ExpressLRS Vs Crossfire: Which to Choose for FPV Drones?

In this article, we will compare two of the most popular long range systems for FPV drones: ExpressLRS and Crossfire. If you are into FPV flying, you probably know how important it is to have a reliable and responsive radio link between your drone and your transmitter. A good radio link can make the difference between a smooth and enjoyable flight and a frustrating and potentially dangerous one. That’s why many FPV pilots choose to use long range systems that offer better performance and features than the standard 2.4GHz radios.

But which long range system should you choose? ExpressLRS and Crossfire are both excellent options, but they have some key differences that may affect your decision. In this article, we will compare them in terms of:

So, which one is better for FPV drones? That’s the question we will try to answer in this article. We will go over the features and advantages of each system, provide some examples of hardware, and compare them in various aspects. By the end of this article, you should have a clear idea of which system suits your needs and preferences better. Let’s get started!

• Long range and low latency with LoRa modulation in all packet rates: ExpressLRS uses LoRa modulation, which is a type of spread spectrum modulation that allows for long range communication with low interference and power consumption. LoRa modulation is also used by other long range systems like Crossfire and Ghost, but ExpressLRS uses it in all packet rates, from 25Hz to 500Hz. This means that you can enjoy the benefits of LoRa modulation regardless of the update rate you choose, unlike Crossfire which only uses LoRa in 50Hz mode.

• High update rate of up to 500Hz for 2.4GHz and 200Hz for 900MHz: ExpressLRS offers some of the highest update rates available for long range systems, which means that it can send and receive data faster and more frequently. This results in lower latency and smoother control. The 2.4GHz version of ExpressLRS can run at up to 500Hz, which is higher than any other long range system on the market. The 900MHz version can run at up to 200Hz, which is higher than Crossfire’s 150Hz.

• Open source and community-driven development: ExpressLRS is an open source project, which means that anyone can access, modify, and contribute to the code and firmware. This allows for faster and more frequent updates, bug fixes, and feature additions. It also fosters a collaborative and supportive community of developers and users who share their feedback, suggestions, and experiences.

• Affordable and diverse hardware options from different vendors: ExpressLRS is not tied to any specific hardware manufacturer or vendor, which means that there are more options and availability of receiver and transmitter modules. You can also find some very affordable hardware that still performs well with ExpressLRS. For example, you can get a receiver for as low as $10 or a transmitter module for as low as $30.

• Relatively easy to set up with CRSF protocol and Betaflight/OpenTX support: ExpressLRS uses the standard CRSF serial protocol (Crossfire) for communication between the transmitter module and the radio, and between the receiver and the flight controller. This makes it easy to use with most radios and flight controllers that support CRSF protocol, such as OpenTX radios and Betaflight flight controllers. You can also use the same LUA scripts and tools that you would use with Crossfire to configure your ExpressLRS settings.

There are many hardware options for ExpressLRS, depending on your preference and budget. Here are some examples of ExpressLRS hardware that you can find online:

• BetaFPV LiteRadio 3 and LiteRadio 3 Pro with built-in ELRS module: These are compact and lightweight radios that have a built-in ELRS module for 2.4GHz. They have a simple design with four switches and two knobs, and they run on OpenTX firmware. The LiteRadio 3 has plastic gimbals, while the LiteRadio 3 Pro has hall sensor gimbals for better accuracy and durability.

• Jumper T-Lite V2 with built-in ELRS module: This is another small and portable radio that has a built-in ELRS module for 2.4GHz or 900MHz (depending on the version). It has a gamepad-like design with six switches and two scroll wheels, and it runs on EdgeTX firmware (a fork of OpenTX). It also has hall sensor gimbals and an external antenna port.

• Radiomaster T8 Lite V2, T8 Pro, TX12 MKII, Zorro with external ELRS module: These are full-sized radios that have external ELRS modules for 2.4GHz or 900MHz (depending on the version). They have a more traditional design with multiple switches, knobs, sliders, and buttons, and they run on OpenTX firmware. They also have hall sensor gimbals (except for the T8 Lite V2) and internal multiprotocol modules that support other protocols like Frsky, Flysky, Spektrum, etc…

As you can see, ExpressLRS has a lot to offer for FPV pilots who are looking for a long range system that is fast, reliable, and affordable. It is also a system that is constantly evolving and improving thanks to the open source and community-driven nature of the project. However, ExpressLRS is not without its drawbacks and challenges. In the next section, we will compare it with Crossfire, another long range system that has been around for much longer and has established itself as the industry standard. Stay tuned!

• Long range and low latency with LoRa modulation in 50Hz mode: Crossfire uses LoRa modulation, which is a type of spread spectrum modulation that allows for long range communication with low interference and power consumption. Crossfire uses LoRa modulation in 50Hz mode, which is the default and recommended mode for most FPV pilots. In this mode, Crossfire can achieve impressive range and latency, especially at higher power levels (up to 2W).

• High update rate of up to 150Hz for 900MHz with FSK modulation: Crossfire can also run at a higher update rate of 150Hz for 900MHz, but it uses FSK modulation instead of LoRa in this mode. FSK modulation is a type of frequency modulation that is faster but less robust than LoRa. In this mode, Crossfire can achieve lower latency but less range than in 50Hz mode.

• Reliable and proven performance with many years of experience: Crossfire is one of the oldest and most established long range systems on the market. It has been tested and refined over many years and has proven itself to be reliable and consistent in various environments and conditions. Many professional pilots and content creators use Crossfire as their preferred long range system.

