Are you buying your first DJI drone and wondering which controller is the best for beginners? If you’re looking at the DJI Mini series, you’ve probably noticed that DJI gives you a choice between the budget-friendly RC-N3 and the premium RC2 remote controller. Choosing the right controller can make a big difference in your flying experience, from setup time to in-flight control and camera operation. For official specifications and compatibility details, you can check the DJI RC2 and RC-N3 product pages
In this article, we’ll dive into a detailed DJI RC2 vs RC-N3 comparison, covering the pros and cons of each controller. We’ll also explore the DJI RC Pro and RC Pro 2, showing why upgrading to a Pro controller could be worth it for more serious pilots or those seeking professional-level features. By the end, you’ll know exactly which DJI controller fits your needs and why I personally always choose the RC2.
Why I Chose the DJI RC2 Over the RC-N3
If you’re buying a DJI drone, especially something like the Mini series, one of the first decisions you’ll face is which controller to go for. DJI usually offers the budget-friendly RC-N3 or the more premium RC2. Both work, but they give very different flying experiences. Here’s why I went with the RC2 and why some people might still prefer the N3.
1. Built-in Screen = Faster Setup
The RC2 has a built-in 5.5-inch touchscreen, so there’s no need to attach your phone. That means less setup time and faster launches, perfect if you’re out in the field and want to get flying quickly. The RC-N3, on the other hand, requires a smartphone, which can work fine if you already rely on your phone as your main screen.
2. No Phone Distractions
Using the RC2 means no incoming calls, texts, or app notifications interrupting your flight. With the RC-N3, your phone’s battery can drain fast, and unexpected notifications can be annoying mid-flight. That said, the RC-N3 is much cheaper (around £110), which makes it a solid choice for beginners who don’t mind juggling a phone.
3. Dedicated Buttons for Photos and Video
The RC2 has separate buttons for taking photos and recording video, so you always know exactly what’s happening with one press. It’s a small thing, but when capturing that perfect shot, it makes a difference. The RC-N3 has fewer dedicated controls, fine for casual flying, but not ideal if you want more precision.
4. Dual Control Dials
With two customisable wheels, the RC2 lets you independently control zoom and gimbal angle. This is a game-changer for filming. The RC-N3 has only one dial, which is fine for simple shots or hobbyists just experimenting with drone photography.
5. Customisable Function Buttons
The RC2 has two customisable function buttons, compared to only one on the N3. More buttons mean more flexibility for things you do all the time. But if you like keeping things simple, the N3’s single button might actually be less intimidating.
6. External Antennas for Better Range
The RC2 has adjustable external antennas, giving you a stronger and more reliable signal, essential for longer flights. The N3’s internal antennas work fine, but cannot be adjusted.
7. Better Display Performance
The RC2’s screen is bright (700 nits) and won’t overheat thanks to its internal fan. The N3 relies on your phone’s display, which could be bigger and higher resolution, but also means more variables like glare or overheating in hot weather.
8. Durability and Reliability
With the RC2, fewer cables and plugs mean fewer points of failure. The N3 is simpler and lighter, which can be appealing if you value portability and don’t mind plugging in your phone every time.
9. Onboard Storage via microSD
The RC2 comes with a microSD slot, allowing you to store flight data, screenshots, and videos directly on the controller. This adds a layer of convenience and backup storage separate from your phone. The RC-N3 does not have onboard storage, so all your flight data must be saved on your connected smartphone or tablet.
10. Screen recording on the RC2 vs RC-N3
The RC2 allows direct, hassle-free screen recording on the controller itself, while the RC-N3 requires an extra step using your phone or tablet.
- DJI RC2: To record the screen on the RC2, simply access the control centre on the built-in touchscreen and tap the screen recording icon. This captures the live feed, on-screen telemetry, and controller interface directly to the RC2’s storage, making it easy to review flights or create tutorials.
- DJI RC-N3: Since the RC-N3 doesn’t have a built-in screen, you need to use your connected smartphone or tablet. On an iPhone or iPad, swipe down to access Control Centre and tap the Screen Record button before starting your flight. On Android devices, use the system screen recorder or a compatible third-party app to capture the live feed from the DJI Fly app.
The Bottom Line
The RC-N3 is a great starter controller, especially if you’re budget-conscious or flying casually. But for convenience, speed, and more professional-level features, the RC2 clearly takes the lead. For me, the built-in screen, dedicated controls, and extra buttons make it the obvious choice. The RC2’s built-in telemetry and real-time flight data make it easier to monitor your airspace status. Learn more about how DJI geofencing works in my other article.
But what if you want to take things even further? For pilots who need advanced functionality, a larger high-brightness screen, internal storage, HDMI output, and a rotatable display, the DJI RC Pro 2 offers a premium experience worth considering, even at its £879 price tag.
Should You Consider the DJI RC Pro 2?
If you’re flying specific DJI drones and want to take your filming to the next level, the RC Pro 2 is worth a look. Priced at £879, it offers a suite of professional-grade features that can significantly enhance your flying and filming experience.
Which DJI Drones are Compatible?
The RC Pro 2 is compatible with the following DJI drones:
- DJI Mini 4 Pro
- DJI Mini 5 Pro
- DJI Air 3
- DJI Air 3S
- DJI Mavic 4 Pro
This broad compatibility ensures that users across various DJI series can benefit from its advanced features.
Key Features Over the RC2
- 7-Inch High-Bright Mini-LED Display: The RC Pro 2 boasts a 7-inch display with 2000 nits peak brightness, making it highly visible even in direct sunlight, a significant upgrade over the RC2’s 5.5-inch screen with 700 nits brightness.
