These goggles let me see what my drones see (and they won't break the bank)

I’ve been flying drones for a couple of decades, and for most of that time, I’ve been looking at a screen. But with the advent of FPV drones, goggles have become a way to put yourself directly into the pilot’s seat.

These goggles have evolved in recent years, becoming smaller and lighter, offering better clarity and longer battery life, while at the same time becoming cheaper. 

Also: I tested DJI’s smallest and lightest drone, and it captured things I had never seen before

DJI has new goggles – the DJI Goggles N3 – that feature an ultra-wide screen, expanded field of view, and a defogging fan at an entry-level price point. 

DJI Goggles N3 tech specs

• Full 1080p screen
• 54-degree field of view (FOV) 
• Built-in defogger
• O4 digital video transmission system
• Up to 13 km transmission range
• 2.7-hour battery life 

The Goggles N3 are designed and built for the new Neo and Avata 2 drones and are perfect for immersing yourself in aerial action. Being used to looking at a screen, it always takes me a while to get accustomed to having a screen attached to my face, but after that acclimatization process, I’m zooming around like a flying ace.

I found the earlier goggles heavy on my face and hot to wear, but neither is a problem with the N3, as they are lightweight and feature a built-in defogging fan for when things get a bit steamed up. I liked the fan because it offered some relief when my eyes started sweating.

The optical quality is good — far better and more immersive than looking at a screen. I’m not going to pretend that things don’t sometimes get disorienting, but the more you use the goggles, the easier and better it gets. 

Also: The best drones you can buy: Expert tested

Pilots with the DJI RC Motion 3 controller can use the augmented reality (AR) cursor to activate functions and adjust camera settings from the goggles’ screen before the aircraft is in the air or while it’s hovering.

Battery life is a little under three hours, which is fine considering that if you have a drone with three batteries – the number you get in the Fly More Combo pack – you’ll be lucky to get an hour and a half. Anyone who’s been drone flying for any length of time knows that when you’re not flying, you’re charging your stuff.

The goggles are also some of the most comfortable I’ve used. The fit is good and the padding around the face is nice. I had no problems wearing these for hours on end, and didn’t end up with comedic marks around my eyes.

ZDNET’s buying advice

Goggles deliver a transformative experience. When you’re in the pilot’s seat, it’s not just about the thrill and heart-pounding excitement; it also allows you to capture angles and shots that you might miss when staring at a screen.

Do you need goggles? Absolutely not! But I must admit, they’re incredibly addictive. They blur the line between a real-life adventure and a video game, and if you’re not careful, that excitement can push you to take unnecessary risks.

Also: I tested the new DJI Air 3S and it’s one of the best drones for night flying

Remember this: Your drone gets one life, and there’s no option to load a previously saved game. Smash it, and it’s truly game over.

That said, the other day I had the incredible opportunity to fly the DJI Neo — DJI’s smallest offering at just 135g — over a stunning collection of classic cars and tractors at the Anglesey Transport Museum. This presented numerous challenges, from flying indoors and navigating a metal structure to soaring above vehicles that are, for all intents and purposes, priceless.

It was tricky, but the goggles helped me pull it off with style — and without crashing into a bunch of classic cars.

DJI Goggles N3 will be available to buy for $229 — estimated in late November — from DJI and selected outlets such as Amazon.