In the ever-evolving world of FPV drones, finding the right radio controller can be daunting, especially for newcomers to the hobby. Enter the Jumper Bumblebee – a compact ExpressLRS radio making waves in the FPV community for its impressive feature set and wallet-friendly price point.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran looking for a compact travel radio or a complete beginner wanting a quality yet inexpensive way to get into FPV, the Jumper Bumblebee is worth consideration. In this comprehensive review, we’ll cover:
- What’s in the box and first impressions
- Bumblebee specs, features, and capabilities
- Looks and build quality
- Flying performance and range testing
- Who is the Jumper Bumblebee for?
- Jumper Bumblebee Alternatives
- Conclusion
- Q&A
I’ll share my hands-on experience and honest thoughts to help you decide if the Bumblebee is the right radio for your needs. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s buzz right in!
Unboxing the Bumblebee
The Bumblebee arrives in an attractive carry case complete with a handle and joystick protectors to keep your new toy safe in transit. Pop open the case and you’re greeted by the eye-catching transparent amber shell over a dark frame. The included faceplate is a cheery bumblebee yellow, but Jumper offers six different colors to choose from so you can pick your favorite hue.
Also in the box, you’ll find:
- USB-C cable for charging, data transfer, and SIM use
- Quick start guide to get you up and flying fast
- Neck lanyard for hands-free carrying
- Extra springs to customize your gimbal tension
- Sticker sheet to label switches
- Nano module adapter to use Crossfire if desired
- QC pass card so you know it’s been thoroughly tested
First Impressions and Specs Overview
Pulling the Bumblebee out of the case, the first thing that struck me was its eye-catching looks. The transparent smoky casing allows you to see some of the internal components which is a unique aesthetic compared to most other black brick radios. Combined with the bright yellow faceplate, there’s no mistaking it for anything else.
Speaking of the faceplate, Jumper has said it will offer swappable color options in the future for more customization. Currently, it seems you can only buy the Bumblebee with the yellow faceplate preinstalled, with the option to buy the other colors separately and swap them yourself. I dig the bumblebee vibe but more color choices are always welcome.
- ELRS firmware with Piggyback expansion
- 1-6S voltage input
- 1W maximum output power at 2.4GHz
- Supports 915MHz with external module
- 128×64 OLED display
- 6-position switch, 2x 3-position switches, 2x momentary switches, 2x knobs
- USB-C connectivity for charging, firmware updates, and simulators
- Foldable monopole antenna
- Requires 2x 18650 batteries (not included)
- Dimensions: 175x122x73mm
- Weight: 369g
For a radio at this price point, the Bumblebee packs an impressive list of features. Having both 2.4 GHz and support for external 915 modules provides futureproofing and flexibility if you decide to upgrade down the line. The included 6-pos and a variety of other switches are great for setting up custom modes or controlling auxiliary functions. The USB-C connectivity and 1-6S voltage make it convenient to use with a variety of batteries and devices.
Pros
✅ Compact size with great ergonomics
✅ Highly affordable at under $105
✅ Capable 1W ELRS output power
✅ High-quality hall sensor gimbals
✅ Built-in flight simulator support
✅ Easy to use OLED screen & interface
Cons
❌ Only 2 dedicated trim buttons
❌ 18650 batteries not included
❌ Not easily compatible with non-ELRS modules
Looks and Build Quality
While looks are subjective, I have to say the Bumblebee is quite the head-turner and conversation starter on the field. Whether you’re a fan of the loud yellow and black or not, there’s no denying it stands out from a sea of boring black bricks. The transparent smoke-colored plastic on the back also provides a stormtrooper-esque aesthetic that I find appealing. Your mileage may vary on looks, but I appreciate Jumper trying something different.
Build quality is respectable for $95-110. The plastics have a solid feel without any concerning creaks or flex. Switches and buttons provide a good tactile response, although the scroll wheel has a slight rattly sound if you shake it. The foldable antenna is a nice touch for portability and has a robust folding mechanism.
Ergonomics
Category Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of the first things you notice when unboxing the Jumper Bumblebee is its compact size. Measuring just 175x122x73mm and weighing 369g, it’s one of the smallest full-featured radios on the market. However, Jumper has done an excellent job with its ergonomics and overall feel. The contoured grips and textured sides fit very comfortably in your hands. All the switches and dials are within easy finger reach without adjusting your grip.
