Whenever people get a drone, they often go through the regular set of specifications like top speed, camera quality, and flight time.
But, there is one point that many folks tend to overlook: Drone Range.
The range is incredibly important. In case, you ought to take shots which are in hard-to-reach spaces or far away, you need sufficient distance to fly your quadcopter to that place.
Here is a list of a few of the best long range drones out there today. It can help you select from the top-rated models available right now.
Let us get started:
Long Distance Drone Reviews
DJI Air 3 – Our Top Recommended Long Range Drone
The DJI Air 3 is currently the longest range consumer drone, with an impressive maximum transmission distance of 20 km (12.4 miles).
- Range: 20 KM
- Flight Time: 46 Min
- Max Speed: 75.6 km/h
- Camera: Dual 48MP cameras, 4K/60fps video
PROS
- Exceptional 20 km transmission range
- Dual cameras with wide-angle and 3x zoom
- Long 46 minute flight time
- Advanced obstacle avoidance
- Compact folding design
CONS
- Higher price point than some competitors
- May require ND filters for bright conditions
- Advanced features have learning curve
Full Review
The DJI Air 3 sets a new standard for long range consumer drones with its impressive 20 km maximum transmission distance. This allows for capturing unique perspectives far beyond visual line of sight (with proper authorization).
The dual camera system featuring a wide-angle and 3x telephoto lens provides versatile shooting options. Both cameras use 48MP sensors capable of 4K/60fps video with 10-bit color depth for cinematic footage.
With up to 46 minutes of flight time per battery charge, the Air 3 can take full advantage of its long range capabilities. The O4 video transmission system maintains a stable HD video feed even at extreme distances.
While pricier than some options, the Air 3 delivers professional-grade features in a compact folding body weighing just 720g. Advanced obstacle sensing and intelligent flight modes like ActiveTrack 5.0 enhance safety and creative possibilities.
For pilots looking to push the boundaries of long range drone flight, the DJI Air 3 is our top recommendation. Its combination of extended range, flight time, and camera quality make it ideal for aerial missions requiring maximum reach.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro – Best Professional Long Range Drone
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro takes drone range and imaging capabilities to new heights for professionals and serious enthusiasts.
- Range: 15 KM
- Flight Time: 43 Min
- Max Speed: 75.6 km/h
- Camera: Triple camera system with 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad main camera
PROS
- Professional-grade Hasselblad main camera
- Triple lens system for versatile shooting
- Long 43 minute flight time
- Omnidirectional obstacle sensing
- 5.1K video at 50fps
CONS
- Very expensive
- Large size when unfolded
- Overkill for casual users
Full Review
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is the ultimate long range drone for professionals, featuring a Hasselblad camera with a large 4/3 CMOS sensor for stunning image quality. The main 24mm equivalent lens offers an adjustable aperture from f/2.8-f/11.
What sets the Mavic 3 Pro apart is its triple camera system, adding 70mm and 166mm equivalent lenses for a variety of framing options. All three can shoot 4K video, with the main camera capable of 5.1K/50fps.
While its 15 km range is shorter than the Air 3, the Mavic 3 Pro makes up for it with pro-level imaging capabilities and robust flight performance. 43 minutes of flight time and omnidirectional obstacle sensing allow for extensive aerial missions.
The trade-off is a higher price point and larger size than most consumer drones. But for professional aerial cinematographers and photographers who need the absolute best image quality at long distances, the Mavic 3 Pro delivers unmatched results.
Autel EVO Lite+ – Best for Advanced Photography
The Autel EVO Lite+ offers an excellent balance of long range capabilities and advanced photography features.
- Range: 12 KM
- Flight Time: 40 Min
- Max Speed: 64.8 km/h
- Camera: 1-inch 20MP sensor, 6K/30fps video
PROS
- 6K video capability
- 1-inch sensor for excellent image quality
- Variable aperture f/2.8-f/11 lens
- 40 minute flight time
- Night mode for low-light shooting
CONS
- No LOG profile for video
- Shorter range than top DJI models
- App connectivity issues reported by some users
Full Review
The Autel EVO Lite+ stands out with its impressive 6K/30fps video capabilities and large 1-inch 20MP sensor, making it an excellent choice for aerial photographers and videographers. The variable aperture lens (f/2.8-f/11) provides great flexibility in different lighting conditions.
