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Emlid Reach RS4 Pro vs RS4 vs RS3
Comparison between Emlid Reach RS4 Pro, RS4, and RS3. Learn about the key upgrades of the RS4 Pro and RS4, and find out which GNSS RTK receiver is best for you.
In-depth comparison between the new Emlid Reach RS4 Pro and RS4, and the older-generation RS3;
Key upgrades of the Emlid Reach RS4 Pro and RS4 include all-band RTK reception, integrated antenna system, and enhanced IMU tilt compensation;
Emlid Reach RS4 Pro also has camera-vision technology, redefining traditional RTK and cutting survey time;
heliguy™ is an Emlid partner, and our in-house survey team can help you integrate Emlid solutions into your operations through consultancy, supply, and workflow support.
Emlid has expanded its GNSS receiver line-up with the launch of the Reach RS4 and Reach RS4 Pro, bringing faster workflows, advanced features, and professional-grade accuracy.
The RS4 introduces a next-generation IMU that delivers five times quicker tilt compensation for measuring without levelling the pole, while the RS4 Pro goes further with a dual-camera system for augmented reality stakeout and image-based measurements in hard-to-reach areas.
These new receivers are the next-gen version of the popular Reach RS3 - but how do they compare?
In this blog, we’ll compare the RS3, RS4, and RS4 Pro — looking at their key features, workflows, and use cases — to help you choose the right receiver for your projects.
From construction and GIS to surveying in complex environments, we’ll show where each model fits best.
heliguy™ is an Emlid partner, stocking the Emlid ecosystem. Our in-house survey team can help you integrate these solutions into your workflows through supply, consultancy, and workflow support. Emlid receivers can be used as part of a drone survey workflow: As the UK's leading drone supplier, heliguy™ can help with drones and RTK receivers for an end-to-end workflow.
Emlid Reach RS4 Pro vs Emld RS4 vs Emlid RS3: Key features and specifications
The Reach RS3, RS4, and RS4 Pro all deliver survey-grade accuracy but are designed for different needs.
RS3: Offers reliable tilt compensation, fast fixes, and has a sturdy build, making it a proven all-rounder.
RS4: Introduces major upgrades with all-band RTK support, a faster IMU, higher channel count, and improved connectivity, providing greater performance in challenging conditions.
RS4 Pro: Builds on this with dual integrated cameras, enabling AR stakeout and image-based measurements for advanced workflows in hard-to-reach or hazardous areas.
Let’s take a closer look at the key specs of these GNSS receivers and how they measure up against one another.
RS3 | RS4 | RS4 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
Ingress protection | IP67 | IP68 | IP68 |
Operating temperature | -20°C to +65°C | -40°C to +65°C | -40°C to +65°C |
Dimensions | 126 × 126 × 142 mm | 128.6 × 128.6 × 99.3 mm | 128.6 × 128.6 × 99.3 mm |
Weight | 950 g | 920 g | 920 g |
Battery life | 18 hrs RTK / 22 hrs logging | 16 hrs RTK / 22 hrs logging | 16 hrs RTK / 22 hrs logging |
Autonomy | 5200 mAh, 7.2 V, 37.44 Wh | 5000 mAh, 7.2 V, 36 Wh | 5000 mAh, 7.2 V, 36 Wh |
Charging | USB-C 5 V / 3 | USB-C PD: 5 V–15 V / 3 A | USB-C PD: 5 V–15 V / 3 A |
Bluetooth | 4.0 / 2.1 EDR | 5.1 (BR/EDR + LE | 5.1 (BR/EDR + LE) |
GNSS channels | 184 | 672 | 672 |
Signals tracked | GPS/QZSS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, NavIC |
Radio | LoRa TX/RX, UHF RX only | LoRa TX/RX, UHF TX/RX | LoRa TX/RX, UHF TX/RX |
IMU | 6DOF | 6DOF | 6DOF |
Imaging | - | - | Integrated cameras for visual workflows |
Drone compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Emlid RS3 vs RS4 vs RS4 Pro: In-depth look
Let's take a look at each of the receivers in more detail - starting with the Emlid Reach RS3, and then looking at how the RS4 and RS4 Pro build on this.
