Premium drones are driving the market, but NPD data shows that the holidays were kind to cheaper drones

 

 

The drone industry is soaring to great heights. A new report from market research company NPD shows that U.S. consumers spent more than twice as much on drones, 117 percent more to be exact, from February 2016 to February 2017 compared to the same time period the prior year.

The first two months of 2017 saw consumers spending a lot on premium drones costing more than $1,000 - this segment saw the highest rate of sales. What features of the more expensive drones are attracting buyers? NPD has observed that drones with autopilot features have sold five times quicker than drones without that feature. Drones with a follow mode have sold an astounding 19 times quicker than drones without.

While premium drones prove popular throughout the year, responsible for much of overall revenue, the holiday season saw less expensive drone sales skyrocket. The percentage of dollar sales that $50-100 drones contributed rose from five percent in the first nine months of 2016 compared to 25 percent during the final three months.

You can read the report for yourself here. It’s clear that not only are drones growing in popularity despite tightening FAA restrictions, but many consumers are willing to spend extra money on fuller-featured drones.

(Via DIY Photography)