Do you wish to have more flight time when flying your drone? Do you want to know the best drones with the longest flight time?
When it comes to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the longer you’re able to fly your drone, the better. Piloting an aircraft is very enjoyable and when the battery runs out after just a few minutes, it spoils the fun, and you don’t like it.
Also, a drone with a long flight time is better when it comes to professional applications. For instance, if you are filming, blogging, doing real estate photography or land surveying the longer flight time you have, the better. Your drone needs a long battery life to get the job done.
I know you are already very excited to learn the drones with the longest flight time in the market. So, without further ado, check out my list!
1. DJI Matrice 600
Specs
Dimensions (Propellers, frame arms and GPS mount unfolded): 1668 x 1518 x 759mm
Dimensions (Frame arms and GPS mount folded): 640 x 582 x 623mm
Weight (TB47S): 9.1kg
Weight (TB48S): 9.6kg
Flight time: 40min
Range: 5000m
Camera: 1080p
DJI Matrice 600 is the brand’s new flying platform that is designed for professional aerial photography and industrial applications. With these things in mind, DJI made sure to equip this with extended flight time.
Matrice 600’s hovering time with 6 TB47S batteries without payload is 35 minutes. This reduces to 16 minutes with 6 kilograms payload.
Meanwhile, if you use 6 TB48S batteries, you will get to enjoy longer flight time. Without a payload, it can hover up to 40 minutes. With 5.5 kilograms payload, the flight time reduces, but you will still enjoy 18 minutes of flight time.
Please take note that the hovering time is based on flying at 10 meters above sea level in a no-wind environment and landing with 10% battery level.
Also, you can bank on Matrice 600’s quality and performance because it is equipped with smart flight safety capability. In the event of a failure of a single battery, the aircraft will remain in flight.
This drone is quite expensive and is only recommended for advanced users who can maximize its powerful features. So, for professionals who want a great drone with long flight time, this is something you should consider seriously.
PROS
- Flexible design
- Long flight time
- Long range
- Suitable for commercial applications
CONS
- Very expensive
- Only for professionals
2. DJI Mavic Pro
Specs
Dimensions: 83 x 83 x 198mm
Weight: 743g (gimbal included)
Flight time: 30min
Range: 7000m
Camera: 4K
Another great drone with impressive flight time is Mavic Pro Platinum from the same brand, DJI. This aircraft features a sleek design and compact body that makes it one of the best looking and coolest UAVs in the market.
However, what makes this one of the drones on my list is its impressive flight time. Mavic Pro Platinum has a maximum flight time of 30 minutes. This is long enough to help you get started with your job and eventually finish it.
Also, this comes with a 4K camera with a 3-axis gimbal system for stability. It has enhanced endurance and is equipped with 60% noise power reduction. Yes, this is one of the best silent drones you will find in the market which makes it a great choice for filmmaking or taking videos when you don’t want the noise of your drone to be heard on the footage.
With its long flight time, strong build, impressive features and great performance, Mavic Pro Platinum proves to be a reliable partner to get the job done.
PROS
- Easy to fly
- High-quality camera
- Easy to transport
- Long flight time
- Long control range
CONS
- Narrow FOV (field of view)
- Average auto-white balance
- Can’t shoot 4K at 60 frames per second
3. DJI Inspire 2
Specs
Dimensions: 42.7 x 31.7 x 42.5cm
Weight: 3440g
Flight time: 27min
Range: 7000m
Camera: 4K
Inspire 2 is another expensive drone from DJI but definitely one of the best. This camera drone is proof that there’s a power beyond imagination because it delivers just that.
First, this comes with a dual battery system that can prolong its flight time to a maximum of 27 minutes. This duration is long enough compared to most of the drones in the market and this is very beneficial especially when you are filming, doing professional photography or other related tasks that need a quad.
