Here’re the parts lists for the most affordable 5-inch FPV drone builds available in 2024-2025. But remember, going cheap doesn’t always mean sacrificing performance. Each component in these lists is handpicked to ensure you’re equipped with the latest FPV drone technology and features. Alongside the drone parts, I’ll also recommend a few decent, budget-friendly accessories like radios, LiPo chargers, and FPV goggles, which you’ll need to start flying.
Pro Tip: Don’t overlook AliExpress. While it’s based in China and shipping might take a bit (typically 2-3 weeks for the US and Europe), but if you’re patient, you might just stumble upon some unbeatable deals there.
Read More: Also check out my budget $150 7″ Build that offers 5km of range: https://oscarliang.com/150-dollar-7inch-fpv-drone/.
Table of Contents
The $100 Build
Each component in this $100 build was chosen for its low price without sacrificing the basic functionality of a modern FPV drone, supporting 6S LiPo batteries. However, bear in mind that at this price point, quality and reliability won’t match more expensive builds. If you’re looking for better performance, I recommend the $230 build in this guide. But if you’re aiming for the most budget-friendly option, here’s the parts list:
| Frame: Mark5 5-inch Frame | US$11.47 |
| FC and ESC: F405 V3S FC with 60A ESC | US$32.9 |
| Motors: 2306 or 2207 Motors (Set of Four) | US$12.24 |
| VTX: Solgood Cyclone 1W VTX | US$14.41 |
| FPV Camera: Generic 1800TVL Camera | US$11.47 |
| Receiver: SpeedyBee or JMCU Receiver | US$2.67 |
| LiPo battery: Any 6S 1000-1100mAh LiPo | US$16.77 |
| Propellers: Any 5inch 3-blade HQ or Gemfan (four) | US$0.99 |
| Total | $102.92 |
Note: Some of these products are on sale thanks to Black Friday, so the prices might increase after the promotions end! Here are some screenshots of the actual products in this list and their discounted prices:
The $230 Build
The $100 build mostly uses unbranded, generic components that might have questionable quality, which is why they come at such a low price. If you’re looking for reliability and performance without breaking the bank, the $230 build below offer a significant upgrade with reputable brand names.
While this build is focused on analog FPV to keep costs down, it can also accommodate HD FPV systems if you’re willing to spend a little more.
Drone costs:
| Frame: Source One V5 | US$29.99 |
| FC and ESC stack: Speedybee F405 V4 & 55A ESC | US$69.99 |
| Motors: 4x T-Motor Velox 2207 | US$59.60 |
| VTX: TX805 | US$13.00 |
| FPV Camera: Foxeer Razer Micro | US$17.99 |
| Receiver: Bayck ELRS RX | US$9.60 |
| LiPo battery | US$25.34 |
| Propellers (1 set of 4) | US$3.00 |
| Total | $228.60 |
And other gear:
| Radio: Radiomaster Pocket | $64.99 |
| FPV Goggles: EV800D | $67.99 |
| LiPo Charger: SkyRC B6Neo | $24.60 |
Assuming you’ve got the necessary tools on hand, building the cheapest 5″ drone with decent components will set you back just under $230. You can actually buy a pre-built drone for around $200, check out the iFlight Nazgul ECO: https://oscarliang.com/iflight-nazgul-eco-fpv-drone/
For essential equipment like the radio, goggles, and charger, you’re looking at an additional $150. To put things in perspective, that’s a pretty solid deal. Take, for instance, the BetaFPV’s FPV drone kit, which is a basic kit featuring a small 2S tiny whoop—it already costs around $300. This budget-friendly setup will be a reliable companion for quite some time before you even think about an upgrade.
Frame
The cheapest frame that I would recommend is probably the Source One V5. It has an update-to-date design with decent quality carbon fibre. Plus, there’s a plethora of open-source 3D printed components available online to customize your build. Priced at just $29.99, it’s a steal available in most local RC shops.