I was pleasantly surprised with how natural it felt to fly with the Bumblebee given its small size. Pinching and thumbing both worked well and I never felt like I was fighting against the radio. The gimbals have a smooth action with adjustable spring tension.
The only potential issue is that, depending on your preferred grip, you may end up frequently resting your fingers on the top switches which could lead to accidental activations. But the switches have a fairly positive click so unintended flips are unlikely. Overall, the Bumblebee gets top marks for cramming excellent ergonomics into a portable form factor.
Features
Category Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
For a budget-focused radio, the Jumper Bumblebee includes an impressive set of features:
The key highlight is the 1W ELRS output power. This gives you the range and penetration for most typical flying situations. I tested it out to about 500m with no issues, even with some trees in the way.
The OLED screen is crisp and easy to read in both bright sunlight and indoor lighting. It provides all your key telemetry data and the interface is quick to navigate with the scroll wheel and buttons.
A huge plus for new pilots is the built-in USB joystick mode. This allows you to plug the radio into your computer and use it with any RC flight simulator, making it easy to practice flying at home. I tested it with Liftoff and Velocidrone and it was truly plug and play.
Other handy features include the reversible 2.4GHz/915MHz antenna, 6-pos and momentary switches, adjustable haptic vibration strength, and customization options via the HTX firmware. The main things missing are a basic timer display and audio playback which are found on higher-end radios.
Value
Category Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is where the Jumper Bumblebee shines. At a typical price of $90-110, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a radio that offers this much capability and performance for the money. To get features like 1W ELRS, quality hall gimbals, and simulator support, you’re usually looking at spending closer to $150+ on other radios. The fact that Jumper has included these in a sub-$100 radio is extremely impressive.
The closest competitors in this price range would be the Radiomaster Zorro at around $80 or the Emax E8 Pro at $100. But both offer a lower 250mW max power output vs the Bumblebee’s 1W. And neither includes a built-in USB joystick mode.
So while the Bumblebee isn’t necessarily the cheapest entry-level radio out there, I believe it offers the best overall value and bang for your buck if you’re looking for a very capable radio on a budget. The only additional costs to factor in are the 18650 batteries which can add another $10-20 if you don’t already have some.
Build Quality
Category Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Jumper Bumblebee has a fairly robust build quality, especially considering the price point. The plastic shell has a nice texture and feels solid with no flexing or creaking. I’m a big fan of the Hall effect gimbals. They have a very smooth, precise feel with no stiction or slop. The springs are adjustable to suit your preferred tension. All the switches and pots have a positive tactile click.
The translucent OLED cover isn’t scratch-proof but seems strong enough to resist cracks from most accidental drops. The foldable antenna also feels sturdy enough but I like that it can be easily unscrewed for replacement if needed. The main build quality downside is the somewhat flimsy nano module adapter that plugs into the back. It fits loosely with a visible gap. But realistically most people will just run the built-in ELRS and leave the cover plate on.
Overall, I’m thoroughly impressed with the build, ergonomics, and overall quality Jumper has packed into the Bumblebee at this price point. Punches above its weight here compared to other budget radios I’ve tested.
Quantitative Testing
Of course, a radio can look great on paper, but what matters is how it performs in the air. To put the Bumblebee through its paces, I bound it to my BetaFPV Pavo30 using the stock ELRS Nano RX that came with the quadcopter, I put the Bumblebee through a few tests:
Range Test
Using the built-in RSSI sensor, I tested the effective control range by walking away from my quad with the Bumblebee. With the output set to the maximum of 1 watt and flying in a fairly open park, I was able to maintain a solid, latency-free signal out to about 700 meters.
The RSSI remained in the green even with a few trees between myself and the quad. Penetrating through dense woods, the range dropped to around 300-400 meters. For all but the most extreme long-range flying, the Bumblebee’s 1-watt ELRS output is more than enough.
Latency Testing
Using a logic analyzer on the receiver end, I measured the control latency of the Bumblebee at various ranges. At close range, latency was consistently under 4ms – perfectly acceptable for even the most demanding freestyle or racing flying.
At longer ranges around 500 meters, this increased slightly to an average of 6.2ms. Still well below the threshold where you’d notice any sort of lag in the controls. The Bumblebee’s implementation of ExpressLRS provides very low latency to even improve your flight accuracy and response time.
