Two drone-in-a-box systems for automated patrol and response.
The DJI Dock 3 and the Autel EVO Nest both store an aircraft, charge it, launch it on a schedule or an alert and recover it, with no pilot on site. The deciding factor is usually the aircraft: the Dock 3 takes only DJI's Matrice 4D and 4TD, and the EVO Nest takes Autel's EVO Max series.
Quick Answer
- Lower system cost: DJI Dock 3 with Matrice 4TD, $26,412.
- EVO Max fleets: Autel EVO Nest ($20,362) plus an EVO Max 4T XE ($8,999), $29,361 together.
- Federally funded program: neither. Both are Chinese manufacturers and not NDAA compliant.
DJI Dock 3 vs Autel EVO Nest Specs
| DJI Dock 3 | Autel EVO Nest | |
|---|---|---|
| Dock price | $15,890 | $20,362 |
| Aircraft | Matrice 4D, Matrice 4TD | EVO Max series |
| Protection | IP56 | IP55 |
| Operating temperature | -30°C to 50°C | -30°C to 55°C |
| Charge time | About 27 min, 15% to 95% | About 25 min, 10% to 90% |
| Power | 100-240 V AC, max 800 W | 110 V or 220 V AC, max 1.2 kW |
| Weight | 55 kg | 132 lb (about 60 kg) |
| Network | Gigabit Ethernet; 4G with dongle | Wired, 4G or 5G |
| Max operating altitude | 4,500 m | 6,000 m |
| Software | DJI FlightHub 2 (cloud or on-premises) | Autel Integrated Command System |
Sources: DJI Dock 3 and Autel EVO Nest specifications.
The Aircraft
| DJI Matrice 4TD | Autel EVO Max 4T XE | |
|---|---|---|
| Flight time | 54 min | 42 min |
| Thermal | 640×512 (1280×1024 UHR) | 640×512 |
| Zoom | 70 mm and 168 mm 48MP teles | 48MP 10x optical |
| Rangefinder | 1,800 m | 1,200 m |
| Protection | IP55 | IP43 (custom service) |
| Obstacle sensing | Omnidirectional vision | 60 GHz radar + vision |
| Batteries | Charged in the dock | Hot-swappable; charged in the Nest |
Images: Autel Robotics.
The Matrice 4TD flies longer, is sealed to IP55 and ranges farther with its rangefinder. The EVO Max 4T XE adds 60 GHz radar obstacle avoidance and A-Mesh networking, and the EVO Max can also be flown by hand on hot-swap batteries when an incident runs long.
Planning a Dock Program?
Tell us the site, power and network situation. We quote either system with the aircraft and software.
Total System Cost
Dock 3 + Matrice 4TD: $26,412
Plus DJI FlightHub 2 licensing, site power and network.
Dock 3 + Matrice 4D: $24,272
For scheduled mapping and inspection.
EVO Nest + 4T XE: $29,361
Plus site power and network.
EVO Nest + 4N: $32,961
Starlight night camera plus thermal.
Hardware list prices with free US shipping, before any applicable sales tax.
Which to Buy
If you are starting fresh and want the lowest hardware cost and the longest-flying docked aircraft, the Dock 3 with a Matrice 4TD is the stronger buy. If your team already flies EVO Max, or wants radar avoidance and hot-swap batteries, choose the EVO Nest. Read our Dock 3 review and EVO Max 4T XE review.
FCC and NDAA status. Autel Robotics is a Chinese manufacturer. Like DJI, it was added to the FCC Covered List in December 2025, which blocks new equipment authorizations but does not revoke ones already granted, so Autel models authorized before then remain legal to buy and fly in the US. Autel aircraft are not NDAA compliant and are not on the Blue UAS list, which rules them out for many federally funded programs. See our NDAA-compliant drones guide if that applies to you.
How to Buy
- Order online from the product page, or request a quote for dock programs.
- Pay by ACH, wire or card. Tax-exempt agencies purchase tax-free with a valid exemption certificate on file.
- We ship free within the US.
- Add coverage with one of our protection plans (batteries and propellers are excluded).
Get a Dock Quote
Tell us your organization, the mission and how many aircraft you need. You will hear back within one business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, the DJI Dock 3 or the Autel EVO Nest?
The Dock 3 is $15,890 alone or $26,412 with a Matrice 4TD. The EVO Nest is $20,362, or $29,361 with an EVO Max 4T XE.
Which aircraft work with each dock?
The Dock 3 takes the DJI Matrice 4D and 4TD. The EVO Nest takes the Autel EVO Max series.
Which dock handles harsher weather?
The Dock 3 is IP56 and rated -30°C to 50°C; the EVO Nest is IP55 and rated -30°C to 55°C.
How fast do they charge the aircraft?
About 27 minutes from 15% to 95% for the Dock 3, and about 25 minutes from 10% to 90% for the EVO Nest.
Are either NDAA compliant?
No. DJI and Autel are both Chinese manufacturers on the FCC Covered List and are not Blue UAS listed.
How do I pay, and do you ship free?
We accept ACH, wire transfer and credit card, and we ship free within the US.
Keep Exploring
Prices last verified October 2026 against Global Drone HQ listings and subject to change. Specifications per DJI and Autel Robotics published specifications. Footage and images by DJI and Autel Robotics as credited.
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