Get the SourceOne V5 Frame here:
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-dg3f
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEidP4J
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3U1wyt8
Flight Controller and ESC Stack
Having used the Speedybee F405 stacks for a while now, I can confidently vouch for its performance. In fact, it’s currently one of the best flying quads in my fleet. What’s even more astonishing is its price point—at $69.99 including a 55A 4in1 ESC, this stack offers outstanding value for money. If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck while still getting top-notch performance, this is the stack to go for.
Get the Speedybee F405 Stack here:
- Speedybee: https://oscarliang.com/product-wncw
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-6ro8
- NBD: https://oscarliang.com/product-tscf
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFU9NkF
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/46EzYZi
Review: SpeedyBee F405 V4 Flight Controller – The Most Popular Budget FC/ESC Stack Just Got Better
If the Speedybee isn’t available, consider the GepRC Taker Stack. The specifications are promising on paper. Priced slightly higher than the Speedybee, it offers commendable value.
Get the GEPRC Taker F405 stack from these vendors:
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-ewon
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-w0a0
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DltVB3F
Motors
The Velox V2207 V2/V3, priced at just $14.9 each, is one of the most economical yet reliable motors available today. T-Motor’s budget line offers a modern design and features that impress: N52 magnets, a titanium shaft, and the trusted quality of T-Motor. They also provide a range of KV options. For cinematic or endurance flights, the 1750KV version works wonders on 6S. However, if you’re into racing or more aggressive freestyle flying, you might want to consider the 1950KV-2050KV range. For those using a 4S battery, the 2550KV is ideal.
Get the T-Motor Velox from:
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-ahy5
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-gch4
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDjg899
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Qp4W1Z
Another commendable option is the Emax ECO II. Priced at $15.99 each, these motors are known for their value. If you’re building for a 6S setup, you have the choice between 1700KV and 1900KV. Based on my experience, I’d recommend the 1900KV. It provides a good balance of power, and any difference in flight time should be negligible, especially when you are just cruising.
Get the Emax Eco II 2207 Motors from:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCRMR3z
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-6vdt
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-8mns
Video Transmitter
For a budget build, you probably want to go with analog FPV system, digital is going to cost a lot more.
Enter the Eachine TX805—an analog video transmitter that won’t break the bank at just $13. Despite its affordability, it’s packed with features: compactness, 30x30mm mounting patterns, compatibility with a wide input voltage range (7V-24V), and support for 5 bands. Moreover, it boasts a power output of up to 800mW. Its compact and lightweight design ensures that installation is a breeze. See my review for more info: https://oscarliang.com/eachine-tx805-vtx/
Get the TX805 here:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDjctY1
- Banggood: http://bit.ly/2UaVBPX
FPV Camera
From my experience, ensure you pick up the Razer Micro over other models in the Razer series, as I’ve found it offers the best image quality.
At only $17.99, the Foxeer Razer Micro stands out as the cheapest worth having analog FPV camera. Make sure you pick up the Razor Micro and not other models in the Razer series, as I’ve found it offers the best image quality. While the Razer Nano is also ok, its smaller dimensions (14x14mm) requires an adapter to fit in the Source One frame.
Get the Foxeer Razer Micro here:
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-82uc
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DB4GQBv
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-pzsy
For those willing to stretch their budget slightly, the Runcam Phoenix 2 Special Edition is another excellent choice. Priced at $24.99, it might be more expensive than the Razer, but you may find its image quality slightly superior.
Get the Runcam Phoenix 2 SE from:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DC2f8h9
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-pu4j
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QoZ74s
Radio Receiver
This is the cheapest ExpressLRS receiver I’ve come across from BAYCK: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Ddi9WEf
I’m quite happy with its performance, and I’d buy it again. The firmware target is BAYCK 2.4GHz Nano RX, it comes with ELRS version 3.3 firmware.
LiPo Battery
For the 5″ build we’ve discussed, I suggest considering 6S batteries within the 1100mAh to 1300mAh range. One cost-saving tip: AliExpress regularly offers attractive deals, with waiting times of 2-4 weeks for delivery. For instance, I recently spotted a deal for CNHL 6S 1100mAh batteries, offering 2 packs for a mere $50.69, inclusive of shipping: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnaABRn
For those based in the US, RDQ has a sweet offer: a 3-pack bundle priced at just $94.99, translating to $31.6 for each pack. https://oscarliang.com/product-qkni
However, a word of caution: always prioritize quality when purchasing LiPo batteries. Skimping on this might save you a few bucks upfront, but low-quality batteries are not only less efficient but also pose a greater risk of catching fire. For your safety and peace of mind, I’ve compiled a list of trusted brands in the market.
