Entering the world of FPV drone flying can be quite daunting, especially with all the different FPV systems available to choose from: analog, DJI, Walksnail and HDZero. Understanding the purpose, cost, and capabilities of each system is crucial in making an informed decision that best suits your needs.
Having flown all FPV systems, I can confidently say that none of them is perfect. Each system has its pros and cons, and what’s best for one pilot might not be the best for another.
In this buyer’s guide, I aim to provide a concise overview of all the popular FPV systems, if you want to know more, check out my review for each system on my website.
What is an FPV System?
Left: FPV camera and video transmitter; Right: FPV goggles with built-in video receiver
An FPV (First Person View) system enables the live streaming of video from the camera mounted on an FPV drone to your FPV goggles. This immersive experience simulates the feeling of sitting in the aircraft’s cockpit while piloting it from the ground.
An FPV system comprises a camera, a video transmitter and a video receiver. Typically, the video receiver is integrated within the FPV goggles, but standalone video receivers are also available for connecting to compatible FPV goggles.
The FPV camera is connected to the video transmitter, which wirelessly broadcasts the video feed via antennas to a video receiver. This receiver is either built into the FPV goggles or attached as an external module.
The Types of FPV systems
There are two types of FPV systems: Analog and Digital (or HD).
The distinction between digital and analog lies in the signal. An analog system works by continuously varying the amplitude or frequency of the wave, while a digital system first encodes it as ones and zeros before sending it.
Analog FPV technology dates back to the 1970s and 1980s, while digital FPV technology was only invented in the past decade. Analog is more prevalent for FPV due to its affordability and simplicity, whereas digital offers superior image quality, quickly gained popularity, and is expected to become mainstream in the near future.
Currently there are three digital FPV systems available for FPV drones, all of them are 5.8GHz systems, and none of the them are cross-compatible with each other as they are all proprietary systems. Therefore you need to make a choice about which one to go with unless you have the money for more than one of the systems:
- DJI
- Walksnail Avatar
- HDZero
Choosing an FPV system can be overwhelming for beginners. In the following sections, I will outline the costs, advantages, and disadvantages of each FPV system. Towards the end, I will offer recommendations based on various applications and flying styles to help you make an informed decision.
Analog FPV System
Skyzone SKY04X FPV Goggles (analog)
RushFPV SOLO VTX
Features
The analog FPV system is the original technology that kickstarted FPV drones. This decades-old technology is not proprietary to any specific company, allowing anyone to create components for the system. Consequently, it is the most widely available system on the market.
Until mid-2019, analog was the only FPV option. There are dozens of cameras, video transmitters, and goggles from multiple manufacturers, all compatible with each other. Analog is the most affordable way to enter the world of FPV. If you have a limited budget, this system is ideal for you. Additionally, the lightweight and compact nature of analog video transmitters, can be an appealing factor.
Price
- Camera: US$15 – US$40
- VTX: US$15 – US$40
- FPV Goggles: US$80 – US$500
Here’s an example of analog FPV video in the goggles:
Pros
- Affordable
- Widely available
- Consistent and low latency
- A vast selection of hardware (camera, VTX, goggles) from various manufacturers, you are not locked into a single brand as these components are usually cross compatible
- Very simple to setup, the limited settings could be a pro for beginners
Cons
- Low image quality, similar to watching a TV from 1970s with poor signal
- Very sensitive to interference and electrical noise
- Variable hardware quality due to the vast number of manufacturers
The Best Analog Hardware
Check out these pages for my recommendations when it comes to analog FPV gear and components:
DJI FPV System
DJI Goggles 3
DJI O4 Pro Air Unit
DJI Goggles 2 and O3 Air Unit
Features
DJI FPV is a pioneer and gold standard in digital FPV systems, known for its exceptional video quality and robustness.
The latest DJI O4 Pro Air Unit boasts a powerful camera, comparable to top of the line action cameras, delivering superior image quality. It supports 4K recording with video stabilization, ideal for those focusing on high-quality footage. Additionally, DJI offers up to 10km video transmission in 1080p, making it suitable for immersive long-range FPV. User experience is seamless with DJI’s intuitive design and system interface, complemented by reliable customer support.
