Quick NavigationBest FPV Goggles: Quick OverviewSelection considerationsCheap FPV goggles review: Lower endMid-range FPV goggles reviewBest FPV goggles review: Higher endConclusion
Beaming FPV video onto a screen is definitely awesome but what if you want the most immersive flying experience you can get? You might then want to get some FPV goggles. This post is our ultimate guide to buying the best FPV goggles for your needs and is split up into two sections:
- Buying considerations like display, DVR and head tracking capabilities, FPV antenna, range and the design of the goggle
- A list of what we think are the best FPV goggles out there in the market today with a brief review of each one. The section is further divided into subsections of cheap, mid and high priced goggles.
Best FPV Goggles: Quick Overview
Quanum FPV
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Our rating:
Eachine VR-008
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Our rating:
Fat shark Teleporter
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Our rating:
Fat shark altitude V3
Our rating:
Fat shark Dominator V3
Our rating:
Fat Shark Dominator HDV2
Our rating:
Selection considerations
Display
For the display, the following considerations are to be kept in mind:
- Resolution: Higher the resolution, the better. Keep in mind that the camera should also be high resolution for this effect to be noticed.
- Field of view (FOV): Larger the field of view, the more immersive experience you get. If you look inside an FPV goggle that has a large field of view, you’ll find the screen closer to the eye. Higher end models like the Fatshark Dominator HDV2 has an FOV spec of 50 degrees, giving a really immersive experience.
- Screen aspect ratio: Some FPV goggles like the Fatshark Dominator V3 comes with an aspect ratio of 16:9 (which is great if you are an aerial photographer piloting something like the DJI Phantom) while other googles come with a 4:3 aspect ratio. It is important that it matches with the camera or else everything in the video will look shrunken down. Most board cameras support 4:3 aspect ratio, so if you are planning to get a Dominator V3, best match it with a camera that supports a 16:9.
- IPD (Inter pupillary distance): This factor is really important so do not overlook this, especially if you are getting a cheaper FPV goggle that doesn’t have an adjustable IPD. We all have eyes that are spaced differently so there is no one size fits all. With an adjustable IPD, you can adjust the FPV goggle to fit the spacing of your eyes.
Especially if you are considering a goggle that doesn’t come with this feature, it is important to try it out before purchasing it.
DVR
DVR capability is the ability to record the flight in the goggles in a Micro SD card that is placed inside the goggle. This allows for a “backup footage†of your flight. It is especially useful if you have crashed your craft crashed somewhere. The backup footage is then for example, immensely valuable in finding out where it crashed, making it easier to recover your craft.
Head tracking
Head tracking is a feature that’ll increase your immersion experience. It ‘tracks’ the motion of your head and make the camera on-board to move accordingly. Talk about “being one†with your craft!
FPV antenna, modularity and range
Yet another consideration to keep in mind is the type of the FPV receiver antenna and whether or not the goggle has a modular receiver bay. Some goggles like the Fatshark Dominator V3 and HDV2 do not come with a receiver but it has a modular receiver bay, meaning you can attach a variety of different (supported) antennas to the goggles while others may not come with this feature.
The type of the antenna should also be kept in mind. Linear antennas sends out signals that are only good for long distances and are extremely prone to multi-path interference (especially in places with lots of objects) while ‘Clover’ (circular) antennas are much more interference friendly at close ranges, which is why most higher end goggles are either modular or come with clover antennas.
Design
- Vent fan – whether or not the goggle comes with a vent fan, which is important to counter- act ‘fogging’ during summer and winter.
- HDMI Port
- Overall quality of the build
Cheap FPV goggles review: Lower end
Quanum DIY FPV Goggle Set
Don’t be fooled by the cheapness and lack of aesthetics with the Quanum FPV goggle set. If you want to get into FPV experience flying for cheap, this is a great goggle to get. Please note that this goggle does not come with a receiver, camera or power, so you’ll have to get those on your own.
It is also a DIY kit and not usable right off the box but it is very easy to assemble and the manual that comes with it pretty much explains how to set it up (which you can do within minutes). It doesn’t come with any of the features that more handy features that more pricey goggles offer either, so don’t expect to win drone racing competitions with these!
Overall, a very nice entry level FPV goggles if you are a beginner. These goggles are also perfect to be used as an auxiliary goggle for co-pilots, especially if it is too bright outside for a standard screen.
