Drone technology has been one of the most exciting to enter the consumer market in the last few years.
Virtual Reality also has been quite exciting especially with its endless possibilities.
Together, these two technologies bring to the market VR drones.
VR drones along with VR goggles give you a live view from the drone’s camera.
The live feed is sent to the VR goggles to deliver a truly immersive experience that puts you in the cockpit of the drone.
It is as exciting as it sounds and if you do get a chance, try this out.
To help you along the way, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best drone VR goggles you can purchase today.
Let’s get right to it.
Drone
Features
Price
- 4.3 miles transmission range
- 1h 50m battery life
- 12.5 x 12 x 7 inches
- 2.5 miles transmission range
- Low latency rates within 28ms
- 10.31 x 9.37 x 6.5 inches
- Transmission range of 600 meters or more
- 2-hour battery life
- 6.69 x 4.72 x 3.74 inches
- Budget-friendly
- Can be powered by your phone
- 6.19 x 4.44 x 8.63 inches
- Cheap
- 3D IMAX-like experience.
- 8.58 x 6.06 x 4.72 inches
Best drone VR goggles
- 4.3 miles transmission range
- 1h 50m battery life
- 12.5 x 12 x 7 inches
If you own a DJI drone, then it makes sense to look for a pair of DJI Goggles.
DJI is a lead manufacturer of some of the most advanced drones in the world.
These DJI 1080p racing edition goggles bring a lot of innovative technology for you to enjoy a true VR experience.
You can enjoy FPV racing in style and without the normal restraints.
This pair of goggles feature a matte black visor and headband with red leather padding for added comfort.
It is compatible with OcuSync video transmission modules like a DJI VR drone with a high-performance camera.
This connection can transmit digital video signals from up to 4.3 miles away.
Latency is as low as 50ms which means you won’t miss any of the high-speed action as you zoom through the sky.
The DJI 1080p racing edition goggles include powerful features like 1280×960 transmission and automatic frequency-hopping speed spectrum(FHSS) transmission.
Use with any multi-rotor or fixed-winged aircraft for an unforgettable racing experience.
Read more about the DJI Goggles by clicking the link.
- INCLUDES DJI Goggles Body Headband Pagoda Antenna (SMA Interface) Reversed SMA Connector Charger...
- Compatible with DJI spark Mavic Phantom and inspire Series of drones
- Up to 50MS latency 12 channels available 2 4 and 5 8 GHz dual-band video transmission
- 1280x960 at 50 fps 1280x720 at 60 fps 640x480 at 50 fps
- 148° Field of view Global shutter sensor eliminates jell effect
- Video capture resolution: 2K
- 2.5 miles transmission range
- Low latency rates within 28ms
- 10.31 x 9.37 x 6.5 inches
The DJI GETFPV goggles combo comes with a DJI FPv Google, 2x DJI FPV air unit, 4 antennas, a USB-C cable and a headband.
This Digital FPV system is far more racer-friendly than most FPV drone goggles.
DJI seeks to redefine the drone racing industry when they introduced these goggles.
This pair of goggles immerse you in flight but do not connect through OcuSync.
Instead, it uses more common 5.8Ghz signals.
The default connection is to the Air Unit that connects to an HD camera with microSD recording.
This acts as the transmitter for the video and the receiver for the dedicated FPV system remote controller that you’ll need to purchase separately.
The transmission range of this unit is out to 2.5 miles which is good enough to give you a clean and clear live view of what your drone sees when racing.
You get low latency rates within 28ms and stunning HD 720p/120fps resolution live videos with this drone racing headset.
You can also check out the DJI FPV goggle V2.
- 1 x DJI FPV Goggles
- 2 x DJI FPV Air Unit
- 4 x Goggle Antennas
- 1 x USB-C Cable
- 1 x Headband
- Transmission range of 600 meters or more
- 2-hour battery life
- 6.69 x 4.72 x 3.74 inches
If the DJI units prices are too steep or you just aren’t a DJI fan, Fat Shark produces a few awesome VR goggles.
The FatShark Scout is the latest in their lineup of drone headsets from the company.
You get a high-performance google at an entry-level price which is a bonus for you.
The Scout makes use of a patented panel goggle optical module that gives you 113×640 resolution, 60fps refresh rate and a 50-degree field of view(FOV).
Aside from the impressive display, the Scout comes with a diversity RX with an embedded 10dB patch antenna.
This helps to maximize reception so you can receive video transmission to greater distances.
In terms of comfort and convenience, this drone virtual reality headset is not lacking at all.
