DJI Remote Controller Drone Combability Guide

• Comprehensive guide showing which DJI remote controller is compatible with which DJI drone;

• Controller Features Overview: A breakdown of essential features - display brightness, app compatibility, video transmission, battery life, and connectivity;

• Controller Recommendations by Mission Type: Specific controller suggestions for FPV flying, inspections, photography, and commercial applications.

With so many options available, choosing the right controller for your DJI drone can feel overwhelming.

In this guide, we’ll explore DJI remote controller compatibility across the DJI range and highlight the key features of each RC to help you make the best choice for your flights.

heliguy™ stocks these remote controllers, and a selection can also be rented in weekly installments.

Compatibility at a Glance - What Controllers Can I Use With My DJI Drone?

The tables below offer a quick compatibility overview, showing which DJI remote controllers are compatible with which DJI drones.

Standard & FPV Controllers

Reliable, easy-to-use controllers are often included with DJI drones in budget-friendly packages. Although they don't have a built-in screen - and need to be used with a separate mobile device (or with goggles in the case of the FPV controllers) - they offer dependable control.

Motion Controllers

These controllers are designed for FPV (First-Person View) flying. They create an immersive experience by allowing you to control the drone with wrist movements, and can also connect to DJI goggles for an enhanced, intuitive flying experience.

Smart Controllers

DJI Smart Controllers are equipped with built-in high-bright screens, often delivering an enhanced viewing experience in outdoor conditions. They offer a dedicated solution, instead of relying on you connecting to a separate smartphone.

DJI App Compatibility

With DJI’s smart controllers, you can run DJI apps directly on the RC, eliminating the need to connect your phone. This offers a more streamlined flight experience, ensures seamless compatibility, and frees up storage on your mobile device.

Choosing the Right Controller - Standard, FPV, & Motion

DJI RC - N3

If you're after a simple, no-frills controller, the DJI RC-N3 is an excellent budget-friendly option. Designed to pair with your mobile device, the RC-N3 lets you view real-time HD video feeds through the DJI Fly app.

This controller includes USB-C and Lightning cables, with an optional Micro-USB cable available separately, making it a dependable choice for basic drone operations.

RC-N3 Top Features:

• Mobile Device Compatibility: Works with a separate mobile device for control.

• Secure Holder: Holds your mobile device to view real-time HD camera feed via DJI Fly app.

• Device Size Limit: Supports mobile devices up to 180 x 86 x 10 mm (L x W x H).

• Compatibility: DJI Neo, DJI Mini 4 Pro, DJI Air 3, DJI Air 3S, DJI Mini 4K, and the Avata Series.

DJI FPV 3 and FPV 2

The DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 and FPV Controller 2 are both designed to offer immersive, responsive control for DJI’s FPV drones. Unlike the Motion controllers, the FPV remotes enable Manual mode, better suited for advanced players to practice and master more sophisticated skills.

The FPV 2 is the best choice for FPV or Avata pilots. It offers precise control with its Hall effect joystick and ultra-low latency of 7ms for seamless flight. It features a 10km range, a 9-hour battery life, and an ergonomic design for comfort during extended use. This controller also includes two control sticks for flexible handling.

FPV 2 Top Features:

• Ultra-Accurate Control: Hall effect joystick for precise handling

• Comfortable Design: Ergonomic for reduced fatigue

• Low Latency: 7ms response for seamless flying

• Extended Range: 10km transmission range

• Long Battery Life: 9 hours of continuous use

• Complete Package: Includes two control sticks for flexibility

• Compatibility: DJI FPV and DJI Avata

For Avata 2 or Neo users, the FPV 3 is the ideal choice. It offers multiple flight modes - Normal, Sport, and Manual - along with 2mm extended control sticks for precise handling and a customisable stick feel. Compatible with simulators like Liftoff and DCL, it caters to both beginners and advanced pilots. With DJI O4 video transmission, a lightweight design, and extended operating time, the FPV 3 delivers a comprehensive FPV solution for performance, connection, and comfort.

FPV 3 Top Features:

• DJI O4 Video Transmission: Integrated antenna for lighter weight and extended operating time.

• Extended Control Sticks: 2mm extension for precise, single or dual-finger control.

• Multiple Flight Modes: Normal, Sport, and Manual modes for versatile flying.

• Customisable Control Stick Feel: Adjustable sticks for a personalised flight experience.

• Simulator Compatibility: Works with Liftoff, Uncrashed, DCL, and Drone Racing League.

• Compatibility: DJI Avata 2, DJI Neo, and DJI O3 Air Unit.

DJI RC Motion 3

The DJI RC Motion 3 offers an immersive, single-handed flight experience. It allows pilots to easily perform dynamic manoeuvres with "point-to-fly" control, responding seamlessly to wrist movements for a smooth and intuitive flying experience.

Offering an exciting and intuitive way to control your drone, the DJI RC Motion 3 combines ease of use with advanced features for an immersive flight experience. It allows pilots to perform dynamic manoeuvres with a simple wrist motion, while the joystick enhances flexibility, enabling flips, rolls, and drifts in normal mode.

Additionally, the RC Motion 3 ensures accurate navigation with anti-interference capabilities for a smooth flying experience. It also supports AR cursor navigation, letting you control an AR cursor and navigate menus on the DJI Goggles 3. The compact design makes it comfortable to use during extended flights, while the intuitive controls allow for easy takeoffs, stops, and acrobatic manoeuvres.

