Take-off can be the riskiest part of your drone flight. Make sure you minimise your worry during take-off and landing with our picks for the best drone landing pads of 2023.
Drones are no cheap investment. Anything from winds to uneven surfaces could interfere with your drone’s take-off and landing, impacting your drone flight and even damaging your drone.
A landing pad is a sure way to ensure your drone has a safe take-off and landing. From fabric to heavy-duty, here are our top picks for drone landing pads in 2023.
Why Drone Landing Pads Matter
There are divided opinions about whether getting a drone landing pad is worth it for a drone. While not essential, these pads offer a sense of reassurance for safe take-offs and landings, especially in tricky locations like near lakes or mountain tops where flat surfaces can be scarce. For us, take-off is usually the riskiest manoeuvre and where your drone is most vulnerable to damage or accidents.
Taking off from long grass or rocky terrain can be a headache. Grass can get tangled in the propellers, causing interruptions. And rocky surfaces are far from cushy, not ideal for your delicate drone to rest on. Drones with a low gimbal are at risk of grazing the ground or during take-off.
On the other hand, some drone users find landing pads unnecessary as they alternatively use their carrying bag or even hand take-offs. While these methods can work, it can be challenging to find a reliable surface that won’t interfere with the motors during take-off, especially in rugged terrains where only slanted rocks are available.
Here’s where drone landing pads come in use!
Regardless of the type of landing pad you choose, it guarantees a decent, smooth surface and highlighted area for your drone take-off and landing.
Additionally, drone landing pads can boost your confidence, especially if you struggle with drone anxiety. The presence of the landing pad can signal a sense of professionalism, signalling that you’re working on something important and discouraging people from interrupting you. Plus, it provides a safe zone, so people will know not to get too close.
Top Droning Landing Pads of 2023
Here are our top picks for drone landing pads: We analyse their features, pros, cons and our overall verdict of them.
1. SKYREAT Drone Landing Pad
Weighted drone landing pad that provides stability in a range of windy weather conditions. A mat that will ensure a safe and reliable take-off and landing spot for your drone. Double-sided for lighter and darker applications.
This landing pad stands out as one of our top choices, mainly because of its heavy-duty material that ensures it stays firmly on the ground without getting blown away by the wind.
Unfolding and deploying couldn’t be easier, and it sits safely and securely on surfaces without the need for extra accessories, like pegs. It also comes in its own storage bag that can fit easily into a backpack.
With one side in bright orange and the other in dark grey, the mat adapts to any situation and enhances visibility in different weather conditions, and highlights an easy landing spot.
Made from Premium PU leather and PVC material, this landing pad is not only waterproof but also wind-resistant. Your mat will stay firmly in place while your drone takes flight, no matter the weather.
The landing pad’s 50cm² size makes it a perfect fit for all drone types. Whether you have a DJI Mini, Mavic, Air, or other drone models like HolyStone, this mat is designed to accommodate most, if not all, drone models.
Now, for larger drones like the DJI Mavic Air 2S, this landing mat is still a great choice. However, if you want a bit more wiggle room between the mat and drone size, it’s best to opt for a larger mat. Keep in mind that any drones larger than that are likely to be unsuitable for this specific landing pad.
Price: £19.99 ($17.99)
Specs:
Unfolded: 50 cm / 20 in Square
Folded: 26 x 18cm (10 x 7 in)
Weight: 500g
Suitable for: DJI mini range.
Pros:
- Premium PU leather and PVC Material make this waterproof and sturdy in windy conditions.
- Sturdy and weighted design minimises the need for hassle or pegs.
- Contrasting colours on either side improves visibility in certain conditions.
- Waterproof design.
- Comes with a storage bag for easy portability.
Cons:
- No LED lights for night flights.
- Not suitable for larger drones.
Verdict:
This is our top pick for the drone landing pad of 2023. Its sturdy, contrasting, waterproof design makes it suitable for smooth take-off in several weather conditions. Its ease of portability with the provided carrying bag also makes it easy for you to take this pad with you anywhere on your drone adventures. With no pegs, placid this mat is hassle-free as it does the job as soon as you put it down and you can trust it to stay put.
