If I was brainwashed and robbed, this is how I'd start flying FPV. Hang on for the firehose of information.
FPV Simulator Train before you fly
I prefer the FPV simulator called Velocidrone. It is fairly accurate to real world flying and can be installed on any computer or even on mobile! Though, I'd recommend using a computer if you can.
Flying these speed machines is no joke, and you need to prepare for it. If you've ever flown a cheap drone or even a nice DJI drone, chances are you have a decent amount of the muscle memory down to fly FPV. But, you should FIRST purchase a controller and a simulator. Fly in the simulator for at least 20 hours or until you don't feel mental strain in getting the drone to go where you want it to go. Generally, this is a good indicator that you've developed enough muscle memory for the real deal.
The most realistic FPV simulator available. Available on PC and mobile for around $20.
$ • PC + Mobile • Realistic physicsVelocidrone is widely regarded as the most faithful representation of real-world FPV flight physics available. Connect your radio controller via USB, pick a track or open field, and start building muscle memory. Desktop is the best experience, but the mobile version works in a pinch.
Fly until you no longer feel mental strain directing the drone where you want it to go. That's your signal you're ready for the real thing.
Controller EdgeTX + ELRS — the open-source stack
These are the three I would recommend. They all run the same system called EdgeTX and they all use ExpressLRS (ELRS) for their remote-control link. ELRS nowadays provides the lowest latency and best range. Both EdgeTX and ELRS are open source! This is perfect for longevity, reliability, and keeping prices low. Pick one of these you like. I'd probably decide based on size. All function the same.
The Pocket is the smallest full-featured ELRS radio available. It runs on two 18650 cells and fits in a jacket pocket. Great for traveling light. 250mW output is plenty for most flying scenarios.
The Boxer hits the sweet spot: compact enough for a backpack, but with 6 switches and a full 1W ELRS output. The 2S LiPo gives strong battery life. A great all-rounder for most pilots.
The TX16S is the flagship. If you want the most switches, a built-in color touchscreen, and the most upgrade paths, this is it. Slightly bulkier but beloved by experienced pilots who want every feature available.
Goggles Analog, HDZero, or DJI?
Three main options I'd consider are Analog, HDZero, and DJI. There are others, but these three have their own "best-in-class" performance. Analog has the best prices, availability, nearly the fastest video link, and the best range with a certain 5W video transmitter (VTX). 1W is the legal limit in many areas. As of recent years with new alternatives, Analog is certainly showing it's mediocre video quality. If you want a digital video with the ultimate fastest response times, albiet with less range, go HDZero. If you want the best looking digital video and great range, DJI. Keep in mind with DJI, you are very much locking yourself to the product; you'll very likely have to buy new goggles and video system when DJI brings something new out. I personally would try and buy any goggle used on ebay or elsewhere, but these links are directly from the manufacturer to let you get your bearings.
The EV800D is the classic budget analog goggle. It features a 5" LCD screen, diversity receivers, and a built-in DVR to record your flights. A solid, no-frills way to get into FPV without a big upfront cost.
DJI Goggles 3 deliver the best-looking digital video with impressive range. The built-in battery keeps the setup clean. The trade-off is full ecosystem lock-in — when DJI releases new hardware, you'll likely need to upgrade both the goggles and the video system on your drone together.
*The HDZero Goggle 2 is also the best for Analog, if you want that.
HDZero gives you the lowest latency digital video link available — critical for race and freestyle flying. The echo antenna kit significantly improves range. Powered off your drone battery via an external pack, which most HDZero pilots don't mind.
Drone Tinywhoop or 5-inch freestyle?
Where you live and where you want to fly will determine the best drone to buy. If you are confined indoors or around people, purchase a tinywhoop. If you can fly in open spaces and parks, consider building a 5 inch drone.
For simplicitiy's sake, I will group all of the Tinywhoops together and separate the 5 inch drone based on the different video systems. There are other parts which will work universally. Those are also listed.
