Quick Answer
ELRS and Crossfire are the two FPV control links that matter in 2026. ELRS runs 2.4GHz (standard) or 868/915MHz, hits update rates up to 1000Hz with sub-2ms latency, and costs under £15 per receiver. Crossfire uses 868MHz (EU) or 915MHz (US), maxes out at 150Hz, and excels at penetrating walls and trees. Ghost from ImmersionRC is effectively discontinued after the company shut down. For most pilots, ELRS is the right answer.
ELRS vs Crossfire: What Actually Differs
The search results comparing these two protocols are full of half-truths. Here is what the RF physics actually says, backed by range logs and community testing.
| Specification | ExpressLRS (2.4GHz) | ExpressLRS (900MHz) | TBS Crossfire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency band | 2.4GHz ISM | 868MHz (EU) / 915MHz (US) | 868MHz (EU) / 915MHz (US) |
| Modulation | LoRa / FLRC | LoRa | LoRa |
| Max update rate | 1000Hz | 200Hz | 150Hz (50Hz long-range mode) |
| Typical latency | 2ms avg (500Hz), 1ms (1000Hz) | 5ms avg | 6.7ms avg (150Hz), 20ms (50Hz) |
| Max TX power | Typically 1W (FCC), 250mW (CE/EU) | 1W (FCC), 25mW ERP (EU CE) | 1W dynamic (FCC), 25mW ERP (EU CE) |
| Receiver price | From ~£15 | From ~£15 | From ~£30 |
| Firmware | Open-source, community-driven | Open-source, community-driven | Closed-source (TBS) |
| Penetration through obstacles | Lower (2.4GHz reflects off solid objects) | Excellent (lower frequency passes through) | Excellent (same physics) |
The critical insight most comparisons miss: a 100mW ELRS 2.4GHz link at 500Hz matches a 500mW Crossfire link at 150Hz for reliable open-air range. ELRS achieves more range per milliwatt because LoRa link budget scales with spreading factor, not raw power. The trade-off is that 2.4GHz bounces off walls and dense foliage where 900MHz punches through.
ExpressLRS: The Default Choice
ELRS won the FPV control link war. Version 4.0 arrived in February 2026 with smarter dynamic power, automatic antenna mode switching, and a customisable arming switch. The open-source community ships regular updates, and receiver hardware is inexpensive and widely available.
The iFlight ELRS Nano Receiver at 0.6g is the go-to for whoops and toothpicks where every fraction of a gram counts. For long-range builds where you need penetration, ELRS is also available in 868/915MHz variants that match Crossfire's range at a fraction of the power.
For a deeper dive, see our complete ELRS explainer or our ELRS receiver selection guide covering every build type.
TBS Crossfire: Still Relevant for Penetration
Crossfire remains relevant in 2026 for one specific reason: 900MHz penetrates obstacles better than 2.4GHz. If you fly through abandoned buildings, dense forests, or behind tree lines where 2.4GHz ELRS drops out, Crossfire holds the link. It is a mature, stable system with proven reliability over thousands of long-range flights.
The downside is that 150Hz max update rate feels noticeably softer than ELRS at 500Hz or 1000Hz. For racing and aggressive freestyle, that difference is perceptible. Crossfire's dynamic power also reacts in 1 to 2 seconds, compared to ELRS sub-100ms response time. In a proximity dive behind a building, ELRS ramps power before Crossfire finishes thinking about it.
The TBS Crossfire Nano RX remains the standard receiver for pilots who prioritise penetration over latency. Browse all options in our radio controllers and receivers collection.
Ghost: Effectively Discontinued
ImmersionRC, the company behind Ghost, has shut down. The protocol still works if you have the hardware, but there are no firmware updates, no new products, and no support. Ghost offered competitive latency on 2.4GHz but never achieved ELRS's market adoption. We do not recommend buying Ghost hardware in 2026.
Which Should You Choose?
For 95% of pilots: ELRS 2.4GHz. Lower latency, cheaper receivers, open-source firmware, and every modern transmitter from RadioMaster, Jumper, and BetaFPV ships with it built in. See our guides on ELRS telemetry setup and why ELRS became the standard.
For penetration flying (buildings, dense forest): Crossfire or ELRS 900MHz. Both use 900MHz LoRa. Crossfire is more mature; ELRS 900MHz is cheaper and open-source. If you already have a Crossfire module, keep using it.
For racing: ELRS 2.4GHz at 500Hz or 1000Hz. The sub-2ms latency is transformative. No other protocol matches it.
FAQ
Q: Can I use an ELRS receiver with a Crossfire transmitter?
A: No. ELRS and Crossfire are different protocols and are not interoperable. You need a matching receiver for your transmitter's protocol. Some older transmitters accept external modules, letting you swap between ELRS and Crossfire on the same radio.
Q: Which protocol has the longest range?
A: At equivalent power, ELRS 900MHz and Crossfire (both 900MHz LoRa) achieve similar range. ELRS 2.4GHz matches them at a fraction of the power thanks to efficient spreading factors. The practical limiting factor is usually antenna quality, not the protocol itself.
Q: Is 868MHz legal for FPV control in the UK?
A: Yes, 868MHz is an ISM band available in the UK. Crossfire and ELRS 900MHz both operate here. CE mode limits output to 25mW ERP with duty cycle restrictions. Pilots with an amateur radio licence can operate at higher power on relevant bands.
Q: Is Ghost still worth buying?
A: No. ImmersionRC has shut down. There are no firmware updates or new products. ELRS offers better performance at lower cost with active development.
Q: Do I need different receivers for indoor and outdoor flying?
A: The same ELRS 2.4GHz receiver works for both. Indoor flying rarely stresses the control link because you are close. For outdoor long-range, lower your packet rate (250Hz or 150Hz) to extend range, or switch to an ELRS 900MHz receiver if penetration matters.