7 Best Long Range Drones in 2023
Drones are one of the most wonderful gadgets for entertainment, photography, inspection projects, and more. Different types of long-range drones are available based on control range, battery life, and functionality. So, here we will thoroughly review some of the best long range drones that are useful in various use cases.
Things to check when buying the best long range drones
Long range drones are typically used by enthusiastic explorers, photographers, and video or movie makers. For your desired use case, different categories of long range elements should be considered. For example, when inspecting tall structures or distant objects, a drone with a large control signal range will be highly advantageous because it has a stable connection and responsive controls. In that case, long battery life is another important factor to ensure prolonged operation during these tasks. So, let’s dive into more detail to understand important factors for choosing the best long drones.
Max control and transmission distance
A long control and transmission distance ensures that the drone can reach and explore remote or hard-to-access locations without losing communication with the operator.
Moreover, it can cover larger areas in a single flight, reducing the need for frequent takeoffs and landings to reposition the drone.
Battery life
Battery life is a vital consideration for several important reasons. Drones with powerful batteries can cover greater distances and complete more extensive tasks without frequent interruptions for recharging. That makes it easy to complete tasks like surveys, mapping, or inspections with greater efficiency.
It’s important to note that specific recommendations can vary depending on the drone model and intended use. However, according to our research, the minimum battery capacity of around 5000mAh to 7000mAh is often considered reasonable. Additionally, we suggest keeping an extra battery in for any emergency.
Return-to-Home(RTH) functionality
Another great feature needed to care about when choosing the best long range drones. During long-range flights, you may face signal loss or low battery issues frequently. RTH enables the drone to autonomously navigate back to its takeoff point. That minimizes the risk of losing the drone or having it stranded in an inaccessible location.
Besides, it provides enough confidence to explore greater distances as you know that your drone can safely return no matter how far it goes away. Moreover, in emergencies like adverse weather or technical glitches, RTH ensures a controlled and safe return.
GPS
GPS enables accurate positioning, allowing the drone to navigate precisely over long distances. This accuracy is essential for tasks like plotting, surveying, or examining distant locations. Drones with GPS can follow pre-defined flight paths using waypoints, which makes the drone more efficient in traveling through the guided path.
Moreover, the accuracy of Return-to-Home (RTH) operations is greatly enhanced by GPS, which minimizes the risk of losing your drones. In essence, the incorporation of GPS functionality empowers long-range drones with accurate navigation and safety assurance with greater efficiency.
Best long range drones| Top 12 choices
Drones are becoming popular nowadays. But not all of them are made equally when it comes to getting long-range performance. So, based on the factors discussed above, we have made this list of the best long range drones in the market. Whether you are looking for something affordable, professional, or in between, we have got you covered.
List of the best long range drones
- DJI Mavic 3
- Autel Robotics EVO 2 Pro V3
- DJI Mini 3 Pro
- Autel Robotics EVO Lite+
- FIMI X8SE
- DJI Air 2S
- EXO Blackhawk 2
DJI Mavic 3
Transmission distance: 15 km
Flight time: 46 min
If you are looking to elevate your photography skills and take your aerial game to the next level, the DJI Mavic Mavic 3 is the best long rage drone. It combines a state-of-the-art 5K camera and advanced OcuSync 2.0 technology. With that, you can seamlessly record high-end aerial videos and transmit them to your phone screen within a 15 km range. However, you can control the drone within a 30 km range, making it the longest-range drone on our list. Plus, the 5000 mAh lithium polymer battery can run the drone for about 46 minutes, depending on the weather conditions.
This drone features a 4/3 inches CMOS Hasselblad camera, which enables capturing enormous shots, especially in low-light conditions. In our test, the camera performance was awesome in terms of capturing images or recording videos in the daytime or in a low-light situation. Even during challenging conditions, like when the sun rises or sets, it could deliver exceptional results with sufficient clarity because of the larger sensor size. The sensor allows for up to 5.1 K video recording with a 50 FPS rating. You can also record 120 FPS 4k videos for smooth, slow-motion shots. Besides, the ½ inch CMOS telecamera will let you have closer video of your object. In addition to that, the inclusion of a 3-axis gimble is there to stabilize the image and compensate for the drone’s movement while flying.
