Best Drones With Longest Flight Time [2024 Update] (2024)

Hey there drone enthusiasts!

I run the UK’s largest commercial drone service. That means I get my hands on hundreds of drones and rack up a ton of flying time with them.

I’m always looking for thebest drones with the longest battery lifeand flight times so I canmaximize my aerial fun and profits.

That’s why I put together this list.

Tap into my extensive drone flight knowledge so you don’t have to do all the research yourself andcan avoid pitfalls I’ve encountered over the years.

These aremy must-own picks if you want a long battery life drone that can handle those extended flightsfor aerial photography, inspections, mapping and more.

I’ll share my hands-on experience with these longest lasting battery drones and help you find the right one to meet your needs and budget.

Throughout the post, I’ll also give some tips for maximizing your drone’s battery life and flight time. Things like pre-flight checks, flying efficiently, and battery care can all help your drone stay airborne longer.

I want my fellow drone pilots to get the most out of drones with the best flight time, so they can fully enjoy these incredible gadgets.

Best Drones With The Longest Battery Life 2024

DJI Mavic 3 Pro | 46 Minutes Battery Flight Time

As a seasoneddrone pilot, battery life is one of the most important factors I look for when choosing a new long battery life drone.

I want a UAV that can stay airborne as long as possible before I have to land and swap batteries.

That’s why the DJI Mavic 3 is my top pick for drones with the longest battery life and flight times. With a maximum flight time of 46 minutes under ideal conditions, this drone can stay in the air longer than any other consumer drone I’ve tested.

In my experience flying the Mavic 3,I typically get around 43 minutes of flight time per battery charge.

That’s several minutes shy of the advertised longest battery life,but still way beyond most other drones on the market.

The DJI Mavic Pro 3 has thelongest batterytime of any consumer drone thanks to its high-capacity Intelligent Flight Battery. This Lithium-ion Polymer battery contains 4 cells in series for a total capacity of 5000 mAh.

Under ideal conditions at sea level, the Mavic Pro 3 can achieve up to 46 minutes of flight time at a constant speed before the battery is fully drained.

When hovering, the flight time is reduced slightly to about 40 minutes. Actual flight duration depends on factors like speed, altitude, and weather.

To maximize battery life, DJI recommends recharging the Mavic Pro 3 exclusively with compatible DJI chargers.

The unique battery technology allows the Mavic Pro 3 to stay airborne longer than any other consumer drone.

Those extra minutes make a big difference when you’re trying to get all the aerial shots you need in one flight. I’ve been able to survey large areas and complete complex filming missions without having to constantly land and change batteries.

The extended flight performance of this long lasting battery drone is a game changer.

The DJI Mavic Pro 3 Intelligent Flight Battery takes approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes to charge fully when using the included 65W GaN USB charger, whether charging the battery directly in the drone or with the battery charging hub.

However, the Mavic 3 supports fast charging up to 88W using the USB PD/PPS protocol. By charging the battery in the drone using a compatible 100W USB-C charger and 100W USB-C cable, the time to fully charge can be reduced to under one hour.

This faster charging method only works when charging the battery in the drone, not with the battery hub.

In contrast, charging with a normal Type-C cable and the included DJI charger that does not support fast charging can take over 10 hours to fully charge the battery.

For optimal charging time and battery safety, always use the recommended DJI chargers and cables when charging the Mavic Pro 3 Intelligent Flight Battery.

That helps minimize downtime between flights. Extra batteries are a must as well since you’ll want to take advantage of the Mavic 3’s long airtime.

The DJI Mavic Pro 3 Intelligent Flight Battery has a maximum charging voltage limit of 17.6 volts set by DJI to ensure battery safety and longevity.

Exceeding this voltage limit during charging can potentially damage the battery and degrade its performance over time.

It is important to always use the recommended DJI chargers and cables when charging the Mavic Pro 3 battery and never exceed the 17.6 volt limit.

The included DJI 65W GaN charger and charging hub automatically adhere to this voltage limit for safe charging.

