Drones, quadcopters, and virtually every other RC toy have one thing in common (well, asides from being super-cool 😎😎).
They all run LiPo batteries.
Since you’re here, we bet you want the best LiPo batteries that’ll power your RC toy for hours. Well, we’ve got just what you need👍🏻.
But wait a minute🤔. What exactly are LiPo batteries? How do they work and what are the best ones for your RC toy?
We'll answer these questions, review the 12 best battery packs, and uncover everything you need to know about LiPo batteries.
Continue reading to find out more about these Star Trek-like batteries 🔋.
How to pick the right LiPo battery
There are hundreds of LiPo battery models in the market. So, getting the right one can seem tricky at first. If you don't know what to look out for, you could get a completely useless rip-off. Similarly, picking the right LiPo battery can bring out the optimum performance of your RC toy.
Here are the essential factors to consider:
- Capacity
A battery's capacity is the energy (charge) it can store. It affects how long you can use your RC toy before it dies and is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).
Everyone wants to run their RC for hours. So, why not get the battery with the highest mAh-rating? Well, think of a battery's capacity like a car's fuel tank. Getting a big 'tank' sounds nice, but it will take up some space. On the other hand, a small 'tank' won't allow you to run for hours.
With LiPo batteries, large-capacity packs are massive, and most won't fit your RC model. You'd need a pack with the right capacity for what you want to use it for.
- Size and weight
You can easily tell the weight and size of a LiPo battery by looking at it. As you would expect, the weights are in ounces or pounds, and the size is measured in inches.
Heavy batteries hold down RC devices and affect their efficiency. On the other hand, there's hardly any feather-light LiPo battery that can deliver the cell capacities you need.
If you value your RC's maneuverability, consider a lightweight pack that delivers a high capacity and fits your RC toy.
- Discharge rate
Discharge rate refers to how fast your LiPo battery gives its charge to your RC toy. Using the fuel-tank situation, the discharge is the rate a ‘car’ consumes fuel.
It is measured in C and the common values are between 25C to 100C.
Now, batteries that lose their charge quickly allow you to hit top performance when driving, flying or sailing your RC toy. Why? Cos, they have what they need to move. But they are usually heavy. Therefore, you have to make a tradeoff: more discharge rates for heavier batteries or fewer discharge rates for lighter batteries.
You might often see the burst rate of an RC toy displayed alongside its discharge rate. It simply means your LiPo battery can give off its charge at twice the normal rate, but only for a few seconds.
When your RC car suddenly picks up speed and goes back to its original pace, then the burst rate's in play.
- Connector Type
A LiPo battery's connector joins the LiPo pack to the RC toy's power system. Without a connector, the current can't flow to other components.
The best LiPo batteries use the following connectors:
- JST RCY Connector
- XT60 connector
- Deans T plug
- EC5 Connector
- Traxxas plug
Consider getting a common connector if you figure you'll swap batteries often.
LiPo battery Characteristics
- LiPo batteries have high voltages. Each LiPo cell's voltage rating is 3.7 volts.
- LiPo batteries can be connected in series or parallel.
- LiPo batteries are sensitive to high temperatures.
- Packs have a maximum charging voltage of 4.2 volts per cell.
- Packs have an internal spiral structure. The cathode and anode are divided by a permeable separator.
How LiPo batteries work
Understanding how Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries work isn’t rocket science. It’s pretty much the same working principle for other Lithium-ion batteries.
Each cell has a positive metal, a negative metal, and a liquid-like substance called an electrolyte. While the metals give off and receive lithium ions, the liquid-like substance is the medium for the ions to move.
When your battery is discharging, positive lithium ions move from the negative metal to the positive metal. This process continues for a while for your RC toy to get the power it needs from the battery.
Your LiPo battery charges when lithium ions move in the opposite direction.
In the RC world, manufacturers use terms like 2S1P and 3S1P to classify LiPo batteries. The figure refers to the number of cells and 'S' tells you the cells are in series (a straight line). ‘P’ tells you that the cells are in parallel.
Altogether a 2S2P battery means two cells in series and two in parallel. In general, RC LiPo batteries are arranged in series. A 2S1P LiPo battery is the same as a 2S LiPo battery.
Why LiPo batteries are so popular
LiPo batteries have become well-known and desirable primarily because they provide virtually all battery requirements people need and are lighter. However, what really keeps these batteries on the lips of RC enthusiasts is their eco-friendliness.
