When you get into FPV, you quickly realize flying is only part of the hobby. The software side is just as important. You need tools to configure your flight controller, bind your radio link, update firmware, watch DVR, stabilize footage, edit videos, plan flights, and sometimes even recover a lost quad.
Over the years, I have ended up using a bunch of different apps for FPV. Some are absolutely essential, some are just nice to have, and a few can save you a lot of time and frustration.
In this post, I will go through the most useful apps and software for FPV drone pilots, what they do, and why you might want them.
A List of Apps
What do these programs do
- Betaflight Configurator is what you use to connect your quad to the computer and configure the flight controller. Learn how to setup Betaflight in this guide: https://oscarliang.com/betaflight-firmware-setup/
- ImpulseRC Driver Fixer: the ultimate solution to our flight controller driver issues. To learn more about how to fix driver issues: https://oscarliang.com/fc-driver-issues-flash-firmware/
- ExpressLRS Configurator: Used to flash and configure ExpressLRS receivers and transmitters. Learn more here: https://oscarliang.com/setup-expresslrs-2-4ghz/#Step-2-Install-ExpressLRS-Configurator
- INAV Configurator: Similar to Betaflight Configurator but tailored for iNav firmware, which requires advanced navigation capabilities such as GPS waypoint missions. Learn more here: https://oscarliang.com/fc-firmware/#iNav
- Blackbox Explorer: Used for viewing Betaflight Blackbox logs. Learn more about Betaflight Blackbox here: https://oscarliang.com/blackbox/
- ESC-Configurator: An online tool for configuring and flashing ESCs (BLHeli_S, Bluejay, and AM32). It’s Chrome-based, so no installation is required. Learn how to use it here: https://oscarliang.com/bluejay-blheli-s/
- AM32 Configurator: Similar to ESC-Configurator but designed specifically for ESCs with AM32 firmware. Also Chrome-based with no installation required.
- EdgeTX Companion lets you manage your radio models and settings on the computer instead of doing everything on the radio itself.
- Gyroflow is a video stabilization tool for cameras that has built-in gyro. It’s compatible with popular cameras like DJI O4, O3, Osmo Action, GoPro etc. It’s a must have tool if you are into video editing. See my tutorial on how to use it: https://oscarliang.com/gyroflow/
- DaVinci Resolve is my go-to video editor. It’s free and powerful. See my tutorial on how to get started: https://oscarliang.com/how-to-use-davinci-resolve/
- Speedybee App: Developed by SpeedyBee, the smartphone app allows you to changing Betaflight settings from your phone. You can connect your phone to the FC via 3 methods:
- UAV Forecast: You can check the weather of your location before deciding whether or not it’s a good day for flying before heading out.
- FPV Skydive is an FPV drone simulator for your Android phone. To play, you’ll need a drone radio that can connect to your android phone via OTG USB or Bluetooth. It’s great for practicing on the go. Learn more in my review here: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-skydive-android-ios/
Final Thoughts
FPV is not just about the drone. A big part of the hobby happens on the computer and phone too.
The right software can make FPV more manageable and enjoyable. Some tools help you build and configure your quad, others help you tune it, and others help you get better footage or better flights.
Am I missing any Betaflight apps? Let me know in the comment.
Edit History
- May 2018 – post created
- Mar 2021 – updated, added UAV Forecast and BLHeli32
- Jun 2026 – updated and added a few more apps