Following DJI’s charging recommendations helps maintain the battery’s full capacity and extend its usable lifespan.

Batteries cost around $400 each but provide the full 46 minutes of max flight.

For pilots who need a best battery life drone that can stay aloft for lengthy flights, the DJI Mavic 3 is my top recommendation thanks to its class-leading flight time.

No other ready-to-fly drone can match its long-lasting battery performance.

The extended airtime has allowed me to take on projects and capture professional footage that wouldn’t have been possible with drones that tap out quicker. This is hands-down the longest flight time drone you can buy.

Autel Evo 2 Pro | 40 Minutes Battery Life

I’m constantly evaluating drones to find the ones with the longest battery life. The Autel EVO II has become one of my go-to models when I need to maximize airtimethanks to its 40 minute flight duration per charge.

In real-world conditions,I’ve found the EVO II consistently hits close to that 40 minute mark, even when capturing 6K video.

The extra long max flight time sets it apart from many drones in its class that may top out at 30 minutes per battery.

The Autel EVO 2 Pro stands out as a drone with exceptionally long battery times thanks to its high-performance 7100mAh Lithium Polymer battery.

With its large capacity and 11.55V nominal voltage, this Intelligent Flight Battery can keep the EVO 2 Pro airborne for up to 40 minutes under ideal conditions.

This gives the EVO 2 Pro one of the longest battery times of any consumer drone. Actual flight duration varies based on factors like speed, altitude, and environmental conditions.

To get the most out of the battery, Autel recommends recharging it only with compatible Autel chargers.

The EVO 2 Pro’s uniquely long-lasting Intelligent Flight Battery sets it apart from other drones, allowing extended flight times for complex shoots and mapping missions.

Its large 7100mAh capacity and 11.55V nominal voltage enable the industry-leading 40 minute maximum flight time.

The EVO II’s flight endurance has been a game changer for my commercial work.

The Autel EVO 2 Pro’s Intelligent Flight Battery takes about 90 minutes to fully recharge using the standard Autel Robotics charger, whether charging the battery in the drone or with the Autel Multi-charger.

However, rapid chargers can significantly cut down the charging time. For example, the CDC Autel EVO II PRCS Elite Rapid Charger can charge the EVO 2 Pro battery up to 90% capacity in just 55 minutes.

It can reach over 98% charge in 65-75 minutes with this rapid charger.

To get the optimal recharge times while ensuring battery safety and longevity, it’s recommended to use the Autel Robotics official chargers and cables for the EVO 2 Pro.

While the standard charger takes 90 minutes, rapid chargers can leverage the Intelligent Flight Battery’s technology to slash recharge times by over half.

To really capitalize on the long airtime, I recommend Autel’s multi-battery charging hub which can charge 4 packs simultaneously. This way you can continuously cycle fresh batteries into the camera drone during lengthy shoots.

The fast charger is also useful to minimize downtime between flights.Additional intelligent batteries for the Autel EVO II cost around $299 each.

The EVO II pairs its long battery life with a stable aerial platform and excellent 6K camera. It hovers steadily in winds and captures professional-grade stills and video.

I’m able to get all the footage I need in a single 40 minute flight instead of having to take off over and over with a drone that taps out sooner.

This reliability and performance is crucial for my commercial projects.

For any pilot that values extended flight times over all else, the EVO II is an excellent choice.The 40 minutes airtime per charge is better than most consumer drones out there.

I don’t have to worry about the battery dying prematurely before I get the shots I want.

The EVO II has become my go-to for long flights thanks to its unmatched endurance.

If you need a drone that can stay aloft longer for detailed mapping or inspection work, be sure to take a close look at the Autel EVO II.

One of the best on the consumer drone market now.

The long-lasting battery sets it apart from the competition and takes your aerial capabilities to new levels. This is hands-down one of the longest-flying consumer drones money can buy.

DJI Mini 3 Pro | 34 Minutes Drone Flight Time

The DJI Mini 3 Pro has become my favourite mini thanks to its impressive max flight times up to 47 minutes with the extended intelligent battery, making it one of the longest and best battery life drones I’ve flown.

