DJI has launched the Lito 1 and Lito X1, two budget drones priced under $400 that weigh less than 249 grams — light enough for beginners to fly without a permit. Available now in the UK and EU at £299/€309 and £369/€379 respectively, these models replace DJI's aging Mini series while adding features previously reserved for pricier options, including LiDAR on the X1 and 360-degree obstacle avoidance on both. American buyers are out of luck for now, as neither model has launched in the US.

The X1 stands out with its 40-megapixel 1/1.3-inch sensor and D-LogM support, delivering notably superior low-light performance compared to the Lito 1's 48-megapixel 1/2-inch sensor. The X1 also includes 42GB of built-in storage and a forward-facing LiDAR sensor for enhanced tracking precision. Flight time reaches up to 36 minutes per charge, with real-world usage around 25 minutes, and both models can hit 40 mph in sport mode while maintaining 4K 60fps video capture.

These drones are built for outdoor action — surfing, cycling, dirt bike riding — rather than indoor use. The X1's obstacle avoidance proved remarkably capable during testing, smoothly navigating around trees and branches. The Lito 1 still performs respectably at this price point, though it lacks LiDAR. For just $80 more, the X1 delivers significantly better video quality and makes more sense for anyone serious about aerial content.