DJI Avata vs DJI FPV: which one to choose?

Last update on November 14th, 2023 at 07:31 am

With the DJI FPV released in March 2021, then the Avata arriving in August 2022, DJI now has two FPV drones in its catalog. You want to get into FPV flying but you don’t know which one to choose? You already have a DJI FPV and you hesitate to add an Avata to your arsenal? Our DJI Avata vs DJI FPV comparison is here to help you!

DJI Avata vs DJI FPV : design

	DJI Avata	DJI FPV
Weight	About 410g	About 795g
Dimensions (L x W x H)	180 x 180 x 80 mm	255 x 312 x 127 mm

While the DJI Avata and DJI FPV are both FPV drones, a quick glance at their appearance is enough to understand that they are two very different drones.

The DJI Avata is designed as a CineWhoop drone, with a typical visual feature: propellers permanently protected by a large protective frame. Similarly, the battery and camera are placed in a rigid cage on top of the device. All these protections, combined with the drone’s small size (180 x 180 x 80 mm), make it a drone designed to be easy to maneuver in tight spaces and able to withstand minor collisions. Ideal for internal inspections, for example.

Unlike the Avata, the DJI FPV is not equipped with propeller guards, and its camera is more exposed. Faster, its larger and heavier body offers better wind resistance, which makes it a drone more oriented for high speed flights and in large open spaces. We will come back to this in the section dedicated to piloting.

In short, we are dealing with two very different sizes. The DJI Avata is significantly smaller and lighter than the DJI FPV. With a weight of 410g for the first against 795g for the second, and dimensions largely lower, it is much less bulky than the FPV, heavier and bulky. Much more portable, the Avata can easily be slipped into a backpack. So when it comes to space and transport, Avata is definitely in the lead.

However, it is important to note that the two drones are clearly not designed for the same use. The Avata, smaller and protected, is made for outdoor use but also indoor, in smaller spaces, while the FPV is more intended for speed and sensations in large open spaces. As we will see in more detail in the section on flight performance, the choice will depend on the use you will make of it.

DJI Avata vs DJI FPV : radio controls

	DJI FPV 2	DJI Motion Controller	DJI RC Motion 2
Compatible drones	DJI Avata DJI FPV	DJI Avata DJI FPV	DJI Avata

Both the DJI Avata and the DJI FPV can be controlled by two very distinct remote controls:

• the DJI FPV 2: this is a classic two-handed remote control, like the ones that usually accompany most drone models on the market.
• the Motion Controller: more atypical, this remote control takes the form of a fighter jet’s joystick, and allows intuitive control of the drone via hand movements.
  🆕 DJI released a new version of this remote control in March 2023: the DJI RC Motion 2. This new version replaces the Motion Controller in all DJI Avata packages. It is not, however, compatible with DJI FPV.

By default, the DJI Avata is supplied with the RC Motion 2, and the optional DJI FPV 2 remote control can be purchased separately. For the DJI FPV it’s just the opposite: the drone comes with the DJI FPV 2, and you can buy the Motion Controller separately, if you want to try a different flying experience.

It’s no coincidence, then, that in our tests we found that the Motion Controller (RC Motion 2) is much more suited to the Avata, providing smoother, safer control.

On the contrary, the DJI FPV is controlled much more efficiently with the DJI FPV 2 remote control, and we have the feeling that the Motion Controller is just a nice extra option provided in order to try to offer us a more immersive experience, but that it is not really adapted to this drone.

However, the Motion Controller / RC Motion 2 has its limits: it can only be used in Normal and Sport modes, and it is not possible to use the RC Motion 2 in the same way as the Motion Controller / RC Motion 2. only the DJI FPV 2 remote control offers access to Manual modewhich really lets you control the drone freely and perform more acrobatic flights. So if you’re leaning towards the Avata and you’re a fan of loops and rolls, we’d advise you to add the DJI FPV 2 to your equipment.

