1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall
3. Best older model
4. Best for beginners
5. Best cheap
6. Best 4K video capture
7. Best for learning
8. Best cheap 4K video capture
9. Best freestyle
10. Best FPV drones FAQ
11. How we test
The best FPV drones (first-person view) allow pilots to enjoy an exciting bird’s eye view of the world giving you a sense of flight while your feet are firmly on the ground. What’s more, the footage that can be captured by the onboard camera, or in other cases an action camera, is the most immersive aerial video you can shoot.
FPV drone kits typically consist of the drone, a controller and FPV goggles to allow the pilot to see the FPV camera view. Some models, such as the DJI Avata 2, DJI Avata and DJI FPV can be flown with an intuitive motion controller that makes flight easy for anyone, but these models can also be flown with a more traditional FPV controller allowing for what’s known as Acro/Manual flight.
Flying in Acro/Manual is the most difficult flight mode for any FPV drone because you have to regulate the throttle and correct all controls to avoid crashing. This takes many hours of practice on FPV simulators and then with real drones, but once you master this dark art, you’ll be able to flip, roll and dive your FPV drone to enjoy the most thrilling flight possible.
If you’d like to learn more about FPV drones, check out our best FPV drones Frequently Asked Questions. If you’d prefer a simpler and more versatile drone for capturing photos and videos, check out our best drones and best camera drones guides. And if an absolute beginner, take a look at our best beginner drones guide to discover the best models to get started.
The Quick list
Best overall
With updated features, goggles and controllers, the DJI Avata 2 offers beginners and experts the ability to capture excellent 4K video while enjoying the immersive flight experience offered by this drone.
Best older model
With excellent 4K video capture and the ability for beginners and experts to fly the drone in a way that suits them, immersive FPV video is available to everyone.
Best FPV kit for beginners
The BetaFPV Cetus X FPV Kit is a powerful microwhoop drone with basic safety features in one flight mode for beginners but also offers Manual mode for experienced pilots.
Best cheap FPV drone
The BetaFPV Cetus Lite FPV Kit comes with everything you need to get started with FPV flight and is perfect for getting used to flying with FPV goggles.
Best 4K FPV drone
If speed, maneuverability and 4K video capture are on your FPV wishlist, the DJI FPV could be the perfect drone for you.
Best for learning to fly manual FPV
The BetaFPV Cetus Pro kit offers everything you need to get started alongside flight modes that will help to take you from FPV zero to hero in no time.
Load the next 2 products ↴
Best for cheap 4K video capture
With the ability to capture basic 4K video with the drone’s FPV camera, the GepRC Tiny Go 4K is a complete kit that’s a great option for beginners.
Best FPV freestyle drone
The Emax Tinyhawk II Freestyle RTF Kit is a great option if you plan to learn how to fly freestyle with an inexpensive pre-built FPV drone.
Best FPV Drones we recommend in 2024
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Best FPV drone overall
✅ You’re looking for simplicity: Alongside providing excellent image quality for video, the Avata 2 is much less hassle than traditional FPV drones with smart batteries and advanced features.
❌ You're on a budget: The Avata 2 is reasonably priced but it may be too expensive for some beginners. If you'd like a more affordable kit to get started, consider the BetaFPV Cetus X Kit.
🔎 The DJI Avata 2 builds upon and improves the experience provided by its predecessor to deliver an FPV drone that's suitable for FPV beginners and professionals alike, with video capture available up to 4K 60 fps. ★★★★★
The DJI Avata 2 comes almost hot on the heels of its predecessor, the DJI Avata, to deliver a more advanced FPV drone that's suitable for beginners and experienced FPV Pilots. With features including GPS positioning, rear and downward sensors and two controller options, this is an FPV drone that blends the ease, convenience and technology of a camera drone with the robust and exciting characteristics of FPV models.