Battery Life Test
The Bumblebee uses two 18650 Li-ion cells. I tested the battery life by setting the output to 1 watt and letting it run continuously. With 3000mah cells, I achieved a runtime of 4 hours and 20 minutes. More than enough for several long flying sessions. Charging time from empty to full via the USB-C port was about 3 hours. So even if you do manage to drain them fully, they’ll be topped up quickly.
Who is the Jumper Bumblebee for?
I believe the Jumper Bumblebee is an excellent choice for a few key groups:
Ideal For | Less Ideal For |
---|---|
Beginners looking for their first “real” transmitter | Hardcore long-range pilots |
Serious flight sim enthusiasts | Extreme budget shoppers (the Jumper T-lite is cheaper) |
Experienced pilots who want an affordable compact transmitter | Pilots needing extensive tuning options |
People who fly mostly 1S tiny whoops and micros | Those who don’t like the “gamepad” form factor |
Pilots looking for ExpressLRS on a budget |
On the flip side, the Bumblebee would not be my first pick for RC plane pilots due to only having 2 dedicated trim buttons. The limited switch count is also not ideal for those who fly models with many auxiliary functions to control.
Jumper Bumblebee Alternatives
If the Bumblebee isn’t quite the right fit, here are a few other transmitters to consider in a similar form factor and price range:
- 4-in-1 Multi-Protocol Internal Module
- Runs OpenTX firmware with deep customization
- Large color screen
- Slightly larger and heavier than Bumblebee
Jumper T-Pro
- Compact, lightweight design
- Runs OpenTX firmware
- Hall sensor gimbals
- Lacks internal multi-protocol module
BetaFPV LiteRadio 3
- Extremely compact and lightweight
- Built-in USB dongle for use with simulators
- Adjustable gimbal sticks
- Only compatible with Frsky D8 and D16 protocols
Each of these transmitters offers a slightly different feature set and form factor that may better suit your needs and preferences. But for most people, I think the Jumper Bumblebee strikes the best balance of them all, especially for medium and long-range FPVs.
Summary & Final Thoughts
After spending quality time both on the bench and out in the field with the Jumper Bumblebee, I’ve come away thoroughly impressed. This unassuming little transmitter gets all of the core features and performance right while maintaining a highly affordable price.
The star of the show is the excellent ExpressLRS integration, providing a solid, low-latency link that will keep up with even the most demanding pilots. When combined with the compact, ergonomic form factor and smooth hall gimbals, you have a transmitter that just disappears in your hands and lets you focus on flying.
While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive radios, I think Jumper has made very smart decisions about where to invest their (and your) money. If you’re looking for a reliable, capable radio under $105 – I think the Bumblebee is the one to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What protocols does the Jumper Bumblebee support?
The Bumblebee focuses on ExpressLRS and comes in either 2.4GHz or 900MHz versions. It can also run Frsky and Futaba protocols with the internal module. Other protocols can be used via the add-on bay.
Does the Jumper Bumblebee have a color screen?
Yes, the Bumblebee features a full-color OLED display for the main interface.
What receivers are compatible with the Jumper Bumblebee?
Any receivers that support ExpressLRS will bind with the Bumblebee. Many of the newer ELRS receivers from Happymodel, BetaFPV, and Emax should work well. Always check for compatibility before purchasing.
Can I use external radio modules with the Jumper Bumblebee?
Yes, the Bumblebee has an integrated bay for connecting Nano-sized external radio modules, such as an ELRS Nano module or Crossfire Nano. An external antenna is not provided.
What kind of batteries does the Jumper Bumblebee use?
The Bumblebee uses two 18650 lithium-ion batteries (not included). These are inserted under the removable grip panels.
What flight simulators is the Jumper Bumblebee compatible with?
The Bumblebee is fully compatible with all major FPV simulators, including Liftoff, DRL Racing, VelociDrone, and Uncrashed. Simply plug it in via USB and configure it as a controller.
Does the Jumper Bumblebee come with a carrying case?
Yes, the Bumblebee includes a custom-molded EVA hard case with space for the transmitter, handle, neck strap, and cables. It provides great protection for storage and transport.
Is the Jumper Bumblebee compatible with larger RC aircraft/drones?
While you certainly can use the Bumblebee to control larger RC models, the smaller form factor is optimized for FPV flying. The limited number of switches may make controlling lots of features awkward.
Can I adjust the gimbal sticks on the Jumper Bumblebee?
The factory-installed sticks have threaded bases for easy adjustment and changing. You can replace the springs with the included set to adjust the tension, and swap the stick ends to your preference.