1S Drone Motor Selection Guide and Best Recommendations

When building or upgrading a micro drone,the choice of motor is often one of the most critical decisions.For ultra-lightweight drones like Tiny Whoops,Toothpicks,and small Cinewhoops,the most common power system is a single-cell LiPo battery(1S LiPo).With a voltage of only 3.7V(4.2V fully charged),the motors must be specifically designed for this low-voltage environment to deliver sufficient thrust and efficiency.

The right choice of a 1S motor directly determines the drone's flight performance.Factors such as the motor's KV value,stator size,and weight all affect the drone's agility,flight time,and stability.Choosing the wrong motor can lead to insufficient power,short flight times,or even battery voltage sag.Conversely,selecting the right motor can make the drone more responsive,efficient,and enjoyable to fly.

This guide will provide a systematic introduction to the fundamentals,key parameters,and selection methods for 1S motors.Combined with the market landscape of 2025,it will also recommend several popular models to help you make the right decision quickly before your purchase.

I.What are 1S and 1S Motors?

In the drone world,"1S"refers to a single-cell Lithium Polymer(LiPo)battery,which has a nominal voltage of 3.7V and a fully charged voltage of 4.2V.A 1S motor is a motor specifically optimized for a single-cell battery power system.

These motors are small,lightweight,and typically have a very high KV rating(commonly between 18,000KV and 30,000KV).They compensate for the low voltage by rotating at high speeds to ensure adequate thrust.

1.Common 1S Motor Stator Sizes

0603/0702:Ultra-light micro motors,often used for 65mm Whoops,suitable for indoor racing.

0802:The most common 1S motor size,balancing thrust and efficiency,commonly used for 65–75mm Whoops.

1002/1102/1103:Larger motors suitable for Toothpicks or small Cinewhoops,capable of driving larger propellers.

2.Typical Scenarios for 1S Drone Motors

65mm Tiny Whoop:Often uses small,high-KV motors(e.g.,0702 26,000KV)for extreme responsiveness,ideal for indoor flying.

75mm Whoop:Typically employs 0802 motors with a KV rating between 19,000–22,000,balancing power and flight time.

Toothpick :Mostly uses 1002/1102/1103 motors with a relatively lower KV,capable of driving larger props for outdoor flying.

Cinewhoop :Sometimes uses low-KV motors,sacrificing some burst power for flight stability and smooth footage.

In summary,1S motors are specialized low-voltage power solutions for ultra-lightweight drones,designed to maximize thrust and flight efficiency within the constraints of limited weight and battery voltage.

Common 1S Motor Stator Size Comparison：

II.Detailed Explanation of Key 1S Motor Parameters

When purchasing 1S motors,many beginners focus only on the KV value,neglecting other equally important metrics.In reality,a motor's suitability for your drone depends on a comprehensive balance of several key parameters.Here are the most critical factors to consider:

1.KV Value

The KV value represents the motor's theoretical no-load RPM per volt.The higher the number,the faster the motor spins.A higher KV means more power but also higher power consumption;a lower KV results in a more stable flight and longer endurance.

High KV(22,000KV–30,000KV):Suitable for indoor Tiny Whoop racing.They are responsive and powerful but consume more power,shortening flight time.

Medium KV(18,000KV–22,000KV):Ideal for casual recreational flying,balancing thrust and endurance.

Low KV(10,000KV–16,000KV):Commonly found on Toothpicks or Cinewhoops,paired with larger propellers to prioritize stability and flight time.

2.Stator Size

A motor's size is typically represented by its stator diameter and height,such as 0802(8mm diameter,2mm height).A larger size provides more thrust but also adds weight,requiring a larger battery.

0603/0702:Extremely lightweight,under 2g,suitable for 65mm Whoops.

0802:Mainstream 1S motors,weighing around 2g,balancing performance and efficiency.

1002/1102/1103:Weighing between 3.5–5g,they can be paired with larger propellers,suitable for Toothpicks or small Cinewhoops.

3.Thrust and Efficiency

Thrust determines if the drone can take off smoothly and maintain agility,while efficiency affects flight time.