With a maximum transmission range of 12 km, the EVO Lite+ offers plenty of reach for most aerial missions. Its 40-minute flight time allows for extended shooting sessions without frequent battery swaps.
One of the drone’s standout features is its AI-assisted Night mode, which automatically reduces noise in low-light conditions. This makes it particularly suitable for dawn, dusk, and nighttime aerial photography.
While it lacks a LOG profile for video, the EVO Lite+ still delivers excellent image quality and color straight out of the camera.
Its combination of long-range capabilities, advanced camera features, and solid flight performance make it a strong contender for photographers looking to elevate their aerial imagery.
DJI Mini 3 Pro – Best Portable Long Range Drone
The DJI Mini 3 Pro packs impressive long range capabilities into an ultra-portable sub-250g package.
- Range: 12 KM
- Flight Time: 34 Min
- Max Speed: 57.6 km/h
- Camera: 1/1.3″ 48 MP sensor, 4K/60fps video
PROS
- Weighs under 250g – no registration required in many regions
- Impressive 12 km range for its size
- True vertical shooting capability
- Obstacle avoidance sensors
- Compact and highly portable
CONS
- Shorter flight time than larger models
- Less stable in high winds due to light weight
- Fixed aperture lens
Full Review
The DJI Mini 3 Pro redefines what’s possible in a sub-250g drone, offering an impressive 12 km transmission range in a highly portable package. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who want long range capabilities without the bulk.
Despite its small size, the Mini 3 Pro boasts a high-quality camera with a 1/1.3″ 48MP sensor capable of shooting 4K/60fps video. It also features true vertical shooting, tilting its gimbal 90 degrees for full-resolution portrait orientation content.
With a flight time of up to 34 minutes, it doesn’t quite match larger drones but still offers plenty of time for long-distance flights. The addition of obstacle avoidance sensors – a first for DJI’s Mini series – enhances safety during extended range missions.
While its light weight can make it less stable in high winds, the Mini 3 Pro’s portability and impressive feature set make it an excellent choice for those prioritizing a compact long range drone. Its ability to avoid many drone regulations due to its sub-250g weight is a significant advantage for frequent flyers.
Autel EVO II Pro V3 – Best for Rugged Environments
The Autel EVO II Pro V3 is built to withstand challenging conditions while delivering long range performance.
- Range: 15 KM
- Flight Time: 40 Min
- Max Speed: 72 km/h
- Camera: 1-inch 20MP sensor, 6K/30fps video
PROS
- Robust build quality for harsh environments
- 6K video capability
- Long 40 minute flight time
- Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance
- Dual-band transmission for reliable connectivity
CONS
- Larger and heavier than some competitors
- Higher price point
- App can be less user-friendly than DJI’s
Full Review
The Autel EVO II Pro V3 is designed for pilots who need a durable long range drone that can handle challenging environments. With a maximum transmission range of 15 km and flight time of 40 minutes, it’s well-equipped for extensive aerial missions.
Its 1-inch 20MP sensor and ability to shoot 6K/30fps video put it on par with professional-grade drones. The variable aperture lens (f/2.8-f/11) offers great flexibility for different lighting conditions and creative control.
One of the EVO II Pro V3’s standout features is its robust build quality and omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system, making it well-suited for flying in complex environments. The dual-band transmission system helps maintain a reliable connection even in areas with signal interference.
While it’s larger and heavier than some competitors, this can be an advantage in windy conditions. Its long flight time and advanced camera capabilities make it an excellent choice for professional applications requiring durability and high-quality imaging at long distances.
DJI Mavic 3 Classic – Best Value Professional Drone
The DJI Mavic 3 Classic offers many of the advanced features of the Pro model at a more accessible price point.