However, the DJI system has some drawbacks. First, the latest DJI Goggles 3, Goggles 2 and Integra do not support any other FPV systems (not even analog), so you are fully locked into DJI’s eco system.
Secondly, DJI uses a two-way data communication, any lost or corrupted data packets are retransmitted in order to get the best possible image. This also enhances link quality, robustness against interference and penetration, results in higher quality image but at the expense of a higher (and variable) latency, especially when signal is weak, and it’s not ideal for racing and aggressive flying.
Price
- Camera/VTX: US$109 – US$229
- FPV Goggles: US$229 – US$499
Footage from DJI Goggles 3 with O4 Pro Air Unit:
Footage from the newer DJI Goggles 2 with O3 Air Unit:
Pros
- Unparalleled image quality with the latest O4 Pro Air Unit (arguably the best currently)
- Best in signal penetration
- Robust against interference than analog
- Multiple air unit options: The O4 Pro designed for image quality and the O4 Lite designed for light weight micro drones
- Various Goggles options depends on your requirements when it comes to features and budget
- Budget Goggles available for under $230
Cons
- Slightly pricier than other systems.
- DJI goggles don’t support any other FPV system, not even analog.
- There is a hard cap on range (26km for the O4 or 23km for the O3), however most people simply don’t fly this far so it’s not really a deal breaker.
- Variable latency, less ideal for racing but not an issue for general flying such as freestyle and cruising
DJI Compatibility
DJI FPV system compatibility can be confusing for newcomers, since there are now three generations of hardware. The gen one hardware (DJI FPV Goggles V1/V2 and Caddx Vista/Runcam Link) was already considered the best FPV system in terms of image quality, the newer hardware (DJI Goggles 2/Integra and O3 Air Unit) just took it to a whole new level. Long story short, the new hardware is backward compatible with the old hardware, to learn more please check out my review of the DJI Goggles 2 and O3 Air Unit Review: https://oscarliang.com/dji-o3-air-unit-fpv-goggles-2/
The Best DJI Hardware
Here are the DJI FPV components I recommend:
How to Choose Between the Different DJI Goggles?
Considerations like design, comfort and field of view etc are highly subjective, it’s difficult to judge which is superior as it depends on personal preference. But what we can objectively compare are the features and hardware compatibility.
If future-proofing is a priority, spending a little more on the Goggles 3 (G3) makes sense. They are built for full compatibility with DJI’s latest O4 air units and advanced features.
For those on a budget, the Goggles Integra offer excellent overall value if you want to use older air units like the O3 and Caddx Vista, The Integra and Goggles 2 (G2) share many same features, but at a significantly lower price make this a good pick for budget-conscious pilots. However, the even cheaper Goggles N3 are probably my go-to budget choice for casual pilots who only fly the new O4 Air Units, Avata 2 or Neo. Although it come with some limitations, such as the lack of O3 compatibility and 60hz screen, you really can’t beat its value.
The Goggles 2 are overshadowed by both the G3 and Integra in terms of features and value. However, they might still be worth considering if you can find them at a significant discount, especially second-hand, as many users are upgrading to the G3.
This is just a summary, read more in our comparison: https://oscarliang.com/which-dji-fpv-goggles-g3-g2-integra-n3-v2/
HDZero
HDZero FPV Goggles
One of HDZero’s VTXs
Features
Latency is everything in drone racing, and the HDZero system was designed from the ground up to minimize it. Remarkably, it even outperforms analog by providing an ultra-smooth, near-instantaneous response. Racing pilots favor HDZero due to its fixed, low latency design. Unlike DJI and Walksnail, which have variable latency based on signal strength, HDZero maintains consistent video transmission latency throughout the flight, allowing pilots to time maneuvers accurately.
Although HDZero technically runs at 720p at 60fps or 540p at 90fps—not quite as high as the 1080p offered by DJI and Walksnail—the image quality is still considered a step up from analog. The increased clarity allows you to set up your racing lines earlier and more precisely. Being able to clearly see gates from a distance in high definition is a game-changer.
While other digital systems such as DJI and Walksnail use two-way communication, HDZero uses one-way communication, so any lost or corrupted data packets end up showing as “sparkles” (emulating analog interference) on the screen. This means that you get the best possible fixed-latency, but at the expense of image quality, which tends to be noticeably poorer than other digital systems.
