4S vs 6S LiPo: What’s the Difference?

Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are the lifeblood of modern drones and RC vehicles, providing the necessary power for flight and operation. Among the various configurations, 4S and 6S are two of the most common, each offering distinct characteristics that cater to different needs and applications. Understanding the nuances between these two can significantly impact your drone's performance, flight time, and overall experience. This article will provide an in-depth comparison of 4S and 6S LiPo batteries to help you make the best choice for your needs.

What does 4S mean for drones?

A 4S LiPo battery consists of four cells connected in series, providing a nominal voltage of 14.8V (3.7V per cell). Under full charge, this voltage rises to 16.8V (4.2V per cell). These batteries are widely used in FPV drones, providing a balance of power, efficiency, and affordability. Key characteristics of 4S batteries in drones:

  ●Affordability: Lower cost compared to 6S.

  ●Compatibility: Works with a wide range of motors, ESCs, and drones.

  ●Lower Weight: Lighter than 6S battery, improving agility in smaller drones.

4S LiPo batteries are common in entry-level racing drones, lightweight freestyle builds, and DIY projects where cost and simplicity are priorities.

What does 6S mean battery?

A 6S LiPo battery consists of six cells in series, giving a nominal voltage of 22.2V and a fully charged voltage of 25.2V. These batteries are popular among high-performance FPV racing drones and larger RC vehicles requiring more power.

Advantages of 6S LiPo:

  ●Higher Performance: Delivers more torque and RPMs for faster acceleration.

  ●Efficiency: Achieves the same power as 4S with lower current draw, reducing heat in components.

  ●Smooth Throttle Response: Preferred for precise control in advanced flying.

6S is favored by competitive racers, professional freestyle pilots, and large-scale RC models requiring robust power delivery.

What is the difference between 4S and 6S LiPo Battery?

The primary difference between 4S and 6S LiPo batteries lies in their voltage. This voltage difference has a cascading effect on various aspects of drone performanceIs 

Is 4S or 6S better for drones?

There's no definitive "better" when it comes to 4S vs 6S for all drones. The optimal choice depends heavily on the intended use and desired performance.

  ●Beginners and those prioritizing longer flight times or budget: 4S LiPo can be a great starting point. It's more forgiving, generally less expensive, and can provide ample performance for learning and casual flying.

  ●Experienced pilots seeking high performance and speed: 6S is often the preferred choice for racing and aggressive freestyle maneuvers where instant power and high top speeds are crucial.

  ●Drones carrying heavier payloads: 6S provides the necessary lift and power to handle the extra weight efficiently.

4S vs 6S LiPo: Which is better for your racing FPV drone?

For racing, 6S LiPo is the superior choice due to its lower current draw, resulting in less heat and longer component lifespan.The higher voltage allows for significantly faster motor speeds, resulting in quicker acceleration and higher top-end speeds – critical factors in competitive racing. However, 6S batteries require ESCs and motors designed for higher voltages, which can increase the overall cost of a build.

4S vs. 6S LiPo Battery: which is the better one for freestyle FPV?

Freestyle FPV pilots prioritize smooth power delivery and control over outright speed. The immense power of 6S allows for incredibly fast flips, rolls, and other acrobatic maneuvers. Some pilots prefer the slightly more manageable power of 4S LiPo for a smoother and more controlled freestyle experience. While both work well, 6S is increasingly popular among professional freestyle pilots due to its lower heat generation and increased efficiency.

4S vs 6S LiPo: Which has longer flight time?

Determining which battery configuration offers longer flight time isn't as straightforward as simply comparing the number of cells. Several factors come into play, including battery capacity (measured in mAh), drone weight, motor efficiency, and flying style.

  ●For the same battery capacity (mAh): A 6S battery will likely be heavier than a 4S battery due to the extra cells. This increased weight can sometimes negate any potential efficiency gains, leading to similar or even slightly shorter flight times compared to a lighter 4S setup, especially for less demanding flying.

  ●Efficiency at different throttle levels: 6S systems tend to be more efficient at higher throttle levels because they draw less current to achieve the same power output. If you frequently fly at higher speeds, 6S might offer a slight advantage in efficiency.

  ●Overall power demand: If your drone and flying style demand a lot of power, the 6S battery's ability to deliver that power more efficiently might translate to slightly longer flight times compared to a 4S struggling to keep up.

4S vs 6S LiPo: Which is better in large scale RC?

In the realm of large-scale RC vehicles like monster trucks, buggies, and airplanes, the trend leans heavily towards 6S and even higher cell counts. The increased voltage provides the necessary torque and power to move these larger and heavier models effectively.

4S vs 6S LiPo: Which is easier on an esc?

6S is generally easier on an ESC because it reduces the current draw for the same power output, leading to less heat and stress on the components. However, using a 6S battery with an ESC not rated for it will cause immediate failure.

Can I use 6S batteries with 4S motors?

No, generally you should not use 6S LiPo batteries with motors designed for 4S. This can lead to serious damage to your motors and potentially other components. Here's why:

Over-voltage: Applying a higher voltage than the motor is designed for will cause it to spin at a much higher RPM than intended. This can lead to Motor overheating and Bearing failure.

ESC damage: While some ESCs might have over-voltage protection, consistently running a motor at a significantly higher voltage than recommended can still put undue stress on the ESC and potentially lead to failure.

Always check manufacturer ratings before mixing different voltage batteries with specific components.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between 4S and 6S LiPo batteries depends on your specific needs and preferences. For high-performance applications requiring more power and speed, 6S batteries are often the better choice. However, for lighter setups where efficiency and agility are prioritized, 4S batteries may be more suitable. Always ensure compatibility between your battery and drone components to maximize performance and safety. As a global leading lithium-ion battery manufacturer, Grepow offers high discharge rate 4S and 6S LiPo battery for all knids of drones and RC cars. If you have any questions or needs, please feel free to contact us at info@grepow.com.