Buying Guide to Underwater Drone: How to Choose | 15 Recommendations

Underwater drones are equipped with a variety of features that allow users to capture stunning images and video, as well as to measure water temperature, salinity, and other oceanic parameters. We’ve put together this buying guide to help you make the best choice when it comes to purchasing an underwater drone.

How to Choose a Proper Underwater Drone?

Application

Different drones are equipped with different features that are optimized for different tasks. For example, some drones are designed for the following uses

• Capturing images and videos
• Collecting scientific data
• Mapping the ocean floor
• Monitoring coral reefs
• Inspecting shipwrecks
• Surveying fish populations
• Search and rescue operations

Battery life

Photo by Andrey Suslov on shutterstock

Most drones have a limited amount of time they can remain underwater before needing to be recharged. Depending on your application, you may need a drone with a longer battery life, or one that can be quickly recharged.

Content storage

Many drones are equipped with internal memory, but if you plan to capture a lot of images and video, you should look for one with a large storage capacity. You could choose one where you can stream content directly to a computer or smartphone

Maximum dive depth

Photo by Shaun Low on Unsplash

Most drones are rated for a maximum dive depth of 10-30 meters, but some models can reach depths of up to 100 meters. Depending on your application, you may need to choose a drone with a deeper dive depth rating.

Tethered vs. Wireless  

Tethered drones are connected to a surface vessel via a tether, while wireless drones can operate independently. Tethered drones generally have longer battery lives and greater range, while wireless drones are more portable and can access deeper depths.

Camera quality

Photo by Marek Okon on Unsplash

Some drones are equipped with high-quality cameras that can capture stunning images and video, while others are limited to basic cameras. Additionally, some drones are even equipped with lighting facilities, allowing them to capture footage in the dark depths of the ocean.

Driving Force and Stability (have Thrusters and propellers or not)

When selecting an underwater drone, it is important to consider its driving force and stability. Some drones are equipped with thrusters and propellers, while others rely on natural water currents or a tow line for propulsion.

15 Best Underwater Drone Camera

1. PowerVision PRW10 

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Powervision PRW10 is for fishermen who want to use high-tech as well as for anyone looking for a way to use virtual reality to explore the ocean floor from the comfort of the deck.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 18.3 x 10.8x 5.5 inches
• Weight: 14 pounds
• Battery Life: 4 hours
• Controls:Wireless Remote Control
• Max Depth: 30m (98ft)
• Speed:4 knots
• Camera Resolution:12 Megapixel
• Video Resolution: 4K
• Lights: 2x adjustable front LEDs, Ix LED tail light

Pros

• High-end 4K videography.
• Connect with VR.
• Rapid movement.
• Drone tracking app with accurate data and depth analysis.
• Body that is fashionable.

Cons

• Not as extensive or deep.
• Takes a cumbersome online procedure.
• The iPhone app's compatibility is limited.

2. FIFISH V6

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Fifish V6 movement of this drone is an adaptable underwater drone that makes it stand out. It can rotate 360 degrees, roll, and pitch at any angle thanks to a revolutionary smart thruster system that uses 6 independent thrusters, enabling it to get the perfect shot every time.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 81 x 7.87 x 15.75 inches
• Weight: 22 pounds
• Battery Life: 4 hours
• Controls: Wired remote to wireless surface unit
• Max Depth: 100m (330ft)
• Speed: 3 knots
• Camera Resolution:4000 x 3000
• Video Resolution:4K
• Lights: 4000 lumens LED light

Pros

• Innovative VR technology
• Time under water: 4 hours
• Portable SD card

Cons

• You have to disable the drone's lights so it can fly in complete darkness.

3. Chasing Dory

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Chasing Dory underwater drone is an end user drone that can descend up to 49 feet. The 5-Thruster Palm-Sized Underwater Drone is the world's smallest and most reasonably priced model.  It can be controlled with your Android or iOS device.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 4 x 3.6 x 9.7 inches
• Weight: 4 pounds
• Battery Life: 1 hour
• Controls: Remote control
• Max Depth: 15m (50ft)
• Speed: 1.5 knots
• Camera Resolution: 2MP
• Video Resolution: 1080P
• Lights: 250 lumen LEDs

Pros

• It is simple to use.
• The video and image quality is excellent.
• It offers a convenient depth hold feature.

Cons

• Image editing is enabled when linked to the drone.
• The WiFi bandwidth is extremely limited.

4. Gladius Mini

Image Credit: amazon.com

Whether you're a specialist or an enthusiast, the Gladius Mini is a competent, inventive, and remarkably practical instrument. You can use this underwater drone in both freshwater and saltwater by just swapping out a screw-in buoy. It is equipped with five thrusters that allow it to go up and down, backward and forward, and tilt up and down at a 45-degree angle.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 17.5 x 14 x 11.5 inches
• Weight: 14.82 Pounds
• Battery Life: 2 hours
• Controls: Remote Control
• Max Depth: (100m) 330ft
• Speed: 4 knots
• Camera Resolution: 12MP
• Video Resolution: 1080p or 4K
• Lights: Two 1200-lumen headlights

Pros

• Controls are simple to understand and apply.
• when paired to the Chasing app, enables a live-view of the camera without any latency.
• Drones may fit in backpacks and are comparatively portable.
• Additional functions are added by the additional grasp arm and accessories.
• You can see while navigating thanks to its two strong lights.

