An underwater drone is unlike any other underwater actions cameras for diving. These new devices should be added to any guide to underwater videography because the possibilities and images are incredibly exciting.
Even the best underwater cameras don’t have the same reach as an underwater drone. When using regular action cameras you also need the best dive lights for clear shots but most drones are already outfitted with onboard lighting for easier navigation and better imaging.
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The Best Underwater Drones
That being said, there is a learning curve when working with underwater drones, just like with drones flying in the air. Still, professionals and hobbyists will be flocking to get to use one of the following underwater drones.
If you want to capture incredible underwater video and view places that a regular underwater camera can’t, get yourself an ROV underwater drone. Whether it is for creative, recreational, or commercial use, there are many more possibilities with underwater drones. These are the best underwater drone models available.
1. Best for Hobbyists: Youcan Robot Underwater Drone BW Space Pro
If you are an avid scuba diver that loves underwater videography and photography, this is a great first underwater drone for you. This is not the cheapest underwater drone but it is one of the more affordable options.
You can expect brighter and clearer photos and video thanks to the 4K zoom camera with a 1/1.8″ sensor and F1.4 aperture. It also has enhanced image stabilization to reduce the noise and blurry images.
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The strategic placement of 4 thrusters gives you more control over the angle and direction. This unit has a 90 degree pitch so you can see more.
Its 9600 mAh high-density lithium battery is good for 3 – 5 hours of shooting depending on the specific mode. Combined with a maximum depth of 330 feet you should be able to get plenty of beautiful footage, without ever needing to jump into the water.
- Camera: 4K UHD
- Diving Depth: 330 ft
- Battery Life: 3 – 5 hours
- Auto-Adjust Lighting: Yes
- Connecting Tether: Yes
- Operation: Manual
2. Best Underwater Fishing Drone: Geneinno T1
Fishermen and other seafaring people may use drones underwater to check under the hull or track the course of schools of fish. The Geneinno T1 is an excellent choice for this type of use of a submersible drone.
This compact design features 6 thrusters and replaceable propellers for optimal cruise control. It is designed to withstand the pressure of both deep levels and strong currents.
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The Geneinno T1 can as deep as 492 feet and still give you clear images thanks to bright lights. This is great for underwater inspections and exploration.
Although the 4K UHD camera does not automatically adjust its lighting, the package does come complete with color filters for the lens. It comes with both a red and purple color filter for a more accurate picture at the shallower depths.
- Camera: 4K UHD
- Diving Depth: 492 ft
- Battery Life: 4 hours
- Auto-Adjust Lighting: No
- Connecting Line: Yes
- Operation: Manual
3. Best for Virtual Reality: PowerVision PRW10 Powerray Wizard
Want to experience what it is like being underwater without actually entering the water? Then you need an underwater ROV that connects with VR goggles.
The PowerVision Powerray Wizard is one of the best underwater drones for a VR experience. It connects with the ZEISS VR One Plus goggles to give you first-hand experience of marine life.
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This remotely operated design has a connective tether that goes far beyond the max depth of the underwater camera. This gives you more flexibility in capturing high-quality images and video.
Remote underwater cameras such as these have a lot of potential for commercial use. Using its wi-fi connection you get VR vision into what really happens to your equipment in the water. This is the best complement for action cameras.
- Camera: 4K UHD
- Diving Depth: 98 ft
- Battery Life: 3 hours
- Auto-Adjust Lighting: No
- Connecting Tether: Yes
- Operation: Manual
4. Best for Mapping: Chasing Gladius Mini
Need a submarine drone for research projects in the water? The Chasing Gladius Mini is the ideal drone submarine for exploring and monitoring underwater environments.
See everything in the line of vision of its 4K camera in real-time with a direct wi-fi connection to up to 3 devices. Automatically store the recordings on its 32GB memory card for future reference, frame by frame.
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Compared to other water drones, the Chasing Gladius Mini does not have the longest battery life. However, it does offer incredibly clear images thanks to its 1200 lumen dimmable LED lights.
It is also a versatile piece of equipment suitable for use in both freshwater and saltwater. It can reach a cruise speed of up to 4 knots while its intelligent control algorithms keep it steady.
- Camera: 4K UHD
- Diving Depth: 330 ft
- Battery Life: 2 hours
- Auto-Adjust Lighting: Yes
- Connecting Tether: Yes
- Operation: Manual
5. Best Cheap Underwater Drone: Chasing Dory
Drone submarines are not exactly known as being affordable but the Dory model from Chasing has the friendliest price tag. It is also one of the smallest sea drones which does put some limitations on its performance.
This underwater ROV is controlled from a connected smartphone so there is no separate remote control device. It has a max depth of 49 feet which is also the length of its tether.
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The drone camera can take 2mp photos and 1920 x 1080 video. It comes with a wi-fi buoy that lets you Livestream video straight to your social media but at a maximum of 720p.
Near the lens, there are two 250 lumen LED lights for better sight. It also has the capability of adjusting the color temperature from 4000k to 5000k.
