Quick Answer
The RadioMaster TX15 is the first compact FPV radio with an STM32 H7 processor and a colour touchscreen. It comes in two versions: the standard TX15 with V5.0 hall gimbals at around £125, and the TX15 MAX with AG02 CNC gimbals at around £195. Both share the same H7 brain, 3.5-inch IPS display, built-in ExpressLRS (2.4GHz or 900MHz), and weigh under 700g without batteries. For most FPV pilots, the standard model is the one to buy.
Same H7 Brain, Smaller Package
When RadioMaster announced the TX16S MK3 with its STM32 H7 chip, we were impressed — but at around £270, it's a serious investment. The TX15 ships with that same H7 processor in a body that's 178×168×81mm and 605g without batteries. That's roughly 260g lighter than the TX16S MK3 MAX with the same gimbals. If you've ever lugged a TX16S across a field for an afternoon of flying, you know that matters.
The H7 chip isn't marketing fluff. It means instant model switching, zero-lag LUA scripts, and a touchscreen UI that actually responds. We've been running EdgeTX 3.0 on our bench units and the interface is night-and-day compared to the monochrome LCD on older radios like the Zorro or TX12 MKII.
Standard vs MAX: Which TX15?
This is the question we get most from customers. The difference comes down to gimbals and finish.
| Spec | TX15 Standard | TX15 MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | STM32 H7 | STM32 H7 |
| Gimbals | V5.0 Hall sensor | AG02 CNC Aluminium |
| Weight (no battery) | 605g | 672g |
| Display | 3.5" IPS touchscreen, 600 nits | 3.5" IPS touchscreen, 600 nits |
| Internal RF | ELRS 2.4GHz or 900MHz | ELRS 2.4GHz or 900MHz |
| RGB Gimbal Lights | No | Yes (LUA-controlled) |
| Colours | 6 (Grey, Blue, Mint, White, Yellow, Pink) | 3 (Red, Black, Gold) |
| Onboard Flash | 4GB | 4GB |
| Module Bay | JR-compatible | JR-compatible |
| Price (our store) | ~£125 | ~£195 |
The TX15 Standard uses V5.0 hall sensor gimbals — the same workhorse gimbals fitted to thousands of Boxer and Pocket radios. They're reliable and precise. The TX15 MAX upgrades to AG02 CNC aluminium gimbals, which are objectively smoother thanks to quad bearings and precision machining. Whether that smoothness is worth £70 depends on how seriously you take your stick feel.
Our take: if this is your first proper radio, the standard TX15 is the smart buy. The V5.0 gimbals are more than good enough, and you can always upgrade to AG02 later. If you're coming from a Boxer Crush or TX16S and want a noticeable step up in gimbal quality, go MAX.
Built-In ELRS: Both Bands, One Radio
Both TX15 variants use the LR1121 Semtech transceiver, which supports 2.4GHz and 900MHz ExpressLRS. You pick the band in software — no module swapping. For UK pilots, 2.4GHz ELRS is the default choice for FPV. The 900MHz option is handy for long-range work where you need penetration through trees and terrain.
This is the same ELRS integration we wrote about in our ELRS explainer — the TX15 just builds it in rather than requiring an external module. Pair it with a quality receiver like the RP4TD true diversity and you've got a link that'll outfly your video signal.
What the TX15 Doesn't Have
The TX15 has fewer physical switches than the TX16S. For pure FPV flying — arm, mode, buzzer, OSD — that's fine. You get four shoulder switches plus two wheels. But if you fly RC planes with flaps, gear, lights, and mixed throttle curves, the TX16S MK3 with its six switches and three sliders is still the better tool.
The TX15 also requires EdgeTX 3.0.0 or later. Some menus have moved from 2.x, but it's a five-minute learning curve.
Battery and Charging
The TX15 runs on two 18650 cells (not included), a 2S LiPo, or a 21700 5000mAh pack. We'd grab a pair of RadioMaster 3200mAh 18650s — they give 15+ hours of runtime and the smart balance circuit handles charging via USB-C. No external charger required.
Our Verdict
The TX15 fills a gap we didn't know needed filling: a compact, lightweight radio with a flagship processor and a colour touchscreen, at a price that doesn't require selling your old radio first. If you're choosing between the Boxer and TX16S and can't decide, the TX15 Standard is the answer. It's the radio we'd hand to most pilots walking into our shop asking "what should I buy?"
You can browse our full range of R/C transmitters and radio controllers to compare all options.
FAQ
Is the TX15 better than the TX16S for FPV?
For FPV drones, yes. The TX16S has more switches and a bigger screen, but most FPV pilots use four channels. The TX15 is lighter, has the same H7 processor, and costs less. If you fly RC planes with complex mixes, the TX16S is still the pick.
Can I use 900MHz ELRS on the TX15 in the UK?
Yes. 900MHz (sub-GHz) ELRS is legal in the UK under Ofcom regulations. The TX15 supports both 2.4GHz and 900MHz natively via the LR1121 transceiver. You switch bands in EdgeTX.
Does the TX15 come with batteries?
No. Batteries are not included. The TX15 accepts two 18650 cells, a 2S LiPo, or a single 21700 5000mAh cell. We recommend 3200mAh 18650s for the best balance of weight and runtime.