When it comes to ensuring safe drone flights, the DJI Mavic 3 has truly impressed us with its extraordinary obstacle-detection system. This advanced system is designed to detect obstacles during forward flights within a 200-meter range. Even when the drone automatically goes to the RTH mode because of low battery, signal loss, or any other reason, it intelligently detects objects to have a safe return. Here, the interesting fact is that this drone uses GPS for obstacle detection, which ensures a stable and accurate position regardless of wind conditions.
Moreover, the ground sensors on the drone’s underside continually measure the distance to the ground to ensure a safe landing. Plus, the landing lights aid in safe landings, even in low-light conditions.
Pros
- Fantastic camera quality
- Very good obstacle detection system
- Precise obstacle detection
- Very accurate GPS system
Cons
- Lack zooming capability
All in all, the Mavic 3 is a powerful and versatile drone that is suitable for both recreational and professional use. It offers a comprehensive set of features, including obstacle detection, long range intelligent flight modes, level 6 wind resistance, and complete omnidirectional movement. Despite the omission of the zooming capability in the camera, the Mavic 3 Classic provides excellent value for its price. It is one of the best long-range drones for enthusiasts to have an enjoyable flying experience.
Quantitative Measurements:
- Range:10/10
- Video quality:9/10
- Durability:10/10
- Battery:10/10
Autel Robotics EVO 2 Pro V3
Transmission distance: 15 km
Flight time: 40 min
The Autel Robotics EVO 2 Pro V3 is a great update over its predecessor in every way. This drone transmits videos from 15 km. (vs. 10 km transmission range in EVO 2 Pro). With that, this drone has a 40-minute fight time fueled by the 7100 mAh battery, which is lower than the DJI Mavic 3. But that lack has been compensated by the 6k video recording capability with the high-quality camera featuring a 1″ CMOS Sensor in its heart. It also represents a wide 79-degree field of view, which is up to mark. Furthermore, the f/1.8 aperture is pretty good to use in low-light situations, making it a great long-range drone with a camera.
In terms of performance, we were impressed by its noise level. It’s quieter than expected, and its pitch is quite low, so it doesn’t sound too aggressive. The drone has a total of twelve anti-collision cameras. The system has an effective range of 11 to 20 meters. Within this distance, the drone reliably detects objects. In our experience, we intentionally gave up the controls while the drone was going forward to an electric pole. When it reached within that 11-meter range, it warned us and then took control to slow down the speed and avoid the obstacle.
Another standalone feature of this drone is its controller, which ensures instant response from the drone and features a live screen to view through the drone’s camera. Additionally, Autel offers two sets of extra propellers and an extra battery. This not only ensures you’re prepared to tackle unforeseen accidents but also provides the opportunity to extend your flight time further.
Pros
- Powerful battery backup
- Excellent 6K camera
- Very sound while flying
- Butter smooth controlling
Cons
- Could improve the build quality
When all is said and done, the Autel Robotics EVO II V3 is the perfect choice whether you record videos independently or in the studio. Its powerful battery capacity makes it strong enough to travel long range and stream high-quality videos. Although its build quality could be better when compared to the DJI Mavic 3. But the whole body and parts are well protected to withstand water droplets and dust in the air. Apart from that, Autel Robotics EVO II is one of the best long range drones in this category.
Quantitative Measurements:
- Range:10/10
- Video quality:9/10
- Durability:10/10
- Battery:10/10
DJI Mini 3 Pro
Transmission distance: 12 km
Flight time: 34 min
When it comes to portability and long-distance at the same time, DJI Mini 3 is the best option in our list of the best long-range drones. This drone weighs only 249 grams, whereas the DJI Mavic 3 weighs 948 grams, which is almost four times bigger. Even in terms of size, this drone is around two times smaller than the DJI Mavic 3. That makes it light and small enough to carry in a large court pocket. Despite having a smaller size and less weight, the Mini 3 Pro is powerful enough to travel around 12 km, which is only 3 km less than the Mavic 3 V2.
For safe flying, the DJI Mini 3 Pro has dual obstacle avoidance sensors at the front, back, and underside. These sensors allow the drone to move through complicated surroundings easily, making it a great option for pilots of all levels of experience.
This drone exhibits very impressive wind resistance, which can handle up to 35 to 40 km/h wind speed. The DJI Mini 3 Pro features a high-performing camera, which consists of a 1/1.3-inch sensor and wide f-1.7 aperture. So, it can record very clear 4K videos with up to 60 fps rating and capture photos with up to 48 megapixels in low light. It even has a Smart HDR feature in several modes, which offers an amazing high dynamic range.
