Here’s a roundup of all of the 1S, 2S, 3S, and 4S LiPo batteries I examined for micro drones with capacities starting from 250mAh to 850mAh. Efficiency is predicated on voltage sag beneath load, discharge price, true capability and worth, to find out that are the perfect to your tiny whoops, toothpicks and micro quads.
In case you are new to LiPo batteries, you must undoubtedly take a look at my newbie’s tutorial on LiPos: https://oscarliang.com/lipo-battery-guide/.
Testing Methodology
To find out the perfect batteries, I centered on two key efficiency indicators:
- Capability: Measured by discharging batteries at a sluggish price (~2C) from full cost down to three.3V per cell to precisely gauge their power storage capabilities.
- Voltage Sag: Assessed by discharging at a sooner price (~20C) from full cost to three.3V to judge their efficiency beneath load all through the discharge cycle.
In case you might be curious what testing gear I used, it was the SkyRC BD350 discharger.
C Ranking
C-Ranking is meant to be an indicator of the discharge efficiency of a LiPo battery. Nonetheless, the numbers offered by producers are sometimes inflated for advertising functions, it has develop into meaningless over time. This is the reason I’m conducting these checks myself to seek out out their precise efficiency.
LiPo or LiHV?
LiHV is a unique sort of LiPo battery that enables charging as much as 4.35V per cell as a substitute of 4.20V. The primary benefit is that the marginally greater voltage at full cost can present a bit extra energy to your quad. From my private expertise, LiHV does supply extra energy within the first half of the discharge cycle, however after that, the efficiency is just like LiPo. Additionally LiHV is barely greater power density than typical LiPo, leading to a barely lighter pack for a similar capability. Nonetheless there’s concern in longevity of LiHV and the way they degrade sooner than LiPo. Be taught extra in my LiHV Testing: https://oscarliang.com/lihv-battery/
LiHV is fashionable for small 1S batteries for Tiny Whoops (e.g., 1S 300mAh/450mAh). For something larger or with the next cell depend, conventional LiPo continues to be the popular alternative.
Be sure you are conscious of the kind of batteries you might be getting and cost/deal with them accurately to keep away from hazard. Don’t overcharge regular LiPo to 4.35V, which might lead to a hearth.
Extra tutorials relating to LiPo Security:
Testing in 2024
2S LiPo/LiHV
Flywoo 2S 420mAh 80C LiHV
- Weight: 22g
- Dimensions: 16.5x14x52mm
- Measured Capability: 380mAh
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
Tattu 2S 450mAh 75C LiPo
- Weight: 28g
- Dimensions: 16×13.5x62mm
- Measured Capability: 451mAh
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
BetaFPV 2S 450mAh 30C LiHV (BT3.0)
- Weight: 27.2g
- Dimensions: 16×13.5x66mm
- Measured Capability: 491mAh
- Connector: BT3.0 (be taught extra right here)
- Product Pages:
BetaFPV 2S 450mAh 45C LiPo
- Weight: 28.1g
- Dimensions: 15×13.5x62mm
- Measured Capability: 485mAh
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
Flywoo 2S 550mAh 80C LiHV
- Weight: 26.4g
- Dimensions: 17.5x12x62mm
- Measured Capability: 490mah
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
Flywoo 2S 750mAh 80C LiHV
- Weight: 35.5g
- Dimensions: 18×14.5x69mm
- Measured Capability: 700mAh
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
GNB 2S 450mAh 80C LiHV
- Weight: 28.1g
- Dimensions: 17.2x14x62mm
- Measured Capability: 397mah
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
GNB 2S 550mAh 90C LiPo
- Weight: 30.2g
- Dimensions: 17.5×12.5x69mm
- Measured Capability: 525mAh
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
GNB 2S 550mAh 100C LiHV
- Weight: 29.3g
- Dimensions: 17.5x12x68mm
- Measured Capability: 558mAh
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
3S LiPo/LiHV
BetaFPV Lava 3S 450mAh 75C LiPo
- Weight: 38.1g
- Dimensions: 20×15.5×62.5mm
- Measured Capability: 422mah
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
BetaFPV 3S 450mAh 75C LiPo
- Weight: 43.5g
- Dimensions: 20.5×18.5×63.5mm
- Measured Capability: 446mah
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
4S LiPO/LiHV
Flywoo 4S 300mAh 75C LiHV
- Weight: 38.7g
- Dimensions: 25x17x53mm
- Measured Capability: 294mAh
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
GNB 4S 450mAh 80C LiHV
- Weight: 52.1g
- Dimensions: 26.5×17.5x64mm
- Measured Capability: 440mah
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
BetaFPV 4S 450mAh 75C LiPo
- Weight: 56.8g
- Dimensions: 27.5x18x64mm
- Measured Capability: 450mah
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
BetaFPV Lava 4S 850mAh 100C LiPo
- Weight: 95.4g
- Dimensions: 30.3x29x58mm
- Measured Capability: 852mah
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
BetaFPV 4S 750mAh 95C LiPo
- Weight: 79.5g
- Dimensions: 29.5×25.5x58mm
- Measured Capability: 693mah
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
Testing in 2020
Right here’s my testing from 2019-2020. Though these batteries may not be the newest anymore, a few of them are nonetheless accessible/related in the present day.
