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The Best FPV Drones for Beginners 2023
Included in this guide:
Happymodel
Mobeetle 6
DJI
FPV Drone
EMAX
Tinyhawk 3 RTF
DJI
Avata
Happymodel
Mobula7
DarwinFPV
Tiny Ape Freestyle
BETAFPV
Cetus Beginner Kit
BETAFPV
Cetus Pro Kit
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly a drone from the cockpit? To see the world from a bird’s-eye view and race through obstacles at high speeds? If so, you might be interested in FPV drones.
FPV stands for first-person view, and it means that you can see what your drone sees through a camera and a pair of goggles. This gives you a more immersive and realistic flying experience than using a smartphone or a monitor.
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FPV drones are popular among drone enthusiasts who love the thrill and challenge of flying fast and agile quadcopters. FPV drones can also be used for aerial photography, videography, and exploration.
However, flying FPV drones is not as easy as it looks. It requires a lot of practice, skill, and patience. You also need to invest in some equipment, such as a drone, a transmitter, a receiver, a camera, a video transmitter, a video receiver, goggles, batteries, and chargers.
One way to get started with FPV drones is to choose smaller drones, especially tiny whoops. These are micro drones that have ducted propellers and weigh less than 250 grams. They are ideal for beginners because they are less likely to cause damage or injury if you crash. They are also cheaper and easier to fly than larger drones.
In this post, we will review some of the best FPV drones for beginners that are relatively easy to fly, fast, and fun. We will also give you some tips and advice on how to fly FPV drones safely and enjoyably.
The Best FPV Drones For Beginners 2023
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Happymodel Mobeetle 6
Best all-rounder beginner FPV 65mm whoop, suitable for flying indoors and outdoors
Why we picked it
The Happymodel Mobeetle 6 is one of the smallest and lightest brushless FPV drones on the market, with a wheelbase of 65mm and a weight of only 17.5g without a battery. It features a 360-degree protective frame that can be easily removed, allowing it to transform from a whoop to a toothpick style drone.
This drone is equipped with a Diamond F4 flight controller, a built-in SPI receiver, a 5.8GHz OPENVTX video transmitter, and a 5A 4-in-1 ESC. It also has SE0702 23000KV brushless motors and Gemfan 1210 propellers, which provide power and efficiency. The RunCam Nano 3 camera boasts an 800TVL resolution and a wide dynamic range, delivering clear and smooth FPV footage through the goggles. It supports two receiver protocols: SPI FrSky D8 and SPI ELRS V2.0, with the latter offering long-range control and low latency.
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The Mobeetle 6 includes two 1S 300mAh LiPo batteries that can provide up to 5 minutes of flight time each. The package also contains a toothpick frame, a race canopy, a screwdriver, and a prop tool.
Who’s it for
This drone is perfect for beginners who want to experience both indoor and outdoor FPV flying with a versatile and affordable option. Its compact size, versatility, and support for multiple receiver protocols make it a great choice for new pilots.
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DJI FPV Drone
High-end, ready-to-fly digital FPV drone from the drone-making giant DJI, with lots of features
Why we picked it
The DJI FPV drone is a high-end option that combines speed, performance, and quality. It serves as a hybrid of a racing drone and a cinematic drone, offering three flight modes tailored to different skill levels and preferences.
This drone boasts a sleek, aerodynamic design and can reach speeds of up to 140 kph. It comes with a 4K/60fps camera that provides a super-wide 150° FOV and supports H.264 and H.265 video formats. The 3-axis gimbal stabilizes footage and reduces distortion. The DJI FPV Goggles V2, included with the drone, deliver a stunning HD view with low latency, and the dual-frequency transmission system ensures optimal signal strength.
The DJI FPV drone can be controlled with the DJI FPV Remote Controller 2 or the separately sold DJI Motion Controller, which allows for intuitive control through natural hand movements. This drone also features a built-in obstacle sensing system, an emergency brake and hover feature, and supports O3 transmission for long-range transmission and anti-interference capabilities.
With a 6S 2000mAh battery, the drone can provide up to 20 minutes of flight time. The DJI Fly app enables video editing, sharing, and access to flight tutorials and tips.
