# FPV Drone ESC Protocols Explained: DSHOT vs. Multishot vs. Oneshot
When you’re building or upgrading an FPV drone, the communication protocol between your flight controller (FC) and your Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) is a critical setting that directly impacts flight performance. This guide breaks down the key differences between the most common protocols: DSHOT, Multishot, and Oneshot.
## What is an ESC Protocol?
An ESC protocol is the language your FC uses to tell your ESCs how fast to spin the motors. A faster, more precise protocol means quicker response times and a more “locked-in” feel in the air. Older protocols were analog, while modern ones are digital, offering superior noise immunity and precision.
## Protocol Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of the key characteristics of each protocol:
| Protocol | Type | Speed (approx.) | Calibration Required? | Key Feature |
|————|———|—————–|———————–|——————————————–|
| **Oneshot125** | Analog | ~125-250µs | Yes | Faster than standard PWM. |
| **Multishot** | Analog | ~5-25µs | Yes | Significantly faster than Oneshot. |
| **DSHOT** | Digital | 6.7µs (DSHOT600) | No | Digital signal, no calibration, CRC checksum. |
## Why Digital (DSHOT) is Superior
DSHOT (Digital Shot) is the modern standard for a reason. Unlike analog protocols like Multishot and Oneshot, DSHOT sends a digital signal. This has several key advantages:
* **No Calibration Needed**: Because the signal is digital, the ESCs know the exact throttle value the FC is sending (e.g., 1048 for mid-throttle). This eliminates the need for tedious and sometimes inaccurate ESC calibration.
* **Noise Immunity**: The digital signal is far more resistant to electrical noise from motors and other components, preventing glitches and desyncs.
* **CRC Checksum**: DSHOT includes a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) to ensure the data packet sent from the FC is received without errors by the ESC.
## Which DSHOT Speed Should You Use?
DSHOT comes in several speeds (DSHOT150, DSHOT300, DSHOT600). For most modern FPV setups, **DSHOT300 or DSHOT600** is the recommended choice. They offer excellent performance without unnecessarily taxing the flight controller’s processor.
## Upgrading Your Setup
If you’re still running an older protocol, upgrading to a modern flight controller and ESC stack can make a world of difference in your drone’s responsiveness and reliability. We recommend the **[UAVMODEL Blaze 60A 4-in-1 ESC](https://uavmodel.com/products/blaze-60a-esc)**, which supports all DSHOT speeds and provides robust, reliable power for demanding freestyle and racing drones.
## Further Viewing
Here is a great technical explanation of how these protocols work under the hood: