Best FPV Drone Simulator For Beginners And Experts!

Best FPV Drone Simulator for Beginners and Experts!

My love for drones didn’t start yesterday. It’s a passion I have grown with, and before I could get my hands on a drone, I tried and still try as many simulators as possible. In my quest to find the best FPV drone simulator, I settled for Real Flight, Uncrashed, and VelociDrone.

In my experience, RealFlight offers great drone customization options, a wide variety of aircraft, including normal drones, (not just FPV drones), dynamic flying conditions, and wide options of tracks, making it the best choice for pilots who want to refine their skills.

If you’re practicing for freestyle or racing and want to get as much experience of a “real” drone before getting one, Velocidrone is a good option.

However, if you’re just starting out or simply want to have fun, or are tired of a serious simulator and want to have some fun, the best FPV simulator to buy is Uncrashed. When on a budget, go for the FPV Skydive.

Please keep reading to learn more about how I selected the best FPV simulators.

Best Overall

VelociDrone

Best Runner-up

RealFlight Evo

Best for Professionals

Liftoff

Best for Beginners

Uncrashed

Best for Budget

FPV Skydive

A Short Overview of the Best FPV Drone Simulator

Below is a 5-parameter table that helps you decide the best First-Person View simulator for training, improving your FPV drone skills, or having fun.

It can also help you gain confidence as you test different maneuvers and speed up your training process.

Feature	Best Overall	Best Runner-up	Best for Professionals	Best for Beginners	Best for Budget
Product ➡️ Criteria ⬇️	VelociDrone	RealFlight Evo	Liftoff	Uncrashed	FPV Skydive
Realism of Physics	5/5	4/5	5/5	4/5	3/5
Customization Options	5/5	5/5	5/5	5/5	3/5
Controller Compatibility	5/5	4/5	4/5	4/5	4/5
Updates and Support	5/5	5/5	5/5	5/5	4/5
Training Features	5/5	5/5	4/5	4/5	5/5
Graphics	4/5	5/5	5/5	4/5	4/5
Multiplayer Modes	5/5	5/5	4/5	5/5	5/5
Tracks	4/5	4/5	4/5	4/5	3/5

Best Overall: VelociDrone FPV Drone Simulator

Specifications

Processor: 1.7 GHz (minimum), 3.2 GHZ (recommended)
Main Memory: 4 GB (minimum), 8 GB (recommended)
Graphics Card: Intel HD 530 (minimum), Nvidia GTX 1050 ti (recommended)
Linux Requirements: OpenGL – Mint (recommended) or Ubuntu
Disk: 37 when installed, 55 GB during installation
Premium Content: All Premium Content must have a FULL Velocidrone license
OSX Requirements: OpenGL (OSX High Sierra or later) and Metal
Windows Requirements: Shader Model 5, DirectX 11, and Windows 8, 10, 7, or 11 (64-bit)

Photo Credit: velocidrone

Realism of Physics

The VelociDrone is the best simulator in terms of realism in physics; it gives you real-life experience. Besides, it incorporates everything from pop-wash to aerodynamic flutter, making the whole experience exciting and more realistic.

What’s more? VelociDrone features Betaflight, a simulated version, to give you the same stick feel in the game as you would in real life. This makes Velocidrone the best racing simulator for practicing for MultiGP.

Customization Options

The Velocidrone simulator is customizable, giving you room to design maps that mimic real-life scenes using various barriers and gates. Consequently, you can use the maps you design to thoroughly practice for a drone race.

To make it easy to perfect your skills, VelociDrone also allows you to set the pace, allowing you to increase it to improve your skill and race against yourself.

Controller Compatibility

Any controller designed to fly an FPV drone, and has a USB port, will likely work with Velocidrone. I use a Radiomaster Pocket remote controller, a good option for beginners looking for their first controller, and works great. You could also use a regular Xbox or PlayStation controller, but this is not advisable if you want to learn actual FPV flying.

