Overview
The DJI RC Plus and DJI RC Plus 2 are DJI’s professional enterprise remote controllers designed for mission-critical operations such as public safety, inspection, surveying, and BVLOS workflows. They offer high-brightness displays, rugged build quality, external connectivity options, and advanced multi-user control features.
While they share a similar design philosophy, the RC Plus 2 introduces performance and workflow improvements aimed at newer aircraft platforms such as the Matrice 4 and Matrice 400 series.
What They Have in Common
Both controllers are designed for professional field use and include:
7.02-inch high-brightness touchscreen (approx. 1200 nits) for outdoor visibility
Built-in battery + external battery support (WB37)
Hot-swappable external battery (controller stays powered when swapping WB37)
HDMI output for external monitors
Wi-Fi + Bluetooth connectivity
GNSS positioning built in
Customisable buttons and professional control layout
DJI Pilot 2 app support
Multi-user modes (Dual operator / Pilot + Payload operator where supported)
Enterprise-grade rugged design for field operations
USB-C and microSD storage support
Both controllers are designed to be used for long deployments in harsh environments where consumer controllers are not suitable.
Key Differences Between RC Plus and RC Plus 2
Performance & Hardware
RC Plus (Original):
Older processor platform
Optimised for M300 RTK, M350 RTK, and M30 series
Strong performance but slower with very large missions and datasets
RC Plus 2:
Newer, faster internal processor
Improved overall system responsiveness
Better handling of complex missions, large waypoints, and data-heavy workflows
Designed to align with newer aircraft generations (Matrice 4, Matrice 400)
Aircraft Compatibility
DJI RC Plus (Original) supports:
Matrice 300 RTK
Matrice 350 RTK
Matrice 30
Matrice 30T
DJI RC Plus 2 supports:
DJI Matrice 4 Series (M4E / M4T / M4D variants)
DJI Matrice 400
Newer enterprise platforms going forward
They are not interchangeable across all platforms.
For example, an RC Plus (original) cannot be used with Matrice 4, and RC Plus 2 cannot control an M300.
Software Experience
Both use DJI Pilot 2, but:
RC Plus 2 is optimised for the latest Pilot 2 builds
RC Plus 2 provides smoother performance when using:
3D mission planning
High-resolution live feeds
Multiple payload views
Dock / FlightHub workflows
RC Plus (original) may feel slower when running newer versions of Pilot 2 with complex missions
Future Support
RC Plus 2 is DJI’s forward-looking enterprise controller
New aircraft platforms are being designed around RC Plus 2
RC Plus (original) remains supported for legacy platforms but is unlikely to support new aircraft releases
This matters for organisations planning long-term fleet expansion.
Battery and Power
Both controllers support:
Internal battery
External WB37 intelligent battery
Hot swapping of WB37 without powering down
USB-C charging
Approx. similar runtime depending on brightness and usage
Common battery-related notes:
WB37 batteries self-discharge over time (normal behaviour)
Cold environments reduce runtime significantly
Controllers can run on internal battery alone if needed
Connectivity & Outputs
Both RC Plus models include:
HDMI output for external monitors
USB-C for charging and data
microSD card slot for storage
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
GNSS for location-aware features
Support for external 4G dongles (for some workflows, region dependent)
Common Use Cases
Both controllers are used for:
Public safety missions
Infrastructure inspections
Surveying and mapping
Dock operations
BVLOS-style operational workflows
Dual-operator missions
Long-duration deployments
The RC Plus 2 is better suited for:
New enterprise platforms
Heavier data workflows
Organisations building new fleets
FlightHub 2 integrated operations
Top 10 FAQs
What is the difference between RC Plus and RC Plus 2?
RC Plus 2 has a newer processor, better performance, and supports newer aircraft such as the Matrice 4 and Matrice 400. RC Plus (original) is designed for older platforms like M300, M350, and M30.Can I use my RC Plus with a Matrice 4?
No. Matrice 4 requires the RC Plus 2.Can RC Plus 2 be used with Matrice 350 RTK?
No. The M350 is designed to use the original RC Plus.Do both controllers use DJI Pilot 2?
Yes. Both use DJI Pilot 2, but RC Plus 2 is optimised for newer versions and heavier workflows.Do both support external WB37 batteries?
Yes. Both use WB37 batteries and support hot-swapping.Why does my controller battery drain when not in use?
WB37 batteries self-discharge over time to protect battery health. This is normal.Can I connect an external monitor?
Yes. Both controllers have HDMI output for external displays.Do they support dual operator mode?
Yes, where supported by the aircraft and payload configuration.Why is my RC Plus running slowly?
This usually occurs on older RC Plus units when running newer Pilot 2 features or very large missions. RC Plus 2 handles these workloads more efficiently.Which controller should I choose for future-proofing my fleet?
RC Plus 2 is the better choice for long-term use as it supports DJI’s newest and upcoming enterprise platforms.