Drones can record the beauty of nature and this world, but many places are out of reach for us. That’s why a drone can capture fantastic landscapes and cities from above.
What are the best long-range drones?
The DJI FPV drone is by far the best long-range FPV ready-to-fly drone. The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is one of the best standard drones capable of flying long-range, sharing similar performance with other drones from the Mavic 3 series.
This ultimate guide for choosing a long-range drone includes our top 21 long-range drones and everything you need to know about them.
To help, we’ve identified and reviewed the best drone courses for beginners and professionals.
1. DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Flagship Triple-Camera Drone with 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera, 43-Min Flight Time, and 15km HD Video Transmission, for pro aerial photography.
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a high-end consumer drone capable of extraordinary filming capabilities and long-range flight.
This drone has one of the most extended transmission ranges in a ready-to-fly drone.
| SPECS | DJI Mavic 3 Pro |
|---|---|
| Weight | 958 g |
| Max Flight Time | 43 mins |
| Max Flight Speed | 21 m/s in optimal conditions |
| Wind Resistance | 12 m/s |
| Max Transmission Distance | – 9.3 mi (15 km) in FCC areas – 5 mi (8 km) in CE, SRRC, and MIC zones (Europe, China mainland, and Japan) |
| Max Flight Distance | 17.3 mi or 28 km |
| Video Module | O3+ video transmission module |
| Camera | Hasselblad: 4/3-inch CMOS, can film in 5.4k at 50 frames per second or 4k at 120 frames per second, and can photograph at a resolution of 20MP. It has 1-3x zoom. Medium Tele: 1/1.3-inch CMOS, can film in 4k at 60 frames per second and photograph in 48 MP. It has 3-7x zoom. Tele Camera: 1/2-inch CMOS, can film in 4k at 60 frames per second and photograph in 12 MP. It has 7-28x hybrid zoom. |
| Sensors | Omnidirectional anti-collision sensors |
| Remote Controller | Is compatible with DJI RC-N1, DJI RC Pro, and DJI RC |
| Other Specs | It has an advanced return-to-home function, Active Track 5.0 with follow-me mode, and other intelligent functions |
✅ Pros
- It has one of the most advanced DJI video transmission modules
- Is capable of flying for long periods
- It has three of the most ingenious cameras, with Hasselblad having the largest CMOS found in a consumer drone
- It’s capable of great professional filming and photographing, with a hybrid zoom of up to 28x
- This drone has omnidirectional binocular vision sensors that will protect the drone from crashing
- It boasts advanced intelligent features
- This drone with the DJI RC Pro is capable of multi-layer signal penetration
- It has excellent wind speed resistance
- The drone can fly at high altitudes (service ceiling level is 6,000 meters or 20,000 feet)
❌ Cons
- It’s an expensive drone, although it’s fantastic for long-range flights
- It’s mainly for professionals, and if you opt for the DJI RC Pro, the price may be out of range for most drone pilots
- It can be intimidating to fly
The Mavic 3 Pro is one of the newest drones from DJI and is currently one of the most advanced consumer drones you can find, leading with three fantastic cameras, a long flight time, and long-range transmission.
Although costly, this drone benefits most from long-range flights. Currently, the Mavic 3 Pro is our top choice as a long-range drone.
2. DJI Mavic 3 Classic
Includes:
- Drone
- DJI RC remote controller
- Battery
Released worldwide in November 2022, the DJI Mavic 3 Classic is an excellent, cheaper alternative to the newer Mavic 3 Pro.
It may not be as proficient in terms of filming and photography, but it shares approximately the same flight performances and capabilities.
