As you may have already known the control range of the top drones in the market can reach up to 20 km (12 miles). Those used for industrial purposes like delivery can fly even further.
But when it comes to buying the best long-range drone with a camera, it’s not likely that we can just go to an online platform or a local store and grab the one that can fly the furthest.
Why is that?
Because control range is only one single feature of a drone that we should pay attention to, and no matter whether you want to use a long-distance drone for aerial photography, wildlife surveillance, property monitoring, or surveying & mapping, you will also need to take the budget and other factors into account.
If you are in a hurry, here is the list. You can also learn how we picked and the detailed review for each drone right after.
Best for Beginners
- DJI Mini 2 – Up to 6.2 miles (10 km)
Upgrade Pick
- DJI Mini 3 Pro – Up to 7.45 miles (12 km)
- DJI Air 3 – Up to 12 miles (20 km)
Best for Aerial Photography
- DJI Mavic 3 – Up to 9.3 miles (15 km)
Alternatives
The DJI Mini 3 is an upgrade to the DJI Mini 2, if you just want the latest model then you can consider it. Honestly, the difference between these two drones is not big, the Mini 3 has a slightly better camera and a longer flight time.
- DJI Mavic Air 2S – Up to 7.45 miles (12 km)
- DJI Mini 3 – Up to 6.2 miles (10 km)
- DJI Mavic Air 2 – Up to 6.2 miles (10 km)
- Autel Robotics EVO 2 – Up to 5.6 miles (9 km)
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro – Up to 5 miles (8 km)
- Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 – Up to 4.3 miles (7 km)
What you should consider before buying the best long-range drone?
After more than 30 hours of researching over 20 top-selling drones that can fly at least 4.3 miles (2 km) by reading reviews from other websites, studying customer feedback, watching YouTube videos, etc., We have figured out a list of things that help make a good long-range drone.
Stable and low-latency Transmission System. A good transmission system is the key to flying a drone miles away. If a drone goes a few hundred meters long, you won’t be able to see it with your eyes. You will have to rely on the transmission signal which offers you an HD live view. Together with a high-resolution camera, you will be able to better control the drone. We think those that support both 2.4 and 5.8 GHz frequency and can switch automatically in real-time is more reliable. It makes the drone more flexible when dealing with interference. While unsteady and high-latency ones would result in a crash or losing your drone.
Obstacle avoidance system. When flying a drone out of sight, it’s a little bit challenging to tell the directions, especially for beginners. Drones feature obstacle sensing would significantly enhance the survival chance when potential accidents may happen. It warns you and stops moving if it’s too close to trees or buildings. Some can even fly over or pass the obstacles.
Wind resistance. Drones with good wind-resistance ability enable you to keep it under control at any time and don’t need to worry about blowing away.
Excellent Flight Performance. The faster a drone can go, the quicker you can send the drone to a faraway destination. The longer flight time it can offer, the more time you will get for getting your work done, and won’t bother to get the drone back and forth frequently. Drones that can fly 20 minutes or longer per battery are what we are looking for here.
Portability. If you carry your drone around a lot, then portability is something that you should also pay attention to. Foldable and small ones are considered to be good options.
Top 9 long-range drones with camera review
Best for Beginners
DJI Mini 2
Key Specs:
- Max range: 6.2 miles (10 km)
- Up to 31 minutes of flight time
- Max speed: 35.8 mph (57.6 kph)
- Capable of 4k/30fps videos and 12MP photos
- Zoom: 4K: 2x 2.7K: 3x FHD: 4x
DJI Mini 2 is the second generation of DJI’s entry-level drone Mavic Mini and is probably the cheapest long-range drone on the market. It uses the same video transmission system Ocusync 2.0 as Mavic Air 2. It enables you to fly up to 6.2 miles (10 km) away.
The max flight time of DJI Mini 2 is 31 minutes, pretty close to the Mavic Air 2. It has excellent wind resistance and is able to handle level 5 wind with a max speed of 35.8 mph (57.6 kph)
DJI Mini 2 also uses a similar foldable design and only weighs under 249g. That is to say, you don’t need to register in many countries and regions.
When it comes to the camera, it is capable of shooting 4k/30fps videos and 12 MP photos.
