Which agricultural drone is the best?

• Criteria for choosing an agricultural drone
• Comparison of popular agricultural drones
• Benefits and risks of using agricultural drones
• Drone selection recommendations by user type
• Top agricultural drone brands in Vietnam
• Legal notes when operating agricultural drones
• Conclusion

The technological revolution is transforming modern agriculture, and agricultural drones are emerging as top tools to boost productivity, reduce costs, and optimize crop management. However, with dozens of models and brands on the market, finding one that’s truly “worth the money” and suitable for your specific needs can be challenging. So, which agricultural drones perform best based on real-world efficiency, integrated technology, and user requirements?

Criteria for choosing an agricultural drone

A high price or big brand name doesn’t always guarantee effectiveness. Real performance depends on multiple technical factors and field conditions. Below are the core criteria to evaluate a worthwhile agricultural drone:

Payload and tank capacity

Depending on crop type and area, payloads from 10L to 30L determine how much can be sprayed at once. For large rice fields, choose at least 20L to optimize productivity.

Navigation and control technology

Models with GPS RTK, terrain sensors, and map-based flight capabilities ensure precise spraying and reduced chemical waste. Some advanced drones can even fly autonomously along pre-mapped routes via mobile apps.

Flight time and battery

The battery is the “heart” of the drone. Ideal flight time ranges from 20–30 minutes per charge. High-capacity lithium batteries extend operation time and reduce interruptions, especially in rural areas.

Safety features

A good drone should have obstacle avoidance sensors, and automatic return-to-home when losing connection or running low on battery - crucial for new operators.

Parts replacement and maintenance

Choose brands with available spare parts and technical support in Vietnam. Avoid unverified imports despite low prices.

Reasonable cost vs. ROI

A quality drone should ensure a return on investment (ROI) within 12–18 months by cutting labor and pesticide costs while improving yields.

Legal certification in Vietnam

Drones must be approved by the Plant Protection Department to legally spray agricultural chemicals.

→ With these criteria, you can confidently evaluate whether a given agricultural drone suits your operational needs.

Comparison of popular agricultural drones

Quick assessment

• DJI Agras T50: High payload (50 kg spray / 55 kg spread), ~24 ha/h coverage, multi-directional safety sensors. Shorter flight time but superior performance - ideal for large, professional farms.
• XAG P100 Pro: Advanced automation and strong performance, though spare parts in Vietnam are limited.
• MiDrone X8 Plus: Budget-friendly and suitable for small farms, but limited durability and range.
• AgriDrone R20: User-friendly with low maintenance cost, perfect for <10 ha farms.

Benefits and risks of using agricultural drones

Practical use of agricultural drones has shown significant improvements in efficiency and cost savings. However, improper operation can lead to accidents or financial losses.

Proven benefits:

• Reduces manual labor by 60–80%, e.g., a 16L drone can replace 4–5 workers per day.
• Cuts pesticide use by 20–30% through precise spraying.
• Boosts crop yield by 10–20%, according to the Southern Agricultural Science Institute (2023).
• Enables faster pest-control response, especially during outbreaks.

Common risks:

• Using unsuitable drones can waste chemicals and harm crops.
• Untrained pilots may cause crashes or battery fires.
• Unlicensed drones spraying on large areas may violate regulations.

Technical limitations:

• Poor performance in light rain or strong wind (above level 4).
• Batteries must be stored properly under 10°C or above 40°C to prevent degradation.
• Cheaper models may rely on Google Maps rather than RTK GPS, reducing accuracy.

Drone selection recommendations by user type

Small farmers (<5 ha)

• Needs: Basic spraying for rice, vegetables, fruit.
• Recommended: MiDrone X8 Plus or any 16L-capacity local model.
• Reason: Affordable (~180 M VND), easy to use, low maintenance.

Medium farms (5–15 ha)

• Needs: Regular spraying, spreading, and seed sowing.
• Recommended: AgriDrone R20 or XAG P100 Pro.
• Reason: Multi-function with programmable routes, good ROI (~220–460 M VND).

Large enterprises (>20 ha) or service providers

• Needs: High efficiency, large coverage, safe automation.
• Recommended: DJI Agras T50 (~24 ha/h).
• Reason: Advanced sensors, full automation, ROI within 12–15 months.

Beginners/new users

• Needs: Learn operation, low initial investment.
• Recommended: Used or entry-level 10–16 L local drones.
• Reason: 40–60% cheaper, lower risk for training use.

Top agricultural drone brands in Vietnam

→ Among them, DJI and XAG are the top choices for cooperatives and enterprises due to stable technology and reliable after-sales service.

Legal notes when operating agricultural drones

1. Permit requirement: All crop-spraying drones must be licensed by the Plant Protection Department (MARD).
2. Pilot training: Operators must be trained and certified to avoid accidents and restricted-zone violations.
3. No-fly zones: Avoid airports, military zones, and other restricted airspaces.
4. Periodic maintenance: Every 6 months for accurate, safe operation.

Conclusion

Selecting the right agricultural drone isn’t about price or brand alone - it depends on farm size, crop type, budget, and technical support.

• DJI T50: Best for large-scale or service providers.
• XAG P100 Pro: Balanced choice between performance and price.
• MiDrone and AgriDrone: Ideal for small and medium farms.

To invest wisely, calculate ROI carefully and consider scalability for future expansion.

FAQs about agricultural drones

Do agricultural drones include crop-monitoring cameras?

Yes. Many models now feature multispectral or thermal cameras for monitoring plant health and soil moisture.

Are there drones that can both spray and map fields?

Yes. Some hybrid drones perform simultaneous spraying and mapping, saving time in precision agriculture.

Is drone data at risk of breaches?

Potentially. Always use encrypted systems and controlled data access to prevent unauthorized exposure.

Can drones help optimize irrigation?

Yes. Drones with infrared sensors detect dry or over-irrigated zones for efficient watering schedules.

When is the best time to spray with drones?

Early morning (6–9 AM) or late afternoon (4–6 PM) under low wind and mild sunlight for optimal results.