How to Choose an ExpressLRS Receiver for FPV Drones
Pick an ExpressLRS receiver that matches your radio band, fits your build, and talks CRSF to your flight controller. Most FPV drones use a 2.4GHz nano receiver with a 500Hz refresh rate. The HappyModel EP1 costs $31.50, weighs 0.41g, and measures 10 by 10mm. Check firmware versions before you bind.
Quick facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Band in this guide | 2.4GHz on every receiver listed |
| EP1 weight and size | 0.41g, 10 by 10mm |
| RP1 refresh rate | 500Hz, or F1000Hz in full rate mode |
| RP1 antenna | 65mm T antenna on UFL |
| RP2 weight | 0.55g with ceramic antenna |
| Lowest price receiver here | $18.57 for the HPXGRC ELRS receiver |
Should you pick a 2.4GHz or a 900MHz receiver?
Most FPV pilots start with 2.4GHz. It suits racing, freestyle, and whoops with small antennas and fast packet rates.
The 900MHz band suits long range fixed wing and long range quads. It needs a matching 900MHz transmitter module on your radio.
The band must match on both ends. A 2.4GHz receiver will not bind to a 900MHz module, even when the firmware matches.
What is the difference between nano, diversity, and PWM receivers?
A nano receiver is a small serial receiver. It sends control data to the flight controller over CRSF on a UART.
A diversity receiver has two antennas and picks the stronger signal. The RadioMaster RP3 uses two antennas for that job.
A PWM receiver drives servos directly without a flight controller. The RadioMaster ER4 gives 4 PWM channels for planes and cars.
How do you wire an ExpressLRS receiver to a flight controller?
Use four wires: 5V, ground, TX, and RX. Cross the data wires so receiver TX goes to flight controller RX.
Pick a free UART and enable Serial RX on it in Betaflight. Set the receiver mode to Serial and the provider to CRSF.
CRSF needs a full UART in full duplex mode. Check that serialrx_inverted and serialrx_halfduplex are both off, then save.
What does refresh rate mean for an ELRS receiver?
Refresh rate is how often the receiver sends new stick data. The RP1 and RP2 run up to 500Hz, or F1000Hz in full rate mode.
A 500Hz rate sends a packet every 2ms. A 25Hz rate sends a packet every 40ms and suits long range cruising.
Higher rates feel more responsive in racing. Lower rates stretch range because each packet carries more error correction.
Why does firmware version matter before binding?
Transmitter and receiver major versions must match. ExpressLRS 3.x firmware will not bind to a 2.x receiver.
Flash both ends to the same major version before you bind. The ExpressLRS web flasher builds firmware in your browser.
A binding phrase also helps. Set the same phrase on the module and on every receiver, and they connect on power up.
How the options compare
| Receiver | Weight | Antenna | Refresh rate | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPXGRC ELRS | Not listed | External | Not listed | $18.57 |
| HappyModel EP1 | 0.41g | T antenna | 25 to 500Hz | $31.50 |
| RadioMaster RP3 | Not listed | Dual diversity | 25 to 500Hz | $45.66 |
| RadioMaster ER4 | Not listed | T antenna | Not listed | $53.99 |
| RadioMaster RP1 V2 | 2.2g with antenna | 65mm T | 500Hz / F1000Hz | $58.99 |
| RadioMaster RP2 V2 | 0.55g | Ceramic | 500Hz / F1000Hz | $61.99 |
How do you bind an ExpressLRS receiver with a phrase?
- Flash the transmitter module and the receiver with the same binding phrase.
- Flash both ends to the same ExpressLRS major version.
- Power on the radio first, then power the receiver.
- Wait for a solid LED and a C in the ExpressLRS Lua script.
- Check in Betaflight that all channels move in the right direction.
Parts that fit this guide
Prices below are the live store prices we verified on November 10, 2026. In-stock parts ship from New York in 1 to 2 business days. Check the product page for the current price before you order.
2.4G ExpressLRS ELRS Receiver for FPV Freestyle Long Range Drones ($18.57)
Lowest price ELRS receiver here at $18.57 for freestyle and long range builds.
HappyModel EP1 TCXO 2.4GHz ELRS Receiver, Ultra Light 0.41g, 10x10mm, 25Hz~500Hz Refresh Rate ($31.50)
Nano receiver at $31.50. It weighs 0.41g, measures 10 by 10mm, and runs 25 to 500Hz.
RadioMaster RP3 Diversity ExpressLRS ELRS 2.4GHZ Nano Receiver Dual Antenna ($45.66)
Diversity receiver at $45.66 with two antennas for a stronger link.
ER4 2.4GHz ExpressLRS PWM Receiver, 4CH, 10mW ($53.99)
PWM receiver at $53.99. Four channels drive servos directly with 10mW telemetry.
RadioMaster RP1 V2 ELRS Nano Receiver 2.4GHz CRSF 500Hz With 65mm UFL T Antenna For TX16S TX12 Boxer Zorro FPV Drone RC RX Kit ($58.99)
Nano receiver at $58.99 with a 65mm T antenna and 500Hz refresh rate.
RadioMaster RP2 V2 ExpressLRS ELRS Nano Receiver 2.4GHz CRSF 5V 0.55g Built-in Ceramic Antenna for FPV Drone Whoop RC Plane Part ($61.99)
Nano receiver at $61.99 with a built-in ceramic antenna at 0.55g for tight builds.
Shop the full range: ELRS Receivers at Quality RC Parts. See also: Related guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bind one receiver to two radios?
Yes, if both radios share the same binding phrase and major firmware version. The receiver connects to whichever radio is on.
What if my receiver will not enter bind mode?
A receiver with a binding phrase set will not enter manual bind mode. Reflash it without a phrase, or set the same phrase on your radio.
Do I need telemetry for ELRS to work?
No. Control works without telemetry. Telemetry adds link quality and battery data back to your radio screen.
Which receiver is lightest in this guide?
The HappyModel EP1 at 0.41g. The RadioMaster RP2 follows at 0.55g with its ceramic antenna.
Sources
- RadioMaster RP1 and RP2 receiver manual
- HappyModel EP2 TCXO receiver manual
- ExpressLRS binding guide (iFlight)
- ExpressLRS web flasher
Last updated: November 10, 2026.