Are you trying to decide between the Walksnail Goggles X and DJI Goggles 2 for your FPV drone setup?
In this in-depth review and comparison, we put these two flagship FPV goggles head-to-head to see which comes out on top. We tested them in real-world conditions, analyzed the DVR footage, and evaluated key factors like image quality, dynamic range, signal strength, and value for money.
By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which goggles are the best fit for your flying style and budget.
Let’s dive in!
Table Of Contents
Meet the Contenders
The Walksnail Goggles X and DJI Goggles 2 are two of the most advanced and full-featured FPV goggles on the market today. Here’s a quick overview of each:
Walksnail Goggles X
- OLED displays with 1920×1080 resolution per eye
- 46° diagonal field of view
- Supports 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz frequencies
- 12ms low latency
- DVR with microSD card slot
- 2-6S battery support
- Modular design with many aftermarket accessories available
- Priced at $649
DJI Goggles 2
- Micro-OLED displays with 1920×1080 resolution per eye
- 51° diagonal field of view
- Designed for exclusive use with DJI O3 Air Unit and Vista Kit
- Ultra-low <30ms latency
- Diopter adjustment and IPD (interpupillary distance) sliders
- Onboard battery provides up to 110 minutes of use
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
- Priced at $649
Both goggles boast impressive specs and cutting-edge tech. The Walksnail supports a wider range of frequencies and offers more customization options, while the DJI aims for a seamless, streamlined experience optimized for their proprietary HD video systems. But specs only tell part of the story – it’s time to see how they actually perform where it counts, in the air.
Testing Methodology
To compare the Walksnail Goggles X and DJI Goggles 2, we flew multiple packs with each using 3 different quad configurations popular with FPV pilots:
1) 5″ freestyle quad with Walksnail HD system (1080p 60fps)
2) 5″ freestyle quad with Caddx Vista and DJI Air Unit
3) 6″ long-range quad with DJI O3 Air Unit
This let us evaluate the goggles’ performance in common use cases, from close-proximity freestyle to long-range cruising. We flew in a variety of environments with different levels of obstruction and assessed the live feed as well as recorded DVR footage.
1. Comparison: Image Quality
The Walksnail Goggles X and DJI Goggles 2 both deliver outstanding image quality thanks to their high-resolution displays. However, in side-by-side testing, we found the Walksnail had a slight edge in terms of sharpness and clarity. Small details like leaves and branches were more defined, and overall the picture just looked crisper.
The Walksnail also exhibited noticeably better dynamic range. Brightly lit areas like sky were properly exposed without totally crushing the shadows. On the DJI, bright highlights tended to look overexposed while shadow areas lacked detail. This was especially apparent when flying from a dark area like under a bridge out into open daylight.
So while both goggles provide an excellent visual experience, the Walksnail wins on image quality due to its superior dynamic range and sharpness. The difference is subtle but definitely noticeable when examining DVR footage.
2. Comparison: Latency and Breakup
Of course, image quality is irrelevant if your video feed can’t keep up with your flying. Nobody wants to pilot their quad through a slideshow or drop signal at a critical moment. We really pushed the goggles to their limits to assess latency and breakup.
At close to medium range with a clear line of sight, both the Walksnail and DJI delivered rock-solid video feeds with no perceptible latency. Even while zipping through tight spaces and whipping the quad around, the video kept up without a hitch.
Differences emerged when we started pushing the range or introducing obstacles between the quad and goggles. With the 5″ Vista quad, the video feed remained perfectly locked in at over 300 feet away. The Walksnail, on the other hand, started to struggle once we got about 250-270 feet out. The feed became a bit choppy and we experienced a few brief breakups.
When we really pushed it by diving behind a large concrete structure, both goggles experienced significant breakup, but the DJI feed recovered quicker once we emerged from behind the obstruction. Overall though, both handled challenging RF conditions well – we had to go out of our way to induce any serious issues.
The DJI O3 Air Unit is where DJI’s latest tech really shines though. With the 6S long-range quad, we were able to fly over 2,500 feet away with zero breakup or latency. The video feed felt almost eerily solid, with no sign we were over half a mile from the goggles. Very impressive stuff from DJI.
3. Comparison: DVR and Recording
Both goggles feature integrated DVR functionality for recording your flights. They each have a microSD card slot and support recording at the full resolution and frame rate of the incoming video feed.
In terms of DVR picture quality, the results mirror our analysis of the live feed. The Walksnail produces sharper, more dynamic recordings at the cost of some noise in the shadows. The DJI recordings show less shadow noise but tend to look a bit flatter and less detailed.
