In this post, I will share the tools, gear, and FPV drones that I use on a daily basis. I test and review products regularly, and while I recommend various products, the ones mentioned here are my personal favorites. I try to update this post as often as I can, but please do check the edit history at the bottom to make sure you are getting the latest info. Please let me know if this post gets a little outdated and I will update it asap.
Disclaimer: I am not sponsored by any company; all opinions are my own.
- New to FPV Drones? Check out this FPV beginner’s guide.
- Here is a list of products that I’ve reviewed and recommend.
Table of Contents
Radio and Receivers
For radio link, ExpressLRS (ELRS) is my go-to choice at the moment—offering the best value, performance, and hardware options.
When it comes to radios, I really like the ones from Radiomaster. Their radios are solid, you can’t go wrong with them. Here are the radios I recommend: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/#recommendations.
However, my current daily driver is the T20S from Jumper. It’s compact and yet still offers nearly all the features you’d find in a full size radio. I prefer the original, non-Gemini version because it’s cheaper, and the range is more than enough. See my review here: https://oscarliang.com/jumper-t20-radio/
My T20S has undergone various DIY modifications to suit my preferences and needs, find the details here: https://oscarliang.com/setup-jumper-t20s-radio/.
All the new ExpressLRS receivers are quite similar in terms of capability, so just choose one that fits your budget and brand preference. Radiomaster, BetaFPV and Flywoo all make great receivers. See receiver selections here: https://oscarliang.com/setup-expresslrs-2-4ghz/#Receivers
FPV Systems and Goggles
I’ve used all the mainstream FPV systems out there, they all have their pros and cons.
For freestyle, long range and cinematic flying, DJI is the go-to. Image quality is similar unmatched, and the video link is rock solid. It now offers the O4 Air Unit which is great for micro quads as well. I still fly analog, mainly for tiny whoops. Analog is the cheapest FPV option and the lightest, which is perfect for micro quads. There are a lot to consider when it comes to FPV systems, I have a buyer’s guide which explains in more details: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-system/
Once you’ve decided on which system to use, the choice of FPV goggles becomes straightforward as there are usually only a few goggles to choose from. If you want to get Walksnail or HDZero, get their flagship goggles, I DO NOT recommend using their external modules. Not only the HDMI connection adds extra delay, the dangling wires are also messy, the overall setup is clunky and bulky. And if you want to fly analog, get a set of dedicated analog goggles, such as the Skyzone Cobra SD or SKY04X Pro. Here is my FPV Goggles buyer’s guide: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-goggles/.
Right now, my daily driver is the DJI Goggles 3 and O4 Air Unit (both Pro and Lite)—this combo offers the best image quality, range, and penetration.
For analog, the Skyzone SKY04X Pro is my go-to. It offers the best image quality, a very wide field of view, and focal length adjustment, which is handy for those who wear glasses.
The best budget analog goggles would be the Cobra SD Although they are box goggles with an LCD screen, image clarity is still very decent! The advanced built-in OSD menu significantly improves user experience and even supports external receiver modules.
Antennas
Since our FPV systems run on 5.8GHz, you can use the same antennas with DJI, Walksnail, HDZero and Analog. Just make sure you have the correct connector (i.e. SMA vs RP-SMA) and have matching polarization (i.e. RHCP vs LHCP).
Check out my FPV antenna recommendations for some ideas: https://oscarliang.com/best-fpv-antenna/
Analog Video Receiver Module
For analog receiver modules, there are only two options worth considering in my opinion: ImmersionRC Rapidfire and TBS Fusion. See my comparison for a bit more detail: https://oscarliang.com/rapidfire-fusion/.
Rapidfire
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlKuG0V
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-7se8
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-38n2
TBS Fusion
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkXFpMh
- GetFPV: http://bit.ly/2RcYKv6
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/2RwJN6l
LiPo Charger
My daily driver is the ToolkitRC Q6AC. It’s one of the most powerful and feature-packed chargers you can get right now. It offers four outputs (can charge 4 LiPo simultaneously and individually), and can be powered by both AC and DC. See my review here: https://oscarliang.com/toolkitrc-q6ac-lipo-charger/
Although this charger has multiple ports, I still use parallel charging boards. Why? Even when not parallel charging, it makes plugging in batteries much easier :) My favorite parallel charging board at the moment is the HGLRC Thor because it has fuse protection: https://oscarliang.com/hglrc-thor-pro-6-parallel-charging-board/
For charging in the field, I prefer something more portable. I quite like the iSDT Q6 Nano. It’s lightweight, can charge 1S to 6S batteries, and is affordable at only $30. The SkyRC B6Neo is also a great alternative: https://oscarliang.com/skyrc-b6neo-lipo-charger/
If your charger doesn’t have a built-in power supply and requires DC input, you will need an external PSU.
