Best 5-Inch Freestyle FPV Drones with DJI O4 Pro: Detailed Review & Comparison (2025 Buying Guide)
Since DJI released the advanced DJI O4 Pro digital video transmission system, FPV pilots have raised their expectations significantly regarding image quality, latency, flight range, and overall flight experience. In this comprehensive comparison review, we focus specifically on popular 5-inch freestyle FPV drones currently featuring the DJI O4 Pro Air Unit, providing detailed and professional insights to help you make the best buying decision.
I. The Contenders (DJI O4 Pro Equipped)
Here are the selected high-quality and widely praised 5-inch freestyle FPV drones featuring DJI O4 Pro video transmission, which we'll analyze thoroughly in this review:
| Brand | Model Name | Frame Type | Flight Controller & ESC | Motors | Weight (No Battery) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEPRC | Vapor-X5/D5 | Wide-X/DC | F722-HD V2 + 60A ESC (BLHeli_S) | SPEEDX2 2207E 1960KV | 409g |
| iFlight | Nazgul Evoque F5 V2 | True-X | BLITZ Mini F722 + 55A ESC (BL32) | XING2 2207 1750KV | 436g |
| Axisflying | Manta5 SE DeadCat-DC | DeadCat | Argus ECO F722 + 60A ESC (Bluejay) | AE2207 V2 1960KV | 454g |
| DeepSpace | Seeker5 | DC/XL | F722 + 60A ESC (BLHeli_32) | DS Aether 2207.3 1960KV | 437g |
| HGLRC | Rekon Y6 | Y6 | SPECTER F722 AIO 40A ESC (Bluejay) | Specter 2004 1800KV | 311g |
Note: All reviewed drones feature the DJI O4 Pro Air Unit, ensuring consistency for fair comparison.
The previously included Axisflying Manta5 Squashed X (DJI O4 Lite) has been replaced by the Axisflying Manta5 SE DeadCat-DC with DJI O4 Pro for comparability.
II. Why DJI O4 Pro?
DJI O4 Pro significantly improves upon previous generations (O3/O4 Lite), offering key advantages critical for professional pilots and videographers:
| Specifications | DJI O4 Pro |
|---|---|
| Transmission Range | Up to 15km (FCC) |
| Video Transmission Latency | 15ms (ultra-low latency) |
| Image Sensor | 1/1.3-inch CMOS |
| Video Recording Capability | Up to 4K@120fps |
| Live Video Quality | 1080p@100fps |
| Image Stabilization | DJI RockSteady 3.0+ |
| Max Video Bitrate | 130 Mbps |
| Built-in Storage | 4GB |
Summary:
DJI O4 Pro stands out for its exceptional video quality, ultra-low latency, robust long-range transmission, and enhanced stabilization. It's undoubtedly the top choice for demanding FPV pilots and creators prioritizing visual quality and stable flight performance.
III. Frame Design & Weight Analysis
The frame design greatly influences a drone's agility, stability, durability, and ease of maintenance. Below is a detailed comparison of frame structure, special features, and weight for each drone:
GEPRC Vapor-X5/D5
iFlight Nazgul Evoque F5 V2
Axisflying Manta5 SE DC
DeepSpace Seeker5
HGLRC Rekon Y6
Frame Design Features Comparison
| Model | Frame Type | Arm Thickness | Special Design Features | Maintenance Ease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEPRC Vapor-X5/D5 | Wide-X/DC | 5mm | CNC aluminum lens protector, vibration-dampening silicone mounts | Medium (8-10 screws top plate removal) |
| iFlight Nazgul Evoque F5 V2 | True-X | 6mm | 360° TPU protection, illuminated side panels | Low (integrated structure, 8 screws) |
| Axisflying Manta5 SE DC | DeadCat | 6mm | CNC aluminum side plates, T700 carbon fiber, front-mounted GPS | Medium (robust frame, modular components) |
| DeepSpace Seeker5 | DC/XL | 5mm | Modular quick-release structure, CNC aluminum sides, silicone vibration absorbers | High (only 6 screws for quick access) |
| HGLRC Rekon Y6 | Y6 Coaxial | - | Y6 coaxial structure, 50% larger prop area for long-range cinematic flight | Medium (clear layout, slightly complex structure) |
Drone Weight Comparison (No battery or camera):
HGLRC Rekon Y6 | 311g
GEPRC Vapor-X5/D5 | 409g
DeepSpace Seeker5 | 437g
iFlight Evoque | 436g
Axisflying Manta5 DC| 454g
Key Insights:
-
Lightweight Champion: HGLRC Rekon Y6, ideal for cinematic and long-range missions.
