DJI launches Neo 2 mini drone ahead of potential U.S. ban (updated)
DJI has officially launched its highly anticipated Neo 2 drone in global markets, following a successful debut in China. This mini drone, designed for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts, boasts impressive features including 4K video recording at an astounding 100 frames per second, a flight time of up to 19 minutes, and a generous 49GB of internal storage. DJI describes the Neo 2 as the perfect companion for family outings, outdoor sports, and travel, emphasizing its “follow-me” capabilities that allow it to capture unforgettable moments effortlessly. With a lightweight design and a range of intelligent shooting modes, the Neo 2 is positioned as an ideal entry-level drone for those venturing into aerial photography and videography.
However, the availability of the Neo 2 in the United States remains uncertain. Despite being available for purchase in other countries, including Canada where it retails for $309 on Amazon, U.S. consumers are facing significant hurdles. DJI has stated that the Neo 2 will not be officially sold in the U.S. market due to ongoing regulatory challenges and a looming national security risk assessment that all Chinese-manufactured drones must undergo by December 23, 2025. Currently, DJI’s official website shows most of its product line as out of stock for U.S. visitors, and even the Neo 2’s dedicated page returns a 404 error, indicating its unavailability. This situation has left many American drone enthusiasts and professionals, who rely on DJI’s products for various applications, in a lurch, as the company grapples with increasing restrictions on its operations within the U.S.
Despite these challenges, the Neo 2’s specifications are noteworthy. It features Level 5 wind resistance, intelligent shooting modes like dolly zoom and slow motion, and a compact design that allows it to take off from the palm of your hand. Weighing in at 151 grams, it is slightly heavier than its predecessor, the original Neo, but still maintains portability. With its 12MP, 1/2-inch CMOS sensor and f/2.2 aperture, the Neo 2 is poised to deliver high-quality imagery and video, making it a compelling option for those looking to explore the world of drones. As DJI navigates the complexities of the U.S. market, potential buyers outside the country can take advantage of the Neo 2’s features, while American consumers are left awaiting clarity on the future availability of this exciting new drone.
UPDATE: Nov. 13, 2025, 6:21 p.m. EST
DJI provided a statement to Mashable about the availability of the Neo 2. The article below has been updated to include this comment.
Following an earlier launch in China, DJI launched a new follow-me style mini drone, the Neo 2, in other markets around the world. The new drone is a follow-up to the popular Neo drone, and it offers 4K video recording at up to 100 frames per second, 19 minutes of flight time, and 49GB internal storage.
In a press release, DJI wrote, “Easy to fly for beginners, Neo 2 is ideal for family outings, outdoor sports, travel and FPV experience, always capturing best moments as a personal follow-me camera drone.”
We’re breaking down everything we know about the new DJI drone, including whether it will be available for American flyers.
DJI Neo 2: When will it be available?
If you live pretty much anywhere but the United States, the DJI Neo 2 is available now. It’s
available for sale on Amazon Canada
for $309.
However, if U.S. shoppers go to Amazon or
DJI’s online store
, the Neo 2 is nowhere to be found, and there’s a reason for that. While it’s not yet official, DJI faces an impending ban on its drone products here in the United States, and the company has said it’s having trouble importing its other products. So, while you can find some DJI products for sale from third-party sellers at sites like Amazon, the company’s products are getting increasingly hard to find for U.S. shoppers.
A DJI spokesperson provided this statement to Mashable about the Neo 2’s availability: “The DJI Neo 2 will not be officially available in the US market through official websites following the global launch on November 13. DJI remains committed to the U.S. market and is optimizing our strategy to best serve our customers amidst evolving local conditions.”
At its official website, virtually the entire DJI product line is listed as out of stock for U.S. visitors
.
Likewise, a
page for the Neo 2 on the DJI website
returns a 404 error, though just for U.S. shoppers.
Unfortunately, this drone may never be available in the United States, unless there’s a sudden reversal in U.S. policy toward the Chinese company. As
Mashable has reported before
, all drones manufactured in China must undergo a national security risk assessment by Dec. 23. In its last
official update in July
, DJI said there was no indication this assessment had begun.
For hobbyists and professionals alike, DJI is pretty much the only name in drones. While the company is best known for drones like the Neo, Mini, and Mavic 3, the
New York Times
reported
that many U.S. farmers actually depend on DJI’s commercial drones for pest management and other purposes. Yet a ban is looking increasingly likely.
DJI Neo 2: Specs
Credit: DJI
Credit: DJI
Many
DJI products
are
still available
through unofficial channels and in most international markets. So if you’re interested in the new flying machine, check out its specs:
Level 5 wind resistance
Up to 19 minutes of flight time
49GB internal storage (save up to 105 minutes of 4K/60fps video)
Record 4K video at 100fps
12MP, 1/2-inch CMOS sensor
f/2.2 aperture
151 grams
This follow-me style drone can take off from your palm, and it has a lightweight, portable design, although it is about 20 grams heavier than the original Neo. It offers a number of “intelligent shooting modes,” including dolly zoom and slow motion. The SelfieShot mode lets you capture still photographs or 4K video.
Overall, it’s designed with beginners in mind, making it a smart pick-up as an entry-level drone — if you can get your hands on it.