Graphics and Visuals

Though the graphics on the Velocidrone are great, they may not be top compared to some other Sims. They’re great for low-powered setups. However, the ‘True Lens’ option is excellent and makes flying your FPV feel more real by distorting the FPV camera lens.

Multiplayer Modes

VelociDrone offers various multiplayer modes for online racing sessions with friends.

Users can access the system globally and quickly connect to the local geographical server. This is possible because the system runs on professional multiplayer servers around the globe.

If you prefer playing offline, opt for the Nemesis multiplayer race. There are more than 50,000 recorded flights to race against in the Nemesis mode, giving you more than enough for every race.

This mode allows you to race other players’ recorded flights without any racer being online to race each other. In Nemesis mode, you can load the pilot’s recorded race on the leadership board. However, this mode also pits you against the same skill-level pilots so that you can race with them.

If you want to compete against time or yourself, you can do so in the Nemesis mode.

Updates and Support

To have access to your simulator and keep it working accordingly, VelociDrone developers keep updating the game. The most recent VelociDrone update, for example, was in June 2024.

Track Variety

VelociDrone offers several tracks, ensuring you never run out of tracks to fly. These tracks are part of the base license. If you prefer downloading tracks inside the simulator, you can use the online database; it has more than 40,000 tracks.

You can also try building your own track within the simulator.

If you’re looking for a Sim offering diverse scenarios, look no further. VelociDrone features various sceneries, from beaches, open fields, to depots, with the majority being with the basic license.

Moreover, this sim offers indoor and outdoor flying modes. However, the micro premium pack has a freestyle pack and additional specific scenes.

Suppose you’re using the combat premium pack. In that case, you can fly the FPV through low poly stylized surroundings or opt for the freestyle premium content to chase drift cars on the Drift Track.

Regularly updating your FPV drone simulator is important to keep up with new series or improve the older ones.

Training

VelociDrone is great for learning how to operate drones safely because it provides different obstacles that mimic what you might encounter in real world flying.

The Velocidrone YouTube channel also features several tutorials about how to fly on Velocidrone, helping you get the most out of it.

What Online Customers Say:

“I purchased a Velocidrone license a little while ago and I am genuinely enjoying it, and believe it’s more efficient at improving my skills compared to LiftOff.”

– 0Ciju0 from Reddit.

Great physics
Overall playability is excellent
Tracks updated often
Diverse sceneries available
Over 2,000 unique objects
Various multiplayer modes are available

Best Runner-up: RealFlight Evolution Simulator System

Specifications

Intel® Pentium® requirements: 1.0GHz or equivalent (minimum), Dual Core 2.4GHz CPU or more (recommended)
Storage: 15 GB of the available space
DirectX: Version 11
Processor: Intel or AMD processor
RAM: 4 GB RAM (minimum), 8 GB RAM (recommended)
Graphics Card Requirement: Full DirectX 11 compliant (minimum), Discrete graphics – Full DirectX 11 compliant (Recommended).
Windows Requirements: Windows 10 or Windows 11

Photo Credit: realflight

Realism of Physics

RealFlight is one of the sims that can make you feel like you’re flying a real FPV drone. That does not mean it’s perfect, but it is so close to the real thing.

Hence, after spending about 20 hours (sometimes less), you can comfortably fly your drone without any trainer’s assistance.

Whether you use the recommended or minimal system settings, the Physics still runs in full fidelity. I also recommend RealFlight for anyone who would like to eventually transition to RC planes and helicopters since they are also on the simulator.

Customization Options

To make your world real, Real RC Flight has more than 75 varying flying sites. You can easily customize the available sites and aircraft to match your flying needs. What’s more, this sim gives you unlimited flying options.

Controller Compatibility

RealFlight is compatible with an RC-style controller. Spektrum™ InterLink DX™ is specifically designed for RealFlight. Hence, all your controls are pre-configured by default, giving you a better experience.

