI Store; out of stock Oct 27 (DJI) |
| DJI Mini 4 Pro | ActiveTrack 360° | Omnidirectional | <249 g | 34 min | $759, DJI Store; out of stock Oct 27 (DJI) |
| DJI Air 3S | ActiveTrack | Omnidirectional + LiDAR | ~724 g | 45 min | $1,099, DJI Store; out of stock Oct 27 (DJI) |
Which type fits you?
- Hikers, cyclists, solo vloggers: a self-flying camera like the HOVERAir X1 Pro or DJI Neo: launch from your hand, no controller.
- Trails with trees: look for omnidirectional obstacle sensing (Mini 4 Pro, Air 3S) and still keep your distance.
- Tight budget: Potensic Atom 2 tracks subjects but can’t sense obstacles, so use it in open areas only.
Follow-me and the rules
- You must still keep the drone in visual line of sight, or have a visual observer next to you who does (FAA). That’s hard while biking or skiing.
- Don’t track people who haven’t agreed to it, and don’t follow over crowds or traffic.
- Drones of 250 g or more must be registered and broadcast Remote ID.
US availability
New foreign-made drone models can’t get FCC authorization since December 2025; existing models can still be sold (FCC FAQ). Several DJI models were out of stock at DJI’s US store in late October 2026.
Related: best drones for beginners · best drones under 250 grams · avoiding crashes
Sources
- Manufacturer and store pages linked in the table above
- HOVERAir specs comparison
- FCC: Covered List FAQs for UAS
- FAA: Recreational flyers