You can get a server or computer power supply if you know how, or you can buy one off the shelf like these:
- 100W PSU:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_De20T6h
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-2s1v
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-4fl3
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-riwd
- 240W PSU:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DC75qa9
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-pf1z
- 360W PSU:
- 400-460W PSU:
- 600W PSU:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkCczYF
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-n9e2
- 1200W PSU:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdIby9F
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-lq1c
Most PSUs output either 12V or 24V, so make sure your charger can take the higher voltage. If possible, get the 24V over 12V, some chargers can put out more power at higher input voltage.
If you want a cheap and simple charger that comes with a power supply that you can plug straight into the wall, the the ISDT 608AC is a good beginner option. It’s not very powerful but gets the job done.
To charge multiple batteries simultaneously, consider using a parallel charging board. Make sure to read this article to learn how to parallel charge LiPo batteries: https://oscarliang.com/parallel-charging-multiple-lipo/.
 | Parallel Charging Board | AliExpress |
 | Battery Voltage Checker | GetFPV | AliExpress | Amazon |
For charging batteries in the field, I use these large capacity batteries.
 | 48V 15Ah e-bike Battery | AliExpress | Amazon |
 | 6S 10000mAh LiPo Battery | Amazon | AliExpress |
Tools
Here are some of my favorite tools. There are others you might find useful, as explained in this post: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-tools/.
 | P200 V2 Bench Power Supply | AliExpress | Amazon | GetFPV |
 | HGLRC RC2 / SI012 | AliExpress | Amazon | RDQ | GetFPV |
 | MG Chemical 63/37 Solder | Amazon |
 | AiXun T3A Soldering Station | AliExpress |
 | ES126 Electric Screwdriver | AliExpress | Amazon |
 | Vifly ShortSaver V2 (How it works) | RDQ | AliExpress | GetFPV | Amazon |
 | Screwdriver Set | AliExpress | Neewer | Wiha |
 | HGLRC FPV Backpack V2 | GetFPV | RDQ | AliExpress |
 | Propeller Removal Tool | GetFPV | RDQ | AliExpress | Amazon |
 | Speedybee Adapter 3 | GetFPV | RDQ | AliExpress |
 | Multimeter | AliExpress | Banggood |
Supplies & Materials
Spare and building materials that I have good experience with.
 | 3M Electrical Tape | Amazon |
 | Wire Spools (28awg) | Amazon |
 | Cloth Tape for holding motor wires | Amazon | AliExpress |
 | Sticky Battery Pads | GetFPV | RDQ |
 | Double Sided Tape | Amazon | AliExpress |
My Favourite BNF
These are pre-built FPV drones that I love the most.
DJI Avata 2
Review: https://oscarliang.com/dji-avata-2/
It might be surprising to some, but the Avata 2 is actually the drone I’ve flown the most in 2024. It’s just so convenient to take with me when I go travelling, and the video quality form the onboard camera is almost as good as a GoPro minus the weight. Flight performance isn’t as good as a typical 5″ and there are height and speed limitations, but as long as it’s not too windy it can get the job done, e.g. taking cinematic shots and cruising around. Safety features such as return to home and emergency brake give the user peace of mind too.
Fly More Combo (3 batteries):
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3w0CyeX
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-971p
- FPV24: https://oscarliang.com/product-ypgq
- NewBeeDrone: https://oscarliang.com/product-oeb0
GEPRC Vapor D5
Review: https://oscarliang.com/geprc-vapor-d5-o4/
When I am not flying the DJI Avata 2, I am probably flying the Vapor D5. It’s currently my favourite quad with DJI O4 Pro for cinematic flying.
iFlight Nazgul ECO
Review: https://oscarliang.com/iflight-nazgul-eco-fpv-drone/
One of the cheapest 5-inch BNF on the market currently – even cheaper than building your own (with similar specs components).
Meteor75 Pro O4 Whoop
Review: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-meteor75-pro-o4-whoop/
My favourite tiny whoop with DJI O4 for flying in the house and backyard.
Air65 Tiny Whoop
Review: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-air65/
My favorite tiny whoop so far in 2024, can’t beat the performance and value.
SpeedyBee Bee25
Review: https://oscarliang.com/speedybee-bee25-cinewhoop/
2.5″ cinewhoop for carrying a naked GoPro for taking cinematic footage.
HGLRC Draknight 2″ Micro Drone
The Draknight is one of the best micros I reviewed in 2024 – an 1S 2inch analog micro quad. Very sturdy and unique design, and it’s super quiet, flies incredibly locked in and nimble, just a perfect park ripper. I reviewed it with the RTF kit, but you can purchase this quad on its own if you already have your own goggles and radio:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeRjVXt
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-0z2e
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MkkbGz
Other Recommendations
- Tiny Whoops recommendations
- 5″ Freestyle drone LiPo batteries (4S and 6S)
- Micro Quad LiPo Batteries (1S, 2S, 3S, 4S)
- 2.5″ Toothpick recommendations
Edit History
- 2018 – Article created
- 2020 – Updated list
- 2021 – Updated list
- 2022 – Updated list
- 2023 – Updated product links
- 2024 – Updated products
- Mar 2025 – Updated products
23 comments
I appreciate your website and what you do Oscar. I’m in a bind — I want a 3.5″ that I can sbang around without worries of exploding, preferably with an 03 unit. Any suggs? TIA, fly on.