Cons

• A lot of room and time are needed for setup and breakdown.
• The recognition or avoidance of objects is not present. 

5. G GENEINNO 150M

Image Credit: amazon.com

Two 1500-lumen headlamps are equipped on the G Geneinno Titan, a specialist 4K underwater camera drone. In order to efficiently maneuver through challenging maritime environments, this underwater ROV is additionally fitted with six thrusters. A variety of add-ons are available, including FPV optics, robotic arm,  waterproof microphone and a sonar system.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 14.96 x 13.70 x 6.61 inches
• Weight: 9.7 pounds
• Battery Life: 4 hours
• Controls: Gaming control
• Max Depth: 150m (492ft)
• Speed: 3 knots
• Camera Resolution: 12 MP
• Video Resolution: 4K
• Lights: 3000 to 9000 lumens LED

Pros

• Has one of the deepest dives of up to 492 ft
• Has a long battery life of up to 4 hours.

Cons

• It is slightly more costly than the majority of other consumers
• There is no map view in the ROVs UX for the mobile application.

6. PowerVision Powerdolphin

Image Credit: amazon.com

The PowerDolphin is a reasonably priced, excellent for fishing underwater drone. Despite being less expensive, the drone has cutting-edge features like a 4K camera, a "Return To Home" capability, etc. A variety of add-ons are also available, such as the PowerSeeker sonar, a tow line, and a bait container.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 21.5 x 8.5 x 4.6 inches
• Weight: 5.15 pounds
• Battery Life: 2 hours
• Controls: Wireless remote control
• Max Depth: 100m (328ft)
• Speed: 8 knots
• Camera Resolution: 12 MP
• Video Resolution: 4K
• Lights: 120-Lumen Headlight

Pros

• It utilizes wireless control
• It is s ideal for sonar mapping and bait dropping
• Has a powerful 4k camera

Cons

• The drone is not submersible

7. G GENEINNO 200M

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Geneinno T1 Pro is a light-duty industrial underwater drone with a 12MP camera that allows sonar, a water quality sensor, a laser scaler, and different expansions to meet the needs of diverse scenarios.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 15 x 13.7 x 6.6 inches
• Weight: 10 pounds
• Battery Life: 4 hours
• Controls: Remote control
• Max Depth: 175m (574ft)
• Speed: 13 knots
• Camera Resolution: 12MP
• Video Resolution: 4K
• Lights: 3000LM LED

Pros

• It has a six-thruster range of motion.
• It provides access to supplementary devices, such as a robot arm
• It utilizes the 360-degree sonar option

Cons

• There is poor camera steadiness.
• The sonar is a pricey alternative.

8. Nemo Underwater Drone

Image Credit: amazon.com

This underwater ROV includes four QAS-balanced thrusters, which improve its stability amid the currents. The smart battery in Nemo has self-checking capabilities and can recognize overloading. Although the Nemo doesn't include a VR headset itself, it may be coupled with the majority of them.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 15.91 x 11.42 x 4.49 inches
• Weight: 11.02 Pounds
• Battery Life: 3 hours
• Controls: Tethered to WiFi base station
• Max Depth: 100 meters (328ft)
• Speed: 3.9 knots
• Camera Resolution: 16 MP
• Video Resolution: 2160p
• Lights: Double 2by2 adjustable Matrix LED Modules

Pros

• It has a modular C-Hyperhelix battery that charges quickly.
• It works with the majority of VR headsets.
• The ergonomic design makes boarding and traveling easier.

Cons

• The VR headset is an extra expense.
• The extra or replacement batteries are expensive.

9. WINDEK SUBLUE

Image Credit: amazon.com

The ideal alternative for you would be the underwater scooter like the Windek Sublue if you already have submersion training and want to dive into the ocean or sea floor with your drone. It has a mount that works with all action cameras even if it lacks the inbuilt camera.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 23 x 17 x 10.5 inches
• Weight: 20.3 pounds
• Battery Life: 1 hour
• Controls: Remote control
• Max Depth: 40m (131ft)
• Speed: 4 knots
• Camera Resolution: N/A
• Video Resolution: N/A
• Lights: 300-lumen lighting

Pros

• Enables one-handed con
• Any action camera and extra lighting can be paired.
• Has a helpful low battery warning

Cons

• You need to buy camera additionally

10. Geneinno Trident

Image Credit: amazon.com

Most recreational divers are only able to dive down to 30 meters, but the Geneinno Trident can readily transport more skilled divers down to 50 meters. It reduces the amount of time and effort required to dive to your deepest level.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 19.7 x 8.3 x 8.9 inches
• Weight: 7.7 pounds
• Battery Life: 45min
• Controls: Remote control
• Max Depth: 50m (164ft)
• Speed: 3.5 knots
• Camera Resolution:
• Video Resolution:
• Lights: LED Lighting

Pros

• It has a balanced, human-centered design.
• Utilizes a strong propulsion force
• Everyone is safe thanks to the netting and kid safety lock.
• There is no buoyancy.