- Camera: 4K UHD
- Diving Depth: 49 ft
- Battery Life: 2 hours
- Auto-Adjust Lighting: No
- Connecting Tether: Yes
- Operation: Manual
6. Most Worth It: Aquarobotman Nemo
Of all the submarine drones, the Aquarobotman Nemo gives you the most bang for your buck. It has a mid-range price tag but it delivers an incredible performance, no matter what you use it for.
It is an exciting piece of gear for any underwater photographer or videographer. It offers 4K UHD at 30fps and full HD 1080P at 120fps with a 16mp drone camera for snapshots. If you are looking for something more powerful than underwater diving cameras, this drone it’s for you.
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This is a fantastic scuba diving buddy with a max depth of 328 feet and a cruise speed of 6.6 feet per second. Its C-hyper helix rechargeable battery is good for 3 hours of action but you can pack extra batteries for more fun in the water.
Instead of a travel case, this drone comes with a handy backpack that fits all the accessories and any other submersibles you might want to bring along. In short, this is the remote controlled underwater camera that you want to take on your next underwater adventure.
- Camera: 4K UHD
- Diving Depth: 328 ft
- Battery Life: 3 hours
- Auto-Adjust Lighting: No
- Connecting Tether: Yes
- Operation: Manual
7. Best Surface Drone: Powervision Powerdolphin Wizard
Want great shots at the water surface, too? Then the Powervisioon Powerdolphin is one of the best underwater drones for you as it works both above and under the water with its rotating camera.
Like a dolphin, it glides gracefully at the surface using its self-righting flip function. It makes sure that stays stable in the water, all by itself.
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Another great function is the one-button home feature which sends the submarine drone back to you with a single push of the button. Even more impressive is its dual-joint rotating camera which gives you 220-degree angles, above and below the surface.
Is fishing something you are fond of? This is the perfect tech device for fishing. It is capable of finding the best fishing spots, releasing bait, and towing the fish hook.
- Camera: 4K UHD
- Diving Depth: n.a.
- Battery Life: 2 hours
- Auto-Adjust Lighting: No
- Connecting Tether: No
- Operation: Manual
8. Most Durable: Trident Underwater Drone
Any diver knows that their underwater gear needs to be of high quality to survive the ocean’s salinity and any bumps and scratches it might suffer underwater. The same goes for a drone that goes underwater.
Since aqua drones are a considerable investment, you want a durable design without compromising its movement and camera quality. The Trident underwater drone comes to your rescue as it checks all these boxes.
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The streamlined design easily fits into a dive bag or backpack and only adds 7.5 lbs to your luggage. At the same time, it is made to last with a tether strength of up to 100 kgs, able to operate at sub-zero temperatures and a max depth of 330 feet.
Most impressive is the scratch-proof sapphire lens that can withstand bumps into rocks and coral reefs. The video quality does not suffer with this durability, though – it records 1080p at 30fps with the option to live stream at 720p at 30fps.
- Camera: Full HD
- Diving Depth: 330 feet
- Battery Life: 3 hours
- Auto-Adjust Lighting: No
- Connecting Tether: Yes
- Operation: Manual
For a quick recap, here are our top 3 products:
- Camera: 4K UHD
- Diving Depth: 328ft
- Battery Life: 3 hours
- Operation: Manual
- Camera: 4K UHD
- Diving Depth: 330 ft
- Battery Life:3–5 hours
- Auto-Adjust Lighting
- Connecting Tether
- Auto-Adjust Lighting
- Long Battery Life
- Dimmable LEDs
Frequently Asked Questions about Underwater Drones
How much is a underwater drone?
Underwater drones are a newer technology so they are still quite expensive. Most models cost between $1000 – $3000 with the most affordable underwater drone options being just under a thousand dollars.
A professional underwater drone costs much more, though. Expect to pay several thousand dollars for an advanced model designed for exploration and other professional use.
What is the best underwater drone?
The Aquarobotman Nemo is one of the best underwater drones with cameras because it is so versatile in use. It delivers great image quality, has a long battery life and a compact design.
For hobbyists looking for something more affordable consider the Youcan BW Space Pro. The best remote control submarine drone for commercial use is the Geneinno T1 because it has the longest battery life and can dive the deepest.
How deep can underwater drones go?
How deep an underwater drone can go depends on the specific model. Most can go several hundred feet underwater but the more advanced models for professional use can go several thousand feet underwater.
For the best underwater drones for diving look for a model with a max depth of at least 330 feet. Underwater drones with a more shallow depth rating can still be suitable for recreational use, though.
Get more benefits of your drone with these tips for taking underwater photos.
How do underwater drones work?
Like scuba divers, underwater drones control their buoyancy to prevent sinking to the bottom or floating on the surface. They move around underwater using a small motor, usually in combination with propellers and ‘thrusters’ which help control the direction of movement.
More advanced underwater drones can move autonomously using sensors and built-in programming. Other models are controlled by an operator, similar to most hobby drones used in the air.
Many of the manually operated drones have a line connecting the drone to the operator. This is to prevent the device from getting lost in the sea in case there is a signal loss.
