How we rank thermal drones
Each drone gets a spec score out of 100, calculated from published specs. It is not a test score. Rankings then weigh that score against US availability, compliance and how well the drone fits the job on each page.
Sources we accept
- Manufacturer: the maker’s spec page, official store or datasheet. Shown as fact, with a “source” link.
- Listing only: a value found only on a seller’s listing. Shown with “not confirmed by manufacturer”, and never used for safety-relevant specs such as IP rating in our comparisons without that label.
- Not published: we say so rather than borrow a reseller’s number.
The spec score formula
| Factor | Weight | How points are given |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal resolution | 35% | 640×512 = 85; 384×288 = 60; 320×256 = 40. Native pixels only; upscaled modes don’t count. |
| Sensitivity (NETD) | 30% | ≤30 mK = 100; ≤40 = 85; ≤50 = 70; above = 55. Unpublished NETD is scored as 60 mK until the maker publishes it. |
| Flight time | 20% | Rated minutes ÷ 50 × 100, capped at 100. |
| Value | 15% | Price tier: entry 100, mid 80, upper 60, pro 40. |
Discontinued drones are not scored.
Current scores
- DJI Matrice 4T: 79
- DJI Matrice 4TD: 77
- Autel EVO Lite 640T Enterprise: 77 (NETD unpublished)
- Autel EVO II Dual 640T V3: 73 (NETD unpublished)
- Autel EVO Max 4T V2: 72 (NETD unpublished)
- Skydio X10: 82
- Parrot ANAFI USA: 52
Why #1 isn’t always the top score
The score only sees four numbers. Rank also weighs things the score can’t: whether the drone is sold new in the US, whether agencies can buy it under NDAA rules, zoom and accessories, and fit for the page’s job. The Skydio X10 scores highest on specs, but its quote-only price and weight put it third overall. The DJI Matrice 4T ranks first because it does the most for most buyers.
Hands-on notes
Reviews include an “Owner’s take” only when the site owner has hands-on experience with that drone, and it says what kind: currently the DJI Matrice 4TD, Autel EVO II Dual 640T V3 and Autel EVO Max 4T V2 (all owned and flown by the site owner; the Max 4T is still early days) and the DJI Matrice 4T (a hands-on demonstration, not ownership). Each review says which. Hands-on notes don’t change the spec score, which comes only from published specs.
Updates
Specs and availability are re-checked when DJI, Autel, Skydio or Parrot announce a new thermal model or US rules change. Each ranking shows the date it was last reviewed.