| SPECS | DJI Mavic 3 Classic |
|---|---|
| Weight | 895 g |
| Max Flight Time | 46 mins |
| Max Flight Speed | 21 m/s |
| Wind Resistance | 12 m/s |
| Max Transmission Distance | – 9.3 mi (15 km) in FCC zones – 5 mi (8 km) in CE, SRRC, and MIC areas. |
| Max Flight Distance | 17.3 mi or 28 km |
| Video Module | O3+ |
| Camera | Hasselblad with 4/3-inch CMOS, capable of filming in 5.1k at 50 fps or 4k at 120 fps in slow motion. This camera can photograph in 20 MP |
| Sensors | An omnidirectional binocular sensing system |
| Remote Controller | Compatible with DJI RC-N1, DJI RC, and DJI RC Pro |
| Other Specs | It has the same advanced return-to-home and intelligent functions as the DJI Mavic 3 Pro |
✅ Pros
- It comes with the same long-range flight abilities as the Mavic 3 Pro
- It’s cheaper than the Mavic 3 Pro
- It has omnidirectional binocular anti-collision sensors
- It features a Hasselblad camera capable of extraordinary filming and photography at a professional level
- It can stay in the air for a long time
- Excellent wind resistance
- It’s capable of taking off and flying at high altitudes
- This drone is capable of multi-layer signal penetration and has the best signal with DJI RC Pro
❌ Cons
- It doesn’t have a medium tele and tele camera
- The price remains high for many new drone pilots and non-professionals
A perfect alternative to the Mavic 3 Pro, the DJI Mavic 3 Classic is capable of extraordinary long-range flight distances and filming and comes at a lower price.
With the same O3+ transmission system, the Mavic 3 Classic also comes with the latest video transmission module.
The Mavic 3 Classic is similar to the Mavic 3 Pro in every aspect except that it only has one Hasselblad camera instead of three.
3. DJI Air 2S
DJI Air 2S has the ability to perceive its environment in four directions: up, down, forward, and backward, allowing it to actively avoid obstacles, even in complex scenarios and at high speeds.
For drones under $1,000, the DJI Air 2S is one of the most extraordinary, with large camera sensors, anti-collision, and long-range flight capabilities.
| SPECS | DJI Air 2S |
|---|---|
| Weight | 595 g |
| Max Flight Time | 31 mins |
| Max Flight Speed | 19 m/s |
| Wind Resistance | 10.7 m/s |
| Max Transmission Distance | – 7.4 mi (12 km) in FCC – 5 mi (8 km) in CE, SRRC, and MIC areas. |
| Max Flight Distance | 11.4 mi or 18 km |
| Video Module | O3 video transmission module |
| Camera | 1-inch CMOS capable of filming in 5.4k at 30 frames per second or 4k at 60 frames per second. The DJI Air 2S can photograph in 20 MP quality. |
| Sensors | Active Track 4.0 with follow-me mode, intelligent functions, and return-to-home features. |
| Remote Controller | Compatible with DJI RC-N1, DJI RC, and DJI RC Pro |
| Other Specs | Active Track 4.0 with follow-me mode, intelligent functions, and return-to-home |
✅ Pros
- Excellent long-range transmission, compatible with three different remote controllers
- Can fly for a decent amount of time
- It has four-way anti-collision sensors
- Excellent camera quality for extraordinary filming and photography
- Good wind speed resistance
- Reasonable price for the drone compared to its performances
❌ Cons
- It’s an older drone
- Its flight range and time cannot be compared to the Mavic 3 line
The DJI Air 2S is one of the most underrated drones capable of long-range flights with extraordinary camera capabilities, and it comes at an affordable price.
This drone also has four-way anti-collision sensors.
It comes with ActiveTrack and other intelligent functions to help pilots, especially beginners, capture the best videos they can get.
4. DJI Mini 3 Pro
Lightweight and Foldable Camera Drone
- 4K/60fps Video
- 48MP Photo
- 34-min Flight Time
- Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing, Integrated RC and screen
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is yet another fantastic drone under $1,000 that’s one of the most purchased consumer drones of all time. It’s won the heart of many drone pilots.
| SPECS | DJI Mini 3 Pro |
|---|---|
| Weight | 249 g |
| Max Flight Time | – 34 mins with the Intelligent Battery – 47 mins with the Intelligent Battery Plus |
| Max Flight Speed | 16 m/s |
| Wind Resistance | 10.7 m/s Level 5 Wind Resistance |
| Max Transmission Distance | – FCC 7.4 mi (12 km) – CE, SRRC, and MIC, 5 mi (8 km) |
| Max Flight Distance | – 11.1 mi (18 km) with the Intelligent Battery – 15.5 mi (25 km) with the Intelligent Battery Plus |
| Video Module | O3 video transmission module |
| Camera | 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor capable of filming in 4k at 60 frames per second and photographing in 48 MP |
| Sensors | Forward, backward, and downward anti-collision sensors |
| Remote Controller | Compatible with DJI RC-N1 and DJI RC |
| Other Specs | ActiveTrack with follow-me mode, intelligent functions, and return-to-home |
✅ Pros
- Fantastic flight performance
- Excellent transmission and flight range
- Has three-way anti-collision sensors
- Very good camera quality
- Lightweight and portable drone (under 250 grams) that may benefit from relaxed drone laws
- It can stay in the air for a long time and comes with two different battery types
- Compatible with DJI RC
- Brilliant drone for beginners
❌ Cons
- It does not have upward or side sensors
- It’s already an older drone
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is a well-known tiny drone capable of providing extraordinary performance and flying long-range.
