DJI recently released their newest FPV goggles, the Integra. As an FPV enthusiast, you may be wondering if it’s worth upgrading to the Integra from the older V2 goggles, or if you should just stick with what you have.
I went hands-on with the new Integra goggles to provide my thoughts and help you decide if upgrading is the right choice.
I really went back and forth on whether or not to upgrade to the DJI Goggles 2, or keep flying my V2.
So I write this post to share my thoughts, because I know a lot of people are probably in the same spot right now.
Overview of the DJI Integra Goggles
The DJI Integra goggles are the successor to the popular DJI V2 goggles. They slot in below the higher-end DJI Goggles 2 in terms of features and price. The Integra goggles have an RRP of $629 while the Goggles 2 go for $899.
So what do you get for $270 less with the Integra goggles? And where were compromises made to reach the lower price point? Let’s take a look at the key specs and features:
- Resolution and Display: Same high resolution 1440p display as Goggles 2 for sharp image quality
- Refresh Rate: 120fps for smooth footage, same as Goggles 2
- Field of View: Slightly reduced from Goggles 2 – 51° down to 44°
- Audio: Built-in speaker and mic just like Goggles 2
- Head Tracking: 6DOF head tracking supported
- IPD Adjustment: Simpler mechanical IPD adjustment rather than digital on Goggles 2
- Battery: Non-removable 18Wh battery integrated into headband, less capacity than Goggles 2
- Antennas: Non-removable antennas, cannot be upgraded
- Diopter Adjustment: Fixed lens diopters, no adjustable diopter rings
- Wireless Streaming: Does not support wireless streaming like Goggles 2
So in a nutshell, the Integra goggles lose adjustable diopters, wireless streaming, removable antennas, and battery capacity compared to the Goggles 2. Let’s take a deeper look at these changes and what they mean for your experience using the goggles.
Integra Goggles Design and Ergonomics
One of the biggest changes DJI made with the Integra goggles was moving the battery pack into a non-removable unit integrated into the headband strap. This makes the goggles feel much more ergonomic and natural to wear. The tension can be easily adjusted just like a hard hat.
I find this new integrated battery design really convenient to use. No longer do you have a battery pack dangling off the back of your head. The downside of course is that you can’t hot swap in a new battery when it runs out. You’ll have to charge the integrated pack.
For some users, the non-removable battery could be a deal breaker. But I don’t mind this compromise. You can buy a simple USB power bank as a backup to plug into the goggles if needed.
Fit and comfort of the Integra goggles is decent but not amazing. I do get some light leak on the sides of my face. The goggles sit very close to your eyes due to their compact size. This makes it tricky to get the whole image sharply in focus. The corners tend to blur for me when the center is sharp.
Aftermarket foam replacements should help. I’d love some nice squishy foam pads like I have on my V2s that really conform to your face. The face plate design is also different than the Goggles 2, so silicone covers made for those won’t fit the Integra.
Display and Optics
The Integra goggles feature the same high resolution 1440p display as the Goggles 2. Image quality is sharp with vivid colors and great contrast. Compared to the V2 goggles, the picture looks much more immersive.
One difference is that the field of view has been reduced slightly from 51° on the Goggles 2 down to 44° on the Integra. This is a bit of a bummer as I would prefer a wider FOV. But 44° is still an expansive view and most people should adapt to it quickly.
The edges of the FOV can be a little blurry due to the fixed diopter lenses. I have to shift my eyes around sometimes to get different parts of the image in sharp focus. Adjustable diopters would have been nice but I can live without them.
The Integra goggles do not have the touchpad controller found on the Goggles 2. You get a joystick and back button just like the V2s. This isn’t a big loss in my opinion. I rarely used the touchpad on my Goggles 2 anyway.
One puzzling design choice was putting the Micro SD card slot inside the goggles themselves. This could lead to moisture issues when you sweat on hot days. I would have preferred an external slot like on the V2 goggles. Not a deal breaker but strange.
Antennas and Wireless Streaming
Here’s where we get to the most controversial change DJI made with the Integra goggles – the non-removable antennas. You cannot swap or upgrade the stock antennas like you can with the V2 and Goggles 2.
For me, this is the biggest downside to the Integra goggles. I love being able to put directional antennas on my V2s when flying far away. Or slap on some ultra long-range antennas from True RC. Not having modular, interchangeable antennas is a major negative.
However, I know many FPV pilots don’t bother swapping antennas anyway. So this won’t be an issue if you weren’t planning to upgrade them down the road. Just know changing antennas isn’t an option with the Integra goggles.
The Integra goggles also do not support wireless streaming like the Goggles 2. You can still connect them to your phone via cable to share the view. But no built-in wireless streaming. Again, not a must-have feature but nice to have.
