Selecting the Greatest LiPo Battery Charger and Energy Provide for FPV Drones

On this LiPo battery charger purchaser’s information, we’ll discover how to decide on the best charger and an acceptable energy provide primarily based on the requirement of your FPV drones, highlighting key options and concerns. Our aim is that can assist you choose the very best LiPo charger in your particular wants and price range.

For those who’re new to FPV, we suggest beginning with our information on LiPo Battery Fundamentals, which explains the important terminology used all through this text:

Prime LiPo Charger Suggestions

We’ve compiled a listing of the very best LiPo chargers appropriate for FPV drone pilots in any respect talent ranges.

For those who’re involved about parallel charging, contemplate investing in a dual-channel and even four-channel charger to keep away from gradual, one-at-a-time charging. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re comfy utilizing a parallel charging board, a single-port charger can concurrently cost a number of batteries. Earlier than trying parallel charging, guarantee you become familiar with the correct security procedures:

Go for a Sensible Charger

Sensible chargers are the business commonplace at this time, because of their highly effective options and capabilities. Non-smart chargers (or non-programmable chargers) may be cheaper and simple to make use of (you simply plug within the stability cable and it nonetheless mechanically begin charging), nonetheless, they solely supply primary charging performance, usually lack necessary security options. Investing in a high-quality trendy charger will improve security and expertise, and sure final all through most of your FPV profession.

Instance of an non-programmable Charger

A wise charger (or programmable charger) boasts quite a few sensible options. It could cost numerous battery sorts, together with the favored LiPo and Li-ion utilized in drones, and permits you to customise charging parameters similar to charging present, cell rely, and finish voltage. Moreover, sensible chargers function a show that gives important data like charging progress, battery voltage, and charging present in real-time.

Instance of a contemporary sensible charger

Fashionable sensible chargers additionally supply discharging and storage charging capabilities, addressing most of your battery administration wants. One other benefit of sensible chargers is their means to measure inside resistance. Though not at all times extremely exact, this function is beneficial for monitoring battery well being over time.

Guarantee Cell Depend Compatibility

Most LiPo chargers at this time help 1S to 6S LiPo batteries, which is strictly what you need. Nonetheless, at all times double-check the specs earlier than shopping for. A 6S-compatible charger have 6S stability port, so you’ll be able to plug in and cost 6S, in addition to 4S, 3S, 2S and 1S batteries, which covers practically all of your FPV charging wants—from bigger quads like 7-inch and 5-inch drones all the way down to smaller micro quads, similar to 3-inch and 2-inch fashions.

Nonetheless, if you happen to’re primarily flying tiny whoops powered by 1S batteries, contemplate getting a devoted charger particularly designed for these smaller batteries, that are simpler to make use of. Take a look at my really helpful Tiny Whoop chargers right here:

Understanding Charging Present Necessities

Charging present determines how briskly you’ll be able to cost a LiPo battery. A better charging present means quicker charging, but when it’s too excessive, it may well trigger the battery to overheat—posing a security danger.

The suitable charging present will depend on two important elements:

The utmost charging present the LiPo battery can safely deal with The ability and present limits of your charger

It’s usually protected to cost LiPo batteries at 1C, which implies the charging present is the same as the battery’s capability. For example, 1C for a 6S 1500mAh battery could be 1500mA (or 1.5A). Some LiPo batteries are marketed to deal with quick charging at 2C or increased. Nonetheless, bear in mind that charging at increased charges will increase the chance of battery overheating and lowered battery lifespan.

Every charger has an influence score (watts) and a most charging present score (amps). The precise most present it may well ship is proscribed by whichever of those is reached first, primarily based on the battery’s voltage. That is outlined by the method:

Energy (W) = Voltage (V) × Present (A)

For instance, a 100W charger charging a 6S LiPo battery at 25.2V can ship a most cost present of:

100W ÷ 25.2V = ~3.97A

How Many Watt Do I Want for My Charger?