Emlid Reach RS3
The Reach RS3 has long been a reliable option for surveyors, offering tilt compensation up to 60° with 20 mm accuracy, 184 GNSS channels, and a durable IP67-rated frame.
It offers the longest battery life of the three receivers, delivering up to 18 hours in RTK or 22 hours of logging, making it reliable for full-day projects.
But, the RS3’s connectivity is limited to Bluetooth 4.0, and while it includes LoRa transmit/receive, its UHF radio is receive-only.
Richard Dunlop, Geospatial Lead at Heliguy said: “The RS3 was already a well-designed, reliable tool for survey operations, and it quickly became a popular choice for drone surveyors. It remains a powerful and dependable GNSS device.
"However, with the release of the RS4 and RS4 Pro, EMLID has somehow managed to significantly improve on an already excellent system.”
Emlid Reach RS4
The Reach RS4 improves on the RS3 with better connectivity, higher accuracy, greater durability, and a lighter, more compact design.
It increases the channel count to 672 and adds support for all major constellations, including NavIC, for improved accuracy in difficult environments.
The new IMU delivers tilt compensation five times faster than the RS3, while Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C PD fast charging, and a dual-band Wi-Fi module improve usability in the field.
Richard Dunlop, Geospatial Lead at Heliguy said: “There are several impressive upgrades across the new models.
"On the RS4, I particularly admire the enhanced IMU tilt compensation — it’s noticeably faster to initialise and more intuitive to use.”
The RS4 is also lighter at 920 g, with IP68 protection and a durable magnesium alloy body, raising the bar for reliability and ease of deployment.
Emlid Reach RS4 Pro
The Reach RS4 Pro goes a step further than the RS4 by adding dual integrated HD cameras. These unlock AR stakeout and image-based measurement, allowing surveyors to capture inaccessible points virtually, enabling safer field ops without sacrificing accuracy.
Richard Dunlop, Geospatial Lead at Heliguy said: “With the RS4 Pro, it’s hard to look past the augmented reality stakeout and image-based measurements.
"These, combined with cutting-edge GNSS performance, really push the boundaries of what surveyors can achieve in the field.
"The integration of these advanced tools sets a new standard in accessible, high-performance surveying technology.”
By combining all the strengths of the RS4 with advanced vision technology, the RS4 Pro is designed for the most demanding workflows where efficiency and safety are critical.
Emlid RS4 Pro vs RS4 vs RS3: Which GNSS receiver is best for me?
All three receivers deliver survey-grade accuracy, but the RS4 and RS4 Pro add extra precision and advanced tools that make them better suited for large-scale projects and challenging terrain, such as forestry. The RS3 shouldn’t be overlooked though — it remains a reliable option and offers the longest battery life of the three.
Receiver | Best uses |
|---|---|
Reach RS3 | Standard GNSS surveying, boundary marking, GIS data collection, construction sites, large-scale surveying, infrastructure and utility inspection with straightforward layouts. |
Reach RS4 | Large-scale surveying, infrastructure projects, urban and canopy-covered environments, flexible base/rover setups. |
Reach RS4 Pro | Advanced stakeout, hard-to-reach or hazardous survey points, utility inspections, urban construction, data-rich workflows with visual verification. |
Emlid software suite
Each GNSS receiver is compatible with the Emlid software suite for a seamless field-to-office workflow.
The Flow app handles setup, logging, data collection, and stakeout, while Flow 360 provides cloud access for managing and exporting projects.
Emlid Studio supports post-processing on desktop, and Emlid Caster connects multiple rovers to a base station or custom NTRIP network.
Emlid Reach RS3 vs RS4 vs RS4 Pro: Summary
Overall, all of the Emlid receivers are solid choices for surveying projects, with the RS4 and RS4 Pro providing advanced features and tools for more complex workflows.
RS3: Ideal for everyday surveying with reliable performance.
RS4: Adds faster tilt compensation, more channels, and better connectivity for complex projects.
RS4 Pro: Introduces visual tools for faster stakeout, safer operation, and advanced data capture.
Contact our survey team
Interested in bringing the Emlid RS3, RS4, or RS4 Pro into your surveying operations? The heliguy™ Survey Team can help you choose the right receiver for your projects, provide best-practice advice for accurate data capture, and support you with data processing. For more details, contact us.
