ETHOS vs EdgeTX vs Jeti and few others, a Practical Comparison with a Focus on Glider Use

Important note:  As it is a very sensitive topic, I need to say first that I'm not sponsored by any RC radio controller brand.

Introduction

Modern RC gliders push radio systems harder than almost any other category: multiple flight phases, complex wing mixes, crow/brakes, precise trims, and heavy reliance on telemetry and variometer feedback. That makes the radio operating system just as important as the hardware. The following article compares EdgeTX, ETHOS, and Jeti (Duplex EX) from two angles: 

1. General philosophy & programming approach
2. How well each one fits glider flying (thermal, slope, competition)

High-Level Philosophy

EdgeTX

• Open-source, community-driven OS (descendant of OpenTX)
• Runs on many radios (RadioMaster, Jumper, etc.)
• Designed for maximum flexibility and extensibility
• Programming is powerful but abstract

In brief, Think of EdgeTX as a toolbox: nothing is forced, everything is possible.

ETHOS

• Proprietary OS by FrSky
• Runs on modern FrSky radios (X14, X18, X20, Tandem series)
• Designed to be intuitive, guided, and touch-friendly
• Emphasis on on-radio setup

👉 ETHOS is more like a guided workshop: faster to get flying, fewer sharp edges.

Jeti (Duplex EX)

• Premium proprietary system
• Runs exclusively on Jeti radios (DS/DC series)
• Strong focus on clarity, telemetry, and reliability
• Widely used in high-end glider and competition circles

👉 Jeti feels like a precision instrument: polished, consistent, and purpose-built.

Programming Model & Workflow

EdgeTX — Maximum Control

How it works

• Inputs → Mixes → Outputs
• Logic switches, curves, conditions everywhere
• Optional Lua scripts for automation, telemetry screens, helpers

👍Pros

• Unmatched flexibility
• You can build exactly the behavior you want
• Huge ecosystem of templates, scripts, tutorials
• Excellent PC tools (Companion, simulator, backups)

👎Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Programming gliders “from scratch” can feel abstract
• Easy to over-engineer simple setups

Glider perspective

• Brilliant for complex multi-phase gliders (F3J, F5J, 6-servo wings)
• Crow, snapflap, camber presets, launch logic: all possible
• Community templates (e.g. SoarOTX-style setups) are almost essential

ETHOS — Guided & Intuitive

How it works

• Menu-driven setup with wizards and predefined structures
• Less emphasis on abstract logic
• Most work is done directly on the radio

👍Pros

• Easier to learn than EdgeTX
• Fast setup for common models
• Clean UI, especially on touch radios
• Good integration with FrSky ACCESS telemetry

👎Cons

• Limited PC editing (no full “Companion” equivalent)
• Less scripting and advanced automation
• Can feel restrictive for very complex models

Glider perspective

Very comfortable for:

• Sport gliders
• Thermal gliders
• Typical 4–6 servo wings

Crow and flight modes are easier to set up than in EdgeTX initially

Less ideal if you like heavy customization or experimental logic

Jeti — Structured Power with Telemetry First

How it works

• Strongly menu-based, but very deep
• Logic, mixes, and conditions are integrated into the UI
• Telemetry is a first-class feature, not an add-on

👍Pros

• Excellent telemetry & variometer integration
• Clear, logical programming flow
• PC tools (Jeti Studio) with emulator
• Very reliable RF link and ecosystem
• Voice alerts, logging, alarms are easy and polished

👎Cons

• High cost
• Smaller third-party community
• Proprietary ecosystem

Glider perspective

Outstanding for:

• Competition gliders
• Large sailplanes
• Pilots who rely heavily on vario and telemetry

Crow, camber, snapflap, launch modes are straightforward

Less “hacking”, more “set it up correctly and fly”

Telemetry & Variometer (Big Deal for Gliders)

• EdgeTX: Very flexible, especially with Lua, but requires setup
• ETHOS: Works well inside FrSky’s ecosystem, less customizable
• Jeti: Best out-of-the-box glider telemetry experience

Ease vs Power (Glider Reality Check)

Which One Should You Choose for Gliders?

