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: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 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.
3. 1S vs 2S Drone Motor Comparison
After understanding what a 1S motor is,it’s helpful to compare it with the 2S system to see where each excels.
This helps pilots recognize the performance boundaries of a single-cell setup and decide when an upgrade to 2S might be worthwhile.
Comparison | 1S Motor System | 2S Motor System |
Operating Voltage | 3.7V (4.2V full charge) | 7.4V (8.4V full charge) |
Common Stator Sizes | 0603–1102 | 1103–1204 |
Typical KV Range | 15,000–30,000KV | 7,000–18,000KV |
Thrust & Payload Capacity | Light builds (Tiny Whoop, 1S Toothpick) | Can spin larger props or carry small HD cameras |
Current Draw | Low (3–8A) | Medium–High (8–15A) |
Flight Performance | Short flight time, agile handling | Longer, more stable flight |
Typical Use Case | Indoor freestyle / racing | Micro Cinewhoop / Outdoor freestyle |
II.1S Drone Motor Matching and Quick Reference Table
Choosing the right motor for a 1S drone is all about balancing power,efficiency,and weight.
Because a single-cell LiPo battery provides only 3.7V(4.2V when fully charged),the motor must deliver high RPM and good torque under low voltage.
Different 1S drone types—such as Tiny Whoop racers,75mm micro quads,or ultralight toothpick drones—require different KV ranges,stator sizes,propeller diameters,and battery capacities.
The following table summarizes real-world 1S motor setups widely used across the FPV community in 2024–2025,helping you quickly determine the best motor–prop–battery combination for your build.
Application | Recommended KV Range | Stator Size | Prop Size | Frame Size | Suggested Battery |
Tiny Whoop Indoor Racing | 26,000–30,000KV | 0603 / 0702 | 31mm 2-blade / 3-blade | 65mm | 250–300mAh 1S ≥30C |
Whoop Freestyle / Leisure Flying | 19,000–22,000KV | 0802 | 40mm 3-blade (1.0mm shaft) | 65–75mm | 380–450mAh 1S ≥35C |
1S Toothpick Ultralight Freestyle | 15,000–18,000KV | 1002 / 1102 | 65mm 2-blade (1.5mm shaft) | 85–95mm | 450–550mAh 1S ≥40C |
Motor Selection Tips：
High KV(≥25,000KV)：Designed for Tiny Whoop indoor racing.Provides ultra-fast throttle response but short flight time.
Medium KV(18,000–22,000KV)：Ideal for 75mm whoops or casual flying.Balances thrust and efficiency.
Low KV(15,000–18,000KV)：Best for 1S toothpick builds;capable of spinning larger 65mm props smoothly.
Stator size determines torque:from 0702→0802→1102,thrust increases but weight and current draw rise as well.
Battery discharge rate matters:1S motors can pull 6–10A bursts;use at least a 30–40C rated battery to prevent voltage sag.
III.How to Choose the Right 1S Motor
Selecting the right motor for a 1S drone may seem complicated,but it actually comes down to a few key dimensions:your flying purpose→KV range→stator and prop compatibility→battery selection.Let’s go step by step.
1. Identify Your Flight Purpose and Frame Type
The first step is to define what type of drone you are flying.Different purposes require very different motor characteristics:
Tiny Whoop indoor racing:focuses on maximum throttle response and agility,using very high KV motors and small props.
65–75mm Whoop leisure or freestyle:prioritizes stability,control,and flight time rather than raw thrust.
1S Toothpick ultralight freestyle:needs balanced thrust and stability,ensuring strong power even under low-voltage 1S conditions.
Your use case determines the motor class and KV range that will perform efficiently on your frame.
2. Determine the Correct KV Range
Referencing the 1S Drone Motor Matching Table above:
For Tiny Whoop racers,use motors in the 26,000–30,000KV range.
For 65–75mm Whoops,choose 19,000–22,000KV.
For 1S Toothpick builds,go with 15,000–18,000KV.