Who’s it for
The DJI FPV drone is perfect for pilots with some previous experience piloting other drones and who want to enjoy both racing and cinematic flying with a single, versatile drone. Its advanced features and capabilities come with a premium price tag, making it more suitable for those who are willing to invest in high-quality equipment.
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EMAX Tinyhawk 3 RTF Bundle
Easy to fly, everything-included kit for beginners
Why we picked it
The EMAX TinyHawk 3 RTF is a beginner-friendly and affordable drone, perfect for both indoor and outdoor flying. As the latest version of the popular TinyHawk series, it comes with everything needed to start flying straight out of the box.
This drone features a durable, lightweight frame, a powerful brushless motor, a 600TVL camera with a 37-degree field of view, and a 4-in-1 ESC supporting DShot600. It includes a 1S 450mAh battery for up to 6 minutes of flight time, and a 2S 300mAh battery to boost performance and speed.
The RTF package contains a pair of FPV goggles with a built-in receiver and DVR, a radio controller with a built-in battery and USB charging port, and a carrying case for easy storage. The goggles and controller come pre-bound to the drone, eliminating setup concerns.
The TinyHawk 3 RTF is easy to fly, offering three flight modes: angle mode for beginners, horizon mode for intermediate pilots, and acro mode for advanced flyers. PID settings and other parameters can be adjusted using Betaflight or the EMAX app on your smartphone.
Who’s it for
The TinyHawk 3 RTF is an excellent option for anyone looking to enter the world of FPV flying without spending a fortune. It provides versatility and fun at an attractive price point and can handle both indoor and outdoor environments. Suitable for beginners and experienced pilots alike, the TinyHawk 3 RTF offers an enjoyable flying experience for all skill levels.
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DJI Avata
High-end, beginner-friendly cinewhoop for aspiring cinematic FPV pilots with lots of bells and whistles
Why we picked it
The DJI Avata is one of the newest and most innovative FPV drones on the market. This compact and lightweight drone offers an immersive and intuitive flying experience, combining the features of both racing and cinematic drones to give users the best of both worlds.
The DJI Avata features a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor that supports 4K/60fps video recording with a super-wide 155° FOV. It also comes with a 3-axis gimbal that stabilizes videos and reduces distortion. The drone is equipped with a built-in propeller guard, protecting it from collisions and allowing it to bounce back and continue flying.
The DJI Avata can be controlled with either the DJI FPV Remote Controller 2 or the DJI Motion Controller. The remote controller offers an ergonomic design and adjustable parameters for smooth, precise control, while the motion controller enables a more intuitive and immersive flying experience with natural hand movements.
For viewing, the DJI Avata offers two options: the DJI Goggles Integra or the DJI Goggles 2. Both goggles deliver a stunning HD view with low latency and dual-frequency transmission, and they feature a built-in receiver that can display live views from up to eight drones simultaneously.
The DJI Avata is powered by a 6S 2000mAh battery, providing up to 18 minutes of flight time. It also has an O3 transmission system for long-range transmission and anti-interference capabilities. The drone is compatible with the DJI Fly app, which allows users to edit and share videos, as well as access flight tutorials and tips.
Who’s it for
The DJI Avata, while coming with a premium price tag, is one of the most advanced and versatile FPV drones on the market. It is ideal for pilots seeking an immersive and intuitive flying experience with a single drone.
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Happymodel Mobula7 1S ELRS
Best 75mm FPV whoop suitable for both indoor and outdoor flying, with decent long-range capability for a whoop
Why we picked it
The Mobula7 features a larger platform than the other tiny whoops in this list with a wheelbase of 75mm and 40mm. This increased disk area results in higher efficiency and power.
The Mobula7 utilizes a durable Mobula7 V4 frame and a lightweight canopy (0.8g), which uses all four mounting points for stability, helping to reduce jello in the video. The drone also features a foam piece under the camera for additional jello reduction and protection.
The X12 AIO flight controller incorporates FC, ESC, VTX, RX, and OSD into a single board, offering a highly compact design. The integrated ExpressLRS (ELRS) receiver delivers ultra-low latency and enhanced range. The ELRS receiver uses a small ceramic tower antenna, eliminating concerns about antenna wires getting caught in spinning propellers.