Performance and Compatibility
In terms of video transmission performance, the Integra goggles deliver an excellent long-range signal thanks to DJI’s O3 transmission tech. I flew my Integra goggles with the new DJI FPV drone and experienced no issues at all with range or breakup.
The Integra goggles are compatible with older DJI FPV systems like the V2 goggles. You can use them with the Vista or Air Units as long as you update the firmware. There is a bit of firmware juggling required if you want to switch between Integra, Goggles 2, and V2 goggles with your setups.
Low latency feels identical to my V2 goggles when paired with the DJI FPV drone or my self built quads running an Air Unit. The 120fps refresh rate provides silky smooth video without blurring.
New Headstrap Battery Design
One of the biggest changes DJI made with the Integra is moving the battery pack into a non-removable unit that goes on the back of the head strap. It feels much more natural and ergonomic – I really like being able to adjust the tension easily. It’s kind of like a hard hat system.
The downside is that if the battery runs out, you can’t just plug in one of your LiPo flight packs. I actually really like the new design – it feels more comfortable and natural to me. But it’s not a major selling point or a dealbreaker – I could take it or leave it.
On my V2 goggles, I ended up doing something similar, strapping the DJI power pack to my headband.
So, the Integras aren’t that different in terms of battery management for me. If you’re worried about running out of power in the Integras, you can pick up a simple adapter cable that lets you plug in a flight pack and run a USB cable up to the goggles, just like with traditional FPV goggles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I upgrade from the DJI Goggles V2 to the Integra?
For most V2 owners, I don’t think upgrading is necessary. The V2 goggles are still an excellent headset. The main benefits of the Integra are the integrated battery and built-in GPS. But everything else is relatively similar. Unless those specific features really appeal to you, you can likely just stick with your V2 goggles.
Can I use my existing DJI FPV drone with the Integra goggles?
Yes, absolutely. The Integra goggles are fully compatible with DJI’s existing FPV drones, including the Avata, FPV, and V2 Series. Simply connect them to your drone controller and you’ll be up and flying.
Do the Integra goggles work with analog drones?
Yes. The Integra goggles have an analog video input port that allows you to connect them to any analog FPV drone or racing quad. So you can use them in both the digital DJI environment as well analog FPV setups.
Can I view photos/videos on the Integra goggles display?
Unfortunately there is no ability to view photos or playback recorded video on the Integra goggles display. The goggles are designed solely for live FPV drone footage. To view photos and videos, you’ll need to plug the SD card into a computer.
How is the image quality compared to Fat Shark goggles?
The display and optics on the Integra goggles provide an excellent immersive FPV experience that is comparable to high-end goggles from Fat Shark and other brands. The 1080p resolution and OLED display make for crisp vibrant videos with minimal lag. Most users find the actual video feed quality to be top notch.
Do I need to wear glasses with the Integra goggles?
It depends on your vision. The Integra goggles allow you to adjust the interpupillary distance to set the optimum spacing between the lenses for your eyes. However, the lenses are fixed focus. So if you require vision correction, you would need to order custom prescription lens inserts for the goggles.
Can I connect the Integra goggles to my computer/phone?
Unfortunately the Integra goggles cannot directly connect to or display video from a computer or mobile device screen. Their use is limited to connecting with a live FPV camera feed. For viewing computer or phone screens in a headset, you would need something like the DJI FPV Goggles V2 Pro.
Do the Integra goggles work with the DJI FPV Controller 2?
Yes, the Integra goggles are fully compatible with the DJI FPV Controller 2. Simply connect them via the USB-C port on the controller and you’re ready to fly in manual mode. All camera controls will work normally.
Can I use off-brand batteries with the goggles?
No, the Integra goggles require DJI’s proprietary battery technology in order to function. They are not compatible with third-party batteries. You must use official DJI batteries.
And that wraps up this FAQ on the DJI Goggles Integra. Hopefully, this helps answer some of the most common questions about this impressive new FPV headset. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Final Thoughts – Upgrade or Stick With the V2s?
So who should upgrade to the new DJI Integra goggles? Here are my recommendations:
If you’re happy with your V2 goggles, keep flying them! The V2s are still amazing FPV goggles, especially for the price. Grab a pair of new foam replacements and you’re set.
Upgrade to the Goggles 2 for the ultimate video experience. Especially if you plan to take advantage of swappable antennas. The Goggles 2 give you the full package.
The Integra goggles are a great budget-friendly option if you want modern O3 performance without paying full price. Just know the antenna situation.
Personally, I’m still torn on whether I’ll keep the Integra goggles or return to my trusty V2s. The lack of interchangeable antennas really bugs me. But the compact size and video clarity of the Integras is hard to give up!
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Are you planning to upgrade to the new DJI Integra goggles? Or will you stick with the tried and true V2 goggles? Let me know in the comments!