Using LiPo Batteries for FPV Drones: Beginner’s Guide with Top Product Recommendations
Propellers
Props are often the cheapest components of an FPV drone. Typically, a set of four costs around $3-$4. Given their affordability, it’s worth experimenting with various brands and types to see what best suits your needs. Let me share some of my top recommendations:
The Ultimate Guide to FPV Drone Propellers: How to Choose the Best Props for Your Quadcopter
The Cheapest FPV Equipment
Radio
If all we care about is cost-effectiveness, the $64 Radiomaster Pocket is definitely one of the top choices. Radios at this price point will come with some compromises, but the Pocket does pretty much everything you need in FPV. What’s more, it’s one of the most compact radios out there, making it easy to carry around. I recommend getting the ExpressLRS version, which eliminates the need for an external module. It will work with any ExpressLRS receivers regardless the brand.
Get the Radiomaster Pocket here:
- Radiomaster: https://oscarliang.com/product-wym1
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkxckYF
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-8o4u
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-sv1a
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-n656
Review: Radiomaster Pocket – The Compact Budget FPV Radio Transmitter Without Compromise
FPV Goggles
The EV800D is probably the gold standard in budget FPV goggles. It doesn’t look as slick and compact as the high end goggles, but they will get the job done. Normal price is around $100-$120 depending on where you get them from, but I just saw a sale on AliExpress for $67.99. That’s shockingly cheap and I honestly have no idea how they are doing it, so make sure you check what you are getting before ordering, get them from a reputable seller if in doubt.
Buy the EV800D from:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdkKba7
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-cd8a
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-4c0e
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-g91l
If you have the budget, it’s a good idea to buy something with higher quality and more features. You can learn more about FPV goggles in this post.
Ultimate FPV Goggles Guide: Find the Best FPV Headset for Every FPV System
Charger
At $26 on AliExpress, the SkyRC B6Neo is the most feature-rich and powerful chargers available. It’s also been my favourite charger for travelling in 2024 thanks to its compact form factor. However there’s a catch – you need an external power supply or USB-C power adapter (PD capable) to power this charger.
Purchase the B6Neo charger from:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFnuemV
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-dmtq
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-arfb
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-utze
You can read my review to learn more.
Review: SkyRC B6neo LiPo Battery Charger – Best Portable Charger of 2023? Better than M4 Pocket?
If you want a charger that you can plug it straight into a wall outlet, consider the $64.99 iSDT 608AC. One of its standout features is the removable AC power supply, which makes your life slightly easier trying to search for a suitable PSU.
While its 50W capacity might seem limited when powered via AC, it’s plenty for FPV beginners. For those eyeing an upgrade down the line, pairing this charger with an external power supply can boost its capacity to a whopping 200W—adequate even for experienced pilots.
Get the iSDT 608AC charger from:
- GetFPV: http://bit.ly/2Sf4Hax
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeFsS2f
- Banggood: http://bit.ly/isdt-608ac
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/38YgRuY
- RaceDayQuad: http://bit.ly/390muJ1
Build Guides
If you’re new to building FPV drones, these tutorials will help you get started:
- How to assemble an FPV drone from scratch and techniques: https://oscarliang.com/how-to-build-fpv-drone/
- How to solder: https://oscarliang.com/soldering-guide/
- How to setup Betaflight: https://oscarliang.com/betaflight-firmware-setup/
Each guide covers essential skills and setup steps, making it easier to follow along and build your own drone with confidence.
Edit History
- Dec 2022 – Guide created
- Oct 2023 – Product updated
- Mar 2024 – Product updated
- Nov 2024 – Added $100 build
44 comments
Do you know if they discontinued the FC and ESC stack: Speedybee F403 V4 & 55A ESC? I can only find the 405 online. If they did replace the 403 can I use the 405 in its place with no changes to the guide?
