GPS has become an invaluable component for FPV drones due to significant advancements in features like Rescue Mode in Betaflight and Return to Home in iNav. Today, I’ll be testing some of the most popular GPS modules from Flywoo, HGRLC, Beitian, GEPRC, and FlyfishRC, comparing their performance, and offering my recommendations.
Table of Contents
Why You Need GPS on Your FPV Drone
The latest Betaflight has revolutionized the GPS Rescue Mode, making it far more reliable and user-friendly. This advancement makes incorporating a GPS module into all your quad builds almost a no-brainer. However, the challenge lies in finding a reliable GPS module that balances cost, size, and weight without compromising accuracy.
Check out this post to learn more about Rescue Mode in Betaflight: https://oscarliang.com/setup-gps-rescue-mode-betaflight/
In this roundup, we’ll explore various options to find the cheapest, smallest, and best-performing GPS modules available.
GPS Round-up
Here are the GPS modules I’ve tested. You can find these GPS units through the affiliate links provided below.
HGLRC M100 Mini
The HGLRC M100 Mini GPS module stands out due to its affordability, tiny form factor and lightweight design, even smaller and lighter than the BN180.
Despite its low cost, small 15x15mm size and 2.8g weight, it uses the advanced UBlox M10 chip, supporting GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BDS satellite signals for global functionality.
Outperforming the BN220 right out of the box, the HGLRC M100 Mini requires no configuration tinkering. Priced comparably to the BN220, this impressive GPS module has been my go-to choice for 5″ freestyle quad budget builds.
You can find the M100 Mini here:
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-knfl
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-6zvg
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCXKBFj
HGLRC M100-5883
The M100 Mini’s bigger brother offers superior performance and includes a compass.
Get it here:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlLhgFd
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-bf3p
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-0yby
HGLRC M80
This GPS uses the older M8 chip and, unfortunately, the unit I received was faulty, therefore I was unable to test it. Anyway it’s bigger and heavier than some other M10 GPS, and it offers no real price advantage, so I don’t see why you would want to get this over the M10 counterparts.
HGLRC M80 Pro
An upgrade from the M80, the HGLRC M80 Pro uses the M8 chip. While it doesn’t perform as well as the M10 counterparts, it’s slightly cheaper and includes a compass, making it suitable for budget builds.
Get it here:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DE9JAAb
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-ugpv
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-lko2
FlyfishRC M10 Mini
One of the smallest M10 GPS modules on the market, made by FlyfishRC.
Get it from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkCU7qr
Flywoo GOKU GM10 Nano V3
Although the Nameless GPS is technically the smallest I’ve ever tested, its performance is unreliable and takes a long time to get a GPS lock. The GOKU Nano V3 from Flywoo, however, is a tiny GPS module with impressive performance, outperforming the BN220 even with optimized U-Center settings. With a similar price and a significantly smaller and lighter design, the Flywoo GOKU Nano V3 is fantastic for micro builds.
I’ve flown this module on the Flywoo CineRace20 and consistently get up to 26 satellites, which is remarkable for its size. Ensure you’re using Betaflight version 4.3 or newer to support the 10th generation Ublox GPS chip.
You can find the GOKU Nano GPS here:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEqdlNV
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/4blgdYk
- Flywoo: https://oscarliang.com/product-jwzb
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-kky6
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-sglj
They also offer a version with compass, which significantly improves it’s versatility.
Flywoo GOKU GM10 Pro V3
The GOKU GM10 Nano’s bigger brother offers more reliable performance and includes a compass, ideal for iNav builds.
Get the Flywoo GOKU GM10 Pro V3 from
-
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlxNIrd
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cnmrrY
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-3y06
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-n5se
Beitian BN-220
As more GPS modules with the advanced M10 chip emerge, it’s becoming harder to recommend the older BN220. Don’t get me wrong – the BN220 has been around for years, and it’s a reliable, time-tested GPS that performs well for Betaflight, especially when you optimize its settings via U-Center: https://oscarliang.com/gps-settings-u-center/
If you already own a BN220, it will continue to serve you well. However, if you’re considering purchasing a new GPS module, I highly recommend opting for the newer M10-based GPS options. They tend to perform noticeably better at a similar cost.
Buy the Beitian BN220 here:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DENus9Z
- Banggood: http://bit.ly/2nD6QxP
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Xelr1F
Beitian BN-180
The BN180 used to be a good option, but I don’t recommend it anymore as there are many cheaper, better, and even smaller options available. The BN180 takes much longer to get a GPS lock compared to M10 GPS modules and doesn’t see as many satellites.
GEPRC M1025Q
If you are looking for a reliable GPS for your larger models, the GEPRC M1025Q is a serious contender. It might be big, but it provides excellent performance, making it worth it. It also comes with a compass, perfect for iNav builds. If size and weight aren’t a problem, get it.