What is the best LiPo battery brand?
In our opinion, no brand is a clear-cut better manufacturer than its competitors. However, the leading LiPo battery brands are:
- Zeee
- Gens Ace
- HOOVO
- YOWOO
- HRB
- Tattu
- FLUOREON
Pros/Cons of LiPo batteries
Here are the advantages of these LiPo batteries:
- Lightweight and available in different shapes and sizes.
- Have large capacities for their pack sizes.
- Maintain consistent power output while discharging.
- Resistant to physical trauma
- No memory effect (can charge without first discharging)
On the flip side, LiPo batteries:
- Require special care and handling
- Cause safety issues due to their volatile electrolyte
Safety guide for using LiPo batteries
Although they are eco-friendly, LiPo batteries could leak electrolyte, burst, or catch fire when charging or discharging. But relax. They aren't ticking bombs.
Follow the safety steps below when using LiPo batteries:
- Don't trickle-charge LiPo batteries: This means slowly charging your full-charged battery to keep it fully charged. Doing that affects your battery the same way overcharging it does.
- Pick the right charger that suits your LiPo pack: To avoid fires and explosions, only use LiPo chargers. The LiPo charger you select must allow 'constant current' charging. If you can't find one that's specific to your battery type, go for a universal LiPo-battery charger.
- Keep your LiPo packs at room temperature: Storing your LiPo battery at any other temperature reduces the lithium-ion activity. When this happens, the discharge rate becomes weaker, thereby affecting the battery's lifecycle.
- Don't buy used LiPo batteries: Don't let the price fool you. They could get damaged in a blink, or worse, blow up!
- Don't charge or discharge damaged LiPo batteries: You can tell a battery is damaged when it suddenly becomes puffy. Lithium ions in damaged LiPo batteries don't work as they should.
Instead of reusing these batteries, safely dispose them and get a new one for your RC device.
- Remove your packs from your RC toy when charging. Charging and discharging your batteries simultaneously could damage them or lead to a fire.
- Visually inspect your battery before use: Look for loose leads, connectors, or irregularities that can cause fires or a short circuit. Also, inspect the polarity of the leads and connectors with a voltmeter.
- Don't charge your batteries while they are unattended to: If you're nearby, you can quickly nip potential problems in the bud.
- Don't charge LiPo batteries around flammable materials: These batteries can start chemical fires. Hence, it's best you have a fire extinguisher around your charging spot.
- Stick to the manufacturers' recommendation on how to use your LiPo battery: Aside from these safety steps, a brand could recommend some things to do when using LiPo batteries. For example, some manufacturers recommend charging LiPo packs at 0.5C to 1C. Others state that it is safe to charge at 2C
Follow their recommendations.
Summing Up
RC toys work best with LiPo batteries. Although some RC models come with a battery pack, no rule states that you must use them or stick to a brand. Moreover, what do you do when the battery in the box suddenly dies or gets damaged?
Use the information above and our buying guide when you're ready to get the best RC LiPo batteries available.
Our Reviews of the 12 Best LiPo Batteries of 2020
Now that you know quite a lot about LiPo batteries let's jump into the reviews. We went through hundreds of batteries in the markets and customer reports.
Here are the best LiPo batteries grouped by the number of cells in a pack:
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Best 2S battery for size and weight  | HRB 2S 7.4V 2200 mAh LiPo Battery
| Check Price |
Best 2S battery for compatibility  | Gens Ace 7.4v 2S 2200 mAh LiPo pack
| Check Price |
Best 2S battery for capacity  | HOOVO 7.4v 2S 5000 mAh LiPo battery
| Check Price |
Best 3S battery for capacity  | Zeee 3S 5200 mAh LiPo battery
| Check Price |
Best 3S battery for connector versatility  | YOWOO 3S 2200 mAh LiPo Battery
| Check Price |
Best 3S battery for compatibility  | HRB 11.1v 3S 5000 mAh LiPo battery
| Check Price |
Best 4S battery for discharge rate  | Tattu 4S 1300 mAh LiPo Battery
| Check Price |
Best 4S battery for capacity  | Zeee 14.8v 7000 mAh 4S LiPo Battery
| Check Price |
Best 4S battery for compatibility with RC models  | HRB 4S 3300 mAh 14.8v Battery
| Check Price |
Best 6S model for discharge rate  | YOWOO 6S 3300 mAh LiPo Battery
| Check Price |
Best 6S battery for capacity  | Zeee 22.2v 5200 mAh 6S LiPo Battery
| Check Price |
Best 6S battery for lifecycle  | FLUOREON 6S 22.2v 4500 mAh LiPo Battery
| Check Price |
Best 2S LiPo Battery Reviews
All 2S LiPo batteries operate on 7.4 volts.