- Range: 15 KM
- Flight Time: 46 Min
- Max Speed: 75.6 km/h
- Camera: 4/3 CMOS 20MP sensor, 5.1K/50fps video
PROS
- Professional-grade 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera
- Long 46 minute flight time
- 5.1K video capability
- Advanced obstacle avoidance
- More affordable than Mavic 3 Pro
CONS
- No telephoto lens
- Still relatively expensive for hobbyists
- Large size when unfolded
Full Review
The DJI Mavic 3 Classic brings professional-level features to a more accessible price point, making it an excellent value for serious aerial photographers and videographers. With a 15 km transmission range and 46-minute flight time, it’s well-equipped for long-range missions.
The standout feature is its Hasselblad camera with a 4/3 CMOS sensor, capable of capturing 20MP stills and 5.1K/50fps video. While it lacks the telephoto lenses of the Pro model, the main camera’s quality is identical, offering excellent dynamic range and color accuracy.
Advanced features like omnidirectional obstacle sensing, ActiveTrack 5.0, and the O3+ transmission system ensure safe and reliable long-distance flights. The variable aperture (f/2.8-f/11) provides flexibility in various lighting conditions.
For those who don’t need multiple lenses but want top-tier image quality and long-range performance, the Mavic 3 Classic offers an compelling balance of features and value in the professional drone market.
Autel EVO Nano+ – Best Compact Long Range Drone
The Autel EVO Nano+ packs impressive long range capabilities into a sub-250g airframe.
- Range: 10 KM
- Flight Time: 28 Min
- Max Speed: 57 km/h
- Camera: 1/1.28″ 50MP sensor, 4K/30fps video
PROS
- Weighs under 250g – no registration required in many regions
- 10 km transmission range
- Large 1/1.28″ sensor for its size class
- Obstacle avoidance sensors
- Compact and highly portable
CONS
- Shorter flight time than larger models
- Lower max video framerate (4K/30fps)
- Can struggle in strong winds due to light weight
Full Review
The Autel EVO Nano+ challenges perceptions of what’s possible in a sub-250g drone, offering a impressive 10 km transmission range in an ultra-portable package. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers and enthusiasts who want long range capabilities without the bulk or regulatory hassles of larger drones.
Despite its small size, the EVO Nano+ boasts a high-quality camera with a 1/1.28″ 50MP sensor capable of shooting 4K/30fps video. This larger sensor provides better low-light performance compared to many drones in its weight class.
With a flight time of up to 28 minutes, it offers a respectable duration for its size, allowing for extended long-distance flights. The inclusion of obstacle avoidance sensors enhances safety during complex flight paths.
While its light weight can make it less stable in high winds, the EVO Nano+’s portability and impressive feature set make it a strong contender in the compact long range drone category. Its ability to avoid many drone regulations due to its sub-250g weight is a significant advantage for frequent travelers.
DJI FPV – Best for Immersive Long Range Flying
The DJI FPV offers a unique first-person view experience for long range flights.
Range: 10 KM
Flight Time: 20 Min
Max Speed: 140 km/h
Camera: 1/2.3″ 12MP sensor, 4K/60fps video
PROS
- Immersive FPV flying experience
- High top speed of 140 km/h
- Low-latency HD video transmission
- 4K/60fps video capability
- Multiple flight modes for different skill levels
CONS
- Shorter flight time than traditional drones
- Less portable due to FPV goggles
- Not as suitable for professional cinematography
Full Review
The DJI FPV brings the thrill of first-person view flying to the long range drone market. With a maximum transmission range of 10 km and top speed of 140 km/h, it offers an exhilarating experience for pilots who want to push the boundaries of drone flight.
The FPV system provides a low-latency HD video feed to the goggles, allowing for precise control even at long distances. The camera can capture 4K/60fps video, offering smooth footage of high-speed flights.
While its 20-minute flight time is shorter than many traditional drones, the FPV’s speed allows it to cover significant distances quickly. Multiple flight modes cater to different skill levels, from normal mode for beginners to full manual for experienced pilots.
The DJI FPV is less about capturing cinematic footage and more about the experience of flight itself. For those seeking an immersive, high-speed long range flying experience, it offers a unique proposition in the drone market.
FIMI X8 SE – Best Budget Long Range Drone
The FIMI X8 SE provides impressive long range capabilities at a budget-friendly price point.