Inspire 2 is the upgrade of Inspire 1, the first filmmaking drone in the world to integrate an HD video transmission system, 360-degree rotating gimbal and a 4K camera with the simplicity of app control.
In addition, it has self-heating technology that allows it to fly even in low temperatures. It is also very fast that it can go from 0 to 50mph in just 5 seconds and can hit a maximum speed of 58mph. It has a maximum descent speed of 9m/s.
DJI is equipped with very powerful features to make aerial photography and videography easy and more convenient. In addition, this is equipped with a dual battery that helps prolong its flight time.
Overall, Inspire 2 is among the few drones that allow you to enjoy over 25 minutes of fun and excitement as you pilot your drone in the air.
PROS
- Shoots in RAW
- Interchangeable lens system
- Solid build quality and backup systems
- Capable of live 1080i
- Two camera options
- Offers PCIe SSD storage
- Has intelligent flight modes
- Has retractable landing gear
- Supports 360-degree camera rotation
- Dual operator control using FPV pilot camera
- Obstacle avoidance and detection system
CONS
- Expensive
- Dual battery makes getting spares expensive
- Props need to be locked into place
- Requires high-performance CPU for post-processing (for videos with 5.2K resolution)
- Micro Four Thirds camera unit is costly
4. Parrot Bebop 2
*This line has been discontinued, but you can click here for a selection of used models*
Specs
Dimensions:12.9 x 12.9 x 3.5in
Weight: 500g
Camera: 14mp with fish-eye lens
Video: 3-axis full HD 1080P
Stabilization: Digital stabilization (Parrot system)
Flight Time: 25min
GPS: Yes
Processor: Dual core processor with quad-core GPU
Storage: 8 GB flash storage system
Parrot Bebop 2 is a simple drone with cool black and white design. This lightweight and compact HD video drone is very lightweight but is packed with high-performance specs giving it the ability to fly, film and take photographs brilliantly both indoors and outdoors.
When it comes to its flight time, you won’t be disappointed because it offers 25 minutes of autonomous flight time. This is long enough compared to most drones in the market that’s why it’s one of the drones with the longest flight time.
Aside from that, it is ultra-light due to its compact and aerodynamic design. Thanks to this, you can easily transport this. This drone makes a good companion when you travel because it also comes with a 14mp HD camera with a fish-eye lens.
However, I don’t recommend this for beginners because it is challenging to use for first-time users due to the lack of clear and fool-proof instructions. This will probably be one of the most affordable drones with a long flight time that you can find in the market because unlike the DJI drones that I first mentioned, this won’t cost you thousands of dollars.
For those who want a drone with a long flight time but have a tight budget, check out Parrot Bebop 2 and you will surely be amazed at how great it works.
PROS
- Extremely lightweight
- Extended range
- Decent camera for its price
- Doesn’t need a gimbal
- Can capture 14MP shots with relatively stable movement
- Long flight time up to 25 minutes
CONS
- Image distortions
- Lack of clear instruction
- Control sticks are sometimes unresponsive
5. 3DR Solo
Specs
Dimensions: 9.23 x 16.52 x 16.42in
Flight time: 20-25min
Range: 5mi
Weight: 3.3 lbs
Payload capacity: 420g
Max speed: 55 mph
3DR Solo has an impressive flight time for its price. This can last up to 22 minutes with 550 meters control range. For beginners who have been looking forward to seeing a drone perfect for their skills and experience, 3DR Solo is for you.
This comes with an easy-to-use control system that even novices won’t have a hard time using. With just a click of a button, you can put both the camera and copter at your fingertips.
Also, this drone is equipped with computer-assisted Smart Shots to make it easy for anyone to achieve professional aerial photos and video
Plus, this has a robust built and stable flight dynamics. It can withstand sudden strong gusts of winds because this is equipped with a 3-axis stabilizer that is compatible with GoPro Hero3+ or Hero 4 action cameras.