Cons

• The backup battery is average.
• Some features are missing.

11. G GENEINNO

Image Credit: amazon.com

The G Geneinno Trident underwater scooter is the right tool for you if you feel like you'd prefer to interact with the wonders of the deep rather than just operate a camera. Squeezing the controls on each arm of the Trident is all it takes to move it.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 19.8 x 5.8 x 10.6 inches
• Weight: 5.9 pounds
• Battery Life: 45 mins
• Controls: Held by pilot
• Max Depth: (29.8m) 98ft
• Speed: 2.3 knots
• Camera Resolution: N/A
• Video Resolution: N/A
• Lights:

Pros

• It comes with a clear LED battery indication.
• Outstanding electrical stabilization
• Racing tri-blades can be used in place of the propellers.
• Has a GoPro Mount so you may use the camera of your choice.

Cons

• Wi-fi and apps are required to alter the camera settings.
• An action camera needs its own budget.
• Unsuitable for cold-water examination

12. Chasing F1

Image Credit: amazon.com

Your fishing results can be greatly enhanced by being aware of the precise position of fish swarms and the quantity, number, or features of a particular species of fish. The CHASING F1 was developed to address this particular problem.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 13.9 x 12.9 x 10.9 inches
• Weight: 9.3 pounds
• Battery Life: 6hrs
• Controls: Remote control
• Max Depth: 28 m (91.9ft)
• Speed: 1.5 knots
• Camera Resolution: 2MP
• Video Resolution: 1080P full HD video
• Lights: IR Infrared Light LED

Pros

• It features a GPS feature .
• It is a fishing tool that may be used at any time, especially at night.
• It is a multipurpose fish finder that may be used for live video, photography, exploration, and real-time observation.
• It includes a realistic color restoration method in its design

Cons

• The propellers aren't quite powerful enough.

13. Youcan Robot

Image Credit: amazon.com

The camera on the YouCan BW-Space has a 130° wide-angle lens and can take photographs and videos in 4K resolution. Its four thrusters enable it to travel vertically while enhancing its underwater stability. Divers, fishermen, photographers, drone aficionados, and other tech enthusiasts will be drawn to this ROV.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 19.1 x 15.7 x 10.7 inches
• Weight: 8.6 pounds
• Battery Life: 5 hours
• Controls: Remote control
• Max Depth: 100m (328ft)
• Speed: 3 knots
• Camera Resolution: 12 MP
• Video Resolution: 4 K
• Lights: Two 1380 Lumens LED Lights

Pros

• It possesses a zoom camera setting
• It has a chic appearance and helpful grips

Cons

• It lacks left and right vertical thrusters

14. ThorRobotics

Image Credit: amazon.com

TrenchRover ThorRobotics is a reliable platform for shooting still images and moving underwater movies. It can still be suspended and moved between low and high speeds. 4 propellers can be precisely adjusted by hand or automatically.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 13.9 x 11.1 x 8.8 inches
• Weight: 7.7 pounds
• Battery Life: 2 hours
• Controls: Umbilical to base station
• Max Depth: 30m (98.4ft)
• Speed: 1.5 knots
• Camera Resolution: 2-4 K
• Video Resolution: 4 K UHD
• Lights: 2 high lumen LED spotlights

Pros

• Has four powerful thrusters
• Has a robot arm
• It can be used in both freshwater and saltwater bodies.

Cons

• Has an inelegant construction and controller

15. Chasing M2

Image Credit: amazon.com

The professional underwater ROV/Drone CHASING M2 is intended for usage by professionals and in industrial settings. It has cutting-edge controls and features that unquestionably give it a premium and capable feel.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 15 x 10.5 x 6.5 inches
• Weight: 10 pounds
• Battery Life: 2 to 4 hours
• Controls: Remote control
• Max Depth: 100m (328ft)
• Speed: 3 knots
• Camera Resolution: 12 MP
• Video Resolution: 4K HD
• Lights: Two 2000 lumen LED lights

Pros

• Enables you to take pictures while recording video.
• Additional gear accessories for the drone include a robot claw, a GoPro camera, external lights, etc.
• The M2's anti-stuck motor technology makes sure it doesn't get caught in the sand.
• Electronic image stabilization is built into the sensor to provide razor-sharp photos and videos even in low light.

Cons

• The photos and videos captured are of unsatisfactory quality.
• Underwater, it's too sensitive to even the smallest motions.

Conclusion

The 95% of the oceans that have not yet been studied may even be scratched by scientists and adventurers. While we wait, individuals can still get a glimpse of the world beneath our waves thanks to current models.

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