FPV drones come in a handful of types, sorted mostly by propeller size and purpose: tiny whoops for indoor flying, cinewhoops for smooth close-up video, 5-inch quads for freestyle and racing, and larger long-range builds. Size is usually given in prop inches (a "5-inch quad") or frame size in millimeters, measured diagonally from motor to motor. DJI's Avata 2 is a cinewhoop-style drone, and the Neo flies like a small whoop.
How FPV sizes are measured
- Prop size: the most common label. A 5-inch quad uses 5-inch props.
- Frame size: the diagonal distance between motors, in mm. Whoops are often called 65 mm or 75 mm.
- Battery cell count: written as 1S, 4S, 6S, meaning cells in series. More cells means more power and speed.
The main types
Tiny whoops. Small, light, ducted quads that bounce off walls without damage. Ideal for flying indoors and learning. The DJI Neo (135 g, full prop guards) fills a similar role and can fly FPV with DJI goggles.
Cinewhoops. Larger ducted quads that carry a stabilized or high-quality camera for smooth shots through buildings, past people and close to subjects. The DJI Avata 2 is DJI's ready-to-fly take on this, with a 1/1.3-inch sensor, 4K/60fps HDR video, integrated guards, GPS return to home and turtle mode. See flying a drone indoors.
Toothpicks and micros. Very light open-prop quads, usually 2 to 3.5 inches, for park flying with low weight.
5-inch freestyle and racing. The classic FPV size. Open props, powerful motors, flown in Acro (manual) mode for flips, rolls and racing. Many pilots mount a GoPro for footage. See drone racing explained.
Long range. 7-inch and larger quads, sometimes fixed-wing, built for efficiency and distance. In the US, line-of-sight rules limit how far you can legally go.
"X" frames and other terms
- True X / stretched X / H frame: frame shapes. True X puts motors evenly on a square; stretched X makes the body longer for stability at speed.
- Ducts: rings around the props that protect them and add some thrust at low speed, but add weight and drag.
- BNF / PNP / RTF: bind-and-fly (needs your radio), plug-and-play (needs receiver), ready-to-fly (everything included, like the Avata 2 kits).
Which type should you start with?
| You want to | Start with |
|---|---|
| Learn FPV with the least risk | A simulator, then a whoop or the Avata 2 |
| Film smooth fly-throughs | A cinewhoop like the Avata 2 |
| Do flips and freestyle tricks | A 5-inch quad (after simulator time) |
| Race | A 5-inch race quad or a whoop class |
For a custom build, the DJI O4 Air Unit weighs 8.2 g with its camera and fits small builds. Our build an FPV drone guide walks through parts.
Weight and the rules
Any FPV drone of 250 g or more must be registered and broadcast Remote ID, and with goggles on you need a visual observer beside you. The Avata 2 (377 g) has Remote ID built in. See are FPV drones legal.
Ready to pick one? Read best FPV drone for beginners or shop FPV drones.
Related guides
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