-
Balanced Choices: GEPRC Vapor-X5/D5 and DeepSpace Seeker5 offer excellent balance between performance, durability, and weight, suitable for versatile freestyle flying.
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Maximum Rigidity: iFlight Nazgul Evoque and Axisflying Manta5 SE DC offer highest frame rigidity and crash resilience, ideal for extreme maneuvers and aggressive freestyle environments.
IV. Propulsion Systems: Flight Controller, ESC & Motors Detailed Comparison
The propulsion system—consisting of the Flight Controller (FC), ESC, and motors—is crucial for a drone’s agility, responsiveness, and overall flight performance. Below, we compare each drone's propulsion components in-depth, highlighting differences that significantly impact freestyle flight experience.
Flight Controller (FC) Comparison
| Model | FC Model | Processor | Gyroscope | Barometer | Built-in BEC for O4 | Blackbox Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEPRC Vapor-X5/D5 | GEP-F722-HD v2 | STM32F722 | ICM42688-P | Yes | Yes (9V/2.5A) | 16MB |
| iFlight Nazgul Evoque F5 V2 | BLITZ Mini F722 | STM32F722 | ICM42688 | No | No (Direct VBAT) | 8MB |
| Axisflying Manta5 SE DC | Argus ECO F722 | STM32F722 | ICM42688-P | No | Yes (12V/2A) | 16MB |
| DeepSpace Seeker5 | F722 Stack | STM32F722 | ICM42688 | No | Yes (12V/2.5A) | 16MB |
| HGLRC Rekon Y6 | SPECTER F722 AIO | STM32F722 | ICM42688 | No | Yes (9V/2A) | 16MB |
Flight Controller Insights:
-
Processor & Gyro:
All drones use the high-performance STM32F722 MCU, offering robust processing capabilities. The standardized ICM42688 gyro ensures consistent performance across the board. -
BEC for DJI O4 Pro:
GEPRC, Axisflying, DeepSpace, and HGLRC provide built-in BEC modules supplying stable and filtered voltage, significantly improving O4 Pro Air Unit reliability.
The iFlight Nazgul Evoque lacks this advantage, relying instead on direct battery voltage (VBAT), potentially increasing vulnerability to voltage spikes and noise. -
Blackbox Storage:
GEPRC, Axisflying, DeepSpace, and HGLRC feature 16MB blackbox memory, ideal for extensive PID tuning and flight data logging. The iFlight Nazgul Evoque only has 8MB, sufficient but less ideal for in-depth tuning.
ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) Comparison
| Model | ESC Type | Continuous Current | Firmware Type | Supported Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEPRC Vapor-X5/D5 | TAKER H60_BLS 4in1 | 60A | BLHeli_S | 3-6S LiPo |
| iFlight Nazgul Evoque F5 V2 | BLITZ Mini E55 4in1 | 55A | BLHeli_32 | 2-6S LiPo |
| Axisflying Manta5 SE DC | Argus ECO ESC 60A-6S | 60A | Bluejay | 3-6S LiPo |
| DeepSpace Seeker5 | BL32 60A ESC | 60A | BLHeli_32 | 3-6S LiPo |
| HGLRC Rekon Y6 | 6-in-1 40A ESC | 40A | Bluejay | 2-6S LiPo |
ESC Analysis Insights:
-
Current Capacity:
GEPRC, Axisflying, and DeepSpace all equip 60A ESCs, offering superior headroom for aggressive maneuvers and heavy freestyle actions. The iFlight ESC (55A) is slightly less robust, while the HGLRC’s 40A suits its lightweight and efficient long-range design. -
Firmware Type:
Axisflying and HGLRC use Bluejay firmware, offering smoother throttle control and easier updates. DeepSpace and iFlight utilize BLHeli_32, delivering powerful performance but having limited future firmware upgrade options. GEPRC's BLHeli_S provides stable and reliable performance for most freestyle scenarios.
