The 11 best underwater drones in 2021

In this product roundup we list the best underwater drones available on the market this year. Alongside this selection, we offer insight on underwater drone applications, pros and cons, and where to find an underwater drone for sale.

 

What is the best underwater drone?

Underwater drones are a niche category of drones that is developing very quickly. These drones are commonly referred to as ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) and are mainly targeting professional users. But they are still fun to play with for hobbyists and diving enthusiasts!

Underwater ROVs serve a wide variety of professional purposes, including underwater exploration, filmmaking, ship inspections, scientific research, and more. Their main purpose, however, is to capture underwater footage in seas and oceans.

One important thing to keep in mind: these aquatic drones are predominantly tethered via a cable to a floating beacon or buoy at the surface. Cable tethering is necessary to get a live video feed from the drone and, more importantly, to ensure the drone doesn’t get lost in the abyss. However, some wireless underwater drones do exist (see below).

Most water drones are equipped with powerful headlamps, providing visibility in dark submarine conditions. Many of them also boast 4K cameras for high-quality image capture. Other common features and add-ons include FPV goggles, robotic arms, and ballasts.

Our selection of the best underwater drones provides a comprehensive view of the top products available on the market at different price points. We’ve broken these drones down into two sections :

• The best tethered underwater drones
• The best wireless underwater drones

We also added a section about professional and industrial underwater ROVs for those who require more power and features. Last but not least, we also listed a few out-of-the-box options that can be suitable for kids and/or for fishing.

Read more about drones and what to consider when buying a drone in our drone buying guide.

You may also like:

• The 10 best 4K camera drones in 2019
• The 14 best FPV racing drones 2019

Methodology/disclaimer: we haven’t tested all of the drones in this list. For more information on our methodology, read here about how we work.

Chasing Dory

• Battery life: 60 minutes
• Diving depth: 15 meters
• Country: China
• Price: $499

BUY

Also available on: Amazon

The Dory is an affordable model from Chasing that can dive down to 15m while streaming 720p video or recording 1080p video at 30 FPS and taking 2 MP photos. It is compact (9.7 x 7.4 x 3.6″) and is delivered in a bundle with an adapted travel backpack.

Geneinno Poseidon

• Battery life: 300 minutes
• Diving depth: 100 meters
• Country: China
• Price: $910

BUY

The Poseidon is equipped with a 120° wide full HD camera able to take 1080p pictures and 1080p 30 fps videos while live streaming to smart devices. Its triple-thruster design allows it to move in six directions and its cable comes in two length options: 100 m and 150 m.

More information: Geneinno Poseidon

PowerVision PowerRay

• Battery life: 240 minutes
• Diving depth: 30 meters
• Country: China
• Price: $999

BUY

Also available on: Amazon

The PowerRay 4K underwater drone with a camera is ideal for fishing. Indeed, a range of fishing add-ons is available. These include a bait drop and the PowerSeeker Fish Finder, which can detect fish to a depth of 80 meters. A customized version of the Zeiss VR ONE Plus VR headset is also available optionally.

Two versions of the PowerRay are available, the PowerRay Explorer (includes the drone, a transmitter, and a base station) and the PowerRay Wizard (includes the drone, a transmitter, a base station, a bait drop, Zeiss FPV goggles, Fishfinder, and a carrying case).

More information: PowerVision PowerRay

Chasing Gladius Mini

• Battery life: 120 minutes
• Diving depth: 100 meters
• Country: China
• Price: $1,099

BUY

Also available on: Amazon

The Gladius Mini is a smart submersible drone equipped with a 4K camera. The Gladius underwater drone includes changeable ballasts that allow the ROV to be operable in seawater and freshwater. Its five thrusters also allow for the drone to travel up to 2 m/s.

Another version of the Gladius Mini is also available: the Gladius Mini S (includes a 4 Hours Runtime and the ability to use sophisticated attachments such as a grabber claw, sports cameras, and more).

More information: Chasing Gladius Mini

YouCan BW-Space Pro

• Battery life: 300 minutes
• Diving depth: 100 meters
• Country: China
• Price: $1,399

BUY

The YouCan BW-Space is equipped with a camera with a 130° wide-angle lens able to capture 4K videos and 12 MP photos. Its 4-thruster system allows it to move vertically while increasing its stability underwater.

