Typhoon Drone Comparison
Yuneec has a range of Typhoon drones on the market—each with varying specifications. We are here today to compare each model so that you know their varying strengths and weaknesses. This will help you make a more informed purchasing decision. Let’s get down to business.
Propellers
At first glance, you will notice that the Typhoon Q500 4K only has four propellers while the Typhoon H and Typhoon H Pro RS have six. What does this mean? Well not only does six propellers allow for higher speeds, but there are also safety benefits. If one propeller stops working, then the Typhoon H drones can continue to fly with just five. On the other hand, should one of the Typhoon Q500 4K’s four propellers stop functioning it will simply crash.
+1 for the Typhoon H.
+1 for the Typhoon H Pro RS.
Flight Performance
| Model | Maximum Flight Time | Top Speed | Maximum Flight Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typhoon Q500 4K | 25min | 18mph | 0.25 miles |
| Typhoon H | 22min | 30mph | 1 mile |
| Typhoon H Pro RS | 22min | 30mph | 1 mile |
These are the flight specs for each drone. Just remember, these are maximum figures which are only possible in ideal conditions. It’s likely that each drone will perform slightly below them.
Now you can the Typhoon Q500 4K is the winner for flight time at 25min.
+1 for the Typhoon Q500 4K.
On the other hand, it has a low top speed and very short range when compared to the Typhoon H and Typhoon H Pro RS. They are both much more powerful with a 30mph top speed and 1-mile range.
+1 for the Typhoon H.
+1 for the Typhoon H Pro RS.
Camera
Each drone uses Yuneec’s CGO3 camera. This has 12 Megapixels for taking sharp photos. The camera can also record:
- 4K at 30fps
- 7K at 30fps
- 5K at 30fps
- 1080p at 120fps
- 720p at 120fps
Overall no winner in this category.
Video Transmission Range
While each camera can record similar footage, the range which this video can be transmitted over does vary. The Typhoon Q500 4K can transmit video up to its maximum flight range of 0.25 miles.
The Typhoon H and Typhoon H Pro RS can transmit video up to 0.37miles. This is a bit disappointing considering their total flight ranges are 1-mile. However, it is still a further transmission distance than the Typhoon Q500 4K.
Remember this range is just for streaming video so that the drone’s flight can be viewed in real time. The drones can still record video at longer distances.
+1 for the Typhoon H.
+1 for the Typhoon H Pro RS.
Obstacle Avoidance Capabilities
A drone’s ability to automatically avoid obstacles is extremely useful in preventing crashes caused by user error. The Typhoon H has forward-facing ultrasonic sensors which can detect obstacles up to 5-feet ahead. Upon detection, the drone will automatically halt its flight.
If you are wondering what the “RS” in Typhoon H Pro RS stands for, it means Real Sense. This is the latest obstacle avoidance technology created by Intel. A range of sensors are utilized to construct a virtual 3D model of the surrounding landscape. This gives the drone a greater field of view when detecting obstacles, and allows it to maneuver around them safely.
Unfortunately, the Typhoon Q500 4K lacks any obstacle avoidance sensors.
+1 for the Typhoon H Pro RS.
Positioning
All the Typhoon drones determine their flight path and location by using GPS. Now the Typhoon H and Typhoon H Pro RS also utilize GLONASS positioning. This is the Russian version of GPS and gives the opportunity to connect to a greater range of satellites. Drones using both GPS and GLONASS can determine their position with greater accuracy and are less likely to find themselves with no available satellite coverage.
+1 for the Typhoon H.
+1 for the Typhoon H Pro RS.
Let’s not forget about vision positioning. This is a method to accurately determine location when low to the ground or in areas with no GPS/GLONASS coverage. Sonar is used to rebound vibrations off the ground below and allow drones to hover in place and fly safely when at low attitudes. Unfortunately, this is another area where the Typhoon Q500 4K misses out. It does not possess a vision positioning system, whereas the Typhoon H and Typhoon H Pro RS come equipped with one.
+1 for the Typhoon H.
+1 for the Typhoon H Pro RS.
Controllers
The Typhoon H and Typhoon H Pro RS come with an ST16 Personal Ground Station controller. This ST16 controller is similar to the Typhoon Q500 4K’s ST10 controller but with a few important distinctions. It is slightly more compact, has a bigger touchscreen (7” compared to 5.5”), and has an HDMI output for those that want to use an additional display.
+1 for the Typhoon H.
+1 for the Typhoon H Pro RS.
Flight Modes
The Typhoon Q500 4K has three intelligent flight modes. These are:
- Watch Me: Causes the drone’s camera to track its operator.
- Follow Me: Causes the drone to follow its operator.
- Return to Home: Causes the drone to return to its take-off point
The Typhoon H and Typhoon H Pro RS have many more modes, which include:
- Orbit Me: The drone will orbit its operator.
- Point of Interest: This mode allows users to select a feature or object for the drone to orbit.
- Journey: This causes the drone to fly away from, and then back to, its operator (handy for selfie shots).
- Curve Cable Cam: This allows users to set a flight path for the drone using waypoints. Users can also define a camera orientation for each waypoint.
The Typhoon H drones’ more advanced flight modes allow them to take more dynamic photos and video footage.
+1 for the Typhoon H.
+1 for the Typhoon H Pro RS.
The Prices
These are the current prices on Amazon. Of course, they will frequently change so take a look yourself.
| Model | Price | Check Current Price |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoon Q500 4K | $700 | |
| Typhoon H | $1000 | |
| Typhoon H Pro RS | $1200 |
It’s obvious the Typhoon Q500 4K is the most affordable drone.
+1 for the Typhoon Q500 4K.
Overall Scores
| Model | Score |
|---|---|
| Typhoon Q500 4K | 2 (Flight time, price) |
| Typhoon H | 7 (Propellors, top speed and flight range, transmission range, GPS/GLONASS, vision positioning, controller, modes) |
| Typhoon H Pro RS | 8 (Obstacle avoidance, propellors, top speed and flight range, transmission range, GPS/GLONASS, vision positioning, controller, modes) |
As you can see, the only real difference between the Typhoon H and Typhoon H Pro RS is their obstacle avoidance capabilities. Now the Typhoon Q500 4K lags behind both of them with a much lower score. This reflects its lack of advanced features and design improvements.
Which One Should You Get?
If you can afford it get the Typhoon H Pro RS rather than the Typhoon H. The Real Sense obstacle avoidance technology is worth the greater price tag. You will also be getting an all-around capable drone with a decent camera, top speed, range, and flight time.
Now you could go a lot cheaper and get the Typhoon Q500 4K but do you really want to be stuck with an 18mph max speed and a measly 0.25mile range (as well as worse safety features)? We don’t reckon it’s worth it, so try and save up for one of the better models.
