DJI Dock 3 isn't just a newer Dock 2. It's built for a different kind of operation. Dock 2 is a compact dock for fixed sites. Dock 3 is heavier and tougher, and it's the first DJI dock that can be mounted on a vehicle and moved between sites. Which one suits you comes down to whether your drone program stays in one place or needs to move.
Below is a summary of the key differences. For the full side-by-side breakdown, download the free technical comparison.
Key differences between DJI Dock 3 and Dock 2
- Mobile deployment. Dock 3 can be mounted on a vehicle and operated on the move. Dock 2 is designed for fixed installation.
- Newer aircraft. Dock 3 runs the Matrice 4D and 4TD. Dock 2 runs the Matrice 3D and 3TD.
- Longer flights. Up to 54 minutes on Dock 3, compared with up to 50 minutes on Dock 2.
- Extended range. Dock 3 supports airborne relay, where a second drone extends the range of the first. Dock 2 doesn't.
- Tougher build. Dock 3 is rated IP56 and works from −30 °C to 50 °C, so it suits harsher sites.
- Better obstacle sensing. The Matrice 4D and 4TD add LiDAR and millimetre-wave radar, and the 4TD has a laser rangefinder.
DJI Dock 3 vs Dock 2: specs at a glance
| Feature | DJI Dock 3 | DJI Dock 2 |
|---|
| Deployment | Fixed or vehicle-mounted | Fixed |
| Weight | 55 kg | 34 kg |
| Compatible drones | DJI Matrice 4D and 4TD | DJI Matrice 3D and 3TD |
| Flight time | Up to 54 min | Up to 50 min |
| Range | Extended with airborne relay | 10 km |
| Weather rating | IP56 dock, IP55 aircraft | IP55 |
| Dual docks on one vehicle | Yes | No |
| Laser rangefinder | Up to 1,800 m (M4TD) | No |
| Obstacle sensing | LiDAR and millimetre-wave radar | Vision system |
| Mission control | DJI FlightHub 2 | DJI FlightHub 2 |
Which dock is right for you?
Choose DJI Dock 3 if you need
- A dock you can move between sites or run from a vehicle
- Longer flights and extended range for large or remote sites
- Operation in extreme heat, cold or dust
Dock 2 still suits you if
- You already run Dock 2 at a fixed site and it covers your needs
- Your operations stay within a single site and range
Looking at the newest option too? See our DJI Dock 4 vs Dock 3 comparison.
Get the full technical comparison
The full guide goes deeper than this summary, covering:
- An overview of Dock 3 and the Matrice 4D and 4TD
- Every major improvement over Dock 2
- The industries and use cases where Dock 3 performs best
- A complete feature-by-feature comparison
Fill out the form to download your free copy, or talk to our team on 1800 119 111 about which dock suits your site.