You can find the GEP M1025Q from these sellers:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCihHmP
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-zixk
VK GPS – The $4 GPS Module
While browsing AliExpress, I stumbled upon the VK2828U7G5LF GPS module, priced at a mere $4 – possibly the cheapest GPS available for FPV drones! Naturally, I had to give it a try. Despite my low expectations, this budget GPS actually works!
By default, the GPS comes with a 1Hz refresh rate and a 9600 baud rate. I adjusted these settings in U-Center to 5Hz and 57600Hz for better performance. Unfortunately, I couldn’t modify any other settings on this GPS module. You can also configure it using U-Center by following my tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/gps-settings-u-center/
It got a 3D fix within 2 minutes next to my room window, not bad at all for $4, but I couldn’t get more than 8 satellites after waiting for 5 minutes. For a cheap build, this GPS module is worth considering. However, I wouldn’t recommend relying on it for your more valuable models.
Make sure you get the same one as pictured in this review. You can find this $4 GPS here:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdyGkeH
FlyFishRC M8QMC
Although FlyFishRC claims it’s a UBLOX10 GPS, it performs more like an M8 GPS in my experience. This GPS comes with an onboard compass (QMC5883L Magnetometer chip) for those who need more accurate direction performance.
It’s similar in size to the BN180, making it very compact. However, it is quite a bit thicker and heavier, weighing 9.4g and measuring 20x20x11mm.
Purchase the FlyFishRC M8QMC here:
Beitian BH-182
The latest GPS released by Beitian in 2024, it has a similar form factor and weight to the BN180. However, I couldn’t get it to work in Betaflight 4.5 after trying for hours. It appears to have the “B101” chip according to its datasheet, not the usual M series chip. That could be why it’s not currently supported. Therefore, I do not recommend it for now.
You can find this GPS at:
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-5yev
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnbGkrz
Beitian BH-222Q
The latest GPS released by Beitian in 2024, it has a similar form factor and weight to the BN220, with an integrated compass. However, I couldn’t get it to work with Betaflight after trying for hours. It appears to use the “B101” chip according to its datasheet, not the M series chipo. Maybe that’s why it’s not currently supported. Therefore, I do not recommend it for now.
You can find this GPS from Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-dv9i
Beitian BH-252Q
Latest GPS released by Beitian in 2024, it’s the bigger brother of the BH222Q, with compass integrated. However I couldn’t get it to work with Betaflight after trying for hours. It appears to be using the “B101” chip according to its datasheet, and not the common M series chip, perhaps that’s why it’s not currently supported. Therefore I do not recommend it for now.
You can find this GPS from Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-5d6i
Performance Testing
Here’s a summary of the performance results, showing the time taken to lock onto 8 satellites (recommended by Betaflight for a reliable Rescue mode) from a cold and hot start, and the maximum number of satellites acquired after being powered for 5 minutes.
Definitions:
- Cold Start refers to the GPS module initializing with no previously stored satellite data. This typically occurs when the module is powered on for the first time after a long period of inactivity, typically over 12 hours or longer.
- Hot Start refers to a GPS module reconnecting to satellites after a brief power cycle or reset, retaining previous satellite data, allowing for much faster acquisition times, typically within 1 hour.
Testing Conditions: These GPS were tested on an overcast day in a suburban area, you can expect better performance in environment with less interference and on a sunny day without clouds.
| GPS Module | Cold Start | Hot Start | 5 Minutes (no. of sats) |
| BN180 | 4:10 | 1:27 | 9 |
| BN220 | 3:15 | 1:55 | 11 |
| FlyfishRC M10 Mini | 1:14 | 1:02 | 15 |
| FlyfishRC M8QMC | 2:02 | 1:35 | 11 |
| Flywoo GM10 Nano V3 | 1:21 | 0:42 | 12 |
| Flywoo GM10 Pro V3 | 0:56 | 0:36 | 14 |
| GEPRC M1025Q | 0:32 | 0:31 | 16 |
| HGLRC M100 Mini | 1:40 | 1:14 | 12 |
| HGLRC M100 5883 | 0:46 | 0:40 | 16 |
| HGLRC M80 Pro | 2:19 | 1:55 | 10 |
| VK GPS | 4:04 | 2:17 | 8 |
Recommendations
For Pure Performance
Regardless of size, the GEPRC M1025Q, HGLRC M100 5883 and Flywoo GM10 Pro V3 are all my top choices when it comes to performance. All have an onboard compass, making them very versatile.
GEPRC M1025Q
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCihHmP
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-zixk
HGLRC M100 5883
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlLhgFd
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-bf3p
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-0yby
GOKU GM10 Pro V3
-
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlxNIrd
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cnmrrY
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-3y06
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-n5se
For Compact Micro Builds
Consider the Flywoo GM10 Nano V3 or Flyfish M10 Mini. These are perfect for lightweight and small drones.
GOKU Nano V3:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEqdlNV
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/4blgdYk
- Flywoo: https://oscarliang.com/product-jwzb
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-kky6
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-sglj
FlyFishRC M10 Mini:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkCU7qr
For Budget GPS
Both the Flyfish M10 Mini and HGLRC M100 Mini are excellent budget options, priced at only $13 each. The VK GPS might be the cheapest at only $4, but it’s not reliable enough for me to recommend.
