10 Best Long Range Drone 2026 in the United States

The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo Plus is a compact, lightweight drone that fits well for beginners and those wanting high-quality aerial footage without bulky equipment. It stands out with its 1-inch CMOS sensor capable of capturing sharp 4K HDR video at 60fps and 50MP stills, delivering impressive image quality for its size. The flexible 225° gimbal and true vertical filming open creative shooting angles.

Its flight time is strong, offering up to 52 minutes per battery, and the combo includes three batteries and a charging hub, allowing extended flying sessions. The drone features advanced obstacle avoidance with omnidirectional sensors, including LiDAR, which is helpful for safe flying even at night, a rare feature for drones in this weight class. The upgraded ActiveTrack 360° improves subject tracking, making it easier to keep moving targets in frame. GPS and navigation are reliable, supported by a dedicated DJI RC 2 remote, contributing to stable control and precise positioning.

The Mini 5 Pro’s payload capacity is limited due to its ultra-light design, so it’s not suited for carrying additional heavy accessories or professional equipment beyond what’s included. While the build quality is solid for a plastic drone, it’s designed more for portability than ruggedness, so care is needed in tougher environments. Some app compatibility issues exist, requiring users to download the DJI Fly app from the official website rather than standard app stores. This drone effectively balances excellent camera performance, extended flight time, and advanced safety features in a pocketable form, making it ideal for hobbyists or beginners focused on quality video and photography rather than heavy-duty payload or extreme durability.

The Autel Robotics EVO MAX 4T V2 is a strong choice for anyone needing a long-range drone with versatile capabilities. It excels in camera quality by combining a 48MP wide camera with an 8K 10x optical zoom and a thermal camera, making it suitable for detailed inspections, search and rescue, or mapping tasks even in low light. Its flight range benefits from advanced autonomy features like GPS-denied navigation and real-time 3D obstacle avoidance, allowing safe operation in complex environments. The drone’s 720° obstacle avoidance uses both vision and radar technology, reducing risks of crashes effectively.

Battery life is enhanced by hot-swappable batteries with a detection system that prevents mid-flight power failures, supporting longer missions without interruptions. Its build quality includes design improvements for heat dissipation and durability, suitable for challenging conditions like flying near power lines or over water. The A-Mesh 1.0 networking feature is a plus for coordinated multi-drone operations and better signal reliability. However, at 17.6 pounds, it's relatively heavy, which may affect portability and payload flexibility compared to lighter models. Also, while it supports multiple advanced sensors and mission types, users new to drones might find the array of features a bit complex initially.

This drone is best suited for professional or industrial users who need a reliable, feature-rich platform for inspection, mapping, or search and rescue tasks across long distances and challenging environments.

The DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo is a strong choice for those looking for a long-range drone with excellent camera capabilities and reliable flight performance. Its 20 km maximum flight range and 45-minute battery life (with three included batteries) give you plenty of freedom to explore and capture footage without rushing. The drone features a 1-inch CMOS sensor supporting 4K video at 60fps, delivering sharp, vibrant images even in low-light conditions like sunsets or night scenes. This makes it well suited for travel and creative aerial photography.

Safety is enhanced by omnidirectional obstacle sensing, including a forward-facing LiDAR sensor that helps the drone avoid obstacles day and night—great for beginners and complex environments. The upgraded GPS and smart return-to-home system also improve reliability, ensuring the drone can find its way back even with weak signals. While the drone is relatively lightweight at 724 grams, the provided accessories like multiple batteries, a charging hub, ND filters, and a bright remote controller screen add value and a better flight experience.

The DJI Air 3S balances great camera quality, strong flight range, and smart safety features, making it ideal for adults interested in photography, travel, and hobby flying. It is less suited for users needing heavy payload capacity or fully rugged durability.