Today, we’re reviewing the NewBeeDrone VRDrone RTF (Ready-to-Fly) Kit, an affordable FPV drone package designed for complete beginners. Priced at just $159.99, this kit includes everything you need to get started in FPV, right out of the box. There’s no need for programming or assembly, making it ideal for anyone who wants to jump straight into the world of FPV flying. In this review, I’ll guide you through each component, share my experience, and highlight its strengths and limitations.
Where to Buy
You can purchase the NewBeeDrone VRDrone RTF Kit from:
The NewBeeDrone VRDrone kit comes with the following accessories:
- The Drone
- FPV Goggles
- Radio Controller
- Four Batteries
- Battery Charger
- USB-C Cable for Charging
- Extra Propellers and Prop Removal Tool
FPV Goggles: Clever Modular Design
The highlight of this RTF kit is the innovative modular design of the FPV goggles.
These box goggles serve multiple functions—not only do they act as your FPV viewing device, but they also double as a storage box for the drone, batteries, and charger! The screen is removable and can be used as a standalone monitor, which can be used by spectators.
The goggle and the screen are held together by strong magnets. When separated, it reveals a battery tray that stores the drone and spare batteries, which also functions as a charger via the USB-C port. However, I wish there were a screw mount on the monitor’s bottom so it could be attached to a tripod, enhancing its versatility.
The goggles come with a DVR feature, allowing you to record your flights onto the included 32GB microSD card. There’s also an AV output for connecting to a larger screen, offering flexibility. Even after upgrading to more advanced FPV goggles, this monitor can still be used for spectators or testing, making it a versatile addition.
Drone Design and Build Quality
The drone itself is a “Tiny Whoop” style quadcopter. While it may not boast top-of-the-line specs, its simplicity and lower performance can actually benefit beginners.
It uses brushed motors, which are not as powerful or durable as brushless motors, but they provide longer flight times and a quieter flying experience, making them ideal for indoor use. The drone’s low performance also makes it easier to control, which is great for those just starting out. However, brushed motors do wear out faster than brushless motors and will eventually need to be replaced. But by then, you’ll likely have mastered the controls and ready for a faster and better drone.
One thing to note is that the drone lacks a USB port, which means you can’t configure it using software like Betaflight. This limits your ability to fine-tune the drone’s settings, but for beginners, this isn’t necessarily a downside. It simplifies the flying experience, letting you focus on learning to fly rather than getting bogged down in technical details. You can still adjust basic settings, like PIDs and rates, in the OSD menu, giving you some flexibility.
The drone has a old school PH2.0 connector and uses a Nitro Nectar 1S 300mAh battery, which fits snugly into the frame. There are spare batteries included, which you can charge using the battery tray while flying to minimize waiting time. After you’ve finished flying, you can conveniently put them all inside the goggles. This thoughtful design ensures that all components are neatly organized and protected when not in use.
Radio Controller: Simplicity at Its Best
The radio controller is small, lightweight, and easy to use. It features basic controls, including switches to change flight modes and arm the drone. Although it’s using toy-grade gimbals, which are not as precise as higher-end counterparts, it gets the job done, especially for beginners.
The controller uses a proprietary RC protocol specific to NewBeeDrone, which means it’s not compatible with other receivers or drones on the market. However, for those just starting out, this isn’t much of a limitation. The lack of complex features means that new pilots can focus on learning to fly without being overwhelmed by too many options.
Flight Performance and Battery Life
The VRDrone hovers at around 55-60% throttle, it feels noticeably slower than high performance tiny whoops such as the Hummingbird V3 I recently reviewed. But being a docile and easy-to-control drone, is ideal for beginners. Its slower pace also reduces crash impact, enhancing durability. Despite its calm demeanor, the drone can still perform flips and rolls when needed.
It offers three flight modes:
- Angle Mode: Keeps the drone level, making it the easiest mode for beginners.
- Horizon Mode: Similar to Angle Mode but allows flips and rolls.
- Air Mode: The most advanced mode, offering full manual control similar to Acro mode in more advanced drones.
One standout feature is how quiet the drone is, which is perfect for indoor flying. I was also impressed with the battery life, getting around 5 to 6 minutes of flight time. The drone allows you to fly until the battery reaches around 3.2V, providing plenty of time to practice basic maneuvers.
Battery Charging and Maintenance Tips
The included charging tray charges up to 4 batteries simultaneously—simply plug them in, and you’re good to go. The charging indicator lights turn from red to green when the batteries are fully charged, making it easy to see at a glance when you’re ready to fly again. The battery tray securely holds the batteries in place, preventing them from rattling around during transport.
While the charging tray is convenient to use, it lacks a storage charge function, meaning you’ll need to manage your battery levels manually. You should avoid leaving them empty or fully charged for too long, as this is not good for their lifespan and performance over time. It’s best to leave them at around 3.8V to maintain good battery health you don’t plan to fly for a long time – say more than 2 weeks for instance. You can learn more about handling batteries in this guide: https://oscarliang.com/lipo-battery-guide/
Before takeoff, make sure the propellers are pressed down all the way. I lost quite a few of them in crashes because the motor shafts are quite thin. Get some spare props in case you run out (get the ones with 0.8mm shaft): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkE5ofD
Setup for First Flight
Setting up the drone is straightforward. Insert the battery, plug it in, and the drone powers up silently. Hold down the power buttons on the radio and goggles for 5 seconds to turn them on. And if you don’t see video in the goggles, long-press the “Channel Search” button.
Before each flight, make sure the drone is on a level surface to allow the gyro and accelerometer to calibrate, ensuring stable flight. To access the OSD menu and adjust settings, move the throttle to the center, yaw left, then pitch up.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The NewBeeDrone VRDrone FPV Kit is a solid entry point for those new to FPV flying. It’s a fantastic option for young or first-time pilots who want to experience FPV without the complexity of advanced software like Betaflight. The lack of configurability and the proprietary protocol may limit your growth as a pilot, but for the price point, it’s a great way to get started and determine if FPV is the hobby for you. If you want a kit that allows you to play with Betaflight, check out the BetaFPV Cetus X: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-cetus-x/
While it doesn’t offer the high performance of more advanced FPV drones, it provides a gentle learning curve with its easy controls and durable design. The all-in-one nature of the kit means you can start flying almost immediately, with minimal setup required.
However, if you’re looking for a drone that you can grow with, you might outgrow this kit quickly due to its limited configurability and performance. But for its unbeatable price point, it’s a great way to experience FPV flying and decide if it’s the hobby for you.