HRB 2S 7.4V 2200 mAh LiPo Battery (Best 2S battery for size and weight)
HRB is a top RC battery brand that has dominated its marketplace for years. Its 2S LiPo pack is one of the best in the market, primarily for its affordable price and versatility.
The HRB 2S offers enough punch for RC models. It is made in China with superior polymer raw materials. Like other batteries by its manufacturer, the HRB 2S 2200 mAh passes several safety tests. It has CE, ROHS, MSDS, UN38.3 certificates.
This pack works on advanced stacking technology. Therefore, each cell can reach the capacity of the entire pack. The pack discharges smoothly and HRB suggests you charge at 1C.
You can use the HRB 2S LiPo battery on 1/16 scale RC models.
Technical specs
- Capacity: 2200 mAh
- Dimension: 3.46 x 0.94 x 1.18 inches
- Weight: 3.8 ounces
- Discharge rate: 50C
- Burst rate: 100C
- Connector type: Traxxas plug
Gens Ace 7.4v 2S 2200 mAh LiPo pack (Best 2S battery for compatibility)
If you're looking for the best 2S LiPo batteries, you should consider this battery. The Gens ace 2200 mAh battery is designed to last for many run times while delivering high discharge performance.
Gens ace claims they are specialists in high-power LiPo batteries. Therefore, its 2200 mAh 2S battery uses its unique technology to discharge a stable current. The manufacturer also claims that this hard-shell pack delivers stable voltage each time you use it.
The Gens ace 2200mAh battery is designed for all Traxxas 1:16 VXL models. It will fit your Revo, Slash, Summit, Fiesta, trx-4, Boss 302 Mustang of this scale. In the box, you should get a single pack with two connectors.
The 2200 mAh 2S pack is safe to use, and its manufacturers fulfill ISO9001 and ISO14001 standards. The brand recommends you charge it at a charge rate of 0.5C to 1C.
Technical specifications
- Capacity: 2200 mAh
- Dimension: 3.42 x 1.34 x 0.79 inches
- Weight: 4.48 ounces
- Discharge rate: 50C
- Burst rate: 100C
- Connector type: Deans T plug, XT60
HOOVO 7.4v 2S 5000 mAh LiPo battery (Best 2S battery for capacity)
This high-capacity HOOVO battery is undoubtedly a top contender in our list of best LiPo batteries. Aside from its impressive capacity, the high-grade 2S pack is known for its durability. Throw it down from different heights, and its hard shell will protect it from getting damaged.
As we've established, high capacity batteries like the HOOVO 2S pack have large discharge rates. It uses a popular balance connector (JST-XHR). Balance lead issues wouldn't be a problem with the battery.
The HOOVO 5000 mAh 2S battery is incredibly flexible and compatible with different RC models. It is specifically made for 200 and 250 helis and fits models like the Blade 200 SR X and Align T-Rex 250.
This battery provides awesome runtime for RC trucks, cars, and helis. But the best part is that it is available at a reasonable price.
Technical specifications
- Capacity: 5000 mAh
- Dimension: 5.47 x 1.85 x 0.98 inches
- Weight: 9.25 ounces
- Discharge rate: 60C
- Burst rate: 100C
- Connector type: Deans T plug
Best 3S LiPo Battery Reviews
Zeee 3S 5200 mAh LiPo battery (Best 3S battery for capacity)
3S LiPo batteries have a combined voltage of 11.1v, and the Zeee 5200Mah is one of the best ones available. The battery has a massive capacity and is suited for RC cars, boats, trucks, and even buggies. Of course, the pack also discharges quickly, thanks to its massive C-rating.
The Zeee 5200 mAh 3S LiPo battery has a soft case. However, the pack is durable and resistant to knocks, even from daring heights. Like many top LiPo batteries, this 3S battery comes with a standard balance connector. But its high-quality cells are the reason the battery is one of the most popular 3S packs.