Upgrade Picks
Key Specs:
- Cameras: 24mm EFL + 70mm EFL
- Image sensor: 1/1.3-inch 48 MP stacked CMOS
- Video: 4K @ 60fps Normal mode, 100fps Slow-Mo mode
- Max frame rate: 200fps at 1080P
- Color modes: 8-bit or 10-bit 4:2:0 (HLG / D-Log M)
- Max Range: DJI O4 / 20km (12.4 miles)
- Max speed: 21m/s (19 m/s in EU)
- Max Flight time: 46 min
The DJI Air 3 is the latest drone from DJI. It offers a number of improvements over its predecessor, the DJI Air 2S, such as a longer battery life, a dual-camera system, and a more compact design.
The DJI Air 3 has a sleek and lightweight body that weighs 720 grams and folds up to fit in a small carrying case. The DJI Air 3 comes with DJI’s latest video transmission technology O4, which provides a reliable and low-latency transmission up to 12 miles (20 km).
The Air 3 packs a 1/1.3-inch-CMOS wide-angle camera and a 1/1.3-inch-CMOS 3x medium tele camera. It has a maximum flight time of 46 minutes. It also has a maximum speed of 47 mph (75.6 km/h or 21 m/s) in sport mode.
The DJI Air 3 is an impressive drone that delivers high-quality images and videos, long flight time, fast speed, and smooth handling. It is suitable for both beginners and professionals who want to capture stunning aerial shots with ease.
DJI Mini 3 Pro
Key Specs:
- Max range: 7.4 miles (12 km)
- 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor camera
- Up to 47 minutes of flight time (With Intelligent Flight Battery Plus)
- Max speed: 35.8.5 mph (57.6 kph)
- Capable of 4k/60fps videos and 48 MP photos
- 1080p/120fps slow-motion videos
- Video bitrate: 150Mbps
- Zoom: 4K: 2x 2.7K: 3x FHD: 4x
- Front, back, and downward Obstacle avoidance sensors
DJI Mini 3 Pro is the 3rd generation of DJI’s mini-series and probably the best compact long-range drone you can buy on the market. It packs DJI’s latest transmission technology O3 and the max control range is 7.4 miles (12 km).
DJI Mini 3 Pro has a flight time of up to 47 minutes using the intelligent flight battery plus and 34 minutes using the normal intelligent battery.
In terms of camera, DJI Mini 3 Pro packs a 1/1.3-inch CMOS and is capable of 4k/60fps videos, FHD videos at 240fps, and 48 MP photos.
When it comes to flight safety, the Mini 3 Pro is equipped with forward, backward, and downward sensors, and together with the APAS 3.0 system, it would keep you from potential crashes.
Best for Aerial Photography
DJI Mavic 3
Key Specs
- Flight distance: 9.3miles (12km)
- Video Transmission: 1080p@60fps live view
- Weight: 895 / 899 g (FAA registration required)
- Max wind speed resistance: 26.8 mph (43.2 kph)
- Max speed: 42.5 mph (68.4 kph)
- Obstacle avoidance sensor: Forward, Downward, Backward, Lateral, and Upward
- Max flight time per battery: 46 mins
DJI Mavic 3, released on November 15th, is the new flagship of DJI’s consumer drones. It packs DJI’s latest video transmission technology O3+ that has a range of up to 9.3 miles (15 km). In addition, Mavic 3 gives you a 1080p@60fps low-latency live video feed. That is to say, DJI Mavic 3 is currently the best longest control range on the market.
The Mavic 3’s battery
capacity is 5000 mAh, allowing you to fly up to 46 minutes per charge.
DJI Mavic 3 is equipped with a 20MP, 4/3-inches CMOS sensor, and a 12 MP 1/2-inch CMOS sensor. It’s capable of 5.1K/50fps, 4K/120fps, and 1080p/200fps videos.
Alternatives
DJI Air 2S
Key Specs
- Flight distance: 7.45 miles (12 km)
- Video Transmission: 1080p live view
- Weight: 595 g (FAA registration required)
- Max wind speed resistance: 24 mph (38.6 kph)
- Max speed: 42.5 mph (68.4 kph)
- Obstacle avoidance sensor: Forward, Downward, Backward, and Upward
- Max flight time per battery: 31 mins
The DJI Air 2S is the upgraded version of the Mavic Air 2. It uses DJI’s latest video transmission system Ocysync 3.0 which has a control range of up to 7.45 miles (12 km).
DJI Air 2S comes with a 20MP 1-inch sensor and is capable of 5.4k @30fps and 4k@60fps videos with a 150 Mbps bit rate. It packs several obstacle avoidance sensors, and together with the APAS 4.0, you will be able to fly your drone safely with ease.
