Buying the right drone is the first step you could take on your aerial adventure.
If you had done so, congratulations you are now a proud owner of a quadcopter.
But wait, ask yourself have you got the right drone accessories to hit the skies.
Having all the essential tools makes your flying experience even better, but that does not mean it is compulsory to have all them at your disposal.
The right accessories can dramatically improve your drone’s performance, enhance safety, extend flight time, and help you capture stunning aerial footage. Think of accessories as investments that protect your primary investment – the drone itself.
Whether you’re a beginner just learning to fly or an experienced pilot looking to upgrade your aerial arsenal, this comprehensive guide will help you identify which drone accessories are must-haves for your specific needs.
Drone parts & accessories list
Drone Photo Editing Software
If you took amazing raw drone photos and now are looking for a free and best drone photo editing software to make photos pop and vivid, look through these 10 best photo editing softwares that are easy-to-use and make deep color correction fast.
Here you’ll find both professional software offering more advanced photo enhancement features, as well as simple drone photo editors that have fundamental tools for adjusting brightness, shadows, saturation, contrast, sharpness, cropping, and more.
Each of them proposes a trial version or is completely free.
You can also learn how to choose the best drone for photography if you would like to buy a professional one.
When selecting drone photo editing software, look for features specifically beneficial for aerial photography such as lens distortion correction, perspective adjustments, and batch processing capabilities. Industry standards like Adobe Lightroom offer excellent drone-specific presets, while DJI’s own software provides optimized profiles for their cameras. For beginners, Luminar AI offers automated sky enhancement, and Skylum’s Aurora HDR excels at balancing extreme lighting conditions common in aerial photography.
Remember that drone photography often requires specific corrections for issues like color shifts at altitude, wide-angle distortion, and haze removal. The best editing software will offer tools designed specifically for these challenges, helping your aerial images stand out with professional quality.
Goggles
Nothing can excite you more than getting the best goggles to bring life back to your ultimate drone racing challenge.
This drone accessory defines your flight experience and can make you feel like a real pilot.
Various googles offer various specs, features, wow-factor but the purpose is merely providing you live feed without split-second delay.
If you want to race, you better get one before it is too late for judgment day.
When selecting FPV (First Person View) goggles, consider key specifications like resolution (ranging from 480p to 1080p), refresh rate (minimum 60Hz for racing, 120Hz for competitive), and field of view (FOV) which typically ranges from 30° to 50°. Wider FOV creates more immersion but can reduce image clarity.
FPV goggles come in three main types: box goggles (beginner-friendly with larger screens), compact goggles (more portable with smaller screens), and premium racing goggles (low-latency with HD displays). Leading brands include Fat Shark, DJI, and Skyzone, with professional models featuring head tracking, HDMI inputs, and DVR recording capabilities.
For beginners, diversity receivers that automatically switch between antennas for the best signal reception are highly recommended. Remember that comfortable foam padding and adjustable IPD (interpupillary distance) settings are critical for extended flying sessions.
Gimbal
As they always say, you deserve better out of your drone.
You should consider gimbal if you are keen on capturing stable photos and videos.
This accessory keeps your shots or recordings nice and smooth preventing jitters or jello effect.
Apparently, you will find various kinds of gimbal like 2-axis or 3-axis one.
Before buying a quad, check to see whether it has a pre-built gimbal or you have to get it separately.
Understanding the differences between gimbal types is crucial for optimal aerial photography. A 2-axis gimbal stabilizes pitch (up/down) and roll (side-to-side), making it suitable for basic photography in calm conditions. A 3-axis gimbal adds yaw (rotational) stabilization, providing superior smoothness for professional videography and photography in all conditions, especially during complex maneuvers.
Modern gimbals feature brushless motors with precision sensors that detect minute movements 2000+ times per second to make real-time adjustments. Premium models offer advanced features like follow mode (automatically tracks subject motion), lock mode (maintains fixed direction regardless of drone movement), and programmable motion paths for cinematic shots.
When selecting a gimbal, consider payload capacity (must exceed your camera weight by 30% for optimal performance), battery life (dedicated or integrated with drone), and compatibility with your specific drone model and camera. Leading manufacturers include DJI, Zhiyun, Feiyu Tech, and Moza, with prices ranging from $100 for basic models to $800+ for professional systems.
