Flying your drone at top speeds can be quite thrilling but not all drones are designed to do so.
There are drones now on the market for almost everything under the sun.
You can find a booming drone racing industry with units manufactured specifically for this purpose.
The excitement of flying your drone around a technical course has appealed to many drone users.
That is why you can find several small, tough, agile and high-speed drones on the market.
Not only are these units fast but they also come equipped with FPV cameras.
FPV camera offers a First-Person View that can be sent to a smartphone screen, remote controller screen or FPV goggles.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best FPV drones available.
Drone
Features
Price
- Control range: not specified
- Flight time: 12 minutes
- Weight: 4.77 pounds
- Control range: 200 meters
- Flight time: 7-9 minutes
- Weight: 8.88 pounds
Best FPV drones
- Control range: 6.2 miles
- Flight time: 20 minutes
- Weight: 1.75 pounds
The DJI FPV drone combo opens the world of FPV flying to both hobbyists and racing enthusiasts.
This FPV racing drone with goggles is a great option for those who’ve always wanted to fly FPV but never wanted to build their own drone or learn specialized piloting skills.
The hybrid design allows for both cinematic flying or racing.
DJI added a 4K Super-Wide camera and RockSteady Stabilization that helps to capture crisp and sharp footage.
For protection, like most of DJI’s consumer’s drones, this unit includes collision sensors.
These sensors help the drone to avoid crashing into objects.
Other safety features include an “all stop” button and GPS RTH feature.
The “all stop” brings the drone to a total hover almost immediately after being pressed while the GPS Return-to-Home feature brings the drone back to its take-off point.
Along with these are other flight modes including N Mode for new users, M Mode for manual FPV racing and S Mode for capturing cinematic FPV footage.
The DJI FPV drone combo allows you to fully immerse yourself in the FPV drone experience with the included pair of DJI Goggles.
- IMMERSIVE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE: Feel the thrill of immersive flight provided by the DJI FPV Goggles V2...
- 4K/60FPS VIDEO: The DJI FPV aircraft can record 4K/60fps video at up to 120 Mbps, capturing crisp...
- BRAND-NEW S MODE: Get the dynamic look of FPV footage easily in S mode. This hybrid flight mode...
- ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES: An auxiliary bottom light, Smart Return to Home (RTH), Low Battery RTH,...
- OCUSYNC 3.0 TRANSMISSION SYSTEM: Enjoy crystal-clear real-time and HD Low-Latency Transmission...
- Control range: 2.48 miles
- Flight time: 25 minutes
- Weight: 11.3 oz
If you don’t want to pay the hefty price of the DJI FPV drone, the next best thing is the Parrot Anafi FPV drone set.
The Anafi delivers a true FPV experience and puts you in the pilot’s seat while your feet are still on the ground.
This bundle package comes with a dedicated remote controller, comfortable Cockpitglasses 3 goggles and a compact backpack to take along the unit when you’re on the go.
These all help to put you in the heart of the actions.
This VR drone comes with a powerful and stabilized 4K camera with 3x zoom to capture footage in high definition.
Using and controlling the drone is easy thanks to its intuitive user interface and FreeFlight6 mobile app.
There are also several autonomous flight modes and camera modes that can help you fly the unit better and capture complex shots with ease.
You can choose from Race mode or Photo Mode.
Race Mode as the name suggests is specifically designed for racing at top speeds on a racecourse.
Meanwhile, the Photo Mode on the unit is to be used when the need to capture stunning footage and stills arises.
This FPV quadcopter with goggles is a great alternative to the more expensive FPV drones.
- PARROT ANAFI FPV DRONE Fly your drone as if you were in it! The Anafi FPV kit is designed to provide...
- Powerful and compact equipped with a stabilized 4K HDR camera with 3x zoom the anafi drone provides...
- Parrot FPV pack everything is included so take off right away for many fantastic flight sessions!...
- Easy and intuitive use a user-friendly interface and an intuitive mobile application (freeflight 6)...
- Maximum transmission distance - 4km with the Parrot Skycontroller 3. Maximum flight time - 26min....
- Precision drone racing monitoring two new control modes allow you to broaden your horizons when...
- Control range: not specified
- Flight time: 12 minutes
- Weight: 4.77 pounds
The Arris X220 V2 is a Ready-to-Fly(RTF) drone that comes fully assembled.