Click on these hyperlinks will take you to the specs and product pages.
- 1S Outcomes
- 2S Outcomes
- BetaFPV 2S 300mAh – Max Discharge 5/5, Worth 5/5
- GNB 2S 300mAh HV – Max Discharge 5/5, Worth 5/5
- URUAV 2S 300mAh HV – Max Discharge 3/5, Worth 4/5
- GNB 2S 350mAh 50C HV – Max Discharge 2/5, Worth 1/5
- GNB 2S 350mAh 35C – Max Discharge 1/5, Worth 1/5
- NewBeeDrone 2S 350mAh – Max Discharge 3/5, Worth 2/5
- BetaFPV 2S 350mAh – Max Discharge 1/5, Worth 1/5
- GNB 2S 450mAh HV – Max Discharge 5/5, Worth 5/5
- XF Energy 2S 450mAh – Max Discharge 5/5, Worth 5/5
- Crazypony 2S 450mAh – Max Discharge 1/5, Worth 1/5
- GNB 2S 520mAh HV – Max Discharge 4/5, Worth 3/5
- GNB 2S 650mAh – Max Discharge 5/5, Worth 5/5
- 3S Outcomes
- Happymodel 3S 300mAh HV – Max Discharge 2/5, Worth 3/5
- Eachine 3S 300mAh HV – Max Discharge 2/5, Worth 2/5
- GNB 3S 300mAh HV – Max Discharge 5/5, Worth 5/5
- URUAV 3S 300mAh HV – Max Discharge 1/5, Worth 1/5
- Crazypony 3S 300mAh HV – Max Discharge 1/5, Worth 1/5
- BetaFPV 3S 300mAh – Max Discharge 2/5, Worth 1/5
- GNB 3S 300mAh – Max Discharge 2/5, Worth 2/5
- GNB 3S 350mAh HV – Max Discharge 3/5, Worth 2/5
- GNB 3S 450mAh HV – Max Discharge 5/5, Worth 5/5
- Tattu 3S 450mAh – Max Discharge 3/5, Worth 2/5
- BetaFPV 3S 450mAh – Max Discharge 4/5, Worth 3/5
- GNB 3S 520mAh HV – Max Discharge 5/5, Worth 5/5
- GNB 3S 650mAh HV – Max Discharge 3/5, Worth 3/5
- 4S Outcomes
1S (2020)
Nitro Nectar 1S 250mAh HV
Product Web page (GetFPV): https://oscarliang.com/product-69ys
Specs:
- Worth: $6
- Measurement: 6.7×11.1×52.2 mm
- Weight: 6.8g
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 30C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 4/5
- True Capability: 254mAh
- Worth: 3/5
All three 1S batteries examined right here appear to have fairly comparable efficiency by way of most discharging price. Nonetheless they’re fairly totally different in the case of worth and weight, so these develop into the principle issues.
The Nitro Nectar battery is made by NewBeeDrone, one of many smallest pack (at 250mah) you could find on the market that gives first rate quantity of energy.
BetaFPV 1S 300mAh HV
Product Web page (Amazon): https://amzn.to/2roB1xD
Specs:
- Worth: $4
- Measurement: 6.2×11.8×63.4 mm
- Weight: 8.1g
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 30C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 4/5
- True Capability: 308mAh
- Worth: 5/5
I discovered an superior deal on Amazon (linked above), you get 8 batteries for less than $24 that works out to be lower than $4 per battery. I don’t suppose you could find a greater deal than these batteries! Although they’re a bit of heavier than the remainder.
