Best Budget Setup for Getting Into FPV Drones

General Drone Discussions
1

If you’re looking to get started with FPV drones on a budget, here’s a solid entry-level setup that’s easily upgradable:

  • $65 - Transmitter: Radiomaster Pocket ELRS (+ 2x 18650 batteries)
  • $100/$110 - Drone: BetaFPV Air 65/75
  • $100 - Goggles: Eachine EV800D or Fatshark Recon Echo | $170 for Skyzone Cobra SD
  • $30 - Charger: VIFLY WhoopStor V3
  • $20 - Batteries: Lava 1S 300/450mAh (pack of 5)

Why This Setup?

  • Transmitter: The Radiomaster Pocket is compact, durable, and runs ELRS, which is a top-tier radio link protocol. Works with any ELRS drone.
  • Drone: Air65 is great for indoors, Air75 works better outside but can do both. Other good options include Meteor 65/75/85, Mobula 6/7/8, and Nimble 65.
  • Goggles: Eachine EV800D is the most recommended beginner option. It has diversity (dual receivers for better signal). The Fatshark Recon Echo has better build quality but no diversity. If you can afford it, Skyzone Cobra SD is a solid intermediate option.
  • Charger: The WhoopStor V3 is the best budget-friendly 1S charger.
  • Batteries: Lava 1S batteries are the same as Tattu, WebleedFPV, Dogcom, NewBeeDrone, and TinyWhoop. Any of these will work fine.

Where to Buy?

This setup gives you high-quality gear that you won’t outgrow too fast. Let me know if you have any questions!

2

NewBeeDrone sometimes has ready-to-fly (RTF) kits for around $200 if you want something ultra compact.

3

If you can, invest more in a transmitter. ELRS is a great choice, but a higher-quality controller will last you for years across multiple drones.

4

Brook said:
If you can, invest more in a transmitter. ELRS is a great choice, but a higher-quality controller will last you for years across multiple drones.

Have you used the Radiomaster Pocket? Many experienced pilots use it as their daily driver because it’s compact and durable.

5

@Miller
I wasn’t saying the Pocket is bad—I just think transmitters are worth spending extra on since they last much longer than drones.

6

It’s worth spending a bit extra on goggles. A good pair will last you a long time, and they’re the most expensive part of an upgrade.