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Drones with the Longest Flight Time

Last Updated: February 3, 2024
Drones with the Longest Flight Time

Embark on endless flight adventures with the Autel Robotics EVO, crowned as the best drone with the longest flight. Its impressive battery life, robust build, and remarkable altitudes of up to 7km make it a standout choice. Explore the EVO and unveil the top 5 drones for extended flight below.

Best Drone with the Longest Flight: Autel Robotics EVO

Autel Robotics EVO Folding Drone, Orange
  • 【Ultralight,Palm Drones】 At only...
  • 【Camera Drone 1/1.28″ CMOS】 The 4K...
  • 【Track Fast】Moving subjects with...
  • 【HDR - Darker Shadows,Brighter...
  • 【Drones with Collision Avoidance】The...

While the Autel Robotics EVO may not use a stable camera nor does it have the best camera quality, it makes up for its long flight time in both the battery life and distance. If you are up for a challenge, Autel Robotics EVO can reach up to 7 km horizontally and vertically (although you shouldn’t go beyond 100 m in altitude or you’re at risk violating the FAA rules). It is a great drone for real estates, roof inspections and agriculture. With the EVO, it’s a thousand dollars cheaper than its most direct competitor, the DJI Phantom 4 Pro.

Best Value Drone with the Longest Flight: UpAir Two

UPair Two Drone with 4K UHD Camera for Adults, GPS FPV Quadcopter with Follow Me, 3-Axis Gimbal,...
  • 4K ULTRA HD Camera Drone: Newly designed...
  • GPS Assisted Intelligent Flight: Never...
  • 5.8G FPV WiFi Transmission: This FPV...
  • Easy and Fun to Fly: It is easier for...
  • Long Flight Time: The intelligent...

UpAir Two has two important features: a high altitude and distance and a 3-eyed camera. And the best part? It is reasonably priced compared to a DJI. While the UpAir Two is more centered around commercial usage than recreational, that does not mean it isn’t fun. If you want to go the distance, it can reach up to a maximum of 1 km, all under 24 minutes of battery life. Just make sure you are flying within legal areas or else face the violations.

Best Professional Drone with the Longest Flight: DJI Phantom 4 Pro

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DJI Phantom 4 Professional+ Quadcopter (Includes Display) CP.PT.000549
  • Camera with 1-inch 20MP sensor the...
  • Five-directions of obstacle sensing
  • Remote controller with built-in screen...
  • Mobile App: DJI GO 4. It will not work...

There is no doubt that the DJI Phantom 4 Pro springs as one of the strongest drones in terms of features and capabilities. But what it is also strong at is in distance and battery life. If you never knew, the Phantom 4 Pro can travel up to 8km (altitude and horizontal distance) and has a maximum battery life of 30 minutes, all while equipped with a 4K 30 fps camera. Of course, don’t expect this giant drone to cost less than at least $1000. It’s a great drone for the extreme hobbyists that would go to great heights for a phenomenal professional drone.

Best Premium Drone with the Longest Flight: DJI Mavic 2 Pro

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DJI Mavic 2 PRO Drone Quadcopter with Fly More Kit Combo Bundle
  • See the bigger picture: equipped with a...
  • Please Update the firmware version of...
  • Up to 31 minutes flight time, 44 mph max...
  • Functions include active track 2.0,...
  • With fly More kit: comes with 2 extra...

The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a fan-favorite for many good reasons: the camera, the design, the controls, and of course, the distance. It’s a flagship drone that shows what DJI is capable of thanks to its long distance of 8 km and 30 minutes battery life plus spare packs. To top it all off, the 4K camera is amazing and has one of the most stable gimbals ever made for a drone. Sure, it may be one of the most expensive drones but it is definitely worth all that money. It is genuinely of the best-built drones in the market today and if you have the budget, do not hesitate to get it.

Best Stunt Drone with the Longest Flight: Altair Aerial Blackhawk

Here we have the Altair Aerial Blackhawk: a stunt drone that doesn’t treat itself like an aerobatic UAV. It is one of the GoPro-mounted drones that can go as far as 500 m with a battery life of up to 21 minutes. It’s also one of the cheapest in this list mostly because it does not use a high-grade camera. If you want to play with a drone that has a long distance and with an exceptionally great weight that causes fun stunts to do, then the Altair Aerial Blackhawk is your good choice. You can also consider it as the best budget drone on this list.

What Long Flight Time Drone Would I Buy and Why?

Long distance, long battery life, long fun. That’s how it’s supposed to be. And so with that, I do hope you consider buying the Autel Robotics EVO as it is one of the most reasonably drones out there and is simply the best drone with the longest flight on this list. But, if you plan on going something with good value at a lesser price, consider buying the UpAir Two. Do you prefer something more complex and professional? Then, I recommend the DJI Phantom 4 Pro. And if you like a drone with the longest flight in which you don’t mind spending a fortune on, do yourself a favor and buy the DJI Mavic 2 Pro. And if you are a daredevil, the Altair Aerial Blackhawk should be a good pick.

Long Flight Time Drone Buying Guide:

Minimum Altitude   

In order to achieve sky-high, the least altitude is 1000 m or 1 km. However, you will need an FAA permit to do so. Remember that the FAA can only allow up to 121 m in order to be legal without using a license. But if you want to go further than that, you need an ID - a license to pilot a drone or you will just risk yourself violating FAA standards; and you don’t want to pay for the fee, right? 

Lightweight or Heavy Duty  

The weight depends on what you want to do with your drone. If you prefer a drone that can take beautiful aerial shots, go for a heavy drone. If you plan on doing stunts or races above and beyond (literally), go with lightweight. Either should work.

Battery Life  

Another crucial part about high altitude drones is the battery. The best battery life is 20 to 30 minutes as these are safe and has enough time for your drone to descend. Any minute lower than 20 is dangerous.

Beginner or Advanced  

Beginners should just get a drone that only flies around 121 m and below, especially if you are just casually playing it as a toy. Otherwise, advanced drones can reach for the skies (as long as you have an FAA permit).

Long Flight Time Drone FAQ:

What is the highest altitude a drone can fly?

The highest record ever was 11,000 feet (4km) by the DJI Phantom Pro 2. Of course, back then it was okay to fly at these heights but now that’s a violation in FAA’s terms. However, that didn’t stop DJI from improving the altitude up to 8km.

Can drones fly at high altitudes?

Of course, drones can fly at high altitudes - given that you have an FAA permit, that is. For the safest numbers, go fly at just around 121 m or below just so you don’t see the FAA knocking at your door. In the UK, the legal altitude is 152 m.

How long does a drone last?

If we are speaking about premium drones, a DJI drone like the Phantom 4 Pro can last up to 40 minutes. However, those last minutes are a bit critical wherein the drone shows its weakness such as weak receptions and barely responsive controls.

Will a drone show up on radar?

Yes, which is how the FAA can pinpoint violators. The fine is high as the DJI’s top altitude but you should be alright if you are carrying an FAA permit. There are also some drone hotspots for you to use the drones without worrying about the government on your tail.

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