The HDZero FPV Goggles have a built-in HDZero receiver but also support analog receivers like the TBS Fusion and are compatible with the Walksnail VRX, making them some of the most versatile FPV goggles available.
Price
- Camera/VTX: US$100 – US$150
- FPV Goggles: US$240 – US$495
Footage from the HDZero FPV System:
Pros
- Best in latency performance (even slightly better than analog). The 90fps camera and goggles combo offers one of the most smooth FPV experiences (but only at the low 540p resolution)
- Excellent low-light performance
- Lightweight video transmitter available for micro FPV drones
- Video receiver module available and can be used with existing analog goggles with HDMI input
- HDZero FPV Goggles support Avatar system and analog
Cons
- Inferior image quality compared to other DJI and Walksnail
- Personally I found it to be less intuitive to use than other systems
- Similar to analog, you get distracting static when signal strength weakens which also affect overall image quality
- Not the best dealing with interference
Check out my HDZero reviews where you will also find a list of the hardware available: https://oscarliang.com/hdzero-digital-fpv-system/
The Best HDZero Hardware
Here are the HDZero FPV components I recommend:
Walksnail Avatar
Walksnail Avatar HD Goggles X
Walksnail Avatar VTX V1/V2 with FPV camera
Features
Walksnail is considered an alternative to DJI as it offers similar features as DJI. It also uses a two-way communication: any lost or corrupted data packets are retransmitted in order to get the best possible image. This results in higher quality image but at the expense of a higher, variable latency. Variable latency can be problematic for pilots who rely on real-time feedback for tight turns and obstacle avoidance. Walksnail is is a versatile FPV system, as they offer solutions to a wide range of applications.
Price
- Camera/VTX: $109 – $150
- FPV Goggles: $279 – $599
Here’s some footage from the Walksnail Avatar System:
Pros
- A truly versatile system
- The flagship goggles – Avatar Goggles X support Avatar system as well as analog and HDZero
- Very close to DJI’s original FPV system in terms of image quality (i.e. DJI Goggles V2 with Caddx Vista)
- They offers FPV goggles, as well as video receiver module for compatibility with existing goggles with HDMI input
- Budget-friendly goggles available that support Walksnail natively for under $300
- Lightweight cameras and video transmitters available for micro FPV drones
- More robust than analog against interference
- Similar to DJI, signal breakup can cause video stutter or freeze, but helpful red linking warning on screen edges indicates low signal, a great feature that other systems lack
Cons
- Walksnail perform well overall but not necessary the best in every category.
- Some features are still work in progress and not working as well as expected even though the system has been released a few years, such as audience mode, 1080p, high bitrate etc.
- User experience is not the best and requires more tinkering, for instance special adapter is needed for updating the VTX, which can change every iteration.
- When using the receiver module, depending on the goggles you are using it with, latency might be too high to be enjoyable due to the HDMI connection. It’s best to use the Avatar goggles.
Check out my Walksnail Avatar review: https://oscarliang.com/walksnail-avatar-digital-fpv-system/
The Best Walksnail Hardware
Here are the Walksnail FPV components I recommend:
Considerations
Cost
Undoubtedly, the cost remains a significant deciding factor for many. While all HD systems are pricier than their analog counterpart, it’s essential to consider the longevity and repair costs. And if you own multiple quads, the costs add up quickly.
Latency
Latency, also known as “glass to glass latency,” refers to the time it takes for an image to travel from the drone’s camera to your goggles’ screen. Low latency is essential when flying near objects or at high speeds, as it can make a difference in how connected you feel to your drone’s movement and your ability to react quickly.
HDZero offers the lowest latency of all FPV systems at around 10 to 20ms (whole frame update). Meanwhile, DJI and Walksnail exhibit slightly higher latency, at approximately 20 to 50ms depending on resolution and frame rate. 10 or 20ms difference in latency might or might not be noticeable to the pilot, it’s different from person to person. The ultra low latency of HDZero instills confidence, allowing you to react faster. This makes HDZero an excellent choice not just for racers, but for anyone who values precise control and responsiveness.