Zee's 5200 3S battery is designed for Traxxas 1/10 models or larger RC toys. It will fit the Slash 4x4 VXL, Slash VXL, E-Maxx, E-Revo, and many others.
The battery comes with a detailed user manual on how to connect the plugs and use the battery.
Technical specifications
- Capacity: 5200 mAh
- Dimension: 5.2 x 1.69 x 1.14 inches
- Weight: 12.1 ounces
- Discharge rate: 50C
- Burst rate: 100C
- Connector type: Deans T and XT60 plug
YOWOO 3S 2200 mAh LiPo Battery (Best 3S battery for connector versatility)
YOWOO specializes in making long-lasting LiPo batteries. Its 2200 mAh 3S battery is a textbook pack from the manufacturer. It delivers the power RC cars, quads, trucks, boats, drones, helis, and airplanes need to accelerate.
YOWOO's batteries are safe and undergo intensive testing in the factory. The brand claims that this 2200 mAh 3S pack can double your device's performance time, lasting through 150 runs. It has high-quality cells sourced made from premium polymer materials.
The 2200 mAh 3S battery has a balance connector. Its manufacturer suggests using it if the pack doesn't hold a full charge right out of the box.
You should find two connectors and a user manual in this batteries package, aside from the battery assembly. For its price, the YOWOO 2200 mAh 3S is an amazing battery you should consider.
Technical specifications
- Capacity: 5200 mAh
- Dimension: 4.13 x 1.33 x 0.94 inches
- Weight: 4.86 ounces
- Discharge rate: 50C
- Burst rate: 100C
- Connector type: Deans T and XT60 plug
HRB 11.1v 3S 5000 mAh LiPo battery (Best 3S battery for compatibility)
Another HRB battery pack makes this list of the best LiPo batteries. This time, the HRB unit has 5000 mAh of battery capacity for your RC devices. You can sense the battery is top-quality right from its packaging. It comes in a static bag or three to four layers of bubble wrap.
In the package, you should find the battery pack assembly and a user manual.
HRB's 5000 mAh 3S battery safely charges at 0.5C to 1C. Its cells are long-lasting, and you can use them at least 150 times. The battery is designed to provide enough punch for your RC toys through smooth current discharge.
The HRB 5000 mAh 3S battery is compatible with 1/8 and 1/10 RC models as long as the voltage, dimension, and plugs fit. Therefore, your E-Revo, E-Macc Brushless, Slash VXL, Slash 2wd, and Spartan models can all run on this HRB battery.
Technical specifications:
- Capacity: 5000 mAh
- Dimension: 6.1 x 1.89 x 0.91 inches
- Weight: 13.54 ounces
- Discharge rate: 50C
- Burst rate: 100C
- Connector type: Traxxas TRX plug
Best 4S LiPo Battery Reviews
Tattu 4S 1300 mAh LiPo Battery (Best 4S battery for discharge rate)
If you need a fire and vibration-proof LiPo battery, consider getting the Tattu 4S 1300 mAh battery. The battery pack is designed for FPV quadcopters in the UAV and UAS market. However, it is also suitable for drones, helis, and boats. A few compatible models are IRS Vortex 250 Pro, Lumenier QAV210, Nemesis 240 Mini, etc.
The Tattu 4S 1300 mAh battery is a simple pack. It is made from superior polymer materials and works on stable auto-stacking technology. Therefore, a single cell in the four-cell pack can deliver the 1300 mAh capacity.
This battery is one of the safest LiPo batteries available. A computer system picks the cell that makes each pack to ensure battery stability and quality. Still, the manufacturer sets strict tests and fulfills the ISO9001 and ISO14001 standards.
Although the Tattu 1300 mAh 4S battery has a soft case, it keeps its shape and withstands knocks.
Technical specifications:
- Capacity: 1300 mAh
- Dimension: 2.95 x 1.37 x 1.18 inches
- Weight: 5.25 ounces
- Discharge rate: 75C
- Burst rate: 150C
- Connector type: XT60 plug
Zeee 14.8v 7000 mAh 4S LiPo Battery (Best 4S battery for capacity)
This battery is popular for its high capacity and versatility. Only a few battery models can match the 7000 mAh that this Zee battery offers in the market. It is made from premium materials and has a high-power density. According to recent users, the punch this battery delivers is awesome.
