10 Best FPV Simulators in 2024 (I’ve Tested Everything)

For FPV (first person view) drone enthusiasts looking to hone their piloting skills without risking their aircraft or surroundings, a quality FPV drone simulator is essential.

With so many options available though, it can be tricky to determine which one best fits your needs and budget. That’s why I’ve thoroughly tested and compared the top drone simulators on the market today.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ve broken down the top FPV simulators into different categories so you can easily find the perfect fit. And for each drone simulator, I’ll give you a rundown of the key features, pros and cons, and my honest opinion after hands-on testing.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to get a feel for FPV flight, an experienced pilot wanting to practice new moves risk-free, or a competitive racer seeking to shave seconds off your times, we’ll help you find the ideal simulator solution.

So let’s get to the skies!

Best Overall FPV Sim

DRL Simulator

9.7

• 29 high detail maps for freestyle and racing
• Hundreds of user created tracks
• Fully customizable drones

Download Here
Read review

Best FPV Sim for Racing

Velocidrone

9.5

• Exceptionally realistic physics
• Gold standard for competitive FPV racing training
• Great community tracks

Download Here
Read review

Best FPV Sim for Freestyle

Uncrashed

9.3

• Incredibly realistic visuals
• Smooth performance even on lower-end systems
• 19 unique environments packed with detail

Download Here
Read review

Most Realistic Physics

AI Drone Simulator

9.2

• Options to download community created drones and maps
• Beautiful maps and a focus on freestyle
• Refine tuning without risking equipment

Download Here
Read review

Best Free FPV Sim

FPV SkyDive

9

• Completely free to download with in-app purchases
• Racing, challenges and freestyle modes
• Multiplayer option

Download Here
Read review

What to Look For in A Good FPV Drone Simulator？

As you evaluate simulator options, keep the following factors in mind:

Learning Features

For total beginners, comprehensive in-built training content can make or break your simulator experience. Look for options like step-by-step lessons, drills, tutorials, and guides that teach the fundamentals before unleashing you into free flight.

Some simulators also integrate with FPV training sites or YouTube channels for supplementary video lessons.

Realistic Physics

Nailing lifelike drone physics is crucial for skills that translate from the simulator to real-world flying. The closer the physics simulation, the less re-learning you’ll have to do when you eventually take the sticks of a real drone.

Look for options to tweak and customize physics to match the real-life performance of various drone frames.

Graphics Quality & Performance

Pretty visuals are great, but not at the expense of smooth, high fps performance which equates to a responsive, immersive simulator experience.

The best options balance strong visuals with optimized game engines that maintain high frame rates across a variety of devices.

Drone Customization

The beauty of simulators is you can virtually fly any drone imaginable without paying for crashes! Look for options to build and customize your own machine, or access community shared drone builds.

The more you can replicate your IRL setup in the simulator, the more your muscle memory develops.

Multiplayer Racing

Practice solo flying is important, but battling friends in virtual races will rapidly build essential racing skills like thinking fast under pressure.

For pros, look for sims that integrate directly with real-world racing leagues like DRL for most authentic competition preparation.

Accessibility

Three key elements affect a simulator’s accessibility:

1. Cost – Prices range from free to $30+. Balance your budget against features.
2. Device compatibility – Ensure OS and hardware compatibility before buying.
3. Remote control compatibility – Using your actual radio makes things more realistic.

Taking A Closer Look at the Best FPV Drone Simulators of 2024

Now that you know which factors to evaluate, let’s see how 10 leading FPV drone simulators compare across these metrics.

1. Best Overall Value FPV Simulator: DRL Simulator

When you balance features, content, and price, the DRL Simulator stands out as the best overall value.

As the official training simulator for the Drone Racing League, it unsurprisingly nails the racing aspect. The physics modeling and handling feel great across multiple drone classes.

Some useful features include:

• 30+ training levels for total beginners
• Multiplayer racing and leaderboards
• Track editor to build custom courses
• Multiple drone types – FPV, LIDAR, X-Class
• Easy binding for radios and controllers

You also get a nice mix of environments, from neon-lit cityscapes to creepy forests. While not as visually stunning as Uncrashed, the level variety keeps things interesting.

The biggest downside is that part of the focus goes toward their unique X-Class quadcopters used in the real DRL. So the experience isn’t 100% tailored to typical FPV drones.

But for $10-20 on sale, DRL Simulator packs a complete package. The value is unbeatable for newbies and experienced pilots alike looking to hone their skills.

• Paid or Free: Paid
• Platforms: Windows, Mac
• Download here: DRL Simulator

2. Best Free FPV Simulator: FPV.SkyDive

If you’re not ready to shell out any cash for a drone simulator, the FPV Skydive developed by ORQA, INC is hands-down the best free option available.