With the standard Mini 3 Pro battery, I can usually keep thislong battery life drone airborne for 30-35 minutes per charge, depending on conditions.

The DJI Mini 3 Pro achieves impressively long flight times thanks to its intelligent 3850 mAh Lithium-ion battery.

Under optimal conditions at sea level, this battery can provide up to 47 minutes of flight time at a constant speed before being fully drained.

Actual flight duration varies based on factors like speed, altitude, and weather conditions.

To maximize battery life and safety, DJI recommends using only official DJI chargers compatible with the Mini 3 Pro’s 30W maximum charging input.

When mounted on the aircraft, a full recharge takes approximately 101 minutes using the DJI 30W USB-C charger or other suitable USB Power Delivery charger.

While flight time depends on conditions, the cutting-edge battery technology in the Mini 3 Pro allows it to fly longer than most drones its size.

By following DJI’s charging recommendations, pilots can achieve safe, quick recharges to get the most out of each flight.

The DJI Mini 3 Pro’s Intelligent Flight Battery takes about 64 minutesto fully recharge when mounted on the aircraft and using an official DJI 30W USB-C Charger.

This charging time applies when recharging from a fully drained state. However, actual recharge duration can vary based on factors like the charger’s power output and the battery’s initial charge level before plugging in.

For example, charging from 50% capacity would take less time than charging from empty. For optimal battery lifetime and performance, DJI recommends using the official 30W USB-C charger and compatible cables.

While a full recharge takes approximately 64 minutes, the Intelligent Flight Battery’s technology allows safe, rapid recharging to get the Mini 3 Pro back in the air quickly.

For faster turnarounds, I suggest the multi-battery charger which can simultaneously juice up 3 packs, ready to rotate through on long shoots.

The fast charging helps maximize this drone’s excellent flight endurance.

In addition to the extended flight duration, the Mini 3 Pro delivers smoothed out flight and great imaging from its 1/1.3 CMOS sensor.

I can capture pro-level shots across full 45 minute flights, enabling footage impossible on a drone with shorter battery life.

For aerial creative pros like myself needing to maximize airtime, the Mini 3 Pro is a top choice thanks to its category-leading battery life. The extended flight duration offered by this lightweight UAV sets it apart.

This is one of the longest lasting battery drones I’ve had the pleasure of piloting.

DJI Air 2s | 31 Minutes Drone Flight Time

Having ample flight time is crucial for capturing the aerial shots I need during drone flights.

That’s why the DJI Air 2S with its 31 minute max battery durationhas become my go-to UAV for many projects.

In real-world use, I can usually keep thislong flight time drone airborne for 25-30 minutes per charge depending on conditions.

While not the one of the longest flight time drones or battery life of prosumer drones, having 30 minutes of airtime allows me to thoroughly survey sites without constant battery swaps.

The DJI Air 2S leverages intelligent battery technology to achieve impressive flight times.

It uses a 3750 mAh or 3500 mAh Lithium Polymer 3S battery that can provide up to 34 minutes of max flight duration. Actual flight time varies based on conditions like weather, speed, and altitude.

For safe charging and maximum battery life, DJI recommends using the official DJI charger for the Air 2S. This charger provides 13.2V of power to align with the battery’s maximum input voltage.

Starting from a fully drained state, a full recharge takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

While flight duration depends on real-world conditions, the Air 2S battery enables longer flights than many comparable drones in its class when charged properly with the DJI charger.

Following DJI’s charging guidelines allows pilots to safely recharge quickly between flights.

To maximize the Air 2S’s endurance,I recommend the Fly More kit with extra batteries to cycle through on long shoots.

Charging each intelligent battery takes around 90 minutes, so having multiples is key to extending project airtime with this long lasting battery drone.

In addition to the 31 minute max airtime, the Air 2S excels at smooth, stable 5.4Kvideo capture thanks to its 1-inch sensor and 3-axis gimbal.

I can collect pro aerial footage across full 30 minute flights, often getting all the shots I need in one battery cycle.

