Best Drone Controllers
After an extensive examination of 25 different drone controllers, my ultimate pick for the best drone controller overall is the DJI A3 Flight Controller. With features including custom altitude holds, auto takeoffs and landings, and seamless compatibility with modern quadcopters, the DJI A3 Flight Controller stands out as the frontrunner. Now, let's delve into the specifics to understand why it has earned the title of the best drone controller in the market.
Best Drone Controller: DJI A3 Flight Controller
You and I know what a DJI drone is capable of, but have you ever tried one of its controllers? I’m talking about the DJI A3 Flight Controller: a magnificent remote control that does a lot of wonders that make flying feel fun every session. It includes an intelligent flight mode (which is basically tracking and auto-dodging obstacles), custom flight altitudes and radius limits, and auto takeoff and landing. Best of all, it is highly compatible with modern quadcopters, making every flight feel extra special thanks to its beginner-friendly controls yet complex configurations for experts. Just take note that this is not a cheap controller.
Best Value 4K Camera Drone: Naza-M Lite Flight Controller
The Naza-M V2 Flight Controller is cheap yet effective. It includes a full-on GPS support and is highly recommended among drone hobbyists. It’s also the best for multi-rotor drones, especially for experts. It’s slightly cheaper than the A3 Flight Controller but it does include multiple features that enhance your overall experience with the drone. Among other things, this is not recommended for beginners despite its adequate price. Drone enthusiasts who want a bit more challenge to their flying experience may want to buy this for a refreshing take. Additionally, it includes an assistant software and take-off assistance to streamline a bit of the flying.
- DJI Naza-M V2 & GPS Combo in Original...
- Included in the box:
- NAZA M V2 MC - GPS - LED - PMU -...
- Authorized DJI US dealer
- Made by DJI Innovations
Best Drone Controller for Beginners: Naza-M Lite Flight Controller
Before I start, I just want you to know that the Naza-M Flight Controller is strictly for beginners. Experts may find this too basic and streamlined. But for newbies, this is a dream come true. First and foremost, this controller is very cheap to buy - making it a good entry point for newcomers. And second, it is very simple to set-up; all you have to do is follow the instruction manual (which is easy enough to understand) and you should be ready in no time. If you need the most basic among all the quadcopter controllers available in the market, this should be your best choice.
- DJI Naza-M Lite Multi-Rotor Flight...
- Include LED, PMU, GPS
Best Drone Controller for Racing: RJX Raceflight F4 Flight Controller
For the pilot that is centered on speed and maneuverability, I highly recommend the RJX Raceflight F4 Flight Controller. It is not just cheap, it is flexible in customization too. Usually, drone controllers for racing are expensive - basically pay to win. However, RJX bent the rules and contributed a miracle among drone racers looking to find the best budget controller: the Raceflight F4. As the name says, it is for the F4 hardware and includes 125us loop times. Among other things, you can connect it to a LiPo in order to activate the board and Rx. It is also one of the quietest gyros today.
- This will only work with DJI tello, does...
- The control handle is capable of...
- Bluetooth version: BLE4.0
- Battery capacity: 600Ma
- Supporting platform: iOS7.0+, Android...
Best Budget Drone Controller: KISS FC
KISS FC is a drone controller that does not cost a lot, especially for the F3 hardware. It is built for both racing and leisure flight while offering very simple controls. You could say that this controller is also good for the beginners, however, the set-up does need some time and learning before you can get it right. It includes 6 motor inputs, a built-in 500 mAh 5V battery, an MPU6050 gyro, SBUS support and smart port telemetry. It is a great drone controller for both beginners and experts alike thanks to its flexible assembly in which you can treat your quadcopter as a racer, as a stunt drone or as for casual flight sessions.
- KISS-FC-V2-32bit-Flight-Controller
What Drone Controller Would I Buy?
These are all the best drone controllers in the market in my opinion, but the DJI A3 Flight Controller overshadows the rest of them thanks to its wide variety of features and beginner-friendly configurations. However, it is quite expensive and if you're looking for a cheaper alternative, there is always the Naza-M V2 Flight Controller. But, if these controllers are too complicated for your taste, I would like to recommend you the Naza-M Lite Flight Controller as most of the configurations are simplified. But, if you are the racer type, then the RJX Raceflight F4 Flight Controller is a no-brainer since it is just so good. And lastly, take the KISS FC if you prefer an affordable drone controller for your budget.
Drone Controller Buying Guide:
Flying Style
The most crucial part of the drone is the variety of flights. Not all drones are made one and the same and for that, you will need the right controller. This includes three different styles: cinema, autonomous and sports. Cinema is made for photography and aerial shots - best for DJI and Yuneec drones. Autonomous is more for beginners who want droning to be streamlined such as Return to Home or Auto Take-off. Sports mode is more for aerobatics and racing.
Price
Just because it is expensive does not mean it is better. Some are cheaper because it requires you to configure the controller manually rather than just picking it up and play. However, some controllers are more expensive because of the complex features it needs you to add. I recommend buying a cheaper one if you are a beginner.
Gyro Stabilization
You must have seen “Gyro” multiple times in drone articles and forums. And if you still have no idea what gyro stabilization does, it basically keeps the drone maintained and under constant stability during flights.
Added Features
These are not necessary but I do recommend a controller that includes autonomous modes, GPS allowance and altitude holds.
Drone Controller FAQ:
You can get a drone controller for cheap at just $40 but the best ones are always around $170 to $300. The more expensive a drone controller is the more configurations and features it requires. If you are a beginner, start with something cheap.
A drone controller is the center that lets you take full control over the drone. Whether it is ascending, descending, turning or accelerating, you can do all that with the drone controller. A drone controller must also be good enough to be responsive for any quadcopter.
I highly recommend Naza-M Lite or the KISS FC since these drones are built for beginners. The settings are much easier compared to DJI or Yuneec and it does not take long for you to set-up everything. Just follow the manual and you are good to go.
It all depends on the drone controller that you buy. Usually, more expensive drone controllers are either very complex to assemble or almost fixated already. Cheaper drone controllers are always simpler to connect as if you are just solving a jigsaw puzzle.
That depends. If you have a Holy Stone, Altair, or any other drone besides DJI, you can use any drone controller. If it is DJI drone, it strictly uses a DJI controller.
