Autel EVO 2 Pro vs. DJI FPV (Here’s What I Like)

Hello, and thank you for checking out this comparison between the DJI FPV and Autel EVO 2 Pro drones.

If you want an analogy, we’re about to compare romance with action movies. Two different drones from opposite flight categories, rival companies, designed for dissimilar types of pilots.

We can definitely say that these drones are perfect for what they’re supposed to do. And no, I’m not kidding.

So, here we are about to dive into a very in-depth and meticulous comparison between the EVO 2 Pro and DJI FPV based on experience, knowledge, and a lot of testing by using these drones.

Brief Overview #

Autel EVO 2 Pro #

Taking a step back from DJI, here we have the Autel EVO 2 Pro, one of the most professional consumer Autel drones that challenges the uncontestable DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone.

Made for professionals and commercial drone pilots, this drone could be the jumpstart you need straight to one of the best actual drones as a beginner.

Here’s what this drone has to offer:

• A large 1-inch CMOS capable of filming in 6k at 30fps and providing excellent night photography, as well due to the moonlight algorithm 2.0
• An excellent 40-minute flight time despite its heavy weight
• Incredible wind resistance capabilities
• Expect the Autel EVO 2 Pro to come in a rich-bundle package with a smart controller, a screen, and a bag full of accessories for the drone.
• This drone is excellent at flying long-range and one of the few drones capable of flying at very high altitudes (over 7,000 meters)

» MORE: Autel EVO 2 Pro vs. DJI Air 3 (Which One Is Better?)

DJI FPV #

On the other side of the drone universe, we have the DJI FPV, an FPV drone created by DJI. It is the first of its kind with some unique features unseen in FPV before.

I love this drone and FPV in general, so I’ll tell you straight away – this drone is not a toy and definitely not for beginners – you can reach incredible speeds with it; it’s incredibly agile and is very hard to control, especially when flying in manual mode.

But once you get the hang out of it, you’ll be surprised how good it can be.

So, what does DJI FPV have to offer?

• An unparalleled experience flying a drone and seeing everything through a pair of VR goggles in real-time with low latency at high resolution and FPS. It simply gives you chills.
• The ability to fly like a standard drone (in normal and sport mode) and like a full FPV drone (in manual mode), for one of the most diversified experiences you can find in any drone.
• It’s an excellent approach if you’re looking to create unique cinematic content (FPV) that simply cannot be compared with what a standard drone can film. DJI FPV is also capable of carrying a full-size GoPro.
• It’s one of the easiest ways to get into flying FPV drones and step up from regular drone flights with a simple setup process.

» MORE: DJI Avata vs. DJI FPV (Here’s My Choice)

Quick Verdict #

Here at Droneblog, we test and fly all types of drones and have nearly all the big brands. So here’s our opinion based on experience, knowledge, and a practical approach.

• **The Autel EVO 2 Pro is the drone to look into, without a doubt, either as a beginner, intermediate, or even expert; it’s many times better than the DJI FPV in terms of functions. It is excellent for photography and filming and has a superb dynamic range, omnidirectional sensors, accessories, and many intelligent features. **
• DJI FPV lacks all of those features, but it will also cost a third of the price and could be the solution for some of you looking to get into FPV without dealing with the complexity behind custom FPV drones.

Once more, I do have to mention that the DJI FPV has a steep learning curve if you’re looking to fly in manual (acro) mode and take advantage of the drone’s capabilities; you will have to train and practice for at least a few hours if not a dozen in FPV simulators to be able to fly it.

» MORE: Is Autel Evo 2 Waterproof (& Can You Fly It in the Rain)?

What are the main differences? #

Everything is different about these drones. They’re not like each other, and as much as I’m trying to find similarities, I simply can’t. 

So, it’s an easy task to highlight the core differences between these drones.

• Flight Style: DJI FPV is an FPV drone, while the Autel EVO 2 Pro is a standard drone. Although the DJI FPV can fly in normal mode like a regular drone, by far, it falls behind in this experience. The EVO 2 Pro cannot offer you the immersive FPV experience, nor does it support any FPV goggles.
• Photography and Filming: You cannot photograph with the DJI FPV (just snapshots), and the filming capabilities fall behind due to its small 1/2.3-inch sensor. You either attach a GoPro to it or look towards the EVO 2 Pro, which proved excellent in both scenarios. 
• Flight Experience: The DJI FPV offers you an immersive experience with high adrenaline while flying at extreme speeds (even 80+ miles per hour), close to the ground and inches from an absolute disaster, while you’re in full control of the drone and not a computer. The DJI FPV drone can also freestyle and race, while the EVO 2 Pro is not capable of that.  
• Features: As we mentioned, the EVO 2 Pro offers you a great range of intelligent features and modes, from follow-me to anti-collision sensors and waypoints, while the DJI FPV has nearly none.
• 3-axis gimbal vs 1-axis: There’s no surprise that the EVO 2 Pro hosts its camera on a 3-axis gimbal for smooth video footage, while the DJI FPV has only a single-axis gimbal for camera angle tilt. The DJI FPV will mostly rely on RockSteady stabilization. 