- Range: 10 KM
- Flight Time: 35 Min
- Max Speed: 64 km/h
- Camera: 1/2.6″ 12MP sensor, 4K/30fps video
PROS
- Affordable price for its capabilities
- Solid 10 km transmission range
- Good 35 minute flight time
- 4K video capability
- Compact folding design
CONS
- Camera quality not on par with higher-end models
- No obstacle avoidance sensors
- App can be less polished than competitors
Full Review
The FIMI X8 SE stands out in the budget long range drone category, offering a impressive 10 km transmission range at a fraction of the cost of many competitors.
This makes it an excellent option for beginners or hobbyists looking to explore long range flying without breaking the bank.
With a flight time of up to 35 minutes, the X8 SE provides ample opportunity for extended missions. Its 4K/30fps video capabilities, while not matching the highest-end models, still offer good quality footage for most casual users.
The drone features a compact folding design, making it easy to transport for long-range adventures. While it lacks obstacle avoidance sensors, it does include intelligent flight modes like waypoint navigation and orbit, enhancing its capabilities for automated long-distance flights.
The FIMI X8 SE’s camera, featuring a 1/2.6″ 12MP sensor, may not compete with higher-end models in terms of image quality, but it’s more than capable for hobby photography and videography. The f/2.2 aperture lens performs reasonably well in various lighting conditions.
For pilots on a budget who want to explore long-range drone flying, the FIMI X8 SE offers an impressive balance of features, range, and affordability. While it may lack some of the advanced features of pricier models, its core performance makes it an excellent entry point into long-range drone photography and videography.
Long-Range Drone Buyer’s Guide
You might not have regarded range as a significant factor in selecting a drone earlier, so we had created this detailed buyer’s guide on why distance matters, factors to consider before shopping, and commonly asked questions.
8 Things You Should Know Before Choosing Your Long Distance Quadcopter
The best long distance drones come with their unique specs set you should be aware of while picking. So, listed below are the factors you should consider if your goal is to discover new frontiers.
Range
The no-brainer thing is, naturally, drone’s range. It is how further a drone may fly out of you under perfect conditions.
There are plenty of other things that can adversely affect the distance and probably reduce it. Factors like weather conditions and battery life at that time all have a significant part. The obstacles presence and being in a place with higher interference also will deteriorate the signal, thus cut short the drone’s potential range.
That is why it is suggested that you not fly anywhere close to the maximum distance. Always consider a small amount of buffer if conditions are not favorable. In case you ever have to go near to the maximum range, perform it slowly.
Features
While drone range is a crucial feature, it is sometimes a wiser decision to give up a little distance to get proper camera resolution or another vital function.
So when selecting a drone like this, we recommend defining the least range you need (for instance, one kilometer) then taking your decision depending on the other features/specs you want.
Picking a drone solely based on distance isn’t a smart thought. You should think about the other things that will impact your usage of the plane.
Camera
What is the entire purpose of flying away to long ranges? For the typical consumer, it is to take excellent images. So if you are capturing that unique perspective with a substandard camera, it barely appears worth the time, does it not?
That is why it is essential to buy a drone having incredible camera resolution. It will enable you to capture those breathtaking videos and photos.
For video, we recommend buying cameras having 4K qualities. Gimbals are necessary for picture stabilization because it is hard to achieve jittery-free, professional shots with no it. For images, anything over 12 megapixels can produce stunning outcomes.
Flight Time
A long distance has to get combined with an equally longer flight time. It requires all the force it wants to fly that all extra range and return in one part. The furthest the range you need it to hover, the more period it requires to remain afloat.
For drone distances of above 5 kilometers, a 25 minutes flight time or longer is essential. Anything less may put the fixed-wing drone at risk of losing signal before it may come back. However, even when you have got the best range and flight time, you yet need to be careful.
A good guideline is that you do not want to force both flight time and drone range together; i.e., do not fly out in extreme miles for maximum battery life. That merely is putting lots of risks all at once.
GPS
If you are to fly your drone a long way away, you want a way to it to understand its surroundings and where it is located. It’s done with an onboard GPS unit.