Apart from low latency, Analog and HDZero also offer fixed latency throughout the whole flight. On the other hand, Walksnail and DJI systems have variable latency, which can fluctuate based on video link strength. However you should keep in mind that variable latency is the result of the two-way communication which helps preserve image quality and is also one of the reasons why DJI and Walksnail have better penetration than other FPV systems.
While latency is an important factor, in my opinion it’s not a major concern for the FPV systems available, unless you’re racing at a professional level.
Image Quality
There’s no denying that digital FPV systems offer a significant upgrade to image quality compared to analog. If you’ve ever experienced a low-end analog FPV video, the transition to digital will certainly leave you in awe.
Comparing the video quality between DJI, Walksnail, and HDZero, it’s evident that DJI is the top contender, excelling in both image quality and signal penetration. The latest O4 Air Unit from DJI deliver stunning visuals that make you feel like you’re flying through a GoPro. Walksnail Avatar follows as a second in terms of video quality.
On the other hand, HDZero’s video quality doesn’t quite measure up to DJI and Walksnail. Instead, its visuals resemble an upgraded analog system, with a somewhat less crisp and sharp image, and occasional static due to signal loss and interference. Regardless, each system has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s crucial to assess your specific FPV requirements and priorities before choosing the ideal system for your needs.
Range and Penetration
Range and penetration are critical aspects that FPV pilots need to consider when choosing between different FPV systems. Analog, Walksnail, DJI, and HDZero each offer varying degrees of range and penetration, influenced by factors such as technology, output power and environment.
It’s important to note that all FPV systems have been proved to be long-range capable, provided you have the right antenna setup and utilize the appropriate output power.
When it comes to HDZero, its range and penetration are comparable to analog. However, keep in mind that the most powerful HDZero VTX has a maximum output power of 1W, whereas you can find analog VTXs that can do 2.5W, 5W or even 10W (but it might not be legal in some countries).
In terms of signal penetration and interference handling, DJI generally outperforms everybody, while Walksnail takes the 2nd place as it has the edge over analog and HDZero.
When it comes to long range flying, it’s possible to achieve over 10km of range with any of these FPV systems given you have the proper antenna setup. However, DJI is known to have a range hard limit based on your goggles and air unit:
- Goggles 3 + O4 limit is 26km
- Goggles 2 + O3 limit is 23km
- Goggles 2 + Caddx Vista / FPV Air Unit limit is 23km
- Goggles V1/V2 + Caddx Vista / FPV Air Unit limit is 13Km
If you intent to fly further than these limits, DJI might not be for you. But for majority of the people who never fly more than a couple of miles, these limits don’t matter at all.
Interference and Break-up Handling
Each FPV system handles break-up differently when the signal weakens, or encounters interference. In analog, you may encounter static and flicker – which you may still see and fly through it if you haven’t completely lost signal. HDZero, on the other hand, may produce white blocks on the screen, which in my opinion is quite intrusive and makes it difficult to fly out of it.
By contrast, digital systems like DJI and Walksnail, which use bi-directional communication, handle interference better, though they come with the trade-off of variable and slightly higher latency. They are also less likely to get breakup, but when they do, Walksnail’s break-up manifests as smearing. And when it gets really bad you will also see red light blinking on the screen’s edges, serving as a low signal warning. And with DJI, you can tell signal is getting low by watching the bitrate at the bottom of the screen, but just looking at the image you probably can’t really tell. That’s the beauty of DJI but also can be very dangerous. You might be immersed in the beautiful scenery and lose video signal all of a sudden if you are not paying attention. Good thing is inside DJI goggles you also get the yellow and red warning at the edge of the screen when signal gets low.
Community Engagement
Community support plays a vital role in the development and improvement of FPV systems. HDZero and Walksnail have established a strong track record of actively engaging with their user community, listening to feedback, and implementing improvements accordingly. This strong relationship has allowed these systems to evolve in ways that address the needs and preferences of their users.
On the other hand, DJI tends to follow a more bureaucratic approach, which can result in slower implementation of new features, bug fixes or improvements. While DJI may offer top-notch performance, their responsiveness to user feedback and community involvement might not be as strong as that of HDZero and Walksnail.