Some of the key features include:

• 5 practice levels ranging from beginner to expert
• Options for camera drones, racing drones, and freestyle quads
• Controller and radio input support
• Multiplayer mode (local only)
• Track editor
• VR headset compatible

While the graphics aren’t as crisp as some paid sims, the FPV SkyDive provides a smooth flight experience with surprisingly accurate physics modeling. Out of all the free sims I tried, this one felt the most realistic when actually flying the drones.

The onboarding experience for total newbies is also very solid. The FPV SkyDive walks you through the basics of things like yaw, pitch, roll, and more before letting you take the sticks yourself.

For a free simulator, they managed to pack a decent amount of content and functionality into a tidy little package. While the level design isn’t particularly expansive or creative, there’s enough there to keep you busy for a good while, especially as a beginner.

The only real downside is that the multiplayer racing mode feels a bit simplistic and tacked on. But for a free simulator focused on honing your fundamental skills, FPV SkyDive is absolutely fantastic.

• Paid or Free: Free (with in-app purchases)
• Platforms: Windows, Mac
• Download here: FPV.SkyDive

3. Best FPV Simulator for MultiGP Racing: VelociDrone

When it comes to competitive FPV drone racing, VelociDrone stands in a class of its own. That’s why it’s the clear choice for my best racing simulator award.

Some of the key features include:

• Pixel-perfect recreations of real MultiGP tracks
• 5 inch, micro, and Tiny Whoop drones
• Robust multiplayer racing events and leaderboards
• Cross-platform support (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Lifelike physics and flight dynamics

VelociDrone boasts exceptionally realistic physics and flight dynamics that closely mimic real FPV racers. It also has the most authentic racing culture, with daily multiplayer events that attract all the MultiGP pilots.

Simply put, no other simulator matches Velocidrone’s combination of true-to-life physics and vibrant community when it comes to competition prep.

Velocidrone also sets itself apart via the sheer variety it provides. Choose from five inch racers, tiny whoops, and even quadcopters equipped with virtual laser cannons for battle modes. Extensive customization over rates, camera angles and more let you dial in controls identical to your real-world rig.

If you want to improve your racing skills and get a feel for the competition, this is the simulator you need to be on.

While the base simulator is reasonably priced at £16.99, you may want to invest in additional freestyle and micro quad focused packs to round out your experience:

• Freestyle Pack – £16.99+£5
• VelociDrone Combat – £16.99+£8
• Micro Class Quads – £16.99+£4
• Mega Class Quads – £16.99+£4
• Champions Series – £16.99+£4

This à la carte pricing structure lets you customize the simulator to your specific needs and budget. But it does mean shelling out more money compared to other sims for access to all content.

For serious racers, the investment is well worth it in my opinion. But more casual users may prefer a cheaper all-in-one option.

• Paid or Free: Paid
• Platforms: Windows, Mac
• Download here: VelociDrone

4. Best FPV Simulator for Freestyle: Uncrashed

When it comes to freestyle FPV, you want expansive environments, unique locations, and total freedom. That’s exactly what you get with Uncrashed.

Some useful features include:

• 25+ stunning, mega-detailed environments
• Day and night variations for lighting flexibility
• Cinematic camera tools and replays
• Onboard prop-wash visualization
• Leaderboards for race tracks and drift challenges

The team behind Uncrashed utilized pre-made environments and assets from various sources. So while the levels aren’t original creations, they provide an absolute playground for freestyle pilots.

Expect silky smooth performance too thanks to intelligent optimization. You’ll zip through cyberpunk cities, construction zones, peculiar natural landscapes, and more. The visuals are fantastic and really spark your creativity.

While the physics are not quite on par with the top racing sims, they’re perfectly adequate for freestyle flying. The smooth frame rates and responsive controls are what matter most here.

My only real complaint is the lack of multiplayer support. Sessioning lines with friends or having tandem battles would take the experience to another level. So hopefully the developers can incorporate this down the road.

But for sheer enjoyment and freestyle immersion, no other drone simulator compares to Uncrashed. If you like stylish flying above all else, this one’s for you.

• Paid or Free: Paid
• Platforms: Windows, Mac
• Download here: Uncrashed

5. Best Free FPV Simulator for Micro Drones: Tiny Whoop Go

If you’re looking to get into Tiny Whoop racing on an ultra-tight budget, Tiny Whoop Go is a great free option.

Some useful features include:

• Accurate flight physics and prop wash
• Single player time trials
• Global leaderboards
• Track editor to create courses
• Easy to run on low-end PCs

The graphics are dated and the interface is clunky, but the actual flying experience is superb. The physics modeling feels spot on and the controls are very responsive.

Racing around the simple single-gate tracks is an absolute blast. Crashing is also very forgiving, so it’s almost impossible to flip over. This makes racing tight and competitive.

The training mode is also effective for newcomers. It walks you through basic maneuvers before freeing you up for full acro mode. Just don’t let the archaic aesthetics turn you off. Tiny Whoop Go provides one of the best free sim experiences out there.

• Paid or Free: Paid
• Platforms: Windows, Mac
• Download here: Tiny Whoop Go

6. Best FPV Simulator for Tiny Whoops Racing: Velocidrone Micro Class Quads

When it comes to micro quads like Tiny Whoops and toothpick builds, you need a simulator specifically tuned for their flight dynamics. Tiny motors and props behave very differently than 5-inch racers.

While the base Velocidrone simulator focuses on larger quads, their Micro Class Quads add-on brings that same magic to the micro world.

You get 3 different micro drones – based on real quad models – to choose from, along with custom tracks tailored to their size and speed. Just like the main simulator, the physics feel incredibly dialed.

Since it’s part of the Velocidrone environment, you also get access to the large racing community for events and leaderboard competition.

For just £4 it’s an inexpensive way to up your micro game in a realistic setting. WhileI applaud Tiny Whoop Go’s plucky effort as a free alternative, Velocidrone’s simulation is simply more accurate. Refined over years with constant user feedback, it provides confidence your skills will carry over to real micro drones.

And connecting you with the vibrant Velocidrone community is a boon as well.

So for anyone serious about taking their tiny whoop or micro quad racing and freestyling to the next level, this add-on is money well spent.

• Paid or Free: Paid
• Platforms: Windows, Mac
• Download here: Velocidrone Micro Drones Pack (part of Velocidrone simulator)

7. Best Console Option: Liftoff

The world of FPV drones remains firmly rooted in PCs. But the Liftoff series admirably brings a polished simulator experience to consoles as well. Liftoff’s Nintendo Switch port stands out by smartly catering to the platform’s unique capabilities.

Some useful features include:

• Intuitive controls adapted for Switch
• Eye-catching environments and smooth performance
• Handheld and docked play options
• Cross-platform profile syncing

In handheld mode, the simulator translates controls smoothly to the Switch’s built-in inputs. We did find the need to lower rates compared to the PC version for smoother handling. Docked with the Pro controller opens up additional adjustment options via extra inputs for a true sim pit setup.

While graphically a step below its computer counterpart, visuals still impress given the mobile chipset powering the Switch. The included environments also work well – racing through ruined cities and drifting over snowy peaks captures the lifelike sensation the series is known for.

For Switch-loyal pilots seeking to hone skills on the go, Liftoff delivers. Scaled down maps ensure solid performance whether grinding through a few Gates in bed before sleep, or blasting around the tracks for hours docked to your TV. It proves you don’t need a fancy gaming rig to access quality FPV simulation.

• Paid or Free: Paid
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
• Download here: Liftoff

8. Best Realistic Physics: AI Drone Simulator

What if rather than attempting to model general quadcopter physics, you could experience the exact flight characteristics of YOUR custom drone in the simulator? AI Drone Simulator ingeniously achieves this through black box integration.

Some useful features include:

• Profile builder based on blackbox data
• Precisely replicates behavior quirks of YOUR drone
• Promotes seamless skills transfer between real flight and simulation
• Refine tuning without risking equipment

The software allows importing flight controller data recorded from your specific craft. This builds a handling profile mirroring everything from rates to prop wash when activated. While navigating the interface proves confusing initially, the accuracy payoff is immense.

Suddenly maneuvers you struggle with in real life prove equally tricky in the simulator. The muscle memory gained here translates back perfectly upon sticking thumbs on radios. While environment variety lags due to the current single developer focus, physics reign supreme.

So for pilots tweaking a custom build until controls feel “just right” with no crashes, AI Drone Simulator is essential. No other option matches its digitization of your specific craft’s eccentricities through black box integration.

• Paid or Free: Paid
• Platforms: Windows, Mac
• Download here: AI Drone Simulator

9. Best FPV Simulator for Low-Spec PC: FPV Freerider

While steadily decreasing in cost, PC gaming can still require a hefty upfront investment. What if you’re eager to try your hand at digital drone flight but lack the expensive hardware required to run cutting edge simulators smoothly?

This is where FPV Freerider, the standard bearer for low-end systems, comes to the rescue. It skips intricate textures and excess flair to deliver the essence of FPV flight accessible even to ancient PCs. We’re talking consistent 30+ fps on integrated graphics and decade old CPUs here.

Some useful features include:

• Minimal graphical demands
• Smooth performance on virtually any PC
• Intuitive flight dynamics perfect for beginners
• Unbeatable value proposition

The simplified physics and control models do mean experienced pilots will crave more depth. But for cash-strapped newcomers desperate to taste basic simulated flight, FPV Freerider hereby grants your wish.