High-Thrust Motors:Ideal for racing drones but draw a lot of current.

High-Efficiency Motors:Better suited for long-duration flights,such as recreational flying or aerial photography.

It is generally recommended to consult thrust test charts(data from manufacturers or pilots)to ensure adequate thrust without excessive current draw.

4.Current Draw and Voltage Stability

High-KV motors generate high currents at full throttle,placing greater demands on the battery and ESC.If the battery's discharge capability is insufficient,voltage sag can occur,leading to a loss of power or even causing the drone to fall.

Therefore,pay attention to the peak current when selecting a motor and consider the battery's capacity and C-rating.

5.Motor Weight

On a micro drone,every gram matters.A motor that is too heavy will reduce agility,burden the battery,and shorten flight time.A motor that is too light may lack the thrust to drive larger propellers.Generally,1S motors weigh between 1.5g and 5g;the choice should be based on the frame and flying style.

6.Propeller Compatibility

Propeller selection must match the motor's KV and stator size;otherwise,you might experience insufficient thrust or excessive current draw.Different motors are compatible with different propeller diameters and blade counts.

31mm/40mm props are common for 65mm and 75mm Whoops,while 65mm props are suitable for Toothpicks or lightweight Cinewhoops.

7.ESC and Battery Matching

1S motors must be paired with a 1S-capable ESC(Electronic Speed Controller)that can handle the current.The peak current for common 1S motors is around 3A–8A.Recommended battery capacities range from 300mAh–650mAh(with a discharge rate of≥30C).

The ESC,battery,and motor must form a balanced system to avoid overheating,voltage sag,or insufficient power.

Motor Matching Schemes (Propeller + ESC + Battery)：

III.How to Choose the Right 1S Motor

Different flying styles and applications have vastly different motor requirements.When buying motors,in addition to referencing the parameters,you also need to match the model to your drone's intended use.Here are some selection recommendations for common scenarios:

1.Beginners and Casual Flying(Tiny Whoop Entry-Level)

Recommended Motor:0802 19,000KV–22,000KV

Characteristics:Lightweight,moderate thrust,high efficiency.

Applicable Scenarios:Indoor flying,gate practice,daily recreation.

Reasoning:The KV value is not extreme,offering good control without being overly power-hungry,making it perfect for beginners.

2.Racing and High-Performance Flying

Recommended Motor:0702 or 0802,25,000KV–30,000KV

Characteristics:Fast response,strong burst power,but short flight time.

Applicable Scenarios:65mm Whoop indoor racetracks,focusing on extreme agility.

Reasoning:Racing demands maximum thrust and response.Optimizing for weight and KV makes the flight more aggressive.

3.Aerial Photography and Smooth Flying

Recommended Motor:1102 13,000KV–16,000KV

Characteristics:Low KV,more linear thrust,lower current consumption.

Applicable Scenarios:Micro Cinewhoops,long-endurance recreational flying.

Reasoning:Lower KV motors have a milder RPM,allowing them to be paired with larger propellers for smoother power delivery and more stable footage.

4.Toothpick Lightweight FPV Drones

Recommended Motor:1102/1103 or 1202.5,10,000KV–16,000KV

Characteristics:More powerful,capable of driving 65mm or larger propellers.

Applicable Scenarios:Outdoor flying,lightweight freestyle drones(Toothpick frames).

Reasoning:These builds require more thrust.A lower KV paired with large props provides good maneuverability while maintaining decent flight time.

IV.The Best 1S Motor Recommendations for 2025

The market is flooded with numerous 1S motor models,and even experienced pilots can feel hesitant when choosing.To help you quickly focus on the core options,we have selected several mainstream brands with a strong influence and stable products in the FPV community,recommending a representative model from each.These motors remain popular in 2025 and are widely used on platforms like Tiny Whoops,Toothpicks,and micro Cinewhoops.

