Drones are rapidly being integrated across what seems like every aspect of our culture. From military drones to police drones and the average consumer drones, these machines seem to be taking over. Professional and amateur cinematographers and RC enthusiasts alike are just some of the people adopting drones at an amazing rate.

But like any emerging market, it can be difficult to know which model is right for you, especially if it's your first foray into the RC skies. When looking to purchase a drone, first of all, it's important to get one that suits your needs and interests.

And currently there are a ton of options varying in price and performance that you can choose from, but there are certain factors that you should always take into account no matter your level of experience. 

But not to worry, if you're looking to purchase a drone, we've picked out the best one available on the consumer market today.

Durability is especially important for first time flyers. You don't want to invest $1,000+ only to have it turn into a worthless heap after 10 minutes of use. If you're inexperienced, you want something that can take a beating, because like most things, it takes practice to be really proficient at flying a drone.

Battery life should be important to you, otherwise you'll have to invest in spare batteries (which can get pricey) or else just settle for short flight times.

Repairs and assembly should be relatively easy. It's never fun when you can't fly a drone out of the box within a reasonable amount of time. Make sure assembly is easy enough that you can do it yourself.

Simplified controls are also a must for newbies. If it's your first drone, avoid controllers that look like part of a commercial jetliner console.

GPS compatibility can help stabilize your flight and also perform some nifty autopilot tricks.

With all that in mind, the best bang for your buck right now appears to be the DJI Phantom 2 Vision. The Phantom is everything a drone should be: powerful, feature-rich and still easy enough for beginners to get the hang of after some practice. It also features a GPS system that can stabilize flight even in windy conditions, like when you're at the beach. Assembly doesn't require any additional tools, and rotors and battery both clicking into place with ease.

According to the Verge, there are a few different models of the Phantom 2 to choose from. At the high end is the Vision 2 + for $1,299, which comes with its own camera. If you already own a GoPro then you'll probably want to pick up the Phantom 2 for $679. No camera on the Phantom 2 but it comes with a handy gimble that makes capturing smooth video a lot easier. There's also a middle tiered Phantom 2 Vision for $999 that comes with a camera but features a less flexible mount.

While the Phantom 2 does require a bit of a learning curve out of the box, once you've got the hang of it, there really is nothing else that comes close to delivering its level of quality at a similar price point.

Check out the Verge's video review of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ below: