Here is a roundup of all the 1S, 2S, 3S, and 4S LiPo batteries I tested for micro drones with capacities ranging from 250mAh to 850mAh. Performance is based on voltage sag under load, discharge rate, true capacity and value, to determine which are the best for your tiny whoops, toothpicks and micro quads.
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If you are new to LiPo batteries, you should definitely check out my beginner’s tutorial on LiPos: https://oscarliang.com/lipo-battery-guide/.
Testing Methodology
To determine the best batteries, I focused on two key performance indicators:
- Capacity: Measured by discharging batteries at a slow rate (~2C) from full charge down to 3.3V per cell to accurately gauge their energy storage capabilities.
- Voltage Sag: Assessed by discharging at a faster rate (~20C) from full charge to 3.3V to evaluate their performance under load throughout the discharge cycle.
In case you are curious what testing equipment I used, it was the SkyRC BD350 discharger.
C Rating
C-Rating is supposed to be an indicator of the discharge performance of a LiPo battery. However, the numbers provided by manufacturers are often inflated for marketing purposes, it has become meaningless over the years. This is why I am conducting these tests myself to find out their actual performance.
LiPo or LiHV?
LiHV is a different type of LiPo battery that allows charging up to 4.35V per cell instead of 4.20V. The main advantage is that the slightly higher voltage at full charge can provide a bit more power to your quad. From my personal experience, LiHV does offer more power in the first half of the discharge cycle, but after that, the performance is similar to LiPo.
LiHV is popular for small 1S batteries for Tiny Whoops (e.g., 1S 300mAh/450mAh). For anything bigger or with a higher cell count, traditional LiPo is still the preferred choice.
Make sure you are aware of the type of batteries you are getting and charge/handle them correctly to avoid danger. Do not overcharge normal LiPo to 4.35V, which could result in a fire.
More tutorials regarding LiPo Safety:
Testing in 2024
2S LiPo/LiHV
BetaFPV 2S 450mAh 30C LiHV (BT3.0)
- Weight: 27.2g
- Dimensions: 16×13.5x66mm
- Measured Capacity: 491mAh
- Connector: BT3.0 (learn more here)
- Product Pages:
BetaFPV 2S 450mAh 45C LiPo
- Weight: 28.1g
- Dimensions: 15×13.5x62mm
- Measured Capacity: 485mAh
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
Flywoo 2S 550mAh 80C LiHV
- Weight: 26.4g
- Dimensions: 17.5x12x62mm
- Measured Capacity: 490mah
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
GNB 2S 450mAh 80C LiHV
- Weight: 28.1g
- Dimensions: 17.2x14x62mm
- Measured Capacity: 397mah
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
3S LiPo/LiHV
BetaFPV Lava 3S 450mAh 75C LiPo
- Weight: 38.1g
- Dimensions: 20×15.5×62.5mm
- Measured Capacity: 422mah
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
BetaFPV 3S 450mAh 75C LiPo
- Weight: 43.5g
- Dimensions: 20.5×18.5×63.5mm
- Measured Capacity: 446mah
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
4S LiPO/LiHV
GNB 4S 450mAh 80C LiHV
- Weight: 52.1g
- Dimensions: 26.5×17.5x64mm
- Measured Capacity: 440mah
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
BetaFPV 4S 450mAh 75C LiPo
- Weight: 56.8g
- Dimensions: 27.5x18x64mm
- Measured Capacity: 450mah
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
BetaFPV Lava 4S 850mAh 100C LiPo
- Weight: 95.4g
- Dimensions: 30.3x29x58mm
- Measured Capacity: 852mah
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
BetaFPV 4S 750mAh 95C LiPo
- Weight: 79.5g
- Dimensions: 29.5×25.5x58mm
- Measured Capacity: 693mah
- Connector: XT30
- Product Pages:
Testing in 2020
Here’s my testing from 2019-2020. Although these batteries might not be the latest anymore, some of them are still available/relevant today.
Click these links will take you to the specs and product pages.
