In the vibrant and rapidly evolving world of drones, I stumbled upon a relatively new drone company named Exo Drones. It’s the brainchild of a couple of friends who realised the huge opportunity of selling high-quality drones just in the US market. Drones that are affordable and cater to the needs of both professionals and hobbyists. In this Exo Drones review, we shall explore how the company came about, its product range, its customer service and how it fares against the competition. This review will provide you with a better understanding of whether or not an Exo drone is suitable for your needs.
Exo Drones Review – Company Overview
What really piqued my interest in Exo Drones was their story, the ways they are trying to differentiate themselves from other companies and the range of models they offer, from entry-level to advanced drones.
Exo Drones was established around 2019/20 and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. They have grown exceptionally since then and claim to be the fastest-growing drone company in the USA.
Maintaining its warehouses within the United States, EXO Drones has established a strategic manufacturing partnership with a Hong Kong-based firm. This collaboration allows for the delivery of “superior-quality products, competitively priced to provide value to consumers.”
The company is focused on providing an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, ensuring this through a variety of strategic initiatives.
Key to EXO Drones’ customer-centric approach is their warranty guarantee on all drone purchases. This assurance reflects the company’s confidence in their product quality and their commitment to exceeding customer expectations. In the event a drone fails to meet the performance promises made by EXO Drones, customers are provided with a replacement, underscoring the company’s dedication to satisfaction.
Furthermore, EXO Drones offers a flexible return policy, allowing customers to return the drone within 15 days of receiving the drone This policy further demonstrates EXO Drones’ pledge to prioritise consumer satisfaction over mere transactional relationships.
To ensure customers can fully harness the capabilities of their drones, EXO Drones produces comprehensive instructional videos. These step-by-step tutorials are designed to guide customers in utilising their drones effectively, empowering them to capitalise on their investments.
Complementing their instructional materials, EXO Drones provide real-time customer support during business hours. This hands-on approach facilitates a positive end-to-end customer experience, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a trusted and supportive drone retailer.
Exo Drones Review – Partnership With Hubsan
Hubsan, established in 2010, is a renowned manufacturer of remote-controlled drones, appreciated by hobbyists and professionals for their advanced features, durability, and quality. The company has a diverse range of drones, including the popular Hubsan X4 series, perfect for beginners, and the Zino series, equipped with advanced features like GPS, high-definition video recording, and sophisticated flight controls.
Known for its commitment to research and development, Hubsan consistently upgrades its products and introduces new technologies. Their drones, notable for their affordability and accessibility, are an excellent choice for newcomers to drone flying.
EXO Drones announced a strategic partnership with Hubsan in July 2022. The partnership aims to leverage Hubsan’s expertise in drone manufacturing and make EXO Drones the exclusively licensed seller of Hubsan drones in North America.
With this partnership, Exo Drones hopes to compete with DJI, the largest drone company in the world.
Although this is a lofty goal, I have my reservations if they can truly compete against DJI, a few drone companies that are more established have tried but have yet to make any dent in DJI’s global market share.
Still, as they are only focusing on the North American market, this may give them a slight edge.
Exo Drones Review – Product Range
Exo Drones offers a range of products suited for different purposes. However, for this article, I will focus on drones that are suitable for professional photography.
1. Exo Drone Blackhawk 2 Pro
The Blackhawk 2 Pro drone, the most sophisticated offering from Exo Drones, has been specifically developed for professional photography.
The camera features a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, the largest image sensor in the Exo Drone range and an adjustable aperture. The camera can capture stunning images in 48MP in JPEG and RAW formats, and a large sensor and aperture provide excellent performance in low-light conditions.
Videos are recorded in 4K at 30fps, 2.7K at 60fps and 1080p at 60fps, and the camera has a maximum video bitrate of 200Mbps. The video quality is very good, as can be seen from the video below.
Users can also create cool time-lapse videos with the Hyperlapse feature, and the camera features a 6x digital zoom function.
Other smart features include image tracking, line-fly and waypoint autonomous flight modes and an advanced return-to-home feature.
It offers an impressive flight time of up to 35 minutes, reducing the need for frequent battery changes. The drone can also withstand strong winds and comes with a free carry case for accessories.
One of the distinguishing features of the Blackhawk Pro 2 is the 3-way collision avoidance system, which includes frontal, rear, and downward sensors to help the drone detect and navigate around obstacles.
The drone’s long-distance control feature allows users to view a 1080p live feed from a maximum distance of 10 km.