Battery
As you have already guessed, the battery is a must-have drone accessory.
There is nothing more frustrating than you have to wait another odd 1 or 2 or even more hours to recharge a battery to take another flight.
Having backup batteries is not going to cost you much and offers interrupted flying experience.
Next time when you plan to fly on outside, carry with you a set of spare ones before you regret.
Drone batteries are predominantly Lithium Polymer (LiPo) due to their high energy density and discharge rates. When selecting additional batteries, focus on specifications like capacity (measured in mAh, typically 2000-5000mAh for consumer drones), voltage (usually 7.4V-11.1V), and C-rating (discharge rate, with 25C-50C being common for performance drones).
To maximize battery life and safety, follow these best practices: store at 50-60% charge (never fully discharged), keep in temperature-controlled environments (40-70°F/4-21°C), use manufacturer-recommended chargers with balance charging capabilities, and perform regular visual inspections for swelling or damage.
Consider investing in a multi-battery charging hub for efficiency, and specialized LiPo-safe bags for storage and transport. For professional operations, intelligent battery management systems that track cycle counts and automatically maintain optimal storage charge are worth the investment. Remember that flight time estimates from manufacturers are often based on ideal conditions – actual performance may be 20-30% less depending on wind, temperature, and flight patterns.
Transmitter
You, of course, got to have the remote controller at any cost. Lucky for you, most RTF drones come with a controller.
For BNF drones, you must have to get it separately, and it not included.
This accessory defines the user experience so better select a drone which transmitter feels right on your hands and complement your styling sense.
You do not want one that is too big or neither too small to hold.
When selecting a transmitter, consider critical specifications like channels (8+ channels for advanced flying), frequency (2.4GHz is standard, with 900MHz offering better range but requiring licensing in some regions), and protocol compatibility (DSMX, FrSky, FlySky, or Crossfire).
Quality transmitters feature hall sensor gimbals for precise control, customizable switches for flight modes and camera functions, telemetry capabilities for real-time flight data, model memory (storing settings for multiple drones), and programmable mixing functions for advanced flight characteristics.
Premium controllers like the RadioMaster TX16S, Jumper T-Pro, and FrSky Taranis Q X7 offer OpenTX/EdgeTX open-source firmware that allows extensive customization through community-developed scripts and features. For professional use, consider controllers with integrated screens or tablet mounts for FPV feed, built-in GPS for Return-to-Home functionality, and dual-operator capability that separates flight controls from camera operation.
Many modern systems now offer USB simulator compatibility, allowing you to practice flying without risking your drone. This feature is particularly valuable for beginners or when testing new maneuvers.
Drone Bags, Cases, and Backpacks
You got a great quadcopter but how are you going to transport it around? In your typical carry bag? A big NO.
There are bags and backpacks designed especially for drones.
Did you know some bag companies even produce specific backpacks for the particular quad model? You got to select one that can fit in all the quadcopter (s) you have. It should stay portable, spacious, and lightweight to comfy your shoulders and back.
Drone transport solutions come in three main categories, each with specific advantages: hard cases (maximum protection, waterproof, pressure-resistant), soft backpacks (comfortable for hiking/travel, lighter weight), and shoulder bags (most portable, suitable for compact drones).
When selecting the right storage solution, consider these critical features: custom-cut foam inserts that prevent movement during transport, water-resistant or waterproof materials (look for IP67 rating for hard cases), padded compartments for batteries with LiPo-safe pockets, dedicated spaces for accessories like propellers and ND filters, and laptop/tablet compartments for field editing.
For professional drone operators, look for TSA-approved cases that allow air travel without removing equipment, side-access compartments for quick deployment in the field, and modular dividers that can be reconfigured as your gear collection grows. Premium options from manufacturers like Lowepro, HPRC, Pelican, and ThinkTank offer specialized features like built-in charging ports, weather-sealed zippers, and anti-theft technology.
Remember that proper organization within your case is just as important as the case itself – consider additional accessories like battery organizers, SD card wallets, and cable management systems to keep everything accessible and protected.
Landing Pads for Drones
Landing a drone safely is more than just about avoiding obstacles and flying in a straight line, and it also has to do with landing the drone on any surface, no matter how hard or soft.
It is why a landing pad is such an essential tool for every drone pilot.