- 1S Results
- 2S Results
- BetaFPV 2S 300mAh – Max Discharge 5/5, Value 5/5
- GNB 2S 300mAh HV – Max Discharge 5/5, Value 5/5
- URUAV 2S 300mAh HV – Max Discharge 3/5, Value 4/5
- GNB 2S 350mAh 50C HV – Max Discharge 2/5, Value 1/5
- GNB 2S 350mAh 35C – Max Discharge 1/5, Value 1/5
- NewBeeDrone 2S 350mAh – Max Discharge 3/5, Value 2/5
- BetaFPV 2S 350mAh – Max Discharge 1/5, Value 1/5
- GNB 2S 450mAh HV – Max Discharge 5/5, Value 5/5
- XF Power 2S 450mAh – Max Discharge 5/5, Value 5/5
- Crazypony 2S 450mAh – Max Discharge 1/5, Value 1/5
- GNB 2S 520mAh HV – Max Discharge 4/5, Value 3/5
- GNB 2S 650mAh – Max Discharge 5/5, Value 5/5
- 3S Results
- Happymodel 3S 300mAh HV – Max Discharge 2/5, Value 3/5
- Eachine 3S 300mAh HV – Max Discharge 2/5, Value 2/5
- GNB 3S 300mAh HV – Max Discharge 5/5, Value 5/5
- URUAV 3S 300mAh HV – Max Discharge 1/5, Value 1/5
- Crazypony 3S 300mAh HV – Max Discharge 1/5, Value 1/5
- BetaFPV 3S 300mAh – Max Discharge 2/5, Value 1/5
- GNB 3S 300mAh – Max Discharge 2/5, Value 2/5
- GNB 3S 350mAh HV – Max Discharge 3/5, Value 2/5
- GNB 3S 450mAh HV – Max Discharge 5/5, Value 5/5
- Tattu 3S 450mAh – Max Discharge 3/5, Value 2/5
- BetaFPV 3S 450mAh – Max Discharge 4/5, Value 3/5
- GNB 3S 520mAh HV – Max Discharge 5/5, Value 5/5
- GNB 3S 650mAh HV – Max Discharge 3/5, Value 3/5
- 4S Results
1S (2020)
Nitro Nectar 1S 250mAh HV
Product Page (GetFPV): https://oscarliang.com/product-69ys
Specs:
- Price: $6
- Size: 6.7×11.1×52.2 mm
- Weight: 6.8g
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 30C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 4/5
- True Capacity: 254mAh
- Value: 3/5
All three 1S batteries tested here seem to have pretty similar performance in terms of maximum discharging rate. However they are quite different when it comes to price and weight, so these become the main considerations.
The Nitro Nectar battery is made by NewBeeDrone, one of the smallest pack (at 250mah) you can find out there that provides decent amount of power.
BetaFPV 1S 300mAh HV
Product Page (Amazon): https://amzn.to/2roB1xD
Specs:
- Price: $4
- Size: 6.2×11.8×63.4 mm
- Weight: 8.1g
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 30C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 4/5
- True Capacity: 308mAh
- Value: 5/5
I found an awesome deal on Amazon (linked above), you get 8 batteries for only $24 that works out to be less than $4 per battery. I don’t think you can find a better deal than these batteries! Though they are a little heavier than the rest.
GNB 1S 300mAh HV
Product Page (AliExpress): https://oscarliang.com/product-vpv7
Specs:
- Price: $8
- Size: 6.7×11.1×5.9mm
- Weight: 7.7g
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 30C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 4/5
- True Capacity: 296mAh
- Value: 2/5
Most 1S LiPo these days don’t have wires anymore, for the weight saving and lower resistance. But you might appreciate the “extended” battery connector in these GNB 1S batteries, as it makes plugging in slightly more flexible. And yet it’s lighter than the BetaFPV given the same capacity and performance. However it’s quite expensive.
Emax 1S 450mah HV
Product Page (GetFPV): http://bit.ly/34RY3ff
Specs:
- Price: $8
- Size: 7x18x59mm
- Weight: 13g
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 80C
Performance:
Max Discharge: 5/5
True Capacity: 453mAh
Value: 3/5
Excellent packs, just a little bit expensive.
GNB 1S 520mAh HV
Product Page (AliExpress): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlZvQnb
Specs:
- Price: $6.6
- Size: 7x17x65mm
- Weight: 14g
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 80C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 4/5
- True Capacity: 495mAh
- Value: 4/5
2S (2020)
BetaFPV 2S 300mAh 45C
Product Page (BetaFPV): https://oscarliang.com/product-l8xh
Specs:
- Price: $9
- Size: 45x17x12 mm
- Weight: 17.9g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 45C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capacity: 306mAh
- Value: 5/5
I am surprised by how affordable this battery is given its high quality. It’s a very “punchy” pack with minimal sag throughout the entire discharge cycle. It’s also relatively lightweight compared to other packs with similar capacity and performance.
GNB 2S 350mAh 50C HV
Product Page (AliExpress): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBXl9W5
Specs:
- Price: $12.5
- Size: 17x14x50mm
- Weight: 19.3g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 50C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 2/5
- True Capacity: 310mAh
- Value: 1/5
I’m puzzled as to why this pack is priced so high when its claimed C-rating and performance are lower than other superior packs from GNB.
GNB 2S 450mAh 80C HV
Product Pages:
Specs:
- Price: $10
- Size: 14x18x62mm
- Weight: 28.6g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 80C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capacity: 460mAh
- Value: 5/5
One of the best performers in the 2S LiPo testing, yet it’s a few grams lighter and only $10. This is my go-to 450mAh 2S if you’re cautious about less known brands like “XF Power.”