It was a typo, i meant to say F405 V4. Sorry.
Hi Oscar, I noticed your review for the eachine Vtx was from over 5 years ago, i was wondering if you had any other alternatives of around this price since then or is that still the best option for analog.
Unfortunately there hasn’t been much development in the analog technology, and there hasn’t been any new budget VTX that’s worth recommending really. The Eachine VTX is still one of the best value VTX you can get today.
Noticed there is no capacitor listed for this build, any reason why?
Capacitor is included in the FC/ESC stack.
Hi Oscar, which 5″ frame is the cheapest to start when it needs to support an o3 air unit?
Why not invest a bit more in a frame since you are already using a high end FPV system? Cheaper frames don’t normally include parts for mounting the O3 camera/airu unit/antenna. Get a decent frame for that premium FPV system. Here are my recommendations: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-frames/#Frame-Recommendations
Hello from Brazil, Oscar. I am very glad to have found your website, it is very helpful. I just had a question and if you could help me I would be very grateful.
I bought exactly the parts you recommended in this guide for the 5″ drone, the only thing missing is the equipment (radio, glasses). When looking for the radio, I had a question about which protocol to buy (ELRS or 4n1), then I saw that the recommended receiver is the BetaFPV ELRS Lite RX, so the radio would have to be using the same protocol, correct?
However, I was confused when I saw that the Speedybee F403 V4 FC and ESC stack includes 55A 4 in 1 ESC, so would it be a different protocol (4 in 1) than the radio? And wouldn’t that cause an incompatibility?
Yes, your radio must be compatible with the receiver to work – in this case, if you wish to use the BetaFPV ELRS Lite RX, then you should get the radio with ELRS RF module. ELRS (ExpressLRS) is the most popular and powerful protocol currently, so it’s a good choice.
“4in1” in ESC has nothing to do with the radio. “4in1 ESC” means there are 4 individual ESC integrated in the same board. 4in1 module in a radio, means it support 4 different RF protocols (4 very old protocols that very few people use nowadays). Don’t worry about this, this stack is compatible with any ELRS receiver.
Hey Oscar,
I’ve got most of the parts for the build, but I’m having trouble finding reliable sources for a few items. I could really use your help with this:
Eachine TX805/TX805S
BetaFPV ELRS Lite RX (Tower version)
SkyRc B6Neo
Also, I’ve been hearing that the Skyzone Cobra SD might be a better choice than the Eachine EV800D. What do you think? Is it worth those extra bucks?
Thanks!
Depends on where you are from, try your local shops first. If unavailable, try AliExpress or Banggood, they ship internationally and if they don’t have it, it’s probably not available anywhere else since they are based in China and that’s where everything is made.
I’ve reviewed the Cobra SD (https://oscarliang.com/skyzone-cobra-sd-fpv-goggles/) and indeed it’s a better goggles than the EV800D, but also more expensive. Get the Cobra SD if you have the budget, I’d probably give this post an update later this month.
Any video link that can guide how to build it.
on yt.
How would one adapt this for 3.5 inch frame and hd zero? Complete newb, need help.
Hi, I am thinking of building a drone with this set of components. Do you know the range (and fly time) it would be able to go with every part (including the goggles and transmitter mentioned)? Would it also be possible to later on put the same components in a 3″ case for indoor use?
I like the detailed guide btw, and I appreciate the way you explain everything! It is really easy to understand for a nonflyer!
HI, If I can’t manage to get the Flywoo VTX what is a good substitute? everywhere I look it is out of stock even the Flywoo website.
Yea that one from flywoo might be discontinued i think. Check out the Eachine TX805, also pretty good value: https://oscarliang.com/eachine-tx805-vtx/
Thanks!
Hi there, nice site. I have a flysky i6x transmitter, can I put a flysky receiver on this build? Also, I’m not looking for much power, rather getting a first touch with FPV and perhaps put a camera on and do some nice footage, do you recommend something else?
Of course you can. This build is a great starting point if you want to build something from scratch.
Hey Oscar
I switched the receiver with a Happymodel ep1 and got a foxeer pico for the camera also I switched the vtx with a Happymodel ovx303 do you think the drone will still work?