DJI Avata vs DJI FPV : headsets

	DJI Goggles 2	DJI Goggles Integra	DJI FPV Goggles V2
Compatible drones	DJI Avata	DJI Avata DJI FPV	DJI Avata DJI FPV
Dimensions	167×104×81 mm (folded antennas) 197×104×105 mm (unfolded antennas)	170 x 104 x 75 mm (folded antennas) 205 x 104 x 104 mm (unfolded antennas)	184×122×110 mm (without antennas) 202×126×110 mm (with antennas)
Weight	290g	410g	420g
Screens	Micro-OLED 0.49 inch	Micro-OLED 0.49 inch	2 inch LCD
Screen resolution	1920×1080	1920 x 1080	1440 x 810
Autonomy	About 120 minutes	About 120 minutes	About 110 minutes
Price (only)	849€	569€	unavailable

After the FPV Goggles V2, released with the DJI FPV drone, DJI is taking advantage of the release of the Avata to unveil a new headset: the DJI Goggles 2. Note that only the Avata is compatible with this new headset.

As these are DJI’s latest goggles, it is only logical that the DJI Goggles 2 have improvements over the DJI FPV Goggles V2. Among them, a 30% lighter weight, new 1080p Micro-OLED displays, support for diopter adjustment, the ability to direct the drone’s camera via your head movements, or the addition of O3+ transmission technology for low latency video transmission.

To find out more about all the differences with the DJI Goggles 2, read our full comparison here :
➡️ DJI Goggles 2 vs FPV Goggles V2: which helmet should you choose?

DJI then launched the DJI Goggles Integra in March 2023, at the same time as the RC Motion 2. With a design similar to that of the Goggles 2, it is sold at a lower price and with a few fewer functions, but comes with a new headband and integrated battery. It is compatible with both Avata and DJI FPV.

If you’d like to find out more, we’ve devoted a full review to it, which you can find here :
➡️ DJI Goggles Integra: what’s new? Full test

At the time of this article’s last update, the DJI FPV is only available with Integra Goggles, and the Avata can be purchased with either Goggles 2 or Integra. In any case, they’re both very good headsets, and surely that shouldn ‘t be the deciding factor when choosing your FPV drone.

DJI Avata vs DJI FPV: flight performance

	DJI Avata	DJI FPV
Maximum speed	Normal mode: 8 m/s (29 km/h) Sport mode: 14 m/s (50 km/h) Manual mode: 27 m/s (97 km/h)	Normal mode: 15 m/s (54 km/h) Sport mode: 27 m/s (97 km/h) Manual mode: 39 m/s (140 km/h)
Maximum ascent speed	Normal mode: 6 m/s (21 km/h) Sport mode: 6 m/s (21 km/h)	Normal mode: 8 m/s (29 km/h) Sport mode: 15 m/s (54 km/h) Manual mode: no limit
Maximum descent speed	Normal mode: 6 m/s (21 km/h) Sport mode: 6 m/s (21 km/h)	Normal mode: 7 m/s (25 km/h) Sport mode: 10 m/s (36 km/h) Manual mode: no limit
Maximum acceleration	Not specified	0-100 km/h : 2s (Manual mode)
Max. wind resistance	10.7 m/s (level 5)	13.8 m/s (level 6)

Both the Avata and FPV offer Normal, Sport and Manual modes, each with its own maximum speed. As you will see from the chart above, the Avata is capped at much lower speeds. Compared to conventional hand-built FPV drones, both drones have the advantage of being able to hover in case of an emergency, which offers significant safety. But the Manual mode also allows them to be flown like real FPV drones.

Slower, even if it remains relative since it can still fly up to 97 km/h, the DJI Avata is more designed for quieter flights, slalom between obstacles or slip into small spaces, outdoors or indoors. The slower speed will make it easier to react, and the damage will be less severe in the event of a collision. With its protections that reassure, it is a drone more suitable for beginners in FPV.

