Which Is More Efficient: 4S or 6S Batteries For FPV?

Since First-Person View (FPV) drone flying is becoming increasingly popular, fans constantly look for methods to extend and improve flight time. The type of battery utilized has a significant impact on flying efficiency. In this blog post, we will examine the differences between 4S and 6S batteries and decide which is more effective for FPV applications.

First of all, let's check what Joshua Bardwell said about this question below:

"Flight time costs 6s or 4s. That isn't easy to say. There are a lot of factors.

Ryan Harrel is one of the sharpest persons I know, and he is undoubtedly one of the best in FPV when it comes to motors, props, and ESCs, among other things. He has much experience bench-testing motors and ESCs and has a deeper understanding of them than most FPV personnel, both theoretically and in flight and lab bench testing. Since I won't attempt to do it justice, I wish I had a copy-paste of Ryan Harrel's argument that 6s is less efficient so I could demonstrate it to you. People claim that 6s is more efficient for various reasons, but he denies this. His credentials are immaculate, and his arguments seem compelling, so I am inclined to believe him. Therefore, why do people who travel to 6s typically have longer flight durations or at least appear to have longer journey hours? Subjectively, I observed the battery droop when I went from 4s to 6s.

When the battery sagged later in the pack with 4S, I would say, "Oh, I need to stop flying," and hit the ground. When I switched to success, I simply killed pack after pack because I didn't feel that sag, and if I weren't keeping an eye on the OSD to see when the battery dropped to 3.5, 3.4, or 3.3, I would simply flat and kill it. People may say, "Oh, I need a land," but I don't recall that happening with 4s packs. I don't kill packs anymore, but I will frequently fly a 6s pack down to 3.5 and still have plenty of life left. In many cases, the differences people notice between 4s and 6s can be attributed to the fact that they're not making apples-to-apples comparisons. Another change people make is that they run higher KV motors on 6s than the equivalent 4s, which means they're essentially getting more RPM and thrust. In other words, when people go to 6s packs, they go to a slightly larger pack. For example, they will fly an 11 million hour or 12 million hour 6s battery that weighs 25 grams, whereas they used to fly a 13 million hour 4s battery that weighed 175 or 180 grams. That would give the quad a shorter flight time, but who knows? The explanation is that, although 4s will theoretically give you more efficiency—more grams per watt—most people will fly 6s because they believe they perform better.

Before you make any choice, you need to understand the Basics first:

Before comparing, Let's quickly review the distinctions between 4S and 6S batteries. The "S" stands for "cells in series," which denotes how many lithium-ion cells are joined one after the other to create a battery pack. A 6S battery has six cells, whereas a 4S battery has four.

Comparing Voltage:

Voltage is a crucial factor when choosing between 4S and 6S batteries. The nominal voltage of each LiPo battery cell is around 3.7 volts. Thus, the maximum voltage of a fully charged 4S battery is 14.8 volts (4 cells x 3.7 volts). In contrast, the maximum voltage of a 6S battery is 22.2 volts (6 cells x 3.7 volts)—a 6S battery's higher voltage results in higher power output and higher efficiency.

Flight Performance and Thrust:

Higher voltage, which also raises motor RPM, immediately results in more thrust and improved flight performance. Since the motor spins faster, your FPV drone may reach greater speeds and maneuver more rapidly with a 6S battery. Furthermore, a 6S battery's increased power output allows the drone to carry larger payloads—like cameras or other equipment—without compromising flying stability.

Battery Efficiency and Flight Time:

Several elements affect flying time and battery efficiency. Because they have more cells, 6S batteries tend to be heavier even though they have higher voltage and more power. Compared to a lighter 4S battery, the extra weight can shorten flight time. However, the configuration, flying style, and parts utilized in an FPV drone determine the overall efficiency.

Safety Considerations:

It's crucial to remember that higher-voltage batteries, such as 6S, call for appropriate parts and cautious safety precautions. These batteries provide higher power, which can stress motors and electronic speed controllers (ESCs), increasing heat generation and raising the possibility of damage if improperly handled. Always ensure the parts on your drone are rated for the voltage you plan to use, and keep an eye on the temperature in the air.

Conclusion:

There is no clear winner in the argument over whether 4S or 6S batteries are more effective for FPV applications. In the end, everything comes down to your unique needs, flying style, and drone configuration. Because of their greater weight, 6S batteries may have shorter flight times even though they provide higher voltage, more power, and improved flight performance.

A CNHL 4s Lipo Battery might be better if you value longer flying times, particularly for endurance-focused FPV missions. However, a CNHL 6Ss lipo battery might be more appropriate if you value speed, agility, and the capacity to transport larger loads.

Finally, it's critical to consider your particular application, financial constraints, and the advice of seasoned FPV pilots. By weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each battery type, you can maximize the overall effectiveness of your FPV drone and make an informed choice that suits your needs.