Best LiPo chargers

The charger is the one piece of RC kit where cheap really can cost you. It decides how long your batteries last and, more importantly, whether they're charged safely. A good balance charger isn't expensive any more, so there's no reason to rely on the basic USB lead that came in the box once you own more than one pack.

How these picks were chosen. These are chosen on specification, manufacturer reputation and owner reports, not on long-term testing of every model here. Prices are from UK retailers, checked in October 2026, and will move. Links go to the retailer; RC Mods may earn a commission on some links in future, which never decides what's recommended.

What a balance charger does

A LiPo pack is several cells joined together. A balance charger watches each cell through the small balance lead and stops any single cell going over 4.2V. Without balancing, cells drift apart over time and one ends up overcharged, which is how most charging fires start. That's why every pick here balance charges, and why LiPo battery safety insists on it.

How to choose

Cell count. Most people need 1S to 6S. 1S matters if you own micro helicopters; 6S if you fly 450 class or bigger helicopters or run large cars.

Power and charge current. Work out the biggest pack you'll charge: a 6S 5000mAh pack at 1C needs 5A at about 25V, roughly 125W. A charger rated 50W on mains would charge it, just slowly. Our guide to LiPo batteries explained covers the sums.

AC, DC or both. An AC charger plugs into the mains. A DC charger needs a power supply or a 12V battery, but usually offers more power for the money. An AC/DC charger gives you both: mains at home, a car battery at the field.

Storage mode. Essential. It takes packs to about 3.8V per cell for storage, from full or empty.

Channels. A dual-channel charger charges two different packs at once. Handy if you run a car and a plane, or several packs a session.

Connectors and leads. Check what output leads come in the box. Most chargers use XT60 on the charger end; you'll need leads for your packs' plugs.

Brand and support. Stick to established names with firmware updates and a UK retailer. Unbranded copies of popular chargers are widely reported to balance poorly.

Quick comparison

The picks in detail

ISDT 608AC: best for most beginners. A small, well-made charger with mains power built in. 50W on mains is enough for the 2S and 3S packs most beginners start with; plug it into a DC supply later and it goes up to 200W. If you're starting out with one model, this is the one to buy.

ToolkitRC M7AC: best all-rounder. Twice the mains power of the 608AC, a clear colour screen and useful extras including a servo tester and cell checker. A good choice if you run 4S to 6S packs from the mains. Note it starts at 2S, so it won't charge 1S micro packs.

SkyRC B6neo+: best for charging at the field. A pocket-sized 82g charger for 1-6S LiPo, LiHV, LiFe and Li-ion packs, with up to 240W from a DC supply or 126W from a USB-C PD 3.1 power supply or power bank. It has a built-in cell checker and storage mode, and can work in reverse, powering USB-C devices such as a phone or laptop from a flight pack at up to 100W. It has no mains supply of its own, so it suits people who already own a power supply or want something tiny for the car. It is DC and USB-C input only, with no mains lead included: budget for a separate DC or USB-C PD power supply, or run it from a 12V battery. (SkyRC, RedRC)

ISDT K4: best for big packs. Two channels and serious power. Worth it if you fly 600 or 700 class helicopters, large planes or run several big car packs a session. Overkill for a first model.

Chargers to avoid

• Cloned chargers. Cheap copies of popular designs sell under similar names. Owners report inaccurate balancing and poor build quality. Buy from a known retailer.
• NiMH-only chargers for LiPo. They can't balance and use the wrong charging method. If your model came with NiMH and you're thinking of switching, see NiMH vs LiPo.
• Under-powered USB chargers for big packs. Fine for the micro model they came with, but they'll take hours on anything larger and most don't balance properly.

Using a new charger for the first time

1. Read the manual's safety section.
2. Set the charger to LiPo, the right cell count, and 1C.
3. Plug in the main lead and the balance lead.
4. Charge on a non-flammable surface, in a LiPo bag, and stay in the room.
5. Use storage mode on any pack you won't use within a couple of days.

If you're buying a charger with your first model, our buying guides for RC helicopters, RC planes and RC cars cover what else to budget for. Every battery guide is on the Electronics hub.