With a weight of 13.30 oz / 377 g and an aerodynamic design, the Avata 2 is advertised as being capable of up to 23 minutes of flight time; this is impressive for a cine whoop style drone with propeller guards to protect the propellers and objects in the event of a crash. The batteries used are smart batteries, which means they automatically discharge making them much easier to use than traditional LiPo batteries.
The beauty of this drone is that it's easy to use. The kits come with everything you need, including DJI Goggles 3 and a Motion 3 Controller, which is easy and intuitive to use. The DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 can be purchased separately and unlocks the ability to fly in Manual mode for a true FPV experience.
Video capture is available up to 4K at up to 60fps, in either the Normal color Profile for straight out-of-camera footage or the flat D-Log M profile for color grading and professional use. Image quality from the camera with a 1/1.3-inch 12MP sensor and 12mm equivalent lens is excellent despite being fixed-focus, with a focus range of 23.6 inches / 60cm to infinity.
- Read our full DJI Avata 2 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Cine whoop design with propeller protection. |
| Functionality | GPS, hovering and beeper alongside impressive flight times. |
| Performance | Excellent 4K video quality. |
Best older model
✅ You're a beginner: While it's not a drone aimed at beginners, we noted that it's easy to fly if you are a beginner and it'll last you beyond beginner status, too.
❌ You want to use it for stills photography: It can capture JPEG images, but there's no option to shoot in RAW, not to mention the horizon will most likely always be wonky.
🔎 FPV drones are notoriously difficult to fly, but with the DJI Avata anyone can capture immersive FPV video footage in stunning 4K resolution at up to 60 fps, and it’s a whole lot of fun to fly, too. ★★★★★
If you're looking for an FPV drone that combines the features of camera drones, such as GPS positioning and downward sensors, with the freedom to fly manually in Acro mode, then the DJI Avata is worth considering. It's available in two kits, both including the DJI Motion Controller, which is a simple-to-use control device. However, if you want full control over the flight and the option to fly manually in Acro mode, you'll need to purchase the DJI FPV Remote Controller 2 separately.
The DJI Avata features a cinewhoop design with prop guards around the propellers to protect them in the event of a crash. These can be purchased separately and replaced if damaged. The drone is 180 x 180 x 80 cm and weighs in at 14.46 oz/410 g with a battery, which is quite heavy for a drone of this style, but it does include 20 GB of built-in storage alongside a separate microSD card for additional video storage.
The video quality from the 48MP 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor with an f/2.8 lens with a 12.7 mm equivalent focal length is excellent overall, as we discussed in our DJI Avata review. Video can be captured in 4K up to 60fps, 2.7K at up to 100fps and 1080p at up to 100fps with DJI Goggles 2. The DJI FPV Goggles V2 however, can shoot 2.7K and 1080p video at a rate of up to 120fps. You can get the Avata by itself, or in two kits with different goggle choices. There's also a Fly More Bundle available if you want more extras.
- Read our full DJI Avata review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Robust cinewhoop design. |
| Functionality | FPV Goggles 2 provide a clear digital FPV feed. |
| Performance | Fantastic video quality. |
Best for beginners
✅ You want a complete package: The package includes everything you need to get started with FPV drone flight including the drone, FPV goggles, controller, batteries and other accessories.
❌ You want long flight times: The battery life is short at just 5 minutes. The batteries charge in 20, but if you're looking to fly for longer it's worth looking at some other options.
🔎 The Cetus X is BetaFPV’s top-of-the-line Cetus kit with everything you need to get started in FPV with a drone that’s suitable for absolute FPV beginners but is still powerful enough and maneuverable to satisfy more experienced FPV pilots. ★★★★½
The Cetus X, leading BetaFPV's Cetus series, stands out as the most powerful and adaptable model in the lineup. It's the perfect drone to guide you from being an FPV beginner to an experienced pilot and more. The budget-friendly kit covers everything to kickstart your journey, providing the drone, FPV goggles, controller, batteries, charger and other handy accessories — all in one complete package.