When it comes to analog, you might occasionally see new products, but the core technology hasn’t changed in decades. The good thing about that is you don’t need to worry about compatibility— for instance, any analog gear you buy next year will still work with the gear you purchased 10 years ago.
Choosing the Right FPV System for You
I wish I could recommend a single, best FPV system for everyone, but the reality is that each system has its own strengths and weaknesses. They cater to different needs and preferences, so your choice will depend on what aspects matter most to you.
Further Reading: If you need help to decide what FPV camera and VTX to pick, I have these buyer’s guides which you might find useful:
Digital or Analog?
If your budget allows for it, go digital! The superior image quality provides an immersive FPV experience that analog just can’t match. As the market moves toward digital technology and prices continue to drop, more pilots are making the switch. Some are exclusively flying digital systems, while others use a combination of both analog and digital. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual pilot needs.
Which Digital FPV System is the Best?
With three solid digital systems available—DJI, HDZero, and Walksnail—making a choice can be challenging. To help you decide, consider the following factors and scenarios:
If you value image quality and signal integrity above all else, go for DJI. This is an excellent choice for those who prioritize stunning visuals and rock-solid link quality. The new goggles and air units have made the DJI FPV system more versatile than ever before: the O4 Pro and O4 Lite Air Units offer options for different aircraft sizes and applications. The new Goggles N3 provides a budget-friendly entry for beginners, while the Goggles 3 is perfect for those serious about FPV.
If you like racing or just want the lowest latency possible, HDZero is the one. But if you want to capture HD footage, you probably still need to carry a GoPro on your drone, which not only adds weight but extra costs. With DJI O4 you can pretty much eliminate the need for a GoPro.
I used to recommend Walksnail as the “flexible and versatile option”. However, with DJI’s latest products, it’s becoming harder to recommend Walksnail because DJI is simply better in almost every aspect.
The Cheapest FPV System
For those on a budget, analog is the way to go. Analog VTXs are generally more compact in size compared to digital, making them easier to install in drones, especially tiny ones. Additionally, there are more options to choose from based on your specific requirements.
Between digital FPV systems, the price differences may be small, but DJI comes out ahead since antennas are included, and the prices of their goggles have come down considerably recently. The Avatar goggles comes with antennas, but they are known to be unusable and require aftermarket replacements. HDZero doesn’t come with antennas at all.
If you only fly analog, it’s best not to spend too much on premium analog goggles right now. Instead, opt for something affordable and save up for a digital system.
Although the HDZero FPV Goggles and Walksnail Goggle X both support analog, personally I don’t think they are good options for analog. Get a set of dedicated analog goggles would offer far better experience. These are the best value box goggles IMO: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-goggles/#The-Best-Analog-Box-Goggles
For Beginners
If you’re new to FPV flying, analog might be a cost-effective choice that offers low latency, allowing you to develop your piloting skills without investing too much initially.
For Freestyle
While the HDZero might not be my first choice for freestyle flight, I believe it has great potential for racing and small drones like ‘tiny whoops’. The reduced latency of HDZero gives it a competitive edge in these scenarios. On the other hand, DJI shines when it comes to image clarity and signal penetration, making it a better choice for freestyle flight where high-quality visuals and signal reliability are paramount.
One drawback with HDZero I found was the noticeable image breakup, particularly when flying behind obstacles or in areas with a high level of interference. Despite the superior latency, I felt a trade-off with image quality which was not as impressive as I expected. With DJI, I felt a heightened sense of confidence when doing dives and flying close to obstacles, as the image quality gave me a clearer view of my surroundings.
For Racing
If you’re a serious racer, Analog and HDZero are the winners due to their low latency and compatibility with race timing systems. However, statistically, more people who fly freestyle and engage in casual flying seem to prefer DJI, as it offers better image quality and link robustness, despite the slightly higher latency. The impact of this latency on your flying experience is debatable.
Between Analog and HDZero, I think Analog might still be the more suitable option for racers because of its affordability, lightweight, and robustness, which is important since crashes are common in racing. But with the latest 90fps camera and 90Hz goggles from HDZero, offering more immersive, butter smooth flying experience, it’s becoming a harder decision to make.
