Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Autel Robotics |
|---|---|
| Model | EVO Lite+ |
| Year | 2022 |
| Category | Aerial |
| Autonomy | semi-autonomous |
| Environment | outdoor |
| Price (USD) | $749–$949 |
| Weight | 0.835 kg |
| Dimensions | 23.3cm L × 11.9cm W × 9.5cm H |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Bluetooth |
| Rating | 4.4/5 (1243 reviews) |
| Country of origin | US |
Key features
- NDAA compliant — government-approved 1-inch drone
- Adjustable aperture f/2.8–f/11 — unique in mid-range
- 1" CMOS; 6K HDR; 20MP; ISO up to 7,400
- 40-min flight time
- 3-way obstacle avoidance
- 7.4-mile SkyLink transmission
- Most affordable NDAA 1" adjustable aperture drone
What is it?
The Autel EVO Lite+ is a 1-inch NDAA-compliant drone with an adjustable aperture — the only mid-range drone to offer in-flight depth-of-field control without ND filters while maintaining full compliance for US government work.
Who is it for?
- US government contractors and public safety pilots who need a 1-inch NDAA-compliant drone at a sub-$1,000 price
- Filmmakers who want adjustable aperture for creative exposure control
- Photographers upgrading from smaller sensors who need NDAA compliance
Key specs
- Weight: 835g (FAA registration required)
- Camera: 1-inch CMOS; 6K HDR; 20MP; f/2.8–f/11 adjustable aperture
- ISO: Up to 7,400 (Moonlight Algorithm)
- Obstacle sensing: 3-way binocular vision
- Flight time: 40 min
- Transmission: SkyLink — 7.4 miles (2.7K/30fps preview)
- NDAA: Compliant
- Price: ~$749–949
How it compares
The DJI Air 3S has a 1-inch sensor with better video quality and 45-min flight at a similar price — but is NDAA non-compliant. The EVO Lite+ is the NDAA-compliant 1-inch drone for operators who cannot use DJI.
Limitations
- 835g — FAA registration required
- 3-way (not omnidirectional) obstacle avoidance
- App and firmware updates less frequent than DJI
- Image quality slightly behind DJI Air 3S
FAQ
How much does the Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ cost?
The Autel EVO Lite+ is priced between $749 and $949, making it one of the most affordable 1-inch NDAA-compliant drones available in the U.S.
What is the Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ used for?
The Autel EVO Lite+ is ideal for U.S. government contractors and public safety pilots who need a compliant drone, as well as filmmakers and photographers seeking an adjustable aperture for enhanced exposure control.
What are the key specifications of the Autel Robotics EVO Lite+?
The Autel EVO Lite+ features a 1-inch CMOS sensor capable of recording 6K HDR video and 20MP still photos, with an adjustable aperture between f/2.8 and f/11. It also offers a significant 40-minute flight time and a 3-way obstacle avoidance system.
Who is the Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ designed for?
This drone is tailored for U.S. government contractors, public safety professionals, and filmmakers who require a reliable, NDAA-compliant drone under $1,000, making it an attractive choice for those with specific compliance needs.
How does the Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ compare to the DJI Air 3S?
While the DJI Air 3S offers superior image quality and a longer 45-minute flight time, it is not NDAA-compliant. The EVO Lite+, priced similarly, provides 1-inch sensor capabilities and an adjustable aperture for operators needing compliance for government use.