How High Do Drones Fly? (And why it doesn’t matter!)
How high can drones fly? Well, we leave no stone unturned in answering exactly that! From hobbyists, to commercial and military drones too.
In the world of drone enthusiasts and professionals, drones with the longest flight time is crucial for capturing breathtaking aerial footage, conducting surveys, and exploring the skies for longer periods.
As drone technology continues to advance, manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of battery life and a drone’s performance to offer impressive flight times for drone users. In this article, we present the top 10 drones with the longest flight time, each offering exceptional capabilities to cater to various needs and preferences.
Here, we cover some of the best drones with the longest flight time, not only to help you in choosing the right drone for your needs, but also to provide an insightful view of the history of drones and their capabilities!
A more budget-friendly option from Autel Robotics, the EVO Lite, offers an impressive flight time of up to 42 minutes.
With a full battery capacity, 4K camera and reliable flight performance, it presents an attractive choice for drone enthusiasts looking for an extended battery life and flight durations without compromising on features.
Flight Time: Up to 42 minutes
Camera: 8K resolution with a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor
Maximum Range: 5.5 Miles (9 kilometres)
Flight ceiling: 3.1 miles
Speed: 42MPH Max speed
Weight: 832g
Foldable design for enhanced portability.
Dynamic Track 2.0 for efficient subject tracking.
Advanced flight modes and intelligent obstacle avoidance.
Pros:
Impressive flight time and 8K video capabilities.
Compact and easy to carry around.
Intuitive remote controller with a built-in 3.3-inch OLED display.
Cons:
The 8K resolution may not be necessary for all users.
Some users reported occasional software glitches.
$1,050 – Autel Robotics EVO Lite Premium Bundle
The Autel Robotics EVO II boasts an impressive flight time of up to 38 minutes, setting new standards in the industry.
This quadcopter drone is equipped with a 4K camera and a 1-inch CMOS sensor, enabling professional-grade video and photography. Its stability and extended flight duration make it a preferred choice among professional and consumer drones for various applications, from filmmaking to surveying.
Flight Time: Up to 38 minutes
Camera: 6K camera with 1-inch CMOS sensor
Maximum Range: 5.5 Mile video transmission range
Speed: 45 MPH max speed
Weight: 1,150g
Interchangeable gimbal modules for different shooting needs.
Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance sensors for enhanced safety.
AI-powered tracking and subject recognition.
10 Thermal Color Palettes
Level 8 wind resistance
Magnesium Alloy Structure
8K Video, unmatched clarity
360 obstacle avoidance
Pros:
Industry-leading flight time and 6K video resolution.
Robust build and stable flight performance.
Modular design for versatility.
Cons:
The remote controller might feel bulky for some users.
Software updates could be more frequent.
$1,599 – (Autel Drones EVO II Pro 6K Rugged Bundle V2 V3)
$3,799 – (Autel Robotics EVO II Dual 640T Rugged Bundle) – Recommended
$6,199 – (Autel EVO II Dual 640T RTK [Rugged Bundle])
Targeted at professional filmmakers and aerial photographers, the DJI Inspire 2 is a powerful drone capable of flying for up to 27 minutes.
Its interchangeable camera system allows users to customise their shooting experience, making it a versatile tool for capturing stunning cinematic shots.
Flight Time: Up to 27 minutes
Camera: Compatible with various Zenmuse X-series cameras
Maximum Range: 4. Miles (7 kilometres)
Weight: 3,440g
Speed: 58MPH max speed
Altitude: 16,500ft above sea level
Retractable landing gear for 360-degree camera movement.
Dual battery system for redundancy and extended flight time.
Advanced image processing for professional video and photography.
Pros:
Ideal for professional filmmakers and aerial cinematography.
High-performance flight capabilities and a range of compatible cameras.
Dual-operator mode for precise camera control.
Cons:
Premium price point.
Limited flight time compared to other drones in its class.
$3,299 – Inspire 2
$5,299 – Inspire 2 X5S Standard Kit
$7,099 – Inspire 2 X5S Advanced Kit – recommended
$9,399 – Inspire 2 X7 Advanced Kit
The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a top contender for drone enthusiasts seeking both exceptional camera quality and an extended flight time.
With a powerful battery, this foldable lightweight mini drone, can soar through the skies for a maximum flight time of up to 31 minutes, ensuring ample time to capture stunning 4K aerial footage and high-resolution images. Its advanced obstacle sensing technology and robust build make it a reliable choice for any aerial adventure.
Flight Time: Up to 31 minutes
Camera: 20MP Hasselblad camera with 1-inch CMOS sensor
Maximum Range: 5 miles (8 kilometres)
Speed: 44MPH (72 PPH)
Altitude: 19,685 feet above sea level
Weight: 907g
Foldable design for portability and ease of travel.
4K video recording and 10-bit Dlog-M colour profile for professional-level video quality.
Advanced obstacle sensing systems for safe and confident flying.
Pros:
Excellent camera quality and impressive flight time.
Intelligent flight modes for creative aerial shots.
Compact and user-friendly.
Cons:
Relatively higher price point.
Some users may find the app interface slightly overwhelming.
$2,599 – DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Renowned for its robust build and advanced camera capabilities, the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2 to 30 minutes, providing ample time to capture high-quality aerial footage.
Its 1-inch CMOS sensor and mechanical shutter ensure crystal-clear images and smooth videos, even in challenging lighting conditions. The intelligent, obstacle detection and sensing system enhances safety during flights, making it an ideal choice for professionals and serious drone pilots and enthusiasts.