There are two versions available and the one we reviewed is the Cetus FC version which features position hold, hovering and emergency landing in Normal flight mode. This makes the drone behave more like a camera drone than an FPV drone, which is great for getting used to using FPV goggles, and beyond this, the most useful mode is Manual/Acro where the Cetus X is powerful enough to perform freestyle tricks such as rolls, flips and dives etc.
The battery life is pretty short, lasting around 5 minutes per set of batteries, which is typical for microwhoop FPV drones. It takes about 20 minutes to recharge, and you can get extra flight time by purchasing more batteries. The Cetus X is a strong and fun drone, with better endurance and power than the other three Cetus models. Plus, it comes with goggles that can record the 480p FPV video feed.
- Read our full BetaFPV Cetus X review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Small, lightweight and powerful 2S drone. |
| Functionality | Three flight modes and three speed settings. |
| Performance | Turtle Mode flips the drone after crashes. |
Best cheap FPV drone
✅ You're a beginner: This would be a great option if you're a beginner, or if you're buying for children, and it's really easy to fly.
❌ You want to shoot photos or videos: It isn't capable of recording, so photographers or videographers will definitely want to look elsewhere.
🔎 The BetaFPV Cetus Lite FPV Kit is a unique kit for getting started with FPV drone flight for a low cost. However, with just one self-leveling flight mode and two sedate speed modes, you can’t progress your FPV flying skills beyond getting used to goggles so an upgrade would be required fairly soon. ★★★½
If you're interested in experiencing FPV flying without spending a fortune, the BetaFPV Cetus Lite FPV Kit is an excellent choice. It includes all the necessary components to start, such as analog FPV goggles and batteries. This kit is known for its simplicity and user-friendly design, making it suitable for everyone, including children. It's a budget-friendly way to dive into the world of FPV hassle-free.
In our Cetus Lite FPV Kit review, we found that it is incredibly small and lightweight and not particularly powerful, making it suitable for indoor flight only using the included basic controller and analog FPV goggles. When you release the left control stick on the controller, it automatically centers, in order to help as the drone is capable of hovering. Because of this feature, it stays level and can't do flips, rolls or dives like regular FPV drones, which makes it easy to fly.
This feature makes the drone great for beginners and kids, but the downside is that you won't be able to advance your FPV flying skills with it, meaning you might outgrow it pretty fast. However, it does help you get used to using FPV goggles, which can feel strange at first.
- Read our full Cetus Lite FPV Kit review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Extremely small and lightweight. |
| Functionality | Only one flight mode and two speeds. |
| Performance | Incredibly easy to fly. |
Best for 4K video capture
✅ You're a more experienced FPV pilot: This isn't a drone for beginners, both in terms of experience and budget.
❌ You want something small and lightweight: It weighs around 28oz (794g), which is heavier than many FPV drones.
🔎 For more seasoned flyers, one flight with the DJI FPV will likely have you hooked. Just don’t crash it unless you have rather deep pockets. ★★★★
DJI's first venture into the FPV drone space, the DJI FPV, received mixed reviews due to its larger and heavier build compared to traditional FPV drones. It includes GPS positioning in Normal mode, allowing beginners to fly it like a camera drone, which we appreciated in our DJI FPV review. A notable safety feature in this mode is the sensors that slow down the drone upon detecting obstacles, though it won't bring the drone to a complete stop.
The drone has two exciting modes: Sport mode lets you fly up to 60 mph, while Manual mode goes even faster at an impressive 87 mph. Just remember, Manual mode is for experienced FPV pilots who are comfortable with manual flying. If you're ready for an exhilarating flight, Sport mode is a mix of both worlds and turns off downward sensors. While it's not the absolute fastest, it still offers an exciting ride. The package comes with the DJI FPV Remote Controller 2, and you can also use the DJI Motion Controller, which you need to buy separately.