1.BETAFPV 0702 II

BETAFPV has always been at the forefront of micro motors,and the 0702 II series is a popular choice for 65mm Whoop racers.Its advantage lies in its extremely light weight(approx.1.45–1.55g)and multiple KV options,including 23,000,27,000,and 30,000KV.The high-KV versions deliver astonishing acceleration,perfect for indoor tracks,while the 23,000KV version is better suited for balanced,everyday flying.

Specifications:

Stator Size:0702

KV:23,000/27,000/30,000

Weight:1.55g(dual bearing)

Shaft:1mm diameter,4.2mm length

Mounting:6.6mm hole distance,M1.4

Cable:30AWG,~35mm,with plug

Suitable for:

Pilots looking to get into indoor racing or those pursuing a lightweight Whoop build.

Market Price:

Set of 4 approx.~$58.99

2.Happymodel SE0702 26,000KV

Happymodel's SE0702 was once the"go-to"for aspiring racers and is still commonly found on 65mm Tiny Whoop platforms today.Weighing only about 1.46g with a KV of 26,000,it provides responsive throttle and nimble maneuverability in tight spaces.

Specifications:

Stator Size:0702

Configuration:9N12P

Weight:~1.46g

Dimensions/Shaft:~9.5×14mm;1mm shaft diameter

Suitable for:

Pilots who prioritize control feel,especially for indoor training and entry-level racing.

Market Price:

Single motor~$12.99

3.RCINPOWER GTS V3 0802 22,000KV

RCINPOWER is known for its fine craftsmanship and consistency,and the GTS V3 0802 series showcases its prowess in 1S motors.The 22,000KV tuning balances thrust and efficiency,weighing around 1.9–2.0g,providing power without an excessive current burden.

Specifications:

Stator Size:0802

Configuration:9N12P

KV:22,000

No-load Current:≈0.2A 5V

Weight:~1.9–1.97g(including wire/plug)

Shaft/Mounting:1mm shaft diameter;6.6mm hole distance,M1.4

Internal Resistance:117mΩ

Suitable for:

65/75mm daily flying and light racing,for pilots seeking a compromise between maximum power and flight time.

Market Price:

‍

Single motor~$18.99

4.Flywoo ROBO 0802.4 19,500KV

Flywoo's ROBO 0802.4 emphasizes stability and smoothness.The 19,500KV version provides ample thrust without being overly power-hungry.Weighing only about 1.8g,it's well-suited for 75mm Whoops or micro Cinewhoops.Its throttle curve is gentle,leading to a smooth and durable flight experience.

Specifications:

Stator Size:0802.4

Weight:~1.8g/each

Dimensions:~10.5×10.5×13.6mm

Shaft:1mm diameter,5mm length

Mounting:6.6mm hole distance,M1.4

Wire:30AWG

Suitable for:

Pilots who want longer flight times and smoother footage on larger frames.

Market Price:

Single motor~$9.20

5.T-Motor M0802 27,000KV

The T-Motor M0802(27,000KV)is its flagship option for the 1S micro Whoop market.It leverages excellent craftsmanship and high-quality materials(unibell design,NSK bearings)to achieve an ultimate experience of"burst power+crisp response"in a tiny 0802 size.

Specifications:

Configuration:9N12P

No-load Current:~0.56A 4V

Max Power(10s):22.3W

Peak Current(10s):~5.39A

Shaft Diameter:1mm

Weight:~1.91g(including wire)

Wire Length:33.5mm,with JST-1.25 plug

Suitable for:

Pilots on 65mm Whoops seeking extremely fast response and thrilling control.Its high KV and strong burst are especially suited for racing or"limit-pushing"maneuvers.

Market Price:

Single motor~$10.90

6.iFlight XING Nano X0802 22,000KV

iFlight's XING series is well-known in the FPV community,and the Nano X0802 22,000KV performs reliably.Weighing about 2.2g,it supports 1–2S power and comes with a plug and wires for easy installation.It's suitable for both 65/75mm Whoops and as a power solution for lightweight Toothpicks.

Specifications:

Configuration:9N10P

Weight:~2.2g(including 30mm wire/plug)

Dimensions:~11.4×9.1mm

Shaft:1mm diameter

Suitable for:

Pilots wanting a versatile and easy-to-install motor,or hobbyists trying out a 1S toothpick build.