You’ll find an embedded fan, removable foam so you can be more comfortable if you wear glasses and a LED indicator of the antenna for channel notification.
If you want premium performance VR goggles at an affordable choice, the Scout fits the bill perfectly.
- FOV (field of view): 50 degrees diagonal
- 4.0 inch Resolution 1136 X 640
- NTSC/PAL auto selecting
- It has a diversity RX with an embedded 10 dB patch antenna to maximize reception, an overhauled OSD,...
- Low latency
- 2.5 hours battery life
- 7.09 x 6.61 x 3.66 inches
The Arris VR-009 video headset is a small and lightweight mini FPV goggles for FPV drones.
It is so light that it is easy to carry so you can always enjoy a VR experience no matter where you go.
Best of all, due to its lightweight nature, it is very comfortable to wear even when using it for long periods.
The Arris VR-009 comes with double antennae to provide a more stable signal.
This paired with the built-in 5.8GHz 40CH receiver makes it easier and faster when auto-searching for channels to connect.
You get real-time video return with low latency and a video resolution of 480 x 320 on the small 3-inch screen.
The 4x Fresnel lens has a 92% transparency rate with no distortion of light for a clear view.
Other than these, the built-in 3.7V/1200mAh high-capacity Li-ion polymer battery can last up to 2.5 hours.
This gives you a chance to enjoy a VR flying experience for longer.
The Arris VR-009 video headset is the perfect companion if you want to pack light and have a VR experience when you’re on the go.
- Small size and light weight, only 183g, easy to carry and more comfortable to wear.
- Double antenna reception to make the signal more stable.
- Built-in 3.7V/1200mAh high-capacity Li-ion polymer battery, and the longer time to enjoy your...
- Built-in super sensitiveness 5.8GHz 40ch receiver, especially with raceband. It’s more convenient,...
- Real-time video return, Very low time-delay.
- Ergonomic design
- 2-hour battery life
- 6.3 x 5.9 x 4.7 inches
The BetaFPV VR01 goggles are a great choice for FPV racing with drones or model airplanes.
It comes with a 4.3 inch 800 x 480px HD high brightness LCD.
The 92% transparent lens adopted offers no distortion and to much surprise no blurriness on the edge of the screen.
Like the Arris unit, FPV drone VR goggles come with a super-sensitive 5.8GHz 40ch receiver built-in and an advanced auto-searching function.
The working frequency usually shows up on the screen so you know which one you’re currently using.
You get about 2 hours of use thanks to the built-in 2000mAh battery.
One of the best things about these goggles is that it comes with a DVR feature which you don’t expect at this price point.
The other good thing about it is that it is ergonomically designed.
It includes a foam sponge faceplate and a three-sided adjustable headband
The BetaFPV VR01 goggles fit your face and head well and minimize the uncomfortable feeling that is sometimes associated with wearing a VR headset for a long time.
- BETAFPV VR01 FPV Goggles is with 4.3 inches 800*480px special high brightness backlight LCD, 92%...
- Built-in a 3.7V 2000mAh lipo battery, you can get 2 hours of working time when fully charged. No...
- Super sensitiveness 5.8GHz 40ch receiver, especially with RaceBand. With an advanced auto-searching...
- Adopted an ergonomic design with a foam sponge faceplate and a three-sided adjustable headband, this...
- Lightweight only 375g, bringing great endurance. Super suitable for any scale, racing, model...
- Budget-friendly
- Can be powered by your phone
- 6.19 x 4.44 x 8.63 inches
If you want budget-friendly goggles, you can try the Utopia 360° VR headset.
Although this unit wasn’t designed specifically for drones, it can work to deliver a true VR experience.
It is the perfect choice for kids or any beginner now getting familiar with drone VR technology.
This unit is compatible with any phone and streams high-quality footage even without a battery.
However, it will significantly drain your phone’s battery so be sure your phone is fully charged.
It is a very portable pair of goggles so if you’re already carrying around a heavy drone, this is a good option.
For the price, you can’t really expect too much and you definitely are not going to get the awesome video quality and other features like the DJI or Fat Shark goggles.
However, it still includes a 3-way adjustable strap and a ventilated cushion to keep you cool.
The Utopia 360° VR headset. also has a dual adjustable focus that allows you to modify the focal length and inter-pupillary distance to your specifications.
- Cheap
- 3D IMAX-like experience.
- 8.58 x 6.06 x 4.72 inches
If you’re looking for dirt-cheap drone VR goggles, it doesn’t get cheaper than the VRbeatz VR headset.