By connecting into GPS satellites, both your RTF drone and you will know precisely where it is in any given period. It lessens the odds of your long range drone being lost. If the worst were to occur and it does crash or disappears, you would know exactly where to locate it.
Also, GPS is used by the aircraft in more high-level flight modes such as Points of Interest or Waypoint. It helps orchestrate complicated shots intuitively and easily, at long ranges.
Obstacle Avoidance
When you are out in very long ranges, you require all of the safety functions you can obtain, mainly when you have narrowed sight of your quadcopter. Even with First Person View, it will not offer you a 360° view of every danger your craft may encounter.
That is why the Obstacle Avoidance feature is a should-have. It allows the quad to automatically identify any obstacle on its flight route or across it, thereby avoiding a collision. It then possibly prevents it or entirely stops and waits to further micro command, based upon the drone.
Most of the drones with farthest range have front obstacle avoidance sensing units, yet quite a few will include side sensors and night vision mod too. For long-distance freestyle flight, we suggest getting complete 360 sensors should you need.
Auto Return
One of the vital things to look at is auto-return, a function that the DJI company introduced. Also known as RTH (Return To Home) in some RC drones & helicopters, this commands your consumer drone to return to its original point whenever specific rules are met.
The usual rule is once its battery attains critical levels. Then it will use its leftover battery power for flying back and safely land at its takeoff point. However, this also can be made to trigger if the communication is lost; thus, you will be sure the drone returns to you.
FPV Mode
The drone’s distance is only a small section of the long range concept. Once it is out there hovering, you will need a dependable way to look where it is heading so you may steer it correctly. Without it, you are mostly flying sightless. It is where FPV Mode kicks in.
Here, the UAV sends a real-time transmission of precisely what it sees with its integrated video camera. It is streamed back to your transmitter’s screen or via your smartphone installed on your remote control. Some models even support FPV viewing mode through a VR headset, offering you an immersive experience.
Among the most important thing when choosing an FPV capability is that the footage should be in live, or someplace closer to it. Lag is a deal-breaker – a split sec delay on a live stream can make you respond much slower, possibly causing crashes.
As you may know, streaming footage is much more demanding compared to transmitting basic drone commands. So, the FPV glider range of drones is even shortest compared to the drone’s effective range. It effectively further reduces the max range you can go safely.
That is why we advise getting a long range FPV drone with high transmission frequencies, such as a dual 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz systems. Each is powerful enough to offer reliable streaming.
How to Waterproof your Quadcopte’s Electronics For Long Range
I live in an area where if it’s not raining then everything is all muddy and wet.
This is a major pain in the ass for me because if I crash, not only does it scoop up a bite of dirt into the motors but covers all my electronics with dew.
If you want to learn how to clean the dirt from the motors go here.
Recently, I found this product that works absolutely fantastic.
It is simply a bottle of Liquid Electrical tape.
It covers your electronics with a layer of insulator which works really well when applied the correct way.
There are many places that sell liquid electrical tape such as:
- Home Depot
- Walmart
- Rona
- Canadian Tire
- A few electronics store
To apply the liquid electrical tape, what you want to do is use a small brush and dab the fluid onto the components.
Do not try to paint the fluid onto the components because this will cause you to miss some metal contacts; due to the varying height of the chips.
You can apply it to the flight controller, fpv camera, on screen display, voltage step down and your speed controllers.
Some tips I can give you while using the liquid electronic liquid are:
If there are LEDs on the electronics, apply over it and then later clean it off with a napkin.
You do not need to apply a thick layer, or else the drying time will take too long, and possibly not even dry fully underneath.
To speed up the drying time, use a small little computer fan which should bring the drying time down to only 3 minutes instead of 8.
If you got liquid tape on any connectors, you can carefully scratch off the plastic with a small flat head.
Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are the responses to a few of the most frequent questions on long distance drones:
How Far Am I Permitted to Fly a Drone?
FAA has a set of drone laws that are being enforced. To casual fliers, the law says that the max height you may fly in is 400 ft. Fly above this, and you may get imprisoned and pay as many as $250,000 fines and probably even spend about three years at the prison.
Why Buy a Drone With The Longest Range?
