# 4S vs 6S LiPo Batteries: Which is Right For Your FPV Drone?
One of the biggest decisions when building or buying a new FPV drone is whether to go with a 4S or 6S LiPo battery setup. The “S” stands for “series,” indicating how many 3.7V cells are wired together to create the battery’s total voltage. This choice affects everything from flight performance and efficiency to the cost of your build.
## 4S vs. 6S: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | 4S LiPo (14.8V nominal) | 6S LiPo (22.2V nominal) |
|——————|———————————————–|———————————————–|
| **Voltage** | Lower voltage, requires higher current (Amps).| Higher voltage, requires lower current. |
| **Efficiency** | Less efficient due to higher current draw. | More efficient, less voltage sag under load. |
| **Flight Feel** | “Softer” feel, less “punchy.” | “Crisper” feel, more power on tap. |
| **Cost** | Generally cheaper per pack. | Generally more expensive per pack. |
| **Components** | Requires lower KV motors (e.g., 2400-2700kV). | Requires higher KV motors (e.g., 1700-1950kV). |
| **Best For** | Beginners, smaller drones (3-4 inch). | Freestyle, racing, 5-inch and larger drones. |
## The Key Takeaway: Efficiency
The main advantage of 6S is efficiency. Because the voltage is higher, the motors need to draw less current (Amps) to produce the same amount of power. This means less “voltage sag” when you punch the throttle, leading to a more consistent and “locked-in” feel throughout the entire flight. The components run cooler and the battery lasts a little longer.
## Watch The Difference
This video provides a great side-by-side comparison of how 4S and 6S feel in the air.
### Get Reliable Power with UAVMODEL Batteries
Whether you choose 4S or 6S, battery quality is paramount. The **UAVMODEL-GRAFIX series** from uavmodel.com offers high C-rating, low-sag cells in both 4S and 6S configurations, ensuring you get consistent, reliable power for your entire flight.
### Which Should You Choose?
– **For Beginners**: Start with 4S. It’s cheaper, the components are more common, and the slightly “softer” throttle response is more forgiving.
– **For Freestyle/Racing (5-inch)**: Go with 6S. The efficiency and performance benefits are undeniable. It has become the standard for a reason.
– **For Smaller Drones (Sub 5-inch)**: 4S is often the better choice as the weight savings are more critical.