• Compatible and integrated with TBS products and services: Crossfire is part of the TBS ecosystem, which means that it is compatible and integrated with other TBS products and services. For example, you can use Crossfire with TBS Tracer (a 2.4GHz system that offers even lower latency), TBS Tango 2 (a radio with a built-in Crossfire module), TBS Fusion (a video receiver module that works with Crossfire telemetry), TBS Cloud (a service that allows you to remotely access and configure your devices), etc.

• Advanced features like telemetry, LUA scripts, dynamic power, etc.: Crossfire offers some advanced features that may appeal to some users who want more control and customization over their radio link. For example, you can use telemetry to get real-time data from your drone on your radio screen or goggles, you can use LUA scripts to easily configure your Crossfire settings on your radio, you can use dynamic power to automatically adjust your transmitter power based on your signal strength, etc.

There are also many hardware options for Crossfire, depending on your preference and budget. Here are some examples of Crossfire hardware that you can find online:

• TBS Crossfire Micro TX V2 and Nano RX: These are compact and lightweight modules that offer up to 250mW of power for the transmitter and up to 100mW for the receiver. They are ideal for smaller drones or radios that have limited space or battery capacity.

• TBS Crossfire TX Lite and Diversity Nano RX: These are larger and more powerful modules that offer up to 2W of power for the transmitter and up to 500mW for the receiver. They also have two antennas each for better diversity and signal quality. They are ideal for larger drones or radios that have more space or battery capacity.

• TBS Tango 2 Pro with built-in Crossfire module: This is a full-sized radio that has a built-in Crossfire module for 900MHz. It has a gamepad-like design with four switches and two scroll wheels, and it runs on FreedomTX firmware (a fork of OpenTX). It also has hall sensor gimbals, an external antenna port, and a folding handle.

As you can see, Crossfire has a lot to offer for FPV pilots who are looking for a long range system that is reliable and integrated with TBS products and services. It is also a system that has been around for a long time and has earned the trust and respect of many users. However, Crossfire is not without its drawbacks and challenges. In the next section, we will compare it with ExpressLRS.

Let’s go over each criterion in more detail:

• Range: Both systems offer long range and low latency with LoRa modulation, but ExpressLRS claims to have better range than Crossfire at the same power level (25mW) according to some tests. However, Crossfire may have an edge at higher power levels (up to 2W) or in different environments where LoRa modulation may not perform as well. Ultimately, the range you get will depend on many factors, such as your antenna placement, orientation, and quality, your flying style and location, the interference and noise level, etc. So, it’s hard to say which system has the best range in every situation.

• Latency: Both systems offer low latency and high update rates, but ExpressLRS has lower latency than Crossfire at higher update rates (200Hz/500Hz vs 150Hz). This means that ExpressLRS can send and receive data faster and more frequently, which may result in smoother and more responsive control. However, Crossfire may have more consistent latency at lower update rates (50Hz vs 100Hz/50Hz), which means that Crossfire may have less jitter and variation in the delay between your input and the drone’s movement. This may result in more stable and predictable control. Ultimately, the latency you feel will depend on your personal preference and sensitivity, as well as other factors like your video link quality, your goggles latency, etc. So, it’s hard to say which system has the best latency for every user.

• Cost: ExpressLRS is cheaper than Crossfire in general, especially for receivers. You can find some very affordable hardware that still performs well with ExpressLRS. For example, you can get a receiver for as low as $10 or a transmitter module for as low as $30 . However, Crossfire may have better quality and durability than some of the cheaper ExpressLRS hardware. You may also get better customer service and warranty from TBS than from some of the ExpressLRS vendors. Ultimately, the cost you pay will depend on your budget and expectation, as well as the availability and shipping cost of the hardware you want. So, it’s hard to say which system has the best value for every user.

• Compatibility: ExpressLRS is compatible with most radios and flight controllers that support CRSF protocol, which is a standard serial protocol used by many long range systems. This means that you can use ExpressLRS with most OpenTX radios and Betaflight flight controllers without much hassle. You can also use the same LUA scripts and tools that you would use with Crossfire to configure your ExpressLRS settings. However, Crossfire is more integrated with TBS products and services, which means that you can use Crossfire with other TBS products like Tracer, Tango 2, Fusion, Cloud, etc. Without any extra steps or modules. You may also get some extra features or benefits from using TBS products together with Crossfire. Ultimately, the compatibility you get will depend on your existing or desired hardware and software setup. So, it’s hard to say which system has the best compatibility for every user.

• Features: ExpressLRS has the basic features that most FPV pilots need from a long range system, such as telemetry, dynamic power, failsafe settings, etc. It also has some unique features like hybrid switches and WiFi flashing that may appeal to some users. However, Crossfire has more advanced features that may appeal to some users who want more control and customization over their radio link. For example, you can use telemetry to get real-time data from your drone on your radio screen or goggles, you can use LUA scripts to easily configure your Crossfire settings on your radio, you can use dynamic power to automatically adjust your transmitter power based on your signal strength, etc. Ultimately, the features you need or want will depend on your personal preference and flying style. So, it’s hard to say which system has the best features for every user.

So, which system is better for FPV drones? ExpressLRS or Crossfire? The answer is: it depends. It depends on your needs, preferences, budget, and setup. Both systems have their pros and cons, and both systems can provide a great FPV experience.

The best way to decide is to consider your needs and pick the system that best matches based on the criteria layed out in this article. Or, if you have the opportunity, try them out for yourself and see which one you like better. The choice is yours.

We hope this article has helped you understand the differences and similarities between ExpressLRS and Crossfire, and has given you some guidance on how to choose the best long range system for your FPV drones. If you have any questions or feedback, leave a comment below.