2. TARTRC Drone Landing Pad
Heavy duty landing pad for drone take-off and landing support on uneven surfaces. Its heavy duty material and provided pegs mean this pad will be secure in strong weather. Easily foldable and portable.
This landing pad excels in its waterproof feature. If you’re worried about taking your drone off in muddy, sandy or grassy conditions, this mat will be your drone’s best friend. And if it happens to get dirty in these conditions, the mat is designed to be easily cleansed by water or a quick wipe.
The STARTRC pad is made from heavy-duty material and so is sturdy enough to stabilise on the ground. Even more so! The provided pegs provide extra support in extra windy conditions: four pegs are provided to place in the corners of the mat, measuring 8cm each. So, your drone will have smooth take-off in windier conditions.
The contrasting sides of orange and blue make this mat suitable for multiple conditions and easy to spot from the skies.
Amazon UK offers the STARTRC pad in two sizes. The larger 65 cm is suitable for larger drones, such as So UK customers can have their pick for what’s best for their drone model. This is not yet offered by STARTRC on Amazon US.
Price: £21.99 ($19.99)
Specs:
Unfolded: 50 cm / 20 in Square OR 65 cm Square (Amazon UK only)
Folded: 25cm x 18cm
Weight: 470g
Suitable for: DJI Mini range, Mavic, Avacta. DJI Mavic Air 2S, Mavic 3 Pro (Larger size)
Pros:
- Pegs are provided for extra support.
- Waterproof design for any weather conditions.
- Bright blue and orange coloured contrasting sides for easy visibility in the skies and on the ground.
- Stable on multiple surfaces.
Cons:
- No LED lights for night flying
- Not suitable for larger drones, unless purchasing from Amazon UK.
Verdict:
This drone landing mat still makes it close to the top of the list as its sturdiness makes the map stable enough to stay on the ground without much input from the user. However, pegs are provided for extra support in windier conditions. The bright orange and blue colours make it easy to spot from the drone’s eye and make it easily visible to the pilot and the public.
3. CYNOVA Drone Landing Pad
Black and orange contrasting weighted drone landing pad. Easily to deploy and pack away with its simple, foldable design.
The CYNOVA landing pad is easy to use, simply unfold it and place it on a surface. There is no need for extra accessories as this mat does a solid job of remaining sturdy by itself.
It also folds back up easily like a book so it can slip into your drone carrying case if it’s big enough or straight into your backpack.
Dirt and muck is no problem for this mat as it is easily washable with a rinse of water or with the wipe of a damp cloth.
Available in two sizes, the CYNOVA appeals to drone enthusiasts that own either compact small drones or large cinematic drones.
Price: £19.99 ($18.99)
Specs:
Unfolded: 50 cm (20in) Square or 63.5cm (25in)
Folded: 16.6 cm x 25 cm (6.4 in x 8.9 in)
Pros:
- Simple design to easily deploy and pack away.
- Waterproof design for any weather conditions.
- Contrasting light and dark colours for improved visibility and easy highlighting or landing location.
Cons:
- No LED lights for night flying.
Verdict:
This is an all-around great landing pad. The sturdiness and simplicity make this pad hassle-free and able to place on multiple surfaces and weather conditions. Easily folds up to pack straight in your drone case or backpack.
4. Fstop Labs Waterproof Drone Landing Pad, 36”
Fast-folding, portable drone landing pad with bright blue and orange contrasting sides for enhanced visibility. Includes reflective strip for night flying.
Stepping away from the square mats now – the Fstop landing mat is a circular opponent.
Measuring 36” in diameter, this is one of the large landing pads you can buy for drones.
Although small drones work well on this mat, this landing pad is perfect for larger drones like DJI Phantom 3 and 4, DJI Mavic Pro, DJI Inspire, 3DR Solo, and Parrot Bebop. But if you are a smaller drone owner; it works just as great for those too!
It comes with four pegs so you can lock the mat in place on grass or mud for extra stability.
What really sets this landing pad apart is its night time feature. As it comes with optional reflective strips, you can place these on the mat and get some night flights in.