For pilots seeking ample flight time in a portable package, the Air 2S is an outstanding choice. The 31 minutes of airtime provides flexibility many consumer quadcopters lack.

When it comes to balancing battery life and mobility, this drone hits the sweet spot.

If you need a UAV that can stay airborne for up to half an hour to gather aerial data, I recommend the DJI Air 2S. The extended flight duration of this long battery life drone sets it apart from the competition.

Autel EVO Nano+ | 28 Minutes Drone Flight Time

As a content creator, I need a long battery life drone that can stay airborne while still being portable. That’s why the Autel EVO Nano+ with its 28 minute flight time is one of my favorite lightweight UAVs.

In real-world use, the EVO Nano+ consistently achieves 25-28 minutes per charge.

That’s impressive endurance for a 249 gram quadcopter and allows me to capture pro 4K footage without constant battery swaps.

The long max flight time also gives me more creative freedom.

To maximize airtime, I recommend extra batteries which can be charged together using the included hub. Rotating through packs is key for extending flights with this long lasting battery drone.

The Autel EVO Nano+ achieves remarkable flight times from its intelligent 2250mAh 2S Lithium Polymer battery.This 7.7V battery offers up to 28 minutes of airtime under optimal conditions, with flight duration varying based on factors like speed and weather.

Autel recommends using only the official battery and 30W USB-C charger for safe, effective charging.

It takes approximately 90 minutes to fully recharge the battery from empty using the recommended 30W USB-C power source.

However, charge time can be faster from a partially drained state. With a maximum charge voltage of 8.80V, the EVO Nano+ battery leverages smart technology to enable quick recharges between longer-than-expected flights for a drone its size.

When charged properly with the Autel charger, the EVO Nano+ battery unlocks the tiny drone’s full potential.

To maximize airtime, I recommend picking up extra batteries which can be charged simultaneously using the included hub. Rotating through charged packs is key for extending flights with the EVO Nano+.

Beyond the long battery life, the EVO Nano+ stands out for its tiny yet powerful 50MP 1/1.28” camera on a 3-axis gimbal. The image quality is outstanding, especially in low light thanks to the RYYB sensor. Obstacleavoidanceprovides protection when shooting.

For content creators wanting pro-grade aerial capabilities in an ultraportable form, the EVO Nano+ is a top choice. The 28 minutes of flight time provides flexibility many smaller drones lack.

This featherlight UAV packs a punch.

When you need a drone that can deliver substantial flight times in a backpack-friendly package, the Autel EVO Nano+ is an excellent pick. The long endurance combined with the foldable design makes this a unique traveling companion.

WHO THIS LIST OF THE BEST LONG BATTERY LIFE DRONES IS FOR?

As a professionaldrone pilotand aerial cinematographer, maximizing flight time is crucial for me to capture the footage I need for client projects. Short battery life on commercial drones has always been a frustration of mine.

I’m constantly having to land just when I’ve gotten in the zone creatively to swap batteries.

It disrupts the flow of the camera drone on a shoot and limits what aerial shots are possible.

That’s why I put together this list of the drones with the longest battery life and flight times.

I made this list of the best long flight time drones for:

• Professional drone pilots who need extended flight times for commercial projects like surveying, mapping, inspection, photography, and videography. The long battery life improves efficiency.
• Landscape and nature photographers who want to stay airborne for 30-45 minutes to capture aerial photos and video footage of scenery and wildlife without swapping batteries frequently.
• Videographers and filmmakers who require long, uninterrupted drone shots for shoots. The extended flight times allow complex footage to be captured in a single take.
• Property inspectors, mappers, and surveyors who need to thoroughly capture data, photos or video of large sites or structures. The long battery life eliminates constant landings for battery changes.

I want to help other pilots avoid the pain of short flight durations and have UAVs that can stay airborne to get all the photos, videos, and data they require.

These long lasting battery drones have been total game changers for my commercial aerial work.

I fly drones on a near-daily basis for inspection, mapping, micro drones, surveying, photography and videography projects.