For calm shots, the gimbal does its job very well. The DJI Mini 3 Pro can also shoot vertically, as the gimbal can be tilted 90 degrees upwards. If you want to make TikToks or Instagram videos in 4K resolution, that’s quite handy.
One of the standalone features of this version is the addition of a DJI RC controller that comes with a display with 700 nits’ brightness, which makes it worth investing in. Also, It solves the issue of connecting your smartphone to the drone and draining the battery. Besides, you have the option to buy this long distance camera drone without RC or with the DJI RC N1 controller.
Pros
- Small and lightweight design
- Best in build quality
- Effective obstacle sensors
- Live screen remote controller
Cons
- It might cause overly sharp or stuttering images in high, bright sunlight
The DJI Mini 3 Pro can fly for around 34 minutes, whereas the Mavic 3 Pro v3 can fly for approx. 45 minutes. However, you can have the intelligent flight battery plus for the Mini 3 pro that can put it within striking distance of the Mavic 3 pro V3.
So, based on the overall size and weight, the performance of this drone is remarkable. However, there’s a caveat. When there’s too much light hitting the sensor, the exposure time needs to be very short; otherwise, it might produce overly sharp or stutter footage. In that case, you can use the ND filter to get rid of such an issue. Otherwise, it is one of the best long range drones for travelers.
Quantitative Measurements:
- Range:10/10
- Video quality:9/10
- Durability:10/10
- Battery:10/10
Autel Robotics EVO Lite+
Transmission distance: 12 km
Flight time: 40 min
The Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ has a powerful 6175mAh battery that allows it to fly up to 12 kilometers and stream high-quality video without any interruption. The 20 MP camera at the front can capture images with sufficient detail and contrast even in low light conditions, thanks to the large 1-inch sensor. Moreover, the adjustable aperture, starting from f/2.8 to f/11, will give you more control over the depth of field and exposure.
This drone has 6 GB of internal storage to store all your photos and videos. It also has a USB-C port for connectivity and easy recharging. The drone’s arms are covered with carbon fiber, but this is only a cosmetic layer. The drone has obstacle detection sensors on the front, rear, and underside, which help it avoid collisions in different directions. However, unlike the Mavic 3 Pro, it does not have upward obstacle detection. This can be a significant drawback when comparing it to the Mavic 3 Pro.
The drone comes with an ergonomic remote controller that has removable control sticks, similar to the Nano series remote controllers. However, you need to be careful not to lose the sticks, as there is no designated storage for them on the remote. It has all the essential controls you need, such as a dial for camera tilt, a camera capture button, and various other buttons for functions like return to home, takeoff, and pause. The drone also offers various flight modes, tracking functionalities, and smart features that make flying fun and easy.
Pros
- Multiple flying mood
- Powerful battery backup
- Large camera sensor
Cons
- The app’s performance is not good
Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ is a great choice for those looking for the best long range drones with top-notch video recording capability. Additionally, its compact and lightweight design made it among the best. However, we think Autel should pay more attention to offering a more refined app functionality. Otherwise, it meets all the criteria for being one of the best long-distance drones.
Quantitative Measurements:
- Range:10/10
- Video quality:9/10
- Durability:10/10
- Battery:10/10
FIMI X8SE
Transmission distance: 10 km
Flight time: 35 min
The FIMI X8SE is equipped with a 48-megapixel camera that has a Sony CMOS 1/2.6-inch sensor. Both in daylight and low light situations, the camera performed pretty well in our test. Besides, it can record stunning 4K videos at 30 fps. The camera is also assisted by a 3-axis gimbal that ensures smooth and steady shots, regardless of the drone’s movement. The drone has several video modes to choose from, such as smart follow mode, flight mode, and panoramic flight mode.
The drone can transmit videos to the operator from up to 10 km away, thanks to the RokLinks 3rd generation digital transmission system. We were impressed by how smooth and lag-free the video transmission was while flying in the city area. This drone is powered by a 4500 mAh battery that can keep it in the air for around 35 minutes. The FIMI X8SE comes with a good-looking and well-built controller that is easy to use. The drone is also resistant to snow, rain, and wind up to level 8, making it a reliable long-range drone with a camera.