It is able to dive to 100 m and its battery can last up to 5 hours. YouCan BW-Space comes in an upgraded version called the Youcan BW-Space Pro, featuring better camera options such as an image stabilizer, depth maintenance shooting, or digital defogging.

More information: YouCan BW-Space Pro

 

QYSEA FIFISH V6

• Battery life: 270 minutes
• Diving depth: 100 meters
• Country: China
• Price: $1,699

BUY

The QYSEA FIFISH V6 is designed specifically for underwater photography and filmmaking. It allows users to capture outstanding 12 megapixel underwater images thanks to its 4K UHD camera and provides a specific 4000-lumen sunlight technology, a true color algorithm (FIFISH app), and a specifically designed lens for low visibility underwater environment.   It is made to withstand a 100 m dive, and its battery can last up to 270 minutes.

The FIFISH V6 is part of the QYSEA FIFISH series with the FIFISH V6s and FIFISH P3.

More information: QYSEA FIFISH V6

Aquarobotman Nemo

• Battery life: 180 minutes
• Diving depth: 100 meters
• Country: China
• Price: $1,799

BUY

The Nemo offers some exceptional features for a mid-range priced drone. Its camera captures 4K UHD videos and 16 MP images. The Nemo can travel underwater with ease thanks to its QAS balance system and 4-thruster design. Users may control the Nemo via optional FPV goggles (VR headset).

More information: Aquarobotman Nemo

ThorRobotics TrenchRover

• Battery life: 120 minutes
• Diving depth: 30 meters
• Country: China
• Price: $1,878

BUY

The TrenchRover from ThorRobotics is equipped with 2-4k cameras and can record 4K UHD video while offering 1080p real-time viewing diving down to 30m. It can be equipped with a mechanical claw to manipulate and grip objects underwater making it an interesting option for marine life studying and treasure hunting.

Geneinno T1

• Battery life: 240 minutes
• Diving depth: 150 meters
• Country: China
• Price: $2,499

BUY

Also available on: Amazon

The Titan is a professional 4K underwater camera drone with two 1500-lumen headlamps. This underwater ROV is also equipped with six thrusters to efficiently navigate through difficult marine conditions. A range of accessories is available, including FPV goggles, a robotic arm, a sonar system, and a waterproof microphone.

More information: Geneinno Titan

Chasing M2 PRO

• Battery life: 300 minutes
• Diving depth: 150 meters
• Country: China
• Price: $4,999

BUY

Designed for professional users and industrial applications, the Chasing M2 PRO is perfect for long dives up to 150m deep. It can be fully equipped with a robotic clamp, dive light, and laser optical measurement (available on the classical M2 version) but it is also compatible with a control console (high brightness display), docking station, USBL underwater positioning system, multi-beam sonar, auxiliary camera, and other enhanced accessories exclusive to the PRO version.

 

Chasing F1

• Battery life: 360 min
• Diving depth: 28 meters
• Country: China
• Price: $699

BUY

It can be really useful to have eyes under the surface of the water when you go fishing. Knowing the exact location of fish masses and the size, number or characteristics of a specific type of fish can drastically improve your fishing results.

The CHASING F1 was created to answer this specific issue. This digital full HD wireless fish finder drone with remote control is equipped with a four-thrusters vector layout propulsion system, a 1080P Full HD Camera (with IR capabilities at night), a built-in 28 Meters long automatic reel, and many other fishing accessories.

 

Notilo Plus iBubble

• Battery life: 60 minutes
• Diving depth: 60 meters
• Country: France
• Price: $4,499

This innovative underwater camera drone automatically follows the diver while capturing exceptional submarine footage. This level of autonomy is quite uncommon in the underwater drone niche. Notilo Plus even refers to their drone as a “personal underwater cameraman” for both professionals and consumers.

More information: Notilo Plus iBubble

Deep Trekker DTG3 ROV

• Battery life: 480 minutes
• Diving depth: 200 meters
• Country: Canada
• Price: $7,186

When Deep Trekker designed this ROV, they had an underwater inspection solution in mind.

Its 270 degree rotating 4K camera allows the user to take photos up to 8 megapixels. This ROV was constructed with cast aluminum, anodized and expoxy coated to prevent corrosion.

