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Drone Comparison

DJI Matrice 400 vs Matrice 4T: Heavy-Lift vs Compact Thermal

An expert comparison to help you choose the right equipment for your project.

Feature DJI Matrice 400 DJI Matrice 4T
Max Takeoff Weight 15.8 kg -
Max Payload 6 kg at the third gimbal connector (screw-lock); 1,400 g single gimbal Integrated sensors (200 g accessory limit)
Flight Time 59 min (measured with H30T payload) 49 min (no payload)
Transmission O4 Enterprise Enhanced, 40 km FCC (one-way, unobstructed) -
Obstacle Sensing LiDAR + mmWave + omni vision Omnidirectional vision
IP Rating IP55 -

Pricing shown reflects average US rates — indicative ranges, not a quote. Actual costs vary by location based on local market conditions, regulations, and project logistics — both within the US and internationally. Get a custom quote

Option A DJI

DJI Matrice 400

Flagship Heavy-Lift Platform

DJI's flagship enterprise platform (official name "DJI Matrice 400" — no RTK suffix): 6 kg payload capacity, LiDAR + mmWave obstacle sensing, and the only aircraft that carries the Zenmuse L3.

Pros

  • 6 kg at the third gimbal connector, at sea level
  • Carries Zenmuse L3
  • Rotating LiDAR + mmWave radar sensing
  • RTK heading better than 2°
  • 59-min flight time measured with an H30T fitted

Cons

  • Heavier logistics (9.7 kg takeoff weight)
  • Newer platform, smaller installed base
  • No H20-series or L1 support

Best For

Drone LiDAR (Zenmuse L3)Long corridor missionsComplex obstacle-rich sitesMaximum-endurance mapping
Option B DJI

DJI Matrice 4T

Compact All-in-One Thermal

The M4T integrates thermal, zoom and wide sensors into a compact, foldable enterprise drone a single operator deploys in minutes.

Pros

  • One-person deploy
  • Highly portable
  • Integrated 640×512 thermal
  • Integrated RTK
  • Lower cost

Cons

  • Fixed sensors — no payload swap
  • No LiDAR option
  • Smaller thermal sensor than H30T-class payloads

Best For

Thermal inspectionsRapid deploymentSolo operationsTravel missions

Our Expert Verdict

Depends on Your Needs

Different tools for different jobs: the Matrice 400 is an open payload platform that carries survey-grade LiDAR and the H30T thermal payload; the M4T is a self-contained thermal inspection aircraft that fits in a backpack. Neither replaces the other.

Choose DJI Matrice 400 if...

Choose the Matrice 400 for LiDAR mapping, heavy payloads, and missions that need the H30T's larger thermal sensor.

Choose DJI Matrice 4T if...

Choose the M4T for fast, portable thermal inspections a single operator can run.

Download the Spec Sheets

Original manufacturer documents, free with no email required — verified against each manufacturer's live copy.

Browse the full library: Equipment Spec Sheets & Downloads →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Matrice 4T carry a LiDAR payload?

No — the M4T's sensors are fixed and its accessory limit is 200 g. For drone LiDAR the aircraft is the Matrice 400 with the Zenmuse L3, or an M350/M300 RTK with the Zenmuse L2.

Where do these specifications come from?

From DJI's official specification pages for each aircraft, captured and verified August 2026. DJI publishes no spec-sheet PDF for these platforms; its official user manuals are free downloads in our equipment spec-sheet library.

Equipment Used

Professional Equipment In This Comparison

The professional equipment in this comparison, compared spec by spec. Specifications shown are the manufacturers' published figures. Models THE FUTURE 3D operates are identified on their own pages.

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