The Cheapest 5″ FPV Drone Build and Setup in 2024

Here’s a parts list for the cheapest 5-inch FPV drone build available in 2023-2024. But remember, going cheap doesn’t mean compromising on performance. Each component in this list is handpicked to ensure you’re equipped with the latest in FPV drone technology, promising stellar performance. Alongside the drone parts, I’ll also suggest you a few decent, budget-friendly equipment like radios, LiPo chargers, and FPV Goggles, which you need to start flying.

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Have any other budget-friendly parts or equipment recommendations? Drop them in the comments below.

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.

The Cheapest 5″ FPV Drone Build

As of the time I’m writing this, I’ve listed the best prices I could find. Keep in mind, these numbers might change over time. If you’re new to FPV, I will show you how to build this drone from scratch using most of these parts.

You can use this build for HD FPV systems. However, if cutting costs is your priority, I’d recommend sticking with analog, which is what this parts list focuses on.

Drone costs:

And other gear:

Assuming you’ve got the necessary tools on hand, building the cheapest 5″ drone with decent performance will set you back around $230. Gone are the days when you had $99 budget drone builds or $150 cheap builds.

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

Review: Source One V5 Frame | What are the new changes?

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 T-Motor Velox F411 Lite Stack. While I haven’t personally tested it, its specifications are promising on paper. Priced slightly higher than the Speedybee, it offers commendable value.

Get the T-Motor Velox F411 Lite Stack here:

• GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-rda5
• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCMN3zt

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
• Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-zlmz
• NBD: https://oscarliang.com/product-vc8d

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

Navigating the world of receivers, the BetaFPV ELRS Lite, an ExpressLRS 2.4GHz receiver, emerges as the most budget-friendly option at a mere $11.99. I’d recommend opting for the tower antenna version, based on my hands-on experience, it outperforms its flat red antenna counterpart in terms of signal strength and reliability.

The cheapest ExpressLRS receiver I can find is the BetaFPV ELRS Lite (ExpressLRS 2.4GHz) at $11.99. Make sure to get the tower antenna version. Based on my experience, it outperforms the flat red antenna version in terms of signal strength and reliability.

Get the BetaFPV ELRS Lite RX here:

• BetaFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-v0mw
• RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-79f6
• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEvaCsj
• Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-mavu

Review: BetaFPV ELRS Micro TX Module 1W Edition + Lite Receivers

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/_DFTgcen

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

Review: iSDT 608AC LiPo Charger – Great for Beginners?

Edit History

• Dec 2022 – Guide created
• Oct 2023 – Product updated
• Mar 2024 – Product updated