A landing pad is a platform on which to land a drone. A landing pad can be anything from a large, flat ground area to a raised platform with protective netting.
This drone accessory will give your drone a safe place to land to avoid breaking or getting lost. No more scrambling around looking for a flat, even surface to land your drone.
Choosing the right size and shape of the landing pad is essential, depending on the type of drone and its specific capabilities. Different forms of landing pads include squares, rectangles, octagons, triangles, and circles.
Landing pads come in various materials, each with specific benefits: neoprene (waterproof, lightweight, foldable), PVC (durable, wind-resistant), and aluminum (maximum stability in high winds). Professional-grade landing pads feature high-visibility patterns with contrasting colors that aid visual alignment during descent and improve the accuracy of vision positioning systems in modern drones.
For advanced operations, consider landing pads with integrated LED lighting for night operations, reflective surfaces for automated landing systems, and weighted edges or ground stakes to prevent movement in windy conditions. Portable options typically fold to 1/3 of their deployed size, with premium models including compact carrying cases.
Landing pads serve multiple practical purposes beyond just providing a clean surface: they prevent prop wash from stirring up dust and debris that can damage motors and cameras, they create a visual reference point for return-to-home functions, and they establish a safe zone free from obstacles that could cause crashes during takeoff or landing. For professional operators working in varied environments, having multiple pad sizes (from 30cm to 150cm diameter) allows adaptation to different drones and landing conditions.
Propeller Guards
These days, drones are everywhere. They’re a fun and helpful tool for both hobbyists and professionals, from taking pictures to delivering goods.
But these little gadgets can be dangerous if you don’t take precautions. Drones are expensive and powerful enough to cause severe damage if they collide with something or someone.
So how do you keep your drone safe? With propeller guards!
These guards attach to the propeller blades of your drone and protect them from danger without affecting flight performance or battery life. Propeller guards are an excellent way to keep your drone safe while providing peace of mind.
Propeller guards are typically made from plastic or foam, and they fit securely over your drone’s propellers to protect them. If you want to start flying drones but don’t want to worry about people getting hurt, these propeller guards will do the trick!
Propeller guards come in three main designs, each with specific advantages: full cages (maximum protection, ideal for indoor flying), bumper guards (balance of protection and performance), and prop tips (minimal weight impact, basic obstacle protection). When selecting guards, consider the material composition – carbon fiber offers the best strength-to-weight ratio but comes at a premium price, while reinforced nylon provides good durability at a more accessible price point.
It’s important to understand that propeller guards do impact flight performance in several ways: they add 10-40g of weight per motor (reducing flight time by 2-5 minutes), increase wind resistance (affecting stability in gusty conditions), and slightly reduce maximum speed. However, these trade-offs are well worth it for beginners, indoor flying, or operations near people or valuable property.
For professional applications, quick-release guard systems allow pilots to install or remove protection depending on the flying environment, without requiring tools or lengthy setup. Some advanced models feature integrated LED lighting that improves visibility while adding minimal additional weight. When flying with guards, remember to recalibrate your drone’s flight characteristics in the controller app, as the added weight and resistance can affect performance parameters.
GPS Tracker
Flying on a drone can be a lot of fun. But you may want to know where it is, what altitude it’s flying at, and whether or not it’s in danger.
That’s why you need a GPS tracker for your drone.
The drone GPS tracker is a device installed on a drone to locate that specific device. It can be used to find a lost drone or monitor its location while it’s in use. With more and more drones being used in different industries, these trackers are becoming more critical.
However, the best drones have an integrated GPS tracker that lets you know where your drone is and what it’s doing in real-time. These features help an operator fly the drone with ease, but they also offer safety benefits for the drone.
Drones without built-in or external GPS trackers are more likely to run into buildings or other obstacles without warning because they will not be aware of their location and surroundings at all times.
When evaluating GPS tracking systems for drones, focus on these key specifications: position accuracy (consumer systems offer 2-5 meter accuracy, while RTK systems can achieve centimeter-level precision), update frequency (standard 1Hz vs. professional 10Hz or higher), satellite constellation compatibility (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou), and reliability during signal interference.