Having UAVs thatcan fly for 30 minutes or longer on a single chargehas improved my efficiency and allowed me to take on jobs that wouldn’t be possible with 15-20 minute flights.

The extended flight times mean I spend less time grounded swapping batteries and more time productively capturing aerial perspectives for clients.

My goal with this post of the best long battery life dronesis to spare fellow drone enthusiasts the wasted time and frustration I’ve experienced over the years from short battery life.

I want to shortcut your research so you can quickly identify the long endurance drones that will meet your needs and take your aerial capabilities to new levels. These professional drones are the UAVs I rely on everyday to maximize my time in the air capturing pro-level shots and data.

KEY FACTORS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST A DRONE WITH LONG FLIGHT TIME?

When shopping for a new drone, maximum flight time should be one of your top priorities. Long battery life directly translates to more aerial footage captured, data collected, and sites surveyed per flight.

Who wants to constantly land their UAV every 10-15 minutes to swap batteries?Not me!

As an experienced commercial drone pilot, I’ve learned there are certain key factors that contribute to extended drone endurance.

Here’s what to look for when buying a quadcopter drone to maximize your time spent productively in the air with a long battery life drone:

BATTERY CAPACITY

The milliamp hour (mAh) rating on your intelligent flight battery determines its capacity. More capacity equals more potential airtime. Look for higher mAh ratings like 5000mAh+ if you want the longest battery life drone or best drone battery life.

Just know larger batteries add weight which can offset gains from larger battery used.

EFFICIENT DESIGN

Sleek, aerodynamic drones that slice through the air will use less power. Bulky frames with excess components lead to more drag and battery drain.

Foldable drones also tend to be optimized for efficiency. An efficiently designed drone can lead to a long lasting and better battery life.

MOTOR & PROPELLER QUALITY

Powerful yet energy-efficient motors and balanced, well-designed propellers contribute to great battery life optimization and noise reduction.

Premium brands focus extensively on these components that are key to creating one of the drones with the longest battery life.

REDUNDANT IMUS

Having multiple inertial measurement units to cross-check aircraft positioning is more accurate but draws more power. disabling back-up IMUs when not needed can save juice and keep your drone in the air longer.

CAMERA SIZE & RESOLUTION

Large, high-resolution cameras require more energy to stabilize and transmit footage. Lower resolution streaming conserves power. But don’t sacrifice key image quality! Carefully balance camera capabilities with battery life.

TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGY

Advanced occusync and O3 transmission systems offer excellent long range and stability but drain batteries faster than basic WiFi streaming. Disable for short-range flights.

Managing transmission power can extend flight times.

SENSOR FEATURES

Obstacle detection, subject tracking, and automated flight all tap into battery reserves. Toggle off unneeded sensors and sensors when focus is on raw flight time. Turn off unneeded sensors to extend your battery life.

WEATHER SEALING

Protection from dust, moisture and extremes of temperature enable batteries to perform more efficiently across conditions. Weather resistance means fewer issues. Weather sealing helps create a long lasting drone battery.

WEIGHT

Every extra ounce your drone has to lift decreases airtime. Travel light, removing unneeded accessories and modules. But don’t sacrifice key flight stability and camera gear!

Lightweight drones allow for the longest lasting batteries.

SOFTWARE & SETTINGS

Factor in smart battery modes, power management systems, and ability to customize settings like video resolution and frame rates to optimize power use for your flight goals.

Intelligent software can help optimize your drone’s battery life.

Keep this checklist handy when evaluating new drones with long flight time.

Prioritize the models with the right combination of high battery capacity, an optimized airframe, intelligent software and custom flight settings.

With the right long flight time drone, you’ll stay airborne longer capturing the professional aerial photos, videos and data your passion demands.

HOW TO INCREASE YOUR DRONES FLIGHT TIME BY CARING FOR YOUR BATTERIES

One of the biggest limitations of recreational and commercial drone use is short battery life.

To maximize your time in the air capturing aerial footage and data, it’s important to implement strategies to extend battery life compared to your drone’s flight duration per charge.

