Getting into the world of drones can be a mix of exhilaration and pure, gut-wrenching terror. We’ve all been there. You unbox your shiny new quadcopter, heart pounding, and launch it into the sky. Then, that split second of distraction, a gust of wind, and you’re watching hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars plummet towards a tree. What if there was a drone that was, for all intents and purposes, uncrashable? That’s the bold promise of Skydio, and this in-depth Skydio 2 Plus Review is here to see if they’ve delivered on that promise. This isn’t just another drone with sensors; it’s a flying robot powered by an artificial intelligence that will fundamentally change how you think about capturing aerial footage.
What’s the Big Idea Behind Skydio?
Before we dive into the nuts and bolts, you have to understand that Skydio plays a different game than everyone else. While companies like DJI were perfecting gimbals and manual flight controls, Skydio, a US-based company, was born from a deep-seated obsession with autonomy. Their goal wasn’t just to build a better drone, but to build a smarter one. The original Skydio R1 was a proof of concept, and the Skydio 2, and now the 2+, is the refined, consumer-ready version of that vision. It’s less of a remote-controlled aircraft and more of a personal, AI-powered film crew.
Skydio 2 Plus Review: The Tech That Makes It Fly
So, what gives this drone its “uncrashable” reputation? It all boils down to a revolutionary approach to seeing and understanding the world.
The Skydio Autonomy Engine: A Brain with Wings
The secret sauce is the Skydio Autonomy Engine. Forget the handful of sensors you find on most drones. The Skydio 2+ is covered in them.
- Six 4K Navigation Cameras: That’s right, six. These cameras are dedicated solely to navigation. They continuously build a real-time, 3D map of the environment around the drone.
- NVIDIA Jetson TX2 Processor: This is the powerful onboard computer that processes all that visual data. It’s capable of one trillion calculations per second, allowing the drone to predict the movement of objects (like you on a bike) and plot a safe course through complex environments.
What does this mean in practice? It means you can fly it full-speed through a dense forest, and it will effortlessly weave through branches. It means it can follow you down a winding trail without ever losing you or hitting an obstacle. It’s a level of obstacle avoidance that, frankly, makes most other drones look primitive.
The Camera: Good, But Is It Cinematic Royalty?
Let’s be real: a drone’s AI is useless if the camera can’t deliver. The Skydio 2+ is equipped with a Sony 1/2.3” CMOS sensor capable of shooting 4K video up to 60fps and taking 12MP photos. The footage is sharp, vibrant, and more than good enough for most creators, vloggers, and hobbyists.
However, if you’re a professional cinematographer pixel-peeping for that perfect cinematic look, you might find it a touch behind the top-tier offerings from DJI, like the Mavic 3. The sensor is smaller, and you have less manual control over the image profile. But for 90% of users, the quality is fantastic.
“Skydio’s achievement isn’t just in obstacle avoidance; it’s in creating a true partnership between human intent and machine intelligence. The drone doesn’t just avoid things; it actively seeks the best, safest path to get the shot you want. It’s a paradigm shift.” – Dr. Alistair Finch, Robotics and AI Analyst.
What’s the “Plus” in Skydio 2 Plus?
The “Plus” upgrade over the original Skydio 2 is all about connection and endurance. It features an improved antenna design and a beefier battery.
- Improved Range: The maximum range is significantly boosted, especially when using the optional Controller. We’re talking up to 6 kilometers in ideal conditions.
- Longer Flight Time: You can expect up to 27 minutes of flight time, a welcome increase that gives you more time to nail the perfect shot.
The Flying Experience: Learning to Let Go
Flying the Skydio 2+ is a unique experience because, for the most part, you’re not really flying it. You’re directing it.
How do you control the Skydio 2+?
You have a few options, and your choice dramatically impacts the experience. You can use your phone, but the real magic happens with two key accessories.