It is also tuned and tested before leaving the manufacturer’s facility to ensure it performs well.
All you need to do after purchasing the drone is plug in the battery and fly.
This unit is made from pure carbon fiber with alloy parts and features an “X” symmetrical design.
It uses ARRIS X2205 2300KV V2 brushless motors and 5045 propellers to give you a high-performance quad at a reasonable price.
The Arris X220 V2 flies well and supports GPS Mode, Altitude Mode and Manual Mode.
It also supports accurate position hold, return to home and Intelligent Orientation Control(IOC).
Moving on to the camera, the Arris X220 V2 uses a Foxeer ARROW Mini Pro camera that was designed for FPV.
It performs well in both bright and dark conditions so you never miss any of the action.
The camera angle on the drone is also adjustable so you can set it to capture exactly what you want.
Aside from the drone, the dedicated remote controller is kind of cool and comes with a battery warning buzzer.
You can also locate the drone by using the SC switch on the controller.
- Control range: 200 meters
- Flight time: 7-9 minutes
- Weight: 8.88 pounds
If you want to get your adrenaline pumping when flying, choose the Walkera F210 Quadcopter.
This unit is the perfect option if you’re into high-speed racing or freestyle aerobatic flying.
It is designed with the latest F3 Flight system and when paired with the professional speed controller you get a first-class drone flight experience.
The speeds of this craft are comparable to F1 racing which is enough to get your heart racing.
This unit features a carbon fiber body and a protective cover motor design to make the drone as anti-crash as possible.
The powerful brushless motors and landing cushion frame designs guarantee optimal performance and safe flights.
As for the camera, Walkera didn’t disappoint here either.
This drone comes with a Night Vision HD camera.
The camera has one million pixels, a high-definition night vision lens, and high-performance sensors.
Together, they allow you to capture footage or view a live feed in bright or dark conditions.
This is thanks to the photo-sensitive sensors that automatically adjust based on the current conditions.
- Bow and streamlined design, standard equidistant axis design: The racer body is made of carbon fiber...
- SP racing F3 flight control: F210 is safe and anti-crash, easy to install and disassemble. With the...
- Night vision HD camera: The camera has one million pixels, high-definition night vision lens and...
- Powerful motor design: With brushless motor plus guard landing cushion frame design, the F210 passed...
- Mushroom antenna: Ultra-long transmission range, real-time obtain the flight status and flight data,...
- Control range: not specified
- Flight time: 6-8 minutes
- Weight: 1.36 pounds
If you’re now starting your FPV journey, the Emax Hawk Pro is a good drone to start with.
This is a Bind-N-Fly(BNF) unit which means you’ll need to purchase a battery, charger, or remote controller separately.
Despite its tiny size, it is quite powerful and can reach impressive speeds.
The large-capacity brushless motors and the 210mm frame size make the unit agile and extremely powerful.
The drone features a carbon fiber frame and has a clean look with most of its components well-protected.
The aerodynamic design is what allows this unit to reach top speeds up to 100mph.
Unlike other mini drones, the Emax Hawk Pro comes with a mushroom antenna that provides a better signal.
While the range isn’t specified, one can only assume that you’ll be able to fly out to longer distances than normal mini drones, thanks to the antenna.
The Emax Hawk Pro even comes with a mounting system that allows for customizations to further personalize your racing experience.
Drone pilots can live stream using the Foxeer Arrow Micro V2 600TVL CCD camera.
This way they can navigate each terrain with a clear view and minimize the risks of crashing.
Types of FPV drones
FPV drones are unlike consumer camera drones that you find on the market.
This can make things a little difficult if you are now entering the world of FPV racing.
You’ll find that FPV drones typical come in either one of these 3 setups:
1. Ready-to-fly (RTF) – RTF drones come fully assembled and can be flown right out the box. These are the best types for beginners and amateur pilots.
2. Bind-and-fly (BNF) – Drones labeled BNF comes fully assembled but will require you to purchase a battery, remote controller and charger separately.
3. Kits – FPV kits can come partially assembled and require some assembly on your part.
Kits may include the frame, motors, controller, transmitter, propellers, and other parts.
4. DIY racing drones – While it’s hard to find these on sale, DIY racing drones are units built by pilots who handpick all the components of their system.
They then put them together to create a DIY, custom-built racing drone system.