The camera provides both the digital FPV video feed as well as the ability to capture immersive footage up to 4K at 60fps. This can be captured in the Standard color profile for straight out-of-camera footage, or in D-Cinelike (RAW) for color grading and incorporating into a professional workflow. At over a year since its release, the DJI FPV is available for a competitive price.
- Read our full DJI FPV review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Fixed (non-foldable) frame. |
| Functionality | Stills and video functionality limited. |
| Performance | Fast 87mph in Manual mode. |
Best for learning to fly manual FPV
✅ You're a beginner: If you've never flown a drone before, this could be the perfect option to learn how to.
❌ You want to capture video or stills: This tiny drone is aimed at absolute beginners who are solely focused on learning to fly, so isn't capable of recording photos or video.
🔎 With a low cost and a complete kit with everything you need to get started, the BetaFPV Cetus Pro Kit provides a low-risk entry point to learning how to fly FPV drones when compared to more expensive models. ★★★★
The Cetus Pro Kit is aimed squarely at absolute FPV beginners and those who would like a tiny FPV drone they can take anywhere. The kit comes with everything you need including the drone, FPV goggles, a controller, a carry case, two batteries, a USB charger, a voltage tester and other accessories.
The Cetus Pro features optical flow sensors in Normal mode to help the drone to hold position and to fly over obstacles below. This basic mode is the starting point for beginners, while Sport mode restricts the angle the drone can be pitched or rolled. Manual mode is fully manual as the name suggests and requires lots of practice to be able to fly when using it.
There are also three different speed modes available in the three main flight modes, so you can slowly build up to Fast speed in Manual/Acro mode as your flying skills improve. In our BetaFPV Cetus Pro review, we noted that it isn't capable of recording stills or video, but this drone is purely for learning to fly so it's not much of an issue.
During the learning stage, it's common to experience some crashes, but the Cetus Pro's strong build reduces the risk of damage. If the drone flips upside down after a crash, you can use Turtle mode to flip it back and keep flying, saving you the hassle of going to get it. The small batteries give you about 5 minutes of flight time, and although the goggles have a decent 800x480p resolution, it's best to keep the drone relatively close (within an unobstructed range of up to 80m) for a clear video feed.
- Read our full BetaFPV Cetus Pro review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Built to withstand crashes. |
| Functionality | Three flight modes and speeds. |
| Performance | Extremely easy to fly. |
Best for cheap 4K video capture
✅ You want to record video: This drone can record 4K 60fps video footage.
❌ You want good quality footage: Although it can shoot 4K, the quality isn't on the same level as other drones like the ones from DJI. Plus, there's no stabilization so footage can often be shaky.
🔎 The GepRC Tiny Go 4K is advertised for indoor flight, although we found that tricky in reality. It can be flown outdoors, but not in strong winds. It's not the same quality as other more expensive drones, but it's an affordable way to capture 4K video footage. ★★★★
Advertised as being for indoor flight thanks to its tiny whoop design with foam padding around the propeller guards, the GepRC Tiny Go 4K is a unique beginner RTF kit. Indoor flight is difficult in reality, but the drone is powerful enough to fly outside, although strong wind would be problematic. However, the most interesting feature of the drone is that it can capture 4K video at 60fps alongside the FPV feed.
While there's no gyro data recording, which might lead to some shaky footage, the Pavo25 still provides decent video quality, although it might not be as good as action cameras or DJI's FPV drones. One standout feature is its capability to capture 4K video during flights, which is particularly attractive for new FPV pilots. Additionally, the goggles come with a built-in DVR, allowing you to record the FPV feed for later viewing.
The package includes the drone, goggles, a controller, four 1S batteries (two powering the drone), a USB battery charger, a carry bag and accessories. The box-type goggles provide a standard 800 x 480p resolution typical for beginner RTF kits. The receiver has a transmission range of 100m, limiting how far you can fly the TinyGo from your position.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Weighs 2.82oz / 80.2g (including batteries). |
| Functionality | 4K 60fps video capture. |
| Performance | No gyro data for video stabilization. |
Best FPV freestyle drone
✅ You want to learn basic freestyle tricks: This drone is focused on freestyle flying, making it a great option for learning some basic tricks.