If you are looking for a drone with the longest control distance, DJI Air 2S is definitely something you should consider. The control range is just one of the features it has. You can also get 31-minute max flight time, 10-bit D-Log, and HDR video, ‘MasterShots‘ for easy cinematic capture.
To wrap up, DJI Air 2S is the best long-range drone for most people considering its control range, price, camera, and overall quality.
DJI Mavic Air 2
Key Specs:
- Max range: 6.2 miles (10 km)
- 1/2-inch sensor camera
- Up to 34 minutes of flight time
- Max speed: 42.5 mph (68.4 kph)
- Capable of 4k/60fps videos and 48 MP photos
- 1080p/240fps slow-motion videos
- Video bitrate: 120Mbps
- Zoom: 4K: 2x 2.7K: 2x FHD: 4x
- Front, back, and downward Obstacle avoidance sensors
When it comes to flight performance, DJI Mavic Air 2 is one of the best in the market. It packs DJI’s Ocusync 2.0 transmission system which allows you to fly a distance of up to 10 km (6.2 miles). Most importantly, stable connectivity and low latency mean you will fly safer.
It has a long battery life of up to 34 minutes which means you will have more time for long-distance shooting before you call the drone back. Another thing that makes this model the best is the ability for obstacle avoidance. It packs obstacle sensors on the top, back, and bottom, and together with the APAS 3.0, it can automatically set a path when sensing obstacles.
Mavic Air 2 uses a similar foldable design as the Mavic 2 and packs almost all the DJI’s latest technology. It is capable of shooting 4k/60fps videos, FHD videos at 240fps, and 48 MP photos due to its 1/2-inch CMOS sensor.
When flying in sport mode, it can hit 68.4 kph (42.5 mph).
Autel Robotics EVO 2
Key Specs
- Max range: 5.6 miles (9 km)
- 1/2-inch sensor camera
- Up to 40 minutes of flight time
- Max speed: 68.4 kph (42.5 mph)
- Capable of 8k videos
- 48 MP photos
- Video Bitrate: 120Mbps
- Max speed of 44 mph
- 360-degree obstacle avoidance
- A remote controller with an OLED display
The Autel EVO 2 is a powerful long-range drone that can fly up to 5.6 miles away. It has the longest flight time of up to 40 minutes with a top speed of 44 mph. This model packs forward, backward, downward, sides, and upward obstacle avoidance sensors that are capable of providing 360-degree obstacle avoidance.
Autel EVO 2 comes in 3 versions, the standard, Pro, and Dual. The standard one is capable of 8k/25fps, 6k/30fps, 4k/60fps videos, and 48 MP photos. The Autel Pro allows you to shoot 5.5k/60fps, 4k/120fps videos, and 20MP photos. The Dual version has an added infrared sensor along with an 8K sensor.
Based on all the specs, the Autel EVO 2 is the most powerful drone, but it trades in portability because it’s too large and heavy compared to others, also it comes with a relatively high price.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Key Specs
- Flight distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Max flight time per battery: 31 mins
- Max speed: 72 kph (45 mph)
- Obstacle avoidance system: Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing. Forward, Backward, Upward, Downward, and Sides.
- Max wind speed resistance: 38 kph (23.6 mph)
- Design: Foldable
- Video Transmission: 1080p live
- Transmission Latency: 120 ms
- Weight: 907 g (FAA registration required)
Suitable for: Prosumers, photographers, and beginners who have a flexible budget
The Mavic 2 Pro is DJI’s latest model that features a Hasselblad camera. It allows you to take stunning aerial photos and videos with various smart shooting modes.
The Mavic 2 Pro can fly up to 8 km (4.3 miles) away which makes it the longest-range drone in the consuming market. The use of both 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz signal frequencies that can switch automatically ensures a stable and clear live 1080p video feed transmission no matter how far the drone goes and how complex the environment is.
Another thing that makes the transmission system impressive is the low latency. 120 ms is something that you almost can’t feel, and can also benefit you for better control. If you are flying a drone beyond your vision, and you can see from the live video that it’s going to run into something, drones with low latency offer you more time to adjust the course. But those with high latency may have already crashed the moment you see the obstacle.
It can resist a wind speed of up to 38 kph (23.6 mph). That is to say, it will hold its position or fly steadily while small trees in leaves begin to sway in such conditions.
One thing about flying a drone out of sight is the risk of running into obstacles that you can’t see. Many people crashed their drones because of this, especially when the battery runs low and the drone has to come back. Mavic 2 Pro packs an obstacle avoidance system called Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing. Sensors appear on all sides of the aircraft to ensure a safe flight.