For Cinematic and Commercial Work
If capturing stunning footage is your primary goal, a DJI system will provide exceptional image quality, fantastic signal penetration, mature and reliable hardware, and a user-friendly experience. If you want DJI-like performance but dislike the company for whatever reasons, Walksnail is a suitable DJI-alternative.
For Micro Drones
Micro FPV drones are an important part of the FPV community, as many pilots fly primarily or exclusively small quads.
DJI, Walksnail and HDZero, they all offer compact VTX specifically designed for micro drones. These transmitters are small and lightweight enough even for 1S Tiny Whoops. However, analog remains the best choice for tiny whoops in my opinion because you can keep the weight to a minimum. Anything slightly bigger you can consider going digital really, and between them, I prefer DJI for non-competitive flying as it offers superior image quality.
DJI O4 Air Unit inside the Meteor75 Pro Whoop
For Long Range
When it comes to long-range FPV flying, all systems have the potential to perform well, depending on factors such as output power and antenna setup. However, there is a notable difference between analog and digital systems in terms of output power capacity.
There are Analog VTXs with up to 2.5W output power available, while digital VTXs typically have a maximum output power between 1W and 1.2W. Due to this higher output power capacity, analog systems hold the edge for extreme long-distance FPV flying. But as mentioned, all these systems can achieve 10km+, for most people it’s really not a concern.
Important Note: The DJI FPV system is known to have a hard limit on range:
- Goggles 3 + O4 limit is 26km
- Goggles 2 + O3 limit is 23km
- Goggles 2 + Caddx Vista / FPV Air Unit limit is 23km
- Goggles V1/V2 + Caddx Vista / FPV Air Unit limit is 13km
This constraint isn’t related to GPS or location but seems to be rooted in the communication protocol and propagated signal between the air unit and the goggles.
For Low Light
Among the available cameras for each system, HDZero appears to perform the best in low light conditions. While most pilots fly during daylight hours, even at sunset, all FPV systems can handle these conditions reasonably well with the appropriate camera settings. If you primarily fly at night, HDZero is perhaps the best choice, and analog can also excel in low light with the right camera, thanks to its vast range of hardware options.
Ease of Setup
Analog is probably the easiest to setup, it’s just a matter of connecting the camera and VTX, selecting the right channel in your goggles, and that’s it! Plus, there are no firmware updates to worry about.
Digital FPV systems require additional configurations and an understanding of the settings before you can get the most out of them. You’ll also need to keep track of new firmware and decide whether to update. That’s why I’ve published detailed tutorials for each FPV system to help you overcome the steep learning curve:
Onboard Audio
It may be an unusual request, but some pilots occasionally ask about FPV systems that support onboard audio, as they want to listen to motor RPM changes. Listening to motor noise might seem odd, but for some, it helps them feel more connected to their drone when flying far away and unable to hear it directly.
Currently, only analog supports onboard audio (if the VTX has an onboard microphone and the FPV goggles have audio output). Digital FPV systems aren’t designed for audio, and most VTX units don’t even have onboard microphones.
Will Digital Replace Analog?
Analog FPV system has long been a popular choice for many pilots, thanks to their affordability and widespread availability. Even years after the launch of digital systems, there are still a good selection of analog goggles on the market, suggesting a sustained demand for analog options.
One of the main reasons analog FPV drones may continue to be used is their lower cost compared to digital systems. It is unlikely that digital hardware will match analog in terms of cost any time soon.
While it’s true that the market for analog is shrinking and fewer companies are producing gear for it, shifting their focus towards the digital market, it seems improbable that analog FPV drones will be entirely replaced by digital systems in the foreseeable future. Factors such as cost, simplicity, hardware availability, and the continued demand for affordable FPV drone options indicate that analog systems will continue to have a place in the FPV drone community.
Conclusion
Ready to order the FPV Goggles? Check out my FPV Goggles buyer’s guide where I break down the top FPV headsets for each system, helping you find the perfect match to enhance your flying adventures: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-goggles/
When it comes to choosing the right FPV system, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best option for you depends on your priorities, flying style, and budget. By understanding the components and performance of different FPV systems, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and preferences.
Edit History
- Feb 2023 – article created
- Oct 2023 – updated
- Feb 2025 – updated post because of DJI O4 release, removed info about DJI 1st gen gear since it’s no longer available.
