Which 3-Inch Micro FPV Drone with DJI O4 Ought to I Purchase? Specs Comparability and Purchaser’s Information

I’m presently available in the market for a brand new 3-inch FPV drone that’s appropriate with DJI O4 or O4 Professional Air Items. I’ve rounded up the favored fashions and examine them carefully. I assumed this may be a wonderful alternative to share my decision-making course of and assist others determine which mannequin may greatest swimsuit their flying type.

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When you’re eager about even smaller FPV drones with the DJI O4 Air Unit (2-inch and beneath), try this comparability: https://oscarliang.com/micro-drone-dji-o4-lite-comparison-mar-2025/

Why 3-inch?

A 3-inch FPV drone hits the candy spot for park freestyle ripping— highly effective sufficient for acro methods, but small and quiet. Not like 5-inch FPV drones which can be intimidating and loud, and require extra open area, 3-inch quads are compact, extra discreet, and simpler to manage whereas nonetheless being extremely enjoyable to fly.

They sometimes weigh beneath 250g together with battery, retaining them regulation-friendly in lots of areas. Additionally they deal with wind much better than smaller drones like whoops and nonetheless provide round 4–6 minutes of flight time per battery. On high of that, they’re highly effective sufficient to hold small motion cameras such because the DJI Osmo Nano or Insta360 GO 3.

This makes 3-inch drones extremely versatile — excellent for each clean cinematic flying in tighter areas and agile freestyle in parks, all with out the noise, danger, or trouble of bigger drones.

Specs Comparability

Other than my previous expertise with these manufacturers and their drones, and suggestions on-line, we will get a reasonably good concept the strengths and weaknesses of every drone from this specs comparability desk.

Let me clarify the specs and what to look out for.

In relation to FC, the precise processor (F4, F7, and so on.) doesn’t matter a lot lately. You gained’t discover any actual efficiency distinction so long as the drone is well-tuned from the manufacturing unit.

For the ESC, the next present score is mostly higher, however something 30A or larger ought to be ample for a 3-inch construct. One other vital issue is the firmware. Ideally, select open-source firmware akin to AM32 or Bluejay (or BLHeli_S, which might simply be flashed to Bluejay for a efficiency increase). The rationale open-source firmware is most popular is long-term assist — closed-source initiatives may be discontinued with out discover, as we noticed when BLHeli_32 was successfully shut down final yr. Whereas present BLHeli_32 ESCs will nonetheless work positive, you gained’t be capable to replace them anymore. It’s not a deal-breaker, however value retaining in thoughts for future compatibility. Between AM32 (32-bit) and Bluejay (8-bit), there’s presently little to no noticeable efficiency distinction, so both will serve you effectively.

The enter voltage (battery cell depend) a drone helps is dependent upon each the FC/ESC and the motor KV. Some FC/ESC stack may take each 4S and 6S, however the motor KV are often designed for a particular voltage, as an example, 2500-3000KV for 6S, 4000-4500KV for 4S. Though we suggest 6S for 5inch builds, personally I discover 4S completely ample for 3-inch quads — it gives loads of punch with out the additional weight, price, and fragility of 6S batteries.

GPS is optionally available for micro drones of this dimension except you intend to fly lengthy vary. That mentioned, it’s good to have — you’ll be able to allow GPS Rescue mode, which might save your drone within the occasion of sign loss or disorientation. You may at all times add a GPS module later, however if you happen to’re not very technical, having it preinstalled is a handy bonus.

Lastly, arm thickness is an efficient indicator of sturdiness and crash resistance. Thicker arms usually imply a harder body that may deal with extra abuse. Concentrate not solely to the arm thickness but additionally to how huge the arms are formed in product pictures — skinny or slender arms are inclined to snap extra simply on influence.

AstroRC Shuttle V2

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The AstroRC Shuttle V2 is essentially the most reasonably priced drone on this listing, however I’m not positive about how sensible that body design is. Personally, I’m not a fan of the inverted rear motors. Whereas it appears distinctive, it complicates repairs and configuration — notably for newbies. It additionally makes takeoffs and landings tougher, because the inverted motors can simply get caught in grass or particles.

Due to this unconventional body, the Shuttle V2 is barely heavier than a lot of the different drones right here. Mixed with its comparatively small 1404 motors, it lacks the identical degree of energy and responsiveness as the highest contenders.