So, what about sharing some in-depth information and comparing these drones as we know them?

» MORE: Autel EVO Lite Plus vs DJI FPV (Here’s My Favorite)

Autel EVO 2 Pro #

When I first had this drone in my hand, it was “What is this”? If you can see how big and heavy it is – it’s heavier than the Mavic 3 Pro, Air 3, and basically any other consumer drone.

But the weight pales when you consider how well this drone flies and what else it offers.

Some of us at Droneblog use the EVO 2 Pro commercially, which works fantastically. It’s a good drone, so it should not be overlooked.

But the price is a bit spicy. However, Autel often brings this drone to a lower price, so you may be lucky to get it cheaper. 

Currently, the only drone I think may be better in photography, filming, and maybe some other features than the EVO 2 Pro is the Mavic 3 Pro from DJI.

But we’re here looking for what the EVO 2 Pro can offer and how this drone differentiates from the DJI FPV. 

» MORE: Autel EVO II Pro vs. DJI Mavic 3 (Here’s My Choice)

It’s much better than the DJI FPV. That’s for sure, even if they come from different worlds.

What I love the most about this drone is the Moonlight Algorithm that works excellently with the 1-inch CMOS – so if you’re into night photography or filming (or low light), then this drone is king above all others – it even challenges the Mavic 3 Pro.

In comparison with the Mavic 3 Pro, that drone has some de-noising software, but I feel that night photographs are a bit soft as compared to the EVO 2 Pro.

Does DJI FPV even film at night? No, not really. The video will be grainy, so it’s a massive win for the EVO 2 Pro.

DJI FPV #

I love flying FPV drones, and DJI FPV is one of them. I like the adrenaline and fun behind it.

I don’t always fly to film or photograph; nowadays, I fly for pleasure most of the time. I can’t think of another drone (maybe Avata or a custom FPV drone) I would enjoy being in the air with more.

But that’s just me, and that’s why I’m trying to remain as neutral as possible and not being influenced by my obsession with flying FPV drones. 

So, as compared to any custom FPV drone, the DJI FPV offers you a high resolution 810p transmission in the goggles at 100fps and with a latency down to 28ms, depending on your chosen transmission mode.

Some people report motion sickness. Sometimes, my brain needs a reminder that I’m flying an FPV drone and watching in VR mode, in reality, and I’m not up there myself.

Flying FPV is fun and, indeed, it can never be explained on paper or written in an article the enjoyment of it. But it will apply only to a small niche of drone pilots.

» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Pro vs. DJI FPV (All You Need to Know)

Some drone pilots are getting into FPV with either the DJI FPV or Avata because of its simplicity and ready-to-fly kit, while others are staying away from FPV. 

Going with DJI FPV is more like a personal choice and depends on your desire to be in the drone hobby.

As much as I love the DJI FPV, for a very beginner looking to get into FPV, I would recommend Avata instead because it’s slower to fly, safer because of the duct guards, more resistant to crashes, and shares a few more features than the DJI FPV. 

But if you’re looking for that adrenaline boost and challenge, we’re here to help you.

Head-to-Head Comparison #

Camera System #

Winner: Autel EVO 2 Pro

There is no doubt that the EVO 2 Pro wins by far and is light years ahead of the DJI FPV in terms of camera quality and capabilities.

Whilst this drone can photograph at 20mp resolution, it can film in 6k at 30fps, which is a major boost in video res compared to most consumer drones.

The 1-inch large CMOS will allow the EVO 2 Pro to be one of the king drones to photograph and film at night and in low light.

That’s because Autel Robotics also developed a piece of highly sophisticated de-noising software called Moonlight Algorithm 2.0 that will drastically improve low-light or night images to yet another level.

But one thing we should remember before kicking the DJI FPV off the shelf is that this drone, as with most FPV drones, cameras are (and should) mainly be used for live transmission and not to film professionally.

