When you’re buying a drone, one of the first things to think about is how long it can stay in the air. Whether you’re filming landscapes, doing a quick job, or simply flying for fun, a longer battery life means more time flying and less time waiting for a recharge. Thankfully, drone technology has come a long way—there are now plenty of models that give you a solid amount of flight time without needing to spend a fortune.
This guide breaks down some of the best affordable drones that give you long flight time, from easy-to-use beginner drones to more advanced models. Whether you’re searching for something with around 30 minutes in the air or just want something reliable to start learning, there’s a drone here that fits both your needs and your budget.
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Best Budget-Friendly Drones with Long Flight Time
If you want a drone that stays in the air longer, you don’t need to spend thousands. Here are 7 great drones that are both budget-conscious and offer extended flight durations:
DJI Mavic Air 2
Flight Time: Up to 34 minutes
Price: About $799
A great mix of performance and price. It comes with a high-quality 48MP camera, smart flight modes, and is beginner-friendly despite its advanced features.
Autel Robotics EVO II
Flight Time: Up to 40 minutes
Price: Around $1,495
Slightly more expensive, but packed with premium features like an 8K camera, smart tracking, and excellent obstacle detection. Perfect if you want serious flying time with pro-level footage.
Holy Stone HS720
Flight Time: Around 26 minutes
Price: Around $299
Ideal for beginners. You get a decent 4K camera, GPS-assisted features, and foldable design, making it easy to carry and fly.
DJI Mini 2
Flight Time: Up to 31 minutes
Price: Around $449
Lightweight and compact, this drone is excellent for travelers or first-time flyers. It also delivers sharp 4K video, even in windy conditions.
Potensic D88
Flight Time: Up to 20 minutes
Price: Around $269
A solid starter drone that includes a 2K camera and GPS features. While flight time is on the lower side, it’s great for casual users.
Parrot Anafi
Flight Time: Around 25 minutes
Price: About $699
Unique with its upward-tilting 4K HDR camera, this drone is good for creative shooting angles. Its light build and portability make it a smart option for travel photography.
Ruko F11 Pro
Flight Time: Up to 30 minutes
Price: About $329
Equipped with a 4K UHD camera and wide-angle lens, this drone combines affordability with impressive features like GPS and gesture controls.
Are There DJI Drones with Long Flight Time?
DJI is a trusted name when it comes to drones that perform well and stay in the air longer. Two standouts include:
DJI Mavic Air 2: Offers up to 34 minutes of flight and is loaded with smart features for smooth flying and filming.
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0: Flies for about 30 minutes and comes with excellent camera stability and quality—ideal for pros and creators.
While DJI drones don’t yet reach a full hour of flying, they offer an excellent balance of time, performance, and value.
Can Drones Fly for 2 Hours?
Currently, drones that fly for 2 hours straight are mostly made for industrial or specialized use, and they come with a heavy price tag. Most consumer drones—even the top-tier ones—hover around 30 to 45 minutes of flight time. So, while 2-hour drones exist, they’re not quite practical for everyday users just yet.
For now, aiming for drones that offer between 30 and 60 minutes is your best bet.
Drones That Come Close to a 1-Hour Flight
Though rare, a few drones get close to that 1-hour mark:
Autel EVO II Pro: Stays in the air for around 40 minutes.
Parrot Anafi USA: Offers approximately 32 minutes of flight.
Freefly Alta X: A commercial-grade drone that can go up to 55 minutes—but it’s made for professionals in film or surveying.
These show that longer flights are possible, especially as drone tech continues to improve.
Beginner Drones with Long Flight Time Under Budget
If you’re just starting out and don’t want to overspend, here are two solid picks:
Holy Stone HS720: A favorite on Amazon, offering around 26 minutes of flight time with GPS and a 4K camera.
Potensic T25: Gives about 20 minutes per flight. It’s affordable, user-friendly, and good for practice.
Both options give new users enough air time to get familiar with drone controls without breaking the bank.
Quick FAQs
Q: What’s the longest DJI drone flight time?
A: The DJI Mavic 3 leads the pack with up to 46 minutes in the air.
Q: Which drone flies the longest overall?
A: Freefly Systems Alta X holds the record among commercial drones, flying up to 55 minutes.
Q: Is there a drone that lasts 45 minutes?
A: Yes, DJI Mavic 3 manages up to 46 minutes per charge.
Q: Which low-cost drone has the best flight time?
A: The Holy Stone HS720 is a great deal with 26 minutes of flight for under $300.
Q: Do any drones fly for a full hour?
A: Not quite yet for consumers. Some high-end models come close—like the EVO II Pro at 40 minutes.