Alternatively, you can use any 4-axis game controller, such as an advanced flick stick or a gamepad. You can use your RC radio with a Spektrum WS2000 wireless dongle or any other 3rd party wireless interfaces you can get. However, you must set it up first; it shouldn’t be complex.

Graphics

The recommended system requirement for the graphics is discrete graphics—full DirectX 11 compliant. In contrast, the minimum requirement is Full DirectX 11 compliant.

However, you should note that some graphics settings may not work when using the minimum system requirements; they’ll be reduced.

Multiplayer Modes

Numerous multiplayer options allow you to compete with other online pilots, thereby taking your flying skill to a notch higher.

Multimode allows several players to use the same computer while using the same paid copy.

However, Steam doesn’t facilitate multiplayer, but Realflight Evo has multiplayer servers. Hence, you should click on Multiplayer, select the Host, and set up your multiplayer server. Also, set up a password to protect it so other players can connect.

This means that all players are on their own, which is why it’s password-protected and, hence, private. Just remember that pilots can’t use one paid copy of RealFlight Evo; it’s against the software’s EULA.

Updates and Support

RealFlight Evo gives you a wide range of track options. You can choose the indoor option without obstacles or even create your own obstacle courses or airports to upgrade your skills.

Track Variety

RealFlight Evo gives you a wide range of track options. You can choose the indoor option without obstacles or even create your own obstacle courses or airports to upgrade your skills.

Training

If you’re looking for the best sim for training, consider using RealFlight Evo. It has over 300 unique aircraft you can practice or have fun with, including drones, airplanes, helicopters, and more.

Moreover, over 75 customizable flying sites allow you to explore and gain more experience.

Not to mention, RealFlight Evo also gives you the privilege to add in game-like challenges and virtual flight instructor lessons.

Though you might still feel tense when flying your first FPV drone, you’ll feel confident after flying it twice because the practice done using the sim builds your confidence and removes your anxiety.

What Online Customers Say:

“I own real flight evo , aeroflight RC 7 and clear view simulator. Real flight is the best hands down. It’s expensive but it works well. Models feel like they are flying vs the other sims I have feel like it’s on rails.”

– ActuallyNick from Reddit.

It’s a beginner-friendly sim
Offers great user experience when used with the recommended system
There are many aircraft to use
Allows you to add your flying sites or planes
If you dislike it after two weeks of use and have played it for not more than 2 hours, you can get a refund.

Best for Professionals: Liftoff

Specifications

Processor: 2.4 GHz or faster (minimum) or 3.0 GHz or faster (recommended)
File Size: 20 GB
Main Memory: 4 GB RAM (minimum) or 8 GB RAM (recommended)
Graphics Card: AMD Radeon HD 7750/Geforce GTX 960 / – 2GB VRAM or more (minimum) or AMD RX Vega 56/Geforce RTX 2060 – 4GB VRAM or higher (recommended).
CPU: Intel Core i5-1300F
OS Requirements: macOS Sierra (Mac OS system) and Ubuntu 18.04 or newer (Linux system). You may try other Linux distributions, but they haven’t gone through testing yet.
Windows Requirements: Windows 10 or 11

Photo Credit: liftoff

Realism of Physics

Liftoff has great physics, making it easy for pilots to operate their drones in real life without struggle. It’s a great sim for training because it mimics real drone dynamics.

Though it’s hard to master, especially the first few hours, it prepares you extensively for real drone flights. It also gives you the confidence necessary for FPV drones.

This is because when you start using the sim, you’ll crash several times as you learn the do’s and don’ts. In only ten hours of using Lift-Off, you should be able to safely use your FPV drone.

However, Liftoff feels strange when you use a low-performing computer system. Only use a computer with the recommended specifications. Additionally, not using the flight controller settings could make your FPV drone sim feel strange.

If you’re slow inputting data, the response time might slow, making the game feel floaty.

Customization Options

Lift Off gives you several customization options. For example, you can switch between dark mode and light mode. Besides, Lift off sim has great custom maps, which you can access through the steam workshop.

