In this post we will try to compare the most popular FPV drone simulators to help you decide which one is best for you. FPV simulators have been around for a few years now, but only recently have we started to see decent options that are also specifically designed for FPV freestyle, for example. And some are even free!
We'll also look at which remote controls are suitable for a simulator and what you need to consider when buying one. Let's go!
Basically, they are computer games where you can control a simulated FPV drone with a radio. This allows you to experience how an FPV drone flies and what you need to look out for to avoid crashing. To be honest, it's the best way for beginners to acquire the necessary flying skills. The practice sessions on the PC are suitable for both beginners and professionals. Advanced pilots, for example, can practise new tricks safely on the PC and save themselves expensive crashes.
Before you decide on an FPV simulator, you should first get yourself a radio. It is not recommended to use game consoles or keyboards. Using a proper RC transmitter is the best way to build muscle memory and get the most out of your training.
At this point, there are three different ways you can go about buying a radio.
You opt for an inexpensive entry-level remote control. The advantage of this is that you can get these sparks for as little as 50 to 90 euros. However, if you later realize that you like flying in the simulator (and that will happen, believe us), then you will quickly want something else between your fingers and will have to spend more money.
What we always recommend to our customers is that they buy a high-quality remote control straight away. On the one hand, you then have a good radio with a reliable radio system when you go outside. And secondly, you will have already trained your muscle memory for this remote control. This makes the transition to flying in the real world much more pleasant.
If you realize while playing simulator games that the hobby is not for you, you can of course also sell a high-quality radio much more easily.
The third option is a starter set. These consist of a small FPV drone, FPV video goggles, batteries, accessories and, of course, a remote control. These are usually compatible with the most common simulators. So you can practice in the simulator first and then take off directly with a small copter at home. Just keep in mind that you will quickly outgrow the beginner sets if you enjoy the hobby.
Here is a list of the most popular sparks for simulators.
It is generally important that the remote control is suitable for use on the simulator and has a corresponding USB port. Just because there is a USB port does not mean that data can be transferred via it.
If you are a hobbyist, there is of course also the option of transmitting the radio signal to the computer via the copter or an appropriate receiver dongle. However, this workaround is no longer necessary with most radios today. Simply check the product description to see whether the radio is suitable for simulators.
Let's now start with the individual FPV simulators by talking about their functions and advantages and disadvantages.
Some of the simulators mentioned can be found on Steam (a video game platform). The advantage of Steam is that if for some reason you don't like the sim you have purchased, you can usually "return" it if your playtime is less than 2 hours.
The simulators are listed in no particular order. So it's always worth trying them out.
Liftoff is one of the most sophisticated FPV sims out there in terms of features and content. The variety of content is simply impressive, nothing comes close to the selection of hundreds of models and thousands of tracks created by the community. It forces you to be more aware of obstacles and fly more carefully, providing a more realistic flying experience.
In our opinion, Liftoff is a great sim for racing and freestyle, but isn't necessarily the best option in either category. Nevertheless, Liftoff is a very solid sim.
If your PC or laptop is not well suited for gaming, you should consider Velocidrone. The game supports single and multiplayer (online) including voice chat during the race. Through physics adjustments and settings, we have easily tuned Velocidrone to fly like our real drones. In our opinion, this sim is probably one of the best to imitate the feeling of a racing drone in real life.
The Drone Racing League's simulator DRL Sim is clearly aimed at drone racing fans. The Drone Racing League uses the DRL SIM as a scouting tool for their DRL SIM tryouts, for example. The simulator is available via Steam and features the official race tracks of the DRL Allianz World Championships.
Unlike many other simulators, the DCL Simulator of the Drone Champions League is not only available for computers or laptops, there is also a version for the Sony PlayStation 4 and a version for the Microsoft XBOX One. The simulator has a beginner mode, but is equally suitable for experienced drone racers. The sim also offers a multiplayer mode in which up to 30 pilots can compete against each other in races.
HotProps is a free FPV racing simulation game. There are many setting options and a multiplayer mode is also available. However, if you turn the game's graphics settings all the way up, you will need a powerful graphics card to experience a smooth simulation. HotProps is currently a free open beta version.
Another project goes by the name of FPV Freerider and is also very good in terms of simulation. It should not be forgotten that this project is also still under development. FPV Freerider is available in a free demo version and a full version.
The Chinese drone specialist DJI has now also launched its own flight simulator on the market. All DJI drones are available here. This means that pilots can also have fun in the simulator with the digital twin of their DJI drone in bad weather. The software is primarily aimed at training specific flight maneuvers, but also has a free flight mode. FPV flight is also possible, although not directly in the context of FPV racing.
FPV drone simulators can improve your flying skills, but they cannot replace real flying! For a beginner, a simulator can be used for practicing to build muscle memory. The further you progress, the more important practicing in the real world becomes.
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