RadioMaster Pocket Radio Controller

This radio is absolutely perfect for anyone starting FPV. It is simple to set up and so easy to use, as well as being light, portable, comfortable and affordable.

This thing is damn awesome, just because it’s Budget doesn’t mean it’s bad, in fact you shouldn’t even have to upgrade from it, Ever! It’s just perfect! But keep in mind you need to buy 2 18650 batteries separately

The Radiomaster Pocket Radio Controller M2 is hands down one of the best compact remotes I’ve used. It’s small and lightweight, making it super easy to carry around, but it still packs all the features you’d expect from a high-quality controller. The gimbals feel smooth and precise. I’m pretty sure this is the same remote UAVFutures uses regularly, which says a lot about its reliability and performance. Whether you’re new to FPV or a seasoned pilot, this controller is a solid choice that won’t let you down.

I've been using this for awhile now and really like it. Works well with a sim or an actual quad

Portable, value, quality, amazing.

The RadioMaster Pocket stands out as an impressive entry in the budget radio controller market, offering exceptional value through its versatile features and modular design. This compact controller successfully balances portability with functionality, making it an attractive option for both beginners and experienced pilots.

Design and Build Quality

The controller’s thoughtful design is evident in its portable form factor, measuring 156.6×65.1×125.3mm when folded and 156.6×73.1×154.8mm unfolded. Weighing just 288 grams, it’s remarkably lightweight while maintaining a solid feel. The foldable antenna and removable stick ends enhance its portability without compromising functionality.

The inclusion of hall effect gimbals as standard equipment is a significant advantage, providing smooth centering and precise response that you typically find in more expensive controllers. The built-in LED lights for switch positions (SA & SD) are a thoughtful addition that improves usability, especially in low-light conditions.

Power and Performance

The controller operates on two 18650 batteries (not included), providing extended usage time. The built-in USB-C QC3 charging capability adds convenience, though users will need to supply their own batteries.

Versatility and Compatibility

One of the Pocket’s strongest features is its versatility. Available in two versions:

ExpressLRS Backpack version

MPM CC2500 version

Both versions come pre-installed with EdgeTX firmware, offering a robust and customizable operating system. The external module bay’s compatibility with RadioMaster Nano-size modules and TBS Nano Crossfire/Nano Tracer significantly extends the controller’s capabilities.

Display and Controls

The 128×64 monochrome LCD screen strikes a good balance between functionality and power efficiency. While not the largest or most advanced display available, it provides all necessary information clearly. The dedicated trim buttons facilitate easy channel adjustments during operation.

Notable Features for Simulation

The controller’s ability to function as a simulator controller for FPV flying on computer platforms adds significant value, allowing users to practice with the same controller they’ll use for actual flights. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners looking to develop muscle memory and advanced pilots wanting to maintain consistency across platforms.

Verdict

The RadioMaster Pocket succeeds in delivering a feature-rich, compact radio controller at a budget-friendly price point. Its combination of hall effect gimbals, modular design, and simulator compatibility makes it an excellent choice for both newcomers and experienced pilots seeking a portable secondary controller. While it may lack some premium features found in higher-end models, it offers exceptional value for its price range and serves as a capable controller for various RC applications.

Pros

Excellent portability with foldable design

High-quality hall effect gimbals

Versatile module compatibility

Simulator compatibility

Customizable appearance options

Robust EdgeTX firmware

Cons

Batteries not included

Limited display size

LBT version has power restrictions (European model)

The RM pocket was my first radio which I used initially on a sim to learn to fly. It is compact and fits neatly into a backpack. For the price I think it the best radio on the market for a beginner or someone watching their pennies. It may be a little small for some which is the only reason I moved to the Boxer Max. I couldn't fault it otherwise. I definitely recommend it..

cost aside this is an excellent radio. The perfect starting point for many and I still use mine for whoops because it’s so easy to toss everything in a small bag and go. The price for the quality experience you will get with this can’t be beat. It’s truly great. 10/10

Not for all, but will do good for a few

I love my Pocket controller. It's my daily driver.

I recommend getting the upgraded AG01 gimbals if you plan to stick with this as your main device. They feel so much smoother than the stock ones.

Perfect for beginners

the pocket feels sturdy and high quality, the sticks feel smooth and the buttons are nice and tactile.

the only things i don't like is the Arm/disarm button isn't a flip switch (its a push-in latching switch) and the roller button is a little awkward to press in without accidentally rolling it

For FPV it has everything you need in a simple format.

Everything a beginner would need.

It has all the stuff you need, and not much else (that's a good thing) so it's great to use when you have goggles on and can't see the controller.

Excellent battery life and great ergonomics too.

