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Looking for a way to turn pretty much any drone you already own into an FPV drone? One of the easiest and most affordable ways to do that might be with the DroneMask 2. Made by a Norwegian company called Immerse Optics, the second edition of its flagship product, the DroneMask 2, allows you to take your camera drone and turn it into an immersive flying experience.
Best of all, the DroneMask 2 costs less than $200.
Maybe you have a DJI drone and are interested in something like the DJI Goggles 3 but can’t stomach the $500 cost. Maybe you have a DJI alternative drone like the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX which currently has no official FPV option. Maybe you have a cheap Amazon toy drone. No matter which of those you are, the DroneMask 2 might be the product for you.
I had the chance to use the DroneMask 2 when flying with my DJI Mini 3. Here’s a review of what happened:
A history of Immerse Optics
But first, some background on the company
Immerse Optics started having nothing to do with drones at all, but instead by making masks to create an immersive movie-watching experience from your phone. After receiving customer feedback and inspiration — including getting wind that drone pilots were ‘hacking’ their product into an FPV tool — the company pivoted to the drone sector.
In 2021, they introduced the DroneMask and have recently evolved by adding the DroneMask 2 into their lineup of products. With that comes a patented singular-lens technology, that’s implemented into a headset to provides users with 4x better resolution than conventional VR headsets that use a stereoscopic lens. It also offers greater comfort for the eyes and works with any mobile content without the need for third-party apps.
And for folks like me who have always been curious about the world of FPV (first-person view) drones but weren’t ready to commit to the price tag that comes with purchasing an FPV drone, then the DroneMask 2 is a great alternative and a much cheaper option. The product starts at $179.
The DroneMask 2 is compatible with any type of drone from any drone company — as long as that drone includes a controller that interfaces with a phone that displays the drone footage.
In my case, I used the RC-N1 with a DJI Mini 3 drone. That said, if you have a controller that has the screen already built in, like DJI RC, then unfortunately the DroneMask 2 will not work.
And here lies what’s likely the biggest downfall of the DroneMask 2. I would not recommend purchasing a controller that connects to your phone simply using the DroneMask 2, as it generally makes more financial sense to consider other options. For DJI users, that includes researching how to turn your DJI drone into an FPV drone using DJI’s products by purchasing DJI FPV goggles.
Lastly, you’ll need a smartphone — and that’s it. Everything else you’ll need is included in your DroneMask 2 kit. The DroneMask 2 comes with:
1 mask
1 linen bag
1 cloth (to clean the lens or your phone with)
1 USB-C to USB-C cable
1 USB-C to lighting cable
1 micro USB to USB-C adapter
Photo courtesy of DroneMask
Getting ready to fly with the DroneMask 2
I live my life with 15% battery life on my iPhone and have a few times planned to head out with my drone for the day then remembered I had forgotten to charge the batteries. So, I was happy to learn that DroneMask 2 is not electronic, so no charging is required.
I headed out with my DJI Mini 3, my RC-N1 controller, and my DroneMask 2. The DroneMask 2 itself is quite bulky, so I had to change out my normal ‘drone backpack’ for a larger one.
Setting up the mask was quite simple. You connect your phone to the controller as normal, however, instead of mounting the phone on the top of the controller, you place it inside the DroneMask 2 (using the longer cord provided). Then just zip it right up.
The DroneMask 2 fits most phones, including, but not limited to, all models of iPhone, Samsung S6-8 edge, and the Samsung Galaxy S21.
The goggles are quite comfortable and spacious. I don’t wear glasses, but I tried the goggles on while wearing sunglasses and they fit just fine. No need to get prescription lenses or wear contacts.
The DroneMask 2 also has an adjustable side strap and one that goes over your head. These straps are quite thick and again, very comfortable.
Another thoughtful feature was the two holes at the bottom of the mask. These allow you to have access to your phone without bringing in any light. The holes are covered with a light-proof neoprene cover. This is an upgrade from the DroneMask to DroneMask 2.
Flying your drone with the DroneMask 2
Similar to your first few times flying a drone, I would highly recommend flying with the DroneMask 2 in an area with limited to no obstacles and people, especially if you have never flown an FPV drone. And since you’ll have the goggles on your face, bring a friend or co-pilot to serve as your visual observer.
For me, flying with the DroneMask took a little getting used to.
When flying, you can use gimbal mode or FPV mode (if your drone has these modes). I felt I was more comfortable in FPV mode. An adjustable focus length allows you to further perfect the viewing experience.
Visuals from the phone through the mask were incredibly high quality. A special lens on DroneMask 2 allows you to see the whole screen. That’s a sharp contrast from stereotypical VR goggles where the screen on the smartphone has to split down the middle when showing the drone footage – one screen on each eye.
The DroneMask 2 uses a different optical solution, which means that the screen doesn’t need to be split, provided you have a strong screen resolution and will work with any mobile app. This means that you can also use the DroneMask 2 for an immersive movie-watching experience through apps like YouTube and Netflix.
I flew my drone with the DroneMask 2 on a very sunny day in New Orleans and virtually no light came through the mask as I flew the drone. This was a huge improvement from the glare on the phone when using an RC-N1 controller. Although, the lens did fog up in the heat. Luckily, I did have the linen cloth with me.
Eventually, I became more comfortable flying with the DroneMask 2 and was amazed by the immersive experience it offered.
Who is the DroneMask 2 for?
DroneMask’s FPV solution transforms any camera drone into an immersive first-person experience using a smartphone. If you are curious at all about the world of FPV flying, but an FPV drone or goggles are not in your budget, then consider the DroneMask 2.
