The Best Remote ID Modules: A Guide to Remote ID Broadcast Modules [Updated for 2024]
BY Zacc Dukowitz
15 February 2023A Remote ID module, also called a Remote ID broadcast module, is a system you attach to a drone so it can transmit ID and location information.
[Deadline alert: The FAA will start enforcing the Remote ID rule starting March 16, 2024.]
This guide to Remote ID modules has the top broadcast modules on the market. It also covers information on when you need to use a Remote ID module, the different types on the market, and some guidance on compliance.
Here’s a menu in case you’d like to jump around:
- Best Remote ID Modules on the Market
- What Is a Remote ID Module?
- When Do You Need to Start Being Compliant?
- Why Use a Remote ID Module?
- Stand-Alone Remote ID Modules vs. Add-On Remote ID Broadcast Modules
Want to learn more about the FAA’s Remote ID rule? Check out our in-depth guide.
When to Use a Remote ID Module
Before you go any further, some quick advice.
If you’re trying to make sure you’re compliant with the FAA’s Remote ID requirement we recommend:
- First, make sure your drone isn’t already compliant. Many drones made after September 16, 2022 are already compliant.
- Second, make sure there isn’t a firmware update that could make your drone compliant. Many drone manufacturers have issued updates that can be installed to make drones compliant.
If you’ve taken these two steps and determined that neither situation applies to your drone, then you’ll probably need to get a Remote ID module to be compliant.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s dive into the world of Remote ID broadcast modules.
The Best Remote ID Modules on the Market [New for 2024]
Here are our picks for the top Remote ID broadcast modules out there, broken out into stand-alone and add-on modules.
We’ve organized each category from least to most expensive.
One thing to note—if you’re planning to buy a Remote ID module from Dronetag, make sure to use code NQX87K81 to get 10% off any time from now to December 16.
Top Stand-Alone Remote ID Broadcast Modules
Stand-alone remote ID modules are equipped with internal batteries and can be operated with a simple button or switch. They are ideal for those who own older consumer drones.
- Z-RID Lite Broadcast Module
- Holy Stone Remote ID Module
- BlueMark DB120 Beacon
- AeroPing
- Pierce Aerospace B1
- Dronetag Beacon
- Z-RID Broadcast Module
- Uavionix PingRID
- Dronetag Mini
Z-RID Lite Broadcast Module
- Price: $84.99
- Weight: Approximately 0.077 pounds (35g)
- Battery life: 4+ hours
- Dimensions: 25 mm x 35 mm x 50 mm
- Compatible with: All drones—”If it fits, it works.”
Learn more about the Z-RID Lite Broadcast Module.
Holy Stone Remote ID Module
- Price: $89.99
- Weight: .07 pounds
- Battery life: 5 hours
- Dimensions: 3.74 x 2.76 x 0.75 inches
Learn more about the Holy Stone Remote ID Module.
BlueMark DB120 Beacon
- Price: $149.00
- Weight: Approximately 0.055 pounds (25g)
- Battery life: 3+ hours
- Dimensions: 48 x 38 x 28 mm
Learn more about the BlueMark DB120 Beacon.
AeroPing
- Price: $199.48
- Weight: Approximately 0.083 pounds (38g)
- Battery life: 8-14 hours
- Dimensions: 46mm x 57mm x 20mm
Learn more about the AeroPing module.
Pierce Aerospace B1
- Price: $274.95
- Weight: Approximately 0.066 pounds (30g)
- Dimensions:
- Battery life: 6 hours
Learn more about the Pierce Aerospace B1.
Dronetag Beacon
- Price: $219
- Weight: Approximately 0.035 pounds (16g)
- Battery life: 16 hours
- Dimensions: 23.25mm x 36.8mm
Note: Use code NQX87K81 to get 10% off any time from now to December 16.
Learn more about the Dronetag Beacon.
Z-RID Broadcast Module
- Price: $249.99 (reduced from $275)
- Battery Life: Up to 14 Hours
- Size: 25mm x 35mm x 50mm
- Weight: .77 pounds (35 g)
- Positioning: GNSS
Learn more about the Z-RID module.
Uavionix PingRID
- Price: $299.00
- Weight: Approximately 0.046 pounds (21g)
- Battery life: 2 hours
Learn more about the Uavionix PingRID.
Dronetag Mini
- Price: $329.00
- Weight: Approximately 0.070 pounds (32g)
- Battery life: 8-14 hours
Note: Use code NQX87K81 to get 10% off any time from now to December 16.
Learn more about the Dronetag Mini.