The Mobula7’s RS0802 motors are similar in size (0802) and KV (20,000 vs. 19,000) to its smaller sibling, the Mobula6, but with a larger 1.5mm motor shaft. This motor-prop combo delivers significantly more power than the Mobula6 setup, allowing for a larger battery without sacrificing performance.
Who’s it for
The Mobula7 is suitable for pilots seeking a powerful and efficient FPV whoop that offers a robust flying experience both indoors and outdoors. With a 400mW VTX and ExpressLRS receiver, this drone can fly around an entire house without signal issues. Though slightly louder than a 65mm whoop, the Mobula7 offers an excellent flight time of over 5-6 minutes on a 1S 450mAh battery and impressive performance in outdoor environments with minimal wind.
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DarwinFPV Tiny Ape Freestyle 2.5”
Best beginner FPV freestyle drone for pilots who want to learn freestyle FPV flying
Why we picked it
The DarwinFPV Tiny Ape Freestyle is one of the most recent and innovative 2.5” drones available. This compact yet powerful drone offers a long-range and low-latency flying experience, featuring the Darwin ELRS2.0 F411 15A Bluejay AIO and a VTX006 with 25-600mW output power.
The drone is equipped with a 1/3” CMOS sensor supporting 800TVL resolution and a wide-angle lens, along with a RunCam Nano 4 camera that delivers clear and crisp FPV video through goggles. The Tiny Ape Freestyle’s flexible and durable frame protects it from collisions, allowing it to bounce back and continue flying.
The Crazybee F4 Pro V2 flight controller built into the DarwinFPV Tiny Ape Freestyle has an integrated ELRS 2.4G receiver, a 5A 4-in-1 ESC, and a 25/100/200mW switchable video transmitter. Additionally, the drone features 1103 8000KV brushless motors and Gemfan 2512 propellers for smooth and powerful flight performance.
The Tiny Ape Freestyle includes two batteries: a 2S 450mAh LiPo battery for indoor flying and a 3S 380mAh LiPo battery for outdoor flying. The package also comes with a USB charger, a screwdriver, and spare propellers.
Who’s it for
The DarwinFPV Tiny Ape Freestyle is ideal for pilots who want to enjoy freestyle flying with a long-range capability. This quad is more powerful and faster than the other small drones on this list, and is therefore less beginner friendly, so we recommend at least some simulator practice or experience flying a smaller FPV drone previously. If you see yourself getting bored with the other drones on this list quickly, however, and want the ability to perform freestyle tricks and tight manoeuvres, this is the ideal choice.
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BETAFPV RTF Cetus Beginner FPV Kit
The perfect all-in-one beginner FPV whoop kit for indoor flying
Why we picked it
The BETAFPV RTF Cetus Beginner FPV Kit is an excellent choice for beginners eager to learn FPV racing. This comprehensive kit includes everything needed to start flying: a Cetus brushed quadcopter, a LiteRadio2 SE transmitter, and VR02 FPV Goggles.
The Cetus brushed quadcopter comes equipped with a built-in barometer, laser, and optical flow sensor, enabling stable hovering and flying. Its altitude hold function simplifies control, making it accessible for new pilots. The quadcopter features three flight modes—N mode for beginners, S mode for intermediate pilots, and M mode for advanced pilots. The transmitter allows for easy switching between modes and speeds.
The LiteRadio2 SE transmitter features a built-in 1000mAh 1S battery, lasting up to 8 hours, a hobby-grade gimbal, and a rubber coat for comfortable and precise use. It also supports full telemetry and smart audio functions.
The VR02 FPV Goggles offer a 4.3-inch LCD screen for a clear and immersive viewing experience. With a dual-frequency transmission system, the goggles can switch between 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequencies to optimize signal strength. The built-in receiver can display live views from up to eight drones simultaneously.
The kit also includes two batteries, a charger, a propeller disassemble tool, an extra camera canopy, and an EVA portable storage bag, providing everything beginners need to enjoy FPV racing without any hassle.