This drone is one of the most valuable you can find for the price, balancing performance vs. cost, and it’s also beginner-friendly.
5. DJI FPV
Enjoy crystal-clear real-time and HD Low-Latency Transmission video, even at distances of up to 6.2 miles.
From tall mountains to expansive deserts, the DJI FPV is one of the best long-range FPV drones, capable of capturing awesome videos while flying at high speeds and with excellent wind resistance.
It offers you an immersive experience when flying FPV.
| SPECS | DJI FPV |
|---|---|
| Weight | 795 g |
| Max Flight Time | 20 mins |
| Max Flight Speed | 39 m/s (87 mph or 140 kph) in Manual Mode |
| Wind Resistance | 11 m/s to 13.8 m/s (25-31 mph) |
| Max Transmission Distance | – 6.2 mi (10 km) in FCC – 3.7 mi (6 km) in CE, SRRC, and MIC zones. |
| Max Flight Distance | 10.4 mi or 16.8 km |
| Video Module | DJI O3 Air Unit |
| Camera | 1/2.3-inch CMOS that can film in 4k at 60 frames per second |
| Sensors | Frontal anti-collision sensors |
| Remote Controller | DJI FPV Remote Controller 2, Motion Controller |
| Goggles | Compatible with DJI FPV Goggles v2, DJI Goggles 2, and DJI Goggles Integra |
| Other Specs | – Capable of flying in Normal, Sport, and Manual Mode – It has an emergency brake button – Return to home function – Can benefit from real-time crystal clear HD transmission of under 30 milliseconds of latency |
✅ Pros
- Unique FPV drone built for long-range flights
- Can reach incredible speeds when flying in Manual Mode
- It can stay in the air longer than most FPV drones
- It’s a ready-to-fly FPV drone
- Can freestyle and race
- It can dive amazingly
- Supports mounting a GoPro (with third-party accessories)
- Excellent wind resistance and unique aerodynamics
- Provides an immersive FPV experience
- It’s relatively cheap as a complete kit, including the drone, remote controller, and DJI FPV Goggles v2
- The only FPV drone with anti-collision sensors (frontal, working on normal mode only)
❌ Cons
- It’s already an older drone
- It requires skill and training in simulators to fly acro
- Like with any FPV drone, it’s very susceptible to crashes due to pilot errors and is not very durable in a crash
- The camera quality is a bit low
The DJI FPV drone is the king of long-range FPV drones.
Although this drone is difficult to control and maneuver by beginners and even by more intermediate drone pilots, with proper training in simulators, you can capture videos with the DJI FPV in ways you cannot with any other drone.
The drone can also film in D-Cinelike, where you can further post-process your videos, and it has RockSteady electronic image stabilization.
» MORE: Drones vs. RC Planes: What are the Differences?
6. DJI Avata
DJI Avata + Intelligent Flight Battery, DJI Goggles 2 + Battery, DJI Motion Controller.
Remote Controller Compatible with DJI FPV Drone, Remote Piloting of The Drone, Built-in Radio Control, Control Range up to 6 km, Up to 9 Hours of use.
The Avata is the newer version of the DJI FPV capable of flying in close proximity to people and objects because of duct guards around the propellers.
Although Avata is made for close-range flights, it’s extraordinarily capable of flying long-range.
