Quick Answer
The Holybro Micro M10 is the lightest and most affordable option for basic GPS positioning and return-to-home, with 2.0m accuracy. The M9N offers slightly better accuracy at 1.5m CEP and is the go-to choice for Pixhawk-compatible builds. The H-RTK F9P delivers centimetre-level precision using RTK corrections, designed for mapping, surveying, and any application where standard GPS simply is not accurate enough.
What These Modules Have in Common
All three modules use u-blox receivers and can track the four major GNSS constellations simultaneously: GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou. They share the same IST8310 compass, use a 4.7-5.2V input voltage, communicate via UBX and NMEA protocols, and work with ArduPilot and PX4. The M10 and M9N use identical JST-GH 6-pin connectors and share the same physical dimensions. For a broader overview of GPS modules in drone builds, see our GPS modules guide.
Micro M10: Lightweight and Capable
The Holybro Micro M10 uses the u-blox M10 receiver, which is u-blox's tenth-generation GNSS chip. It tracks up to four constellations at 10 Hz update rate and achieves 2.0m CEP accuracy. The board weighs just 14g without its case and measures a compact 32x26x9mm, making it a good fit for smaller frames where weight matters.
ArduPilot 4.3, PX4 1.14, iNav 5.0, and Betaflight 4.3 or newer are required for M10 support. The 25x25mm ceramic patch antenna has 22dB LNA gain, giving it solid reception even in challenging environments. If your needs are straightforward, position hold and return-to-home, this module does the job without unnecessary cost or weight.
M9N: The Pixhawk Standard
The Holybro M9N uses the u-blox M9N receiver, a well-established chip in the Pixhawk ecosystem. It offers slightly better accuracy at 1.5m CEP compared to the M10, and can run at up to 25 Hz with four concurrent constellations. Physically it is identical to the M10, sharing the same 32x26x9mm footprint and 14g weight.
The M9N has broader firmware support across older ArduPilot and PX4 versions, which matters if you are running legacy builds or maintaining an existing fleet. For new builds, either the M9N or M10 will work, but the M9N remains the safer choice for established Pixhawk setups. For more on the Pixhawk platform, read our Pixhawk explainer.
H-RTK F9P: Centimetre Precision
The Holybro H-RTK F9P Rover Lite and the H-RTK F9P Rover are in a different category altogether. They use the u-blox F9P multi-band receiver, which supports L1 and L2 frequencies for centimetre-level RTK positioning. This is not standard GPS; it requires a base station or NTRIP correction source to achieve its full accuracy, typically 1-2cm horizontally and 2-3cm vertically.
The Rover Lite is a single-GNSS unit that connects via a serial UART. The Rover adds a second GPS module for dual-GNSS heading, which improves heading accuracy for fixed-wing mapping platforms. Both are aimed at surveying, photogrammetry, precision agriculture, and infrastructure inspection. They pair well with telemetry radios like the Holybro Microhard kit for receiving RTK corrections in the field.
Comparison Table
| Specification | Micro M10 | M9N | H-RTK F9P |
|---|---|---|---|
| GNSS Receiver | u-blox M10 | u-blox M9N | u-blox F9P |
| Frequency | L1 only | L1 only | L1 + L2 multi-band |
| Accuracy | 2.0m CEP | 1.5m CEP | 1-2cm RTK fixed |
| Max Update Rate | 10 Hz with 4 GNSS | 25 Hz with 4 GNSS | Up to 25 Hz |
| Constellations | GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS | GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS | GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou |
| Compass | IST8310 | IST8310 | IST8310 |
| Weight no case | 14g | 14g | Varies by model |
| Connector | JST-GH 6-pin | JST-GH 6-pin | Varies by model |
| RTK Required | No | No | Yes - base station or NTRIP |
| Best For | Basic GPS, return-to-home | Pixhawk builds, general use | Surveying, mapping, precision work |
Which Module Should You Buy?
For most FPV and autonomous drone builds, the Micro M10 or M9N will cover your needs. Choose the M10 for the smallest and lightest option on a new build, or the M9N if you want proven Pixhawk compatibility and marginally better accuracy. Browse the GPS and RTK collection for all options.
If your work demands centimetre accuracy, whether for mapping, surveying, or precision agriculture, step up to the H-RTK F9P Rover Lite. Just remember that RTK requires a base station or correction service to reach its rated precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the M10 with Betaflight?
Yes, Betaflight 4.3.0 and newer support the u-blox M10 chip. Make sure your firmware is up to date before connecting.
Does the F9P work without a base station?
Without RTK corrections, the F9P falls back to standard GPS accuracy, roughly 1.5-2.5m. You need either a physical base station nearby or an NTRIP service to get centimetre-level positioning.