Ranking of the best FPV goggles and helmets for flying a quadcopter for 2020

Helmets and FPV goggles are relatively recent. They look like a small portable device that allows you to view pictures from the camera that transmits them. These accessories look a little comical and resemble the "outfit" of space aliens, but thanks to them, you can learn the world and admire its beauty with "other people's eyes".

Description of quadcopters

The devices belong to the category of flying toys, but they are not suitable for entertainment for kids. As soon as it became possible to connect them to smartphones and tablets, aircraft began to enjoy well-deserved popularity among adolescents and adults. Even the elderly people acquire them. They provide a bird's eye view of the earth. The best manufacturers have launched the production of special devices that allow you to receive a broadcast in the first person.

The appearance of the device is unusual. But the appeal of popular models is completely different. Those who have used this item at least once will never forget the feelings they experienced. People in love with the sky must have such an accessory at home. You can choose a product at a reasonable price so as not to undermine the family budget with a toy.

Helmets and goggles are sold in specialized retail outlets, both separately and in conjunction with quadcopters. Products can be ordered online in the online store. It should be borne in mind that the functionality of gadgets depends on the availability of all kinds of devices: a receiver - transmitter, a camera and other structural elements. The quality of the broadcast video depends on these details.

The picture that is not always viewed is of high quality. Before deciding which company the product is better, it is worth listening to the recommendations of specialists. Check your goggles for compatibility with the quadcopter. In this case, sales managers in stores or a review of reviews will help.

What to look for when choosing

The variety of models is impressive. The question becomes which one is better to buy. In order not to make mistakes when choosing, you need to understand some concepts and their characteristics:

1. Video transmitter.
2. FPV course camera for flying.
3. FPV - antennas, their types and principle of operation.

According to buyers, it is worthwhile to study in detail and have an idea about such basic parameters.

Viewing angle (or fov)

It is of great importance for the right choice. The main purpose is to cover a certain viewing angle. It will be easier to understand if you turn on the camera on your phone. More than it shows, you can't physically look at it. Devices work on the same principle. The best fittings are able to cover an angle of 25 to 45 degrees.

The popular Eachine EV 100 has an official 28-degree viewing angle. If you analyze the sensations, then even less. A similar indicator of FatShark Dominator HDO 2 is 46 degrees, so the picture is one and a half times larger. The most comfortable use of the device with the maximum degree of view.

If we compile a comparative table of the characteristics of glasses and helmets, it becomes clear that the latter have significant viewing angles. Let's take a Eachine EV 800 D with 140/120 degrees (horizontal and vertical parameters) as an example. If you use a helmet for a long time, and then put on glasses, then there will be some difficulties in the perception of pictures.

Pupil Distance (or IPD)

The distance between the pupils is individual for each person. Modern models are designed in such a way that distance adjustment is quick and easy, and with a large range. Ordinary people may not pay attention to such a trifle. Another thing is if a person has a very large non-standard face. Then you just need to pay attention to this characteristic indicated in the description.

You can measure the distance between the pupils at home by standing in front of a mirror and applying a ruler to your eyes. The resulting figure will become the starting point when choosing the product you like. The distance between the pupils of the average person is from 54 to 74 millimeters.

The devices are made in such a way that you can move the lenses left and right until they take the optimal position for viewing comfort. The helmets have one large screen, so you don't have to adjust them. There are also models with two screens that can be adjusted depending on the IPD, but this is very rare.

Lens material

What are the options? There are few of them:

• plastic;
• glass.

Glass is better for perception and comfort. Helmet lenses, in most cases, are made of high quality plastic.

Eyepiece Screen Resolution

FPV devices are equipped with two small internal screens. The helmets have one big screen. The type of screen is defined in the product specifications. Its permission is also indicated there. There is a pattern: large resolution - large screen - large picture - you can see a significant amount of small details.

There are these types of screens:

A type	Indicators
OLED	1280 * 960, others.
FWVGA	854*480.
SVGA	800*600, 900*600.
VGA	640*480.
QVGA	320*240.

Devices with higher resolution cannot be budget. If you want to have a high quality image, you have to shell out a large sum of money.

Installing modules

The rating of quality products includes devices with the function of installing modules. Inexpensive options do not have special compartments. The power of the product depends on the modules, the acceptable operating frequency, for example, 1.3 GHz, 5.8 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 900 mHz. Standard receivers may not meet the requirements of users, so the question arises in purchasing additional modules for devices.