Beyond basic location tracking, modern GPS systems offer advanced features like geofencing (automatic boundary enforcement), dynamic home point updating, automated flight planning with waypoints, and obstacle avoidance integration. For professional applications, look for systems with redundant positioning methods like visual positioning systems (VPS) and inertial measurement units (IMU) that maintain stability when GPS signals are compromised.
For drones without built-in GPS, aftermarket trackers like Tile Pro, Apple AirTag (with modifications), or dedicated drone trackers like Marco Polo and Trackimo offer recovery capabilities with different ranges and battery requirements. These systems use various technologies including Bluetooth, cellular networks, radio frequency, and even satellite communication for enterprise applications requiring global tracking.
Professional drone operators should consider systems with black box functionality that logs flight data for maintenance records, incident investigation, and compliance with regulatory requirements in commercial operations.
Remote Controller Signal Booster
One of the most frustrating things about flying drones is the signal. If your remote controller can’t communicate with your drone, you won’t be able to control it. And the more you fly, the worse it gets!
There are many reasons why this could happen. Lead shielding, metal objects, or other electronic wiring can interfere with the remote control signal.
If you want to fly your drone at a far distance, you need something that’ll help boost the signal and extend the range of your controller.
The simplest way to increase this range is by using a signal booster, which improves connection and extends transmission distance.
A signal booster will help increase the range of your controller by emitting signals in all directions. It is handy if you want to fly your drone outdoors or in an area with many trees and buildings.
Signal boosters operate through various technologies, each with distinct advantages: parabolic reflectors (passive boosters that focus existing signals in a specific direction, increasing range by 30-100%), active amplifiers (electronic systems that increase transmission power, potentially doubling effective range), and directional antennas (highly focused signal projection that can triple range in a specific direction).
When selecting a signal booster, consider these critical factors: frequency compatibility (must match your controller’s frequency, typically 2.4GHz or 5.8GHz), range improvement capabilities (measured in dBi gain, with 7-13dBi being common for consumer boosters), signal pattern (omnidirectional vs. directional), and installation complexity (clip-on solutions vs. permanent modifications).
For professional applications, advanced solutions include diversity systems that automatically switch between multiple antennas for optimal signal strength, frequency hopping technologies that resist interference, and long-range systems like DJI’s OcuSync or Crossfire that can achieve ranges of 10+ kilometers with proper boosting equipment.
Remember that signal boosters may have regulatory limitations in some regions, as they can potentially exceed legal transmission power limits. Always check local regulations before using high-powered signal enhancement systems, especially when operating near airports, military installations, or international borders.
ND Filters
Neutral Density (ND) filters are essential accessories for drone photographers and videographers looking to capture professional-quality footage. These small lens attachments reduce the amount of light entering the camera sensor without affecting color balance, giving you greater control over exposure settings.
ND filters allow you to maintain proper exposure while using slower shutter speeds, which is crucial for creating smooth, cinematic motion blur in videos. They’re particularly valuable in bright conditions where cameras would otherwise use extremely fast shutter speeds, resulting in choppy, stuttering video footage.
ND filters are typically labeled with numbers (ND4, ND8, ND16, ND32, etc.) that indicate how much light they block. ND4 reduces light by 2 stops, ND8 by 3 stops, ND16 by 4 stops, and so on. For typical sunny conditions, an ND16 is often ideal, while ND32 or higher is useful for extremely bright environments or when shooting directly toward the sun.
Many professional drone operators also use Polarizing (PL) filters or hybrid ND/PL filters, which not only control exposure but also reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, glass, or foliage, while enhancing color saturation and contrast. Quality filters use multi-coated glass that minimizes ghosting and flaring while maintaining optimal image sharpness.
When purchasing ND filters, look for sets specifically designed for your drone model to ensure proper fit and optical quality. Premium brands like PolarPro, Tiffen, and Moment offer high-transmission glass that minimizes color shifts and maintains critical sharpness.
Thank you for checking out the must have drone accessories and parts. These parts will definitely improve your aerial photography or aerial entertainment.
The right accessories can transform your drone from a simple flying camera into a versatile aerial platform capable of professional-quality results. Whether you’re focused on photography, racing, or just recreational flying, investing in quality accessories will enhance your experience, protect your investment, and help you get the most out of your drone technology.
Remember that drone technology continues to evolve rapidly, so stay informed about the latest accessories that might complement your specific drone model and flying style. Happy flying!