On the other hand, the DJI FPV is clearly a faster and more nervous drone. More at ease in strong winds, it is capable of going up to 140 km/h in Manual mode with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in only 2 seconds in optimal conditions: the sensations are there. On the other hand, it will be harder to master for someone new to FPV flying, and you’ll need a little (or a lot) of practice before you feel comfortable.

The choice between the DJI Avata and the DJI FPV will therefore depend on how you want to use your drone. If you want to have fun sneaking a small, maneuverable drone around, the Avata is the way to go. If you want a fast, snappy drone that reacts quickly when you hit the throttle, the DJI FPV will far outweigh the Avata.

DJI Avata vs DJI FPV : safety

	DJI Avata	DJI FPV
Detection system	Downwards	Towards the front Downwards
DJI AirSense	Yes	Yes

We have already mentioned the possibility of emergency braking and hovering the drone, a function that can be very useful in the case of an unexpected obstacle, or if you feel that you have no control over your flight. Both models are also equipped with safety features not normally found on conventional FPV drones, though not as extensive as those found on other consumer DJI drones.

The DJI Avata has downward obstacle detectors which allow it to calculate the distance to the ground in order to improve hovering and identify areas not suitable for landing, and it is of course equipped with its propeller protection frame which prevents it from being vulnerable to the slightest shock.

The DJI FPV doesn’t have the propeller guards of the Avata, but it does have the same downward-facing sensors, as well as forward-facing sensors that allow it to detect obstacles and automatically brake when flying in Normal mode.

In addition to that, both drones benefit from a GPS assisted stabilizationhave a mode of automatic return which activates in case of low battery or signal loss, and DJI AirSensewhich uses an ADS-B receiver to alert the pilot to the presence of nearby manned aircraft.

But as we saw in the section dedicated to the design of both devices, if your priority is to have a safer drone, the advantage will go to the DJI Avata thanks to its propeller protection, as well as its protective cage in which its battery and camera are located, which will give it much more chances to survive in case of collision or fall.

🚨 A n update on the regulations
As far as the law is concerned, it is important to note that since the DJI Avata and the DJI FPV have two very different weights, the regulations will not be the same for both drones. Since the DJI weighs less than 500g, you can, for example, fly close to people, whereas the DJI FPV, which weighs just under 800g, will have to fly more than 150m from houses.
At the time of writing, Avata will have the advantage in terms of regulation. But beware, the law is not the same in all countries and is constantly changing, so be sure to find out the law in force where you live.

DJI Avata vs DJI FPV : camera

	DJI Avata	DJI FPV
Sensor	1/1.7 inch 48MP CMOS	1/2.3 inch 12MP CMOS
Lens	Aperture f/2.8 FOV 155°.	Aperture f/2.8 FOV 150°.
ISO range	100 – 6400 (Auto) 100 – 25600 (Manual)	100-12800
Photo resolution	4000 x 3000	3840 x 2160
Video resolution	4K up to 60 fps 2.7K up to 120 fps 1080p up to 120 fps	4K up to 60 fps 1080p up to 120 fps
Max bit rate	150 Mb/s	120 Mb/s
Color Profiles	Standard D-Cinelike	Standard D-Cinelike
Electronic stabilization	RockSteady HorizonSteady	RockSteady
Nacelle	Single axis	Single axis

The DJI FPV and Avata being FPV oriented drones, they are not optimized to offer the best image quality that can be found on a consumer drone, that goes without saying. Their camera is not mounted on a three-axis gondola like on a Mavic, so the image will follow the tilt of the drone. They do, however, offer the ability to capture good quality images, with the ability to shoot video in 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second.

Both drones are also equipped with RockSteady electronic stabilization for shake-free images. The Avata also has the HorizonSteady feature which allows it to lock the horizon regardless of the camera’s orientation.

