One of the most significant impacts of technology is the introduction of VR drones. This perfect combination of VR and drones offers users a second-to-none experience. Little wonder why they have become high-in-demand.
This article discusses all you need to know about VR Drones, 3D goggles or VR goggles for drones, VR Racing Drones, and the best drones you can use with VR headsets. Additionally, you will also get answers to frequently asked questions about Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and VR.
Let’s face the fact, there are many outstanding drone brands in the market with promising features and specifications, making it difficult for you to pick the best of the bunch. However, we have done an extensive research to ensure we give you a shortlist of the crème de la crème in the world of drones.
Regarding this, below are the top 6 best drones with VR headsets based on factors like A. I experience, flight experience, budget, suitability for beginners, etc.
VR Drones Reviewed In This Guide
• DJI Mavic 2 Pro — Best Overall
• DJI Mavic Air 2 Pro — Best Budget
• DJI Mavic Mini — Best Compact Design
• DJI Tello Combo — Best Beginners Drone
• DJI FPV Combo — Best Immersive Flight Experience
• Parrot Anafi — Best A. I Experience
What does VR mean?
VR stands for Virtual Reality. VR uses artistically rendered experiences, cutting-edge graphics, and outstanding hardware to create a computer-simulated or virtual atmosphere where objects and scenes look real.
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What is a VR Drone?
In terms of a simple definition, a VR Drone is simply a flying device (drone) that comes with a pair of Virtual Reality goggles (VR Goggles), making it possible for any user to get live feed from a camera. These drones take you closer to the action by offering you a wide variety of picture and video angles.
For instance, when used high up in the air, they can provide you with high-quality videos from a bird’s view — it almost feels like you are in the sky. Without a doubt, they make life much easier and convenient for every user.
Best VR Drone List
1. DJI Mavic 2 Pro — Best Overall
Features
DJI Mavic 2 Pro is the best overall for many reasons. This drone is fitted with a Hasselblad L1D-20c camera and 20MP 1″ CMOS sensor for stunning aerial shots and admirable color details. Its 3-axis gimbal feature ensures you achieve steady shots.
This DJI Mavic pro internal storage allows you to store pictures and videos up to 8 GB and 128 GB on SD Card.
Best suited for: Photography
Pros
• Low noise
• Omnidirectional obstacle sensing
• HDR photos
• Great range
• Excellent build
• Amazing picture quality
• 31 minute flight time
Cons
• It is pricey
2. DJI Mavic Air 2 Pro – Runner Up Best Overall
Features
You should consider getting DJI Mavic Air 2 Pro if you have a tight budget. This drone gives you a perfect combination of a powerful camera and intelligent shooting modes for amazing results.
With this drone’s intuitive shooting function, you can take your aerial photographs to the next level and push your imagination to the limits.
This DJI Mavic Air also comes with features like Spotlight 2.0, POI 3.0, and Active track 3.0. Spotlight 2.0 helps to keep your camera locked while you fly freely. POI 3.0 tracks mobile subjects like vehicles and people, while Active track 3.0 helps to keep the subjects centered.
Pros
• Impressive flight time of up 34 minutes allows you to pull off fast-paced and epic shots.
• Obstacle sensing in three directions makes it convenient and safe for users.
• Excellent picture quality
• Simple controls
• Incredible design
• Affordable price
Cons
• Its controller is bulky
3. DJI Mavic Mini — Best Compact Design
Features
DJI Mavic Mini is compact but powerful. This drone captures moments effortlessly and extraordinarily regardless of its lightweight. It has a 3-axis motorized gimbal which ensures that you have superior camera stability, ensuring your footage is clear and ultra-smooth.
Thanks to its ” easy-to-understand controls,” you don’t have to be an experienced pilot to use this drone.
Best suited for: Lightweight Flying
Pros
• Supports 12MP aerial photos and 2.7k HD videos
• 30 minute flight time after a full battery charge
• Portable
• Flies excellently indoors
Cons
• Doesn’t have many flight modes
• No obstacle avoidance sensor
4. DJI Tello Quadcopter — Best Beginners Drone
Features
If you are new to the world of VR drones and wish to enjoy the virtual reality experience, DJI Tello Combo is an excellent option to consider. This drone comes with intuitive and precise controls that allow you to fly it anywhere and anytime without stress or complications.
The EZ shots and high-quality image processor feature on this drone helps you to capture professional pictures and videos that suit your taste. DJI Tello Combo also comes with a compatible VR headset that allows you to fly with an excellent first-person view.
It is also equipped with industry-leading components that ensure stable flights and an unforgettable drone experience.
Best suited for: Beginners
Pros
• Fun to use
• Amazing control
• Top-notch images
• Excellent stability
• Ideal for learning how to fly drones
Cons
• Doesn’t fly high enough to clear treetops
• Short flight time
5. DJI FPV Combo — Best Immersive Flight Experience
Features
DJI FPV Combo is equipped with DJI FPV goggles V2 and DJI FPV’s super-wide 150° FOV, which takes you closer to the action and gives you a feel of the thrilling immersive flight experience. In addition, it provides you with a real-time, ultra-smooth view of your flight.