In terms of portability, the foldable design is perfect for taking out for traveling or hiking. You don’t have to get a separate case or backpack to store it.
The max flight time per battery could reach up to 31 mins. Although the actual flight time is sure shorter, it is by far the best in the market compared to its kind, together with the fast speed. You will be able to send it to a faraway distance very quickly.
Taking all the factors into consideration, the Mavic 2 Pro is our top pick for the best long-range drone. The only downside is the price. To buy a drone, you will also need to take some necessary accessories, the cost could go up easily.
Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
Key Specs
- Flight distance: 7 km (4.3miles)
- Video Transmission: 1080p live
- Transmission Latency: 220 ms
- Weight: 1375 g (FAA registration required)
- Max wind speed resistance: 36 kph (22 mph)
- Max speed: 72 kph (45 mph)
- Obstacle avoidance sensor: Forward, Backward, and Downward
- Max flight time per battery: 30 mins
Suitable for: Prosumers, photographers, and beginners who have a flexible budget
The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is actually the 4.5 generation of the Phantom series. Compared to the Mavic 2 Pro, the flight distance is 1 km (0.6 miles) shorter.
If you just take a look at the key specs of the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, you will find that it is quite similar to the Mavic 2 Pro but not as good as it except for the max flight speed and the video transmission system.
As the price of it is almost the same, if you are not a fan of the DJI Phantom drone or just like this classical quad-design drone, you should definitely go with the Mavic 2 Pro.
Autel Robotics EVO
Key Specs
- Flight distance: 8 km (4.3miles)
- Max flight time per battery: 30 mins
- Max speed: 72 kph (44 mph)
- Obstacle avoidance sensors: Forward, and Backward
- Max wind speed resistance: Not Applicable
- Design: Foldable
- Video Transmission: 720p live view
- Transmission Latency: Not Applicable
- Weight: 862 g (FAA registration required)
Suitable for: hobbyists, and beginner photographers. The best alternative for a DJI drone
The Autel Robotics EVO is one of the few non-DJI drones that can reach up to a range of 7 km (4.3 miles).
It features a camera that allows you to take 4k 60fps videos and 12MP photos. Compared to the Mavic Pro, it has a better performance in terms of flight time and speed. The control range is the same, but the live video transmission is only 720p.
All in all, the Autel Robotics EVO is a good alternative for a DJI drone.
DJI Inspire 2
Key Specs
- Flight distance: 7 km (4.3miles)
- Max flight time per battery: 23 – 27 mins (depending on the camera)
- Max speed: 94 kph (58 mph)
- Obstacle avoidance system: Forward, Backward, Upward, and Downward.
- Max wind speed resistance: 36 kph (22 mph)
- Video Transmission: 1080p live view
- Transmission Latency: Below 220 ms
- Weight: 3440 g (without gimbal and camera. FAA registration required)
Suitable for: Pro users, filmmakers, and hobbyists
Inspire 2 is one of the most expensive in the market, and really is designed for professional filmmaking. The aircraft and the camera are sold separately. To shoot high-quality videos for filming like AppleProres or CinimaDNG formats, you will also need to buy the license.
Comparison
Apart from the drones listed here, we also checked others like Parrot Afani, Yuneec Typhoon H, DJI Phantom 4 Advanced, and DJI Mavic Air.
Parrot Afani can fly up to 4 km (2.5 miles) with 720p video transmission which is not bad. However, the lack of obstacle avoidance might be a problem for out-of-sight flights. Yuneec Typhoon H is one of the few ones that can compete with the DJI drones, since we are talking about the range here, the 1.5 km (0.9 miles) flight distance really doesn’t give it an advantage.
Conclusion
When it comes to the best long drone, if the price is not a problem, we think that the DJI Air 2S is the best for people who need a long-range drone for certain utilities.
If you just want a budget long-range drone for traveling, hiking, and entertainment, the DJI Mini 2 will be the right one for you.
If you are in the market for a drone that has the longest range but also tops in camera, flight time, and everything else, then the Mavic 3 is the right one for you.
The Mavic Air 2 would also be a good choice for you to get a drone with similar performance at a much more affordable price. The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is kind of in an awkward position, it’s better than the Mavic Pro (not everything), but not as good as the Mavic 2 Pro while the price is almost the same.
If you are looking for a different brand, then Autel Robotics EVO 2 is the best option.
Inspire 2 is really for filmmakers who value video quality more than anything else. If you are a hobbyist and just want a powerful drone with top-flight performance, you can also consider this model.