The DJI Goggles 2 offers a couple extra features for the DVR – RockSteady stabilization and HorizonSteady roll correction. These electronic image stabilization tools can be great for smoothing out shaky footage. They do crop the image slightly though, and introduce some of the “jello” effect common to digital stabilization.
Ultimately, both goggles are extremely capable when it comes to DVR. The differences come down more to personal preference on the image processing rather than any real gap in performance or functionality.
4. Comparison: Ergonomics and Comfort
FPV goggles are something you wear on your face for extended periods, so comfort matters. A lot. Fortunately, both Walksnail and DJI have done an excellent job with the ergonomics and wearability of their flagship goggles.
The Walksnail Goggles X have a wide, flexible headband and ample padding around the faceplate. The displays can be moved fore and aft to set the eye relief distance. Compared to previous Walksnail goggles, the Goggles X are lighter and more streamlined, making them comfortable for long flying sessions.
DJI has always had a knack for industrial design, and it shows with the Goggles 2. The sleek, rounded form factor creates an incredibly low-profile fit. The slimmer headband keeps the goggles feeling well-anchored without undue pressure. Details like the magnetic foam padding and tactile IPD and diopter adjustment sliders contribute to the premium, user-friendly feel.
On the downside, the Goggles 2 can put some pressure on your nose due to the compact design and lighter weight. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but those with larger noses may need to fiddle a bit to find a perfectly comfy position.
Ultimately, both goggles are winners in the ergonomics department. The Walksnail Goggles X feel a bit more accommodating with their flexible headband and spacious faceplate, while the DJI Goggles 2 have the edge in overall sleekness and premium fit and finish. You can’t go wrong either way.
5. Comparison: Features and Ecosystem
While core functionality is similar, the Walksnail Goggles X and DJI Goggles 2 differ significantly in their feature sets, customization, and ecosystem compatibility.
Walksnail has embraced a modular, open source approach with the Goggles X. The goggles support a variety of video transmitters and receivers, with 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz options right out of the box. Users can easily swap out the stock receivers for higher-performance modules.
This gives the Walksnail more flexibility for those who like to tweak and upgrade their gear over time. It also means the Goggles X can be paired with a wider selection of VTX units, including some DJI units via third-party firmware.
On the other hand, the DJI Goggles 2 are designed as a closed ecosystem built around their OcuSync and O3 video transmission tech. The goggles only work with DJI Air Units and Vista VTX units. There’s no way to use the Goggles 2 with other systems.
While this more closed approach limits flexibility, it allows DJI to really optimize the entire video pipeline from camera to display. Little touches like the ‘Focus Mode’ that boosts contrast in low-light, the ultra-smooth 120 fps refresh rate, and features like RockSteady stabilization showcase the kind of fine-tuned performance you can achieve with an end-to-end solution.
So which approach is better comes down to your priorities. If you value freedom to mix and match components and tweak every setting, the Walksnail Goggles X are the clear choice. If you want the absolute best plug-and-play experience and aren’t as fussed about upgrades, the DJI Goggles 2 are tough to beat.
Value and Conclusion
The Walksnail Goggles X and DJI Goggles 2 are closely matched in price at $649. That puts them squarely in premium territory. But considering the cutting-edge tech packed inside, we feel both goggles justify their cost for serious FPV pilots.
In terms of pure value, the Walksnail Goggles X have an edge thanks to the included receiver modules and ability to use any compatible VTX. With the DJI Goggles 2, you’re locked into their HD video ecosystem, which can add to the total cost if you’re starting from scratch.
However, if you’re already invested in DJI’s FPV system, the Goggles 2 are a no-brainer. The ultra-tight integration and flawless compatibility with the HD transmission tech is worth the premium for those building a future-proof FPV fleet around O3 and OcuSync.
As for which goggles take the crown, it’s honestly too close to call a definitive winner. The Walksnail Goggles X offer incredible performance and customization. The modular nature and support for legacy analog systems make them more flexible and appealing for tinkerers. They remain an excellent value.
Meanwhile, the DJI Goggles 2 wrap cutting-edge displays and the impressive O3 HD system into one sleek, user-friendly package. For DJI devotees and those who just want the absolute best plug-and-play HD FPV experience possible, the Goggles 2 are a slam dunk.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either of these goggles. It comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Consider your typical flying style, existing gear, and whether you value flexibility or streamlined simplicity. The right choice will reveal itself.
No matter which you choose, the Walksnail Goggles X and DJI Goggles 2 represent the pinnacle of FPV goggle technology in 2022. It’s an exciting time to be an FPV pilot!