GNB 1S 300mAh HV
Product Web page (AliExpress): https://oscarliang.com/product-vpv7
Specs:
- Worth: $8
- Measurement: 6.7×11.1×5.9mm
- Weight: 7.7g
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 30C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 4/5
- True Capability: 296mAh
- Worth: 2/5
Most 1S LiPo as of late don’t have wires anymore, for the load saving and decrease resistance. However you would possibly respect the “prolonged” battery connector in these GNB 1S batteries, because it makes plugging in barely extra versatile. And but it’s lighter than the BetaFPV given the identical capability and efficiency. Nonetheless it’s fairly costly.
Emax 1S 450mah HV
Product Web page (GetFPV): http://bit.ly/34RY3ff
Specs:
- Worth: $8
- Measurement: 7x18x59mm
- Weight: 13g
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 80C
Efficiency:
Max Discharge: 5/5
True Capability: 453mAh
Worth: 3/5
Glorious packs, just a bit bit costly.
GNB 1S 520mAh HV
Product Web page (AliExpress): https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_DlZvQnb
Specs:
- Worth: $6.6
- Measurement: 7x17x65mm
- Weight: 14g
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 80C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 4/5
- True Capability: 495mAh
- Worth: 4/5
2S (2020)
BetaFPV 2S 300mAh 45C
Product Web page (BetaFPV): https://oscarliang.com/product-l8xh
Specs:
- Worth: $9
- Measurement: 45x17x12 mm
- Weight: 17.9g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 45C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capability: 306mAh
- Worth: 5/5
I’m shocked by how reasonably priced this battery is given its prime quality. It’s a really “punchy” pack with minimal sag all through your complete discharge cycle. It’s additionally comparatively light-weight in comparison with different packs with comparable capability and efficiency.
GNB 2S 350mAh 50C HV
Product Web page (AliExpress): https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_DBXl9W5
Specs:
- Worth: $12.5
- Measurement: 17x14x50mm
- Weight: 19.3g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 50C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 2/5
- True Capability: 310mAh
- Worth: 1/5
I’m puzzled as to why this pack is priced so excessive when its claimed C-rating and efficiency are decrease than different superior packs from GNB.
GNB 2S 450mAh 80C HV
Product Pages:
Specs:
- Worth: $10
- Measurement: 14x18x62mm
- Weight: 28.6g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 80C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capability: 460mAh
- Worth: 5/5
Among the best performers within the 2S LiPo testing, but it’s a couple of grams lighter and solely $10. That is my go-to 450mAh 2S for those who’re cautious about much less recognized manufacturers like “XF Energy.”
GNB 2S 520mAh 80C HV
Product Web page (AliExpress): https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_DCqyEeD
Specs:
- Worth: $11
- Measurement: 14x17x68mm
- Weight: 29.1g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 80C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 4/5
- True Capability: 500mAh
- Worth: 3/5
Regardless of being “80C” just like the 450mAh from GNB, this battery exhibits extra voltage sag in the direction of the top of the pack. It’s barely heavier than the 450mAh model, suggesting both a decrease C-rating or capability. The capability check confirmed it’s about 20mAh quick. I’d suggest sticking with the 450mAh model for these in search of flight time.
GNB 2S 300mAh HV (Gaoneng)
Product Web page (AliExpress): https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_DciSBWd
Specs:
- Worth: $10
- Measurement: 13.5x17x50mm
- Weight: 19.5g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 80C/160C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capability: 301mAh
- Worth: 5/5
Glorious efficiency by way of voltage sag, and the actual capability lives as much as the declare. Nice battery!
URUAV 2S 300mAh HV
Product Web page >> http://bit.ly/2KdLWkN <<
Specs:
- Worth: $9
- Measurement: 13.5x17x50mm
- Weight: 22.7g
- Battery Lead: 16AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 80C/160C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 3/5
- True Capability: 270mAh
- Worth: 4/5
It has specs just like the GNB 2S 300mAh HV 80C, besides it’s practically 3 grams heavier, seemingly as a result of bigger gauge wires. Nonetheless, voltage sag is barely worse than GNB, and with solely a $1 worth distinction, I’d in all probability select GNB for batteries of this dimension.
