Building the Most Affordable 5" FPV Drone Setup for 2024

Looking to build a 5-inch FPV drone on a budget for 2024? We've got you covered. In this article, we'll provide you with a list of components that won't break the bank but will still deliver excellent performance. Whether you're a newbie to the FPV world or a seasoned pilot looking for a cost-effective setup, this guide has something for everyone. We'll also recommend some budget-friendly gear like radios, LiPo chargers, and FPV goggles to complete your FPV experience.

The Most Affordable 5" FPV Drone Build

Before diving into the components, please keep in mind that prices can fluctuate over time. If you're new to FPV and want to build your drone from scratch, we'll guide you through most of these parts. This build is suitable for HD FPV systems, but if cost savings are your primary concern, we recommend sticking with analog, which is the focus of this parts list.

Drone Costs:

• Frame: Source One V5 - $29.99
• FC and ESC stack: Speedybee F403 V4 & 55A ESC - $69.99
• Motors: 4x T-Motor Velox 2207 - $59.60
• VTX: GOKU HM600 - $19.99
• FPV Camera: Foxeer Razer Micro - $17.99
• Receiver: BetaFPV ELRS Lite RX - $11.99
• LiPo battery - $25.34
• Propellers (1 set of 4) - $3.00

Total: $237.89

Additional Gear:

• Radio: Radiomaster Pocket - $64.99
• FPV Goggles: EV800D - $67.99
• LiPo Charger: SkyRC B6Neo - $24.60

Assuming you have the necessary tools, you can build this cost-effective 5" drone with solid performance for around $238. Gone are the days of $99 budget drone builds or $150 cheap setups.

For essential equipment like the radio, goggles, and charger, you're looking at an additional $150. To put it in perspective, that's a pretty solid deal. For example, BetaFPV's basic FPV drone kit, which features a small 2S tiny whoop, already costs around $300. This budget-friendly setup will serve you well for a long time before considering an upgrade.

Frame: Source One V5

Our top recommendation for a budget frame is the Source One V5. Priced at just $29.99, it offers a contemporary design with quality carbon fiber. You'll also find a wealth of open-source 3D printed components online to customize your build. It's widely available in local RC shops.

Flight Controller and ESC Stack: Speedybee F403 V4 & 55A ESC

We've had a positive experience with the Speedybee F405 stack, which provides excellent performance at a remarkable price point of $69.99, including a 55A 4in1 ESC. If you want great value for your money while ensuring top-notch performance, this stack is an excellent choice. If the Speedybee isn't available, consider the T-Motor Velox F411 Lite Stack as a worthy alternative.

Motors: T-Motor Velox 2207

T-Motor's Velox V2207 motors are both economical and reliable, priced at just $14.9 each. They feature N52 magnets, a titanium shaft, and the trusted quality of T-Motor. With various KV options available, they cater to different flying styles. For cinematic or endurance flights, the 1750KV version works well on 6S, while racing or aggressive freestyle pilots may prefer the 1950KV-2050KV range. The 2550KV version is ideal for those using a 4S battery.

Video Transmitter: Flywoo GOKU HM600 VTX

For a budget build, we recommend sticking with an analog FPV system, as digital systems tend to be more expensive. The Flywoo GOKU HM600 VTX is an excellent choice at just $19.99. It offers multiple mounting patterns, a wide input voltage range (2S-6S), support for 5 bands, and a power output of up to 600mW. Its compact and lightweight design makes installation a breeze.

FPV Camera: Foxeer Razer Micro

The Foxeer Razer Micro is our top pick for an affordable analog FPV camera, priced at only $17.99. It provides excellent image quality and is a solid choice for your budget-friendly build.

Radio Receiver: BetaFPV ELRS Lite RX

For a budget-friendly receiver, the BetaFPV ELRS Lite RX, an ExpressLRS 2.4GHz receiver, comes in at just $11.99. We recommend the tower antenna version, as it offers better signal strength and reliability compared to the flat red antenna version.

LiPo Battery

For this 5" build, we suggest considering 6S batteries in the 1100mAh to 1300mAh range. While AliExpress often offers attractive deals with delivery times of 2-4 weeks, quality should be your priority when purchasing LiPo batteries. Low-quality batteries are less efficient and pose safety risks. Here are some trusted brands in the market.

Propellers

Propellers are one of the most affordable components of an FPV drone, typically costing around $3-$4 for a set of four. Feel free to experiment with various brands and types to find the best fit for your needs.

The Most Affordable FPV Equipment

Radio: Radiomaster Pocket

The Radiomaster Pocket, priced at $64, is a cost-effective choice that covers the essentials for FPV. Despite some compromises due to its price point, it's a compact radio that's easy to carry around. We recommend getting the ExpressLRS version, which eliminates the need for an external module.

FPV Goggles: EV800D

The EV800D is a reliable budget option for FPV goggles. While it may not have the sleek look of high-end goggles, it gets the job done. You can often find it for around $100-$120, but we recently spotted a sale on AliExpress for $67.99. Make sure to purchase from a reputable seller.

Charger: SkyRC B6Neo

The SkyRC B6Neo, available for $26 on AliExpress, is a feature-rich and powerful charger. It's also compact and great for traveling. Keep in mind that you'll need an external power supply or a USB-C power adapter (PD capable) to power this charger.

If you prefer a charger that can be plugged directly into a wall outlet, consider the $64.99 iSDT 608AC. It offers the convenience of a removable AC power supply and can be upgraded for higher capacity.

Building an affordable 5" FPV drone doesn't mean sacrificing quality or performance. With the components and equipment listed here, you can enjoy a thrilling FPV experience without breaking the bank. Happy flying!