This reality FPV drone records 4k/60fps video at 120 Mbps, capturing crisp details that give exhilarating flight footage. DJI FPV combo has 3 intuitive flight modes: S mode, N mode, and M mode that make flying this drone easy and enjoyable.
The Ocusync 3.0 Transmission System ensures you enjoy HD low-latency and clear real-time transmission videos, even when you are at a distance of up to 6.2 miles.
This drone also comes with Forward and Downward obstacle sensing, Smart Return to Home (RTH), Low Battery RTH, and auxiliary bottom light for safe flying, even at top speed.
Best suited for: Immersive Flight Experience because it gives a great A. I experience
Pros
• High-quality 4k footage
• Next-level immersion
• Unparalleled control
• Fun to use
Cons
• A bit heavy
• On the expensive side
6. Parrot Anafi
Features
Parrot Anafi is renowned for its outstanding A. I and visual tracking system. It has innovative features like the Hyperlase and Slow-Motion video modes. The Hyperlase mode helps in the acceleration of your videos, allowing you to capture the sunrise, sunset, and even the moving clouds.
Best suited for: Secret Operations
Pros
• Light and extremely portable
• HD picture and video quality
• Reliable
• Fun to use
Cons
• Bulky controller
• Lacks sensors for avoiding collisions
The Top-Rated VR Drones On The Market
We will discuss the 6 best VR drones you can find in the market, including their pro, cons, and what they are best suited for. This unbiased and extensive review results from intensive research, quality surveys, and customer reviews analysis.
You can bank on these recommendations we are about to share with you when you need the best options on the market. Without further ado, let’s talk about these top VR Drones.
Essence of VR Drone in Different Industries
Drones with VR headsets have become a mainstay in different industries, thanks to their advanced technological features and positive impact.
Below are some industries that use VR Drones for their day-to-day operations:
Inspection Industry
Construction Industry
Real Estate Industry
Manufacturing Industry
Entertainment Industry
Architectural Industry
The Future of VR Drone
Not only have VR drones become a welcome development, but also they have become a mainstay in many homes and industries across the globe. Research has shown that most people use these drones to have fun during their leisure time or boost their businesses.
Presently, purchasing a drone is easy. However, most individuals struggle to use it, as it requires a lot of practice. In the future, drones are expected to be less expensive and much easier to use.
We are also likely to witness the introduction of Augmented Reality (AR). Although this potential development isn’t directly connected to drones, it will influence how VR will be used and controlled, enhancing users’ experience.
Things You Need to Consider Before Buying a Virtual Reality Drone
Before you decide to purchase a drone, here are a few things you should pay attention to:
• Cost
• Durability
• Features
• Safety
Cost
Most of the big drone manufacturing brands sell their products at a high price. This is because they have built a reputation for consistently delivering high-quality and technologically advanced products.
So, if you can afford these expensive drones, you should go for them. However, if you are on a tight budget, there are also excellent options on the market you can consider that fit right into your budget.
Durability
During the process of flying your drone, there are possibilities of collisions, crashing, and bad weather conditions. For this reason, you need to purchase a drone that is long-lasting, sturdy, and durable. Do not settle for less.
Features
Drones come with different features, including battery power, camera, speed, and a few others. Before you purchase a drone, study the features to confirm if it’s what you need at the moment.
For instance, if you are a photographer looking to explore aerial photography, getting a drone camera with outstanding picture and video quality is your surest bet. So, ensure you get drones with the exact features you need.
Safety
Flying a drone isn’t child’s play. Therefore, if you want to successfully pilot your drone without damaging it and hurting yourself and the people around you, you need to strictly adhere to the safety rules.
Drones Safety Rule
1) Always fly one drone at a time
2) Fly your drone only during the day
3) Ensure you fly your drone in a visual line of sight
4) Don’t stay behind any obstacle that will prevent you from seeing your drone, such as buildings or trees
5) Steer clear of flying your drone through fogs, clouds, or smoke
6) Don’t fly your drone higher than 40ft (120m) above ground level
7) Don’t fly your drone in restricted or prohibited airspace
8) Don’t fly your drone close to emergency operations
9) Don’t fly your drone over people at any time
10) Don’t fly your drone closer than 5.5km to a controlled airport
11) Your drone shouldn’t cause harm to any person, aircraft, or property
FAQ About VR Drones
How To Convert A DJI Drone to VR
If you have a DJI drone, here’s what you can do to transform it into VR:
1) Get a pair of VR goggles compatible with your mobile device
2) Start your drone and connect it to your device via the cable
3) Purchase the Litchy app
4) Connect the app to your drone and press the VR button
There you have it; these are the steps you need to bring your virtual reality drone dreams to life. It is a cheaper alternative.
Q: How much does a VR Drone cost?
The drone check price on the market varies and fits into different budgets. A drone with a cheap setup can cost as low as $100, making it a suitable option for individuals with a tight budget.
Conversely, a drone with a much more sophisticated setup, excellent quality, and highly enhanced head-tracking might cost over $1000.