Motors Detailed Comparison
| Model | Motor Model | KV Rating | Size | Notable Features | Performance Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEPRC Vapor-X5/D5 | SPEEDX2 2207E | 1960KV | 2207 | Strong thrust, optimized cooling, smooth operation | Balanced power and efficiency, great for freestyle |
| iFlight Nazgul Evoque F5 V2 | XING2 2207 | 1750KV | 2207 | Titanium alloy shaft, NSK bearings, durable unibell | Smooth, linear thrust; high durability |
| Axisflying Manta5 SE DC | AE2207 V2 | 1960KV | 2207 | Robust design, high responsiveness | Aggressive thrust; suitable for Sbang & Bando |
| DeepSpace Seeker5 | DS Aether 2207.3 | 1960KV | 2207.3 | Linear thrust curve, exceptional durability | Precise and powerful, ideal for advanced freestyle |
| HGLRC Rekon Y6 | Specter 2004 | 1800KV | 2004 | Highly efficient, lightweight, long-range optimized | Efficiency-focused; ideal for cinematic & cruising |
Motors Performance Insights:
-
High-Thrust (1960KV):
GEPRC, Axisflying, and DeepSpace motors at 1960KV are ideal for aggressive freestyle maneuvers and versatile flying styles. -
Balanced (1750KV - iFlight):
iFlight motors deliver smoother, more linear power, ideal for stable freestyle flying and cinematic shots, albeit less aggressive. -
Efficiency-Focused (1800KV - HGLRC):
The lower KV motors on the HGLRC drone prioritize flight efficiency and extended flight times, particularly beneficial for cinematic and long-range missions.
Overall Propulsion System Summary
| Drone | Strengths | Recommended Usage |
|---|---|---|
| GEPRC Vapor-X5/D5 | High power, balanced design | Versatile freestyle & performance |
| Axisflying Manta5 SE DC | Aggressive thrust, robust frame | Advanced freestyle & aggressive maneuvers |
| DeepSpace Seeker5 | Exceptional responsiveness, modular design | Professional freestyle & easy maintenance |
| iFlight Nazgul Evoque F5 V2 | Smooth power delivery, durable construction | Cinematic freestyle, high-durability flights |
| HGLRC Rekon Y6 | Lightweight, efficient, excellent flight time | Cinematic filming & long-range cruising |
V. DJI O4 Pro Video Transmission Performance
The DJI O4 Pro Air Unit is central to these FPV drones, significantly influencing the pilot's immersive experience through image clarity, stability, and transmission quality. Although all drones use the same DJI O4 Pro system, implementation details like camera placement, antenna mounting, and vibration damping significantly affect actual performance.
DJI O4 Pro Air Unit Overview:
| Specification | DJI O4 Pro Air Unit |
|---|---|
| Sensor Size | 1/1.3" CMOS |
| Maximum Resolution | 4K@120fps (recording), 1080p@100fps (live) |
| Field of View (FOV) | 155° Ultra-wide |
| Image Stabilization | RockSteady 3.0+ |
| Video Latency | 15ms (ultra-low latency mode) |
| Max Bitrate | 130 Mbps |
| Transmission Range | 15 km (FCC mode) |
Camera Mounting and Protection Comparison
| Drone | Camera Mounting | Vibration Damping | Lens Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEPRC Vapor-X5/D5 | CNC aluminum frame, silicone dampers | Excellent (soft-mounted) | Excellent (front lip design) |
| Axisflying Manta5 SE DC | CNC aluminum, robust frame integration | Good (stiff integrated) | Excellent (full protection) |
| DeepSpace Seeker5 | CNC aluminum side plates, TPU damping | Excellent (custom damping) | Good (solid aluminum cage) |
| iFlight Nazgul Evoque F5 V2 | TPU cage, minimal aluminum parts | Moderate (basic TPU mount) | Moderate (camera protrudes slightly) |
| HGLRC Rekon Y6 | Minimalist frame, props out of view | Moderate (simple mounting) | Minimal (relies on compact design) |
Camera Protection and Vibration Management Insights:
-
Top Protection & Damping:
GEPRC and Axisflying stand out with exceptional lens protection and effective damping, ideal for freestyle maneuvers and crashes. -
Balanced Solution:
DeepSpace provides robust protection combined with effective vibration isolation for clean footage. -
Less Robust:
iFlight Nazgul and HGLRC Rekon prioritize weight or design simplicity, slightly compromising camera protection.