The Volardo 3.5″ is a great one. I am not sure if they offer a BNF model though, but it’s quite easy to build one, i have a build log here: https://oscarliang.com/volador-vx3-5-o3/
Hey Oscar,
i love your website. it helped me to step into the world of drone building. Now i want to fly for the first time and i would like to know what should i bring to the field for my flights? Besides the drone, goggles, antennas, radio, spare props and lipos what would you recomend to bring to?
Really depends on what you plan to do – if you have space, maybe bring gear to charge your battery? See my post about field charging: https://oscarliang.com/field-charging/
Also maybe some tools and portable soldering iron so you can do simple repair? https://oscarliang.com/soldering-iron-buyers-guide/#Soldering-Iron-Recommendations
If you plan to record videos, spare SD card would be handy.
Also bring some spare zip ties, electrical tape, scissors, all useful for repairing.
Dear Oscar,
Nice article.
Can you do drone designs for us?
Where are you located at? Based at China?
We have some patents can you develop the drones based on our features and functions>?
If you need extreme range in noisy conditions would it the not be best to choose the multiprotocol TX16S and use a 1 Watt ELRS extension module instead of the 250 mWatt build in ELRS solution?
No, because elrs is just better. Is you don’t fly more like 5 kilometres, max power of build in elrs is really overkill. If you need longer distance in noisy condition, you use external elrs. is you really have any reason to use multiprotocol these days, you can use external module too. in other cases you just use build in elrs and don’t need to carry useless additional modules.
Lo que haces por los que estamos iniciando en este mundo no tiene nombre! muchas gracias!
Lots of great information, I was looking at the goggles but I think I’ll wait the Walksnail VRX and HDZERO goggles could be the 3 in 1. The TS100 has been upgraded: Check out the Sequre SI012 PRO more for less combined with a TS-C1 or TS-ILS tips for very small pads.
Thank you for the detailed reporting!
Sou novo no racer e quero aprender com vcs .
Any update to this list on which expresslrs module and receivers you use?
Currently using BetaFPV’s 1W module. But yes, I will get this list updated today!
Hi –
Just stumbled across your website and was amazed by all the information and detailed reviews – great job! I have a question though…I’m purchasing an FPV cine drone for my 13 year old son. He has lots of experience with the tiny whoops and is ready to step up to something that can carry a GoPro. I’m thinking of either the iflight BumbleBee or the Diatone Taycan – any preference between the two? And would you recommend going with 4S or 6S for cinestyle flying? Or maybe even 4S batteries with a 6S drone to slow it down until he gets the hang of it and then upgrade to 6S batteries? For goggles/receiver would it be best/easiest to go with the DJI offerings? Thanks in advance!
Go for the Taycan, it performs really good out of the box. I think 4S setup is more than enough for a cinewhoop, you don’t actually gain much performance on 6S as you are flying at constant throttle most of the times. 6S has higher chance of failure due to the higher voltage.
Hi Oscar,
I have a 5″ Armantan marmotte, and it’s a bit too much drone for my 9 year old son.
I’m thinking he will have much more fun with a whoop type drone.
Is the BeeBrain V2 Tiny Whoop still your # 1 recommendation, or is there another 1 or 2 to consider. Maybe some better drone are on the market since you wrote the article. These are pretty cheap and I may consider getting 2 or 3 different ones. Any guidance is appreciated. thanks. I’m thinking a decent camera for fpv flying is a huge plus. not sure if it matters that much for the smaller drones.
See my latest article on the best tiny whoop round up
I could’nt agree more on that !
3 out of my 6 Q6-Plus chargers have a deffective wheel after 6 months of use.
Although they still work, setup is harder to do.
Hi
i see on your X9D there is what i think is a little fpv screen with a lime green case around it, i was wondering where u got that and about how much it costs (and other important info) Thanks.
Check this post :)
Hello
I am currently looking to change the RX of my fatshark by a True-D.
You indicate that the Pro58 with Achilles firmware and better than the True-D.
There is the realacc RX5808 with Achilles seems to me also very good and cheaper than the True-D. What do you think ?
Thank you
Go for the Pro58 with Achilles :) it has a better processor than the RX5808.
I had a Q6 plus for about 8 months. The calibration was off by a little and would sometimes not terminate charge correctly around month 5. I got a code to manually calibrate it and went my happy way for a bit.
Then one of the ports developed a 150mV delta against other ports. ISDT wanted me to ship the item back to SZ (at my own cost) for repair, and for me to pay for the return shipping.
As a last resort, I said I could open the device and maybe fix the components myself if they told me how. They even refused to send me whatever diodes were needed; it’s against company policy apparently.
As much as I loved the Q6 when I had it, I can’t stomach the poor QC and service to tell myself to buy another one.