Specifications:
- Monitor screen: NON-Blue screen custom TFT LCD
- Screen size: 4.3in (16:9 or 4:3 switchable)
- Format: PAL/NTSC supported
- Supply voltage: 7~13V
- Resolution: 480px (w)
- Fresnel lens: 3X and 4X included
- Size: 140x95x120mm
- Weight: 195g
Pros
- Cheapest of the best FPV goggles list
- Non-blue screen
- Switchable aspect ratio
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Visually unappealing design and build (big and boxy)
- Poor resolution and display
- Doesn’t come with a receiver or power
- No head tracking, defogging, DVR or customizable IPD
- Plastic lens
Click here to check current price on Amazon
Best cheap FPV goggles : EACHINE VR-007
This has to be our favorite cheap, entry level goggle in the best FPV goggles list. If you are beginner willing to spend a couple more, we recommend going for these over the Quanum DIY goggle. It also comes with an RP-SMA antenna, a 2S LiPo battery and has a built in receiver.
Unlike the Quanum goggle, the VR-007 is not a DIY kit, so it works straight out of the box. It is also far more aesthetically pleasing to look at and more comfortable to wear.
Just like any other goggle at this price range, don’t expect to be able to do competitive drone racing with these, but it comes with some handy features such as a customizable eyeglass.
Specifications:
- Screen size: 4.3 inch
- Screen resolution: 480×272
- Ultra-lightweight design: 256g
- Battery weight: 24g
- Power voltage: 1600mah 7.4V standard configuration
- Antenna: 5.8G 3dB
- Power dissipation: 500mA
- Frequency channel: built-in 40CH 5.8GHz A/V automatic search receiver
Pros
- Cheap
- Comfortable to wear, small size and light weight
- Easy menu navigation and lots of customization options
- Changeable aspect ratio
- Comes with a battery and antenna
- USB charegable battery with built in meter that lights up with a press of a button
- Customizable eyeglass
Cons
- Poor resolution and display
- No head tracking, DVR or defogging
- Large, compared to more expensive goggles
Click here to check current price on Amazon
Mid-range FPV goggles review
These come under the $250 price range. As of now, we don’t like most goggles at this price range because it is “neither here nor thereâ€. If you are a beginner, we suggest you stick to the low end range goggles.
And if you are an intermediate or pro level flyer, you could pay a bit more to get far better quality goggles. Nevertheless, we have listed one FPV goggle we think is decent in this price range:
Fatshark Teleporter v4 or v5
For best FPV goggles under the $250, Fatshark Teleporters v4 and v5 are pretty decent goggles for a beginner to intermediate level flyer. They are lighter and better built and comes with a clover leaf antenna unlike the goggles that are listed in the low end range, making it less susceptible to multi path interference. The teleporters also comes with a head tracking system that improves the immersive experience.
Note that it doesn’t come with any other feature like defogging or customizable IPD, so you might have to return it if it doesn’t fit how your pupils are!
Specifications:
- FOV: 25 degrees
- IPD Range: 63.5mm (fixed)
- Display: QVGA 320 X 240
- Format: NTSC/PAL Auto Selecting
- Head Tracker: 9DOF 2-axis
- Power: DC in: 7-13V (2S/3S)
- Power Consumption: 200/350mA (direct/wireless)
- Receiver: 5.8GHz 7ch
- Weight: 163g
Pros
- Relatively cheaper than higher end goggles
- Comfortable to wear, especially compared to cheaper, boxy goggles
- Comes with a 5.8 module and clover leaf antenna which is less susceptible to multi path interference
- Comes with a battery
- V5 comes with a CMOS camera
Cons
- Poor quality resolution and display
- Low FOV (25 degrees)
- No DVR or defogging vent fans
- No IPD. With a goggle that has two lenses, you should make sure that your pupil distance matches before purchasing
- Non modular receiver bay
- Reported poor signal range
Click here to check current price on Amazon
Best FPV goggles review: Higher end
FatShark Attitude V3
An excellent goggle at the higher end of the price range. Though not as powerful as the Dominator V3 or HDV2, the Altitude V3 is excellent if you want to get into more competitive style FPV flying and/or if you want to get an amazing immersive experience. This is the reason why we have included this in our best FPV goggles list.
It has excellent build quality, decent resolution, IPD adjustable and a modular receiver bay. The field of view (32 degrees) is also great for flying. Unlike the dominators, the altitude V3 actually come with a 5.8 receiver and antenna which justifies it price.
