Top Long-Range Drones of 2019 for Every Budget

After days of getting used to, you have finally mastered the art of flying your drone. Now you’re ready to explore new heights, only for your enthusiasm to be curbed by its poor flight range. If this sounds like you, it’s high time you invest in long-range drones.

When buying drones, many aspiring drone pilots overlook one important aspect: flight range. With the right long-range drones, you will be able to fly significantly further and reach a better altitude. Most commercial drones can only manage a remote distance of 30 meters or so, but what about longer-range drones? After all, one of the biggest benefits of commercial quadcopters is that they’ve given even amateur photographers and videographers the chance to take amazing aerial shots, and you can’t do that with a measly 30 meters.

2019 High-Quality Long-Range Drones

DJI Mavic 2 Zoom

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You’ve guessed it again. DJI is taking over lists like it always does, and a list of long-range drones isn’t excluded. The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom boasts an extraordinary flight range of up to eight kilometers! On top of that, it can reach a top speed of about 70 kilometers per hour, and thanks to its flight time of about half an hour, you are sure to have enough time to unlock its true potential.

This foldable long-range drone is in a class of its own. It is one of the best choices for superior filmmaking! Thanks to its 2x optical zoom lens, you will be able to take super creative shots, while its three-axis gimbal will take care of image stabilization.

DJI Mavic 2 Pro

Sharing much of the same DNA as DJI’s other long-range drones (Mavic Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom), the DJI Mavic 2 Pro captures some of the best aerial images and videos available on a drone with its 20 MP camera that shoots 4K video, making it heavily favored by professional pilots and recreational pilots who want high-quality shots. It comes with automatic collision-avoidance protection, a 30-minute flight time, and it can reach speeds of up to 44 mph for high-speed pans and chase scenes. Like the Mavic 2 Zoom, its long eight-kilometer range means you needn’t worry about losing signal due to control-distance issues.

DJI Mavic Air

One would have to be completely oblivious to deny that DJI towers very high above other drones. There is no better proof to this claim than the fact that DJI Mavic Air, one of the best commercially available long-range drones, costs under $1,000. This unit features a very solid 2970 mAh that, combined with its light weight, produces 20 minutes of flight time at a speed that goes up to 68 km/h! However, the most astonishing thing about this small bullet is the amazing control distance of 10 kilometers, the farthest in this list.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro is another one of the most technologically advanced drones manufactured so far. It takes 20 megapixel still photos, shoots video in 4K resolution, and it has a whopping seven-kilometer range. One of the best aspects of this quadcopter is its obstacle sensing and collision-avoidance capability. You can fly the Phantom 4 thousands of meters away from you, around buildings, or over trees, and it will still automatically return to you while avoiding all those obstacles on its own. The Phantom 4 Pro’s 30-minute flight time is a huge benefit for long flight sessions as well. This gives you ample time to get all the shots you need before landing safely.

DJI Inspire 2

The DJI Inspire 2 knows that both aesthetic and functionality matter. This is not a plaything; its top speed is close to 100 kilometers per hour and its equally impressive flight time reaches almost 30 minutes. Combine these super specs with its flight range of seven kilometers, and you are all set to take to the skies for some serious flying. Similar to the DJI Phantom 4 Pro, this model might be expensive, but you do get your money’s worth. It includes a multifunctional wireless remote controller and dual frequency video downlink, making it ideal if you are planning to buzz around in urban areas.

2019 Cheap Long-Range Drones

Altair Aerial Outlaw SE

If you’re a beginner pilot interested in buying long-range drones, the Altair Aerial Outlaw SE is, without a doubt, the best choice for you. For less than $300, you get a drone with a 600-meter range and GPS features that let it automatically return to where it took off from and keep itself stable in the air without any additional input. Furthermore, it comes with the Altair reputation for durability and quality. The only downside here is the short 18-minute battery life, but with a drone this cheap, why not buy some extras?

Altair Aerial Blackhawk

At $119, you’ll get an amazing drone for an amazing price! The Blackhawk is a more advanced-level quadcopter with 15-17 minutes of flight time and a 300- to 500-meter range.

The Altair Aerial Blackhawk is easily the best long-range drone for the money. Sure, it may not boast the impressive numbers of some of the other long-range drones in this list, but with 200 to 500 meters of range at drone racing speed, this drone won’t leave many beginner pilots unsatisfied. And how many drones can boast a range that’s 60 times that of the average for only $110?

3DR Solo

Although the 3DR Solo is another long-range drone ideal for beginners, the more experienced flyers will also enjoy the built-in control system that it offers. It offers a flight range of about 1.5 kilometers and can withstand rough landings. It offers a wide range of features, and has a controller that only has the essential buttons and dials like the return-to-home button, pause button, and an easy-to-use knob if you want to adjust the angle of the camera. Its small screen also makes it much more practical, and its controller can accommodate your mobile device. Live streaming HD video is also supported for tablets and smartphones. Sadly, a camera and gimbal are not included, but attachments for GoPro models are.

Hubsan H501S

Coming in under a $300 range, the Hubsan H501S has a 19-minute flight time, a 300-meter range, and powerful brushless motors for added power. The camera shoots video in 1080p, and the drone comes with GPS hold, return to home, and follow me autonomous flight modes. The H501S is one of the cheapest drones with the Follow Me mode. This gives the drone the ability to follow you and shoot video automatically.

For a list of the best-quality drones this 2019, check this article out.

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