Buy the charger that matches your batteries. If you run Traxxas iD packs, get a Traxxas iD charger: the EZ-Peak Plus 4-amp is the best-reviewed beginner option and sets itself up automatically. If you run Spektrum Smart packs (Arrma, Axial, Losi), the Spektrum S2100 G2 does the same for IC3 and IC5. If you run aftermarket packs with XT60, Deans or EC5 plugs, the SkyRC B6neo is the best budget balance charger, as long as you add a power supply. Every LiPo charger should be used the same way: never unattended, in a fire-resistant container, on a non-flammable surface.
Quick picks
| Best for Traxxas owners | Traxxas EZ-Peak Plus 4-Amp (2970) | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Best Traxxas dual charger | Traxxas EZ-Peak Plus 100W Dual (2972) | Amazon |
| Best for Arrma, Axial and Losi owners | Spektrum S2100 G2 Smart Charger | Amazon |
| Best budget balance charger | SkyRC B6neo | Amazon |
| Best compact Traxxas charger | Traxxas EZ-Peak iD USB-C (2985) | Amazon |
| Best universal charger with AC built in | HOTA D6 Pro | Amazon |
| Best pocket charger for the field | ISDT 608PD | Amazon |
How we picked these chargers
We compared the best-selling RC chargers on Amazon on October 3, 2026, using:
- Owner ratings at scale: the Traxxas EZ-Peak Plus 4-amp has 2,500+ ratings and the 100W dual version 1,200+.
- Recent sales: the SkyRC B6neo, Spektrum S2100, HOTA D6 Pro, ISDT 608PD and Traxxas USB-C charger each showed 100+ purchases last month.
- Beginner-friendliness: automatic battery recognition, storage mode, and whether you need to buy a power supply.
- Specs from manufacturer listings only.
This is a How we pick page based on listings, manuals and owner feedback. We didn't bench-test these chargers. How we research.
Which type of charger do you need?
The 7 best LiPo chargers for beginners
Traxxas EZ-Peak Plus 4-Amp (2970)
The EZ-Peak Plus is the easiest charger in RC: plug in a Traxxas iD battery and it recognizes the pack and programs itself. One button puts a LiPo into storage charge, and an Advanced Mode with balance ports handles conventional LiPos too. With 2,500+ ratings it's one of the most-reviewed RC chargers on Amazon.
- Chemistries5–8 cell NiMH, 2S–3S LiPo
- Output4 amps
- iDrecognizes Traxxas iD packs
- Storageone-button LiPo storage charge
- Balanceintegrated ports for non-iD LiPos
Why it stands out
- Automatic setup with Traxxas iD packs
- One-button storage charge
- Handles NiMH and 2S–3S LiPo
Think twice if
- You run 4S or bigger packs
- 4 amps is modest for big packs; see the 100W dual version
Traxxas EZ-Peak Plus 100W Dual (2972)
If you have more than one Traxxas truck, the 100-watt dual model charges two packs at once (a NiMH and a LiPo, per Traxxas) with the same automatic iD setup and one-button storage charge.
- Output100 W
- Chemistries5–8 cell NiMH, 2S–3S LiPo
- iDyes
- Dualcharges a NiMH and a LiPo at the same time
- Storageone-button LiPo storage
- Extrasaudible alerts, cooling fan
Why it stands out
- Two packs at once
- iD automatic setup
Think twice if
- Costs more than many universal chargers
Spektrum S2100 G2 Smart Charger
Spektrum's S2100 is the Smart-ecosystem equivalent of Traxxas iD. Plug in a Spektrum Smart G2 battery via IC3 or IC5 and it reads the pack and starts charging, with balancing handled through the same plug, no separate balance lead. It also charges "virtually any RC battery," per Spektrum, so it works with non-Smart packs too.
- Output2 × 100 W, or 200 W on one channel
- PowerAC
- PortsIC3 and IC5 built in
- SmartAuto Charge reads Smart battery parameters; charges and balances Smart G2 packs through one plug
Why it stands out
- Automatic Smart battery setup
- Two 100W channels
- AC powered: no extra power supply
Think twice if
- You don't use Spektrum Smart packs; a universal charger costs much less
SkyRC B6neo
The B6neo is a tiny, modern take on the classic B6 hobby charger: active balancing, storage mode, a discharge function and a battery checker, in a unit small enough for a pocket. The catch for beginners: it has no AC input. You need a DC power supply or a USB-C PD adapter, which limits it to 80 W.
- Chemistries1–6S LiPo/Li-ion/LiHV, 1–15S NiMH
- PowerDC 200 W (10–28V, 10A) or USB-C PD 80 W
- Modesbalance, storage, discharge (up to 24 W), battery checker
- OutputXT60
- Size82 g
Why it stands out
- Low price, full feature set
- Storage mode and active balancing
- Charges 1S to 6S
Think twice if
- No wall plug: budget for a power supply
- Manual setup; you must choose chemistry, cells and current
Traxxas EZ-Peak iD USB-C (2985)
Traxxas's newest small charger runs from USB-C, recognizes iD packs and fits in a range bag. Traxxas's listing is clear that the USB-C cable and power supply are not included.