| SPECS | DJI Avata |
|---|---|
| Weight | 410 g |
| Max Flight Time | 18 mins |
| Max Flight Speed | 27 m/s (60.3 mph or 97 km/h) |
| Wind Resistance | 10.7 m/s |
| Max Transmission Distance | 6.2 mi (10 km) in FCC, 1.2 mi(2 km) CE, and 3.7 mi (6 km) in SRRC, according to DJI |
| Max Flight Distance | 7.2 mi (11.6 km) |
| Video Module | DJI O3 Air unit |
| Camera | 1/1.7 inch CMOS capable of filming in 4k at 60 frames per second or 2.7k at 120 frames per second (slow motion) |
| Sensors | None |
| Remote Controller | DJI FPV Remote Controller 2, Motion Controller |
| Goggles | DJI Goggles 2, DJI Goggles Integra, and DJI FPV Goggles v2 |
| Other Specs | – Can fly in Normal, Sport, and Manual Mode – It has an emergency brake function – Can hover and return to home automatically |
✅ Pros
- It’s safe to fly, even long-range, due to duct guards
- Excellent image transmission and video quality
- It’s an FPV drone capable of obtaining unique video footage, even long-range
- It’s very durable
- Outstanding filming quality
- It has a decent long-range transmission and flight distance
- Good flight performance and smooth control
- It’s an excellent FPV beginner-friendly drone
❌ Cons
- It has a lower long-range flight capability compared to the DJI FPV
- It does not have good wind resistance
- Slower flight speeds than the DJI FPV
- It’s more expensive, and it cannot be bought as a kit with a remote controller (only a motion controller), which has to be purchased separately
- You will have to train in simulators to fly in Manual Mode, which requires skill
The DJI Avata was released in August 2022 and is one of the most beginner-friendly FPV drones on the market. Enjoy immersive FPV flights and film in an excellent resolution with good camera quality.
This drone is also capable of flying for a decent amount of time, even in Manual Mode, considering it’s an FPV drone.
Depending on the type of long-range flights you want to perform, Avata could be a suitable choice, especially if you’re an FPV beginner.
7. DJI Mavic 3
Nearly everything about the DJI Mavic 3 is top-of-the-line. Most importantly, the battery life is incredible, which will save you from buying many extra batteries for backup.
The first version of the Mavic 3 series, the DJI Mavic 3, is a fantastic alternative to consider if you’re looking for a long-range drone and don’t want the Classic or Pro versions.
| SPECS | DJI Mavic 3 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 895 g |
| Max Flight Time | 46 mins |
| Max Flight Speed | 21 m/s |
| Wind Resistance | 12 m/s |
| Max Transmission Distance | – FCC 9.3 mi (15 km) – CE, SRRC, and MIC 5 mi (8 km) |
| Max Flight Distance | 18.6 mi or 30 km |
| Video Module | O3+ |
| Camera | – Hasselblad camera with 4/3-inch CMOS can film in 5.1k at 50 frames per second or 4k at 120 frames per second and photograph in 20 MP – Tele camera with 1/2-inch CMOS can film in 4k at 50 frames per second and photograph in 12 MP It also has a hybrid zoom between 7x and 28x |
| Sensors | Omnidirectional binocular anti-collision sensors |
| Remote Controller | Compatible with DJI RC-N1, DJI RC, and DJI RC Pro |
| Other Specs | Active Track 5.0, advanced return-to-home, and several intelligent functions |
✅ Pros
- Extraordinary long-range capabilities
- It can stay in the air for a long time
- Omnidirectional sensors
- Professional camera for video and photographs; with the tele camera, you can capture unique videos or pictures with 28x zoom
- Advanced intelligent functions
- Good wind resistance
- High flight speed
- The video signal remains excellent even when in areas with interference
❌ Cons
- Expensive drone
- It’s an older drone
- It can be intimidating to fly
Some people consider investing in slightly older drones that have been on the market for a while for the simple reason that there is more than enough information available with all the issues to make an informed decision.
In this case, although there is not much difference between the Mavic 3 and the Mavic 3 Classic and Pro in terms of performance and long-range capabilities, this drone is still a suitable choice.
Moreover, more than enough time has passed for many firmware updates to improve the drone in every aspect.
8. Autel EVO II Pro V3
15KM Video Transmission, 360° Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing, 40 Mins Flight Time, 6.4-inch Touch Screen Smart Controller SE Fly More Combo, No Geo-Fencing
As a long-range professional drone, the Autel EVO II Pro V3 is an outstanding choice with a 6k camera, excellent transmission range, and an omnidirectional sensing system.
| SPECS | Autel EVO II Pro V3 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1,187 g |
| Max Flight Time | 40 mins |
| Max Flight Speed | 20 m/s |
| Wind Resistance | 12 m/s |
| Max Transmission Distance | 9.3 mi (15 km) FCC, 5 mi (8 km) CE |
| Max Flight Distance | 15.5 mi or 25 km |
| Video Module | Autel Robotics EVO II Pro V3 chipset with Skylink 2.0 technology |