RC Motion 3 Top Features:

• Wrist-Responsive Motion: Precise control with anti-interference.

• AR Cursor Navigation: Control AR cursor and navigate DJI Goggles 3 menus.

• Streamlined Design: Smaller, lighter, and comfortable grip.

• Intuitive Controls: Easy takeoffs, stops, mode switches, and acrobatics.

• Joystick Control: Flip, roll, or drift in normal mode.

• Two-Stop Throttle: Precise attitude lock, acceleration, and reverse control.

• Compatibility: DJI Avata 2, DJI Air 3, DJI Mini 4 Pro, DJI Neo, DJI Goggles 3, and DJI Goggles N3.

Choosing the Right Controller - Smart Controllers

The DJI RC Pro, DJI RC 2 , and DJI RC each offer unique features tailored to different needs. A key advantage of these smart controllers is that, unlike others, they eliminate the need for a smartphone to access DJI apps. These remotes come with DJI Fly pre-installed, and the RC Pro also allows operators to download third-party software, significantly improving missions.

DJI RC Pro

The DJI RC Pro stands out with its ability to download third-party software. Users can install multiple DJI apps or APK files via the built-in browser or a microSD card. With 32GB of internal storage and expandable memory, the RC Pro offers more independence from smartphones, providing a seamless and efficient mission experience. Unlike other controllers, the RC Pro and RC 2 feature their own storage capacity.

More perks of this remote include superior video transmission (DJI O3+), a 5.5-inch 1080p display with 1000 nits brightness, and up to three hours of battery life. Additionally, it supports Wi-Fi 6 for fast connectivity and offers a high-performance processor for seamless control, making it ideal for professional drone pilots.

DJI RC Pro Top Features:

• Third-Party Downloads: Download third-party apps via the built-in browser or a microSD card.

• Next-Gen Control: Offers a smoother, more intuitive flying experience with advanced features.

• Superior Video Transmission: Enhanced antenna power and DJI O3+ support for high transmission rates and extended range.

• High-Bright Display: 5.5-inch 1080p screen with 1000 nits brightness for clear visibility, even in direct sunlight.

• Long Battery Life: Up to 3 hours of operation, with a quick 90-minute recharge.

• Fast Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 support for up to 100Mbps transmission and 80MB/s download speeds.

• High Performance: Latest-gen processor with 4x better CPU, 7x better GPU performance, and 20% lower power consumption.

• Compatbility: DJI Mavic 3 Pro, Mavic 3 Pro Cine, Mavic 3, Mavic 3 Classic and Mavic 3 Cine, Mini 3 Pro, and Air 2S.

DJI RC 2

Similarly to the DJI RC Pro, the DJI RC 2 delivers a next-gen control experience with enhanced video transmission (O4) and a 5.5-inch FHD screen with 700-nit brightness. It also features 32GB of built-in storage and is designed for extended flights with a lightweight, cooling design.

The DJI RC 2 comes with the DJI Fly App pre-installed, allowing seamless integration into your operations without the need for a smartphone and enhancing efficiency and accuracy during flights. With its improved CPU and GPU performance, the RC 2 ensures smooth operation and greater stability over longer distances, making it compatible with a wide range of DJI drones.

DJI RC 2 Top Features:

• Powerful Processor: Improved CPU and GPU for ultra-smooth control.

• Enhanced Video Transmission: DJI O4 technology with four antennas for greater stability and lower latency.

• Ultra-Bright Screen: 5.5-inch FHD display with 700-nit brightness.

• Large Storage: 32GB built-in storage, expandable via microSD card.

• Lightweight: Weighs 420g with active cooling for comfort.

• Compatibility: DJI Mini 4 Pro, DJI Air 3S, DJI Air 3, and DJI Neo.

DJI RC

The DJI RC is the most compact and lightweight option, weighing just 390g, and features a 5.5-inch FHD screen with 700-nit brightness. It offers up to 4 hours of battery life and uses O3+ video transmission for a stable signal range of up to 8km (CE), ensuring a reliable and user-friendly experience.

It comes with the DJI Fly app pre-installed, enabling seamless integration into your operations without needing a smartphone, thus enhancing efficiency and accuracy during flights. However, unlike the RC 2, the DJI RC lacks internal storage but is compatible with various storage cards.

DJI RC Top Features:

• Lightweight: Weighs 390g with built-in antennas, compact and easy to carry.

• Ultra-bright Display: 5.5-inch FHD screen with 700 nits brightness.

• High Endurance: Up to 4 hours of battery life.

• Smooth Control: Dual-spring control sticks for precise handling.

• Stable Signal: O3+ video transmission for stable signal up to 8km (CE).

• Compatibility: DJI Mini 3 Pro, DJI Mini 3, DJI Mavic 3 Pro, Mavic 3 Pro Cine, DJI Mavic 3, DJI Mavic 3 Classic, DJI Mavic 3 Cine, and DJI Air 2S.

DJI RC Pro Vs DJI RC 2 Vs DJI RC

Check out our table comparing the DJI RC Pro, DJI RC 2, and DJI RC.

Summary

Explore our product pages to learn about each RC's specs, and contact our sales team for guidance on pairing your drone with the right controller.

For detailed step-by-step instructions, visit our How-To Guides under the Products category on the heliguy™ Blog Page to learn how to connect your RC to your drone.