Besides, this game has flight controller settings that allow you to configure it to suit your flying preferences, style, and hardware.

Liftoff has awesome built-in maps. One of them is called Hanover, which creates a freestyle environment for you based on a real-life convention center. There are varying environments, creating diversity while making the game more real.

Controller Compatibility

Liftoff is compatible with most USB joystick radio or game controllers. It also uses several realistic flight controllers. These controllers are backed by virtual recreations of sensors found in modern drones, such as GPS, gyroscope, altitude sensor, accelerometer, and barometer.

Graphics

Liftoff has impressive visuals and is so realistic. Its maps stand out, with trees, forests, motion blur, and light blooms, and look so real that flying an FPV drone in real life becomes easy and stress-free.

The good maps raced online are based on the Sims’ drawing board map.

Multiplayer Modes

LiftOff also supports Multiplayer mode, allowing you to compete with friends and fellow pilots. Ensure that there is an active public room. Start a room and invite other pilots to join. Consequently, there will be no problem with the visibility of active multiplayer sessions.

Updates and Support

Liftoff runs on Steam, making game updates easy. Developers continue to update the game, fix bugs, and improve it.

Track Variety

There are a variety of tracks in Liftoff, including freestyle and racing mode. In the freestyle modes, you also get rewarded with 30XP for 60 seconds. Liftoff has over 2000 tracks and numerous drones to choose from.

Unfortunately, the track editor is somehow limited.

Training

Liftoff is an excellent drone sim for learning how to use FPV drones. However, some say the games feel a bit floaty compared to real life.

This could be true, but everyone experiences the same thing when flying a new quadcopter, and everything changes after several flights.

Hence, don’t hesitate to use Liftoff to learn, improve your flight skills, or simply have fun.

What Online Customers Say:

“Liftoff is great. Wish I would have done it before flying the first time. Just the fact it goes over the different flying modes: Was Acro, Angle, Stability and Acro Trainer. It also feels very real to flying real life drones. You don’t need to play 20 hours or etc before flying, but I’d highly recommended the tutorial. If your radio supports USB joystick you can use it in the game too.”

– Kill3rAce from Reddit.

Best for Beginners: Uncrashed FPV Simulator

Specifications

Storage Required: 30 GB available space
DirectX: Version 11
Processor: Intel Core i5 2.6 Ghz or higher
RAM: 4 GB (minimum), 8 GB (recommended)
Graphics Card Requirement: GTX770 – 2GB video card memory (minimum), 3GB video card memory (recommended)
Windows: 64-bit Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11. Steam users must use Windows 10 and later versions

Photo Credit: store.steampowered

Realism of Physics

The Uncrashed simulator averagely mimics real-life drones. Hence, the physics, compared to most other sims, are not so real. However, you can fine-tune the physics settings, such as the efficiency of the propellers, based on the throttle level, gravity, and air friction.

Customization Options

The Uncrashed simulator system has simple and easy-to-use settings, allowing you to reproduce your FPV drone.

The diverse maps of FPV have been developed by a highly knowledgeable team, giving both trainers and experienced pilots an incredible flying experience. Besides, the community maps and map editor keep the game new, giving you a better experience every time you use the sim.

Whether it’s abandoned places or parks, you’ll love the eye-catching scenes for your FPV drone.

Controller Compatibility

You cannot play Uncrashed sim with a mouse or a keyboard; you need a controller.

This sim is only playable with a USB joystick RC or a game controller, but, as I mentioned earlier, it’s best to use a dedicated FPv controller..

Graphics

The Uncrashed sim has real-life graphics with Nvidia DLSS support. For it to work as intended, the developers recommend a 3 GB video card or a minimum of 2 GB card memory.

Multiplayer Modes

Uncrashed has multiplayer modes, allowing you to play with other users or compete with them as your skill level improves. These modes create a thrilling and captivating adventure, making the training more fun than a learning session.