Key Features
- 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor
- 48MP images
- 3-axis gimbal
- Records videos in 4k at 30fps, 2.7k at 30fps & 1080p at 60fps
- HDR videos & images
- Intelligent video recording with Quickshots
- 3-way obstacle avoidance system
- Image tracking, follow me mode and orbit fly
- 35 minutes of flight time
- 8km video transmission range
2. Exo Drones Mini Pro
This is an exceptional drone, it is Exo Drone’s most advanced sub-250g drone and it comes with some exceptional features.
The drone has a sleek and stylish design and has many advanced features such as its camera, dual GPS module, flight time and obstacle avoidance system.
It’s a good mini drone for photography; it features a camera equipped with a 1/1.3-inch image sensor that captures 48MP photos and 4K videos at 30fps.
The drone supports HDR videos and has a Hyperlapse feature that will allow users to record time-lapse videos.
The camera is stabilised by a 3-axis gimbal that will eliminate distortion and produce smooth, clear video footage.
One of the best features of this drone is its 3-way intelligent obstacle avoidance system; it will navigate detect and navigate around obstacles. This is far more advanced than the more expensive Autel Evo Nano drone that comes with an obstacle avoidance system but cannot navigate around obstacles.
The drone also comes with several intelligent flight modes such as image track, waypoint, circle fly and automatic return to home.
It has an impressive 40 minutes of flight time, making it one of the best consumer drones with the longest flight time.
As the drone weighs under 250g, registration with the FAA is not required; however, if you plan on flying the drone (or any other drone on this list) to make money or for some other commercial purposes, you will be required to register the drone and obtain the Part 107 certificate.
Key Features
- 1/1.3-inch image sensor
- 48MP (RAW & JPEG)
- Records 4K videos at 30fps, 2.7k at 30fps
- Multiple photography modes
- Quickshots for one tap dynamic videos
- Intelligent flight modes
- 3-way obstacle avoidance technology
- 40 minutes of flight time
- 8km video transmission range
3. Exo Drones Cinemaster 2
This is one of their more expensive drones, and as you can tell from the name, it’s geared towards photographers/cinematographers.
It’s a nice-looking drone; it’s medium-sized and has a foldable design. The drone looked familiar; I did a bit of research and found out it’s actually a rebranded version of the MJX Bugs 16 Pro drone.
The drone has a robust design and has a level 5 wind-resistance rating which allows it to fly at wind speeds of up to 22mph.
One of the main features of this drone is its camera; it has a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor that can capture 10MP images and 4K video footage at 30fps.
The images are only captured in JPEG format, which is unfortunate, especially for a drone that is advertised for photographers. The 4K video footage is very nice and smooth, thanks to the gimbal and Exo drone’s electronic image stabilisation feature.
The drone comes with several intelligent flight modes, including follow me, circle and route fly. The drone also has an automatic return-to-home function.
The official flight time for the Cinemaster 2 is 28 minutes, and it has an image transmission range of around 450 meters.
Key Features
- 1/2.3-inch image sensor
- 10MP images
- Records 4K videos
- 3-axis gimbal stabilisation
- Intelligent flight modes
- 28 minutes of flight time
- 450 meters video transmission range
4. Exo Drones X7 Ranger Plus
One of Exo Drone’s most popular products is the Ranger Plus; this is a rebranded version of the ZLL SG906 Pro 2. This drone is also sold under a couple of other drone brands; it’s a very popular entry-level drone for photography.
One of its main features is its obstacle avoidance system; unlike most other drones that have this technology where the sensors are placed around the drone, the Exo Drone Plus has the sensor placed on top.
The sensor can detect obstacles from 20 meters away. However, this isn’t a smart obstacle avoidance system; what I mean is that it cannot navigate around obstacles, it just stops in front, and users will have to turn it in a different direction to continue flying.
The X7 Ranger Plus comes with an HD camera that is stabilised by a 3-axis gimbal and can capture 2K video footage and 4K images. The image and photo quality are good, and the gimbal minimises any distortion.
The drone comes with a GPS module which provides better flight stability, and comes with a few intelligent flight modes such as follow me, orbit and pin-fly.
It also comes with a GPS-assisted return-to-home function and has a good flight time of 25 minutes and a transmission range of 800 meters.
Key Features
- 1/2.3-inch image sensor
- 10MP images
- Records 4K videos
- 3-axis gimbal stabilisation
- Intelligent flight modes
- 28 minutes of flight time
- 450 meters video transmission range
Performance and Design Features
Exo Drones has received high praise from users for its user-friendly app and easy-to-use controls. Users have reported that they are able to fly drones with ease, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced pilots alike.
The intuitive controls allow for smooth flying and precision control, which is essential when capturing photos or videos. The responsive nature of the drones makes flying them an enjoyable experience.
