Introduction: The Power Behind Your Flight
One of the most important—and most confusing—choices in building an FPV drone is selecting the right battery. Whether you’re flying a tinywhoop indoors or ripping freestyle tricks with a 5-inch quad, your drone’s power, performance, and even lifespan depend heavily on its LiPo battery’s S rating.
In this guide, we’ll break down what “S” actually means, how it affects your build, and how to find the best FPV drone battery in India for your needs.
What Does “S Rating” Mean?
In FPV terminology, “S” refers to the number of cells in a LiPo (Lithium Polymer) battery. Each cell provides a nominal 3.7 volts. So:
- 2S = 7.4V (2 x 3.7V)
- 3S = 11.1V
- 4S = 14.8V
- 6S = 22.2V
The higher the S rating, the more voltage your drone receives. Higher voltage increases the motor RPM, providing more thrust and responsiveness—but also more heat, wear, and power draw.
Voltage vs Motor Performance: Why S Rating Matters
Voltage directly impacts your motor’s RPM (Revolutions Per Minute). FPV motors are rated in KV (RPM per volt), so:
RPM = KV x Voltage
For example:
- A 2300KV motor on 4S (14.8V) = ~34,000 RPM
- The same motor on 6S (22.2V) = ~51,000 RPM ⚡️
More RPM = more punch, but you must ensure your motors and ESCs can handle the extra load. Otherwise, you’ll risk frying components.
Matching Battery S Rating to Your Build
To avoid damaging electronics or underpowering your drone, you need to match your battery with the rest of your gear:
- Motors: Check the KV rating and voltage range. Many motors are optimized for either 4S or 6S.
- ESC (Electronic Speed Controller): Most modern ESCs can handle 4S or 6S, but always verify specs.
- Flight Controller (FC): Check if the board can regulate 16V–25V input cleanly (especially for 6S).
- Frame Size: Smaller frames (2–3″) can’t handle the weight or current of 6S packs.
Use-Cases: Which S Rating is Best for You?
| Drone Type | Suggested S Rating | Typical Use-Case |
|---|---|---|
| Tinywhoop / Indoor | 1S – 2S | Casual flying, micro builds |
| Cinewhoop (3″) | 3S – 4S | Indoor & cinematic work |
| Freestyle 5″ | 4S – 6S | Outdoor acro, tricks |
| Racing Drone | 6S | High-speed competition |
| Long Range 7″+ | 6S or Li-Ion | Efficiency-focused, GPS builds |
4S vs 6S LiPo:
- 4S: Smooth power curve, budget-friendly, easier on electronics
- 6S: More efficiency per amp, punchier throttle, but needs tuning
Where to Buy FPV Drone Batteries in India
Getting quality LiPos in India can be tricky, but there are reliable vendors now stocking them:
- Quadkart.in: Wide variety of 2S–6S LiPos, good packaging
- DrkStore.in: Trusted by many freestyle/racing pilots
- FPV Drones India Marketplace: Direct listings from verified pilots & shops
- FlyRobo.in: Carries some entry-level packs for micro builds
Before buying, always check:
- Battery voltage and C-rating (discharge rate)
- Weight (affects flight time and center of gravity)
- Connector type (XT30 vs XT60)
Charging & Safety Tips for Indian Flyers
- Use a balance charger only (e.g., ISDT, ToolkitRC)
- Never leave batteries unattended while charging
- Always store at 3.7–3.8V/cell for longer life
- Invest in a LiPo-safe charging bag
- In hot Indian climates, avoid flying or charging in direct sunlight
Pro Tip: If your battery puffs, dispose of it safely—never reuse or puncture it.
Quick Reference Table: Beginner Picks
| Drone Size | Suggested S | Capacity (mAh) | C Rating | Plug |
| 65mm Tinywhoop | 1S | 300–450 | 30–60C | JST-PH |
| 3” Cinewhoop | 3S – 4S | 650–850 | 75–100C | XT30 |
| 5” Freestyle | 4S | 1300–1500 | 90–120C | XT60 |
| 5” Racing | 6S | 1100–1300 | 100C+ | XT60 |
| 7” Long Range | 6S | 1500–2200 | 75–100C | XT60 |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right FPV battery isn’t just about power—it’s about pairing the right voltage with your build’s capability. Start with 4S if you’re a beginner and move to 6S once you’ve tuned your setup and want more punch.
Whether you’re flying through coconut groves in Kerala or diving hills in Himachal, your battery defines how long—and how wild—your ride will be.
Looking to buy your next FPV battery in India? Browse verified battery listings and community-tested setups now on FPVDronesIndia.com.