Axisflying Manta30

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The Axisflying Manta30 is the most costly drone on the listing — and you may see the place the cash goes. It has a phenomenal, well-engineered body, high-quality electronics, and beefy 2004 motors designed for 6S batteries. Nevertheless, it’s additionally extraordinarily heavy — greater than 40% heavier than the favored Seeker30! The strong body design contributes to that additional weight.

Whereas the Manta30 is probably going a quick and highly effective machine, the added mass makes it much less environment friendly, noisier, and fewer nimble than lighter rivals. One other limitation is its restricted FPV compatibility — it solely helps analog and DJI O4 Lite air unit, making it one of many least versatile fashions on this listing.

Another factor to notice: the digital camera sits fairly far again behind the entrance motors, which implies you’ll see propellers within the video when utilizing wide-angle mode (each within the goggles and HD recording) — one thing to bear in mind if you happen to desire clear, cinematic footage.

Charge S30 Professional

Product Pages: https://oscarliang.com/product-xgll

The S30 Professional from Charge is without doubt one of the most reasonably priced choices on this comparability. Whereas its specs might not stand out on paper, it gives glorious worth for cash if you happen to’re on a funds.

It’s light-weight and outfitted with appropriately sized motors, giving it loads of energy and snappy responsiveness within the air. One widespread criticism I’ve seen is its mediocre PID and filter tuning out of the field, however that’s not a dealbreaker. When you take pleasure in tuning your personal quad (like I do) or don’t thoughts copying another person’s tune, you’ll be able to simply get it flying the best way you want.

Observe that the S30 Professional are offered with out an FPV system preinstalled, so that you’ll must buy and set up your personal digital camera and VTX. Nonetheless, for pilots who wish to customise their builds or have already got spare gear, this can be a nice entry-level 3-inch possibility at a really affordable value.

DeepSpace Seeker3

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The DeepSpace Seeker3 sits on the premium finish of the market — and it reveals. The construct high quality and {hardware} choice are top-notch, and the general design feels considerate and well-executed. You’re undoubtedly getting what you pay for right here.

Regardless of together with a GPS module, the Seeker3 stays one of many lightest drones on the listing — a uncommon mixture that provides it an edge for each freestyle and long-range flying.

In comparison with the opposite high-end possibility, the Manta30, I personally desire the Seeker3’s open development. True, you get much less safety from particles or water splashes, however in alternate, it’s a lot simpler to entry the electronics, they usually get a lot better airflow for cooling. Most significantly, it’s considerably lighter, which interprets to raised effectivity, flight time, and total agility within the air.

Sub250 Oasis30

Product Pages: https://oscarliang.com/product-bahp

The Oasis30 is actually a 3-inch model of the Oasis25 — Sub250 merely prolonged the arms and fitted it with bigger 3-inch propellers. Nevertheless, it nonetheless makes use of the identical 1404 motors as the two.5-inch mannequin, which struggles on this bigger setup and feels underpowered.

Whereas the 1404 motors can deal with 3-inch props, they’re greatest suited to effectivity and endurance flights, not for freestyle or racing the place quick throttle response and torque are essential. Don’t get me improper, the Oasis30 will cruise easily and ship respectable flight occasions, but it surely merely can’t match the ability and agility of rivals utilizing bigger 1505 or 2004 motors.

One other concern is its 3mm thick arms — the thinnest on this listing. This raises questions on sturdiness and crash resistance, particularly if you happen to fly aggressively or apply acro.

When you’re a fan of the Oasis lineup, I’d actually suggest sticking with the Oasis25 as a substitute. It’s extra compact, extra responsive, and total flies higher due to the identical motor-to-prop ratio being extra balanced.

Conclusion – Which 3-inch FPV Drone Would I Select?

For me, the DeepSpace Seeker3 stands out as the very best 3-inch FPV drone with DJI O4 on this comparability. It gives the proper stability of energy, weight, and design, comes with a stable manufacturing unit tune, and even consists of GPS straight out of the field. It’s light-weight, environment friendly, and versatile — all the things I need in a micro freestyle or cinematic park flyer.

Nevertheless, if you happen to’re on a good funds, the Charge S30 Professional can also be a fantastic worth choose. It’s the most cost effective possibility, but nonetheless has respectable specs and stable efficiency. For newbies or these in search of a easy, reasonably priced entry into 3-inch drones, it’s a really sensible alternative. But it surely appears you’ll be able to solely get it from Banggood in the mean time.