Get the Matrice 4T if you need the most capable compact thermal drone: it adds a laser rangefinder that measures up to 1,800 m, a third visible camera, 49 minutes of flight and a 25 km video link. Get the Mavic 3 Enterprise (the thermal 3T version) if you want a lighter, proven thermal drone for routine inspections where you don't need range-finding. Both are sold by quote, and both need FAA registration and Part 107 for work.
"Mavic 3 Enterprise" covers two drones: the Mavic 3E for mapping and the Mavic 3T with thermal. The Matrice 4T competes with the 3T. For mapping, compare the 3E with the Matrice 4E instead.
Specs side by side
| Matrice 4T | Mavic 3T | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Quote | Quote |
| Takeoff weight | 1,219 g | 920 g |
| Wide camera | 1/1.3 in, 48 MP, 24 mm | 1/2 in, 48 MP, 24 mm |
| Telephoto | 48 MP at 70 mm and 168 mm | 12 MP at 162 mm, 56× hybrid zoom |
| Thermal | 640 × 512, 28× digital zoom | 640 × 512, 28× digital zoom |
| Laser rangefinder | Yes, up to 1,800 m | No |
| Night aid | NIR auxiliary light | None |
| Video | 4K/30 | 4K/30 |
| Max flight time | 49 min | 45 min |
| Max speed | 21 m/s | 21 m/s forward (Sport) |
| Wind resistance | 12 m/s | 12 m/s |
| Video range (FCC) | 25 km | 15 km |
| Obstacle sensing | Omnidirectional | Omnidirectional |
Specs are DJI's published figures. Enterprise drones are sold by quote because the kit depends on batteries, accessories and support.
The key differences
Range-finding. The Matrice 4T's laser rangefinder measures the distance to a target out to 1,800 m. For search and rescue, firefighting and law enforcement, that helps you direct ground teams to what you see. The Mavic 3T can't measure distance.
Zoom and image quality. The Matrice 4T has two 48 MP telephoto cameras at 70 mm and 168 mm, so you can step from a wide view to a medium and a long shot without heavy digital zoom. Its wide camera also uses a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor than the Mavic 3T's 1/2-inch. Thermal resolution is the same on both: 640 × 512.
Night work. The Matrice 4T adds a near-infrared auxiliary light to help its visible cameras see in the dark. For night public-safety work, that's a real advantage.
Endurance and link. 49 minutes versus 45 minutes is a modest gain. The bigger difference is the link: 25 km FCC versus 15 km, which shows up as a steadier feed around buildings and terrain.
Size and cost. The Mavic 3T is about 300 g lighter and is usually the lower-cost option. If your work is roof, solar or electrical inspection at close range, the 3T does the job and keeps the budget for spare batteries.
Who each one is for
- Matrice 4T: police, fire and search-and-rescue teams; utility and pipeline patrols that need distance and coordinates; anyone flying at night.
- Mavic 3T: solar farm and roof inspection, building envelopes, livestock and wildlife counts, and teams adding a first thermal drone.
Both fly with DJI Pilot 2 and work with the D-RTK 3 station for precise positioning. See best thermal drone for the wider field.
What to check before you buy
- Your use case. If you need to measure distance to a target, only the Matrice 4T has a rangefinder.
- Accessories. Spotlights, speakers and RTK modules differ between the two platforms, so confirm the accessories you need for each.
- Data policies. Many agencies have drone procurement rules. Check them before you request a quote.
- US availability. Both models were authorized before the FCC's December 2025 cutoff, so they remain legal to sell and fly. A July 2026 FCC proposal targets further import and sale of thermal drones; it isn't final. See is DJI banned in the US.
Quick answers
Do I need a license? Yes, for any work flight: a Part 107 certificate, and FAA registration because both weigh over 250 g.
Can either fly in rain? DJI lists no ingress protection rating for the Matrice 4T, so avoid rain with both.
Read Matrice 4T vs Matrice 4E if you're deciding between thermal and mapping, or contact us for a quote on either kit.
Related guides
- DJI Matrice 30T vs Matrice 4T: which should you buy?
- DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs Matrice 4T: creative flagship or enterprise tool?
- DJI Enterprise drones explained: Matrice, Mavic 3E and Dock
- DJI Matrice 4T vs Matrice 4E: thermal or mapping?
- DJI Matrice 4T: specs, uses and pricing
- DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise: specs, uses and pricing
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