DJI Spark vs Parrot Bebop 2
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
 | DJI Spark, Fly More Combo, Alpine White | Buy on Amazon |
 | Parrot Bebop 2 Drone- White | Buy on Amazon |
Navigating the drone landscape, where features and price points often intersect, the ongoing debate between DJI Spark and Parrot Bebop 2 is a common quandary for users. The question looms: Should you embrace the portability of DJI's wonder or delve into the capabilities of Parrot's flagship UAV? Both options have their merits, and I'm here to guide you through the intricacies to help you determine which drone aligns better with your unique preferences and needs.
- Intelligent Flight ModesSmart, reliable,...
- High-Performance CameraAmazing images...
- Flight PerformanceAwesome potential,...
- Flight SafetyWorry-free flight in the...
- 2-Axis Stabilized Gimbal Camera. Voltage...
- See the bigger picture: equipped with a...
- Please Update the firmware version of...
- Up to 31 minutes flight time, 44 mph max...
- Functions include active track 2.0,...
- With fly More kit: comes with 2 extra...
Design
If the DJI Spark is like a miniature flying box, then the Parrot Bebop 2 is more of a futuristic tube with quad propellers. While I may have described them terribly, they do look really good. DJI never lost their touch at making the Spark look quite professional even for its targeted casual audience while the Bebop 2 is a great flagship design that represents the finesse of Parrot drones.
Mainly, they both look great in the eyes of the common consumer. The propellers on DJI spark are double-winged while the Parrot Bebop 2 is triple-winged; resulting in faster flights and longer distances.
Fortunately, they do not look bulky at all - giving a fresh modern take on recreational drones. Both UAVs also include propeller guards and other parts to enhance and personalize your flying experience.
Size
The Bebop 2 is significantly larger than the DJI Spark and that is because it is packed with more features. While the Spark weighs in at 300 g, the Bebop 2 is quite heavier too, weighing in at 498 g. Whichever of the two you’ll buy, you will need to register the drone to the FAA. Because, according to the department, any drone that weighs more than 250 g must be enlisted.
While the Bebop 2 may be large, it is still convenient enough to bring along inside your bag.
Battery
Without a doubt, I’ll give the Parrot Bebop 2 the upper hand on this one. If the DJI Spark can do 16 minutes, the Bebop 2 does 25 minutes. That’s enough time to explore at a peak distance of 100 m to and from where you are standing.
The batteries on both DJI and Parrot are good enough to last for a very long time, although it is always best to buy a back-up just in case you want a plus one extra flight to your session besides the already-included spare batteries.
You don’t need to worry about the battery placement with the Bebop 2 if it crashes, but the Spark happens to toss out the batteries when it collides hard on a tough surface. Just make sure you are flying safely in order to avoid any of these hindrances.
Camera
Both cameras of the Spark and Bebop 2 have a maximum resolution of 1080p. However, the slight difference comes from the camera itself. While Spark uses a 12MP camera, the Bebop uses 14MP. But, does that mean the camera quality of the Bebop 2 is better? Not really. You see, the added two megapixels are for stability purposes rather than quality.
Oddly enough, the Spark has better camera quality despite its 12MP lens compared to Bebop 2’s 14MP. It's not 4K but it's very clear. The lighting is of higher quality, the colors have good contrast and the video looks very film-worthy. As for the Bebop 2, you can feel the cheapness of the drone through its camera quality, but the Parrot UAV is far from being a terrible device; still, it’s a great affordable option versus the DJI.
Controls and Flight Performance
It is always a blast to control both the DJI Spark and the Parrot Bebop 2, although drone enthusiasts can distinguish the differences. The Spark obviously feels very smooth - even smoother to fly than the first DJI Mavic Pro, to be honest. You have the option to use the smartphone app alone but I recommend using its controller instead for maximum precision. The same can be said with the Parrot Bebop 2, although the controller itself feels very plastic compared to the Spark.
One of the best features of the Spark is the guidance sensor - a part of the drone that can verify if it will hit an incoming obstacle, causing it to dodge by itself without you needing to press anything. The Parrot Bebop 2 does not have this, so you better be very careful if you are planning to buy the latter.
Both drones also include a GPS tracker, an altitude hold and return to home (in case the drone is low on battery or if it is going too far from your line of sight).
In summary, the Spark and Bebop 2 are a delight to fly whether you are inexperienced or not, with VR or without VR.
- Intelligent Flight ModesSmart, reliable,...
- High-Performance CameraAmazing images...
- Flight PerformanceAwesome potential,...
- Flight SafetyWorry-free flight in the...
- 2-Axis Stabilized Gimbal Camera. Voltage...
- See the bigger picture: equipped with a...
- Please Update the firmware version of...
- Up to 31 minutes flight time, 44 mph max...
- Functions include active track 2.0,...
- With fly More kit: comes with 2 extra...
What I Would Buy
If you prefer a hobby drone that does not cost too much yet has enough features to get to you flying for hours, pick the Parrot Bebop 2. And if you prefer a more lavish drone that captures great images and videos, choose the DJI Spark. I hope this helps you in narrowing down your decision when it comes to the common argument between the DJI Spark vs Parrot Bebop 2.
- Intelligent Flight ModesSmart, reliable,...
- High-Performance CameraAmazing images...
- Flight PerformanceAwesome potential,...
- Flight SafetyWorry-free flight in the...
- 2-Axis Stabilized Gimbal Camera. Voltage...
- See the bigger picture: equipped with a...
- Please Update the firmware version of...
- Up to 31 minutes flight time, 44 mph max...
- Functions include active track 2.0,...
- With fly More kit: comes with 2 extra...
FAQs
Get the Parrot Bebop 2 if you want to go for a more budgeted approach.
In terms of stability, Parrot Bebop 2 does a better job with its 14 MP camera. The quality of images is nothing of a big deal since it is only slightly lesser than the DJI Spark.
The DJI Spark app has a more responsive app but only slightly. The Parrot app is good too but it does have a more "outdated" look.
Both drones are easy to fly although the DJI Spark is lighter and more agile. The Parrot Bebop 2 is also easy enough especially if you just want to go with headless mode.
Yes they do. Both are very fun to use especially for casual flying.
