Tiny whoops have exploded in popularity over the last few years, and for good reason. These tiny, ducted fan drones let you experience FPV drone flight in tight indoor spaces where regular drones just won’t fit.
But with so many different tiny whoop options out there now, how do you know what parts, mods and upgrades to use to build the ultimate high performance indoor shred sled?
To find out, My team and I have tested a wide variety of micro drones and they are all fascinating.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to get started with micro drones. We’ll cover the benefits of flying small, how to choose the right micro drone for your needs, tips for learning to fly in tight spaces, and reviews of some of the most popular models on the market today.
Let’s take a closer look at these tiny fliers that provide big fun!
Table Of Contents
Short on Time? Here Are the Tiny Whoop FPV Drones in 2024
What’s a Tiny Whoop?
A Tiny Whoop is a miniaturized version of a larger racing drone. Despite its diminutive size, it packs a punch in performance with brushless motors, a durable frame, and fast-response controls. The drone is equipped with a camera and video transmitter, allowing me to enjoy First-Person View (FPV) while navigating through tight spaces.
Here’s a quick glance at its features:
- Weight: Usually under 50 grams
- Flight Time: About 4-6 minutes
- Battery: 1S or 2S LiPo
- Camera & VTX: Integrated for FPV experience
Why Fly a Micro Drone?
For FPV enthusiasts, one of the biggest advantages of micro drones is the ability to fly anytime, anywhere – even indoors. Here are some key benefits of learning FPV with a tiny drone:
a. Hone Skills in Confined Spaces
Navigating through narrow gaps and around tight corners takes precision and skill. Micro drones are perfect for developing your control and pushing your abilities in technical flying.
b. Experience High-Speed Indoor Racing
Micro drone races bring all the excitement of FPV racing indoors. Multi-pilot courses can be set up anywhere using makeshift gates and obstacles. It’s fast and addictive!
c. Enjoy Low-Cost Crashing
When you’re learning to fly FPV, crashes are inevitable. But with micro drones, repairs are quick and cheap – just replace a prop or two and you’re back in the air. Great for beginners!
d. Fly Under the Radar
Stealthy micro drones with quiet motors can often fly at locations where multirotors are not permitted. Their tiny size makes them nearly unnoticeable to bystanders.
e. Explore Creative Video Possibilities
Tiny drones equipped with high quality video cameras open up new creative options for capturing unique footage and perspectives.
BNF/RTF Tiny Whoops
First let’s take a look at some of the top ready-to-fly (RTF) tiny whoops that our team recommends. While building your own drone from scratch can be rewarding, sometimes you just want to buy one ready to fly out of the box.
Best All-round BNF Tiny Whoops: Happymodel Mobula6
The Happymodel Mobula6 is one of the most popular ready-to-fly tiny whoops. This ducted fan micro drone comes fully assembled and is a great starting point:
Best BNF Tiny Whoops for Absolute Beginner: NewBeeDrone AcroBee65 BLV4
65mm Tiny Whoops
Best Digital Whoop Whoops: Happymodel Mobula6 HDZero
75mm Tiny Whoops
Best 75mm Tiny Whoops: HappyModel Mobula7
Best Digital Whoop Whoops with DJI Gear: iFlight Alpha A85 Whoop
Tips on How to Choose the Tiny Whoop FPV Drones
When I shop for a tiny whoop, I prioritize long flight time and responsive controls. Thinking about battery cell count and motor type is critical for performance.
1. Battery Cell Count: 1S or 2S?
1S Batteries:
- Pros: Lightweight, resulting in nimble flight characteristics.
- Cons: Limited power, might not sustain aggressive flight maneuvers.
2S Batteries:
- Pros: More power, which translates to better thrust and handling.
- Cons: Increased weight could affect agility and flight duration.
Deciding between 1S and 2S batteries hinges on whether you value agility or power for your flying style.
2. Brushed Motors or Brushless Motors?
Brushed Motors:
- Pros: Cost-effective and simple maintenance.
- Cons: Shorter lifespan and less efficient compared to brushless motors.
Brushless Motors:
- Pros: Higher efficiency and longevity, with more power output.
- Cons: Typically come with a higher price tag and more complex ESCs (electronic speed controllers).
I recommend brushless motors for a balance of performance and durability, while brushed are suitable for beginner-focused budgets and maintenance.
FAQs on the Best Tiny Whoop FPV Drones
Final Words
In the realm of FPV racing, the tiny whoop genre has been a game-changer for me. Piloting a small quad through tight spaces with the agility these drones offer is unmatched. After extensive testing, I’ve found that the balance between size, power, and control is critical for this class.
- Ease of Use: Tiny whoops must be user-friendly. Beginners should feel comfortable right out of the box.
- Durability: Crashes are learning experiences. A top tiny whoop will survive bumps and tumbles.
- Battery Life: More flight time equals more fun. Look for models with the best power endurance.
- Camera Quality: A clear FPV feed is non-negotiable for precise maneuvers.
Choosing the right model comes down to how it matches your skill level and what kind of flying you’re into. Whether you’re weaving through an indoor course or taking on backyard aerial challenges, there’s a tiny whoop that’s ideal for your style.
My personal pick is one that nails the basics, offering a solid flight experience with reliability. Paying attention to real-user feedback has been key to narrowing down my choices.
Remember, the best tiny whoop for you is one that aligns with your unique needs and goals in this exhilarating hobby. Keep flying, keep learning, and most importantly, keep enjoying every second of the freedom that FPV brings.