But the good thing with this is that it just works and it can last up in the air longer than the other expensive drones you will find in the market. So, if you really need a drone with long flight time and want to use your GoPro for your done, 3DR Solo is definitely for you.
PROS
- 20-minute flight
- Smart drone for GoPro
- Easy to maneuver
- Lots of pre-installed flight modes
- Robust and has stable flight dynamics
CONS
- Takes time to hit GPS on initial start
- No collision detection
6. Yuneec Q500 Typhoon
Specs
Dimensions: 420x420x210mm
Weight: 1,130g
Flight range: 100m
Camera: 12mp
Flight time: 25min
Charge time: 2hr
This is the all-in-one quadcopter from Yuneec! Q500 Typhoon has a 4K system and is ready to fly out of the box and capture amazing photos and videos.
This can capture 1080p at 120fps slow-motion videos with a full complement of manual camera settings for total creative control.
Its CGO3 is no ordinary camera because it has 3-axis gimbal that allows for smooth shots in incomparable 4K and 12mp still photos. Also, its camera features a distortion-free 115-degree lens that allows for realistic shots.
Most importantly, this is included in my list because it has a flight time of up to 25 minutes thanks to its 5400 mAH 3S 11.1V LiPo battery. Those with the aluminum carry case come with two batteries.
Overall, I’m very impressed with this drone especially with its SteadyGrip feature that helps users capture professional stable shots while on the go. It also includes the Watch Me, Follow Me and Return to Home features which make piloting this drone very easy and convenient. I highly recommend this!
PROS
- Impressive camera
- Stable and steady
- Captures smooth and stable videos
- Has integrated LCD into the controller
CONS
- No collision avoidance
- Easily affected by winds
7. Autel Robotics X-Star Premium
Specs
Dimensions: 19.5 x 19.5 x 8.5in
Weight: 3.2lbs
Flight time: 25min
Range: 1.93km
Charge time: 90min
Camera: 4K Ultra HD
Autel X-Star Premium is very sophisticated and amazing. This is designed to give users the best flying experience by making it easy to use, customizable and more affordable compared to other brands.
Also, this comes with an intelligent battery and can last up to 25 minutes per charge. While it may not be the quadcopter with the longest flight time, it is certainly among the few that stand out in this area.
This is one of the best GPS drones that you will find in the market today. It has dual GPS and GLONASS navigation system to ensure its solid positioning even in low signal environments.
This also comes with Smart-Flight features like Follow, Orbit and Waypoints that allow users to focus on the camera instead of the flight controls. It also includes Return to Home and landing features are very helpful for beginners.
I had an amazing experience flying X-Star Premium drone. It has a superior flight performance, thanks to its intelligent features. So, try this one too.
PROS
- Great design
- Safe and stable
- Impressive camera
- Simple controller
- Awesome live HD range
- Includes memory card
- Modular design and features
- Unique SecureFly technology
CONS
- Big compared to foldable drones
8. DJI Mavic Air
Specs
Dimensions (Folded): 168 x 83 x 49mm
Dimensions (Unfolded): 168 x 184 x 64mm
Weight: 430g
Flight Time: 21min
Range: 5000m
Camera: 12mp
Video Resolution: 4K at 30fps
Max Speed: 68.4kph in Sport mode
Notable Attributes: SmartCapture, Gesture Control, Foldable and Portable, 3-axis gimbal for stability, 3-directional environment sensing, 8 GB of internal storage
Mavic Air is built to be your companion in your adventure. This inherits the best of the Mavic series making it ultraportable and foldable with high-end performance and functionality for limitless exploration.
This can last up in the air for 21 minutes, which is long enough to help you take your job seriously. If you are into photography, this comes with an onboard camera with 1/2.3” 12-megapixel CMOS sensor and an f/2.8 lens with a 35-mm equivalent focal length of 24 mm to shoot high-quality photos and videos.
