FPV Drone Kits
๐ Explore the Best FPV Drone Kits for Every Skill Level
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re ready to upgrade your gear, this guide highlights top FPV drone kits tailored for different experience levels and flight styles. From build-it-yourself bundles to ready-to-fly setups, each one offers excellent quality, support, and performance.
๐ Note: With the recent release of the DJI O4 Air Unit, many kits are being upgraded for compatibilityโkeep an eye out for updated builds!
๐ฏ Why FPV Drone Kits Are a Smart Way to Start
- All-in-One Convenience: Kits include the parts you need to build or fly, eliminating compatibility guesswork.
- Learn by Doing: Building your own FPV drone teaches you how it works, so you’re better prepared to fix and upgrade it later.
- Better Value: Compared to buying components separately, kits often offer better pricing and bundled support.
- Backed by Experts: Some kits are curated by trusted names like Joshua Bardwell, whose tutorials help you succeed from day one.
๐งฐ What Else You Might Need
We have more information on accessories at the bottom of this page.
- Goggles: Analog or HD digital (DJI, Walksnail, FatShark) to see the FPV feed.
- Transmitter: Your remote controlโpopular picks include Radiomaster and TBS Tango 2.
- Batteries + Charger: Most drones use 4S or 6S LiPo batteries; make sure to use a balance charger.
- FPV System: Some kits include it, others let you choose between analog or HD video systems.
- Tools + Soldering Kit: Basic soldering is often required for DIY kits. A toolkit makes maintenance easier.
๐ ๏ธ Editorโs Picks
โ Beginner DIY Drone Kit – QAV-S 2 Joshua Bardwell SE 5โ
A community favorite, this 5-inch kit is HD-ready and compatible with DJI O3 and Walksnail. Joshua Bardwell’s in-depth tutorials make it a top choice for beginners who want to learn and fly with confidence.
โ Sub-250g Beginner Kit – QAV-S 2 Joshua Bardwell SE 3โ
Lightweight and regulation-friendly, this 3-inch kit is perfect for new pilots who want a great flying experience without heavier restrictions. Its vibration-isolated camera mount delivers smoother footage.
๐ฆ More FPV Drone Kits
Freestyle DIY Kit – Joshua Bardwell Edition V2 (HD or Analog)
Built for freestyle flying, this kit is available in HD or analog. It includes a durable Lumenier frame and reliable electronics, with step-by-step tutorials that make learning easier.
Lumenier QAV-S 2 JohnnyFPV SE 5″ 6S Kit
Designed for cinematic long-range footage, this 5-inch kit features premium motors and smooth flight characteristics. A great choice for pilots aiming to capture breathtaking video.
Dignitas 7″ DIY FPV Kit (Analog)
Great for long-range analog flying, this kit supports bigger payloads and stable video with classic FPV gear. Excellent for tinkerers and analog enthusiasts.
Holybro Kopis X8 5″ Cinelifter DIY Kit
A caged, heavy-lift FPV drone ideal for professional-grade cinematography. Itโs DIY and customizableโbest for advanced pilots.
SkyStars G4 4″ ARF Kit w/ GPS
A near-complete build that includes GPS, perfect for long-range adventures and experimenting with navigation features.
Flywoo FlyLens 75/85 + NewBeeDrone StingerBee 3″
Compact and powerful BNF drones with premium HD video systems and GPS integration. Great for freestyle, cinematic, and travel-friendly flying.
Micro & Nano RTF/BNF FPV Drones
Ultra-small drones like the BETAFPV Meteor65 Pro are excellent for indoor flying and beginners. These drones are ready to fly with minimal setup.
๐ FPV Protocols: What Do They All Mean?
FPV drones rely on two sets of protocols: one for video and one for control signals. Understanding these helps you choose the right gear that works together.
๐ฅ Video Transmission: Analog vs Digital
- Analog FPV: Uses 5.8GHz to send a fast, low-latency video signal. Affordable and simple, but the image is lower quality and more prone to interference.
- Digital FPV: Systems like DJI or HDZero transmit crisp HD video with less noise and better range. Slightly more expensive and needs compatible goggles and video transmitters.
๐ก Control Link Protocols: ELRS vs Crossfire
- ELRS (ExpressLRS): Open-source and lightning-fast. Great for racing and freestyle. Comes in 2.4GHz (low latency, shorter range) or 900MHz (longer range, better penetration).
- TBS Crossfire: Rock-solid control link with long range and encryption. Ideal for long-range and reliability, especially in difficult environments.
๐ฆ Quick Comparison:
Feature | ELRS 2.4GHz | ELRS 900MHz | TBS Crossfire |
---|---|---|---|
Latency | Very Low | Medium | Medium |
Range | Up to 10km | Up to 30km | 30km+ |
Penetration | Low | High | High |
Cost | Low | Low | Higher |
Security | Unencrypted | Unencrypted | Encrypted |
Best Use | Racing/Freestyle | Urban Obstacles | Long Range |
๐ฆ Essential FPV Gear Checklist
- โ FPV Drone (kit, BNF, or RTF)
- โ Radio transmitter (TX) with matching protocol
- โ FPV Goggles (Analog or Digital)
- โ Video Transmitter (VTX) on drone
- โ LiPo Batteries (and charger)
- โ Receiver module (if not included)
- โ Antennas for both video and control link
- ๐ง Optional: Tools, spare props, lipo checker, smoke stopper
Ready to dive in? Pick your kit and hit the skies. FPV is more than a hobbyโit’s an adventure.
โ Grab Our Free FPV Checklist
Make sure you have everything you need before your first flight! Our free FPV checklist helps you avoid surprises, pick the right gear, and fly with confidence.