Luckily, we have discussed an alternative way that involves converting a DJI drone into a cheap VR drone in the earlier section of the article.
Q: Can you fly a drone with VR?
Yes, you can. Flying a drone with the aid of VR goggles gives you a perfect blend of sound, visuals, and improved technology that makes you feel completely involved in all your drone’s actions. Indeed, the VR experience is immersive and unparalleled.
Q: How does a VR Drone work?
These drones have goggles that are fitted with head tracking technology. This makes it possible for you to control the movement of your drone camera by tilting your head, allowing you to see the exact images your camera sees without any alterations.
Q: Is FPV drone like VR?
Unlike drones with VR, First Person View (FPV) drones are renowned for their agility, acrobatic ability, and speed. These drones are best suited for race enthusiasts. In addition, FPV drones are harder to fly than VR drones.
Q: How fast do FPV racing drones go?
Most of these quadcopter drones can hit a top speed of 120mph. Nonetheless, there are also a handful of FPV VR racing drones with an average speed of 165.2mph.
Q: Is FPV drone legal?
FPV drones and goggles are legal in the United States of America (U.S.A) and the United Kingdom (U.K). However, before flying your FPV drone, you must have an observer who can keep the drone’s visual line of sight and make much-needed communication to the pilot.
FAA rules also state that every unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drone must be registered. This registration is valid for three years.
Q: What is the best FPV drone simulator?
When it comes to FPV drone simulators, the best option to consider must be simple to connect to your controller, super easy to use, and possess the latest drone technology. In addition, the best FPV drone simulator provides you with several realistic drills, including hazards pilots will likely encounter during their drones’ flight.
If you are a beginner pilot who wishes to compete in the biggest drone races, you will improve greatly using FPV VR drone simulators, such as DJI FPV flight simulator, Velocidrone, Liftoff, Uncrashed, and a few others.
Q: Can you use VR goggles for FPV?
Yes, you can use VR goggles for FPV. But there is more to this answer than meets the eye. Indeed, FPV goggles and VR goggles are 2 distinct headsets that provide users with an immersive drone flight experience and share striking similarities.
However, using a VR headset on FPV isn’t worth trying, as it lags a bit too much and doesn’t give the best visual experience. In this case, you should opt for the FPV goggles.
Q: Can you use a GoPro camera for FPV?
Yes, you can. GoPro camera is renowned for its eye-catching HD video quality. It can be a great addition to your FPV drone. So, if you intend to use it for your drone, ensure you have a suitable gimbal.
Q: What differentiates FPV goggles from a VR headset?
The most significant difference between these two lies in their latency. FPV goggles have low latency. For this reason, it leads to little or no lagging when combined with HDMI cable. Additionally, they have a clearer screen and superior image quality.
On the other hand, VR headsets have higher latency, especially when you move your head too fast. This leads to the misalignment of virtual content with real-life features.
Furthermore, VR headsets are more compact and portable.
Q: What are Phone VR Headsets?
As the name suggests, they are VR headsets are compatible with most iPhones and Android smartphones. They allow you to connect the live feed of your drone to your device.
Some of the downsides to Phone VR headsets:
It doesn’t divide the view into 2 different sections for each eye.
It is less immersive, as it doesn’t come with head tracking technology.
The screen information lacks optimization for FPV flight.
Q: Can you use a VR headset with a drA:
Yes, you can. All you have to do is place your phone in the headset and connect it to a suitable app for VR mode image splitting.
Q: What is a VR Drone Kit?
It is a collection of equipment needed to fly a drone successfully.
Q: What is the best VR drone 2021?
A: If you are looking for the best drone VR in 2021, you are in luck. Earlier on in this article, we listed the 6 best drones you can purchase on VR drone amazon based on budget, A.I experience, flight experience, suitability for beginners, and a few other categories. Go ahead and check it out!
Q: Do any drones work with Oculus?
Many drones work effectively with Oculus quest, including DJI Mavic drones. This VR drone oculus quest combination allows you to easily capture memorable pictures and videos.
Every movement you make when using the Oculus VR drone headset reflects in your drones’ camera.
For example, if you tilt your head to your left or right, look up or down, your drone camera will carry out the same actions. This makes you feel connected and fully in control of every move your drone camera makes.
Final Words About VR Drone
Virtual Reality drones allow you to explore a whole new world of possibilities. So, it will come as no surprise if you decide to purchase a drone. However, it is worth noting that not all drones with VR can give you the results you crave and deserve. This is why we have recommended the best options available.
Furthermore, we have gone the extra mile to provide you with key details about drones with VR and all related topics. Feel free to always refer to this article whenever you need a reliable VR Drones guide.
Hal Simmons
When I first started flying drones I was always afraid of damaging my drone. I would always be thinking what if. I questioned myself often and as a result it made me question various aspects of flying drones. In the process I learned a lot. This is why I feel I have a lot of information that will be helpful to beginners and intermediate drone enthusiasts. Of course I still have a lot to learn so join me on this journey and I am sure you will enjoy the adventure ahead of us.Get daily lessons that start with how to choose a drone.