We are constantly asked what the difference is between PNP, BNF, RTF and ARF for copters and FPV drones. This can be confusing, especially if you're looking to buy your first FPV drone. In this article, we want to give you a better understanding of what these abbreviations mean so that you know exactly what the individual models can do, which accessories you may still need to buy and what the advantages and disadvantages of the versions are. This is the only way you can make an informed purchase decision.
Here we list the terms from high effort (for experienced pilots) to low effort (suitable for beginners). So ARF, PNP, BNF and finally RTF.
ARF stands for "Almost Ready to Fly" in the FPV (First Person View) drone world.
An ARF drone is normally sold as a partially assembled package. This means that it already comes with the basic components, but some assembly and set-up work is still required to get the drone ready to fly. Additionally, no receiver, no remote control, no FPV video goggles and no batteries are included.
With an ARF kit, users have the ability to choose their own individual components and customize the drone according to their own needs and preferences. This can include choosing motors with different power, a specific type of camera or specific flight controls. It also allows drone builders to expand their technical skills by taking on the assembly and configuration of the drone themselves.
Assembling an ARF drone usually requires basic knowledge of electronics, soldering and the use of tools. Some understanding of flight control systems and drone mechanics is also helpful. Therefore, ARF drones are ideal for users who already have some experience in drone building and component customization or are willing to learn the ropes.
Another advantage of ARF drones is that they tend to be slightly cheaper than RTF, BNF or even PNP drones. Since users can choose their own components, they have the opportunity to adjust the budget accordingly and invest specifically in the parts that are most important to them.
Overall, ARF drones offer more freedom and customization options than RTF, BNF or PNP drones. This is also due to the free choice of peripherals such as remote control, FPV video goggles and batteries.
For drone enthusiasts who like to build and customize their own drones, ARF drones are an exciting option to further personalize their flying experience.
PNP stands for 'Plug-N-Play', which translates as 'plug in and go'. It is a specific type of drone that lies between BNF drones and ARF kits.
Here too, no receiver, no remote control, no FPV video goggles and no batteries are included. However, the drone comes fully assembled. Your own work is limited to installing a receiver. The receiver is connected to the drone via a plug connection (hence the "Plug" in "Plug-N-Play"), or much more frequently via soldered joints, and then bound to the radio. As soon as this is done, the drone can be controlled with the remote control and is ready to fly. The receiver is the device that receives signals from the remote control and forwards them to the corresponding components of the drone for control.
The importance of PNP drones is that they allow users to use their own remote control and receiver or generally their own equipment (similar to ARF and BNF copters). This offers pilots flexibility and the ability to use their preferred remote control with the desired functions and settings, for example. Users who already own a high-quality remote control, compatible receiver, FPV video goggles and batteries can benefit from PNP drones.
Popular PNP FPV copters in our store include the GEPRC CineLog20 HD, GEPRC Cinebot 30 HD and the BetaFPV Pavo25.
BNF translates as "Bind and Fly". BNF drones are between PNP and RTF drones in terms of the effort required by the pilot.
A BNF drone is usually delivered as a fully assembled drone, but also has a receiver already installed. Manufacturers usually offer BNF drones with various receiver solutions. These include, for example, TBS Crossfire, ELRS or FrSky receivers. BNF drones also do not include a remote control, FPV video goggles or batteries.
The term "Bind-N-Fly" means that the user only needs to bind their own compatible remote control (transmitter) with the BNF drone's built-in receiver. This process is usually quite simple and often only requires pressing a button and performing a specific sequence on the remote control. Once the binding process is complete, the drone can be controlled with the remote control and is ready to fly.
BNF drones allow their users to use their own remote control, FPV video goggles and their own batteries instead of using those that come with an RTF drone. Pilots who already own a high-quality remote control or require certain specific functions benefit from BNF drones as they can continue to use their existing equipment.
However, it is important to note that not all remote controls, FPV video goggles and batteries are compatible with every BNF drone model. This also applies to PNP and ARF drones. The drone manufacturers usually specify which equipment fits. Users must ensure that their remote control is compatible with the drone's built-in receiver to ensure successful binding and control. In addition, the video transmitter and FPV video goggles must match and the battery should also be selected to match the drone.
BNF drones are particularly attractive for users who already have a preferred remote control and equipment and want to expand their flying skills and experience to different drone models.
Examples of BNF FPV drones in our store: iFlight Nazgul Evoque F5D and HGLRC Sector30CR HD.
Let's move on to the drones that require the least effort. So-called RTF drones. "RTF" stands for "Ready-to-Fly". It is a term used to indicate that a drone is fully assembled and ready to fly as soon as it is taken out of the packaging.
RTF drones are specifically designed for users who want to get into flying drones without much effort. Unlike ARF, PNP or BNF drones, RTF drones usually require no additional assembly work or configuration. They usually come with everything needed to fly, including the remote control, FPV video goggles and often a battery and charger.
The appeal of RTF drones is that they allow users to focus on flying rather than investing time and energy in assembling or purchasing additional components. This makes them particularly popular with beginners or people who want to get into drone flying quickly without having to deal with technical details.
The RTF option also offers a certain level of safety for users, as the drone has already been professionally assembled by manufacturers and usually meets certain quality standards. This means that the drone is usually reliable and there is no need to worry about solder joints, connections and configuration.
Overall, the advantage of RTF is that users can quickly and easily jump into the thrill of flight. It is a stepping stone for beginners to explore and enjoy the world of FPV drones. Experienced pilots are more likely to use PNP or BNF copters, as they usually already have FPV video goggles, remote control and batteries and would be spending money unnecessarily.
Common RTF FPV drones are the DJI Avata, the GEPRC TinyGo Set and the BetaFPV Cetus Set.
In fact, there are almost no ARF drones available today. Most pilots build their drones completely themselves or rely on PNP or BNF copters. RTF drones are also rather rare.
It is also advisable to always take a close look at the scope of delivery before ordering to make sure that you get the right version and that nothing is missing that you need.
In this article, we only mention that the receiver must be bound to the remote control. Depending on the setup, the video transmitter may also need to be connected to the FPV video goggles.
Which drone should you choose? In short, if you are new to the hobby, an RTF is probably the best choice. It comes with everything you need and you can get started straight away. If you already have a radio and equipment, you can also choose a BNF drone. Just make sure that the receiver and transmitter fit together, as not every transmitter can be bound to every receiver. If you want to expand your knowledge and tinker a little before you start, then a PNP or ARF drone is suitable for you.
Or maybe you'd like to try your hand at your first build? Then watch our video with Nils. He explains step by step how you can assemble your own drone.
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