❌ You want to record video: It can't record video, so keep that in mind if you want to record your freestyle tricks.
🔎 The Emax Tinyhawk II Freestyle RTF Kit provides everything you need to get started in FPV but with a drone focused on freestyle flying and the ability to perform basic tricks. ★★★½
One of the great things about FPV drones is the freedom to fly in a freestyle manner. Not only is it thrilling, but the videos you can make with skill can be really impressive. The Emax Tinyhawk II RTF Kit gives you everything you need to start your FPV journey, featuring a drone built specifically for freestyle flying. It's set at a moderate level, making it beginner-friendly, and while you can do basic tricks, it can't record video.
The controller has a gaming controller appearance rather than a traditional FPV design, featuring the expected controls with unique control sticks that may not suit everyone's preferences. It offers three flight modes to assist in skill development as an FPV pilot: Air mode, where the throttle is higher to prevent the drone from dropping suddenly, Angle mode, which limits pitch and roll and Manual/Acro mode.
Despite its small size, you can purchase 3D printed camera mounts for the Insta360 Go/Go 2, and the drone can fly with these small cameras attached, although the flight times are reduced due to the additional weight. The goggles feature a lower resolution of 480x320p compared to the 800x480p of most of the other analog goggles included in RTF kits in this guide.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Small and lightweight. |
| Functionality | Three flight modes. |
| Performance | Lower goggle resolution than other kits in this guide. |
Best FPV Drones Frequently Asked Questions
Video and stills photography is complicated enough but add to that the skill and knowledge required to pilot a flying device that does this makes things even more difficult. We've answered some of your frequently asked questions regarding the best first-person view drones.
What is the best FPV drone?
The DJI Avata is the best FPV drone you can buy right now because of its beginner-friendly operation and cinematic video that can shoot up to 4K 60FPS footage and 48 megapixel stills photographs.
How much does a decent FPV drone cost?
Prices for a good FPV drone range between $140 to $620 depending on the make and model you want to purchase.
Are FPV drones better than traditional drones?
Depending on how you like to pilot, yes. If getting an immersive piloting view while wearing goggles is important to you (such as for perfecting cinematic video or racing drones) then an FPV drone may be a better buy.
What should my first FPV drone be?
For absolute beginners buying their first ever FPV drone we'd recommend the BetaFPV Cetus X. It's a powerful micro whoop kit that ships with everything you need to get started (including goggles).
What is an FPV drone?
They are first-person view drones, usually operated using a screen or virtual reality goggles, instead of looking directly at the drone. Traditionally, FPV drones required pilots to assemble them by purchasing individual components and doing some soldering. However, a growing trend is the availability of ready-to-fly (RTF) and bind-and-fly (BNF) kits that come pre-assembled. With these kits, you simply need to charge the batteries or bind the drone with the FPV goggles and controller before taking flight. These kits make FPV flying more accessible, especially for those who may not be very tech-savvy.
How we test FPV drones
FPV drones are typically tested over several days in different locations and environments to test flight performance, flight features, overall handling and the image quality and reliability of the FPV video feed to the goggles. FPV drones typically don’t have built-in cameras for video capture, although some models do capture high-quality video so this is always tested when available.
Drones are flown in Acro/Manual mode to test the connection between the aircraft and the controller, latency between the two, the accuracy of the controls and flight performance in general. And if the drones offer any kind of beginner flight modes with basic safety features, these are tested in an indoor environment due to reduced power and to test the sensitivity of the controls.
The testing we conduct here at Space.com is compliant with local aviation laws and restrictions so all flights are safe and legal. Drone laws vary from region to region, so you must check local laws to ensure that you’re following the guidelines for your country before embarking on your first drone flights.
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