Modules should be selected based on the available compatibility. Universal designs are available, but very rarely. For example, the Fat Shark and Dominator V 3 modules are only compatible with the Nexwave RF. Installing the modules is straightforward. It is enough to open the cover on the side of the product and insert the device.

Helmets are not equipped with such functions, however, manufacturers have launched a product with two receivers, each of which has at least 1 antenna. Products are available with four antennas to enhance signal reception.

Digital head tracking

The function is acceptable for a detachable drone. This is not acceptable for racing variants.Manufacturers equip devices with a gyroscope, which tracks all head movements and sends information to the flight controller, and the drone repeats the movements through the camera. It is quite a handy thing to control a survey quadrocopter. You can turn your head (camera) during flight.

Battery

All devices are equipped with batteries of different capacities. If the capacity is insignificant, then after each flight you will have to recharge the products or insert another battery.

Sealing type tape

Expert advice: when choosing a product, pay attention to the material of manufacture and the thickness of the sealing tape. Regular foam is not a good option. Light will appear due to a loose fit. Give preference to the foam that is inside the "cover" made of a soft rag material. Take a close look at the nose, check it for tightness. Otherwise, you will feel the unpleasant pressure of the plastic on the skin.

Ranking of the best FPV goggles for 2020

Eachine VR D2 PRO

The selection criteria for each person is different. But this model differs from its counterparts in versatility, which is important for this product category. The developers have surpassed all user expectations by combining an LCD screen, several receivers with antennas of various types (clover and patch), and a video recorder (DVR) in one system.

The incoming signals are analyzed by the built-in diversification unit, which rejects low-quality images and selects the best ones. Clover antennas belong to the omnidirectional category and are used at significant flight distances. If we are talking about close distances, then it is worth giving preference to low-directional patch antennas.

The DVR system is used to capture images obtained during the flight and are intended for further viewing. Recording is carried out using Micro SD memory cards with a capacity of 64 GB. The video recorder allows you to change the video resolution, as well as its format.

Only Pro versions are equipped with an automatic channel search function. It also helps to display certain types of technical information. Even the basic version of the product has a sound signal that will warn the user that the battery is almost empty. The frequency range and the selected channel are shown on a small service display.

How much does the product cost? In specialized retail outlets they ask for it for 6696 rubles. If you use the services of Aliexpress, then the purchase may cost a little less.

• availability;
• the ability to change the focal length;
• image quality;
• one battery charge allows you to use the device for a long time;
• built-in video recorder makes it possible to place material on a memory card and then play it back;
• variety of channels;
• reliability;
• long service life;
• build quality;
• ease of use;
• practicality;
• versatility;
• dual receiver with near-range omnidirectional antenna and patch antenna.

• video ports are not provided;
• there is no centralized inclusion button;
• the control buttons could be more conveniently located;
• poor-quality connector for connecting the battery;
• the zoom range may be insufficient for many users;
• replaceable nose pads are not available on the base model.

SkyZone SKY - 01

The product is in the middle price segment. Has a high resolution. The diversity receiver is equipped with a second antenna, which makes it possible to receive a high-quality signal. The built-in camera allows you to make an excellent overview.

The average price is 17,000 rubles.

• comfortable in using;
• functional;
• excellent quality;
• high resolution;
• high-quality signal;
• variety of channels;
• good screen;
• built-in optics;
• affordable price.

• stretching the picture with a widescreen screen;
• comfort at a low level.

Eachine EV 100

Dual antenna device without integrated diversity module. A DVR system is also not provided. In order to be able to record the pictures obtained during the flight, you need to contact an external video recorder for help, which is connected to an external AV input. The OSD module in the basic mode displays data on the frequency and number of the video channel. Air Race mode allows you to see only the channel number and mode number. You can block the output of this information by simultaneously pressing the two channel selection buttons.

The Eachine EV 100 rechargeable battery deserves special attention. The capacity of the two-cell LiPo battery is 1000 mAh. Output voltage - 7.4 V. The battery is located on the headband and has an LED charge indicator. As soon as the battery charge drops to 6.8 V, an audible alarm will sound. The battery is charged using the power connector or the built-in Micro USB port.

The average price is 11,900 rubles.

• excellent design;
• build quality;
• The optimum ratio of price and quality;
• a significant set of video channels;
• a sufficient number of different optical adjustments;
• automatically scans channels;
• built-in fan;
• there is an AV input and output;
• reliability;
• durability;
• versatility;
• functionality;
• practicality.

• channels are scanned at low speed;
• interference occurs;
• the viewing angle could be larger;
• no built-in diversity block;
• an integrated image recorder is not provided;
• the antenna connector could be improved.