GNB 2S 520mAh 80C HV
Product Page (AliExpress): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCqyEeD
Specs:
- Price: $11
- Size: 14x17x68mm
- Weight: 29.1g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 80C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 4/5
- True Capacity: 500mAh
- Value: 3/5
Despite being “80C” like the 450mAh from GNB, this battery shows more voltage sag towards the end of the pack. It’s slightly heavier than the 450mAh version, suggesting either a lower C-rating or capacity. The capacity test showed it’s about 20mAh short. I’d recommend sticking with the 450mAh version for those looking for flight time.
GNB 2S 300mAh HV (Gaoneng)
Product Page (AliExpress): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DciSBWd
Specs:
- Price: $10
- Size: 13.5x17x50mm
- Weight: 19.5g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 80C/160C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capacity: 301mAh
- Value: 5/5
Excellent performance in terms of voltage sag, and the real capacity lives up to the claim. Great battery!
URUAV 2S 300mAh HV
Product Page >> http://bit.ly/2KdLWkN <<
Specs:
- Price: $9
- Size: 13.5x17x50mm
- Weight: 22.7g
- Battery Lead: 16AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 80C/160C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 3/5
- True Capacity: 270mAh
- Value: 4/5
It has specs similar to the GNB 2S 300mAh HV 80C, except it’s nearly 3 grams heavier, likely due to the larger gauge wires. However, voltage sag is slightly worse than GNB, and with only a $1 price difference, I’d probably choose GNB for batteries of this size.
GNB 2S 350mAh (Gaoneng)
Product Page (AliExpress): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkUwbRB
Specs:
- Price: $10
- Size: 13x18x52mm
- Weight: 21.7g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 35C/70C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 1/5
- True Capacity: 368mAh
- Value: 1/5
I’ve tested quite a few GNB batteries, most have been great except this one. Voltage sag was simply awful, can’t even sustain a full throttle punch-out for more than a few seconds. Battery gets very hot too. DO NOT Recommend.
NewBeeDrone 2S 350mAh
Product Page (NBD): https://oscarliang.com/product-uk8f
Specs:
- Price: $14
- Size: 49x17x25mm
- Weight: 24.5g
- Battery Lead: 16AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 60C/120C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 3/5
- True Capacity: 310
- Value: 2/5
Pretty good quality battery, but a bit more pricey than the rest. Could have used 18AWG wires instead of 16AWG to save a gram or two, without noticeably impacting performance.
XF Power 2S 450mAh
Product Page: >> http://bit.ly/2OzR8n9 <<
Specs:
- Price: $9
- Size: 14x18x60mm
- Weight: 33g
- Battery Lead: 16AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 75C/150C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capacity: 475mAh
- Value: 5/5
This has to be one of the best value 2S 450mAh I’ve tested so far. It’s a slightly bigger battery than what it claims to be, maybe that’s why the discharge rate is surprisingly high. It’s only $9 and it comes with a balance lead protector. Mind you this is heavier than other ordinary 450mAh pack.
Crazypony 2S 450mAh
Specs:
- Price: $11
- Size: 18.5×13.5x60mm
- Weight: 27.4g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 80C/160C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 1/5
- True Capacity: 427
- Value: 1/5
Absolutely terrible performance, avoid at all cost. Maximum discharge rate is low, and battery gets very hot. I bought four, two of which have swollen cells out of the box.
GNB 2S 650mAh (Gaoneng)
Product Page (AliExpress): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkA58pP
Specs:
- Price: $13
- Size: 16x18x62mm
- Weight: 31.4g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 60C/120C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capacity: 620mAh
- Value: 5/5
Excellent battery! Recommend!
3S (2020)
GNB 3S 350mAh 50C HV
Specs:
- Price: $12
- Size: 14x17x50mm
- Weight: 27.8g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 50C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 3/5
- True Capacity: 334mAh
- Value: 2/5
Being 1 gram lighter than the GNB 300mAh 80C, the voltage sag is a lot worse. That clearly shows that batteries with higher discharge rate do weigh more.
GNB 3S 450mAh 80C HV
Product Page (AliExpress): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dl8hcsl
Specs:
- Price: $12
- Size: 17x21x64mm
- Weight: 40.8g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 80C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capacity: 420mAh
- Value: 5/5
I think this battery is using the exact same cells as the GNB 2S 450mah, which are top notch quality cells! Fantastic performance, one of the top 3S batteries tested.