Also, DJI understands that you need bigger storage, so they equipped this with a micro SD card slot and 8GB of internal storage. You can also export the files through its USB 3.0 Type-C port.
Overall, I’m very pleased with Mavic Air because it has cool and powerful features and it can fly long enough up in the air for me to capture amazing photos and videos. In addition, its foldable design makes it very portable, so I can easily bring it along with me wherever I go, which is very helpful when I want to document my trips and adventure.
PROS
- Foldable
- Portable
- Stable
- Compact and small
- Better build quality
- Won’t struggle to fly back home even with strong headwind conditions
CONS
- Video crop
- Short battery life
- Doesn’t support D-Log
- Poor range and radio signal quality
- Only slim smartphones fit in the controller
9. Altair Outlaw SE
Specs
Camera: 1080P HD Video and Photography
Flight time: Between 18 to 20min
Maximum flight range: Between 800 to 1000m
FPV Video Camera range: Up to 500m
Charging time: 18min
Altair Aerial Outlaw is one of the most affordable drones that you will ever find in the market with GPS flight mode, 1080p HD video in FPV and high-resolution photos. Another impressive feature you will love about this drone is its long flight time. This can fly up to 20 minutes.
Considering its price, you can hardly find a drone with all of these qualities which make Aerial Outlaw an instant favorite. Also, it has a long flight range and has powerful brushless motors with high-tech functionality.
For a safer and more reliable flight, its GPS Flight Mode enables this to fly with the perfect stability you need to shoot amazing photos from atop. Also, this is designed to be user-friendly especially for beginners because it is very easy to fly.
That’s not all; this is packed with Headless Mode, Altitude Hold and One-Touch Take-Off and Landing which are very helpful for those who haven’t flown a drone yet.
I’m very happy with Outlaw SE especially that I can use my VR headset for its real-time FPV live video. It was very fun! I actually didn’t expect much from a drone at this price, but after flying this, I realized that this drone is very competitive and reliable. So, this is highly recommended.
PROS
- Incredible control distance
- Powerful battery
- Delivers crisp and sharp aerial footage
CONS
- Has trouble in higher winds
10. GoPro Karma
Specs
Dimension: 11.9 x 17.3 x 5.9in
Flight time: 20min
Range: 3km
Weight: 11.65lb
Karmas is one of the best GoPro drones that you will ever find, but aside from that, it’s also one of the few quads with an impressive flight time.
This drone can fly for around 20 minutes, giving you enough time to take photos and videos of your trips and adventures. But, you have to stay well within the recommended controller range to avoid drops in connection.
GoPro Karma can help you take stunning aerial videos and photos consistently because its gimbal delivers impressive stabilization to control the movements of the drone. Also, this has an integrated screen on the controllers that makes piloting the drone easier because the menu on the screen allows you to change camera settings conveniently.
I had a smooth experience with Karma from takeoff, hovering and landing. I highly recommend this for those who already own a GoPro and want to try aerial photography. You don’t need to buy a camera drone, GoPro Karma is the perfect pair for your action camera.
PROS
- Great stabilization using the Gimbal
- Portable and easy to use
- Smooth takeoff, hovering, and landing
- The integrated screen on the controller is convenient for FPV
- Fits GoPro Hero4, Hero5, Hero6, and Hero7
CONS
- Downlink is not very sharp
- The short controller is hard to hold still
Conclusion
Drones with long flight time are very helpful especially in accomplishing various tasks. If you are doing professional photography and your drone can only last up in the air for only five minutes, just imagine how many times you would have to change the battery or have to stop your work to wait for the battery to charge.
In most cases, charging time takes longer than the flight time. Keeping on changing the batteries to extend your flight time is a hassle, not to mention, it can impede your productivity. So, get a drone with a long flight time to enjoy flying drones even more and to get your job done fast.
What’s the drone with the longest flight time for you? Why do you prefer it? Share your drone experiences and ideas with us and help other readers choose the best quad for them.