- Output40+ W, 4 A max
- Chemistries5–7 cell NiMH, 2–3 cell LiPo
- iDauto-recognizes Traxxas iD packs
- PowerUSB-C (cable and power supply not included)
Why it stands out
- Tiny and Traxxas iD compatible
- Runs from common USB-C power
Think twice if
- Cable and power supply sold separately
- 40 W is slow for large packs
HOTA D6 Pro
The D6 Pro solves the B6neo's power-supply problem: it plugs straight into the wall, and it also runs from DC at the field. HOTA lists a long set of protections (over-temperature, time, capacity, reverse input, short circuit, overcharge) and support for 1–6S lithium packs.
- InputAC 100–240V or DC 6.5–30V
- PowerAC 200 W, DC 325 W
- Current0.5–15 A
- Chemistries1–6S lithium, 1–16S NiMH, Pb
- OutputXT60
- ScreenIPS
Why it stands out
- AC and DC input in one box
- High power for bigger packs
Think twice if
- More menu-driven than brand iD/Smart chargers
ISDT 608PD
The ISDT 608PD is a pocket-size charger with app connectivity and a bright screen, popular for charging at the track or trail from a USB-C power bank or DC source. Like the B6neo, it has no AC input.
- PowerDC 240 W / 10 A; USB-C PD input
- ChemistriesLiFe, LiPo, LiHV 1–6S; NiMH 1–16S; Pb 1–12S
- Extrasapp connection, 1.5" IPS screen, cooling fan
- Weight0.07 kg
Why it stands out
- Very compact, app support
- USB-C PD or DC power
Think twice if
- No AC input; buy a power source
- Fewer ratings than the others so far
Side-by-side comparison
| Charger | Power input | LiPo cells | Auto setup | Storage mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traxxas EZ-Peak Plus 4A | Check listing | 2–3S | Traxxas iD | Yes |
| Traxxas EZ-Peak Plus 100W Dual | Check listing | 2–3S | Traxxas iD | Yes |
| Spektrum S2100 G2 | AC | Check listing | Spektrum Smart | Check listing |
| SkyRC B6neo | DC / USB-C PD | 1–6S | No | Yes |
| Traxxas USB-C 2985 | USB-C | 2–3S | Traxxas iD | Check listing |
| HOTA D6 Pro | AC or DC | 1–6S | Check listing | Check listing |
| ISDT 608PD | DC / USB-C PD | 1–6S | No | Check listing |
"Check listing" means the feature isn't stated on the Amazon listing. Most hobby chargers include a storage function; confirm in the manual.
What to look for in a beginner charger
Balance charging (non-negotiable)
Every LiPo charger here balances cells. Spektrum's safety sheet says to always use a compatible charger with cell balancing designed for lithium batteries, and to plug the balance lead into the correct port (on multi-port chargers, power and balance leads on the same channel).
Storage mode
Traxxas says to store LiPo packs partially charged using Store Mode; Horizon's guidelines say about half capacity, around 3.8V per cell. A one-button storage function makes that easy, which is why we rate the Traxxas EZ-Peak models highly for beginners.
Watts and amps
Charge current should follow the battery label. Spektrum's rule is 1C or less unless the battery maker says otherwise: a 5000 mAh pack charges at up to 5 amps. Higher wattage lets you reach that rate on bigger packs (more cells need more watts at the same current).
AC or DC
AC chargers plug into the wall. DC chargers need a power supply, USB-C PD adapter or car battery. Count that cost when comparing prices.
The charging rules, every time
From Traxxas Battery Basics and Spektrum's lithium battery safety sheet:
- Never leave a charging battery unattended, and never charge overnight.
- Charge in a fireproof or fire-retardant container such as a LiPo bag, on a non-flammable surface like concrete, away from flammable materials.
- Never charge a battery inside the model.
- Never use a NiMH charger, or NiMH mode, on a LiPo.
- Set the correct chemistry, cell count and current; 1C or less unless the maker specifies otherwise.
- Don't charge a pack that's hot, damaged or swollen; stop immediately if a pack starts to swell.
A Zeee LiPo safe bag is an inexpensive way to follow the container rule. More in LiPo vs NiMH.
The bottom line
Traxxas owners: buy the EZ-Peak Plus 4-amp. Spektrum Smart owners: the Spektrum S2100 G2. Everyone else: the HOTA D6 Pro if you want a wall plug built in, or the SkyRC B6neo plus a power supply if you want the lowest price. Then match your packs using the best RC car battery guide.
Specs from manufacturer Amazon listings, checked October 3, 2026. How we research · Affiliate disclosure