Specifications:
- FOV : 35 degrees
- IPD Range: 58-72mm (adjustable)
- Display: VGA 640 X 480
- Format: NTSC/PAL Auto Selecting
- Head Tracker: 9DOF 2-axis
- Receiver Bay: Modular
- Power: DC in: 7-13V (2S/3S)
- Power Consumption: 2.7W
Pros
- More affordable than the latest dominator models
- Decent resolution and field of view
- Head tracking
- IPD to adjust for your pupil and vent fan for defogging
- Full face mask, comfortable to wear
- Modular receiver bay
- Easy menu navigation and lots of customization options
- 3D support
- Comes with a battery
Cons
- No DVR
- Poor resolution compared to dominator models
- Lesser battery capacity
Click here to check current price on Amazon
Top Pick of the best FPV goggles : Fat Shark Dominator V3
The Dominator V3 is where things start to get into the realm of the “awesomeâ€. An excellent goggle and certainly one of the best FPV goggles out there if you are willing to pay for it. It has a very nice resolution and every feature that a high end goggle is supposed to have. FPV racing wins and immersive experience? You’ll get it all with this google. This ought to be the top goggle in our best FPV goggles list.
The only downside to the goggle is that it comes at a 16:9 aspect ratio while most board cameras come at a 4:3 aspect ratio, so you MIGHT feel like the images are a bit squished out. Nevertheless, it is something you can get used to and it is very flyable. Also if you are using an aerial photography specific drone, the cinematography effect is a bonus!
Specifications:
- FOV: 30 degrees
- IPD Range: 57-72mm (adjustable)
- Display: WVGA 30 Degree FOV
- 3D: Supports Side/Side
- Format: NTSC/PAL Auto Selecting
- Port: HDMI 720p Support
- Recording: Integrated Analog DVR (no HDMI recording)
- Tracker Bay: Modular Head
- Receiver Bay: Modular
- Power: DC in: 7-13V (2S/3S)
- Power Consumption: 3.6W
Pros
- Very good resolution and field of view
- Head tracking
- IPD adjustable and vent fans
- DVR capabilities
- HDMI input
- 3D support
- Modular receiver bay
- Easy menu navigation and lots of customization options
- Comes with a battery
Cons
- Images may feel squished down with the 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratio goggle/camera combo
- Does not include a receiver or antenna
- Pricey
Click here to check current price on Amazon
Fat Shark Dominator HDV2
Sitting at the top of the peak, the Fat Shark Dominator HDV2 is supposed to be the one of the best FPV goggles you can get. That is, if you can afford it. It comes with an almost similar display screen and resolution (800×600) to that of the Dominator V3 (NOT HD), but with much more field of view (50 degree angle) which increases your immersive experience.
Unlike the dominator V3, the HDV2 comes at an aspect ratio of 4:3, which should be more appropriate for most cameras than the 16:9 aspect ratio of the dominator V3. Other than these factors, a dominator V3 and HDV2 are pretty close, in comparison.
Specifications:
- FOV: 50 degrees
- Display: SVGA 800 X 600
- Format: NTSC/PAL Auto Selecting
- Power: DC in: 7-13V (2S/3S)
- Head Tracker: 9DOF 2-axis
- With modular design and integrated DVR
- 5.8GHz Fat Shark with Raceband, 1G3 Fat Shark, 2.4GHz Fat Shark
- 43 channel RF Module support over 6 bands (1.3, 2.4, 5.8 Ghz)
Pros
- Very good resolution and excellent field of view
- Head tracking
- IPD adjustable and vent fans
- DVR capabilities
- HDMI input
- 3D support
- Modular receiver bay
- Easy menu navigation and lots of customization options
- Comes with a battery
Cons
- Very, very pricey and not much of an upgrade from the Dominator V3, except for the field of view
- Not really HD, despite the name
- Does not include a receiver or antenna
Click here to check current price on Amazon
Conclusion
To summarize, make sure to keep the following in mind before you decide what is the best FPV goggles you want to purchase:
- Resolution, field of view and aspect ratio
- IPD adjustability
- DVR capabilities
- Design and build, including whether or not the goggle includes a defogging vent fan
- Receiver and antenna type (linear vs clover leaf), frequency (whether or not the frequencies are legal to use without a licence in your locality)
- HDMI input
- Head tracking capabilities
- Price – whether or not you’d have to sell your kidney to buy it
That’s all folks! We hope the guide helps you out in buying the best FPV goggles for you! If you have any questions or suggestions, please drop them below and we’ll be sure to answer and love you for it!
