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Why would you want to fly your consumer drone far from its controller? Well, there are some huge advantages with flying the Best High Altitude Drones further and further in First Person View or FPV. This allows drone pilots to see things and go to places they would not otherwise see or visit. That’s pretty cool when you think about it. This guide looks at some for the Best high altitude drones that you can buy right now.
Best High Altitude Drones List
DJI Air 2S
The beautiful Air 2S combines the best features of our two previous favorite DJI drones, the Mavic Air 2 and Mavic 2 Pro. You get the compact, foldable design of the former, plus the 20MP 1-Inch sensor found in the latter. The combination is a brilliant one, making the Air 2S our top choice for hobbyists and also professionals who need a small drone they can take anywhere. While the Mavic Air 2 remains a good choice for those on a tighter budget, the Air 2S does offer some handy advantages over its predecessor.
The ability to record 5.4K video at 30 fps gives you some extra creative flexibility, and supports a handy digital zoom option (even though we recommend using it only at 2x zoom). Add to that the ability to shoot 1080p at 120 fps and impressive ISO performance, and you have an excellent all-around flying machine that rises above its mid-range rivals. Overall, this is one of the best high altitude drones right now.
DJI Air 2S Fly More Combo - Drone with 3-Axis Gimbal Camera, 5.4K Video, 1-Inch CMOS Sensor, 4 Directions of Obstacle Sensing, 31-Min Flight Time, Max 7.5-Mile Video Transmission, MasterShots, Gray
9 used from $827.55
Features
- 【1-INCH IMAGE SENSOR】Equipped with a 1-inch image sensor and large 2.4μm pixels, DJI Air 2S is capable of 5.4K/30fps and 4K/60fps video..Diagonal Length : 302 mm, Operating Frequency : 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz, Operating Temperature Range : 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F)..Gimbal Max Controllable Speed (tilt) : 100°/s. Angular Vibration Range : ±0.01°
- 【MASTERSHOTS】The next evolution of QuickShots, MasterShots is an advanced intelligent feature that gives users the best shots in any location with just a tap.
- 【THE CENTER OF ATTENTION】FocusTrack features Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 4.0, and Point of Interest 3.0, making it a breeze for DJI Air 2S to follow or circle your subject.
- 【ONE BILLION COLORS】The 10-bit Dlog-M color profile can record up to one billion colors while retaining all the little details that make footage pop.
- 【7.5 MILES MAX VIDEO TRANSMISSION】DJI Air 2S features DJI's most advanced O3 (OcuSync 3.0) image transmission technology, giving you an ultra-smooth, clear, and reliable image feed every time you fly.
DJI Mavic Air 2
The Mavic Air 2, formerly our number one drone, has been ousted from the spotlight by the arrival of the DJI Air 2S (see above). But you shouldn’t necessarily rule it out as an option – it’s more affordable than the Air 2S and may just suit you better, if you don’t need the new model’s larger 1-inch sensor.
It still shoots 4K/60p videos, has an impressive 34-minute flight time and a similar range of up to 10 km. You also get the same subject-tracking goodness as the Air 2S, a slightly longer 34-minute flight time, and that convenient, compact folding design. While we’d prefer the Air 2S, due to its larger sensor and convenient digital zoom, the Mavic Air 2 remains an economical option well worth considering. Overall, this is one of the best high altitude drones right now.
DJI Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo - Drone Quadcopter UAV with 48MP Camera 4K Video 8K Hyperlapse 1/2" CMOS Sensor 3-Axis Gimbal 34min Flight Time ActiveTrack 3.0 Ocusync 2.0, Gray
3 used from $849.00
Features
- 【UP YOUR GAME】: The Mavic Air 2 camera drone takes power and portability to the next level. It combines a powerful camera with intelligent shooting modes for stunning results. Push your imagination to its limits because aerial photography has never been this easy.
- 【NEXT-LEVEL CONTENT】: Capture impressive 48MP photos with a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor while the 3-axis gimbal provides 4K/60fps video. The secret to incredible HDR video is a high-performance Quad Bayer image sensor. OcuSync 2.0 has a video transmission distance of up to 6.2mi / 10 km and can also deliver 1080p FHD resolution livestream directly from the drone’s camera.
- 【IMPROVED FLIGHT】: An impressive flight time of up to 34 minutes allows you to pull off epic, fast-paced shots. Obstacle sensing in three directions makes it extra convenient for beginners and improves safety for your Mavic Air 2.
- 【INTELLIGENT TRACKING】: Mavic Air 2 features intuitive shooting functions that make aerial photography easier than ever. Spotlight 2.0 keeps the camera locked on a subject while you fly freely. ActiveTrack 3.0 keeps subjects centered. POI 3.0 tracks moving subjects like people and vehicles.