HGLRC M100 Mini:
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-knfl
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-6zvg
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCXKBFj
All of the recommended GPS modules are plug-and-play in Betaflight. They require just four wires: power (5V), ground, and a spare UART TX/RX on your flight controller. Compass modules will require two extra wires. For setup instructions, refer to my guide: https://oscarliang.com/setup-gps-rescue-mode-betaflight/
Conclusion
Now is the perfect time to add a GPS module to your FPV drone if you haven’t done so already. GPS modules have become more affordable and user-friendly. For as little as $4 (or around $16 for a top-performing GPS), it’s a small investment that could potentially save your drone in the event of a lost signal. Equip your FPV drone with a GPS module and experience the peace of mind it brings as you take to the skies.
Edit History
- 2023 – Review posted.
- July 2024 – Re-ran testing and added more GPS module options in the round-up.
23 comments
I always appreciate your great articles, Oscar!
Here I’m a little disappointed you didn’t look at any of the performance modules, primarily the BK series. Those have the highest performance chip from UBlox.
Hello and thank you!
How did you wire and make the V.KEL vk2828u7g5lf to work? I did not have such a success when tried to make it work in U-Center using FT232BL TTL.
The GPS has 6 wires:
EN – Power Enable: high level means the module works, low level means the modules is close
GND
RX
TX
VCC
PPS – Output time pulses (pulses per second)
From my experience with HGLRC m100 mini in Europe, I can’t recommend it. After enabling Galileo it finds 7 Galileo satellites but does not connect to them, shows “not tracked”. In Europe it still uses American GPS…
You should check BZGNSS BZ-251 BZ-181 BZ-121 M10 GPS
I bought BZ-181 on AliX for $8 and this thing locks 20-25 satellites while flying!
Hello. I didn’t know which GPS to choose for Cinelog35v2 and bought it Matek Systems GNSS SAM-M10Q Ublox GPS 4.. What do you think about it?
It’s a M10 GPS so should be pretty good, but i haven’t tested it so not sure how it compares to the ones in this review.
Had poor results with a new matek sam m10 , compared to my foxeer m10.
what about Matek GPS?
Beitian BE series are with M10 chip, and they do it very well
Tried the HGLRC M100 Mini but couldn’t get it to work. 10 sats but no fix after 30mins. Clear view of the sky, switched VTX off, aerial up… no luck. Guess I got a dud.
There is also the FLYFISHRC M10 MINI GPS MODULE. It seems comparable to the GOKU GM10 Nano V3, isn’t it?
Yes, they are a close call.
Hi Oscar
I have en f3 fc with betaflight 4.1
I sounds like the m10 gps module is not supported. Is there any way to find out what gos modules i have support for? And which is best?
Hi Oscar, I bought the HGLRC M100 Mini GPS and want to install it on a Babyhawk II HD. It came BnF and since this is the first ever soldering on it I want to ask if I am doing this right. This is the flight controller board – cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0371/2814/2907/files/Untitled_1024x1024.png?v=1626910742 and this are the installation instructions from HGLRC – cdn.shopifycdn.net/s/files/1/2672/8290/files/M100_MINI__11.jpg?v=1677639504 . I wonder if there is any difference where I connect the wires, i.e. Gnd, Tx, Rx and 5V on the board? For example, can I safely do this at the bottom right part of the FC where it says RGB, Gnd, 5V, TX1 & RX1? There have been conflicting statements about this board that only made me confused.
Sorry for the newbie questions and thank you for your advice!
hi oscar,
regarding the HGLRC M100 MINI once you position the module antenna side up, what is the proper forward/rearward orientation relative to the cable solder points? i do not see this mentioned in their product literature. nor do i see at least an arrow pointing to the front on the gps module itself. thank you!
It doesn’t matter which way, as long as the antenna is facing the sky.
much appreciated sir. thank you!
Ive noticed there is a Walksnail WS-M181 GPS that has almost the same specs as the GEPRC M1025Q, so im asking myself if its equaly as good and why its not on this list.
It doesn’t appear to me the GM10 has flash. I can’t preconfigure on U-Center 2.
Why do you want to configure M10? they work well out of the box.
its not totally true. Watch the Bardwell video about it. They are not right configurated the “10” GPS modules should work much much faster and better than the older ones. But you need to curretnly fix them at first!
please make an articla about it would love it
Felix
take a look on:
https://oscarliang.com/gps-settings-u-center/
Yes flash is one of the things removed from the M9 to make it’s baby brother, the M10. They also removed one of the two receivers, and the TXO. Then run it at a slower speed.
The M10 is a great chip if you’re building a smart watch. If it’s critical to have a small chip that runs all day on a watch battery.
If you have a battery larger 100mah or you didn’t need it to run 12 hours without a charge, the M9 is a much better choice.