Things to know before flying a racing drone
Drone laws
1. Any drone weighing over 0.55 pounds needs to be registered with the FAA before you take flight.
However, you are free to fly indoors without registration as the FAA only governs outdoor flight.
2. The FAA states that your drone needs to be in your line of sight at all times while the craft is in the air.
In some cases, you may use FPV goggles which allow you to see what the drone sees but not allow you to keep an eye on the drone.
If you are going to be using racing drones with FPV goggles, you need to have a spotter who can see the drone and give you updates while it’s in the air.
3. The FAA considers winning money from a drone race is like being paid to fly.
While it may not be a written rule specific to drone racing, it is recommended that you obtain your Part 107 drone license if you plan on participating in a drone race with cash prizes.
You should treat the flight as a commercial operation and follow the regulations set out by the FAA.
4. When racing, your drone is limited to a top speed of 100mph.
It is very difficult to achieve or beat this speed on a technical course but professional drone racers can probably go over 100mph if given the chance.
5. The last rule is fairly new and we are still seeing changes to it often.
However, the main idea is that every drone operating in the US airspace requires a Remote ID.
Remote ID consists of information about the drone in flight.
These include the identity, location, altitude of the drone and its control station or take-off location.
Keep checking the FAA website for further updates on this new rule.
Buy or build
Buying a Ready-to-Fly FPV drone is far more convenient than building one.
However, building your own FPV drone allows for more customization which can put you ahead in the drone racing world.
To build your own drone, read this how-to guide on building your own using the best fpv drone kit.
FPV Goggles or no goggle
If you are going to be using your FPV drone with goggles when flying at top speeds, you need a pair of goggles with low latency rates.
Many racecourses have out of sight sections and if you rely solely on your goggles, it needs to be fast.
If not, you can end up crashing.
In other words, the video feed from the drone’s camera to your remote controller and goggles must be near-instant.
For this to happen, you’ll need the best FPV goggles.
However, if you still find that the feed is delayed, it’s best to not use goggles but rather use your phone screen or the LCD on the remote controller.
Spare Parts
The chances of crashing your drone are generally higher when racing at top speeds.
If you are a serious racer and thinking about going pro or participating in a popular tournament, you must be able to repair your drone if you crash.
To do so you will need to invest in some spare parts for your unit.
One of the best things to do is try to have at least 2 of everything.
Pro drone racing is not like flying in your local park or big open spaces.
These races are most often done on technical racecourses that include metal poles, hard floors and other unforgiving obstacles.
Ensuring that you have at least 2 of everything makes it easier for you to get back in the air after a mishap.
Some racers may even have two RTF units.
One may be used as a spare or has a different configuration to tackle a different course.
Batteries and propellers are two of the main spare parts you don’t want to cheap out on.
Try to take as many as possible when you go to the track.
It can be hard to find the power to recharge batteries so walk with all the juice you possibly can to get you through the day.
This not only goes for your drone but for your remote controller and your goggles if you plan to use them.
Propellers are the first thing to break in a crash or bump.
Chances are you may have more than one bump during the race so keep a few propeller replacements handy.
Practice
If you’re serious about drone racing, practice, practice, practice!
You can start out with a cheap FPV drone to learn the ropes and once you have, you can upgrade to a higher-quality and more expensive unit.
Most FPV drones don’t come with flight assistance and since the chances of crashing are high, you don’t want to invest in an expensive unit to start.
You can also develop your flight skills on a simulator, like the DRL Simulator or the DJI Flight Simulator.
To kick things up a notch, connect with the local drone racing community, look for local racing events or join a drone racing league.
Attending these events as a spectator can give you helpful insights and allow you to network with or seek mentorship with pro drone racers.
Conclusion
There you have our review of the best FPV drones on the market as well as everything you need to know before you fly.
You can buy an RTF drone or you can build your own.
Regardless of the race, you’re participating in, once you’re flying outdoors you need to follow all the regulations set out by the FAA.
Also, be sure to have spare parts handy in the event of bumps and crashes along the way.
Last but not least, if you’re serious about becoming a pro racer, practice, practice, practice!
You can check out our micro fpv quadcopters reviews to find an affordable unit to start your FPV journey.
Drone
Features
Price
- Control range: not specified
- Flight time: 12 minutes
- Weight: 4.77 pounds
- Control range: 200 meters
- Flight time: 7-9 minutes
- Weight: 8.88 pounds