Skyzone 3D

Typical 3D videos are glasses. Includes dual camera and dual receiver. After unpacking, the product is completely ready for instant use. The video is fed to each screen separately. One or two cameras are used, which are mixed relative to each other, so the perception of pictures is carried out from different angles of view. It turns out that two channels are clogged with their own hands at the same time.

You can buy products at a price of 22,850 rubles.

• comfortable in using;
• comfort;
• excellent combination of price and quality;
• reliable;
• build quality;
• excellent screen;
• long service life;
• functionality.

• not installed.

Cinemizer OLED

The product belongs to the category of universal and is intended not only for flying a drone, but also for watching interesting films on a computer, playing games on a console, and the like. The model is universal, compatible with the following quadcopters:

• Parrot - Disco, Bebor;
• DJI - Phantoms 3, 4, Mavic Air, Matrice 100, 600, Mavic 2;
• 3 DR Solo;
• Yuneec - H 520, Tornado H 920 Plus, Typhoon H;
• Xiaomi Mi.

The device has 2 OLED displays with a resolution of 870 * 500 pixels and a significant pixel density. You can use it for 6 hours without a break. IPD 59 to 69 mm.

The product is sold in an original white box made of thick cardboard with technical specifications. There are glasses on the front of the box. There is also information that the brand is German, but produced on the territory of the Middle Kingdom. At each stage of the assembly, quality control is carried out, therefore, illiquid assets practically do not go on sale.

The device is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Charging is done via USB for two and a half hours. The total weight of the product is 120 grams. Can be operated indoors at temperatures from 5 to 35 degrees. Storage and transportation assumes a temperature regime of -20 to +45 degrees, with a humidity of 10 to 80 percent.

The set includes glasses, AV and USB cables, an adapter, special wipes for cleaning glasses, adapters for attaching a rubber loop, instructions (English) and a carrying case.

The price of goods is formed at the time of purchase.

• supports 3D;
• Supports 720p / 1080p Frame Packing format;
• ease of use;
• quality of the material of manufacture;
• the arms fold inward;
• classic shape with calm and smooth lines;
• futuristic appearance;
• small size;
• removable ear holders;
• there are removable headphones;
• adjustment of visual acuity;
• long service life.

• lack of Russian-language instructions.

Ranking of the best FPV helmets for 2020

Eachine EV 800 D and Eachine EV 800 DM

The models are very popular, especially the D version, which has two diversity receivers. It features a large screen, high-quality signal reception and a significant battery reserve. The DM product has a smaller screen and a body with small dimensions. The battery stock is small. Both designs are equipped with a built-in recorder and an SD card slot. Where to buy a product? At any specialty store. You can place an order on the manufacturer's website, thereby saving a little money.

The average price is 2290 rubles.

• high quality LCD display;
• a high resolution;
• brightness of images;
• huge viewing angle;
• there is no display lag;
• frames are not lost during recording;
• focal length can be adjusted;
• two independent antennas;
• three-band strap that allows you to adjust the helmet on the head;
• can be used when wearing glasses;
• functionality;
• reliability;
• practicality;
• durability;
• light weight;
• optimal combination of price and quality.

• not installed.

Fxt viper

Included in the TOP of purchased products. Designed even for those people who have to wear glasses for vision correction. This is one of the few models that is comfortable for the elderly with advanced hyperopia. A convenient focusing point is 13-14 cm, walking 9 cm is also an acceptable indicator, but the eyes get a little more tired from the strain.

The average price is 8500 rubles.

• comfort;
• versatility;
• practicality;
• durability;
• reliability;
• affordable price.

• plastic mirrors create a geometric trapezoidal distortion effect.

Shinehalo Ls - 008 d with DVR

A quality device, classified as a budget class, but with good characteristics. The kit includes:

• micro USB cable for connecting to a computer and charging;
• charger 5V and 1 Am;
• English language instruction;
• two antennas (how to use them, the step-by-step instructions posted on the Internet will tell you, otherwise you can break them);
• rubberized carrying bag.

You can purchase the product at a price of 2980 rubles.

• convenient to use;
• equipped with everything you need;
• a good combination of price and quality;
• long service life;
• excellent bag with carbon colors for storage and transportation.

• not identified.

Eachine VR 011

New product made in China. Designed for use by various categories of users, including people with poor eyesight. They will not need to finish the helmet under the glasses. The Eachine ProDVR can be connected without the need for a soldering iron. It is worth paying special attention to the packaging. A high-quality box made of thick cardboard, decorated with bright printing.