Yes those parts should work fine.
Hi oscar,
Thank you so much for your work!
I can’t find the recommended video transmitter in AliExpress.
(Its really hard to source parts in Lithuania)
Is the following transmitter comparable with the build?
TBS Unify Pro32 HV 5.8GHz Video Transmitter (MMCX)
Yea it’s a good VTX, but it’s not the cheapest for sure.
Hello Oscar I can’t find the video transmitter can you give me a recommendation of an another video transmitter
Hi can you give the specs of the build? For example maximum range, battery lifetime, speed, etc.?
I think just just about bought everything on this amazing list but when I was following your tutorial on how to assemble a drone I’m not 100 percent sure on how to solder the Flywoo GOKU HM600 VTX to the Speedybee F405 stacks. The HM600 has, I think, 8 solder points, 5v in, 5v out, rx, tx, 2s-6s, ect , and I’m not sure where on the Speedybee F405 FC those should be soldered to. I think i have an idea but I don’t want to solder something where it doesn’t belong and possibly short something out. If you could help me out that would be greatly appreciated.
To get it working you just need to connect 4 pins.
(On the HM600) – (On the Speedybee F405 FC)
2S-6S – 9V
GND – GND
RX – TX
Video – Video out
I wired it up and was getting power but wasn’t having video, I found on reddit that for some reason the TX pin on the HM600 is supposed to be wired up to the VTX pin on the FC. Now everything is working, thanks for the help Oscar your tutorials are awesome!
Hello!
Thank you for your Guide! It helped me A LOT! By any chance can you make also a budget digital guide? That would be awesome.
Many thanks!
Benjamin
Of course, i will work on that. Is there any digital systems you prefer?
The 50a esc version of the speedybee f405 v4 stack is on sale and I never see the 54a esc version marked down. Is the 50a an that much less of a stack than the 55a and does the five less Amos esc make a big difference for a 5 inch build?
I don’t think 5 amps make a big difference, the reason for the price difference is probably about quality control, design and cost of production.
PERFECT
Very interesting! This is a hobby I could get into. What is the estimated total weight of the parts listed above?
Hi Oscar, I was reading this website (which was very helpful) as someone thinking about getting into the world of FPV and I was wondering if you could answer a question I have. Can you use the same controller and goggles for different quads? I am still looking for the right quad for me. I was thinking between your cheap beginner guide for a 5inch or a mobula/mobettle 6 or a darwin baby ape II. I know there are different programs for drones like elrs and others but I was wondering how that fit into goggles are controllers if you used two drones that ran different ones.
Yes you can use the same radio and goggles for different quads as long as those drones have compatible video transmitter and radio receiver.
All the drones you mentioned use analog FPV systems, you can use the same analog FPV goggles with these drones.
ELRS is the radio link, and it’s unrelated to FPV goggles.
You can learn about the different FPV systems here: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-system/
You can learn about radio systems here: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/#Radio-Link-Protocols
Hello, is there any way you can tell me what all I would need to get started with the Darwin Baby Ape? Or the pro, V2, fpv, etc.. not even sure the difference or which ones best. That one seems interesting but it’s like another language trying to figure out what I need to buy with it to get up and running. Even if theres a package deal with everything would be good. Thanks
Hi, I don’t know if this is still being checked, but can I build this completely without any FPV gear to just learn to fly on then add FPV gear later?
I’d assume the answer is yes, butI’d like to save up for a digital FPV system but start learning to fly now.
Flying without FPV is called “Line of sight”, and it’s completely different from flying in FPV, your skills won’t transfer well between these ways of flying.
If you want to start cheap, just practice in a simulator while saving up for your first drone.
Love to see this, found this Website today and read a lot. Found this article and decided to buy this stuff. One question since im very new. How do i Programm and connect everything? Is there like a Chart for that?
you can follow this guide, it walks you through the process of building and setting it up: https://oscarliang.com/how-to-build-fpv-drone/
Just my 2 cents, the ev800d in AliExpress is not the same as eachine ev800d of Banggood.
It’s recommended to buy the eachine model only comes with much better video receiver.
Thank .. 👍👍👍