Who’s it for
The BETAFPV RTF Cetus Beginner FPV Kit is ideal for beginners looking to experience FPV racing indoors. With its user-friendly features and comprehensive package, this kit offers a hassle-free introduction to the world of drone racing.
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BETAFPV Cetus Pro
An all-in-one beginner FPV whoop kit for race practice, capable of outdoor flying in low wind conditions
Why we picked it
The BETAFPV Cetus Pro is an excellent option for those seeking a more advanced and powerful FPV drone than the Cetus brushed version. This brushless whoop drone features a Lite 1-2S Pro brushless flight controller, a 12A ESC, 1102 18000KV brushless motors, and 40mm 3-blade props, providing smooth and agile flight performance.
Like its brushed counterpart, the Cetus Pro comes with a built-in barometer, laser, and optical flow sensor for stable hovering and flying. It also features an altitude hold function for easy control. The drone offers three flight modes—N mode for beginners, S mode for intermediate pilots, and M mode for advanced pilots—which can be switched between using the transmitter.
The Cetus Pro is equipped with a C02 FPV micro camera that has a 30° tilt angle and supports 25mW output power, delivering clear and crisp FPV video through the goggles. It is compatible with the Frsky D8 receiver protocol and includes a built-in buzzer for easy location.
The package comes with a BT2.0 450mAh 1S battery, offering up to 5 minutes of flight time, a charger, a propeller disassemble tool, an extra camera canopy, and an EVA portable storage bag.
Who’s it for
The BETAFPV Cetus Pro is ideal for pilots seeking to enjoy both whoop and toothpick-style flying with a versatile and long-range drone. While it is not as beginner-friendly as the Cetus brushed version, it offers more power and maneuverability, requiring additional skill and practice to master. It also lacks the self-protection function of emergency landing when out of control or in low battery. This drone is recommended for pilots with some experience who want to fly both indoors and outdoors, depending on their abilities.
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Conclusion
FPV drones are amazing devices that can give you a thrilling and immersive flying experience. However, they can also be challenging and intimidating for beginners who want to learn how to fly them.
That’s why we have reviewed some of the best FPV drones for beginners that are small, fast, and fun. These drones are suitable for different skill levels and preferences, and they come with various features and functions that can help you fly safely and enjoyably.
Whether you choose the Mobeetle 6, the DJI FPV drone, the EMAX Tinyhawk 3 RTF, the DJI Avata, the Happymodel Mobula7, the DarwinFPV Tiny Ape Freestyle 2.5”, the BETAFPV RTF Cetus Beginner FPV Kit, or the BETAFPV Cetus Pro, you will surely have a great time exploring the FPV world and improving your flying skills.
However, before you start flying, you should also follow some tips and advice that can make your FPV journey easier and smoother. Here are some of them:
- Always check your local laws and regulations regarding drone flying. You may need to register your drone, obtain a license, or follow certain rules depending on where you live and fly.
- Always fly in a safe and open area away from people, animals, vehicles, buildings, power lines, and other obstacles. You should also avoid flying in bad weather conditions such as rain, wind, fog, or snow.
- Always inspect your drone before and after each flight. Make sure the battery is fully charged, the propellers are not damaged or loose, the camera and video transmitter are working properly, and the receiver and transmitter are bound correctly.
- Always wear your goggles when flying FPV. Do not look at your drone or other screens while flying. You should also have a spotter who can watch your drone and warn you of any potential dangers or interference.
- Always start with the beginner mode and low speed until you get familiar with the controls and the drone’s behavior. You can gradually increase the difficulty and speed as you gain more confidence and skill.
- Always practice the basic maneuvers such as hovering, yawing, pitching, rolling, turning, and landing. You can also use a simulator or a trainer app to practice on your computer or smartphone before flying a real drone.
- Always have fun and enjoy the learning process. Do not get frustrated or discouraged if you crash or fail. Learn from your mistakes and try again. You will soon see your progress and improvement.
We hope this post has helped you find the best FPV drones for beginners that suit your needs and preferences. We also hope you have learned some useful tips and advice that can help you start your FPV journey with confidence and joy.
Happy flying!
Ben Evans
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