2s vs 3s LiPo battery: Which one is better for mini FPV drones?

Last week, I received two Li-Po batteries for review from Gens Ace. The Tattu 2s 800 mAh and Tattu 3s 450 mAh. Firstly, I thought about making an individual test of each battery, but later I found it more helpful to make a side-by-side comparison of them.

Both Li-Po batteries suit micro-class FPV drones like the Blade Torrent 110 and KingKong ET series. Weighing about the same (~42 grams), I’m curious to determine which will perform better (top speed vs flight time).

For my tests, I will use the KingKong ET125 drone, which weighs about 120 grams and it is equipped with 4-in-1, 10 Amps ESC (2-3s rated), and 7500 KV brush-less motors. The number before “KV” roughly represents RPM/Volt (under no load!), so higher battery voltage means more RPM, respectively higher speed.

In order to obtain higher voltage, Li-Po packs are made from several 3.7 Volt cells, serially connected. Therefore, a 2s LiPo (2 cells) has a nominal voltage of 7.4 V, and a 3s (3 cells) one has a nominal voltage of 11.1 V.

Which battery is best for micro racing drones, 2S or 3S?

Disclosure: I received these two LIPOs as part of a product review collaboration with Gens Tattu. Although the batteries were offered for free, all opinions in this article remain my own, and I was in no way influenced by the partner.

Both batteries came well packaged and, as I requested, with JST discharge plug. While both LIPOs weigh about 42 grams, they have a bit different form factor. As usual, for Tattu batteries, they came half charged, about 3.82 V/cell.

Tattu 2s 800 mAh LiPo specs

• Number of cells: 2 (2s);
• Voltage: 7.4 V (3.7/cell);
• Capacity: 800 mAh;
• Max Continuous Discharge: 45C (36A);
• Discharge Plug (drone side): JST-SYP-2P;
• Max Burst Discharge: 90C (72A);
• Dimensions: 51.6 x 25.6 x 21 mm;
• Weight: 42 grams.

As the stock battery of the KingKong ET125 has only 550mAh, I’m expecting at least 1 minute bonus of flight time for the extra 250mAh. Weight difference between 550mAh and 800mAh is about 7 grams only.

Tattu 3s 450 mAh LiPo specs

• Number of cells: 3 (3s);
• Voltage: 11.1 V (3.7/cell);
• Capacity: 450 mAh;
• Max Continuous Discharge: 45C (20.25A);
• Discharge Plug (drone side): JST-SYP-2P;
• Max Burst Discharge: 90C (40.5A);
• Dimensions: 54 x 29 x 13 mm;
• Weight: 41 grams.

Tattu 2s 800 mAh vs Tattu 3s 450 mAh

First of all, powering your drone with higher voltage batteries (like 3s instead of 2s) can produce a permanent failure of electric parts. My suggestion is to check the “s” rating of each component. For example, the motors and ESCs could be rated for 3s, but the VTX only for 2s.

After five charging/discharging cycles, I fully charged the batteries at 1 Amp. As you can see in the comparison table below, both LIPOs ended well balanced.

Real-world test

The next day, with confidence, I went out to do some real-world tests. Firstly, I loaded the 2s LiPo into the KingKong ET125. As you can see in the video below, due to the strong wind gusts, my flight was pretty erratic, so the results are not too relevant. I need to repeat it in a more calm day.

Although KingKong clearly says that is risky to use 3S LiPo batteries with the ET125, it worked very well. I noticed some improvements, but you need to be a damn good pilot to take advantage of the extra speed provided by the Tattu 3S 450 mAh. I think 7500 KV motors are just fine with 2s batteries, especially with a light-weight frame.

Tattu’s “Less is more,” aka “Less weight, more flight time” slogan proved pretty fair. While their 2s 800mAh LiPo has ~19.05 mAh/gram storing capacity, the 550 mAh Gaoneng LiPo has only ~15.71 mAh/gram. Compared to the stock battery, I got more than 1 minute extra flight time.

Pricing and availability

Whether you need extra power for outdoor racing and freestyle or extended flight time for indoor practice, Gens Ace Tattu has the proper battery for your micro FPV drone (Blade Torrent 110 / KingKong ET125). You can find the 2s 800 mAh for $9.99 and the 3s 450 mAh for $9.89. Free shipping to the US is available for orders over $49.