Drone propellers can be constructed with two, three, or four blades. Propellers with more blades provide greater lift due to more surface area moving through the air per rotation, but are more inefficient due to increased drag. Smaller drones with limited battery life are best suited to propellers with fewer blades.

Drone propeller blades are most commonly constructed from plastic or carbon fiber. Plastic propellers are cheaper and more flexible, allowing them to absorb impact better. The increased stiffness of carbon fiber propellers, although providing less durability, decreases vibration thus improving the flight performance of the drone and making it quieter. Carbon fiber is also lighter than plastic, allowing weight savings.