Choose EdgeTX if:

• You enjoy deep programming
• You fly complex multi-mode gliders
• You like PC editors, templates, and scripting
• You want maximum hardware and protocol flexibility

👉 Best for technical pilots and tinkerers

Choose ETHOS if:

• You want quick, intuitive setup
• You mainly fly sport or thermal gliders
• You prefer working directly on the radio
• You are already in the FrSky ecosystem

👉 Best for ease of use and simplicity

Choose Jeti if:

• Telemetry and variometer feedback are critical
• You fly competition or large gliders
• You want a polished, professional workflow
• Budget is less of a concern

👉 Best for serious glider pilots and competitors

Final Takeaway

• EdgeTX = ultimate flexibility, highest learning curve
• ETHOS = easiest day-to-day use, fewer advanced tools
• JETI = premium, glider-centric, telemetry powerhouse

What about other brands such as Futaba, Spektrum and Powerbox?

Futaba — Classic, Stable, and Precision-Focused

Traditionally known for high hardware quality and reliable links.

Futaba radios use proprietary protocols like FASSTest, T-FHSS, and S-FHSS, and modern Futaba systems support telemetry via these protocols and SBUS2. Futaba boards and gimbals are often praised for precision feel, and their firmware is robust with practical models of voice alarms, trim, and telemetry. Futaba’s programming, however, is generally considered less modern in workflow compared to intuitive systems like AirWare or ETHOS — although very effective once understood.

Pros

• High-quality hardware and gimbals
• Strong telemetry (especially on higher-end radios)
• Proven reliability

Cons

• Programming workflow can feel traditional and dated
• Less community template support than EdgeTX

Glider use: Solid overall choice, reliable telemetry, and hardware make it a competent platform — though setup might feel more manual than modern proprietary OSes.

Spektrum — User-Friendly with Smart Features

Common in hobby flying worldwide and beginner-to-intermediate friendly.

Spektrum radios use DSM2/DSMX/DSMR protocols with features like Model Match (prevent binding mismatches) and Smart technology for telemetry. The software side, known as AirWare, focuses on ease of use and preset templates (e.g., enhanced wing programming, preset mixes, and intuitive telemetry) that make programming smoother for general aircraft setups. It’s not as deep as EdgeTX or Jeti for bespoke logic, but its ease and file/community support (e.g., Smart Transmitter Files) keep setup quick and user-friendly.

Pros

• Intuitive program flow with presets
• Good telemetry support and Smart components
• Widely supported, especially in Ready-to-Fly models

Cons

• Not as deep or flexible for advanced custom mixes
• Less scripting or advanced logic than EdgeTX or Jeti

Glider use: A good balance of ease and capability, especially for pilots who want a comfortable workflow over deep program logic.

PowerBox — Power & Integration Specialist

Unique in that it’s as much an on-model power & signal manager as it is a logic assistant. 

PowerBox Systems isn’t a transmitter OS like the others — it’s a receiver/box ecosystem focused on power redundancy, telemetry, and signal conditioning. PowerBox units support telemetry across multiple protocols (Futaba SBUS2, Jeti EX, Spektrum SRXL2, and more) and offer features like redundant supply, automatic mixing detection, and servo management. Programming is menu-based but more about signal integrity and power than flight mixes.

Pros

• Very strong telemetry across ecosystems
• Redundant power and signal reliability
• Works with many radio brands

Cons

• Not an OS for programming flight mixes
• It’s focused on power/servo management rather than transmitter logic

Glider use: Excellent infrastructure for large or complex gliders where redundancy and telemetry are critical — but not a replacement for your radio’s mixing/OS.

Final Takeaway

There’s no universal “best,” only the best fit for your flying style and priorities:

• Want full control and advanced custom mixes? → EdgeTX+PC tools

• Prefer guided on-radio setup? → ETHOS or Spektrum

• Need class-leading telemetry and polished logic? → Jeti

• Flying large gliders with redundant telemetry/power? → PowerBox integrated systems

• Value proven hardware and build quality? → Futaba

There is no single “best” system — only the one that matches how you think and how you fly and of course it also depends of your budget.