While the Recharged sequel promises graphical advancements, poor optimization means it currently cannot match the original’s sheer playability on low end rigs. So stick with this classic option to enjoy FPV freedom no matter your specs.

• Paid or Free: Paid
• Platforms: Windows, Mac
• Download here: FPV Freerider

10. Best “No Limits” Simulator: GTA 5 FPV Drone Mod (Quadcopter Redux FPV sim moding Grand Theft Auto 5)

Sometimes you just want to go hog wild with your virtual drone. No rules, no limits, just pure freedom.

That’s where the GTA 5 drone mod comes into play. It lets you take FPV flight straight into the massive open world of Grand Theft Auto V.

Some useful features include:

• Jaw-dropping graphical fidelity unmatched in dedicated simulators
• Massive open world ripe for exploration
• Drone control overlay works convincingly well
• Imaginative venue for freestyle flight

Soar between skyscrapers, weave through traffic, chase cars down highways…the possibilities are endless.

With a huge development team and budget, it’s no surprise that GTA’s environments are extremely detailed. You’ll have a true sense of immersion unlike any dedicated drone simulator.

Of course, you are limited by the wonky drone physics built into the mod. Don’t expect true-to-life handling of your craft. But that stuff hardly matters when you have free rein over an entire city.

Just know that you need a beastly gaming PC to handle GTA 5 well in VR. And owning the actual game is also a requirement to use the mod.

If you meet the technical and financial requirements, this is by far the most fun you can have in a “sim” right now. The realism takes a backseat to pure, unbridled enjoyment.

• Paid or Free: Paid
• Platforms: Windows, Mac
• Download here: Quadcopter Redux FPV sim moding Grand Theft Auto 5

This simulator requires a certain level of skill to install and run, here is the tutorial video I recommend.

How to Getting Started with NEW FPV Simulator? (Step-by-Step)

Here are some final tips for getting started in your new simulator:

Step 1 – Download Community Profiles

Most sims support importing profiles from other community members online. Search YouTube or forums for uploaded presets that tweak the rates and physics to achieve a more realistic handling experience. Starting with a dialed-in profile eliminates guesswork.

Step 2 – Use Your Exact Radio

For maximum realism, always practice with the exact radio you fly with including matching sticks, switches, and modes. Most transmitters connect directly via USB. This builds essential muscle memory on your specific controls and ergonomics.

Step 3 – Lower Rates at First

When first starting out, reduce rates in the simulator down to around 600 deg/sec for manageable control. You can gradually raise back up as you get comfortable. Slower rates help learn fundamentals. Don’t worry about perfectly matching your IRL rates.

Step 4 – Enable Realistic Antennae

In the simulator options, enable realistic antenna physics. This shows exactly how your video feed is affected by obstacles and signal blocking in real life. Learning to fly via only the unobstructed areas of the video makes navigating by FPV feel natural.

Mastering a simulator takes regular, focused practice just like improving real stick skills. But with unlimited batteries and no crashes, you can gain proficiency and confidence far faster by steadily honing your reflexes. You’ll be amazed how quickly muscle memory begins to build.

Bonus: Fix Your Radio Latency for Better Sim Flying

Before wrapping up the list, I want to mention one thing that can seriously improve your simulation experience: radio latency.

If you fly with an OpenTX radio (e.g. Radiomaster, Jumper, FrSky), chances are USB latency is hurting the responsiveness in simulators. This makes the physics feel sluggish and laggy.

The problem lies in older OpenTX firmware mixing code prior to version 2.5. Updating to EdgeTX 2.5 (or later) resolves the latency bug.

Flashing EdgeTX instantly improved the realism and flyability for me in every simulator. If you’re struggling with wonky physics, fixing the radio latency should be your first step!

I have a full tutorial here walking through the EdgeTX update process. Please take a few minutes to do this – you won’t regret it!

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide gave you a comprehensive overview of the best FPV drone simulators available in 2024.

The world of drone sims can seem overwhelming at first, but finding the right simulator for your specific interests and budget is very achievable.

Whether you want to shred through neon-lit cities, compete against racers worldwide, or simply have some fun flying for free, there’s an excellent simulator option out there for you.

If you’re still not sure where to begin, we recommend starting with a free or low-cost simulator like FPV Freerider, FPV Skydive, or the DRL Simulator.

From there, you can get a feel for what aspects are important to you and upgrade to more advanced sims as your experience grows. The most important thing is to start practicing in the simulator regularly.

It’s an invaluable tool on your journey to become an FPV pro.

Fly safe out there, and happy simming!

FAQs About FPV Drone Simulators