What Battery Connector Do I Need?

29/05/2026

What Battery Connector Do I Need? A Simple Guide for RC Cars, Crawlers, Boats and Aircraft

Few RC questions come up more often than:

"What battery connector do I need?"

It usually happens when you have a new battery in one hand, an ESC in the other, and two plugs that clearly have no intention of fitting together.

The good news is that connector choice is usually straightforward once you understand how your model, battery and power system work together.

RC Model Shop stocks a wide range of connectors, adaptors and charging leads:
https://www.applianceelectronics.co.uk/products/439/connectors-adapters-leads

Suitable for RC cars, crawlers, boats, aircraft and drones.

Start with the ESC connector

For most RC vehicles, the simplest answer is:

Use the same connector fitted to the ESC.

This avoids:

• adaptors
• unnecessary resistance
• extra expense
• compatibility issues

If your ESC already uses XT60, XT90, EC5, IC5, Deans or Traxxas connectors, matching the battery to that connector is usually the easiest route.

However, if you are upgrading to a significantly more powerful setup, the existing connector may not be ideal for the increased current draw.

XT60 Connectors

XT60 connectors are one of the most popular choices in RC today.

They are commonly used on:

• 1/10 scale RC cars
• crawlers
• aircraft
• boats
• drones
• 2S and 3S LiPo batteries

XT60 offers:

• compact size
• secure connection
• excellent reliability
• easy soldering

For many hobbyists, XT60 provides the perfect balance between size and performance.

Browse XT60 connectors:
https://www.applianceelectronics.co.uk/products/439/connectors-adapters-leads?F465=XT60&openfilter=465

XT90 Connectors

XT90 connectors are designed for higher-powered applications.

They are commonly found on:

• 1/8 scale bashers
• large monster trucks
• larger crawlers
• boats
• 4S and 6S LiPo systems

XT90 connectors offer:

• higher current capacity
• larger contact area
• improved durability

If you regularly run larger brushless systems, XT90 is often the better long-term option.

Browse XT90 connectors:
https://www.applianceelectronics.co.uk/products/439/connectors-adapters-leads?F465=XT90&openfilter=465

Deans (T-Plug) Connectors

Deans connectors have been around for years and remain popular.

They are commonly used on:

• older RC vehicles
• aircraft
• smaller electric RC cars
• many 2S and 3S systems

Benefits include:

• compact design
• lightweight construction
• strong electrical connection

Some hobbyists find Deans slightly more difficult to solder and disconnect compared with XT-series connectors, but they remain a proven choice.

Browse Deans connectors:
https://www.applianceelectronics.co.uk/products/439/connectors-adapters-leads?F465=Deans&openfilter=465

EC3 and EC5 Connectors

EC connectors are widely used across many RC brands.

EC3 connectors are typically suited to:

• moderate power systems
• smaller brushless vehicles
• 2S and 3S applications

EC5 connectors are generally found on:

• larger vehicles
• higher current systems
• 4S and 6S applications

They provide a strong, reliable connection and have been trusted by RC enthusiasts for years.

Browse EC3 and EC5 connectors:
https://www.applianceelectronics.co.uk/products/439/connectors-adapters-leads?F465=EC3&F465=EC5&openfilter=465

IC3 and IC5 Connectors

IC connectors are commonly associated with Spektrum-equipped vehicles and batteries.

IC3 connectors suit:

• smaller brushless systems
• moderate current applications

IC5 connectors are designed for:

• larger brushless vehicles
• higher current demands
• 4S and 6S setups

If you already use Spektrum batteries and chargers, sticking with IC connectors often keeps things simple.

Browse IC3 and IC5 connectors:
https://www.applianceelectronics.co.uk/products/439/connectors-adapters-leads?F465=IC3&F465=IC5&openfilter=465

Traxxas Connectors

Traxxas vehicles frequently use their own High-Current Connector system.

For Traxxas owners, staying with the factory connector offers:

• plug-and-play compatibility
• simple battery swaps
• easy charger matching

For hobbyists running multiple brands, converting everything to a common standard such as XT60 or XT90 can sometimes make battery management easier.

Browse Traxxas connectors:
https://www.applianceelectronics.co.uk/products/439/connectors-adapters-leads?F465=Traxxas&openfilter=465

How current draw affects connector choice

Many beginners focus only on whether a plug physically fits.

The more important question is:

Can it safely handle the current?

A connector that works perfectly on:

• a brushed crawler

may struggle on:

• a 6S brushless monster truck

Warning signs include:

• excessive heat
• melting plastic
• discolouration
• reduced performance
• voltage drop

As power increases, connector size becomes increasingly important.

Should you use adaptors?

Adaptors are useful for:

• testing
• temporary compatibility
• occasional charging situations

However, they are rarely ideal as a permanent solution.

Every adaptor introduces:

• extra resistance
• another connection point
• additional bulk

For powerful brushless systems, direct connectors are usually the better option.

Which connector should beginners choose?

For most beginners:

XT60 is often the safest all-round option.

It is:

• widely available
• easy to identify
• common across batteries and chargers
• suitable for many popular RC vehicles

For larger and more powerful setups:

XT90 is often the better choice.

The most important thing is consistency. Running the same connector type across multiple batteries and vehicles makes ownership much simpler.

Signs it may be time to change connectors

You may want to upgrade your connector type if:

• plugs become hot after runs
• connectors show signs of melting
• you constantly rely on adaptors
• you have upgraded to a more powerful motor system
• battery swaps are becoming inconvenient

A connector that was fine on a brushed setup may become a limitation after a brushless conversion.

Final thoughts

The best battery connector is not necessarily the newest or most expensive. It is the connector that safely handles the current, fits the vehicle properly and makes battery changes simple.

For most hobbyists:

• XT60 is an excellent choice for smaller and mid-sized models
• XT90 suits larger high-power setups
• Deans, EC, IC and Traxxas connectors remain excellent when matched to the correct system

If in doubt, start with the connector already fitted to your ESC and work from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What battery connector do most RC cars use?

XT60 is one of the most common connector types found on modern RC vehicles and batteries.

Is XT60 better than Deans?

Many hobbyists prefer XT60 because it is easier to solder and disconnect, although both are capable and reliable connectors.

When should I use XT90 instead of XT60?

XT90 is generally better suited to larger vehicles, higher current systems and 4S to 6S brushless setups.

Can I use an adaptor between battery connectors?

Yes, but adaptors are best used as a temporary solution rather than a permanent setup.

Do connector types affect performance?

Yes. Undersized or worn connectors can create resistance, heat and voltage loss, reducing performance and reliability.

Written by the RC team at RCModelShop.co.uk / Appliance Electronics UK Ltd, UK supplier of RC battery connectors, adaptors, charging leads and hobby-grade RC electronics.