By Matt Fleischer — FPV pilot since 2015 | Last updated: June 11, 2026

The DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 is the dual-stick controller for the Avata 2 and DJI Neo, and it’s the only way to unlock true Manual (acro) flight. At $199 it’s sold separately from the Fly More Combo, but if you want to actually rip freestyle instead of just cruising with the RC Motion 3, this is the controller you want. Here’s the full breakdown.

Check the current price of the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 at GetFPV »

What Is the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3?

The DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 is a traditional two-stick FPV controller built for the DJI Avata 2 and DJI Goggles 3. It’s the upgrade pick over the RC Motion 3 — the wrist-flick motion controller that ships in the Avata 2 Fly More Combo — because it adds real joystick control and, more importantly, Manual mode: full acro flight where you control the drone’s attitude directly, like a true FPV quad.

It runs on DJI’s O4 video transmission with an integrated antenna, weighs about 240 g, and gets roughly 10 hours of battery life. The control sticks are extended 2 mm over the older model for finer single- or dual-fingered control, and you can adjust stick tension with the included L-shaped screwdriver.

DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 vs. RC Motion 3: Which Should You Get?

This is the question most Avata 2 owners are really asking. Short version: the RC Motion 3 (included in the combo) is the easy, beginner-friendly way to fly. The FPV Remote Controller 3 (sold separately) is the one that lets you actually fly like an FPV pilot. Here’s how they stack up:

  RC Motion 3 FPV Remote Controller 3
Control type Wrist motion + buttons Two traditional joysticks
Manual (acro) mode No Yes
Flight modes Normal, Sport Normal, Sport, Manual
Best for Beginners, cinematic cruising Freestyle, acro, sim practice
Included in Fly More Combo Yes No (add-on)
Price ~$109 standalone $199

My take: if you only want smooth, point-and-shoot cinematic shots, the RC Motion 3 in the box is genuinely fine. But the moment you want to throw the drone into a dive, do proper power loops, or learn real stick skills, the RC Motion 3 hits a wall — it can’t do Manual mode at all. That’s the whole reason this controller exists.

Why Manual Mode Is the Real Reason to Buy It

Manual (also called acro) mode is what separates FPV flying from camera-drone flying. Instead of the drone self-leveling when you let go of the sticks, it holds whatever attitude you put it in — which is what makes flips, rolls, dives, and flowy freestyle line possible. The RC Motion 3 simply doesn’t offer it. The FPV Remote Controller 3 does.

As someone who likes to pinch-fly, the sticks are a little difficult to do because the radio is smaller than what i’m used to. So I tend to fly manual with my thumbs, and while it is ‘fine’, for the more cinematic shots i’m looking for I’ll only fly manual if I absolutely need to. Since I’m flying this radio with an Avata 2, which can struggle in wind as a ‘whoop’, automatic mode with the Controller 3 is my favorite combination.
If you’re brand new to sticks, the good news is you don’t have to learn on your actual drone — which brings us to simulators.

Can You Use It With Flight Simulators?

Yes, and this is one of the most underrated reasons to own it. The DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 plugs into a computer and works with the major FPV sims — Liftoff, Uncrashed, DCL, and The Drone Racing League. That means you can build real Manual-mode muscle memory on the sim (where crashes are free) before you risk your Avata 2. For anyone moving from the Motion 3 to sticks, this is the smartest way to do it.

What Drones Does the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 Work With?

It’s compatible with the DJI Avata 2 and the DJI Neo, and works across DJI’s O3 Air Unit, O4 Air Unit, and O4 Air Unit Pro. It pairs through the DJI Goggles 3. It can also be bound to multiple drones, so you can switch between aircraft without re-binding from scratch each time.

DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 Specs

Compatibility DJI Avata 2, DJI Neo, O3/O4 Air Units
Flight modes Normal, Sport, Manual
Video transmission DJI O4 (integrated antenna)
Max range Up to 8.1 mi / 13 km (FCC)
Weight Approx. 240 g
Battery life Approx. 10 hours
Charging time Approx. 2 hours
Control sticks Extended 2 mm, adjustable tension
Simulator support Liftoff, Uncrashed, DCL, DRL
Price $199 (MSRP)

What’s in the Box?

You get the controller, a pair of control sticks, and an L-shaped screwdriver for adjusting stick tension. One thing worth flagging: there’s no USB-C charging cable included. It’s a minor gripe, but if you assumed one came in the box, plan to use a cable you already own.

How Do You Bind It to the Avata 2?

Binding is quick and a little counterintuitive — you actually bind the controller to the Goggles 3, not the drone. Power on all three devices, hold the controller’s power button until it beeps, then hold the goggles’ power button until they pair. I wrote up the exact steps (with a video) in my guide to binding the Avata 2 to the Controller 3.

Is the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 Worth It?

If you bought the Avata 2 to fly FPV the way it’s meant to be flown — acro, freestyle, real stick control — then yes, it’s worth it, because Manual mode is locked behind this controller and nothing else. If you only ever want stabilized cinematic footage, save your money and stick with the RC Motion 3 in the box.

Pros:

  • Unlocks Manual (acro) mode — the only way to get it on the Avata 2
  • Real dual-stick control with adjustable tension
  • O4 transmission, up to 8.1 miles of range
  • ~10 hour battery life
  • Works with major FPV simulators for free practice
  • Binds to multiple drones (Avata 2 + Neo)

Cons:

  • $199 add-on, not included in the Fly More Combo
  • No USB-C charging cable in the box
  • Only worth it if you want to fly sticks/Manual — overkill for pure cinematic flying
  • Learning curve if you’re coming straight from the Motion 3

If you need a freestyle radio and want it all in one with your air unit in one piece of tech, then it’s a great radio. For the Avata 2, do you need it? Questionable. I really appreciate the motion controller that comes with it, so I definitely splurged to get this so I could see what it’s all about. It is not necessary unless you need the full control.

Grab the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 at GetFPV »

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 and the RC Motion 3?

The RC Motion 3 controls the drone with wrist motion and buttons and is included in the Avata 2 Fly More Combo. The FPV Remote Controller 3 uses two traditional joysticks and adds Manual (acro) mode, which the Motion 3 can’t do. The stick controller is the one freestyle pilots want.

Does the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 have Manual mode?

Yes. It offers Normal, Sport, and Manual modes. Manual mode gives you full acro control where the drone holds its attitude instead of self-leveling, which is required for flips, rolls, dives, and real FPV freestyle. It’s the main reason most pilots upgrade to this controller.

What drones work with the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3?

It’s compatible with the DJI Avata 2 and DJI Neo, and works with DJI’s O3 Air Unit, O4 Air Unit, and O4 Air Unit Pro. It pairs through the DJI Goggles 3 and can be bound to multiple drones so you can switch between aircraft.

How much is the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3?

The MSRP is $199. It’s sold separately as an add-on and isn’t included in the Avata 2 Fly More Combo, which ships with the RC Motion 3 instead. Check current pricing through the link above, as retailer prices can vary.

Can you use the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 on a flight simulator?

Yes. It connects to a computer and works with major FPV simulators including Liftoff, Uncrashed, DCL, and The Drone Racing League. This makes it a great way to practice Manual-mode stick skills without risking your actual drone.

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