Pros
- Top-class camera quality
- Sufficient battery life
- Very good weather resistance
Cons
- No obstacle detection
All said and done; the FIMI X8SE can be a good alternative for newcomers or experienced users compared to the Autel Robotics EVO Lite+. It comes with great improvement in terms of camera, flight range, and weather protection than its previous model, the FIMI X8SE 2020. However, the absence of obstacle avoidance might let users down when flying it in a complex environment. In that case, we suggest choosing the Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ or the DJI Mini 3 Pro in a similar category. Otherwise, if you are looking for sturdy drones with good protection and performance, then it is one of the best long range drones.
Quantitative Measurements:
- Range:10/10
- Video quality:9/10
- Durability:10/10
- Battery:10/10
DJI Air 2S
Transmission distance: 12 km
Flight time: 31 min
The DJI Air 2S demonstrates both good flight performance and high-end camera quality. It has a 1-inch CMOS sensor in its camera that can capture crisp 20-megapixel photos and impressive 5.1K videos. This makes it more suitable for ambitious photography than the DJI Mini 3 Pro. The larger sensor also helps it capture more light and deliver clear photos with very low noise in a dark situation.
This long-range quadcopter can be controlled smoothly using a smartphone or a remote controller. It can fly up to 12 km away and effectively detect and avoid obstacles in its path from four sides. We tested the drone in a place with lots of trees and branches where it could avoid obstacles and fly through them. The drone’s normal top speed is 54 km/h, but it can reach up to 68 km/h in sport mode. The video transmission is also very smooth and reliable, thanks to the OcuSync 3 transmission system that can transmit videos from the maximum range without any dropouts.
Pros
- Solid build quality
- Higher top speed
- Video transmission is top-notch
Cons
- This could include optical zooming.
The DJI Air 2S is very agile, and it can fly smoothly but stops very precisely. Even against a strong wind, it can stay in its position, thanks to the 38 km/h wind resistance capability. The only con is that such a high-priced drone doesn’t offer any optical zooming feature in its camera. Apart from that, the top-of-the-class performance, sufficient battery life, and the 5K camera make it one of the best long range drones for DJi lovers.
Quantitative Measurements:
- Range:10/10
- Video quality:9/10
- Durability:10/10
- Battery:10/10
EXO Blackhawk 2
Transmission distance: 8 km
Flight time: 35 min
The EXO Blackhawk 2 is a drone that uses GPS/GLONASS navigation, which allows it to fly accurately and safely in complex environments. It has a 2800mAh battery that can provide around 33 minutes of flight time and 8 km of flying range. We tested the EXO Blackhawk 2 in a forest and were amazed by its skills. The drone used its advanced navigation system to maneuver through dense trees with remarkable accuracy. It also had a 360-degree obstacle detection system that ensured a smooth flight even in challenging situations.
When we reached a beautiful canyon, the drone sent back stunning live videos from 8 km away. The drone has a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor that can shoot 48MP stills and 4K HDR videos. With that, the 3-axis gimbal is devoted to stabilizing the camera to ensure smooth footage. We could even adjust the camera angle remotely using the intuitive controller.
The controller has all the functional buttons, such as a gimbal control wheel, photo capture button, video recording button, auto takeoff button, and a switch to toggle between normal and sport modes. You can also put your smartphone safely in the mount. Additionally, both of the antennas are well enough to exchange signals between the drone and the controller, making it a trustworthy long-range remote control drone.
Pros
- Good obstacle detection system
- Sufficient battery life
- Satisfactory camera performance
Cons
- Low flight range
In conclusion, the Hubsan Black 2 left a positive first impression as a cheap long range drone. It seems to be a solid contender in its price range, offering competitive features and reliable performance. However, the video transmission range is not up to the level. If you need a higher transmission range, you can take a look at the DJI Air 2S or Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ in the affordable price segment. Aside from that, the smooth flight operation, good build quality, and satisfactory camera quality stand it out among the best long range drones.
Quantitative Measurements:
- Range:10/10
- Video quality:9/10
- Durability:10/10
- Battery:10/10
Conclusion
Selecting the best long range drones is crucial for those who require extended flight capabilities, whether for professional photography, videography, or recreational use. These drones are designed to cover substantial distances while maintaining stable performance. Each model may cater to specific needs. The decision ultimately lies with the individual based on what they want, their financial situation, and how they plan to use it. If you like this reading, you may also look at our best drones for hunting or the best drones under $500.