Issues Experienced by Some Users
Some users have reported issues during flight, such as short battery life or difficulty connecting via Wi-Fi. However, these issues seem to be relatively uncommon among users overall. Also noteworthy is that Exo Drones has acted quickly to rectify any problems that arise; their customer service team has received high marks from customers who need assistance with any technical difficulties.
Above & Beyond Expectations
Despite occasional drawbacks or technical difficulties encountered by some users from time to time, most users have reported satisfaction with their Exo Drones experience. The drones have been well-received in terms of design, performance, and usability. Many users are happy with the quality and responsiveness of the device as well as how user-friendly it is.
Overall, Exo Drones has proven to be a reliable drone alternative to DJI’s entry-level drones from their Mini-series. Its ease of use and responsive controls make it an excellent choice for those who want to capture stunning aerial views without breaking the bank or dealing with a steep learning curve.
Pricing and Availability
When it comes to drones, the price can be a major factor for many consumers. Exo Drones offers a range of models at varying price points to fit different budgets.
As of writing this article, their website is having a sale with 42% off every drone, they also sell some of their drones on Amazon, and there is a significant price disparity between some of the drones sold on their website and those sold on Amazon.
The X7 Ranger Plus is priced at $489, but with the sale, it’s now$284.
The Cinemaster 2 is $549, and the sale price is $379.
The Blackhawk 2 Pro’s original price is $1149; the sale price is $849.
The Exo Drone Mini Pro’s original price is $859; the sale price is $699.
Exo Drones products are primarily available in North America through their website and select retailers. As they have exclusive rights to sell certain brands of drones under their own brand, I doubt they will be expanding beyond this.
However, those outside of North America can still purchase many of these drones under their original brand names.
Comparisons to Competitors
One of the most important aspects of any drone is its performance. When comparing Exo Drones to other popular brands like DJI, Autel Robotics and Parrot, it’s clear that Exo Drones holds its own. With a flight time of up to 30 minutes and a range of up to 5km for many of their advanced drones, Exo Drones offers some good alternatives to the big-named drone brands.
The Price Point Factor
Of course, price is always an important factor when choosing any piece of technology – especially something as expensive as a drone.
While Exo Drones are competitive, they are not as cheap as the DJI Mini drones; for example, the flagship Exo Drone is the Blackhawk 2 Pro, which costs more than $1000, although currently, it is on sale for $849. Even its sale price is higher than DJI’s most advanced Mini drone, the Mini 3 Pro (with the DJI RC-N1 controller).
Then you have the Mini 2 and Mini SE, which are cheaper than the Exo Drone Mini Pro; this isn’t a criticism against Exo Drone, they are trying to compete against the behemoth that is DJI, and they cannot compete against them on price alone.
This is why they provide the following extras with each of their main photography drones:
Free Part 107 course – If you are looking to use your drone to make money, you will need to obtain the Part 107 certificate. This course will equip you with the necessary information to help you pass the test.
Free LUTs and Lightroom Presets.
Free Mini-Course on how to create awesome videos with your drone.
Is it enough to make you choose one of their drones over DJI? That is your decision to make; if you are looking to start a drone business, the free Part 107 course will be helpful.
Reputation is also important when considering any brand or product. DJI has established itself as the market leader in drones, with a reputation for quality and innovation. Their drones are used by professionals all over the world and have been featured in major movies and TV productions.
Exo Drones is a newer player in the market but has already made an impact with its high-quality products. They’ve received positive reviews from customers who appreciate their competitive pricing, unique design, excellent performance and customer service.
Future Developments
OpenStore, a tech startup based in Miami, acquired Exo Drones in August 2022 for a reported sum of nearly $3 million. Known for purchasing various eCommerce stores built on the Shopify platform, OpenStore is a well-capitalised firm, having raised $75 million in its most recent funding round and boasting a valuation of $750 million.
Despite these promising developments, the future of Exo Drones under OpenStore’s management is still uncertain. The drone technology industry is characterised by its rapid evolution and intense competition, with many companies attempting, and often failing, to outpace market leader DJI. Some have even opted to shift their focus to software development or industrial drone solutions to stay relevant.
However, as consumers increasingly acquaint themselves with drones and their potential applications, the path that Exo Drones takes to meet these evolving needs will be intriguing to observe. What is undeniable is that the drone industry is set to continually expand and innovate. Therefore, to ensure Exo Drones does not lag behind, OpenStore must stay abreast of these changes.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Exo Drones offers another good alternative to established brands like DJI, Autel and Parrot. While they may not yet have the same level of recognition or reputation, they’re definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a high-quality drone at a reasonable price point.
Ultimately, which brand you choose will depend on your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re a professional videographer or just starting out as a hobbyist, there’s sure to be a drone out there that fits your needs perfectly – including those offered by Exo Drones.