Avoid chasing extreme KV values.Too low KV causes weak throttle response,while too high KV leads to heavy current draw and shorter flight time.Stay within these ranges to maintain good balance between thrust and efficiency.
3. Match Stator Size and Propeller Size
KV alone doesn’t determine performance—the combination of stator design,torque,and propeller load ultimately defines how the drone flies.
Stator size(e.g.,0603,0702,0802,1002,1102):
Smaller stators(0603/0702)are for high-KV,lightweight racing builds(Tiny Whoops).
Medium stators(0802)are ideal for 65–75mm frames,providing the best efficiency-to-thrust ratio.
Larger stators(1002/1102)are for heavier loads like 1S Toothpicks with larger propellers.
Propeller size(diameter,blade count,shaft):
Prop size must be matched to the motor's torque and RPM capability.
Tiny Whoops typically use 31mm 2-blade or 3-blade props.
65–75mm Whoops use 40mm 3-blade props(1.0mm shaft).
1S Toothpicks use 65mm 2-blade props(1.5mm shaft).
If the propeller is too large for the motor,it causes excessive current draw and voltage sag;too small,and you lose thrust efficiency.
4. Choose the Right Battery Capacity and Discharge Rate
The battery is your power source,and its capacity and C-rating must match the motor's current requirements at full throttle.
For Tiny Whoops,use 250–300mAh 1S batteries rated 30C or higher.
For 65–75mm Whoops,use 380–450mAh 1S,preferably≥35C.
For 1S Toothpicks,use 450–550mAh 1S,with a discharge rating of≥40C.
Too small a battery limits flight time,while too heavy a battery adds weight and reduces responsiveness.The key is finding the lightest pack that can sustain the required current draw.
5. A Three-Step Formula to Verify Compatibility
Before committing to any motor setup,use this simple checklist to ensure proper matching:
KV Check:Is your motor KV within the correct range for your frame size?
(e.g.,19,000–22,000KV for a 65mm Whoop)
Thrust Check:Does total motor thrust(motor thrust×4)exceed at least 2–3×your drone’s total weight?
Power Check:Are the motor's peak and continuous current within your ESC and battery limits?
If either is exceeded,voltage sag or ESC shutdown can occur.
If all three conditions are satisfied,your configuration is safe and well-optimized for a 1S build.
IV.The Best 1S Motor Recommendations for 2025
The market is flooded with numerous 1S motogmstr 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：
Brand / Model | KV Rating | Weight (g) | Key Features | Suitable Frame | Price |
BETAFPV 0702 II | 23,000 / 27,000 / 30,000 | 1.55 | Ultra-light, high-KV racing options | 65mm Whoop | ~$58.99 (set of 4) |
Happymodel SE0702 | 26,000 | 1.46 | Very responsive, popular entry-level racing motor | 65mm Whoop | ~$12.99 |
RCINPOWER GTS V3 0802 | 22,000 | 1.9–1.97 | Excellent build quality, balance of power & endurance | 65/75mm Whoop | ~$18.99 |
Flywoo ROBO 0802.4 | 19,500 | 1.8 | Smooth and stable performance, power-efficient | 75mm Whoop / Micro Cinewhoop | ~$9.20 |
T-Motor M0802 | 27,000 | 1.91 | Explosive high-KV thrust, perfect for racing | 65mm Whoop | ~$10.9 |
iFlight XING Nano X0802 | 22,000 | 2.2 | Versatile, 1–2S compatible, easy installation | 65/75mm Whoop / Toothpick | ~$14.99 |
T-Hobby M1002 | 18,000 | 2.4 | Balanced thrust and efficiency, lightweight unibell design | 75mm Whoop / 2-inch Toothpick | ~$13.9 |
BETAFPV 1102 | 18,000 | 2.95 | Stable and reliable, supports larger props | 75mm Whoop / Cinewhoop | ~$50.99 (set of 4) |
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 motors,as they provide higher torque and stability.
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