Flight Time: Up to 30 minutes
Camera: 20MP 1-inch CMOS sensor with 4K video recording
Maximum Range: 6 Miles (9 kilometres)
Speed: Between 31mph (P-Mode), 36mph (A-Mode), 45mph (S-Mode)
Max Altitude: 19,685 above sea level
Weight: 1,375g
5-direction obstacle sensing for enhanced safety.
High-speed Sport Mode for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Intelligent Flight Modes, including ActiveTrack and TapFly.
Pros:
Reliable flight performance and stable hovering.
Exceptional camera quality for professional-level imagery.
User-friendly flight controls and intuitive app interface.
Cons:
The Phantom series has been discontinued, and availability might be limited.
The drone’s size may not be ideal for travel compared to foldable drones.
$1,599 – DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
The Skydio 2+ is celebrated for its autonomous flight capabilities, utilising advanced AI and computer vision to navigate obstacles effortlessly.
With a maximum flight time of up to 27 minutes, it may have a slightly shorter duration compared to some competitors, but its autonomous features and intelligent tracking capabilities make it a game-changer for action-packed aerial shots and adventures.
Flight Time: Up to 27 minutes
Camera: 12.3MP Sony IMX577 sensor with 4K video recording
Maximum Range: 6 kilometres
Speed: 36MPH
Altitude: 1,640ft from controller
Weight: 775g
Advanced autonomous flight capabilities with 6 visual navigation cameras.
AI-powered subject tracking and obstacle avoidance.
Compact and foldable design for easy transport.
360 obstacle avoidance
Pros:
Revolutionary autonomous flight technology for hands-free operation.
Exceptional obstacle avoidance and tracking capabilities.
Reliable and smooth flight performance.
Cons:
Flight time is relatively shorter compared to some other drones on this list.
Limited range compared to long-range drones.
$1,549 – Skydio 2+ Sports Kit
$1,949 – Skydio 2+ Cinema Kit
$2,399 – Skydio 2+ Pro Kit
Striking a perfect balance between features and flight time, the DJI Mavic Air 2 offers up to 34 minutes of flight time.
This foldable drone features a 4K camera with a 1/2-inch sensor, ensuring exceptional image quality and cinematic video recording. Its compact design and intelligent flight modes make it an excellent choice for both hobbyists and enthusiasts alike.
Flight Time: Up to 34 minutes
Camera: 48MP sensor with 4K video recording
Maximum Range: 6.2 miles (10 kilometres)
Speed: 42MPH (68 KPH)
Altitude: 19,685ft above sea level
Weight: 570g
3-axis gimbal stabilisation for smooth and steady shots.
HDR video and photo capture for improved dynamic range.
Intelligent shooting modes, including SmartPhoto and Hyperlapse.
Pros:
Excellent flight time and video capabilities.
Compact, foldable design for easy storage and transport.
Advanced obstacle sensing for safer flights.
Cons:
The remote controller does not have a built-in display.
Some advanced shooting modes are limited to lower resolution.
$799 – DJI Mavic Air 2
The Yuneec Typhoon H Pro stands out with its hexacopter design, which provides increased stability and redundancy.
With a max flight time of 22 to 25 minutes, this professional drone also is equipped with a 4K camera and offers various intelligent flight modes, making it a reliable option for aerial photography and videography.
Flight Time: 22 to 25 minutes
Camera: 20MP sensor with 4K video recording
Maximum Range: 0.76 kilometres
Speed: 30MPH
Altitude: 400ft
Weight: 1,960g
Hexacopter design for added stability and redundancy.
Retractable landing gear for 360-degree camera movement.
Intel RealSense technology for obstacle detection and collision avoidance.
Pros:
Stable flight performance with six rotors.
High-quality camera for professional photography and videography.
User-friendly remote controller with a 7-inch display.
Cons:
The flight time is relatively shorter compared to some other drones on this list.
The drone’s size may not be ideal for travel.
$899 – Yuneec Typhoon H Pro
The PowerVision PowerEgg X is a unique drone that can also transform into a handheld camera, offering added versatility for creators.
It provides up to 30 minutes of flight time and features a 4K camera, making it suitable for most drones and a wide range of aerial photography and videography applications.
Flight Time: Up to 30 minutes
Camera: 12MP sensor with 4K video recording
Maximum Range: 3.7 Miles (6 kilometres)
Speed: 40 MPH
Altitude: 13,200 feet above sea level
Weight: 544g
Versatile design that can transform into handheld mode or drone mode.
AI-powered subject tracking and facial recognition.
Waterproof and suitable for flying in adverse weather conditions.
Pros:
Unique design with multiple functionalities.
Decent flight time and 4K video capabilities.
Can be used as a handheld camera for various purposes.
Cons:
Flight time could be longer compared to other drones in its category.
Some users may find the transforming process slightly cumbersome.
Pricing – Not available in Dollars
£526 – PowerEgg X Explorer
£661 – PowerEgg X All Weather
£760 – PowerEgg X Wizard
Choosing the best drone with an extended flight time is crucial for enthusiasts and professionals seeking the best drones to extend flight time and maximise their aerial experiences. Each of the top 10 drones with long flight, presented in this article offers unique features, capabilities, and flight times to cater to various needs.
Whether you prioritise camera quality, autonomous, drone flight time long battery life, or portability, these camera drones all provide an exceptional range of options to take your drone adventures to new heights. When making your decision, consider your specific requirements, budget, and desired features to find the perfect drone that fits your needs.
Related Post’s
How high can drones fly? Well, we leave no stone unturned in answering exactly that! From hobbyists, to commercial and military drones too.
How Far Can Drones Fly? Learn about flight times, legalities, and drone usage across industries here in this article.
Navigate New York drone laws with confidence. Understand federal, state, and local regulations for safe commercial and recreational drone use.