You don't need a controller for the DJI Neo: it flies from your palm or from your phone. A controller unlocks more. The RC-N3 (included in the Fly More Combo) adds range, Return to Home and Normal, Sport and Cine modes. DJI also lists the RC-N2 and DJI RC 2. For FPV, the RC Motion 3 or FPV Remote Controller 3 work with DJI goggles.
Every way to control the Neo
| Option | Needs | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Control | Nothing (after first app connection) | Quick selfie shots |
| Phone (DJI Fly over Wi-Fi) | Your phone | Vlogs within 50 m |
| RC-N3 / RC-N2 | Your phone in the holder | Landscapes, longer flights |
| DJI RC 2 | Nothing; built-in screen | Same, without your phone |
| RC Motion 3 | Goggles N3 or Goggles 3 | Easy, immersive FPV |
| FPV Remote Controller 3 | Goggles N3 or Goggles 3 | Learning Manual mode |
With a controller or goggles, the Neo uses DJI's O4 video link instead of Wi-Fi.
RC-N3: the standard choice
The RC-N3 holds your phone and runs DJI Fly. With the Neo it gives you:
- Distance and height limits you set yourself, beyond the 50 m / 30 m palm limits
- Return to Home, triggered by the button, low battery or signal loss
- Normal, Sport (8 m/s) and Cine modes on the flight mode switch
- FocusTrack (Spotlight, POI, ActiveTrack), QuickShots and Cruise Control
You can still palm-launch and palm-land with the RC-N3 connected, but the palm Smart Snaps aren't available. The RC-N3 comes linked to the Neo in the Fly More Combo; otherwise link it in DJI Fly under Control > Re-pair to Aircraft. Searching "Neo to RC 2"? DJI lists the DJI RC 2 as compatible, which puts a screen in the controller.
RC Motion 3: point and fly
The RC Motion 3 is a one-hand motion controller. You see through the goggles and fly where you point. It offers Normal and Sport modes, head tracking, and Easy ACRO tricks such as flips, rolls and 180° drifts. It needs Goggles N3 or Goggles 3. See Neo goggles and Neo flips.
FPV Remote Controller 3: the "joystick" option
The DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 is a two-stick FPV controller. It's the only way to fly the Neo in Manual mode, the classic acro mode, with a top speed of 16 m/s (36 mph). It also needs goggles. See Neo manual mode.
Do you need one?
- Mostly selfies and vlogs: no.
- Scenery, beaches, anything beyond 50 m: yes, get the RC-N3. Return to Home alone is worth it.
- Curious about FPV: goggles and the RC Motion 3.
The cheapest way to get the RC-N3 is the Fly More Combo, which adds it with two batteries and the hub for $225 more. See Neo combo, or flying without a controller.
Shop the DJI Neo, the RC-N3 and the RC Motion 3.
Related guides
- DJI Flip controller options: RC 2, RC-N3 or phone only
- Does the DJI Neo work with DJI Goggles 3 or N3?
- DJI Avata 2 controllers: RC Motion 3 vs FPV Remote Controller 3
- How far can the DJI Neo fly? Range and transmission explained
- Which controllers work with the DJI Air 3S? RC 2 vs RC-N3 and phone-only flying
- Why won't my DJI Neo connect to the controller or phone?
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