A LiPo charger’s energy is measured in watts. To calculate the wattage required in your charger, use this straightforward method:

Watts = Cost Present (Amps) × 4.2V × Variety of Cells

Instance, charging a 6S 1300mAh batteries at 1C:

1C = 1.3A (since 1300mAh = 1.3A) Most voltage per cell = 4.2V Variety of cells = 6

Calculation:

1.3A × 4.2V × 6 = 32.76 watts (roughly 33W)

Now, if you wish to parallel cost a number of similar batteries concurrently,—say, 4 6S 1300mAh batteries on the identical time—you’ll want 132W (33W × 4). So, you’d want a charger rated at no less than 132W to cost 4 of those batteries at 1C concurrently. With that stated, in case your charger is just not highly effective sufficient (lower than 132W), you’ll be able to nonetheless cost all 4 batteries directly, however you’ll want to cut back the cost price (present) to remain throughout the charger’s wattage restrict.

Battery Sorts Help

Whereas it’s useful for a charger to help numerous battery sorts, FPV drone pilots usually solely use LiPo, Li-ion and LiHV. All of the chargers in our suggestions help these battery sorts. For those who require help for different battery sorts like NiMH, NiCad, or Pb (lead-acid), be sure you test the specs earlier than buying. Nonetheless, these battery sorts are usually much less related for FPV drone pilots.

Understanding Charger Modes

On this part, we’ll focus on frequent modes in trendy sensible chargers. A good charger ought to no less than supply “Steadiness Cost Mode”, “Discharge Mode”, and “Storage Cost”. Different modes are good to have however not as important.

Steadiness Cost

This mode is the most typical and most secure strategy to cost your LiPo batteries. You’ll have to plug in each the primary connector (e.g. XT60) and stability connector so the charger can learn the voltages of all of the cells. The charger will mechanically stability the cells throughout the cost cycle to stop points.

Discharge Mode

On this mode, the charger reduces the LiPo battery voltage to its lowest allowed degree (e.g., 3V or 3.3V, relying on the charger and settings).

Storage Mode

This mode expenses or discharges the battery till the voltage of every cell reaches 3.85V, making it appropriate for storage.

Quick Cost

Quick Cost mode doesn’t monitor or stability particular person cell voltages throughout charging. As an alternative, it solely seems to be on the general voltage of the entire pack, which carries the chance of overcharging one or a number of cells. It’s possible you’ll not see this mode in most chargers these days because it’s deemed unsafe for charging LiPo batteries. We don’t suggest this mode except you’re skilled and know what you’re doing.

Contemplating the Variety of Outputs

When deciding on a charger, it’s necessary to think about the variety of outputs. This can decide what number of batteries you’ll be able to cost concurrently.

Single-output chargers can cost just one battery at a time.

However you should use a parallel charging board to cost a number of batteries concurrently too. This can be a less expensive choice, nevertheless it requires information on find out how to parallel cost safely.

Chargers with a number of channels or outputs let you cost a number of batteries directly with out the necessity for a parallel charging board – many contemplate this a safer answer. Every output capabilities as an unbiased charger, enabling you to cost totally different batteries no matter their battery kind, capability, voltage degree, or cell rely. Multi-channel chargers are costlier however supply higher flexibility and quicker charging, particularly if in case you have a bunch of various batteries.

Don’t Overlook Steadiness Present

What’s stability present in a charger?

The stability present of a LiPo charger refers back to the present utilized by the charger to stability the voltage ranges of particular person cells inside a multi-cell LiPo battery throughout the charging course of. Balancing the cells ensures that all of them have equal voltage ranges, which is crucial for sustaining the general well being, security, and longevity of the battery.

LiPo chargers sometimes have a stability present score, measured in milliamps (mA), which signifies the utmost present that the charger can use to stability the cells. Greater stability present rankings usually result in quicker balancing and shorter charging occasions, whereas decrease rankings might lead to longer charging occasions as a consequence of slower cell balancing.

Cheaper chargers are likely to have decrease stability present rankings, similar to 0.2A/cell, whereas higher-end chargers might have increased stability present rankings, as much as 1.6A/cell and even increased. It is very important select a LiPo charger with an honest stability present score to make sure environment friendly charging and reduce the time you spend ready in your batteries to complete charging.

Constructed-in Energy Provide or Not? (AC vs. DC)

Charger with each AC and DC Inputs

When selecting your first LiPo charger, it’s necessary to know the distinction between AC and DC enter choices:

DC enter means the charger doesn’t have a built-in energy provide—you’ll want to supply your personal exterior energy supply like an influence provide (PSU) or battery. AC enter means the charger has a built-in energy provide, so you’ll be able to plug it instantly right into a wall socket. Many of those additionally help DC enter, which lets you bypass the interior PSU when extra energy is required.