The Zeee 14.8v 7000 mAh battery offers more run time than many other 4S LiPo batteries. The battery is well-built and with five metal plates on its sides. These plates protect the unit from accidental falls and knocks. The wires that are attached to the battery are made from silicone.
The battery pack works with RC trucks and racing trucks like the Traxxas X-Maxx and Traxxas Slash.
Technical specifications:
- Capacity: 7000 mAh
- Dimension: 5.98 x 1.81 x 1.46 inches
- Weight: 20.28 ounces
- Discharge rate: 100C
- Burst rate: N/A
- Connector type: Deans plug
HRB 4S 3300 mAh 14.8v Battery (Best 4S battery for compatibility with RC models)
This quality pack is one of the best LiPo batteries in its class. Like other HRB packs, it is popular for its eco-friendliness and safety. HRB puts the battery under several tests and has several certificates like the UN38.3, MSDS, and ROHS to show for it.
The HRB 4S 3300 mAh battery is designed for RC helis, planes, cars, trucks, boats, and FPVs. It will fit 1/8 and 1/10 RC cars like the Traxxas Slash, Slash 4x4, Emaxx, Bandit. It is also compatible with the Staufenbiel Red Bull F4U-440, E-flite Carbon Z, among others.
In the box, you should find the battery pack, one user manual, and four adapters. The adapters allow connection to a:
- EC3 female
- Traxxas female
- Deans T plug female
- Big Tamiya
Technical specifications:
- Capacity: 3300 mAh
- Dimension: 5.314 x 1.65354 x 1.181 inches
- Weight: 11.21 ounces
- Discharge rate: 60 C
- Burst rate: 120 C
- Connector type: XT60 plug
Best 6S LiPo Battery Reviews
YOWOO 6S 3300 mAh LiPo Battery (Best 6S model for discharge rate)
6S LiPo battery all have 22.2 volts, and one of the top ones available is the YOWOO 6S 3300 mAh pack. It is designed for RC quads, helis, and airplanes. However, you could also use it in drones, cars, trucks, and boats that can fit it.
YOWOO prides itself in making quality cells, and those in the 6S 3300 mAh unit are incredibly powerful. YOWOO claims that the battery can enhance your RC toy's run time. More importantly, each cell can get to the 3300 mAh mark using its automatic stacking technology.
The wrapped box the battery comes in contains the pack, a user manual, and its plug.
Technical specifications:
- Capacity: 3300 mAh
- Dimension: 5.35 x 1.77x 1.85 inches
- Weight: 17.6 ounces
- Discharge rate: 60 C
- Burst rate: 120 C
- Connector type: XT60 plug
Zeee 22.2v 5200 mAh 6S LiPo Battery (Best 6S battery for capacity)
This 6S battery is one of the best in its category because of its high capacity and compatibility with different RC models. According to its manufacturer, the pack provides enough power for the Hirobo SDX, EDF jets, and helis that are 600 to 700mm in size.
The pack comes with a silicone wire and sports a high C-rating. The lifespan of the battery is also impressive, lasting for at least 150 runs. Compared to other expensive 6S LiPo batteries, the Zeee 5200 mAh 6S LiPo battery offers incredible charging speeds.
You should find the battery pack with an exclusive connector, extra plugs, and a detailed manual in the box.
Technical specifications:
- Capacity: 5200 mAh
- Dimension: 6.1 x 1.71 x 2.0 inches
- Weight: 26.17 ounces
- Discharge rate: 50 C
- Burst rate: 100 C
- Connector type: XT90 plug
FLUOREON 6S 22.2v 4500 mAh LiPo Battery (Best 6S battery for lifecycle)
Another 6S battery that makes this list of the best LiPo batteries is a two-pack FLUOREON 6S unit. It is a multifunction product from a reputable brand. The battery charges quickly and fits helis, drones, racing cars, truggies, and other RC toys.
Like several 6S batteries, its manufacturer claims the battery doubles performance time. It also offers a high energy density, and all batteries pass quality factory tests.
The Fluoreon 6S 22.2v battery comes ready-to-run out of the box. Both packs in the box produce high burst powers for a 6S LiPo unit.
Technical specifications:
- Capacity: 4500 mAh
- Dimension: 5.39 x 1.69 x 2.13 inches
- Weight: 23.10 ounces
- Discharge rate: 45 C
- Burst rate: N/A
- Connector type: Deans T connector
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