While Iron Man suits with flight capabilities and advanced head-up displays are still in the realm of science fiction, the next best thing is already in the market — Lets examine the best FPV drone. A first-person view (FPV) drone is a mobile, camera-equipped flight platform that gives you live image feedback of what the camera captures. This is done through software integrated with special FPV goggles.
In the past, these drones had limited practical applications and were simply used by enthusiasts. However, FPV technology has advanced to the point that it’s now being utilized by professional videographers, photographers, and even drone racers. Read on to know four of the best FPV drones you can buy.
BetaFPV Cetus FPV
If you’re new to drones and just want a capable entry-level unit, consider getting the BetaFPV Cetus. This is the best FPV drone for beginners due to its auxiliary flight function. You can get familiar with navigating the controls and flying the unit without the constant fear of the drone falling.
Speaking of falling, the BetaFPV Cetus has drift-free hover and automatic landing capabilities that reduce the chances of hard crashes. Moreover, three flight modes are available to further enhance your piloting skills and help you adapt to different flight environments.
This package also comes with a complete kit. Aside from the drone, you get FPV goggles that are ergonomic and adjustable. It’s purposefully given a simple layout to accommodate beginners.
Moreover, there’s a controller that’s similar-looking to what you get in popular game consoles. The joysticks are responsive and comfortable to use. Lastly, there’s a portable storage bag for protection and ease of transport.
If you don’t mind a live-view-only experience, then this model is your perfect gateway to the world of FPV drones.
EMAX Tinyhawk 2 Indoor FPV Racing Drone
For those with a need for speed, the EMAX Tinyhawk 2 Indoor FPV Racing Drone is a good budget option. With its lightweight frame and brushless motors, this indoor drone can reach speeds of up to 50 Km/h. This model is a viable option for drone racing.
Aside from being fast, this drone is easy to handle and maneuver. Its durability is also excellent thanks to its flexible frame and robust overall build. Moreover, you can hook this drone up to a computer and run simulated lights on some of the best FPV drone simulators like LiftOff and Velocidrone.
The drone can capture footage using its Runcam Nano 2 FPV camera which pairs well with the EMAX Transporter 18650 FPV goggles. Other accessories include a controller, spare propellers, transport case, USB charging cable, power brick, 1s 450mah battery, and 2s 300mah battery.
Despite having two battery options, the EMAX Tinyhawk 2 could have benefitted from longer autonomy. The average flight time for the unit is less than four and a half minutes, which can potentially cut your racing sessions short. Moreover, the relatively small size of the unit can compromise its performance in windy or rough weather.
While it has a couple of drawbacks, the speed, durability, and responsiveness of the EMAX Tinyhawk 2 Indoor FPV Racing Drone still make it a great choice for either casual drone flying or professional racing.
Skydio 2+
Are you looking for an FPV drone to add to your videography setup? If so, check out Studio 2+. This FPV drone is the perfect option for photographers, filmmakers, and content creators. With its solid build and AI tracking and avoidance feature, it can traverse anywhere your creative mind wants it to go.
The Skydio 2+ is capable of taking 100,000 stills in less than 30 minutes. If you want to take only the best shots, this FPV drone also has a feature called Panorama Skills. It gives you a real-time 72-megapixel preview of images at whatever orientation.
When it comes to video recording, this unit can capture HDR content in 4K at 60 frames per second (fps). You can likewise angle your shots however you want — even backward — using Skydio Skills.
The signature selling point of the Skydio 2+ is its KeyFrame feature. It allows you to create custom flight routines and paths for the FPV drone. The drone will automatically follow the designated fight trajectory and come back to you with stills or videos it captured along the way. If you’re not satisfied with the content it brings back, you can easily launch it again for another take.
Since the Skydio 2+ is engineered from the ground up to be a creator’s tool, it doesn’t perform that well in action-heavy tasks like drone racing. If you’re going to use the Skydio 2+ purely for creative purposes, you’re going to be happy with it. However, if you want a multipurpose FPV drone that performs well in all categories, consider the next entry instead.
DJI FPV Combo
The DJI FPV Combo is one of the most popular and highly-rated FPV drones in the market. It does have a hefty price tag of $1,000. However, this drone offers excellent performance in all aspects — from maneuverability to image quality.
This FPV drone has a durable and classy design that makes it ideal for all use cases. It offers great performance in both low-speed and high-speed flying. Its top speed is a whopping 140km/h. Moreover, it’s filled to the brim with advanced safety features like auxiliary bottom lighting, return to home (RTH) guidance, and automatic emergency brake and hover.
In terms of image quality, the DJI FPV Combo boasts a 12 MP camera that can record footage either in 4K at 60 fps or in Full HD at 120 fps. There’s also a built-in gimbal that makes the image extremely stable despite tight maneuvering.
Moreover, the DJI FPV Combo arguably has the best FPV drone kit. The included FPV goggles provide a crisp 1440 x 810 resolution. Seeing objects near or far wouldn’t be an issue. Image latency is also non-apparent, improving immersion and overall drone control.
Meanwhile, the DJI Motion controller provides intuitive controls and remains responsive in all available flight modes. Its design — which resembles a fighter jet joystick — is also both cool and ergonomic.
If you want a superb all-rounder, the DJI FPV Combo is for you.
Final Thoughts
Drone technology continues to rapidly advance, with FPV drones keeping pace. From the beginner-friendly BetaFPV Cetus FPV to the Skydio 2+ creator’s companion, many models can be considered the Best FPV drone in select categories. Visit our site if you’re interested in knowing more about FPV drones or drone technology in general.