- Rotatable Screen: Ideal for vertical shooting, the rotatable screen allows for seamless transitions between landscape and portrait orientations, catering to diverse filming needs.
- Built-In Microphone & HDMI Output: The integrated microphone enables high-quality audio recording, while the HDMI output allows for live streaming or connecting to external monitors, features not available on the RC2.
- 128GB Internal Storage: With ample storage space, the RC Pro 2 can store flight data, footage, and apps, reducing reliance on external devices.
- Custom Android OS: The controller runs on a custom Android operating system, supporting third-party apps for live streaming, video editing, and more, offering a versatile platform for content creators.
- Collapsible Design, Extend and Start Creating: RC Pro 2 features a smart, collapsible design that powers on when extended, with control sticks rising seamlessly alongside the screen for swift, smooth operation.
- New Dial for Efficient Parameter Adjustment and Image Selection: A new ergonomic dial, paired with five-dimensional buttons, sits on top of the controller for easy thumb control. It lets you quickly adjust aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and select footage.
Is It Worth the Investment?
For casual drone enthusiasts, the RC2 offers excellent value with its built-in screen and robust features. However, if you’re a professional content creator or someone who requires advanced functionalities like live streaming, high-quality audio recording, and extensive storage, the RC Pro 2 justifies its £879 price tag. Its enhanced display, additional ports, and customisable OS provide a comprehensive toolset for serious drone operations.
Comparison Overview
| Feature | DJI RC2 | DJI RC-N3 | DJI RC Pro | DJI RC Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £323 | £110 | £879 | £879 |
| Screen Size | 5.5 inches | N/A | 5.5 inches | 7.02 inches |
| Brightness | 700 nits | N/A | 1000 nits | 2000 nits (peak) |
| Transmission Range | 20 km (O4) | 20 km (O4) | 15 km (O3+) | 15 km (O4+) |
| Customizable Buttons | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| External Antennas | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rotatable Screen | No | No | No | Yes |
| Internal Storage | No | No | No | 128GB |
| Operating System | Standard | Standard | Standard | Custom Android OS |
Conclusion: Why the DJI RC2 is the Best Choice
When choosing a controller for your DJI Mini or Air series drone, the DJI RC2 stands out as the clear winner among the standard options. It combines convenience, reliability, and advanced features in a way that the RC-N3 simply cannot match. With its built-in screen, dedicated buttons for photos and video, dual control dials, and customisable function keys, the RC2 makes flying easier, faster, and more enjoyable.
While the RC-N3 is appealing for beginners due to its lower price, it requires a smartphone, can drain your phone battery quickly, and leaves you vulnerable to interruptions from calls or notifications mid-flight. For most pilots, especially those who want a smoother, more professional experience, the RC2 offers better performance and peace of mind.
For anyone flying your Mini or Air series, it’s also worth considering the additional ways to protect and enhance your drone experience. Make sure to check out our guide on drone insurance in the UK: benefits, coverage, and top providers to safeguard your investment. And don’t miss our recommendations for must-have accessories for the DJI Mini 4 Pro to get the most out of your flights.
In short, if you’re choosing between the standard controller options for your DJI Mini or Air series drone, the RC2 offers the perfect balance of functionality, convenience, and reliability, making it my top pick.
FAQs
Can you use an iPad with the DJI RC-N3?
Yes, you can use an iPad with the DJI RC-N3, as long as the iPad is compatible with DJI’s Fly app. The RC-N3 relies on a connected smart device to display the live feed and flight controls, so any iPad that runs the DJI Fly app can serve this purpose.
However, there are a few practical considerations:
- Size and Weight: iPads are larger and heavier than a phone, which can make the controller setup bulkier and less comfortable to hold for long periods.
- Mounting: You’ll need a suitable mount or holder to attach the iPad to the RC-N3 securely. Not all third-party mounts are stable, so check compatibility.
- Battery Drain: Using the iPad for live feed and flight controls will drain its battery relatively quickly, especially on longer flights.
- Portability: One of the advantages of the RC2 is its built-in screen. Using an iPad with the RC-N3 removes that portability and quick setup convenience.
Which DJI controller is best for beginners?
For most beginners flying a Mini or Air series drone, the DJI RC2 is the best choice. It offers a built-in screen, faster setup, and dedicated controls without requiring a smartphone, making it easier to learn and fly. The RC-N3 is cheaper, but you’ll need a compatible phone or tablet.
Which controller is faster to set up in the field?
The RC2 is faster to set up because it has an integrated screen and doesn’t require attaching a phone. The RC-N3 requires connecting your smartphone or tablet, opening the DJI Fly app, and securing the device, which can take extra time.
Will my phone receive calls or notifications while using the RC-N3?
When using the RC-N3 with a connected phone, incoming calls, texts, and app notifications can interrupt your flight and the DJI Fly app. However, you can reduce or prevent interruptions by enabling “Do Not Disturb” mode on your phone before flying. Even so, using the RC2 avoids this entirely, since it has its own built-in screen and doesn’t rely on a phone for the live feed.
Can I Use the RC2 or RC-N3 with All DJI Mini and Air Series Drones?
Both the DJI RC2 and RC-N3 are compatible with several DJI Mini and Air series drones, but there are differences in their compatibility and features.
- DJI RC2: This controller is optimised for the Mini 4 Pro, Air 3, Air 3S, and Neo. It features a built-in screen, eliminating the need for a connected smartphone or tablet. DJI Official
- DJI RC-N3: The RC-N3 is compatible with the Mini 4 Pro, Air 3, Air 3S, and Neo. However, it requires a connected smartphone or tablet to function, as it lacks a built-in screen. Heliguy™
For a comprehensive compatibility guide, including details on other DJI controllers, you can refer to the DJI Remote Controller Drone Compatibility Guide.