BETAFPV Aquila20 vs Aquila16 FPV Kit: Which Beginner Setup Is Really Better?

If you have been shopping for a beginner FPV package, chances are you have seen both the betafpv aquila16 fpv kit and the newer betafpv aquila20 fpv kit. On the product pages they look similar: ducted whoop, ready-to-fly combo, radio, goggles, batteries included. In the air, however, they behave very differently.

In this review we are not just repeating the spec sheets. We will compare how the betafpv aquila16 and betafpv aquila20 actually feel to fly, where the Aquila20 genuinely fixes the weaknesses of the older kit, and when it makes more sense to upgrade straight to larger, more open FPV drones powered by standard LiPos.

Specs at a Glance: betafpv aquila16 vs betafpv aquila20

On paper, the betafpv aquila 20 fpv kit is the “bigger brother” in almost every direction. Here is a quick side-by-side overview:

The numbers already show why so many pilots call the betafpv aquila20 an upgrade. But the real difference only shows up when you look through the goggles and actually try to fly ACRO.

Camera and Image Quality: Fixing the Biggest Aquila16 Complaint

One of the most common criticisms of the betafpv aquila16 was its camera. Several pilots commented that the contrast on the C02 camera was so harsh that it was difficult to see into shaded areas after flying out of bright sunlight. In one story a pilot nearly flew into a dog because the shadows turned into a dark blob on the goggles.

The betafpv aquila20 addresses this head-on with the newer C04 1/3" CMOS analog camera. The image is still analog, but the dynamic range and shadow detail are noticeably better. Moving from sunlight into trees or from a bright yard into the side of a house, you can actually see what you are about to fly into instead of guessing.

That upgrade alone makes the betafpv aquila 20 far easier to recommend as a first FPV kit. When you are learning, you already have enough to think about with throttle and orientation. Fighting a poor camera at the same time is the last thing you want.

Flight Modes and Handling: From Optical-Flow Hover to Real Manual

Both kits advertise three flight modes, but they do not feel equal in practice.

N Mode – DJI-style Stability for First Flights

In N (Normal) mode the betafpv aquila 20 fpv kit behaves almost like a small camera drone. Thanks to a barometer and optical-flow system it can hold altitude and “sit in the air” while you figure out what your thumbs are doing. Coming from a DJI Mini or Mavic, this is exactly what you expect: move the sticks, the quad responds gently; let go, it stops and waits for the next command.

The betafpv aquila 16 also has a beginner-friendly mode, but the combination of lower power and that harsh camera made it less confidence-inspiring, especially in cramped indoor spaces.

S Mode – Sport / Angle Mode

Switch into S mode and both quads start to feel more like true FPV machines. Self-level is still on, but bank angles are higher and you carry more speed. Indoors, medium-speed S mode on the betafpv aquila20 is a sweet spot: fast enough to be fun, not so twitchy that you are bouncing off every doorway.

The older betafpv aquila16 could also be pushed in this mode, but pilots frequently reported wobble in fast turns. You could feel the limits of the tune and the 1S power system when trying to carve aggressive lines.

M Mode – Manual / ACRO for Training Real Skills

M mode is where the betafpv aquila20 really pulls away. Outside on a cold morning, test flights in full manual showed that the 2S 1103 motor setup has plenty of power in reserve. Rolls and flips felt predictable, and the quad recovered cleanly without needing to slam the throttle to the stops.

Captain Drone summed it up nicely in his review: in M mode, the betafpv aquila20 flies like a “real FPV drone”, not just a toy whoop with training wheels. That is something the betafpv aquila16 simply never managed. In manual the 16 always felt a bit unsettled, and several pilots said they avoided its acro mode altogether.

VTX Power, Heat and Range

Video transmission is another area where pilots noticed big differences. On the betafpv aquila16, turning the VTX power up could make the system run hot, and some users reported instability when pushing range.

The betafpv aquila20 uses an adjustable analog VTX from 25 mW up to 350 mW. At 25 mW you can hit the advertised ten-minute flights indoors without issue. For outdoor sessions, bumping it up to 350 mW gives enough punch to fly all the way across a typical flying field before static becomes a concern.

The antennas on both the quad and the VR04 goggles are not designed for heavy modding, so you cannot treat this like a long-range project. But for what it is meant to be – a trainer and park-flyer – the range and link quality on the Aquila20 are comfortably ahead of the older kit.

VR03 vs VR04 Goggles: Finally Friendly to Glasses

The goggles might be the most underrated upgrade between the two kits. The VR03 goggles bundled with the betafpv aquila16 worked, but if you wear glasses they were basically a non-starter. Many pilots had to choose between flying half-blind or building a completely separate FPV setup.

The VR04 goggles in the betafpv aquila20 fpv kit change that. They are box-style goggles with more room inside, foam padding that actually seals, and a form factor that slips over regular glasses without pressure points. They also include a built-in DVR. Recording flights to a microSD card is incredibly helpful when you are trying to see what went wrong in a crash or how your lines are improving.

LiteRadio 2 SE vs LiteRadio 4 SE: A Radio You Can Grow With

Both kits arrive with a compact controller, but the LiteRadio 4 SE that ships with the betafpv aquila 20 is much more forward-looking than the LiteRadio 2 SE from the older kit.