More information: Deep Trekker DTG3

Blueye Robotics PIONEER

• Battery life: 120 minutes
• Diving depth: 150 meters
• Country: Norway
• Price: $9,878

This Norwegian ROV’s high price point is explained by a sleuth of features. The PIONEER comes with FPV goggles and is operable via Wi-Fi. Its auto-depth and auto-heading modes offer an easy user experience. The PIONEER is also equipped with 3000-lumen lighting to provide underwater visibility.

The Blueye PIONEER is part of the same product series as the Blueye X3 and the Blueye PRO.

More information: Blueye Robotics PIONEER

ThorRobotics DRAGONFISH 200H

• Battery life: 240 minutes
• Diving depth: 100-300 meters
• Country: China
• Price: $10,388

This underwater drone features a 6-axis brushless propulsion, automatic depth and orientation functions, a leak detection circuit and can also be equipped with a mechanical manipulator arm to grab objects.

A very interesting feature is the built-in nine-axis compass that allows real-time monitoring of bow and underwater attitude.

JWfishers SeaOtter-2

• Battery life: unlimited
• Diving depth: 150 meters
• Country: United States
• Price: $20,995

Designed to withstand the harshest environments, the SeaOtter-2 can be equipped with an RMD-1 remote metal detector, front and rear pan and tilt color cameras, a high-intensity LED light ring, and a 10.5-inch flat-panel display built into the lid.

With its 150 meters depth rated housing, the SeaOtter-2 is perfect for a variety of applications like pipeline inspections, river and ocean searches, oil and gas platform work, etc.

The SeaOtter-2 is part of the same product series as the SeaLion-2 ROV.

QYSEA FIFISH PRO W6

• Battery life:  480 minutes
• Diving depth:  350 meters
• Country: China
• Price: $32,800

With a maximum speed of 4 knots and a maximum dive depth of 350m, this industrial-grade underwater ROV platform is made to resist difficult underwater environments.

It is equipped with a ton of features like a U-QPS underwater quick positioning system (providing its real-time location), a Sonar Array system (QYSEA patent algorithm that allows position lock, Collision Avoidance, and Contour Scanning functions), a Dual 4K Camera System, a fully modular design to add specific systems and many others.

The FIFISH PRO W6 is part of the QYSEA FIFISH PRO series, with the FIFISH PRO V6 PLUS and FIFISH PRO Zen1.

DEEP TREKKER Revolution ROV

• Battery life: 480 minutes
• Diving depth: 305 meters
• Country: Canada
• Price: $10K – $50K

This underwater ROV (remotely operated vehicle) is designed to be robust and durable, even in harsh conditions. It is suitable for a wide range of professional uses, including marine biology research, aquaculture, military defense, exploration, and more. The REVOLUTION ROV features a 4K camera, quick-swap batteries, a high depth rating, and a convenient travel case.

More information: Deep Trekker REVOLUTION

Best toy underwater drone for kids: ThorRobotics Mariana

• Battery life: Unknown
• Diving depth: 3 meters
• Country: China
• Price: $298

BUY

With its Diving depth of only 3 meters, the Mariana is not designed to sink too far into the oceans. This underwater drone should rather be considered as a toy than a tool covering real applications other than pleasure.

Nevertheless, its double propulsion system that allows it to reach 1.5 knots (2.8km/h), its maximum control range of 100m and its 7.2V / 3AH battery make it a toy that will certainly delight most users looking for underwater fun!

Cheapest underwater drone: SilverLit SPYCAM AQUA

• Battery life: 30 minutes
• Diving depth: –
• Country: China
• Price: $74

This cheap underwater drone costs only $74 and is considered a toy drone. The SPYCAM AQUA is mainly intended to be used in controlled water environments such as small aquariums.

However, the drone can be fitted with 4 weight balancers to be used in seawater and freshwater. A small detachable fish feeding arm can also be attached to lure fish to get close-up footage of them.

More information: SilverLit SPYCAM AQUA

Best underwater fishing drone: PowerVision PowerDolphin

• Battery life: 120 minutes
• Diving depth: –
• Country: China
• Price: $749

BUY

The PowerDolphin is an affordable underwater drone that is optimal for fishing. Despite its lower price tag, the drone boasts advanced features such as a 4K camera, a “Return To Home” function, and a 4.5 m/s maximum speed.