- 【APP COMPATIBILITY】: The DJI Fly app requires iOS v10.0, Android v6.0, or above. Compatible devices include: iPhone (11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6s Plus, 6s, 6 Plus, 6), iPad Pro (9.7’’), iPad Air 2 (9.7’’), iPad mini 4 (8’’), iPad Pro (10.5’’), iPad Pro 2018 11’’, iPad Pro 12.9’’, Samsung Galaxy (S20, S10+, S10, S9+, S9, S8+, S8, S7 edge, S7, S6, Note10+, Note9, Note8), Huawei (P30 Pro, P30, P20, P10, Mate 30 Pro, Mate 20 Pro, Mate 10, nova 5, nova 4, nova 3e, nova 2, Honor 8X, 10, 9, 20 Pro, Magic 2, Mi 8, MIX 2S, MIX 2, Redmi Note 5, Oppo Find X, R15, Vivo NEX, X27, X21, X20A, OnePlus 7, 6T, 5, Pixel 3 XL, 2 XL, 2, LG V20, LG G6, Sony Xpeial 1.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro
There is no doubt that the DJI Air 2S eclipses the older Mavic 2 Pro in many ways, especially when it comes to portability. And there are now rumors that the Mavic 2 Pro could be going out of business soon. But there’s one reason you might consider it over its newer cousin: adjustable aperture. The Mavic 2 Pro’s addition of this feature is a bonus for those who like to control their exposure manually, as it largely removes the need to use ND filters. Instead, you can simply change the aperture value on the fly.
Otherwise, the Mavic 2 Pro remains an absolute pleasure to fly and offers Air 2S image quality, thanks to its 20MP 1-inch sensor. With raw support on board, you can trust it to deliver professional-level images alongside its impressive 4K/30p videos. The Air 2S now offers more value for money in a smaller package, but if you really need that adjustable aperture (which lets you switch between f/2.8 and f/11), it could still be the better choice for you. Overall, this is one of the best high altitude drones right now.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro - Drone Quadcopter UAV with Hasselblad Camera 3-Axis Gimbal HDR 4K Video Adjustable Aperture 20MP 1" CMOS Sensor, up to 48mph, Gray
15 used from $819.00
Features
- Equipped with a Hasselblad L1D-20c camera with a 20MP 1” CMOS Sensor, the Mavic 2 camera drone lets you capture gorgeous aerial shots in stunning color detail.
- Up to 31 minutes flight time, 44 mph max speed, 907G takeoff weight, 3-axis gimbal for steady shots, 8GB internal storage, SD card Support up to 128 GB
- Functions include ActiveTrack 2.0, Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing, Hyperlapse, Low-Noise Design, Adjustable Aperture, HDR Photos
- The standard remote controller offers up to 135 minutes of battery life on a full charge. Use with the DJI GO 4 App on your smartphone.
- DJI GO 4 App requires iOS 10.0.2, Android 5.0 or above. Compatible devices include: iPhone 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6s Plus, 6s, 6 Plus, 6, SE, iPad Pro, iPad, Air 2, mini 4. Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, S10, S9 Plus, S9, S8 Plus, S7, S7 Edge, S6, S6 Edge, Note 8, Huawei P30 Pro, P30, P20 Pro, P20, P10 Plus, P10, Mate 10 Pro, Mate 10, Mate 9 Pro, Mate 9, Mate 8, Honor 8X, 10, 9, 20 Pro, Magic 2, Vivo X20, X9, NEX, X27, X21, X20A, Oppo Find X, R15, R11, Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S, 2, 8, 6, Redmi Note 5, OnePlus 7, 6T, 5, Pixel 3 XL, 2 XL, 2, Google Pixel 2XL, OnePlus 6, 5T.
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom is largely identical to the Mavic 2 Pro, except for one crucial difference – the camera system. While both drones are incredibly portable, share the same lightweight folding design, and offer a range of high-spec features, the Zoom pairs a smaller 12MP sensor with a 24-48mm optical zoom lens. That means you can take close-up shots of subjects such as people, while still maintaining the safe and legal distance of 50m.
Due to the smaller sensor, the image quality isn’t quite the same as the Mavic 2 Pro and the aperture of f/2.8 is fixed, but photos and videos are still more than good enough for professional use. The real advantage is the zoom lens, which unlocks a world of creative shooting possibilities. The range is good, distortion is minimal, and operation is intuitive via the partner app.
Plus, you get all the intelligent flight modes you’d expect from a DJI drone, including Active Track and Hyperlapse, and a decent 30-minute flight time. If you want a drone with zoom, this is one of the best high altitude drones for you.