GNB 3S 550mAh 80C HV
Product Page (RDQ): https://oscarliang.com/product-miwe
Specs:
- Price: $12
- Size: 17x20x69mm
- Weight: 42.7g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 80C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capacity: 523mAh
- Value: 5/5
Similar performance to the previous 450mAh, which is just awesome but only bigger in capacity.
GNB 3S 650mAh 60C HV
Product Page (AliExpress): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmI8JmV
Specs:
- Price: $15
- Size: 24x18x62mm
- Weight: 45.9g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 60C/120C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 3/5
- True Capacity: 616mAh
- Value: 3/5
Excellent battery! Recommend!
GNB 3S 300mAh HV (Gaoneng)
Product Page (AliExpress): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFp0igl
Specs:
- Price: $13
- Size: 19x17x54mm
- Weight: 28.6g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 80C/160C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capacity: 280mAh
- Value: 5/5
Amazing performance! Probably the best 3S 300mAh battery I’ve tested so far. Highly recommended. Voltage sag is minimal, I guess it’s 3 grams heavier than other 300mah packs for a reason 🙂
URUAV 3S 300mAh HV
Specs:
- Price: $10
- Size: 11x18x65mm
- Weight: 29g
- Battery Lead: 16AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 40C/80C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 1/5
- True Capacity: 278mAh
- Value: 1/5
Terrible battery, do not recommend at all.
Crazypony 3S 300mAh HV
Specs:
- Price: $9
- Size: 18x11x58mm
- Weight: 24.8g
- Battery Lead: 20AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 30C/60C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 1/5
- True Capacity: 298mAh
- Value: 1/5
Absolutely awful battery, avoid at all cost.
GNB 3S 300mAh (Gaoneng)
Product Page (AliExpress): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFp0igl
Specs:
- Price: $13
- Size: 12x19x65mm
- Weight: 25.1g
- Battery Lead: 20AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 30C/60C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 2/5
- True Capacity: 290mAh
- Value: 2/5
This is the non-HV version of the GNB 3S 300mah, however the performance is pretty average. I’d say it’s pretty similar to the Happymodel 3S 300mah. If dimension doesn’t matter, I’d recommend the HV version instead since they cost the same.
Tattu 3S 450mAh
Product Page (AliExpress): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DE0lIwZ
Specs:
- Price: $13-$15
- Battery Lead: 16AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 75C/150C
- Two different form factors
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 3/5
- True Capacity: 445mAh
- Value: 2/5
Pretty good batteries, but perhaps too heavy for most tiny whoops and toothpick models? A little pricey, but they are okay if you don’t mind the weight.
BetaFPV 3S 450mAh
Product Pages:
Specs:
- Price: $14
- Size: 18.4×19.8×63.4mm
- Weight: 42.9g
- Battery Lead: 16AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 75C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 4/5
- True Capacity: 290mAh
- Value: 3/5
Maybe a little pricey for what it is, but still a great battery, I like it.
4S (2020)
BetaFPV 4S 450mAh
Product Pages:
Specs:
- Price: $16
- Size: 18.1×26.4×64.1mm
- Weight: 56.8g
- Battery Lead: 16AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 75C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 4/5
- True Capacity: 484mAh
- Value: 3/5
GNB 4S 450mAh HV
Product Page:
Specs:
- Price: $15
- Size: 17.5×26.4×64.6mm
- Weight: 52.2g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 80C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capacity: 462mAh
- Value: 5/5
Better performance than the BetaFPV 450mah, and yet it’s over 4 grams lighter and $1 cheaper. I can’t think of a reason not to get this battery.
GNB 4S 550mAh HV
Product Page (RDQ): https://oscarliang.com/product-oh2c
Specs:
- Price: $17
- Size: 16.8×26.3×69.1mm
- Weight: 54.5g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 80C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 5/5
- True Capacity: 495mAh
- Value: 3/5
Same performance to the 450mah variant, but being labelled as a 520mah, and only 2 grams heavier made me wonder if this is too good to be true. And my testing did suggest it’s smaller than advertised – only around 500mah. For an extra $2 you are only getting 50mah more, you are better off getting the GNB 4S 450mah.
GNB 4S 650mAh HV
Product Page (AliExpress): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dd2b1CD
Specs:
- Price: $19
- Size: 18.1×30.7×63.2mm
- Weight: 60.0g
- Battery Lead: 18AWG
- “Claimed” C-Rating: 60C
Performance:
- Max Discharge: 3/5
- True Capacity: 590mAh
- Value: 2/5
The price doesn’t match the performance, do not recommend.
More Batteries?
I will continue testing and adding more battery results to this page. Let me know in the comments which batteries you would like me to test for you.
Edit History
- Apr 2019 – Post created.
- Jan 2020 – More batteries results added.
- Mar 2024 – Resumed testing with several new batteries. Discontinued batteries from previous tests have been removed.