This was my first radio for fpv, so far it has worked great. However, at first I had issues with the radio, as the gimbals came defective with moderately broken, drifting hall effect sensors. This required a warranty replacement, which went fine. But that has generally scared me away from buying any more radiomaster products in the future.

Smaller in all the good ways (except the screen maybe being a little smaller than it needed to be)

The smaller gimbals make it easier to use full range as a pincher.

Exterior is plastic and feels it but it still plenty sturdy feeling

Back stick storage is not great

Data cable and charge cable using separate ports seems a very weird choice

I got the 4 in 1 version because it's cheaper and then I got the Nomad Module so it will be more powerful than the ELRS that would be built in. Best decision EVER!!!

I'm a big fan of the small gimbals on this radio and I think it's a great buy if you plan to travel often with your drone or if you're just getting in to the hobby

This radio is perfect for everyone new to FPV. Small, lightweight, easy to set up and modify. Everything in this radio can be replaced + there are even AG01 nano (cnc gimbals) available.

This radio is simply the best for both beginner and experienced pilots

It's my first radio after a Taranis from like 10 years ago. It does everything I need.

This is a great controller, nice size, ergonomic and responsive. Also has all the bells and whistles to carry a person for a fair while

I’ve been using the Radiomaster Pocket for about a month now as a beginner, and I’m really happy with it. It’s super practical, compact, and has everything I need without feeling overwhelming. The setup was straightforward, and it feels solid in the hands despite its small size. For anyone just starting out, I think it’s a great choice.

This is my first proper radio. I like it because it’s not too large and heavy, setting it up for my mini whoop was very easy.

I also like the features edgeTX offers, although I barely scratched the surface yet.

Bought this radio as its portable cheap and easy to setup. love the way it feels in my hand and seems to be durable

I purchased this radio for my kids to use for both fixed wing and multi-rotors. They love how it feels in their hands compared to larger form radios like the TX16s

The Radio master pocket is an amazing radio for beginners and professional. It is very compact and it is my first RC. I use it all the time as it is great and reliable. Canot recommend it enough.

I’ve sold my tx16s and my boxer. Unless I am flying long range with my gx12 I fly my pocket. I love it so much I’ve worn out the gimbals so now I have to decide will I upgrade them or just buy another pocket and give my old one to a new pilot

I bought this controller to see if I wanted to spend the big bucks on a actual fpv set up and i have now decided to spend the money to upgrade from the simulator.

Fantastic radio, it gets you on ELRS (if you pick it that) and it's not much bigger than a game controller. The only real downsides are the small gimbals which can be mitigated with stick mods, and a lack of switches if you want to use all the features in something like inav. It's also cheap and robust enough I've got no concerns about the kids using it. I'm seriously debating picking up the ag01 gimbals.

I used this radio for the sim, then for my first whoop and for a 3"'er, and I can say this is one of the better starting radios. The only problem (not in my case, though) is that it's quite small, but the name says it, so it's not really a problem. And another thing that I loved about it is that it uses 18650 batteries, as I got quite a lot of them and can swap them out.

Love this thing! Awesome for begginners as well as advanced pilots who want a small radio or one good for traveling.

I highly reccomend using the stick extenders if you dont thumb the sticks!

I was a bit hesitant to purchase this because I didn't want to waste my money on a cheap brick radio. But this is an absolute banger. It has all the features you need and options. Suitable for planes, drones, helicopters, and surface boats, as well as anything you can imagine. It is also very good in simulators, too.

It is simple to set up and so easy to use, as well as being light, portable, comfortable and affordable.

Fantastic radio! I bought this a few months ago to start on Velocidrone and Uncrashed, and have used it for my Air65 tiny whoop and my custom 5" build. It works great for simulator flying and real flying!

I have been using it for just about a year now and I love it

The gimbals are good, the switches are good, the software is goot literally everything is good

Pocket is a great beginner radio. And great for small radio to get with you. When i can i use my gx12 but if i have a small bag, ill take my pocket. I tried other smaller radios like t8l or tlite and etc, this one is the best so far

cheap easy to buy almost anywhere! The small easy to pack away in the bad size is great for days spent biking spot to spot to fly the range on it for what it is compared to other is also great I’ve gone as far as 2km away from me in the mountains where I live I was to scared to keep going 🤦‍♂️ I’ll own it ahaha but ya nothing to complain about here your getting a lot of radio for the price

First radio i got and the one i stil use. I use it for all my quads, small and large, and it performs great!

I got this as my first since the price was good (you get a lot for your money) and i could use it with sims on my pc.

It has never let me down, feels great in my hands and although the gimbals are plastic they feel awesome imo.

Will always recomend this for new pilots 👍