AM32 vs BLHeli_32: Which ESC Firmware Is Right for Your FPV Drone?

When building or upgrading an FPV drone, most pilots focus on motors, batteries, and frames—but your ESC firmware plays a critical role in how your quad actually feels in the air.

Two of the most talked-about firmware options today are AM32 and BLHeli_32.

So which one should you choose?

This guide breaks down the real differences—based on performance, tuning flexibility, reliability, and long-term value.

What Is ESC Firmware and Why It Matters

ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) firmware is the software that controls how your motors respond to throttle input.

It directly affects:

  • Throttle smoothness
  • Response time (latency)
  • Flight stability
  • Heat management
  • Overall flight feel

In short: your firmware defines how your drone behaves—not just how it’s built.

What Is AM32?

AM32 is an open-source ESC firmware that has gained rapid popularity in the FPV community.

Key Advantages:

  • 🟢 Fully open-source (free to use and modify)
  • 🟢 High PWM frequency support (up to 128kHz)
  • 🟢 Smoother throttle response
  • 🟢 Lower cost ESC hardware
  • 🟢 Active community-driven updates

Best For:

  • Budget-conscious pilots
  • DIY builders
  • Pilots who like tweaking and experimenting

What Is BLHeli_32?

BLHeli_32 is a premium, closed-source firmware designed for high-performance ESCs.

Key Advantages:

  • 🔵 Extremely stable and mature ecosystem
  • 🔵 Advanced telemetry support
  • 🔵 Built-in protections (overcurrent, thermal, etc.)
  • 🔵 Easy configuration via BLHeliSuite
  • 🔵 Proven performance in racing

Limitations:

  • 🔴 Requires paid license (included in ESC cost)
  • 🔴 No longer actively developed (officially discontinued)

Best For:

  • Competitive FPV racing
  • Pilots who prioritize reliability over customization
  • Plug-and-play users

AM32 vs BLHeli_32: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature AM32 BLHeli_32
Source Open-source Closed-source
Cost Free Paid (built-in)
Performance Very high High
Customization Extensive Limited
Stability Improving fast Very stable
Updates Active Discontinued
Ease of Use Moderate Easy

Performance Comparison: Real Flight Feel

AM32

  • Feels more responsive and “locked-in”
  • Better for freestyle and cinematic flying
  • Higher PWM allows smoother motor control

BLHeli_32

  • Feels predictable and consistent
  • Trusted in competitive racing
  • Less need for deep tuning

👉 In real-world use:

  • Freestyle pilots tend to prefer AM32
  • Racers often stick with BLHeli_32

The Big Shift: Why AM32 Is Gaining Popularity

The biggest reason?

👉 BLHeli_32 has been discontinued

This means:

  • No more official updates
  • Limited future compatibility
  • Increasing shift toward open ecosystems

Meanwhile, AM32 is:

  • Rapidly improving
  • Supported by the community
  • Becoming the new standard for next-gen ESCs

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose AM32 if:

  • You want the latest performance improvements
  • You enjoy tuning and customization
  • You’re building a new FPV drone in 2026 and beyond

Choose BLHeli_32 if:

  • You already use it and it works fine
  • You prefer maximum stability with minimal setup
  • You’re flying in competitive environments

Recommended for FPV Pilots (Upgrade Your ESC Setup)

If you're looking for smooth throttle response, reliable power delivery, and next-gen firmware support, your ESC choice matters as much as your motors.

👉 Explore our ESC collection designed for:

  • Racing precision
  • Freestyle control
  • High-voltage builds (4S–6S)

[Shop ESCs Now]

Final Thoughts

Both AM32 and BLHeli_32 are powerful ESC firmware options—but they represent different generations.

  • BLHeli_32 = Proven and stable
  • AM32 = Future-focused and evolving fast

If you're building a new FPV drone today, AM32 is quickly becoming the smarter long-term choice.

FAQ: AM32 vs BLHeli_32

1. Is AM32 better than BLHeli_32?

AM32 is not strictly “better,” but it is more future-oriented. It offers open-source flexibility, active development, and higher customization potential. BLHeli_32, on the other hand, is more stable and proven but no longer actively developed. For new builds, many pilots now prefer AM32.

2. Can I upgrade from BLHeli_32 to AM32?

Not directly. AM32 and BLHeli_32 require different firmware architectures and ESC hardware compatibility. To switch, you usually need to change to an ESC that officially supports AM32.

3. Is BLHeli_32 still supported?

BLHeli_32 is considered discontinued in terms of active development. However, it is still widely used and performs reliably on existing ESCs.

4. What are the main advantages of AM32?

AM32 offers:

Open-source development
High PWM frequency support (smoother motor control)
Active community updates
Better long-term upgrade potential

5. Which firmware is better for freestyle FPV?

Most freestyle pilots prefer AM32 because of its smoother throttle response and improved tuning flexibility, which helps achieve more precise control during aggressive flying.

6. Which firmware is better for racing drones?

BLHeli_32 is still widely used in racing due to its stability, predictable behavior, and mature ecosystem. However, AM32 is quickly closing the gap.

7. Do I need to change ESC hardware to use AM32?

Yes, in most cases. AM32 requires ESC hardware that specifically supports it. You cannot simply flash AM32 onto all BLHeli_32 ESCs.

8. Is AM32 safe and reliable?

Yes. AM32 is actively developed and widely adopted in the FPV community. While newer than BLHeli_32, it is already considered stable for freestyle and racing use.

👉 Still not sure which ESC firmware fits your build? Explore our recommended ESCs designed for both AM32 and high-performance FPV setups.