Flying an FPV (First Person View) drone feels like you're flying through the air yourself, giving you a rush like no other. But for beginners, picking the right FPV drone can be tricky, especially when it comes to choosing the right size.
The size of the drone affects how it performs, how easy it is to control, and where it’s best suited to fly.
Smaller drones are nimble and perfect for indoor spaces or tight areas. However, they can be harder to control, especially when the wind picks up.
On the other hand, larger drones are more stable, making them a better fit for outdoor flights in open areas. But they might feel less responsive and harder to maneuver for a beginner. The key is finding a size that strikes the right balance—one that’s not too small to be tricky to fly, but not too big to feel overwhelming.
In this blog, we are here to breakdown everything that you need to know before deciding which drone size you should go for.
Understanding FPV Drone Sizes for Beginners
When it comes to FPV drones, size is usually measured in two ways: by the frame size or the propeller size. The frame size is the distance between the motors, measured diagonally in millimeters, while the propeller size is measured in inches.
These sizes affect how the drone looks, how heavy it is, and how it flies.
The frame size tells you how big or small the drone is, which affects how stable or easy it is to control. Larger drones are usually more stable, while smaller ones are quicker and more agile. The propeller size also matters – bigger propellers help lift the drone better, but they need more power to spin.
Knowing the difference between these sizes will help you pick the right drone for your needs.
Whether you want a small, fast drone for tight spaces or a larger, more stable one for open areas, understanding these size basics will guide you in making the right choice.
Find the Perfect FPV Drone Size for Beginners
Each drone size has unique advantages and challenges, especially for beginners. Let’s explore these categories in detail to help you make an informed decision.
Micro Drones (65–100 mm, 1–2 inches)
Micro drones, often known as Tiny Whoops, are the smallest FPV drones. They have frame sizes ranging from 65 mm to 100 mm and propellers between 1 and 2 inches.
These lightweight drones typically weigh under 100 grams, making them perfect for flying indoors or racing in smaller spaces. Their compact size and gentle handling make them a great choice for beginners, offering a forgiving flying experience as you get the hang of things.
Now, let’s understand why they can be a perfect choice for you.
Safety: One of the biggest perks of Tiny Whoops is their safety. Because of their small size, they’re much less likely to cause any damage to property or people. Their ducted propellers (prop guards) also provide an extra layer of protection, making them ideal for indoor flying and practice.
Affordability: Micro drones are among the most budget-friendly FPV options. Many ready-to-fly kits range from ₹8,000 to ₹24,000, and because they have simpler parts, repairs tend to be less expensive as well.
Ease of Learning: These drones are fantastic for beginners learning the basics of FPV flying, such as hovering, turning, and navigating obstacles. Their low power makes it less likely you’ll experience big crashes, which helps build confidence as you learn.
Portability: Tiny Whoops are incredibly portable. They fit right in your pocket, which means you can easily grab them for a quick flying session, whether you're indoors or on the go.
However, their challenges include:
Limited Outdoor Use: Micro drones are lightweight, so they can struggle in windy conditions. They’re best suited for calm, indoor environments or very sheltered outdoor spaces.
Battery Life: With small battery capacities (200–550 mAh), you can expect around 3–5 minutes of flight time. It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare batteries on hand to extend your flying sessions.
Video Quality: While micro drones are great for beginners, their FPV cameras usually offer lower resolution compared to larger drones. This means the immersive experience might not be as sharp, especially if you're hoping for high-quality video feeds.
InsideFPV offers a wide range of consumer drones that you can check out if you are looking for some cost-effective options.
Small Drones (100–180 mm, 2–3 inches)
Small FPV drones, with frame sizes between 100 mm and 180 mm and propeller sizes of 2–3 inches, are a perfect middle ground for beginners.
They offer more power and stability than micro drones, while still being manageable for those new to FPV flying. These drones are great for both indoor and outdoor use. Thus it makes them a versatile choice for those looking to expand their flying experience.
So why should you give them a try? Let’s see.
Versatility: Small drones can easily be flown indoors in larger spaces, like gyms or warehouses, and outdoors in calm conditions. They’re the perfect step up from micro drones, offering more flight options and versatility.
Improved Performance: Thanks to stronger motors and larger batteries (450–850 mAh), small drones provide better agility and longer flight times, typically ranging from 5–8 minutes. They’re much more responsive than micro drones, offering a smoother flying experience.
Learning Acro: These drones are ideal for beginners looking to try acrobatic maneuvers, like flips and rolls. Their balanced size and power make them a great choice for learning the basics of freestyle flying.
Durability: Many small drones feature lightweight carbon fiber frames. Thus they are more resistant to damage from crashes, making them more durable than their smaller counterparts.
Their challenges include:
Wind Sensitivity: While small drones handle wind better than micro drones, they can still struggle in moderate winds. They’re best suited for flying in calm conditions or sheltered outdoor spaces.
Complexity: Small drones may require more tuning and adjustments (such as using Betaflight) to optimize their performance. This can be a bit overwhelming for beginners, but it’s a good step toward learning the technical aspects of drone flying.
Cost: Small drones are a bit pricier than micro drones, with ready-to-fly kits typically ranging from ₹16,000 to ₹40,000. While they offer great value for their performance, the cost might be a consideration for those on a tighter budget.
Also read: How to build your own FPV drone: A guide
Medium Drones (180–250 mm, 4–6 inches)
Medium FPV drones, especially those with 5-inch propellers, are the go-to choice for freestyle flying, racing, and cinematic shots. With frame sizes ranging from 180 mm to 250 mm, these drones strike a perfect balance between power, stability, and versatility.
They are suitable for both beginners looking to level up and experienced pilots.
