How to Choose a LiPo Balance Charger by Cell Count
Pick a balance charger by the cell count of your packs. A 2S or 3S pack needs a small charger like the B3 Pro at $15.99. A 6S pack needs a charger that covers 1 to 6 cells, like the B6neo 2 at $84.99 with up to 300 W on DC. Match the charger to the largest pack you own.
Quick facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| B3 Pro cells | 2S and 3S |
| B3 Pro price | $15.99 |
| B6neo 2 cells | 1 to 6 cells |
| B6neo 2 power | DC 300 W, PD 80 W |
| B6neo 2 charge current | 0.2 to 15.0 A |
| B6neo 2 price | $84.99 |
| X4 channels | 4 packs at once |
| X4 power | 500 W AC total, 15 A per channel |
What cell count does your pack use?
A LiPo pack cell count is the number of cells wired in series, written as 1S, 2S, 3S, or 6S.
Each cell reads 3.7 V nominal. A 2S pack reads 7.4 V, a 3S pack reads 11.1 V, and a 6S pack reads 22.2 V.
A full cell reads 4.2 V, and a cell under 3.0 V is over-discharged.
Count the cells in your largest pack first, then pick a charger that covers that count.
Which charger fits a 2S or 3S pack?
The B3 Pro balance charger covers 2S and 3S packs for $15.99.
It is a compact charger for small packs, and it suits a bench check or a first charger.
It does not cover 4S, 5S, or 6S packs, so it fits only small-cell builds.
Pick it when every pack you own is 2S or 3S.
Which charger fits a 6S pack?
The B6neo 2 smart charger covers 1 to 6 cells for $84.99 with the US plug.
It runs at DC 300 W from a 7 to 28 V input, or at PD 80 W from a Type-C input.
Charge current runs 0.2 to 15.0 A, and balance current runs to 550 mA.
It charges LiPo, LiFe, Li-ion, and LiHV packs at 1 to 6 cells, plus NiMH and NiCd packs.
Pick it when your largest pack is 6S and you want one charger for the whole fleet.
When do you need four channels?
The X4 4-channel smart charger charges four packs at once for $182.99.
Total power is 500 W AC, with up to 15 A per channel and balance current to 1.2 A per cell.
It covers LiPo packs at 1 to 6 cells and shows per-channel voltage, current, and internal resistance.
Pick it when you charge several packs per session and one channel at a time costs too much time.
What did we check on the bench?
We matched all 3 prices in this guide to the live store prices on November 13, 2026.
We counted 1 image on each of the three charger listings.
We checked the B6neo 2 listing states DC 300 W, PD 80 W, and 0.2 to 15.0 A charge current.
We checked the X4 listing states 500 W total AC power and 15 A per channel.
How the options compare
| Charger | Cell range | Key spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| B3 Pro balance charger | 2S and 3S | Compact balance charger | $15.99 |
| B6neo 2 smart charger | 1 to 6 cells | DC 300 W, PD 80 W | $84.99 |
| X4 4-channel charger | 1 to 6 cells | AC 500 W, 15 A per channel | $182.99 |
How do you pick a balance charger in 5 steps?
- Count the cells in your largest pack.
- Check that the charger covers that cell count.
- Check that the charge current fits your pack size.
- Check the input power you have: DC or USB PD.
- Pick the charger that covers your largest pack and your next pack.
Parts that fit this guide
Quality RC Parts stocks parts in New York, USA and ships in-stock orders in 1-2 business days. Prices below are the live store prices we verified on November 13, 2026.
B6neo 2 Smart Charger, DC 300W / PD 80W ($84.99)
B6neo 2 smart charger at $84.99 with the US plug. It covers 1 to 6 cells at DC 300 W or PD 80 W, with charge current from 0.2 to 15.0 A.
ImaxRC B3 Pro Balance Charger (2S/3S) ($15.99)
ImaxRC B3 Pro balance charger at $15.99. It charges 2S and 3S LiPo packs and suits a compact bench check.
Related parts: X4 4-Channel Smart LiPo Charger, AC 500W: X4 4-channel smart LiPo charger, AC 500W: charges four packs at once at up to 15 A per channel, with a 3.5 in IPS display..
Shop the full range: Batteries & Chargers at Quality RC Parts. See the full guide: How to Balance-Charge a LiPo Pack Without Guessing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I charge a 2S pack on a 6S charger?
Yes. A charger that covers 1 to 6 cells also covers 2S packs. Set the cell count and current for the pack you connect.
What happens if the charger covers fewer cells than the pack?
It cannot balance charge that pack. The B3 Pro covers 2S and 3S only, so a 6S pack needs the B6neo 2 or the X4.
Do I need a separate power supply for the B6neo 2?
It takes DC 7 to 28 V through an XT60 input, or USB PD 12 to 20 V through Type-C. Pick the input you already have on the bench.
Can one charger cover 1S to 6S packs?
Yes. The B6neo 2 covers 1 to 6 cells for LiPo, LiFe, Li-ion, and LiHV packs. The X4 covers the same range across four channels.
Sources
- Battery University: Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries (BU-409)
- Oscar Liang: LiPo Battery Guide
- FAA: Lithium Batteries
Last updated: November 13, 2026.