VI. GPS Positioning System Comparison
GPS modules significantly enhance drone safety, enabling crucial features such as failsafe Return-to-Home (RTH), drone recovery, and stable flight positioning. Below is the comparison of GPS integration and antenna placement among drones.
GPS Module Comparison:
| Drone | GPS Module | GPS Placement & Satellite Lock Speed | GPS Signal Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEPRC Vapor-X5/D5 | GEP-M10 GPS | Under antenna mount | Good (moderate interference) |
| Axisflying Manta5 SE DC | Ublox M10 GPS | Front-mounted, clear sky view | Excellent (fast lock, low interference) |
| DeepSpace Seeker5 | Ublox M10 GPS | Front/top mounted, isolated position | Excellent (fast lock, minimal interference) |
| iFlight Nazgul Evoque F5 V2 | M10 GPS | Rear/under antenna mount | Good (moderate interference) |
| HGLRC Rekon Y6 | M100 Mini GPS | Side-mounted away from interference | Good (good isolation, stable performance) |
GPS Performance Insights:
-
Best GPS Placement:
Axisflying and DeepSpace offer excellent GPS performance with front/top mounts, ensuring rapid satellite acquisition and minimal interference, essential for stable flight and reliable failsafe RTH operations. -
Adequate GPS Placement:
GEPRC, iFlight, and HGLRC provide decent GPS performance, though slightly compromised by mounting locations closer to antennas or frame components.
VII. Overall Video Transmission & GPS System Summary:
| Drone | DJI O4 Pro Integration Rating | GPS System Rating | Recommended Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEPRC Vapor-X5/D5 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | Freestyle pilots demanding high-quality image and solid GPS |
| Axisflying Manta5 SE DC | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Advanced freestyle, excellent safety features and FPV footage |
| DeepSpace Seeker5 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Best-in-class GPS positioning, precise freestyle flying |
| iFlight Nazgul Evoque F5 V2 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Solid freestyle flying, moderate GPS needs |
| HGLRC Rekon Y6 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Cinematic flights with excellent range and decent video quality |
Comprehensive Recommendation Insights:
-
Best Overall FPV Experience (Image + GPS):
Axisflying Manta5 SE DC and DeepSpace Seeker5 excel due to superior camera protection, excellent vibration damping, and optimal GPS placement, making them ideal for demanding freestyle missions and precise cinematic operations. -
Great FPV Visual Experience:
GEPRC Vapor-X5/D5 provides excellent video quality, outstanding lens protection, and a good GPS solution. It's particularly suited for pilots focusing heavily on visual clarity and stability. -
Solid Performer with Balanced Features:
iFlight Nazgul Evoque F5 V2 and HGLRC Rekon Y6 offer dependable image and GPS performance, although somewhat less refined in camera protection and GPS placement. They remain highly capable choices for general freestyle flying and long-range cruising.
VIII. Price and Overall Value Comparison
Ultimately, price and value play a crucial role in selecting your drone. The table below provides current pricing (approximate retail prices from online stores) and overall value assessments.