Follow these tips to get the most endurance out of your drone batteries and become an expert in long battery life drone operation.

CHOOSE A HIGH-CAPACITY BATTERY

Opting for an intelligent flight battery with a higher capacity rating (mAh) will directly increase the drone’s max flight time per charge.

Look for options specifically designed for extended airtime if you want a drone with long battery life or a drone with the best battery life.

TURN OFF UNNEEDED FEATURES

Disable sensors, lights, live video feed, and other features when not required to conserve power for flight. For example, turn off obstacle detection when doing open sky photography.

Every bit of power savings adds up, allowing your drone to become a long battery life drone.

FLY AT AN EFFICIENT SPEED

Maintaining a moderate speed is most power efficient. High speeds drain the battery quicker while ultra-low speeds use energy to stay aloft.

Find the ideal cruising speed for your drone that balances coverting ground with longevity. This helps turn it into one of the longest lasting battery drones.

MAINTAIN A STEADY ALTITUDE

Frequent changes in altitude burn more battery as the motors work harder. Once at your target height, try to minimize climbs and descents.

Allow the drone to hover as much as possible.

This steady flight will extend the life of your long lasting drone battery.

USE POWER-SAVING MODES

Many drones have customizable power settings to prioritize battery life over performance. Activate these modes to extend your time in the air. Just be aware of any performance trade-offs. Using power saving modes can optimize your drone’s battery life.

OPTIMIZE AERODYNAMICS

Improving the drone’s ability to slice through the air efficiently will help conserve power. Use propeller guards or shrouds to reduce drag. Ensure propellers are balanced and maintained.

Aerodynamic optimization helps create one of the drones with the longest battery life.

MINIMIZE WEIGHT

Every extra gram of weight diminishes flight time. Only use the minimum camera and accessories needed for your flight goals. Remove unneeded modules when possible.

Shedding weight helps enable your drone to achieve maximum battery life.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE & CALIBRATION

A clean, calibrated drone will operate at peak efficiency. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guide for motors, batteries, sensors, etc. Recalibrate sensors and compasses periodically.

Proper maintenance keeps your long battery life drone performing optimally.

ADVANCED POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

High-end drones may leverage intelligent systems to monitor usage across components and divert power only where needed most. This optimizes overall efficiency. Advanced power management can extend your drone’s battery performance.

MONITOR BATTERY LEVELS

Keep a close eye on remaining charge before, during and after flights. Land with reserve power left to avoid damaging batteries. Make battery health monitoring part of your pre-flight checklist.

Closely monitoring your battery will maximize your drone with long battery life.

ADJUST SETTINGS TO CONDITIONS

Tweak speed, power mode and other settings based onwind, temperature and other factors that impact efficiency. You may also need to adapt your flight style accordingly.

Optimizing your drone’s settings for conditions can help increase battery life.

AVOID EXTREME WEATHER

Flying in very high or low temperatures, or in wet conditions, can reduce battery performance. Check your drone’s safe operating range and consider saving missions for more optimal weather.

Avoiding extreme weather leads to longer lasting batteries.

CONCLUSION BEST DRONES WITH THE LONGEST FLIGHT TIMES

Battery technology continues to advance and enable drones with longer flight times than ever before. DJI, Autel and other leading manufacturers are pushing the limits of lithium battery capacity and optimization to give pilots more productive time in the air.

If you’re frustrated with short 10-15 minute drone flights, now is the perfect time to upgrade to a new UAV with extended battery life.

This guide has outlined the top drones that can keep you airborne for 30-45 minutes per charge thanks to their high-capacity intelligent flight batteries, efficient designs and power management systems.

Investing in one of these long lasting battery drones will allow you to fully pursue your passion in 2023 without the constant hassle of swapping batteries.

You’ll be able to capture more professional aerial photos, videos and data across longer uninterrupted flights. Don’t settle for draining, limited airtime – unlock your full creative potential with the best long battery life drones now available and make 2023 your most productive and rewarding drone with long battery life.