Introduction
If you’re into RC cars, drones, or high-performance electronics, you’ve probably heard about the 4S lipo battery. But what exactly does “4S” mean, and why would you choose it over a 3S or 6S?
At A&S Power, we manufacture custom lithium polymer batteries for OEM buyers worldwide. This guide covers everything you need to know about 4S lipo batteries – from voltage and capacity to common uses and charging tips.
For a complete overview of our custom battery capabilities, check out our full guide: [Custom Lithium Polymer Battery – OEM/ODM Solutions for IoT, Wearables & Medical Devices] .
For a complete voltage reference covering all LiPo configurations, see our [LiPo Battery Voltage Chart & C-Rating Guide].
If you’re new to lipo batteries, start with our [Lipo Battery 101] guide for the basics.
What is a 4S Lipo Battery?
A 4S lipo battery is a lithium polymer battery pack that contains four cells connected in series. The “S” stands for “series,” meaning the cells are stacked together to increase voltage.
Key specifications:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of cells | 4 cells (4S) |
| Nominal voltage | 14.8V (4 × 3.7V) |
| Full charge voltage | 16.8V (4 × 4.2V) |
| Cutoff voltage | 12.0V (4 × 3.0V) |
| Common capacities | 1,000mAh – 6,000mAh |
| Common configurations | 4S1P (4 cells in series, 1 in parallel) |
Common Uses of 4S Lipo Batteries
4S lipo batteries are widely used in applications requiring higher power and speed:
| Application | Why 4S Lipo Battery |
|---|---|
| RC cars and trucks | Higher speed and torque than 3S |
| Racing drones and FPV | More power for acceleration and agility |
| Large drones | Extended flight time with higher voltage |
| Airsoft guns | High discharge for rapid firing |
| Boats and marine RC | Water-resistant high-power applications |
4S provides noticeable power over 3S but is easier to manage than 6S batteries.
4S Lipo Battery vs 3S vs 6S – What’s the Difference?
| Feature | 3S Lipo (11.1V) | 4S Lipo (14.8V) | 6S Lipo (22.2V) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 11.1V | 14.8V | 22.2V |
| Speed/Power | Moderate | Higher | Very high |
| Weight | Medium | Heavier | Very heavy |
| Runtime | Longer | Medium | Shorter |
| Best for | Mid-sized RC, drones | Racing, larger RC | Professional racing, large drones |
For more information on different cell counts, check out our guides on [3S Lipo Battery] and [6S Lipo Battery] .
How to Choose the Right 4S Lipo Battery
1. Capacity (mAh)
Higher capacity = longer runtime. For racing drones, 1,300-1,500mAh is common for balanced weight and flight time. For RC cars, 4,000-6,000mAh is typical.
2. Discharge rate (C-rating)
For racing drones, 70C-100C is common. For RC cars, 30C-50C is usually sufficient.
3. Connector type
Most 4S lipo batteries come with XT60 or XT90 connectors. Check your device compatibility.
4. Physical dimensions
Ensure the battery fits your battery compartment – especially important for drones with tight space constraints.
How to Charge a 4S Lipo Battery Safely
What you need:
-
Lipo balance charger (supports 4S)
-
4S balance lead connection
-
Fire-safe charging bag
Step-by-step:
-
Connect the main power leads to the charger
-
Connect the balance lead to the charger’s balance port
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Set charger to 4S (14.8V) – do not select 3S or 6S
-
Set charging current to 1C – e.g., 1.5A for a 1,500mAh battery
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Start charging and monitor the process
-
Disconnect when the charger shows “Complete”
⚠️ Never charge a 4S lipo battery without balance charging – uneven cell charging creates fire hazards.
For detailed charging instructions, see our [How to Charge Lipo Batteries] guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a 4S lipo battery in a 3S device?
No. 4S batteries deliver higher voltage (14.8V vs 11.1V) and will damage 3S-compatible devices.
2. What is the voltage of a fully charged 4S lipo battery?
A fully charged 4S lipo battery reads 16.8V (4.2V per cell).
3. What is the lowest voltage for a 4S lipo battery?
The minimum voltage is 12.0V (3.0V per cell). Discharging below this causes permanent capacity loss.
4. How long does a 4S lipo battery last?
Under normal use, a 4S lipo battery lasts 300-500 cycles (3-5 years).
Custom Lipo Battery Solutions from A&S Power
At A&S Power, we manufacture custom lithium polymer batteries for OEM buyers across multiple industries. From RC cars and drones to medical devices and wearables, we deliver tailored solutions with safety and performance in mind.
✅ Custom dimensions and capacities
✅ OEM labeling and packaging
✅ UL, CE, RoHS, and UN38.3 certification
✅ Engineering support from concept to production
📄 Request a Technical Datasheet – Contact Us
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Dongguan A&S Power Technology Co., Limited.
Building 1, No. 2, Keji 9th Road, Songshan Lake, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
📞 +86 137 1383 1631 | ✉ info@enerbe.net