Quick Answer
An RC transmitter is the handheld controller you use to fly your drone. For FPV, you want a radio that supports ExpressLRS (ELRS) on 2.4GHz, has Hall effect or magnetic gimbals, and fits your budget and hand size. Popular options start around £50 for pocket radios and go up to £200+ for full-size transmitters with colour screens.
What Does an RC Transmitter Do?
Your RC transmitter sends stick inputs to a receiver on your drone, which passes them to the flight controller. The transmitter and receiver need to speak the same protocol. In FPV, that protocol is almost always ExpressLRS running on 2.4GHz, though some pilots still use FrSky (ACCST/ACCESS), Crossfire (868MHz in the EU), or Multiprotocol modules for compatibility with toy-grade models.
Modern transmitters run open-source firmware like EdgeTX or OpenTX. This gives you full control over channel mixing, switch assignments, model profiles, and telemetry display. EdgeTX is the current standard, found on radios from RadioMaster, Jumper, and BetaFPV.
Key Features to Look For
Protocol support. Make sure the radio supports ELRS out of the box or can accept an external ELRS module. Internal ELRS is simpler and cheaper. The RadioMaster Boxer ships with built-in ELRS and is one of the most popular mid-range choices.
Gimbal type. Hall effect gimbals use magnetic sensors for precise, smooth input with no physical wear. Potentiometer gimbals are cheaper but develop drift over time. For anything beyond casual flying, Hall gimbals are worth the upgrade.
Form factor. Full-size radios (Boxer, TX16S) offer more switches, larger screens, and better ergonomics. Compact radios (RadioMaster Pocket Crush, Zorro) fit in a bag easily and are fine for most pilots. Choose based on hand size and how much travel you do.
Switch count. You need at least two 2-position switches for arm and flight mode. Most pilots want 4-6 switches for modes, buzzer, camera control, and GPS rescue. Full-size radios typically have 6-8 switches, scroll wheels, and potentiometer knobs.
Recommended Radios by Budget
Budget (£50-80): The RadioMaster T8L is the cheapest entry point with native ELRS. It uses potentiometer gimbals and has fewer switches, but it works reliably for learning to fly. A solid first radio if you are unsure whether FPV is for you.
Mid-range (£100-150): The RadioMaster Boxer and TX12 MKII are the sweet spot. Both have Hall gimbals, internal ELRS, colour screens, and enough switches for any flight mode setup. The Boxer is full-size; the TX12 is compact.
Premium (£150-250): The RadioMaster Zorro and TX16S MKII offer larger screens, more switches, and better build quality. These are radios you will not outgrow.
Understanding Internal vs External Modules
Many transmitters have an internal RF module slot. The radio ships with a module installed (usually ELRS 2.4GHz or a Multiprotocol module). You can swap it for a different protocol if needed. Some radios also have an external module bay (JR-type) for long-range modules like Crossfire. If you plan to fly long-range in the EU, you might want a radio with a JR bay so you can add an 868MHz module later. For most freestyle and racing pilots, internal ELRS is all you need.
Check out our full range of RC radios and R/C transmitters to compare models side by side.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a special transmitter for ELRS?
A: You need either a radio with built-in ELRS (like most RadioMaster models) or one with an external module bay where you can install an ELRS module. ELRS runs on 2.4GHz, so any compatible radio will work.
Q: Can I use one transmitter for multiple drones?
A: Yes. EdgeTX supports multiple model profiles, each with its own settings. You bind the same radio to different receivers on different drones and switch between them from the model select menu.
Q: What is the difference between ELRS and Crossfire?
A: ELRS runs on 2.4GHz and is open-source with excellent range and low latency. Crossfire runs on 868MHz (EU) or 915MHz (US) and is a closed TBS product. Both are excellent. See our ELRS vs Crossfire vs Ghost comparison for the full breakdown.
Q: How do I bind my radio to my drone?
A: The binding process varies by protocol. For ELRS, you put the receiver in bind mode (usually by pressing a button or power-cycling three times), then select "Bind" from the radio's ELRS Lua script. Our ELRS binding guide walks you through it step by step.
Q: What radio do most FPV pilots use?
A: The RadioMaster Boxer is currently the most popular FPV radio. It hits the right balance of price, features, and build quality. For more on why ELRS is the standard, see What Is ELRS and Why Is It the Standard for FPV?.