Price: £13.00 ($15.99)
Specs:
Unfolded: 91 cm (36 in) Diameter
Folded: 35 cm x 33 cm (14 in x 13 in)
Pros:
- Bright colours for high visibility.
- Reflective stickers provide visibility for night time landings.
- Carrying back for easy portability.
Cons:
- Reflective stickers can sometimes not stick to the pad.
- More water-resistant than waterproof.
Verdict:
As one of the larger landing mats on the market, this is an ideal choice for those with larger drones or wanting some night flight experience. It’s easily foldable, portable, and you get that added stability with its included accessories.
What to Look for in a Drone Landing Pad
Choosing the right drone landing pad is going to ensure you a smooth take-off and landing process, no matter your piloting experience.
Several factors contribute to a good landing pad, including its size, portability, weight, and the material its made from. Understanding your drone venture’s purpose will help you pick the most suitable landing pad for your needs.
Here we’ll cover the factors that you should consider to help you make an informed decision and find your ideal landing pad.
Size
Size is probably the first thing you should consider when selecting a drone landing pad. A good rule to stick to is that your mat should be at least twice as big as your drone.
A mat that your drone just about fits on works but may be a bit small and risky to land on.
50cm (20 inches) is usually the standard size for a drone landing mat and fits most compact drones, such as the DJI Minis.
Portability
You’ll want a mat that’s as travel-friendly as your drone and accessories. Some mats can easily fold and fit inside your drone case, while others may be a bit more awkward to carry. So, it’s essential to decide what type of landing mat suits your needs best. Even if it doesn’t fit in your drone case, the good news is that almost all drone landing pads can easily slip into your backpack.
Material
Heavy-duty landing pads are suitable for almost all weather conditions. They’re sturdy across multiple surfaces and waterproof. Fabric landing pads usually come with pegs for extra stability but not many tend to be waterproof, which isn’t ideal for a drone.
Colour
The colour of your drone landing pad should be visible in your environment. Most drone landing pads come in black or orange as they are both striking colours that will stand out in most environments.
Weight
Weight is an important factor to consider. You’ll want a mat that strikes the right balance – it should be weighted enough to stay firmly on the ground without getting blown away by the wind, yet light and flexible enough to fold up and carry with ease.
The drone landing mats we’ve recommended keep both these factors in mind. They are adequately weighted and stable, ensuring they stay put even in windy conditions. And they are also easily foldable, making them incredibly portable for all your drone adventures.
FAQs Best Drone Landing Pads 2023
Do I need a drone landing pad?
Given that take-off is the riskiest moment for your drone, having a landing pad can be particularly helpful for beginners as it allows them to practise safe take-offs and landings. However, drone landing pads are not just for beginners; they are a valuable tool for drone enthusiasts of all skill levels. With a landing pad, you can ensure a safe and recognisable spot to land your drone.
They are highly portable pieces of equipment as they are lightweight and can be easily folded away to be stored in your bag. Terrain and weather can also be unpredictable and so, if you’re not confident flying your drone by hand, you might find yourself in a situation where you can land your drone on a clean, smooth surface.
If you are planning to fly at night, a landing pad is the safest way to keep your landing spot easily visible. Even without LED lights, you can attach some reflective strips onto your pad for extra visibility in the darker hours.
So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced drone pilot, a drone landing pad can be a worthy addition to your gear.
Self-adhesive reflective strips to enhance visibility on your drone landing pad, for those flights during darker hours.
What colour should my landing pad be?
The colour of the landing pad only matters in terms of the visibility it provides. Orange tends to be the standard for drone landing pads as it’s a striking, vibrant colour that can be easily spotted in almost all situations.
The key is to ensure that the landing pad stands out in your environment, so when you’re bringing your drone in for a landing, you have a clear and easily visible spot to safely touch down. Most landing pads are designed with contrasting sides, so you can choose the colour that suits the environment you’re flying in.
What shape should my landing pad be?
When it comes to landing pads, their shape is mostly about aesthetics rather than functionality. However, there’s one notable advantage that square landing pads have over circular ones – they are easily foldable and compact to store on the go. Circular landing pads, however, can be a bit more awkward to fold away. They are also a bit less sturdy on the ground due to them being made of less weighted material.