$ • 17.3g / $$$ • 37.20g / $$ • 19.3g
Pick whichever matches your goggle system. The Air65 runs analog video, the Meteor75 Pro uses DJI O4, and the Mobula6 pairs with HDZero. All are ready-to-fly — just bind your controller and go.
$$ • All Analog • Extra Video Antenna
The iFlight Borg 5S/60R is a proven F4 + 60A ESC stack. The TBS Unify Pro32 VTX paired with AXII2 antennas delivers solid analog video range. The Foxeer T-Rex micro camera rounds out the all-analog 5-inch build.
$$ • All HDZero • Antennas + wires included
The HDZero Halo Stack pairs cleanly with the Freestyle V2 VTX kit. Antennas and all necessary wiring are included in the kit, which keeps the build tidy. Best digital latency available.
$$$ • HDZero Internals • DJI Video
Want DJI video quality with the HDZero stack's reliability? This combo gives you the best of both worlds — HDZero handles flight control while the DJI O4 Pro Air Unit transmits to your DJI Goggles 3.
$$ • Buy these no matter the video system
Make sure you select the proper camera mount when you buy the frame (DJI O4 for O4, Universal for the rest).
The Vannystyle Pro is a proven freestyle frame. Pair it with four ECO II 2207 motors and HQProp 5-inch tri-blades and you have a capable, smooth platform regardless of your chosen video system.
If you want to record cinematic HD footage separate from your FPV feed, the DJI Action 2 strapped to the Vannystyle Pro via the 3D-printed diamond mount is an excellent combo.
Batteries Quality over price
Not all batteries are created equally. Not all batteries are priced equally. My recommendations sway towards quality/performance over price while still not paying over the top.
Tattu 1S HV packs are a reliable, widely used choice for tinywhoops. Buy as many 5-packs as your budget allows — you'll want them to keep sessions going.
LAVA batteries from BetaFPV are purpose-built for the Meteor75 Pro. Higher capacity and an excellent discharge curve keep power consistent throughout the pack.
The Tattu R-Line V6 is widely regarded as one of the best 6S freestyle packs available. The SQ form factor fits snugly in most 5-inch frames. A typical session burns through 4–6 packs, so buy as many as your budget allows.
Battery Charger Charge smart, fly more
Pick the charger that matches what you're flying. One for tinywhoops, one for 5-inch packs.
The VIFLY WhoopStor 3 charges and discharges up to 6 x 1S batteries simultaneously via USB-C. It handles storage charging automatically, keeping your packs healthy long-term. The go-to charger for any tinywhoop pilot.
The iSDT 608AC does 50W on AC (plug straight into the wall) or 200W on DC with a power supply. Handles 1–8S LiPo, LiHV, NiMH, and more. The detachable power brick keeps the unit compact — a solid all-around charger for your 5-inch packs.
Accessories Tools to build and maintain your setup
Note, you may need an FPV Kit which comes with a soldering iron, screwdrivers, and other accessories if you don't have these already.
Soldering iron, screwdrivers, and essentials for building your 5-inch drone.
$ • Everything needed to buildIf you don't already own a soldering iron, screwdrivers, and pliers, this kit bundles everything you need to build your first drone at a price that won't hurt. The included iron is basic but more than adequate for flight controller and ESC work.
Optional ultra-long-range analog video transmitter for maximum range builds.
$$ • 5W output • Analog only • Check local lawsIf raw analog range is your priority, the AKK 5W VTX is your transmitter. Note that 1W is the legal limit in many areas — check your local regulations before running this at full power.
Building your drone
If you purchased a tinywhoop, you can now plug in and fly! If you purchased parts, this is where it gets fun. Either way, I would recommend watching a YouTube playlist by Joshua Bardwell, a prominent figure when it comes to FPV. His playlist, Freestyle FPV Drone Build For Total Beginners covers everything you need to know to build the drone. Keep in mind that the frame, flight controller, and ESC are all different to the build, but the setup is very similar. Note, you may need an FPV Kit which comes with a soldering iron, screwdrivers, and other accessories if you don't have these already. Refer to this video to learn how to assemble the frame referenced on this page. Everything else Joshua covers applies to building your drone!
Words of Warning
Depending on where you live, drones above a certain weight legally require you to be licensed to fly. I would definitely look up what limitations exist in your area. In the United States, for example, any drone above 250g (most fpv drones) require a Part 107 License and be Remote ID Compliant. While I don't condone flying without a license or Remote ID module with drones above 250g, there are many that choose to.
You will hopefully grasp the power and mobility of these drones when you start flying in real life, but be careful of where, when, and how high you fly. Assuming you need to obtain a license to fly, you will better understand the importance of not flying too close to people, buildings, properties, etc. As long as you're mindful and courteous of others, you'll be just fine.
Have fun!
You now have everything to fly. Go get airborne!