The range is a very underrated feature. In case your drone is continuously flying out of distance, it can be a big headache expecting it to return to you.
Safety-wise, a few drones do fly aways once out of distance. It can be incredibly dangerous because you have lost charge of the quadcopter, and you do not know where it is operating. You are also jeopardizing losing your expense if it fails and is irreversible. So, getting a drone having a lengthy enough control range is super essential.
What Are the Benefits of Long Range Drones?
There are so many benefits to long range drones with cameras. The biggest of these is security – the longer the distance of your aircraft, the unlikely you’re to lose mastery of the drone, even if it is swift.
Imagine being capable of flying and shooting through water ravines and canyons, or probably a majestic, vast panorama from extremely high up. To the professional photographer or videographer, it is a should-have for taking majestic, breathtaking, and unique videos and photos.
Also, the longest range commercial drones are indispensable for industrial and scientific applications like data measurement, surveying, surveillance, cargo delivery, military, and civilian. Most of these uses demand flying into hazardous areas or altitudes that will be risky to humans.
Who Are These Quads Best For?
These UAV’s are excellent for recreational pilots and professional pilots. Most pro pilots need a sufficient range to shoot their shots with no worrying about missing signals. None is worse than having an ideal shot just to get it messed up by going away from the range.
Also, recreational pilots will get a ton of value via these products. They are more secure, and these quads are often higher quality compared to ones with short control ranges (and they are not always more costly).
Can Other Things Affect a Drone’s Controllable Range?
Absolutely! It is especially so: placing an obstacle (such as a building or a tree) between the remote controller and the quadcopter intervenes with the transmission. It provides you with a much low distance than what it states on the long range drone kit package.
In case you are not able to fly on an open region like a park or a field, you are going to ought to be well under the maximum distance to ensure your aircraft does not fly from your control.
How to Prevent the Quadcopter From Flying Off the Range?
The drone may fly off the distance for many different reasons, a few of which might be accidental some intentional. For example, if you fix your DIY drone to go in a straighter line, it can, at some stage, fly from the controlling range.
The bigger issues are unintentional fly-aways induced by a lost link between the craft and the controller or flawed GPS. In such cases, there is hardly any you can perform to fly in the drone again to safety.
The only choice is to switch on the Return to Home failsafe feature, which will securely fly your craft to the original point on the emergency cases.
What Determines the Distance of a Quadcopter?
The distance of a multirotor is mostly decided by its radio connection quality – the invisible link between the aircraft and the transmitter that functions the same as radios or other remote control vehicles.
Most drones employ a 2.4 GHz radio frequency, that can offer you around 1500 m in the most excellent conditions. Low frequencies, as 1.2 GHz, offer you better distance but are unlawful in many states since those are the exact frequencies used with commercial aircraft.
Can I Transport Objects Over Longer Distances With a Drone?
Yes, yet the majority of commercially available UAV’s are not capable of carrying heavy lift objects. When you should transport a few stuff or use heavier professional cameras to shoot, you should check out all the models built explicitly for this reason.
For example, DJI’s latest inclusion to Matrice series M600 can bring about 6kg of fitted weight and take flight solid 5 kilometers from your place.
How to Boost Drone Range?
There are so many methods you can boost a drone’s working range effectively. You can use an antenna extender, a separate (better/read stronger) antenna, or a more powerful, new receiver. Or you can buy a range extender. We are talking about simple gadgets that only cost some money, but can secure you 10-30% more distance.
Conclusion
That’s it! It is time to get the ball rolling to pick which drone is best for you. We have reviewed top 13 long range drones for sale above.
This year, long range drones are shattering records all over the board. With the latest models almost able to breach the 10km mark, it is safe to state we have a whole different meaning on long distance quadcopters. Nevertheless, you should be aware that it is still prohibited to fly quads this far.
No matter how much your drone is able of, your nation likely has UAV laws that forbid beyond visual line-of-sight flight. If you are in the United States, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) needs many drones to get registered.
Whatever your requirements, we hope we have helped you discover the best long range drone on the market. Tell us what you feel, share the article with your family or friends, and let us know how long you could pilot your drone of choice.