Price Comparison Table
| Drone Model | Approx. Price (USD) | DJI O4 Pro Inclusion | Receiver Inclusion | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEPRC Vapor-X5/D5 | $450.99 | Included | ELRS 2.4G / TBS RX | ★★★★★ (Excellent) |
| Axisflying Manta5 SE DC | $549.99 | Included | ELRS 2.4G / TBS RX | ★★★★☆ (Very Good) |
| DeepSpace Seeker5 | $574.00 | Included | ELRS 2.4G / TBS RX | ★★★★☆ (Very Good) |
| iFlight Nazgul Evoque F5 V2 | $694.99 | Included | ELRS 2.4G / TBS RX | ★★★☆☆ (Fair) |
| HGLRC Rekon Y6 | $559.99 | Included | ELRS 2.4G / TBS RX | ★★★★☆ (Very Good) |
Value-for-Money Analysis:
-
Best Value (GEPRC Vapor-X5/D5):
With the lowest price of $450.99 and exceptional flight performance, image quality, and solid build quality, GEPRC provides outstanding value, especially suitable for freestyle pilots on a budget who don't compromise on quality. -
Balanced Choices (Axisflying & DeepSpace):
Axisflying Manta5 SE DC ($549.99) and DeepSpace Seeker5 ($574.00) both offer top-tier frame designs, advanced propulsion systems, and optimal GPS integration. Although priced slightly higher, they deliver advanced features and robustness suitable for professional pilots seeking reliability and top performance. -
Cinematic/Long-Range Choice (HGLRC Rekon Y6):
At $559.99, the HGLRC Rekon Y6 uniquely offers a lightweight, high-efficiency long-range design and great camera visibility, making it an ideal option for cinematic and cruising FPV missions. -
Premium Build with Higher Cost (iFlight Nazgul Evoque):
The highest priced option at $694.99, Nazgul Evoque features premium materials and durability, but due to the comparatively high price and slightly lower GPS and camera protection optimization, it offers moderate value.
IX. Final Recommendations – Which Drone Should You Choose?
Considering all factors—design, performance, image quality, GPS integration, ease of maintenance, durability, and price—we present our recommendations for various FPV pilot profiles:
Best Overall Recommendation:
GEPRC Vapor-X5/D5
-
Reason: Offers outstanding balance between price, performance, build quality, and camera protection. Ideal for all-around freestyle pilots, from intermediate to advanced.
-
Best for: Pilots who seek maximum value without sacrificing performance or durability.
Professional Freestyle Choice:
Axisflying Manta5 SE DeadCat & DeepSpace Seeker5
-
Reason: Robust, modular frames with optimal GPS placement, excellent vibration damping, and camera protection. Ideal for aggressive freestyle maneuvers, professional filming, and precise control.
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Best for: Experienced pilots who perform aggressive maneuvers and require reliable, crash-resistant drones.
Cinematic & Long-Range Choice:
HGLRC Rekon Y6
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Reason: Lightweight, unique coaxial Y6 design offering superior stability, exceptional flight time, and unobstructed camera view for cinematic and long-range applications.
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Best for: Cinematic creators and long-range cruisers seeking prolonged flight duration and smooth aerial footage.
Premium Durability and Build Quality:
iFlight Nazgul Evoque F5 V2
-
Reason: Premium frame construction, robust motors, and stylish design make this a highly durable choice. However, higher cost and slightly less ideal GPS/camera protection position it as a specialty choice.
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Best for: Pilots prioritizing extreme durability and crash-resistance, suitable for challenging environments and bando flights.
X. Overall Rating Summary Table
Here is a summary table to visualize overall scores clearly:
| Drone | Frame Quality | Propulsion | Video & GPS | Maintenance Ease | Price/Value | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEPRC Vapor-X5/D5 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Axisflying Manta5 SE DC | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| DeepSpace Seeker5 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| HGLRC Rekon Y6 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| iFlight Nazgul Evoque F5 V2 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
XI. Conclusion – Which Drone I Am Choosing
After analyzing all aspects in detail, my personal pick is the:
🏆 GEPRC Vapor-X5/D5
This drone strikes the ideal balance between affordability, exceptional image quality, reliable GPS performance, excellent frame construction, and robust propulsion. It’s versatile enough for a wide range of FPV flying styles, making it the most practical and valuable choice for most freestyle pilots.
However, if your priorities differ (such as advanced durability, long-range flights, or professional freestyle demands), the other drones outlined provide excellent specialized options tailored precisely to those needs.
XII. Final Thoughts
The FPV drone landscape continues evolving rapidly. Each of these five drones showcases strengths uniquely suitable for specific pilot demands. Clearly understanding your personal flying style, budget constraints, and mission requirements is essential for making the best choice.
I hope this detailed comparison helps you identify the perfect FPV drone for your next adventure. Feel free to share your preferences or questions in the comments—happy flying!
More FPV Drone With DJI O4 Here .