Updates and Support

Uncrashed sim has seen several updates that help improve it while fixing the bugs. For example, the last update updated and improved the icon for the finishing line and fixed the vehicle crash problem that always transpired in “The Dock” map.

Developers also fixed the issue of players remaining unranked after finishing more than ten races and improved stability during small collisions. The issue of the ground vanishing in the “Horizon” map is now a thing of the past.

The map editor’s neon lights are now optimized for medium/low graphic settings. Developers also added support for QuickRates, Kiss, and Raceflight. This is why you must keep updating your sim to improve it.

Track Variety

The Uncrashed Sim has an incredible environment and a track editor, empowering you to create and customize your tracks (and maps).

For a better experience with the sim, this track editor allows you to easily create and customize your flying environment through an intuitive interface that accommodates entry-level and experienced pilots.

You can also share the tracks (and maps) you create with your community. Likewise, you can download or browse other players’ creations.

helping you personalize the sim while taking your creativity to a higher level.

Training

The diverse tracks and maps in the Uncrashed sim give you a wide range of environments to fly in, making it the best and most realistic sim for beginners and experienced pilots who want to improve their flying skills or just have fun. And if you are not sure where to start, you can check the Uncrashed YouTube channel.

What Online Customers Say:

“Tons of fun. Great practice. Lots of maps to choose from. Works with my ps5 controller, works with goggles ( that have hdmi or av inputs ), graphics are satisfactory. I like the fact that there’s a variety of flight terrain, mountains or village or city or city park etc etc. I’m just in it for ‘free flight’, this one is great for just doing whatever you want but it also has timed courses for race training. I like that I hit one button then I’m ‘uncrashed’, and can get right back to flying. Great simulator.”

– Ultrapro5000 review on Steam website

It highly mimics real-life
Has great maps and tracks
Great option for experienced pilots who want to improve their skills
Often updated, making it better and user-friendly
The scenery has a professional arrangement, and the maps are larger, making it great for beginners.
Great for learners who also want to have fun while flying

Best for Budget: ORQA FPV Skydive

Specifications

Storage Required: 2 GB available space
DirectX: Version 11
Processor: Intel Core i5 (minimum), Intel Core i5 6500 or higher (recommended).
RAM: 8 GB
Graphics Card Requirement: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 (2GB) or higher (minimum), NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or higher (recommended)
Windows: Windows 7, 8, or 10) 64-bit (steam clients must use Windows 10)

Photo Credit: store.steampowered

Realism of Physics

Running on Linux, PC, and Mac, FPV Skydive offers true-to-life drone dynamics with different flying environments, such as construction sites, stadiums, and resources, for a comprehensive hands-on training platform.

Customization Options

Orqa FPV.SkyDive has diverse maps created in a 3D world environment. There are flags and gates to choose from and place on the map grid.

In addition to rotating/moving on the map grid, you can decide the number of laps you want as you assign each map grid its pathways.

What’s more, there are a ton of versatile game modes, such as Flight School, which helps you master the art of flying your FPV in a fun-filled and interactive manner.

The racing mode helps you to develop/improve your maverick racing skills while in a fast-racing FPV adrenaline fest!

At the same time, the Freestyle mode enables you to practice the flicks and tricks in the sandbox environment. The contest helps you quickly take part in worldwide racing with leaderboards.

Controller Compatibility

You need a radio transmitter with USB to play practice on this simulator.

Graphics

Developers recommend using NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 for an incredible flight experience or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 (2GB) (minimum). You can always change the graphics settings to suit a lower device so as not to compromise your flight experience.

Multiplayer Modes

A multiplayer mode allows you to play and compete with other pilots. You can fly as high as you wish without any limitations. Consequently, you can get more flight points as you rank in skill. The ORQA FPV Skydive has a community that is always growing and thriving and currently has 60,000 users.

Updates and Support

The ORQA FPV Skydive developers update this game to keep it running correctly and without bugs, which is meant to give you a better user experience. About two months ago, the most recent update greatly improved the track editor.

