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

I’m at the moment available in the market for a brand new 3-inch FPV drone that’s suitable with DJI O4 or O4 Professional Air Models. I’ve rounded up the favored fashions and evaluate them carefully. I assumed this might be a superb alternative to share my decision-making course of and assist others determine which mannequin would possibly greatest go well with their flying fashion.

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If you happen to’re desirous 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 tips, but small and quiet. Not like 5-inch FPV drones which might be intimidating and loud, and require extra open area, 3-inch quads are compact, extra discreet, and simpler to regulate whereas nonetheless being extremely enjoyable to fly.

They usually weigh underneath 250g together with battery, preserving them regulation-friendly in lots of areas. In addition 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, threat, or problem of bigger drones.

Specs Comparability

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

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

With regards to FCthe precise processor (F4, F7, and many others.) 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 ESCthe next present score is usually higher, however something 30A or increased ought to be sufficient for a 3-inch construct. One other necessary issue is the firmware. Ideally, select open-source firmware reminiscent of AM32 or Bluejay (or BLHeli_S, which might simply be flashed to Bluejay for a efficiency enhance). The rationale open-source firmware is most popular is long-term help — closed-source initiatives might be discontinued with out discover, as we noticed when BLHeli_32 was successfully shut down final 12 months. Whereas present BLHeli_32 ESCs will nonetheless work superb, you gained’t have the ability to replace them anymore. It’s not a deal-breaker, however value preserving in thoughts for future compatibility. Between AM32 (32-bit) and Bluejay (8-bit), there’s at the moment little to no noticeable efficiency distinction, so both will serve you nicely.

The enter voltage (battery cell rely) a drone helps will depend on each the FC/ESC and the motor KV. Some FC/ESC stack would possibly take each 4S and 6S, however the motor KV are normally 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 sufficient for 3-inch quads — it offers loads of punch with out the additional weight, value, and fragility of 6S batteries.

GPS is optionally available for micro drones of this measurement until 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 possibly can at all times add a GPS module later, however when you’re not very technical, having it preinstalled is a handy bonus.

Lastly, arm thickness is an effective indicator of sturdiness and crash resistance. Thicker arms typically imply a more durable body that may deal with extra abuse. Listen not solely to the arm thickness but in addition to how large the arms are formed in product photographs — skinny or slender arms are inclined to snap extra simply on impression.

AstroRC Shuttle V2

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The AstroRC Shuttle V2 is probably the most inexpensive drone on this listing, however its body design raises some sensible considerations. Personally, I’m not a fan of the inverted rear motors. Whereas the look is exclusive, it complicates repairs and configuration — notably for newcomers. It additionally makes takeoffs and landings more difficult, because the inverted motors can simply get caught in grass or particles.

Due to this unconventional body format, 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 stage 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’ll see the place the cash goes. It has an attractive, 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 further 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 opponents. One other limitation is its restricted FPV compatibility — it solely helps analog and DJI O4 techniques, making it one of many least versatile fashions on this listing.

Yet another factor to notice: the digital camera sits fairly far again behind the motors, which suggests 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 when you desire clear, cinematic footage.

Charge S30 Professional

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

The S30 Professional from Charge is likely one of the most inexpensive choices on this comparability. Whereas its specs could not stand out on paper, it affords glorious worth for cash when you’re on a funds.

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

Be aware that the S30 Professional are bought with out an FPV system preinstalled, so that you’ll have to buy and set up your individual digital camera and VTX. Nonetheless, for pilots who prefer to customise their builds or have already got spare gear, this can be a nice entry-level 3-inch choice at a really affordable worth.

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 positively 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 offers it an edge for each freestyle and long-range flying.

In comparison with the opposite high-end choice, the Manta30, I personally desire the Seeker3’s open development. True, you get much less safety from particles or water splashes, however in trade, it’s a lot simpler to entry the electronics, they usually get significantly better airflow for cooling. Most significantly, it’s considerably lighter, which interprets to raised effectivity, flight time, and general 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 unsuitable, the Oasis30 will cruise easily and ship first rate flight instances, however it merely can’t match the ability and agility of opponents 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 when you fly aggressively or apply acro.

If you happen to’re a fan of the Oasis lineup, I’d truthfully suggest sticking with the Oasis25 as a substitute. It’s extra compact, extra responsive, and general flies higher because of 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 most effective 3-inch FPV drone with DJI O4 on this comparability. It affords the right 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, when you’re on a good funds, the Charge S30 Professional can also be an awesome worth choose. It’s the most affordable choice, but nonetheless has first rate specs and stable efficiency. For newcomers or these on the lookout for a easy, inexpensive 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.