GNB 2S 350mAh (Gaoneng)
Product Web page (AliExpress): https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_DkUwbRB
Specs:
- Worth: $10
- Measurement: 13x18x52mm
- Weight: 21.7g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 35C/70C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 1/5
- True Capability: 368mAh
- Worth: 1/5
I’ve examined fairly a couple of GNB batteries, most have been nice besides this one. Voltage sag was merely terrible, can’t even maintain a full throttle punch-out for various seconds. Battery will get extremely popular too. DO NOT Advocate.
NewBeeDrone 2S 350mAh
Product Web page (NBD): https://oscarliang.com/product-uk8f
Specs:
- Worth: $14
- Measurement: 49x17x25mm
- Weight: 24.5g
- Battery Lead: 16AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 60C/120C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 3/5
- True Capability: 310
- Worth: 2/5
Fairly good high quality battery, however a bit extra dear than the remainder. May have used 18AWG wires as a substitute of 16AWG to avoid wasting a gram or two, with out noticeably impacting efficiency.
XF Energy 2S 450mAh
Product Web page: >> http://bit.ly/2OzR8n9 <<
Specs:
- Worth: $9
- Measurement: 14x18x60mm
- Weight: 33g
- Battery Lead: 16AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 75C/150C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capability: 475mAh
- Worth: 5/5
This needs to be probably the greatest worth 2S 450mAh I’ve examined to date. It’s a barely larger battery than what it claims to be, possibly that’s why the discharge price is surprisingly excessive. It’s solely $9 and it comes with a steadiness lead protector. Thoughts you that is heavier than different extraordinary 450mAh pack.
Crazypony 2S 450mAh
Specs:
- Worth: $11
- Measurement: 18.5×13.5x60mm
- Weight: 27.4g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 80C/160C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 1/5
- True Capability: 427
- Worth: 1/5
Completely horrible efficiency, keep away from in any respect price. Most discharge price is low, and battery will get extremely popular. I purchased 4, two of which have swollen cells out of the field.
GNB 2S 650mAh (Gaoneng)
Product Web page (AliExpress): https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_DkA58pP
Specs:
- Worth: $13
- Measurement: 16x18x62mm
- Weight: 31.4g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 60C/120C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capability: 620mAh
- Worth: 5/5
Glorious battery! Advocate!
3S (2020)
GNB 3S 350mAh 50C HV
Product Web page (AliExpress): https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_DBLGjCv
Specs:
- Worth: $12
- Measurement: 14x17x50mm
- Weight: 27.8g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 50C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 3/5
- True Capability: 334mAh
- Worth: 2/5
Being 1 gram lighter than the GNB 300mAh 80C, the voltage sag is loads worse. That clearly exhibits that batteries with greater discharge price do weigh extra.
GNB 3S 450mAh 80C HV
Product Web page (AliExpress): https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_Dl8hcsl
Specs:
- Worth: $12
- Measurement: 17x21x64mm
- Weight: 40.8g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 80C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capability: 420mAh
- Worth: 5/5
I feel this battery is utilizing the very same cells because the GNB 2S 450mah, that are high notch high quality cells! Improbable efficiency, one of many high 3S batteries examined.
GNB 3S 550mAh 80C HV
Product Web page (RDQ): https://oscarliang.com/product-miwe
Specs:
- Worth: $12
- Measurement: 17x20x69mm
- Weight: 42.7g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 80C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capability: 523mAh
- Worth: 5/5
Comparable efficiency to the earlier 450mAh, which is simply superior however solely larger in capability.
GNB 3S 650mAh 60C HV
Product Web page (AliExpress): https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_DmI8JmV
Specs:
- Worth: $15
- Measurement: 24x18x62mm
- Weight: 45.9g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 60C/120C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 3/5
- True Capability: 616mAh
- Worth: 3/5
Glorious battery! Advocate!