- The Skydio Beacon: This little magic wand is a game-changer for solo creators and action sports. You can hold it, clip it to your pack, or stick it in your pocket. The drone follows the Beacon’s signal with incredible precision. You can use it to drag and drop the drone’s position in the sky, start and stop tracking, and even control the camera angle, all without ever touching your phone.
- The Controller: For those who want a more traditional flying experience (with an AI safety net), the Controller is excellent. It feels great in the hands and gives you precise manual control when you want it, while the autonomy engine still works in the background to prevent you from crashing.
Tracking Modes That Feel Like Magic
This is where the Skydio 2 Plus review truly shines. The subject tracking is on another level. Whether you’re on a mountain bike, a snowboard, or just walking through a park, you select yourself on the screen, and the drone sticks to you. It’s not just following; it’s actively planning its route, orbiting, and positioning itself for the best possible shot, all on its own. It’s the “set it and forget it” drone we’ve all been dreaming of.
Who Is the Skydio 2+ For (And Who Should Pass)?
This drone is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its strengths are incredibly strong, but they cater to a specific type of user.
You should absolutely consider the Skydio 2+ if:
- You are a solo creator or vlogger who needs dynamic shots of yourself without a camera operator.
- You participate in action sports (biking, skiing, skateboarding, etc.) and want a drone that can keep up.
- You’re a beginner who is terrified of crashing a new, expensive drone.
- Your work involves close-quarters inspection (like bridges or cell towers) where autonomous navigation is a huge asset.
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- You are a professional cinematographer who demands the absolute best image quality and full manual camera controls.
- Your primary need is long-range exploration over vast, open areas.
- You’re on a tight budget. The drone and its essential accessories are a significant investment.
| Feature | Skydio 2 Plus | DJI Air 2S (A Key Competitor) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Strength | Autonomous Flight & Tracking | Image Quality & Manual Control |
| Obstacle Avoidance | 360-degree, 6-camera vision | 4-directional (forward, back, up, down) |
| Camera Sensor | 1/2.3″ CMOS | 1″ CMOS |
| Follow-Me Tech | AI-powered, predictive | Vision-based, less reliable in complex areas |
| Best For | Action Sports, Solo Creators | Aspiring Cinematographers |
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
After extensive flying, this Skydio 2 Plus review can confidently say that this drone is a technological marvel. It completely delivers on its promise of world-class autonomy. The feeling of trust you develop as it navigates a tricky environment is something you won’t find with any other consumer drone on the market today.
It’s not perfect. The camera, while very good, isn’t the best in its class, and the range, while improved, can’t compete with top-tier DJI drones. But the Skydio 2+ isn’t trying to be a DJI clone. It’s forging its own path. It’s a “smart drone,” not just a flying camera. If your priority is capturing incredible, dynamic shots of a moving subject without a pilot or the fear of crashing, there is simply nothing else like it. The Skydio 2+ isn’t just a drone; it’s your own personal AI film director.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the Skydio 2+ handle high winds?
The Skydio 2+ is rated to handle winds up to 25 mph (40 kph). It performs remarkably well, but like any drone its size, extreme gusts can affect stability and battery life. Its powerful AI helps it compensate for wind more effectively than many competitors.
2. Can the Skydio 2+ fly at night?
No. The autonomous navigation system is entirely vision-based, relying on its six 4K cameras to see the world. It requires sufficient daylight to navigate safely and will not fly in the dark.
3. Is the Skydio 2+ waterproof?
The Skydio 2+ is not waterproof or water-resistant. You should avoid flying in rain, snow, or fog, and be extremely cautious when operating near bodies of water.
4. Do I need to register the Skydio 2+?
Yes. In the United States, any drone weighing over 250 grams must be registered with the FAA. The Skydio 2+ weighs 800 grams, so registration is mandatory for recreational and commercial use. Always check your local laws and regulations.
5. Does the Skydio 2+ have geofencing like DJI drones?
Skydio has a much less restrictive approach to geofencing. It will warn you if you are near a restricted area like an airport, but in most cases, it will not prevent you from taking off. This places more responsibility on the pilot to fly legally and safely.