In addition, a range of add-ons is available, including a bait container, a tow line, and the PowerSeeker sonar.

More information: PowerVision PowerDolphin

Waterproof quadcopter drone: SwellPro SplashDrone 3+

• Battery life: 20 minutes
• Diving depth: N/A
• Country: China
• Price: $1,199

This waterproof quadcopter is predominantly aerial, but is surface buoyant and is able to film underwater from the surface. As SwellPro puts it, this drone is metaphorically more like a “flying boat” than a submarine.

The SplashDrone 3+ waterproof drone features a 3-axis gimbal 4K camera and a range of optional accessories are available.

More information: SwellPro SplashDrone 3+

Wireless vs. tethered

Most underwater ROV are tethered via a cable to a buoy. It’s important to keep this in mind, as non-experts often imagine that underwater drones work in a way similar to aerial drones, diving freely in deep waters without any restraints.

That’s not the case, as the vast majority of submarine drones requires to be tethered to the surface while operating. There are two key reasons for this:

• To avoid losing the drone in tough and unpredictable marine conditions: the cable is essentially a leash that secures the drone in case of an engine failure, out-of-range diving, etc.
• To stream live video: the cable is used to transmit live video feed captured from the drone’s camera, thus allowing the operator to visualize in real time the footage captured by the drone on the remote control display (or mobile screen or FPV goggles, depending on the model).

Cable lengths vary depending on the manufacturer, but they generally allow the drone to reach depths of 50 to 200 meters.

Wireless underwater drones are much less common.

The PowerVision PowerRay tethered water drone.
Source: PowerVision

The Notilo Plus iBubble submersible drone.
Source: Notilo Plus

Camera quality and lighting

The primary role of underwater drones is to capture images and videos in hard-to-access areas underwater. Tough marine conditions– in rivers and at sea– mean that these drones’ cameras must be of very good quality. Hence, most ROVs feature 4K cameras (UHD) with stabilization systems.

Also, these cameras need to be paired with powerful lighting (headlamps or light projectors) to help illuminate sun-restricted, murky underwater environments. A drone’s lighting power (quantity of visible light emitted) is specified in Lumen (lm).

Thrusters and propellers

Underwater ROVs are equipped with at least two motors, thrusters, or propellers. These can be partially covered or encased by the drone’s frame for protection, unlike many aerial drones.

The thrusters tend to be powerful to allow the drone to change direction in challenging underwater currents. Some advanced underwater drones also include a self-balance control system to make the drone easier to pilot.

The speed of the drones in the water varies substantially. It depends on water currents, weather conditions, and the number of thrusters the drone has. On average, underwater ROVs reach speeds of 2 to 3 meters per second.

Benefits of underwater drones

• They allow users to explore fragile seascapes without damaging the environment
• Some underwater drones come with VR goggles for FPV experiences
• Many underwater drones are able to capture high-quality images
• They generally offer a better run time than aerial drones

Limits of underwater drones

• Underwater drones often have limited ranges
• Their price tags are quite high
• Most underwater ROVs must be tethered by cable to the surface
• Users must operate the drone from the surface, as waterproof controllers are uncommon

 

What are underwater drones?

Underwater drones are remotely controlled drones that are able to navigate underwater. Their main purpose is to capture underwater footage, but they are also used to collect scientific data for research and for military applications

How much do underwater drones/ROVs cost?

Underwater drones generally cost between $1,000 and $4,000. There are cheaper drones available for less than $100, but they are toy drones. Much more expensive submarine drones exist as well (over $30,000); they are designed for industrial or military use cases.

Where are underwater drones for sale?

Underwater drones are for sale from online resellers such as Amazon, GearBest, AliExpress, and Banggood. These drones can also be purchased from the manufacturers directly or from some brick and mortar stores.

What are underwater drones used for?

Underwater drones are used for film-making, underwater exploration, port and ship inspections, environmental research, mapping, and more.

What are underwater military drones?

Underwater military drones are highly-advanced underwater drones that can be used in swarms for surveillance or to protect coastlines. Some can be armed with explosives. The Aquabotix SwarmDiver is a military drone, for example.

More resources :

• The 10 best 4K camera drones in 2019
• The 14 best FPV racing drones 2019