The Main Types of FPV Drones

From Tiny Whoops to Long Range: Choosing the Right FPV Drone Type and Size

In the world of FPV, one size definitely does not fit all. Before you buy parts or a pre-built drone, you need to decide how and where you want to fly. Are you flying inside your living room? chasing drift cars? or surfing down a mountain peak?

This guide breaks down the different classes of FPV drones and explains what the "inch" sizes actually mean.

1. The Main Types of FPV Drones

Tiny Whoop

The perfect starting point for beginners.

  • What is it? Small, lightweight drones with ducts (guards) protecting the propellers.
  • Best For: Indoor flying, learning the controls safely, and flying through small gaps. Because the props are covered, they won't damage your furniture or hurt people.
  • Vibe: Fun, safe, and stress-free.

Cinewhoop

The filmmaker's tool.

  • What is it? Similar to a Tiny Whoop but larger and more powerful. They also have ducts around the propellers, but they are designed to carry an HD camera (like a GoPro).
  • Best For: Filming slow, smooth, cinematic shots around people, indoors, or through tight spaces (like real estate tours). They are not designed for acrobatics.
  • Vibe: Stable, slow, and purposeful.

Toothpick

Performance in a tiny package.

  • What is it? An ultralight drone with a skinny frame (hence the name "toothpick") and no prop guards.
  • Best For: Outdoor flying in small parks or backyards. They are incredibly quiet but fast and agile.
  • Vibe: Stealthy and agile.

FPV Racing Drones

Built for pure speed.

  • What is it? These drones are stripped of all unnecessary weight. The frames are aerodynamic, and the motors are high-KV for maximum RPM.
  • Best For: Competitive racing on a track with gates. Durability and consistency are key here.
  • Vibe: Adrenaline and precision.

Long-Range Drones

The explorers.

  • What is it? Drones designed for efficiency rather than agility. They use GPS systems (for rescue features like "Return to Home") and larger batteries.
  • Best For: Mountain surfing, cruising over long distances, and capturing epic landscapes.
  • Vibe: Relaxing, scenic, and adventurous.

2. Understanding FPV Sizes (Inches)

When pilots talk about drone size (e.g., "I fly a 5-inch"), they are referring to the diameter of the propeller, not the frame width. Here is a cheat sheet on sizes and where to use them:

The Micro Class (1.6" to 2.5")

  • Common Drones: Tiny Whoops, small Toothpicks.
  • Where to fly: Indoors (house, office) or very small backyards.
  • Battery: 1S or 2S LiPo.
  • Note: These are usually under 250g, meaning they often don't require registration in many countries.

The Park Flyer Class (3" to 3.5")

  • Common Drones: Cinewhoops, larger Toothpicks.
  • Where to fly: Playgrounds, parks, and medium-sized areas.
  • Battery: 4S LiPo.
  • Note: 3.5-inch freestyle drones are becoming very popular because they fly like big drones but are much quieter and cheaper to repair.

The Standard Class (5-Inch)

  • Common Drones: Freestyle and Racing drones.
  • Where to fly: Large open fields, abandoned buildings (bando), and race tracks.
  • Battery: 6S LiPo (Standard) or 4S.
  • Note: This is the "Gold Standard" of FPV. If you want to do flips, rolls, and carry a full-sized GoPro, this is the size you want. It has the most power and momentum.

The Heavy/Long-Range Class (7-Inch to 10-Inch)

  • Common Drones: Long-range cruisers and Cinema lifters.
  • Where to fly: Mountains, over water, or high altitudes.
  • Battery: Large 6S LiPo or Li-Ion packs.
  • Note: These are not for beginners. They are loud, dangerous, and require technical knowledge to set up GPS and fail-safe systems properly.

 

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