If you’re looking for a long-range drone, you must be selective. Most drones, particularly the more affordable ones, are limited to flying distances that most people wouldn’t consider “long range”.
However, you do not need to spend hours searching the market and comparing drone ranges against one another because that’s exactly what we’ve done for you in this guide. We’ll review and compare the best long-range drones on the market so you can choose the perfect model for your needs and budget.
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The Best Long Range Drones
1. DJI Mavic Mini 2 – Cheapest Long Range Drone with Camera
- Range: 10km
If you’re looking for a small, lightweight drone that offers excellent camera quality and long-range transmission, you can’t go wrong with the DJI Mavic Mini 2.
This drone has a range of 10km and can transmit real-time HD video from within that distance, so it’s a fantastic choice for photographers and videographers. It has built-in interference capabilities which help maintain steady streaming even at long distances.
The 12MP camera with 4x zoom allows you to take stunning photos, while the 4k/30fps video means you can capture professional-grade footage. There’s also the 3 axis gimbal for optimal recording stability.
The Mini 2’s range is made even more impressive when you consider it can fit in the palm of your hand and weighs just 249g. Not only does this make it very nimble and easy to control while in the air, but as it weighs under 250g, you can also fly it without an FAA license.
This isn’t just a long drone in terms of horizontal distance, though. The DJI Mini 2 has a max altitude of 4,000 meters, which along with the level 5 wind resistance means you can use it to fly high above different environments like forests and shorelines.
The 10km range this drone offers is simply unmatched by other drones under $500. The closest most other long-range models in this price range come to is 8km, and even that’s only a few, such as the Fimi X8SE 2020. So if you’re looking for the best long-range drones under $500, the Mini 2 is the one for you. The battery life of 31 minutes is also very impressive.
2. DJI Air 2S – Overall Best Long Range Drone with Camera
- Range: 12km
The DJI Air 2S is one of the finest consumer drones on the market and takes things to the next level with an incredible 12km flying range, which is the best of all the long-range drones we recommend here.
This incredible flying range, along with the Air 2S’ 1 inch CMOS sensor with 2.4μm pixels, makes this ideal for professional photographers and videographers. You can stream 5.4k video at 30fps and 4k at 60fps with the high-resolution drone camera. The 10-bit Dlog-M color profile can record up to 1 billion colors at once while retaining intricate detail, and the result is simply stunning.
While models like the Mini 2 use DJI’s OcuSync 2.0 transmission system, the Air 2S uses the more advanced OcySync 3.0 for smoother, clearer, and more reliable image feeds.
The Air 2S is also a really versatile camera drone that’s capable of capturing extremely clear footage in low light conditions thanks to the accurate color reproduction feature. It uses DJI’s famous 3 axis gimbal to ensure you capture steady footage while in the air.
Another great thing about this long-range camera drone is that it boasts the intelligent flying and recording features that are characteristic of DJI drones. One example is MasterShots, the upgraded version of DJI’s popular QuickShots feature, which sees the drone fly numerous routes while filming your subject for a cinematic result.
This is a very powerful drone capable of reaching speeds of up to 54.50mph, so you can fly to the maximum 12km range, record your footage and return well within the 31 minute flight time. The four-direction object sensing helps you fly safely even when traveling at high speed and at long ranges.
While this isn’t a mini drone, it still weighs less than 600g and is very lightweight and compact, so it’s easy to carry around.
3. Parrot Anafi Work – Best Long Range Drone for Construction & Architecture
- Range: 4km
The Parrot Anafi Work can’t quite match DJI models when it comes to drone range – very few consumer drones can. However, with a max range of 4km (2.5 miles), it’s certainly still considered a long-range drone.
The reason the Anafi Work makes our list, though, is due to the specialized features that make it suitable for a range of professional applications. Whereas DJI drones are generally reserved for photography and videography, the Anafi Work is ideal for people working in real estate, architecture, construction, and other industries.
Firstly, there’s the 12MP camera with a 3 axis gimbal and lossless zoom, capable of capturing incredibly clear images and 4K HDR, while the 180° orientation makes it easier to inspect every aspect of buildings and worksites.
What really sets this long-distance drone apart, however, is that it’s compatible with Pix4Dmodel, the professional photogrammetry, modeling, and mapping software.
You get a one-year subscription included when you purchase the Anafi Work and you can then use it to create 3D models from your drone footage, such as interactive 360° real estate images. You can also calculate precise measurements of the buildings and landscapes you’re surveying. You can then easily export your models or simply share them over the internet.
This drone is specifically designed for optimum practically while out in the field, being extremely compact and having a USB charging system so