This is another unit ideal for kids or if you are now getting a feel for drone VR.
It is an affordable way to experience First Person View (FPV) from your drone.
You get a deeply immersive experience with its wide-angle oversized lens.
The crystal clear HD lens provides maximum clarity and features anti-reflective material that reduces glare.
These clear and anti-reflective lenses combined with a magnified screen provide a 3D IMAX-like experience when viewing a live feed.
You also have the option to adjust the focal distance and pupil distance that best suits you.
All you need to do is flip the cover open, place your phone inside, and close.
The VRbeatz VR headset has ventilation holes on the side to stop the inside of the goggles from getting hot so your phone doesn’t overheat.
VR for cheap
Check out the video below if you’re working on a budget and don’t have a lot of money.
This easy and cheap way allows you to enjoy VR at a fraction of the cost.
AR vs VR
AR stands for Augmented Reality.
AR goggles do not block your entire view of the real world.
They use a transparent display much like the ones fighter pilots use.
However, transparency can be an issue since you can end up with an AR headset with a small display in the corner of your vision.
One advantage of AR glasses is that you can still see your drone.
This allows you to make sure you are following the FAA rule of flying your unit in your line of sight.
On the other hand, VR stands for Virtual Reality.
The main difference between AR and VR is that VR goggles block your entire view of the real world.
You cannot see your drone with a VR headset but see what the drone sees.
You’ll need a spotter or fly indoors.
VR headsets give you an experience like no other since it blocks out the real world and fully immerses you into an exciting new world.
The one that works best for you will depend on what you want, where you’re flying and other factors.
If your videos lag and freeze while wearing AR glasses, you can look at your drone and keep going.
However, a lag while wearing Vr glasses can mean you’ve hit a wall or something and you don’t know it yet.
There isn’t exactly a winner as they both have their advantages and disadvantages.
What we will say is that there is nothing quite like the VR experience that grabs you and takes you on an exciting visual journey.
VR vs FPV
Many drone manufacturers are leaving VR behind and now producing FPV headsets.
FPV stands for First Person View and the technology behind it has made it a better option than VR.
With FPV there is no lag when using an HDMI cable and the screen is clearer.
You can also change settings easily since most times it is separate from your phone or remote controller.
Some downsides to FPV are that it sometimes has a short battery life and the size can be a bit too large for some people.
It can also be very expensive.
VR on the other hand provides head tracking capabilities at a much lower cost.
If you are going to be racing in an obstacle course and need to dodge obstacles then FPV is the best option for you.
This is because FPV has a low lag rate when compared to VR.
You can check out the best fpv goggles here.
FAQs: drone goggles
Are VR drone goggles legal?
The FAA has a rule that you need to have your drone in your line of sight during its operation.
However, VR headsets completely block out your view of the real world making it impossible to keep your eyes on your drone.
Instead, you’ll be seeing the world from your drone’s perspective which may be safer but the law is the law.
If you are going to be flying your drone outside with a headset, you’ll need a spotter.
This person will have to be at your side while the drone is flying and act as your eyes to watch the drone and let you know if anything goes wrong.
Can I use a headset and a remote controller display at the same time?
This all depends on the make and model of the drone, goggles, and remote controller you use.
However, even though configurations may differ, you should be able to.
Your Vr headset acts as the secondary display and the primary signal goes to your remote control.
What should I look for in a drone VR headset?
The two most important factors to consider are comfort and resolution.
Many people put comfort last but it should be first on the list especially if you fly for long periods.
Conclusion
Drone VR goggles offer a truly immersive experience like no other.
It takes you on an exciting journey putting you in the pilot’s seat of your drone so you can see what your drone sees.
While AR and FPV offer faster feeds, VR is in a class all its own.
Choose from any of the units in our list from the most high-tech if you’re a pro to the very basic if you’re just starting outPair with a VR drone and take your drone flying experience to the next level.
Drone
Features
Price
- 4.3 miles transmission range
- 1h 50m battery life
- 12.5 x 12 x 7 inches
- 2.5 miles transmission range
- Low latency rates within 28ms
- 10.31 x 9.37 x 6.5 inches
- Transmission range of 600 meters or more
- 2-hour battery life
- 6.69 x 4.72 x 3.74 inches
- Budget-friendly
- Can be powered by your phone
- 6.19 x 4.44 x 8.63 inches
- Cheap
- 3D IMAX-like experience.
- 8.58 x 6.06 x 4.72 inches