There are much cheaper alternatives in the world of VR headsets. For example, the Google Daydream View is $27. But the lenses on the DroneMask 2 offer a far superior viewing experience. Plus most VR headsets, including the Google ones, are not compatible with flying drones.
DroneMask 2: is it worth the price?
The DroneMask 2 is the most reasonably priced option for FPV drone flying on the market, making it ideal for someone who loves to fly their drone for fun and is looking for a new adventure when flying without having to buy an entirely new drone or expensive piece of equipment.
If you only fly drones on the go, the DroneMask 2 might not be the best option for you as it is quite bulky (but still fairly light-weight). Or if you are more serious about FPV drones or racing you may want to look into purchasing an FPV drone.
The DroneMask 2 allows you to have an immersive flying experience, without the hefty price tag of other competitors.
New Partnership Supports Growing Demand for NDAA-Compliant Drone Solutions Santa Clara, California – January 30, 2025 – ACSL, Inc. has announced a partnership with Exertis Almo, a North American distributor, to increase the availability of its flagship SOTEN drone. The collaboration aims to expand ACSL’s reach and provide distribution, support, and training for a growing […]
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As concerns over security and supply chain reliability mount — and as many American businesses and government entities seek alternatives to Chinese-made drones — the U.S. drone industry is at an inflection point. One company capitalizing on this shifting landscape is ACSL, Japan’s largest drone manufacturer, which has taken a major step forward in expanding its presence in North America by way f a new partnership with distributor Exertis Almo.
ACSL today announced it would team up with Exertis Almo, North America’s largest Pro AV distributor, to streamline the availability of its flagship SOTEN drone in the U.S. The move is expected to significantly ramp up shipments from hundreds to thousands in 2025. With that comes a pretty clear indication of the growing appetite for NDAA-compliant, non-Chinese drone solutions amidst U.S. custmers.
A changing drone market in the U.S.
For years, the U.S. commercial drone market has been dominated by Chinese manufacturers, with DJI leading the charge. However, increasing scrutiny from regulators and security experts has pushed businesses, government agencies and critical infrastructure operators to diversify their fleets. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance standards have created barriers for Chinese drone manufacturers in public-sector contracts, spurring demand for alternative suppliers.
The SOTEN drone, which is made in Japan by ACSL.
ACSL’s SOTEN drone is one such DJI alternative. The small, high-performance foldable drone stands out for its hot-swappable camera system, weather resistance and proprietary controller.
ACSL was founded in 2013 and is today considered the largest Japanese drone maker in the country. But in recent years, it’s taken steps to be a leader in the U.S., too. In 2023, ACSL opened a subsidiary in Santa Clara, California, giving it the ability to sell NDAA-compliant drones.
Strategic expansion via Exertis Almo
So what’s been happening over the past couple years since entering the U.S.? A key piece of ACSL’s U.S. expansion strategy is its partnership with Exertis Almo, which will handle distribution of the SOTEN drone.
The arrangement follows the well-established supply chain model, where ACSL ships drones in bulk from Japan to Exertis Almo’s centralized warehouse. That allows for smoother logistics, reduced costs and better supply chain continuity. From there, Exertis distributes drones to a network of dealers, such as Ripping It Outdoors. Companies like Ripping It Outdoors then sell directly to end customers, including energy companies and public safety organizations.
“We chose Exertis because of their strong reputation and corporate stability,” said Cynthia Huang, CEO of ACSL Inc. “They don’t compete with dealers for end customers, which ensures a seamless and conflict-free sales channel. Plus, most of the UAS dealers in the nation are already set up to buy through Exertis as well, so the transition is smooth from all sides.”
The distribution agreement also allows ACSL to scale up its production, as it can now manufacture in larger batches rather than shipping small quantities per order. This move positions ACSL to meet growing U.S. demand while keeping costs competitive against legacy players.
A political and regulatory advantage
Beyond just business strategy, ACSL’s expansion aligns with broader geopolitical trends. U.S. lawmakers have increasingly expressed concerns about the security risks associated with Chinese-made drones, citing potential data vulnerabilities and foreign government influence. While DJI and other Chinese manufacturers continue to dispute these claims, federal restrictions — such as the American Security Drone Act, which aims to phase out Chinese drones from government fleets — signal a long-term push from politicians toward diversifying the U.S. drone supply chain.
For companies requiring drones for critical infrastructure, energy, and public safety operations, the desire for a trusted, non-Chinese alternative is more than just regulatory compliance — it’s a strategic necessity. ACSL, with its Japanese roots and NDAA-compliant technology, could well-positioned to fill this gap.
Designed to meet the stringent security requirements of U.S. businesses and government agencies, SOTEN has already been gaining traction in industries like infrastructure inspection, mapping, and now, public safety — thanks to recent technological upgrades such as the 640R radiometric thermal camera system and enhanced gimbal stability.
What’s next for ACSL in the U.S.?
Looking ahead, ACSL has an ambitious roadmap for 2025. The company plans to further refine its SOTEN drone with additional feature upgrades, particularly to enhance its appeal in public safety and emergency response scenarios.
For now, the company said its top customers are in the inspections and mapping industries, but it has its sights on other verticals like public safety — potentially competing with other DFR-oriented drones like the DJI Matrice 4 Series. With its growing dealer network and strengthened logistics pipeline, ACSL could be a formidable contender (and DJI competitor) in the U.S. drone market.
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