Drone and Controller Pairings: Investigating the suitability of various DJI drone models with their respective controllers
In the world of drone technology, DJI continues to lead the way with its innovative range of products. Here's a comprehensive look at the latest DJI drone models and their compatible remote controllers:
- DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Neo: These compact drones are compatible with the DJI RC-N3 and the screenless DJI RC-N1C (which features a fold-out smartphone bracket).
- DJI Flip, DJI Air 3, and DJI Air 3S: The Air 3 ships with the DJI RC-N3, but it also supports the DJI RC 2, a compact remote with an integrated screen.
- DJI Mavic 4 Pro: This high-end drone comes with the DJI RC 2, but it's also compatible with the enhanced DJI RC Pro 2, which boasts a 7-inch swivel screen.
- DJI Mini 3 Pro and DJI Mini 3: Both models are compatible with the DJI RC Smart Controller, which features an integrated ultra-bright display, and the standard screenless controllers, DJI RC and DJI RC-N1.
- DJI Mavic 3 Pro / Pro Cine, DJI Mavic 3 / Mavic 3 Classic: These drones are compatible with the DJI RC Smart Controller, which provides a controller with an integrated display.
- DJI Matrice 400 and DJI Matrice 300 RTK: These enterprise drones have specialized compatibility with the DJI RC Plus 2 and DJI Smart Controller Enterprise, used with DJI Pilot software for industrial applications.
The DJI RC-N3 is a no-screen controller that requires a smartphone for the live feed, while the DJI RC 2 and DJI RC Smart Controller come with built-in screens for added convenience. The DJI RC Pro 2 is a high-end remote controller designed mainly for the Mavic 4 Pro, offering a 7-inch swivel screen and enhanced features.
The DJI Motion Controller, available with the DJI Avata, provides an alternative control mechanic for DJI's FPV drones, using O3 video transmission optimized for FPV flight. The DJI RC Motion 2, released in 2023, allows for drone flight using just one hand and supports O3 video transmission optimized for FPV flight as well.
The DJI RC Pro stands out with its 5.5-inch touchscreen, dual gimbal controls, a 5D button, three customizable buttons, and supports 4K video output via a mini-HDMI port. It also offers an Outdoor Mode for improved visibility under sunlight and supports APK for third-party apps.
With the introduction of the Air 3 and Mini 4 Pro generation, the DJI RC Pro controller currently has the widest compatibility with DJI drones, but this may change in the future. The DJI FPV V2, designed for DJI's FPV drones, the DJI FPV and the DJI Avata, requires an FPV headset and runs the O3 video transmission, optimized for low response times for FPV flight, with buttons for emergency brake and cruise control.
This summary highlights the latest information on drone-to-controller compatibility from DJI’s consumer and enterprise product lines up to mid-2025. Specific models often come with default controllers but support additional compatible remotes for flexibility.
In the summary of DJI drone models, it's noted that the DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Neo are compatible with the DJI RC-N3 and screenless DJI RC-N1C, which can be used with smartphones for the live feed. Moreover, the DJI RC Pro 2, a high-end remote controller, is designed mainly for the Mavic 4 Pro, featuring a 7-inch swivel screen and enhanced capabilities, making it a smartphone gadget when accompanying the drone. Additionally, the DJI FPV V2, intended for DJI's FPV drones like the DJI FPV and DJI Avata, requires an FPV headset and runs O3 video transmission optimized for FPV flight, classifying it as advanced technology.
