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 applicable energy provide primarily based on the requirement of your FPV drones, highlighting key options and concerns. Our objective is that can assist you choose the perfect LiPo charger to your particular wants and price range.

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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: https://oscarliang.com/lipo-battery-guide/

High LiPo Charger Suggestions

We’ve compiled an inventory of the perfect LiPo chargers appropriate for FPV drone pilots in any respect ability ranges.

For those who’re involved about parallel charging, think about investing in a dual-channel and even four-channel charger to keep away from gradual, one-at-a-time charging. Nonetheless, should you’re snug utilizing a parallel charging board, a single-port charger can concurrently cost a number of batteries. Earlier than making an attempt parallel charging, guarantee you become familiar with the right security procedures: https://oscarliang.com/parallel-charging-multiple-lipo/

Go for a Sensible Charger

Sensible chargers are the trade normal 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 steadiness cable and it nonetheless robotically begin charging), nonetheless, they solely provide primary charging performance, typically lack necessary security options. Investing in a high-quality fashionable charger will improve security and expertise, and sure final all through most of your FPV profession.

Instance of an non-programmable Charger

A sensible charger (or programmable charger) boasts quite a few sensible options. It may possibly cost numerous battery varieties, together with the favored LiPo and Li-ion utilized in drones, and permits you to customise charging parameters corresponding to charging present, cell depend, and finish voltage. Moreover, good chargers characteristic a show that gives important info like charging progress, battery voltage, and charging present in real-time.

Instance of a contemporary good charger

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

Guarantee Cell Rely Compatibility

Most LiPo chargers at this time assist 1S to 6S LiPo batteries, which is precisely what you need. Nonetheless, at all times double-check the specs earlier than shopping for. A 6S-compatible charger have 6S steadiness 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 right down to smaller micro quads, corresponding to 3-inch and 2-inch fashions.

Nonetheless, should you’re primarily flying tiny whoops powered by 1S batteries, think about getting a devoted charger particularly designed for these smaller batteries, that are simpler to make use of. Take a look at my really useful Tiny Whoop chargers right here: https://oscarliang.com/best-tiny-whoop/#Greatest-Tiny-Whoop-Chargers

Understanding Charging Present Necessities

Charging present determines how briskly you’ll be able to cost a LiPo battery. The next charging present means sooner charging, but when it’s too excessive, it will probably trigger the battery to overheat—posing a security threat.

The suitable charging present depends upon two most important components:

• 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, remember that charging at increased charges will increase the danger of battery overheating and diminished battery lifespan.

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

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 to your charger, use this straightforward system:

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 similar time—you’ll want 132W (33W × 4). So, you’d want a charger rated at not less than 132W to cost 4 of those batteries at 1C concurrently. With that stated, in case your charger will not be 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 Varieties Assist

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

Understanding Charger Modes

On this part, we’ll focus on widespread modes in fashionable good chargers. An honest charger ought to not less than provide “Stability Cost Mode”, “Discharge Mode”, and “Storage Cost”. Different modes are good to have however not as important.

Stability Cost

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

Discharge Mode

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

Storage Mode

This mode prices 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 steadiness particular person cell voltages throughout charging. As an alternative, it solely appears on the total voltage of the entire pack, which carries the danger of overcharging one or a number of cells. You could 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 contemplate the variety of outputs. It will 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 data on learn how to parallel cost safely.

Chargers with a number of channels or outputs assist you to cost a number of batteries directly with out the necessity for a parallel charging board – many think about this a safer answer. Every output features as an unbiased charger, enabling you to cost completely different batteries no matter their battery kind, capability, voltage stage, or cell depend. Multi-channel chargers are dearer however provide larger flexibility and sooner charging, particularly in case you have a bunch of various batteries.

Don’t Overlook Stability Present

What’s steadiness present in a charger?

The steadiness present of a LiPo charger refers back to the present utilized by the charger to steadiness 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 important for sustaining the general well being, security, and longevity of the battery.

LiPo chargers usually have a steadiness present score, measured in milliamps (mA), which signifies the utmost present that the charger can use to steadiness the cells. Larger steadiness present rankings usually result in sooner balancing and shorter charging instances, whereas decrease rankings could lead to longer charging instances attributable to slower cell balancing.

Cheaper chargers are likely to have decrease steadiness present rankings, corresponding to 0.2A/cell, whereas higher-end chargers could have increased steadiness present rankings, as much as 1.6A/cell and even increased. You will need to select a LiPo charger with an honest steadiness present score to make sure environment friendly charging and decrease the time you spend ready to 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 offer 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 straight right into a wall socket. Many of those additionally assist 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, usually offering only 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 normally greater than sufficient for typical use, particularly for learners. You may at all times improve with an exterior energy provide sooner or later if you wish to.

My Advice

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 more sensible choice. They’re typically 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 probably the most highly effective chargers for on a regular basis use, however they’re extremely useful for journey or discipline charging. You would keep away from bringing a charger totally by packing extra totally charged LiPos—however think about the logistics: if every flight lasts round 5 minutes, flying for two hours would require 24 LiPo batteries—that’s loads! Having a charger readily available permits you to recharge batteries whereas flying, saving each area 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 decide to change pc or server PSUs as a less expensive different. Simply make certain you’ve the mandatory abilities and data earlier than making an attempt a modification, as improper setup will be harmful.

Take into account the next when selecting a PSU:

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

Listed below 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 (assessment) can be value 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 cell 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’s going to doubtless final for years, very like your radio transmitter and FPV goggles. Due to this fact, it’s sensible to allocate an affordable price range for a high quality charger as a substitute of choosing the most cost effective choice.

The costliest charger isn’t essentially the perfect, however good high quality chargers typically come at a good worth. Earlier than specializing in the fee, think about what you really want 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 checklist, and prioritize the important options that can serve you finest in the long term.

Desired Options

My favorite options in LiPo chargers embrace:

• For ease of use, I personally desire scroll wheels and bodily buttons over touchscreens or capacitive buttons.
• Stability charging functionality is important.
• Potential to regulate finish voltage.
• Correct voltage readings.
• Ought to show inside resistance (IR) each throughout and after charging.
• Should assist not less than LiPo, LiHV, and Li-ion battery varieties.
• Firmware must be updateable, ideally through USB.

Conclusion

Choosing the proper LiPo charger to your FPV drone could seem to be a frightening process, however with the correct steering 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 closely fits your wants and price range. I’ll proceed to maintain this checklist of really useful LiPo chargers updated. Please go away us a remark in case you have any questions.

Joyful flying and charging!

Edit Historical past

• 2015 – Information created
• 2017 – Sensible charger grew to become most 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.