But if image quality is a primary criterion for you, know that the advantage goes to the DJI Avata on this point. Although their resolutions are nearly equivalent, the Avata has a larger sensor that provides more vibrant and detailed images, as well as a wider ISO range for low-light conditions.

DJI Avata vs DJI FPV : autonomy

	DJI Avata	DJI FPV
Batteries	2420 mAh	2000 mAh
Max. hover time	18 minutes	16 minutes

Although the DJI FPV has a larger battery capacity, it also uses more power due to its greater weight. As a result, the autonomies of the two drones are roughly equivalent.

DJI announces hovering times of 18 minutes for the Avata against 16 minutes for the FPV. In reality, we obtain flight times of about 15 minutes in “calm” flight. In Manual mode, during more “lively” flights (we are dealing with FPV drones after all 😋 ), this time is closer to 10 minutes for both models. Note that this data will vary greatly depending on the flight conditions and the type of flying.

To sum up, a tie, neither drone wins this round of our DJI Avata vs DJI FPV duel, but it’s important to note that this is a good range for FPV drones, when compared to home-made FPV drones.

DJI Avata vs DJI FPV : the price

The DJI Avata is available in a range of packages at different prices, with a choice of Goggles 2 or Goggles Integra. Unlike the DJI FPV, it is also available alone without radio control or helmet at a price of 579€, which can be very practical in case your drone gives up the ghost after a too violent shock.

You will find in the table below the different offers available on the DJI website:

	DJI Avata	DJI FPV
Drone only (without radio control)	579€	–
Drone + Integra Goggles	1269€	1029€
Drone + Goggles 2	1459€	–

There is only one pack that really compares the price of the two drones, and that is the pack where the drone comes with the first model of helmet, the DJI FPV Goggles V2. And so with equal pack, advantage DJI FPV which is slightly less expensive than the Avata (120€ less), which may seem logical, the first being released well before the second.

Note that, as we mentioned in the section on radio controls, the Avata comes with the RC Motion 2 remote control, and the FPV with the DJI FPV 2 radio control. Whichever drone you choose, if you want to get the radio control that’s missing from your pack, they’re both available on their own at the same price of 149€.

Conclusion DJI Avata vs DJI FPV: which one should you buy?

Both the DJI Avata and DJI FPV have the advantage of offering an immersive FPV experience out of the box, without having to build a drone from scratch, hence their popularity. However, while they are both FPV drones, it is important to note that they are aimed at different audiences. The Avata cannot be considered a replacement for the DJI FPV, but rather a complementary drone to it.

Built like a CineWhoop drone with its integrated propeller guards, smaller and lighter, the DJI Avata is a versatile drone, designed for slower flights both indoors and outdoors, capable of flying closer to obstacles. On the other hand, the DJI FPV is made more for wide open spaces, fast sensational flights.

So DJI Avata vs DJI FPV, which one is for you? Apart from price, your choice of FPV drone will depend on what you want from your FPV experience. But your experience (or not) in the field can also be a criterion to take into account at the time of your purchase.

Buy the DJI Avata if…

… if you are new to FPV flying. With its many protections, it is an ideal drone for beginners: you will be able to fly outdoors as well as indoors, slaloming near walls and obstacles, you will be less afraid of accidents and you will be able to progress more easily.

Buy the DJI FPV if…

… you’ve flown drones before and you want a new experience of fast first-person flight. If you have easy access to wide open spaces, with its breathtaking speed and acceleration, this is the ideal drone to satisfy your thirst for thrills!

I already have a DJI FPV, should I buy an Avata?

As we explained earlier, the DJI Avata offers a completely different experience from the DJI FPV. If you’re an FPV drone enthusiast and want a small, maneuverable drone to slip into small spaces, enter buildings, slalom between trees, then you’ll get a kick out of the Avata! So you can add it to your fleet without hesitation. 😁

For more information:

➡️ Our complete test of the DJI Avata

➡️ Our complete test of the DJI FPV