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom - Drone Quadcopter UAV with Optical Zoom Camera 3-Axis Gimbal 4K Video 12MP 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor, up to 48mph, Gray
7 used from $808.99
Features
- Powered by a 1/2.3-inch 12MP sensor with up to 4x zoom, including a 2x optical zoom (24–48 mm), 4 the Mavic 2 Zoom camera drone is all about dynamic perspectives.
- Up to 31 minutes flight time, 44 mph max speed, 905G takeoff weight, 3-axis gimbal for steady shots, 8GB internal storage, SD card Support up to 128 GB
- Functions include ActiveTrack 2. 0, Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing, Hyperlapse, Low-Noise Design, Adjustable Aperture, HDR Photos, Dolly Zoom
- The standard remote controller offers up to 135 minutes of battery life on a full charge. Use with the DJI GO 4 App on your smartphone.
- What you get: DJI Mavic 2 Zoom, Intelligent Flight Battery, Gimbal Protector, Remote Controller, 3x Propellers (Pair), Battery Charger, Power Cable, Communication Cable (USB3. 0 Type-C), USB Adapter, Spare Control Sticks (Pair), RC Cable (Lightning Connector), RC Cable (Standard Micro USB Connector), RC Cable (USB Type-C Connector).
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
DJI’s Phantom series was the one that really took its drones to new heights – and while the Phantom 4 Pro V.20 is not the latest model on this list, it remains a great option for professionals who need something sturdy and reliable for windy conditions. Launched in 2018, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 was a major upgrade over the Phantom 4, bringing vastly improved obstacle avoidance and intelligent flight modes like ActiveTrack. Its 20MP 1-inch sensor can also shoot impressive raw photos and 4K/60p videos at 100Mbps in the D-log color profile.
Of course, the size of the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 (it weighs 1,375g) means it’s not as handy as the foldable Mavic 2 Pro, which also has a 20Mp 1-inch sensor. But it also has a mechanical shutter (to prevent rolling shutter) and has a higher 4K frame rate than its smaller brother. With excellent handling and a 30-minute flight time, this device is definitely worth considering if you want to take high-quality aerial photos and videos in challenging weather conditions that might be too much for the Mavic 2 Pro. Overall, this is one of the best high altitude drones right now.
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 - Drone Quadcopter UAV with 20MP Camera 1" CMOS Sensor 4K H.265 Video 3-Axis Gimbal White
Features
- The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 camera drone comes equipped with a 3-axis motorized gimbal and a 1-inch 20MP CMOS sensor with a mechanical shutter that eliminates rolling shutter distortion.
- The standard controller features a smartphone holder. You will need to install the DJI GO 4 App on your phone to fly your drone.
- The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is a beast when it comes to flight performance. It has a maximum flight speed of 72 kph and an 8km transmission range with 1080p livestreaming and automatic frequency switching thanks to OcuSync 2.0.
- The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 offers Intelligent Flight Modes such as TapFly, ActiveTrack, Draw mode, Gesture mode, and more. Draw lets you control the flight path with a fixed altitude simply by creating a route on the screen.
- DJI GO 4 App requires iOS 10.0.2, Android 5.0 or above. Compatible devices include: iPhone 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6s Plus, 6s, 6 Plus, 6, SE, iPad Pro, iPad, Air 2, mini 4. Samsung Galaxy S10+, S10, S9+, S9, S8+, S7, S7 Edge, S6, S6 Edge, Note 8, Huawei P30 Pro, P30, P20 Pro, P20, P10 Plus, P10, Mate 10 Pro, Mate 10, Mate 9 Pro, Mate 9, Mate 8, Honor 8X, 10, 9, 20 Pro, Magic 2, Vivo X20, X9, NEX, X27, X21, X20A, Oppo Find X, R15, R11, Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S, 2, 8, 6, Redmi Note 5, OnePlus 7, 6T, 5, Pixel 3 XL, 2 XL, 2, Google Pixel 2XL, OnePlus 6, 5T.
PowerVision PowerEgg X
Ignore the culinary name: the PowerEgg X is a kite, not a fryer. And in a market dominated by drones that don’t like water, PowerVision’s aerial globe stands out for its ability to fly in the rain and land on lakes (with the Wizard bundle). Image quality is affected by the plastic waterproof housing, but the ability to work in – and float on – the wet stuff opens up a range of creative possibilities.
So does its versatile modular design. The PowerEgg X can also be used as a handheld gimbal camera and as an autonomous AI camera, which can be mounted on a tripod and controlled with hand gestures. The downside of the adaptable setup is that it is slower to use. It may be lightweight, but removing the protective housing from the body, adding the propeller arms and setting up the controller takes a few minutes.