Market Price:

Single motor~$14.99

7.T-Hobby M1002 18,000KV

The T-Hobby M1002 is a high-performance micro brushless motor optimized for 1S platforms.It features a sturdy unibell structure and a lightweight design(only 2.4g with wire),striking a good balance between thrust and efficiency.It is very suitable for 75mm Whoops and 2-inch lightweight freestyle drones,providing more stable power while maintaining agility.

Specifications:

Stator Size:10mm×2mm

Configuration:9N12P

Weight:~2.4g(including wire)

Shaft Diameter:1.5mm

Mounting Hole:6.6mm(three-hole M1.4)

Wire&Connector:JST-1.25 plug,~40mm wire length

No-load Current:~0.6A 10V

Max Power(10s):~18.7W

Peak Current(10s):~5.16A

Suitable for:

Pilots seeking stronger thrust and more stable power on a 75mm Whoop or a 2-inch lightweight toothpick.It's also suitable for micro cine pilots who need to carry a lightweight HD camera on a 1S platform.

Market Price:

Single motor~$13.90

8.BETAFPV 1102 18,000KV

BETAFPV's 1102 motor is widely used in 75mm whoops and light-duty cinewhoops.The 18,000KV version is geared towards 1S,striking a conservative yet durable balance between thrust and efficiency.It can drive larger propellers(like 50-65mm)without causing the severe voltage sag associated with high KV motors,making it suitable for"stable flying+practicing lines"on a daily driver.

Specifications：

Weight:~2.95g/each

Shaft Diameter/Length:1.5mm/5mm

Mounting Holes:3×M1.4,φ6.6mm hole distance

Wire/Connector:28AWG wire,Micro JST-1.25 three-pin

Suitable for:

75mm whoop or entry-level cinewhoop pilots who want to drive larger props and get longer flight times on 1S.It is also suitable for users upgrading from 0802 motors to increase torque and control stability while keeping current draw manageable.

Market Price:

Set of 4 approx.~$50.99

Popular 1S Motors in 2025：

V.Common Questions About 1S Motors

What is the difference between 1S and 2S drone motors?

Besides the different supply voltages,1S motors are typically designed to be lighter and have a higher KV to compensate for the low voltage of a single-cell battery.2S motors,on the other hand,emphasize stability and torque,and can drive larger propellers.In short,1S is for lightness and agility,while 2S is for power and stability.

Can a 1S drone motor be used directly with a 2S battery?

Generally,no.If a 1S motor is connected to a 2S battery,the excessive voltage will cause the RPM and current to spike uncontrollably,leading to overheating at best,and burnout at worst.Only motors specifically marked as"1–2S compatible"can be safely used on a two-cell system.

What is the typical lifespan of a 1S drone motor?

Under normal use(no overheating,infrequent crashes),a 1S motor can typically last for several tens of hours of flight time.However,because high-KV motors spin at extremely high speeds,prolonged full-throttle flying or frequent crashes will shorten their lifespan.Moderate flying and avoiding overheating are key to extending their life.

Why do 1S drone motors have different noise levels?

The noise differences between motors primarily come from bearing quality,KV rating,and propeller matching.For example,a high-KV motor paired with a high-speed prop will produce a sharper noise,while a smooth-oriented cine motor is often tuned to be quieter.

How often should 1S drone motors be maintained?

Although motors are generally maintenance-free parts,if you frequently fly in dusty or grassy environments,it is recommended to clean them after every 10–15 hours of flight to prevent debris from entering the stator or bearings.For motors with loose or gritty bearings,it is recommended to replace them directly rather than attempting to disassemble and repair them.

Are 1S drone motors suitable for carrying micro HD cameras?

Some 0802 motors can barely carry them when paired with a lightweight frame.However,if you want to carry a lightweight HD camera like the HDZero Nano Lite or Caddx Ant Lite HD,it is more recommended to use 1102/1103 motors,as they provide higher torque and stability.