Why is that this necessary? The built-in energy provide in AC chargers is usually much less highly effective, sometimes offering just one/2 and even 1/3 of the charger’s most rated energy. If you wish to use the charger to its full potential, you’ll want a succesful exterior energy provide. That stated, the interior PSU is often greater than sufficient for typical use, particularly for newcomers. You’ll be able to at all times improve with an exterior energy provide sooner or later if you wish to.

My Suggestion

For those who’re simply beginning out, I like to recommend getting a charger with a built-in energy provide (AC enter) for comfort. It simplifies the setup—simply plug it into the wall and go. Nonetheless, if you have already got an influence provide, a DC-only charger may be a better option. They’re usually lighter, cheaper, and extra compact.

For a Secondary Charger

Take into account a small and moveable mannequin that helps each XT60 and USB-C inputs. These aren’t essentially the most highly effective chargers for on a regular basis use, however they’re extremely helpful for journey or area charging. You might keep away from bringing a charger fully by packing extra totally charged LiPos—however contemplate the logistics: if every flight lasts round 5 minutes, flying for two hours would require 24 LiPo batteries—that’s lots! Having a charger available permits you to recharge batteries whereas flying, saving each house and cash. It’s a sensible transfer for longer classes or journey.

Selecting the Proper Energy Provide for Your Charger

For those who select a DC charger, you’ll have to buy an exterior energy provide (PSU) individually.

There are energy provides particularly designed for LiPo chargers, however many customers choose to switch laptop or server PSUs as a less expensive different. Simply ensure you’ve got the required abilities and information earlier than trying a modification, as improper setup may be harmful.

Take into account the next when selecting a PSU:

Energy: The PSU’s energy must be increased than the ability demand of your charger. An overpowered PSU received’t make your charger extra highly effective, however it is going to be extra dependable and future-proof. An underpowered PSU might trigger overheating and burnout points. If wanted, contemplate setting an influence restrict in your charger to guard the PSU. Output Voltage: The PSU’s output voltage must be throughout the enter voltage vary of your charger.

Listed here are some PSU choices primarily based on their energy rankings:

100W PSU: 240W PSU: 360W PSU: 400-460W PSU: 600W PSU: 1200W PSU:

The ToolkitRC P200 PSU (evaluate) can be price contemplating. It’s a flexible 200W energy provide you should use for numerous duties. It options adjustable voltage output and present restrict, is compact in measurement, and has a USB-C output for charging cellular gadgets and cameras.

How A lot You Ought to Spend On a LiPo Charger

A LiPo charger is a long-term funding within the RC pastime, as it can possible final for years, very similar to your radio transmitter and FPV goggles. Subsequently, it’s clever to allocate an inexpensive price range for a high quality charger as an alternative of choosing the most cost effective choice.

The most costly charger isn’t essentially the very best, however good high quality chargers usually come at a good worth. Earlier than specializing in the fee, contemplate what you really need from a charger. Write down your necessities and discover chargers that meet your wants. For those who don’t require sure “fancy options,” don’t embrace them in your record, and prioritize the important options that may serve you greatest in the long term.

Desired Options

My favorite options in LiPo chargers embrace:

For ease of use, I personally want scroll wheels and bodily buttons over touchscreens or capacitive buttons. Steadiness charging functionality is crucial. Capability to regulate finish voltage. Correct voltage readings. Ought to show inside resistance (IR) each throughout and after charging. Should help no less than LiPo, LiHV, and Li-ion battery sorts. Firmware must be updateable, ideally by way of USB.

Conclusion

Selecting the best LiPo charger in your FPV drone might appear to be a frightening activity, however with the proper steerage and understanding of your particular necessities, you’ll be capable to make an knowledgeable determination. On this publish, we’ve explored numerous charger choices, energy necessities, and important options that can assist you discover the charger that most accurately fits your wants and price range. I’ll proceed to maintain this record of really helpful LiPo chargers updated. Please depart us a remark if in case you have any questions.

Pleased flying and charging!

Edit Historical past

2015 – Information created 2017 – Sensible charger grew to become important stream, added charger’s modes 2022 – Up to date information and product hyperlinks for energy provide 2023 – Tutorial revised 2024 – Suggestions up to date Mar 2025 – Added 8S charger. July 2025 – Up to date merchandise.