Add-On Remote ID Broadcast Modules
Add-on remote ID modules are designed to augment drones that have some level of ID broadcasting capability but need additional support to meet full compliance standards. These modules typically connect to the drone’s existing power system and integrate with its operational framework,
Dronetag BS
- Price: $89
- Weight: .002 pounds (1.3g)
Learn more about the Dronetag BS.
Spektrum SkyID
- Price: $99.99
- Weight: .3 pounds (14g)
Learn more about the Spektrum SkyID.
Flite Test EZID
- Price: $99.99
- Weight: .022 pounds (10g)
Learn more about the Flite Test EZID.
BlueMark DB121
- Price: $119
- Weight: .024 pounds (11g)
Learn more about the BlueMark DB121.
What Is a Remote ID Module?
Remote ID acts like a digital identifier for drones, similar to a license plate. It utilizes either Bluetooth or Wifi to transmit your drone’s position over a limited distance.
The Dronetag Mini, a Remote ID broadcast module from Dronetag
Technically, a Remote ID module is an attachable device that enables drones without built-in Remote ID capabilities to transmit identification and location information.
This information typically includes the drone’s:
- ID
- Location
- Altitude
- Takeoff location
By broadcasting this data, the module ensures that the drone complies with the requirements of the FAA’s Remote ID rule.
When Do You Need to Start Being Compliant?
The FAA has pushed back enforcement of the Remote ID rule to March 16, 2024—so now is a great time to consider getting compliant.
[The Remote ID Rule requires drones to broadcast identification and location information. Learn more about the rule.]
As noted above, one of the ways to be compliant with the Remote ID rule is to attach a Remote ID broadcast module to your drone.
Two things are important to note:
- Modules aren’t required for compliance. You don’t have to use a Remote ID broadcast module to be compliant. In fact, as we just covered, many drones will come natively compliant, or can be made compliant with a firmware upgrade.
- Remote ID has already started. Even though the deadline has been pushed back, the FAA expects those who can be compliant to start doing so right now—without waiting. This is why the FAA says they’ve delayed enforcement, but not the rollout of the rule itself. We know, we know, this is confusing—learn more here if you’d like further clarity on how the FAA is viewing the six-month delay on enforcement.
Watch the video below to learn more about the Remote ID rule, or keep reading to learn about Remote ID modules.
Why Use a Remote ID Module?
All drones need to be compliant with the Remote ID rule when flying in the U.S., regardless of whether they’re being flown for commercial or recreational purposes.
The only exceptions are drones that weigh less than .55 pounds AND will be flown only for recreational purposes and drones flown in an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).
To be compliant, you have two options:
- You can use a drone with standard Remote ID.
- You can attach a Remote ID broadcast module to your drone.
Of these two options, the first one is by far the most common.
DJI’s Mavic 3 comes natively compliant with Remote ID
Most drones made after September 16, 2022 come with Remote ID capabilities already built into them (this is what “standard Remote ID” means).
For drones made before that date, the majority of drone companies have, by now, pushed out firmware updates for most of their drones models. To make these older drones compliant, you need to update their firmware, and then they’ll also have standard Remote ID native on the craft.
But there are a group of drones for which there are no firmware updates available that will make them compliant. This group includes older drones with no firmware update or self-made drones.
For these drones to be compliant, you’ll need to get a Remote ID broadcast module and attach it to the drone, since there is no other way to configure them to broadcast the information needed.
Stand-Alone Remote ID Modules vs. Add-On Remote ID Broadcast Modules
There are two types of Remote ID modules: stand-alone modules and add-on modules.
Stand-alone modules are independent devices specifically designed for drones lacking built-in Remote ID capabilities. They are self-contained, often with their own power source, and seamlessly integrate with various drone models.
In contrast, add-on Remote ID broadcast modules are designed as attachments to existing drone systems. They rely on the drone’s power and are tailored to enhance drones that are already equipped with some level of ID broadcasting capability (albeit not enough to make them fully compliant).
Both types of modules work just fine for meeting the requirements of the FAA’s Remote ID rule.
Remote ID Modules for Recreational Flyers vs. Commercial Drone Pilots
Although both recreational flyers and commercial drone pilots both need to be compliant with the Remote ID requirement, there is a distinction between the requirements for each.
- For recreational flyers. You only need a single module, which is transferable among all your drones registered for recreational use.
- For commercial drone pilots. Drones that don’t meet compliance standards individually need their own module. You must register each module with its corresponding drone’s registration number on the FAA DroneZone website.