The DJI FPV’s ability to carry a GoPro or other action cameras will bring it close to the EVO 2 Pro in terms of video performance, as this would be the way to go if you’re looking for professional cinematic FPV videos at the highest quality below that of cine-lifter capability.

But by all means, this point still goes to the EVO 2 Pro, even if we have to directly compare its CMOS with the latest GoPro attached to the DJI FPV.

» MORE: Camera Technology in Drones (Explained)

Performance #

**Winner: **Autel EVO 2 Pro

Normally, an FPV drone, and in this case, the DJI FPV, should be ahead of any standard GPS drone in terms of performance because you will not rely on a computer to stabilize the drone, fly it straight in a line, smart features, or wind resistance.

The drone performance is often directly proportional to the pilot’s ability to fly an FPV drone. So, if you’re good at flying FPV, you can do wonders with the DJI FPV and get the best smooth and unique video footage you can acquire.

However, the EVO 2 Pro is an evolved drone as of today’s drone capabilities and flies exceptionally well with high wind stability and crisp transmission view. It’s less noisy than the DJI FPV, and it’s simply flawless. You should see it in action, though.

» MORE: Autel vs. DJI – Which Drones Are Better?

Smart Features #

**Winner: **Autel EVO 2 Pro

As we mentioned, the DJI FPV lacks smart or intelligent features but has a few that will differentiate it from other custom FPV drones, so I’m happy!

• The Auto Return-to-Home: A custom GPS module with an accurate return-to-home feature in an FPV drone is rare. DJI always excels with its RTH capabilities, so this drone stands out if you’re looking to fly long-range and you lose signal. So, it always comes back just fine. At least it did for me.
• Emergency Brake: It’s a unique feature found only in DJI FPV and Avata, where if you press a button, the drone comes immediately to a stop, even in manual mode, hovers, and switches to normal mode. It’s excellent if you feel you’ve lost control of the drone and want to avoid crashing it.
• Frontal obstacle avoidance sensors: It’s the first FPV drone and the only one in the world featuring obstacle avoidance sensors, even if these are only frontal. But they will only work when flying in normal mode.
• The ability to switch from Sport to Normal and Manual Mode: That’s yet another unique feature rarely found in FPV drones where you have all three flight modes and can switch between them at will. I guess it’s an intelligent feature, though.

But taking a step further from what kind of smart features the DJI FPV can offer, we have the unbeatable EVO 2 Pro.

• Dynamic Track with follow-me mode: This drone has a follow-me mode and all the intelligent functions behind Dynamic Track (similar to Active Track on DJI drones) that can automate this drone to capture the best video footage you can get in such a drone.
• Moonlight Algorithm 2.0: As we already mentioned, this special de-noising software was developed for EVO 2 Pro to excel in any kind of low-light or night photography or videos
• Omnidirectional anti-collision sensors: Expect the EVO 2 Pro to be covered from any angle in case you’re about to collide with an object, as these sensors can offer total coverage only in high-end drones.

» MORE: Smart Features in Drones (Explained for Beginners)

Flight Time #

**Winner: **Autel EVO 2 Pro

The Autel EVO 2 Pro can fly for up to 40 minutes with its large 3S LiPo 7100mAh battery. 

In comparison, the DJI FPV can fly half of that time, for only about 20 minutes, with the Lipo 6S 2000mAh battery. So, 6S with the DJI FPV. We do need the high voltage to reach those speeds.

In reality, expect the EVO 2 Pro to fly for about 33-35 minutes for a safe landing. With the DJI FPV, I often pull out only 12-13 minutes of flight time in manual mode.

But let’s not forget that when flying in manual mode, you can reach 60mph in less than two seconds, and the drone can fly even faster than 87 miles per hour, so we have a major battery drain in high-speed flights.

What I want to share with you is that although 12-13 minutes of flight time with the DJI FPV looks extremely little, we should keep in mind that an FPV drone can usually fly for 3 to 7 minutes and rarely more.

So this is a big win for the DJI FPV, but if you’re looking to remain longer in the air, surely the EVO 2 Pro wins hands down.

» MORE: Drone Batteries (In-Depth Information)

Long Range Flights #

Winner: Autel EVO 2 Pro

The DJI FPV was built with superb aerodynamics (“potato” shaped) and long-range capability to capture the most unusual type of FPV flight. And it wins against many other drones. But not the EVO 2 Pro.

If we’re looking to compare these two drones’ transmission distance, here we have it:

• DJI FPV: 6.2 miles in FCC (USA) and 3.7 miles in CE, SRRC, and MIC (Europe, China and Japan)
• EVO 2 Pro: 9.3 miles in the USA and 5 miles in Europe.

The EVO 2 Pro boosts a unique SkyLink 2.0 transmission technology that makes all these long-range flights capable. But this transmission system found in EVO 2 Pro is unusual as it’s infrequent to see a triple-band frequency transmission (900mhz, 2.4ghz, and 5.8ghz), which is excellent for combat interferences.

But that’s not all. Across all consumer drones, the EVO 2 Pro transmits a live view image back to its smart controller with a resolution of QHD. There’s no higher resolution and more details you can find as a live transmission in any consumer drone.

I remember when I “attempted” to fly my DJI FPV long-range in Europe. I could barely get past 2 miles and a bit before the transmission quality was drastically affected (I started to lose signal), even if I was in the mountains and with little to no interference around.

In summary, the EVO 2 Pro can do way better than the DJI FPV in terms of long-range capabilities.

• Long Range Drones: Ultimate Guide
• DJI Transmission System (Everything You Need to Know)

Compatibility and Accessories #

**Winner: **DJI FPV

The Autel EVO 2 Pro is compatible with the Autel Smart Controller, as we mentioned above.

But it also comes in a bundle-rich pack with many accessories, from extra batteries to ND filters and a carrying case, with the ability to purchase a lighting kit for safe night flights and a car charger. Or a new gimbal cover.

Those are the main accessories you’re able to find or get with the EVO 2 Pro. 

But if we’re looking at the DJI FPV drone, it has many more accessories manufactured for this drone and is compatible with many more devices.

The DJI FPV drone is compatible with:

• Remote Controller: DJI FPV Remote Controller 2
• Motion Controller: DJI Motion Controller, DJI RC Motion 2
• Goggles: DJI FPV Goggles V2, DJI Goggles 2, DJI Integra.

From the start, we have to give the point to the DJI FPV as it’s widely compatible with more devices, and in terms of accessories, it has too many of them to mention, both officially released by DJI or 3rd party ones.

Buying the DJI FPV drone in a kit should come with the DJI FPV Remote Controller 2 and the DJI FPV Goggles V2.

Furthermore, if you’re looking to acquire a DJI Avata as well, you only have to get the drone, as the controller and goggles are fully compatible with Avata.

That’s a big bonus.

» MORE: DJI Goggles 2 vs DJI FPV Goggles V2 (Explained)

Flight Experience #

**Winner: **DJI FPV

I know I’m the person I often brag around: “FPV is so cool; it gives you an immersive experience.”

And even trying to stay neutral and give winning points based on facts, the fact is that the DJI FPV still wins in terms of flight experience.

As we said, it’s difficult to explain what you see through the goggles when you fly an FPV drone (DJI FPV in this case). It’s a unique experience that simply cannot be compared.

While the EVO 2 Pro flies like a regular drone, and you control the altitude, direction, and where the drone goes, the DJI FPV is another story.

After long simulator practice and training, you could fly this drone at extreme speeds, 70+ miles per hour, a few feet above the ground while your heart is pounding, and the adrenaline is similar to engaging in an extreme sport. 

Of course, a simple mistake can impact the DJI FPV – you’ll collect pieces within a quarter-mile radius. That’s the risk of it, and that’s the risk of flying FPV drones at high speed.

And yes, the DJI FPV drone can also freestyle and even race. However, I don’t recommend it because when you freestyle (or race) with a drone, crashes are expected to happen often, and this drone doesn’t have any crash resistance at all.

» MORE: Is DJI Avata an FPV Drone? (Explained for Beginners)

Conclusion #

I love both drones. I have tested and used both of them extensively, but the DJI FPV is my favorite because I love FPV drones. However, that’s my personal choice, and based on facts and capabilities, here is my logical answer.

For you and almost anyone, I would strongly recommend going with the Autel EVO 2 Pro if you can afford it. It’s simply a top-of-the-line drone that flies excellently and is made for professionals and hobbyists alike.

The DJI FPV drone should only be considered if you want to get into FPV, you’re looking to capture unique FPV videos, but you’re willing to learn how to fly acro and attach a GoPro for better camera quality, and you’ve taken into consideration all the risks.

However, I would never recommend DJI FPV to a beginner. It’s simply too complex and dangerous of a drone to fly.

» MORE: DJI Mini 4 Pro vs. Mini 2 (Here’s My Choice)