How DroneGuide.ie chooses and compares drones: the criteria we use, and how often we update prices and rules.
Every recommendation on DroneGuide.ie follows the same process. This page explains it, so you can judge our advice for yourself.
Researched, and honest about it
Most of our guides are researched rather than based on long-term hands-on testing. We say so plainly. When a review includes our own flying experience, the page makes that clear.
Research does not mean copying listings. We work from manufacturers' published specifications and official guidance. Then we check who sells each product in Ireland, and at what price.
What we compare
Weight. It decides which Irish and EU rules apply, so it comes first. We flag every drone over 250g.
Camera. Sensor size and stabilisation, not just the resolution printed on the box. A small sensor that claims 4K can still produce soft footage.
Flight time. We quote manufacturers' figures and remind you that wind and cold reduce them.
Wind resistance. Ireland is windy. Where a manufacturer publishes a wind rating, we include it and compare it with Met Éireann's records.
Irish price and seller. We check who is actually selling a product to Irish buyers. We avoid recommending DJI drones from third-party marketplace sellers, because of the warranty risk.
Registration. Every product card states whether the drone needs an IAA operator registration.
Where our facts come from
Rules come directly from the Irish Aviation Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Weather data comes from Met Éireann. Consumer and privacy points come from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Data Protection Commission. Product specifications come from manufacturers.
We link to these sources within each guide, so you can check them yourself.
How often we update
Prices in our product boxes update automatically. We review our main buying guides weekly through November and December, and daily during Black Friday week. Rules pages are rechecked whenever the IAA changes its guidance.
Each page shows the date it was last updated. If you spot something wrong, please tell us.
Last updated: 14 October 2026