You now get a notification if two or more controllers are connected. Also, the subsequent menu under the Titanic is no longer there. Titanic is now part of the regular map selection.

On the other hand, there is a major improvement in the calibration; it now prompts the pilot to assign switches/axes if he hasn’t done that already.

Track Variety

ORQA FPV Skydive has a limit of 30 gates (‘visual’) placed on one track. The sim has a cap of 50 detection gates for the gate waypoints. You get a limit of eight tracks to create on this sim.

When you edit the track, you erase your personal best time. Every entry in the edit mode changes the gate placements and the flying path.

However, you can modify your track more by expanding the height of the gates. The Track Builder, on the other hand, helps you to easily build your dream track.

Training

The sim creates complex scenarios for pilots, making it a great option for those who want to learn the basics of FPV flying and for experienced pilots who want to improve their skills.

There is even a training mode on the SIM that introduces you on how to get the best out of this SIM. Their YouTube channel is also a great resource.

What Online Customers Say:

“Decently good physics and visuals. Control customization was extremely helpful to get the perfect feel of flying some drones. Maps are kind of bland, but do offer some fun areas to maneuver and explore. Its not a terrible game by any means, its definitely fun.”

– Sᴋʀʀᴛɴ from the steam-powered store.

It is a great sim for learning throttle control and the necessary general movements for beginners.
A great choice if you’re on a budget, it’s free.
The freestyle, racing, multiplayer modes, and challenges create a solid foundation for the FPV simulator.
Though it’s a free sim, in-game purchases, which help you to unlock more content, are available.
The iOS/Android version released in March 2022 is usable on smartphones

The Factors to Consider When Buying the Best FPV Drone Simulator

Performance and features: Consider the features and the performance of the sim. For example, consider if it has diverse scenarios and aircraft.

Consider if the physics and graphics are excellent. Check if multiplayer online racing modes, games, track variety, and customization options are available.
Skill level: Some sims are great for beginners, for example, the ORQA FPV Skydive, though it offers less in terms of content, customization, and levels than other sims. Uncrashed is also great for beginners.

If you’re an experienced pilot, Velocidrone and LiftOff are better options because they offer more in terms of content, customization, and levels.
Use: If you want to improve your flying skills or compete with other pilots, look for a simulator with multiplayer online racing and different game modes.

Simulators with great physics sim engines and graphics are great for testing and seeing how a drone responds before trying that in real life.
Cost: Some sims are free, while others require a subscription or purchase. Free sims may not be the best because they have so many limitations, but if you’re just starting and only want to practice, then they might be ideal.

Buying a sim or subscribing is the best option, especially if you’re an experienced pilot or a beginner who wants extensive knowledge of how to fly FPV drones.
Compatibility and system requirements: Some sims require a powerful system with a big storage capacity, while others can work with less powerful hardware.

Using a sim intended for use on a powerful hardware system on a less powerful one could cause it to not operate smoothly or fail. Also, always use the recommended controllers for compatibility.
Controller compatibility: Make sure the SIM you select will work with an FPV controller, because that’s the only way you learn to fly an actual drone. Gaming controllers are fun but are not designed for serious flying.

Since I started flying on Velocidrone, I have adjusted my controller several times, allowing me to ease into flying a real FPV drone. You can’t do that with a gaming controller.

Final Remarks

If you’re starting with FPV, this review highlights great simulators. RealFlight is a pricier, all-in-one option, while Velocidrone and LiftOff offer realistic FPV experiences. Uncrashed is fun for all skill levels, and FPV SkyDive is a solid free intro before committing to a paid option.

Owning multiple simulators can keep things fresh. Just be sure to get a good FPV controller that works with both the simulator and your drone for smoother transitions.

Author

Peter Karanja

Peter is a licensed drone pilot and drone fanatic. He owns a DJI Air 2S that he uses to shoot videos for fun, enjoyment and for clients.