GNB 3S 300mAh HV (Gaoneng)
Product Web page (AliExpress): https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_DFp0igl
Specs:
- Worth: $13
- Measurement: 19x17x54mm
- Weight: 28.6g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 80C/160C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capability: 280mAh
- Worth: 5/5
Wonderful efficiency! In all probability the perfect 3S 300mAh battery I’ve examined to date. Extremely advisable. Voltage sag is minimal, I suppose it’s 3 grams heavier than different 300mah packs for a cause 🙂
URUAV 3S 300mAh HV
Specs:
- Worth: $10
- Measurement: 11x18x65mm
- Weight: 29g
- Battery Lead: 16AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 40C/80C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 1/5
- True Capability: 278mAh
- Worth: 1/5
Horrible battery, don’t suggest in any respect.
Crazypony 3S 300mAh HV
Specs:
- Worth: $9
- Measurement: 18x11x58mm
- Weight: 24.8g
- Battery Lead: 20AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 30C/60C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 1/5
- True Capability: 298mAh
- Worth: 1/5
Completely terrible battery, keep away from in any respect price.
GNB 3S 300mAh (Gaoneng)
Product Web page (AliExpress): https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_DFp0igl
Specs:
- Worth: $13
- Measurement: 12x19x65mm
- Weight: 25.1g
- Battery Lead: 20AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 30C/60C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 2/5
- True Capability: 290mAh
- Worth: 2/5
That is the non-HV model of the GNB 3S 300mah, nonetheless the efficiency is fairly common. I’d say it’s fairly just like the Happymodel 3S 300mah. If dimension doesn’t matter, I’d suggest the HV model as a substitute since they price the identical.
Tattu 3S 450mAh
Product Web page (AliExpress): https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_DE0lIwZ
Specs:
- Worth: $13-$15
- Battery Lead: 16AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 75C/150C
- Two totally different type components
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 3/5
- True Capability: 445mAh
- Worth: 2/5
Fairly good batteries, however maybe too heavy for many tiny whoops and toothpick fashions? Just a little dear, however they’re okay for those who don’t thoughts the load.
BetaFPV 3S 450mAh
Product Pages:
Specs:
- Worth: $14
- Measurement: 18.4×19.8×63.4mm
- Weight: 42.9g
- Battery Lead: 16AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 75C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 4/5
- True Capability: 290mAh
- Worth: 3/5
Perhaps a bit of dear for what it’s, however nonetheless an ideal battery, I prefer it.
4S (2020)
BetaFPV 4S 450mAh
Product Pages:
Specs:
- Worth: $16
- Measurement: 18.1×26.4×64.1mm
- Weight: 56.8g
- Battery Lead: 16AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 75C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 4/5
- True Capability: 484mAh
- Worth: 3/5
GNB 4S 450mAh HV
Product Web page:
Specs:
- Worth: $15
- Measurement: 17.5×26.4×64.6mm
- Weight: 52.2g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 80C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capability: 462mAh
- Worth: 5/5
Higher efficiency than the BetaFPV 450mah, and but it’s over 4 grams lighter and $1 cheaper. I can’t consider a cause to not get this battery.
GNB 4S 550mAh HV
Product Web page (RDQ): https://oscarliang.com/product-oh2c
Specs:
- Worth: $17
- Measurement: 16.8×26.3×69.1mm
- Weight: 54.5g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 80C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capability: 495mAh
- Worth: 3/5
Identical efficiency to the 450mah variant, however being labelled as a 520mah, and solely 2 grams heavier made me marvel if that is too good to be true. And my testing did counsel it’s smaller than marketed – solely round 500mah. For an additional $2 you might be solely getting 50mah extra, you might be higher off getting the GNB 4S 450mah.
GNB 4S 650mAh HV
Product Web page (AliExpress): https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_Dd2b1CD
Specs:
- Worth: $19
- Measurement: 18.1×30.7×63.2mm
- Weight: 60.0g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Ranking: 60C
Efficiency:
- Max Discharge: 3/5
- True Capability: 590mAh
- Worth: 2/5
The worth doesn’t match the efficiency, don’t suggest.
Extra Batteries?
I’ll proceed testing and including extra battery outcomes to this web page. Let me know within the feedback which batteries you want to me to check for you.
Edit Historical past
- 2019 – Publish created.
- 2020 – Added extra batteries outcomes.
- Mar 2024 – Resumed testing with the newest batteries. Some batteries examined prior to now have been discontinued due to this fact they’ve been eliminated.
- Might 2024 – Examined a couple of extra new batteries.