The image quality is also not industry-leading. The PowerEgg X does produce decent, detailed 4K images in bright conditions, but its fixed-aperture, fixed-focus 12MP 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor can’t compete with DJI’s Mavic drones. It is also not currently possible to shoot in Raw video formats. Overall, this is one of the best high altitude drones right now.
PowerEgg X Wizard 4K/60FPS Multi-Purpose Waterproof Drone for Flying and Landing in Inclement Weather & Water Sports Photography
Features
- 【Stunning 4K60FPS footage】: Capture high-definition aerial footage with crystal-clear detail and smooth motion at 60 frames per second.
- 【Dual-mode functionality】: Enjoy the versatility of two modes in one device, with a handheld gimbal mode for stabilized shots on the ground and a drone mode for soaring through the air.
- 【Intelligent features for creative shooting】: Use slow-motion and time-lapse effects to add creative flair to your footage, and take advantage of the SyncVoice patent technology to add audio to your aerial shots.
- 【Advanced obstacle avoidance and landing protection】: With visual sensors that detect obstacles and landing conditions, the PowerEgg X can avoid collisions and land with precision and safety.
- 【Long-range transmission and flight control】: Control the drone and transmit real-time video up to 6 kilometers away, with wind resistance up to level 5 for stable, controlled flight. Plus, use the intelligent app editor to easily create and share your videos with the world.
DJI FPV
The DJI FPV is a unique drone that is a great introduction to first-person view flying. As a combination of a fast racing drone and DJI’s Mavic series, it’s a huge amount of fun to fly thanks to its impressive video headset, which gives you the thrill of soaring like an eagle. But it also comes with a few more limitations than DJI’s other drones.
One of the main drawbacks is the legislation around flying FPV drones – although this varies depending on what country you’re in, most regions require you to have a ‘spotter’ companion standing next to you while you fly, as the DJI Goggles V2 means the pilot won’t have a direct line of sight with the drone.
However, if you don’t plan to fly solo, and don’t mind this limitation, the DJI FPV is a great option for newcomers. It’s faster and more maneuverable than any other DJI drone, with a top speed of 87 mph, but also has three different flight modes (Normal, Sport and Manual) to help it appeal to different types of pilots.
Unlike most FPV drones, it is also capable of recording very impressive 4K video. The gimbal is just a single-axis thing (rather than the three-axis kind you get on the DJI Mavic Air 2), but electronic image stabilization steps in to make sure the footage is smooth, and you can also shoot 1080p in a slo-mo frame rate of 120fps. Overall, this is one of the best high altitude drones right now.
DJI FPV Combo - First-Person View Drone UAV Quadcopter with 4K Camera, S Flight Mode, Super-Wide 150° FOV, HD Low-Latency Transmission, Emergency Brake and Hover, Gray
$979.99 in stock
16 used from $611.55
Features
- IMMERSIVE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE: Feel the thrill of immersive flight provided by the DJI FPV Goggles V2 and DJI FPV’s super-wide 150° FOV, giving you an ultra-smooth, real-time view of your flight.
- FAA Remote ID Compliant - DJI FPV complies with the FAA Remote ID rule. Please check the compliance document below to see the user guide for Remote ID, and you can visit the FAA's website for requirements of drone registration and Remote ID.
- 4K/60FPS VIDEO: The DJI FPV aircraft can record 4K/60fps video at up to 120 Mbps, capturing crisp details that make footage look as exhilarating as the flight.
- ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES: An auxiliary bottom light, Smart Return to Home (RTH), Low Battery RTH, and forward and downward obstacle sensing are all integrated into DJI FPV to help ensure a safe flight, even at high speeds.
- BRAND-NEW S MODE: Get the dynamic look of FPV footage easily in S mode. This hybrid flight mode combines the freedom of flying manually with the simplified controls of previous DJI drones.
DJI Inspire 2
Bumping its predecessor out of this list with flying colors is the very impressive Inspire 2. With a sleek metal composite body upgrade, it’s a much more attractive piece of kit. Plus, thanks to advanced object avoidance technology, you won’t have to worry about scratching that beautiful body by accidentally hitting a tree.
The dual battery has a flight time of more than 25 minutes and the ability to swap camera lenses means professional photographers and videographers have complete control over their images and 5K video. The fully featured smartphone app and dedicated remote make this drone incredibly easy to operate, but make no mistake, this is a professional piece of kit. Overall, this is one of the best high altitude drones right now.
DJI Inspire 2 Drone
Features
- Efficient workflow
- Sense and avoid
- Spotlight Pro; Compatible with 5.2K Gimbal Cameras
- Intelligent flight modes. Obstacle Sensing Range : 0-16.4 feet (0-5 m)
- Smart return to home.Operating Temperature:-4° to 104° F (-20° to 40° C)