The price of a racing drone varies greatly depending on the specifications of the drone. The cost ranges from around $200 at the lower end of the spectrum to as much as $2000 on the higher end.
Hello everyone! My name is Lavelle and I am a long-time drone enthusiast and a professional drone pilot. Over the past decade, I have operated my drones for recreational and commercial purposes and I also had experience flying race drones.
In this article, I will discuss the range of costs for racing drones and look at some of the variables that contribute to the costs. I will also review the Top 5 racing drones and answer some frequently asked questions.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Frame design and controller strength are vital parts of a racing drone.
- Determining whether to buy or build is an important factor to estimate the price of a racing drone.
- It is important to take the time to do your research before making a purchase or building a racing drone.
How Much Does a Racing Drone Cost
There are a couple of ways to go about getting a racing drone. The first is to purchase an assembled racing drone that is built to manufacturer specifications. The other way is to build one yourself.
Purchasing a pre-assembled racing drone could cost as little as $200 or as much as $2000 depending on the series, brand, and range. You can build a racing drone for around $1000 to $1500.
Racing drones typically have brushless motors, FPV options, and night vision capabilities. The transmitter and signal strength are key components as well. Some of the notable brands of racing drones include Walkera, Arris, and IFlight.
What the Racing Drone Price Depends on
Some of the variables that drive the price of a racing drone include the type of battery used, FPV goggles, the controller type, the frame type, and the electronic speed controller.
Most of the notable racing drones use either a 14.8 volt battery or an 18.5 volt battery and range from 1500 mAh to 5000 mAh. The FPV goggles vary in price depending on if it has HD quality, the DVR function, and on what the range of view for the goggles.
Airframes are the standard for racing drones, however, they vary based on size and composition. The electronic controller rounds up the important elements of a good racing drone and the quality varies depending on the type of microprocessor it has and on the signal strength that it emits.
Most racing drone enthusiasts also invest in spare parts that include things like propellers, brushless motors, frames, CCW motors, and electronic boards.
Excellent drone performance is maximized by increasing the drone’s power-to-weight ratio. This is accomplished by increasing the number of small motors on the drone. Another way to improve performance is by reducing the amount of the drag on the drone by using the best airframe possible.
All of these factors contribute to the price you will pay for a sturdy, high-performing racing drone.
Top 5 Best Racing Drones
Based on my research, here are my Top 5 racing drones.
| Model | Best Features | Top Speed | Estimated Cost |
| iFlight Titan XL5 HD 6S Racing Drone | Balanced weight distribution; Xing 2208 motors; 6mm arms; crossfire nana RX receiver | 80 mph | $335 |
| Walkera F210 | 3D aerobatic mode; optimized controller and receiver; solid center of gravity | 49.7 mph | $330 |
| Arris Dazzle 5-inch FPV Racing Drone | Carbon fiber frame; low center of gravity; 5mm arm design; zero delay camera | 50 mph | $1050 |
| Arris X-Speed 280 V2 FPV | High efficiency 2300KV motor; 3mm arms; integrated tower design | 50 mph | $598 |
| EMAX Tinyhawk Freestyle BNF | Dual battery connectors; lightweight design; carbon fiber frame; optimized power system | 74 mph | $180 |
Each of these drones have pros and cons. I’ve listed the iFlight Titan as my #1 pick because its top-end speed is the fastest among the 5 choices. Due to its balanced weight distribution, it moves quickly to its top-end speed.
While the #2 pick Walkera tops out at a speed of 49.7 mph, I have it listed at #2 because it reaches that speed faster than any of the others on the list. It is nearly unbeatable in a short distance race, however, longer distance races prove to be its achilles heel.
My #3 pick, the Arris Dazzle, tops out at a respectable speed of 50 mph and sports a fancy zero delay camera. However, its high price tag moves it down my list to the #3 position.
The #4 choice, the Arris X-Speed, could easily interchange positions with the #3 choice. The integrated tower design is its best attribute but I gave the edge to its manufacturing mate because of its short battery life.
Rounding out my Top 5 is the smallest drone of the pack, the EMAX Tinyhawk. This little guy has a great top-end speed of 74 mph and has a dual battery connector to keep it flying a little longer than some of the others. However, its component composition is not as durable as the others and leaves it at the bottom spot in the top 5 list.
FAQs
Here are some answers to some of the frequently asked questions about racing drones.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Racing Drone?
Building a racing drone can cost anywhere between $1000 and $1500 depending on the materials you use and the specifications you build.
How Much Does a Drone Racing League Drone Cost?
The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) costs $75 per year to join. Other racing leagues vary from $50 to $200 to join.
How Fast Do Racing Drones Go?
The fastest recorded racing drone topped out at 179 mph. Most recreational racing drones fly between 40 mph and 90 mph.
Final Thoughts
The phenomenon of racing drones has increased dramatically over the past 10 years. Interest in these drones and in drone racing is at an all-time high. Novice racers can get into the sport by investing as little as $200 to get started. The cost of purchasing or building a racing drone varies depending on the quality and composition of the drone you buy or build.
Do you have a racing drone? Did you choose to buy an assembled one or build it yourself? What are your impressions of it? Share your experience in the comments section below.