Let’s see why you should choose medium drones.
Performance: Medium drones can reach speeds of up to 180 km/h. This makes them perfect for high-speed racing or freestyle flying. Their powerful motors help them handle wind much better than smaller drones, giving you more control in a variety of conditions.
Video Quality: Many medium drones are equipped with high-end FPV cameras like the DJI O3 Air Unit, providing clear, low-latency video feeds for an immersive flying experience. If you’re into capturing smooth, professional-quality footage, this is the size to go for.
Flight Time: With larger batteries ranging from 1000–2000 mAh, medium drones offer flight times between 6–10 minutes, depending on your flying style. This is significantly better than smaller drones, letting you enjoy longer flights.
Community Support: The 5-inch size is the standard in the FPV community, which means there’s a wealth of resources, spare parts, and tutorials available. Whether you’re troubleshooting or improving your skills, you’ll find a lot of support.
Their drawbacks include:
Learning Curve: Medium drones are faster and more responsive. Thus it makes them harder to control, especially in acro mode. They require more skill to fly, so beginners may need some time to master the controls.
Cost: The price for medium drones can be higher, with ready-to-fly kits typically ranging from ₹32,000 to ₹80,000. Plus, accessories like goggles and controllers can add to the overall cost.
Crash Damage: With their higher speeds and power, crashes can be more damaging, leading to the need for replacement parts and repair skills. It’s a good idea to factor in the cost of repairs if you plan on flying at full throttle.
The BIR V2 from InsideFPV is a fantastic medium-sized drone for beginners interested in racing.
Large Drones (250+ mm, 7+ inches)
Large FPV drones, with frame sizes over 250 mm and propeller sizes of 7 inches or more, are built for long-range flights and carrying heavy payloads.
These drones are often used for professional-grade cinematography and aerial footage, where stability, power, and precision are essential.
Why should you go for large drones?
Stability: Larger drones perform well in windy conditions, providing stability for outdoor filming or other high-performance tasks. This makes them a great choice for capturing smooth, professional shots in challenging environments.
Payload Capacity: These drones can carry heavy cameras like GoPros or even higher-end cinema cameras. Thus it allows capturing stunning aerial footage with minimal shake or distortion.
Flight Time: Thanks to their large batteries (up to 8000 mAh), large drones can fly for 10–20 minutes, depending on conditions. This extended flight time is perfect for longer missions or capturing in-depth footage over large areas.
But they are not without a few drawbacks.
Not Beginner-Friendly: Large drones are more complex to fly and maintain, requiring advanced skills and experience. They’re not ideal for beginners due to their size, weight, and the need for more precise control.
Cost: These drones are on the expensive side, with kits often costing upwards of ₹80,000, plus additional costs for accessories and repairs. They’re a significant investment, especially for newcomers.
Regulations: In many places, including India, large drones may be subject to regulations. They might require special licenses due to their weight and advanced capabilities, so it’s important to check local laws before flying.
Also read: BIR V2 vs Elevate V1: Which drone is right for you
Key Considerations for Choosing the Right FPV Drone Size
Choosing the right size FPV drone can feel overwhelming, but it’s all about matching the drone to your flying style and environment.
Here’s a quick guide to help make that decision easier:
Flying Environment:
Indoor: Micro drones (Tiny Whoops) are perfect for small, indoor spaces. They're light, easy to control, and forgiving for beginners.
Small Outdoor Areas: Small drones (2–3 inches) are great for flying in backyards or parks with light wind. They give you more power and stability without being overwhelming.
Larger Spaces: If you have access to big open areas, medium drones (5 inches) are the way to go. They're fast and agile, perfect for freestyle flying or racing.
Long-Range or Filming: For capturing stunning footage or long-distance flights, large drones (7+ inches) offer more stability and the ability to carry professional cameras.
Skill Level:
Beginners: Start with micro or small drones to build your skills. They’re easy to fly and help you learn the basics.
Intermediate Pilots: Medium drones offer more speed and power, great for mastering tricks and improving your flying.
Experienced Pilots: Large drones are designed for skilled pilots, offering advanced control for professional shoots or long-range flights.
Budget:
Micro Drones: ₹8,000–₹24,000 – Affordable and perfect for beginners.
Small Drones: ₹16,000–₹40,000 – A step up for better performance and control.
Medium Drones: ₹32,000–₹80,000 – More expensive, but they offer great versatility and community support.
Large Drones: ₹80,000+ – These are for serious, professional use and long flights.
Purpose:
Learning: Micro and small drones are best for practice.
Freestyle: Small or medium drones are great for tricks.
Racing: Medium drones are the go-to for speed.
Cinematic: For high-quality footage, go with medium or large drones.
Regulations:
In India, drones over 250 grams must be registered with the DGCA. Micro and small drones are usually exempt, making them ideal for beginners.
By keeping these points in mind, you’ll be on your way to picking the perfect FPV drone for your needs!
Also read: Drone laws in 2025 - What every operator show know
FPV drones are more than just flying gadgets—they’re a full-on experience. Whether you're drawn to the thrill of racing, the art of freestyle, or the beauty of capturing the world from above, there's a drone size and setup that fits your journey.
But here’s the truth: getting into FPV isn’t always plug-and-play. There will be crashes, confusing settings, and moments when nothing seems to work. And that’s okay. Every skilled pilot started out exactly where you are—figuring it out one flight (and repair) at a time.
Keep a curious mindset, stay patient, and surround yourself with others who share your excitement. The more you fly, the better you’ll get—and before long, those smooth flips, clean dives, and buttery cinematic shots won’t just be YouTube dreams, they’ll be part of your own footage.
