10 Best Long Range Drone 2025 in the United States

The DJI Mini 4K is a lightweight drone (under 249 g) that offers several attractive features, making it suitable for beginners and hobbyists. With its 4K Ultra HD camera and 3-axis gimbal stabilization, it delivers high-quality, cinematic footage. The drone boasts an impressive 10 km video transmission range and can handle winds up to 38kph, ensuring stable flights even in windy conditions.

The included battery provides a maximum flight time of 31 minutes, which can be extended with additional battery sets. This makes it practical for longer sessions of uninterrupted filming or exploration. GPS Return to Home and one-tap takeoff/landing features enhance safety and ease of use, while intelligent flight modes like QuickShots provide creative shooting options. However, the absence of built-in obstacle avoidance could be a drawback for new users learning to pilot the drone.

The drone's build quality is good, with brushless motors that enhance performance, but its light weight might make it less durable in harsh conditions. The DJI Mini 4K does not require FAA registration for recreational use, simplifying the legal aspects of drone operation. It also includes comprehensive in-app tutorials, making it a good choice for those new to drones. The removal of the DJI Fly app from Google Play may require users to download it from DJI's website, which could be an inconvenience. Despite these minor drawbacks, the DJI Mini 4K is a strong contender in the long-range drone category, particularly for beginners looking for high-quality video capture and ease of use.

The DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is a lightweight, user-friendly drone that offers impressive features for both beginners and intermediate users. Its standout strength is the 4K UHD camera capable of capturing stunning imagery and videos, even in challenging lighting conditions. The drone's ability to shoot vertical videos makes it perfect for social media enthusiasts.

With a remarkable video transmission range of up to 10 km, it caters well to those looking to explore expansive landscapes. The combined flight time of 114 minutes across three batteries is noteworthy, though the individual battery life could be longer. Wind resistance up to 38 kph and a 3-axis gimbal ensure stable footage under various conditions. However, the lack of advanced obstacle avoidance features could be a drawback for novice pilots.

The drone's lightweight design means it doesn't require FAA registration for recreational use, making the setup process simpler. The included DJI RC with pre-installed DJI Fly App offers intuitive controls. Construction quality seems robust, and the accessories, including extra batteries and a carrying case, add convenience for extended use. Despite some limitations, the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is a solid choice for those seeking a versatile, easy-to-use drone with excellent camera capabilities.

The Potensic ATOM SE is a lightweight, beginner-friendly drone with impressive features for its category. It offers a long flight range up to 4 kilometers, allowing you to explore wide areas without losing connection. Battery life is strong for this type of drone, providing up to 31 minutes per battery with two batteries included, so you can fly for a total of about an hour before needing to recharge. This is quite generous compared to many other drones in its class.

The 4K camera with Sony CMOS sensor delivers sharp 12MP photos and smooth video, helped by electronic image stabilization to reduce shakes, making it great for casual aerial photography. The drone supports several flight modes and an easy-to-use control system that helps beginners learn and improve. It includes GPS with precise auto-return features and intelligent flight modes like Follow Me and Waypoint Flight, which enhance navigation and safety. Its build includes a brushless motor and level 5 wind resistance, making it durable and stable even on breezy days.

The foldable design and under 249g weight mean you don’t need FAA registration, and it’s very portable for travel. The ATOM SE is well-suited for beginners and hobbyists looking for a reliable, long-range drone with good camera quality and solid flight time, though it may not meet the needs of those wanting advanced obstacle avoidance or heavy payload capabilities.