The battery consists of two lithium - ion 18650 batteries with a capacity of 1200 mAh. Charging takes place using the 1.6A charger included in the kit. The product can be used for one and a half hours without recharging.

Retailers offer to purchase products at a price of 4835 rubles.

• external DVR and diversity;
• beautiful packaging;
• comfortable to use;
• does not cause inconvenience to "bespectacled people";
• reliable;
• long service life;
• charger included;
• universal.

• lack of an adapter for a euro socket included.

Eachine VR D 2

It is very popular among both professionals and amateurs. For a small price, you can become the owner of quality products with two separate receivers and built-in DVR. I would like to draw your attention to the successful configuration:

• Charger;
• 2s battery;
• patch - antenna;
• clover.

Portable equipment is equipped with a 5-inch matrix with a resolution of 800 * 480. The image is high-contrast and bright. These characteristics can be independently adjusted. No graininess. Battery capacity - 2000 mAh, current 7.4 V. The component of the battery is an 18650 battery. As soon as the charge indicator reaches a minimum, the built-in buzzer is triggered. Charging takes place using a separate power supply, which does not need to be purchased additionally, as it is included in the kit.

At the bottom of the helmet, there are standard holes for attaching a tripod. The lenses can be adjusted on both sides to a comfortable distance. The edges of the helmet are equipped with soft foam to prevent scratches at the points of contact with the skin. There may be slight bleeding around the nose. It can be easily and easily removed with the help of foam inserts.

Diversity is equipped with two separate receivers with a sensitivity of +95 dBm each. Antenna connector - RP - SMA. A working antenna can be identified with a personal orange signal LED.

DVR recording is carried out in three resolutions, where the maximum is 1280 * 720 up to 30 frames per second. It can support flash drives up to 64 gigabytes. If you download a new firmware, then the bottom lines of the OS will not be cut off.

The helmet operates in two modes:

• direct video signal reception;
• DVR mode.

The product can be purchased at specialized retail outlets at a price of 5135 rubles per unit.

• easy to use;
• functional;
• versatile;
• build quality;
• two modes of operation;
• a high resolution;
• the ability to use for a long time;
• The optimum ratio of price and quality.

• not installed.

Distinctive features of the helmet and glasses

Before making a final decision, and giving preference to a certain model, it is worth knowing how the glasses differ qualitatively from a helmet. It is best to display the similarities and differences in a comparison chart:

Criteria	Differences / Similarities
Weight and dimensions	Helmets are several times larger than glasses in size. This also applies to the mass.
Convenience	The superiority, of course, is behind the points. They sit comfortably on the bow, do not interfere, do not burden due to their low weight, they do not have a shifted center of gravity. The opposite is true for helmets. Especially inexpensive and sourced from China, they can slip on the nose and also hang due to the shifted center of gravity. Expensive models, of course, are of better quality and have fewer drawbacks.
Price	Glasses are almost twice as expensive if we consider models with similar characteristics. For example, the Eachine EV 800 costs between $ 47 and $ 50, while the Eachine EV 100 costs $ 96. There are glasses, including those made in Russia, which cost up to $ 500.
Screen resolution	This indicator is almost identical. So, the EV 800 helmet is produced with a resolution of 800 * 480, while the EV 100 goggles are 720 * 540.
Viewing angle	The palm belongs to helmets. So, the viewing angle of the EV 800 is 140 degrees, while the EV 100 has only 28 degrees in one eye, or the total indicator is 56 degrees (in both eyes).
Battery	The glasses are equipped with smaller batteries than helmets, so the latter will last a little longer.

Conclusion

Thrill seekers know the value of FPV goggles and helmets. These devices help you immerse yourself in a realistic flight: how to fit inside the drone and fly in any direction, admiring the beautiful pictures. Inexpressible feelings.

Where is the FPV signal received? The video can be taken on:

• FPV goggles;
• FPV helmet;
• FPV screen.

The appearance of the helmets practically does not differ, regardless of the manufacturer and cost, as well as functionality. They have a rectangular oblong shape, two straps are used as attachments to the head. The interior is uncomplicated: one large lens and one FPV screen. The latter is a small screen with a visor for receiving video.Based on the purpose, it is not relevant for racing drones.

Electronics are available with different operating systems, refresh rates, with built-in or removable headphones. If there are doubts about how to connect this or that device, you should seek help from the instructions (if it is presented in an understandable language) or from a professional in this matter.