• It runs ExpressLRS 2.4G V3, so you can bind it to almost any modern ELRS-equipped quad you buy later.
• It connects directly to PC simulators over USB without even powering it on, making practice sessions straightforward.
• The ergonomics feel more refined than many “free with the kit” radios; you can happily keep using it as you move into 3–5 inch builds.

Some experienced pilots still prefer full-size radios with screens, model memories and more switches. But for a first combo, the LiteRadio 4 SE is one of the few bundled transmitters that does not immediately end up in a drawer after you buy your second quad.

Smart Batteries and Ecosystem Lock-In

Both kits make one controversial choice: they rely on proprietary batteries. The betafpv aquila16 uses a 1S 1100 mAh pack with the BT2.0 connector, while the betafpv aquila20 uses a 2S 1100 mAh smart battery with a BT3.0 interface and an onboard management chip.

For absolute beginners, that is actually comfortable. You plug the pack into the included dongle, it charges, it doubles as a voltage checker, and you do not have to know anything about balance leads or storage voltage. The trade-off is that your power system is locked to that one platform.

If you plan to keep flying the betafpv aquila16 for a while, you can still improve your experience by upgrading to higher-quality 1S BT2.0 packs. For example, you can look at:

4 Packs CNHL MiniStar HV 500mAh 3.8V 1S 75C LiPo Battery with BT2.0

These 1S BT2.0 FPV batteries are designed for whoops in the same class as the betafpv aquila16 fpv kit and can offer more consistent performance compared to tired stock packs.

Longer term, though, most pilots move away from proprietary batteries and into open ecosystems where one set of LiPos can be shared across multiple quads. When you are ready to step up to toothpicks, cinewhoops or 5-inch builds on 2S–6S, it makes sense to plan your power system more carefully.

To explore that next chapter, you can browse a full lineup of FPV LiPos here:

CNHL FPV LiPo batteries for whoops, micros and freestyle drones

Real-World Community Feedback

Beyond the specs, the comments around these two kits tell a clear story:

• Pilots who owned the betafpv aquila16 frequently mention the underwhelming camera, wobble at high speed, and goggles that simply did not work with glasses.
• Several people say the image on the betafpv aquila20 is “very impressive” for an analog kit and that the quad flies much closer to a proper FPV rig.
• Beginners coming from DJI camera drones are relieved to find N mode and optical-flow hover on the Aquila20, because the sticks can be moved more like a camera drone without instantly falling out of the sky.
• People appreciate that the LiteRadio 4 SE can be reused with other ELRS drones and in simulators, making the whole purchase feel less disposable.

In other words, even pilots who were disappointed by the betafpv aquila 16 fpv kit feel that the betafpv aquila20 finally delivers on the promise of a beginner RTF that can grow with them.

Which Kit Should You Buy in 2025 & 2026?

If you are starting from zero today, here is the simple answer:

• Choose the betafpv aquila16 / betafpv aquila 16 fpv kit only if your main goal is slow indoor flying in very tight spaces and you are extremely price-sensitive. It still works as a basic trainer, especially when paired with better 1S BT2.0 batteries.
• Choose the betafpv aquila20 / betafpv aquila 20 fpv kit if you want a starter bundle that actually feels like a real FPV drone in ACRO, has a usable camera, goggles that work with glasses, and a radio you can keep when you move into more advanced quads.

For most new pilots, the betafpv aquila20 fpv kit is easily the better long-term investment. You will not outgrow it in a weekend, and when you are ready to move on, your skills and your LiteRadio 4 SE will transfer directly to your next FPV builds.

FAQ: betafpv aquila20 and betafpv aquila16

Is the Aquila20 too powerful for a complete beginner?

No. In N mode with optical-flow and altitude hold, the betafpv aquila20 behaves very much like a small camera drone. You can practice take-offs, hovering and gentle turns without worrying about sudden drops. As you gain confidence you can step into S and M modes.

Is it worth upgrading from the Aquila16 to the Aquila20?

If you are frustrated by the Aquila16 camera, wobble in fast turns, or goggles that do not work with your glasses, the Aquila20 is a meaningful upgrade. If you mainly fly slow indoor circuits and rarely push harder, you can stay with the Aquila16 and simply invest in better 1S BT2.0 batteries.

Can I reuse Aquila batteries on other FPV drones?

Not easily. Both kits use proprietary smart-style packs (BT2.0 or BT3.0), so they are not drop-in compatible with standard XT30/XT60 builds. That is why many pilots treat these kits as a stepping stone and then move to open-battery platforms for their next quads.

Does the LiteRadio 4 SE work with other brands of drones?

Yes. The LiteRadio 4 SE runs ExpressLRS 2.4G V3, so any drone with a compatible ELRS receiver can bind to it. That makes the betafpv aquila20 a better first kit if you plan to stay in the FPV hobby for more than a few weeks.

What should I buy after I outgrow the Aquila kits?

Once you are comfortable flying the betafpv aquila20 in manual mode, the natural next step is a toothpick, cinewhoop or 5-inch freestyle quad running standard LiPos. At that point, building a small fleet of quality FPV batteries becomes more important than the kit itself, which is where a dedicated LiPo brand such as CNHL can really help you grow.