The most advanced drones available on the market are tailored for professional applications. These drones are crafted to cater to various commercial and industrial needs, such as surveying, public safety, agriculture, and more. Besides, selecting a single drone from the extensive array of options might appear daunting to individuals. Yet, there is no need for concern.
This article focuses on discussing the essential factors when choosing and purchasing a professional drone. A compilation showcasing the best professional drones currently on the market is presented. This can help simplify identifying the most suitable drone according to the individual’s requirements.
Things to Consider When Buying a Professional Drone
Its purpose is the most important thing to consider when choosing a professional drone. This would help you initially narrow down your options. After that, consider the following factors as well:
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Flight Time: Depending on the tasks you’d do with the drone, estimate the duration it would need to stay in the air. For instance, if you are using drones for mapping or surveying, you’d need a longer than usual flight time, at least 30 minutes.
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Range: Most professional drones can go a long distance without any issues, usually up to 15 km. For this, make sure to consider the area you’ll be covering. The larger the area, the larger or longer the range you need.
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Drone Size and Weight: Professional drones tend to be bigger and heavier since they have bigger batteries. It’s best to look for a compact and relatively lightweight model that you can easily carry and store.
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Camera and Sensor Quality: This depends on what professional tasks you’ll be doing, like photography or videography. Generally, it’s best to get a drone with a high-quality camera and advanced sensors for great performance.
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These considerations can help make an informed choice of the ideal professional drone.
7 Best Professional Drones to Buy
Here's a selection of the finest options encompassing a range of features tailored to meet diverse industry demands.
1. DJI Mavic 3 Cine
This isn’t your regular consumer drone and is a complete upgrade from the Mavic 2 Pro. This Mavic 3 Cine features a dual-camera system with a Hasselblad 4/3” sensor and a ½” Tele camera sensor that has 28x hybrid zoom.
Aside from the high-quality camera, the flight time and range of the drone are also top-notch, making it one of the best options for a professional drone, especially if you’re in the photography or filmmaking industry. It even has a 1 TB SSD for a smooth, professional workflow.
Key Specifications:
- Flight Time: 46 minutes
- Flight Range: 15 km
- Speed: 19m/s
- Camera: 20 MP, 5.1K/50fps
Pros
- High-quality camera
- Fast speed and long range
- Powerful zoom
- 1TB internal storage
Cons
- Size may be too big for some to transport
- Can be pretty expensive
2. Autel Evo Lite+
The Autel Evo Lite+ is specifically designed for professional users. It features several quality specifications that make it perfect for any professional task, especially for photography and videography.
It’s known for its long battery life and flight time, relatively more than other drones with dual batteries. It has a high-quality camera with an RYYB color filter array that gives high-quality pictures and a level 7 wind resistance for a smooth flight.
Key Specifications:
- Flight Time: 40 minutes
- Flight Range: 12 km
- Speed: 18m/s
- Camera: 50 M, 4K/60fps
Pros
- High-quality camera
- Has wind resistance feature
- Can sense obstacles in different directions
- Easy to use with its app
- Long flight time
Cons
- Can be pretty heavy
- Doesn’t come with propeller guards
3. DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise
This professional drone is widely used and specifically designed for night operations, mapping, surveying, and search and rescue operations. Despite being a relatively small drone, it has a high-quality zoom camera with an RTK module for precision. Moreover, its compact size made it easy to carry. Like other DJI models, it also has a great flight range and time.
Another version of this drone in this series is called the Mavic 3 Thermal, which is similar to the Enterprise but has a thermal camera.
Key Specifications:
- Flight Time: 45 minutes
- Flight Range: 15 km
- Speed: 8m/s (sport mode)
- Camera: 20 MP, 4K/30fps
Pros
- Micro Four Thirds camera
- Long flight time and range
- Can sense obstacles
- Optional RTK GPS
- Good for mapping and surveying
Cons
- Optional accessories and software can get expensive
4. Flyability Elios 2
If you want a professional drone specifically built and designed for professional indoor inspections in difficult-to-access locations, the Flyability Elios 2 is a top contender. It’s an ideal UAV for visual inspections, large-scale industrial operations, and confined space explorations.
The drone features collision-resistance technology and an extremely durable form factor with its round metal cage. Because of this carbon fiber cage, it can roll along ceilings, floors, and walls. It also has visual stabilization sensors in all directions. This makes flying easier and produces more stable data or footage.
Key Specifications:
- Flight Time: 10 minutes
- Flight Range: up to 2m
- Speed: 1.3m/s
- Camera: 12 MP, 4K/30fps
Pros
- Confined space accessibility
- Collision resilience design
- GPS-free stabilization
- Dust-proof lighting
- Features a distance lock mode
Cons
- Short flight time and range
5. Parrot ANAFI USA
The Parrot ANAFI USA is a professional thermal drone ideal for public safety-related tasks, like law enforcement and search and rescue operations. It’s a durable drone with two sensors: a visual and a thermal sensor. Moreover, its data encryption and privacy features comply with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), offering sensitive operations the best privacy and security.
Key Specifications:
- Flight Time: 32 minutes
- Flight Range: 5km
- Speed: 15m/s
- Camera: 21 MP, 4K/24fps
Pros
- Extremely durable design
- High-quality visual camera and thermal camera
- Easy to fly
- Long flight time
- Stabilized x32 zoom capability
- Portable
Cons
- Expensive
6. Freefly Alta X
The Freefly Alta X is a top-notch quadcopter with great features and flight performance. It’s a large drone with up to a 35-lb payload, making it ideal for agricultural and delivery tasks. It has powerful motors and a robust case to protect it during flight. Moreover, it’s portable with its foldable propellers, arms, and carrying case, making it easy to transport.
Unfortunately, this isn't the initial option for professional drones with cameras. However, you can attach your camera to it since it’s compatible with several cameras.
Key Specifications:
- Flight Time: 50 minutes
- Flight Range: 10km
- Speed: 20m/s
- Camera: N/A
Pros
- Powerful motors and advanced flight controls
- Can carry heavy payloads
- Easy to set up
- Long flight time
- Portable despite its size
Cons
- Heavy
7. DJI Inspire 2
If you need a fast drone with a high-quality built-in camera that you can use and fly in locations with extreme temperatures, this is a great option. The DJI Inspire 2 drone is one of the fastest professional drones in the market with its 26m/s top speed. Moreover, it has a 4K camera with a 360-degree rotating gimbal, allowing you to get quality aerial images and footage.
Additionally, this drone has an advanced obstacle avoidance system that ensures a safe flight every time. You can also fly it with another person since it has a dual-operator capability to split the controls.
Key Specifications:
- Flight Time: 27 minutes
- Flight Range: 7km
- Speed: 26m/s
- Camera: 4k
Pros
- Compatible with other cameras
- Dual-operator function
- Can withstand extreme temperatures
- Fast top speed
- 360-degree rotating gimbal and 4K camera
Cons
- Can be heavy for some users
Conclusion
Professional drones feature more advanced technology and controls than common consumer drones. But, with all the available options, you must choose the suitable drone for your professional needs. You need to consider the drone’s flight time, range, size, and weight, and the quality of its camera or sensors.
To help you with that, we’ve compiled all the best professional drones on the list above. But if you’d like to look at more options, check out our massive drone collection. We offer all kinds of drones, from professional to consumer ones!
