How to Choose the Right Power Module for RC Projects
Choose a power module by input voltage, output voltage, and current. The MT3608 boost raises 2 to 24V to 5 to 28V at up to 2A. The XL4015 buck drops 4 to 38V to 1.25 to 36V at up to 5A. A 5A UBEC feeds receivers and servos from a 2 to 8S pack. Match the module to the battery.
Quick facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| MT3608 boost | 2 to 24V in, 5 to 28V out, 2A, $8.61 5-pack |
| XL4015 buck | 4 to 38V in, 1.25 to 36V out, 5A, $7.41 2-pack |
| UBEC 5A | 2 to 8S, $10.99 |
| UBEC 7A | 2 to 8S, $12.99 |
| UBEC 15A | 6 to 12S, $27.99 |
| XT60H set | 30A rated, 60A max, $11.87 |
What is the difference between boost and buck?
A boost module raises voltage, and a buck module lowers it.
The MT3608 boost takes 2V to 24V in and gives 5V to 28V out.
The XL4015 buck takes 4V to 38V in and gives 1.25V to 36V out.
Both modules convert at up to 96% efficiency.
Pick boost when the load needs more volts than the pack gives.
How much current does your load need?
Match the module current rating to the load draw first.
The MT3608 gives up to 2A, and the XL4015 gives up to 5A.
A 5A UBEC feeds receivers and servos from a 2 to 8S pack.
The 5A UBEC costs $10.99, and the 7A version costs $12.99.
The 15A UBEC costs $27.99 and covers 6 to 12S packs.
Which input voltage range fits your battery?
A 2S LiPo pack reads 7.4V, a 3S pack reads 11.1V, and a 6S pack reads 22.2V.
The MT3608 takes 2V to 24V in, so it covers 1S through 6S packs.
The XL4015 takes 4V to 38V in, so it covers 2S through 8S packs.
Check the pack voltage under load, since voltage sags when the motor pulls current.
Pick the module whose input range covers the pack with room to spare.
What connectors carry the power?
XT60 connectors carry battery power to the module input.
The XT60H set lists a 30A rated current with a 60A maximum.
Contacts are gold-plated copper at 0.5 mOhm on DC 500V.
The XT60 extension uses 14AWG wire and lists 30A with 60A instantaneous.
The extension costs from $6.31 for 1 piece to $13.99 for 10 pieces.
How do you protect the battery?
A low voltage buzzer watches each cell while you run the load.
It plugs into the balance lead and covers 1S to 8S packs.
The alarm sounds at a 3.3V factory default, adjustable from 2.7V to 3.8V.
Voltage precision is plus or minus 0.01V across a 0.5V to 4.5V per-cell range.
The tester costs $4.85 and fits in a pocket.
How the options compare
| Module | Input | Output | Current | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MT3608, 5-pack | 2 to 24V | 5 to 28V | 2A | $8.61 |
| MT3608, 10-pack | 2 to 24V | 5 to 28V | 2A | From $12.27 |
| XL4015, 2-pack | 4 to 38V | 1.25 to 36V | 5A | $7.41 |
| UBEC, 5A | 2 to 8S | Not listed | 5A | $10.99 |
| UBEC, 7A | 2 to 8S | Not listed | 7A | $12.99 |
| UBEC, 15A | 6 to 12S | Not listed | 15A | $27.99 |
How do you pick a power module in five steps?
- Write down the load voltage and current you need.
- Check the pack voltage: 7.4V for 2S, 11.1V for 3S, 22.2V for 6S.
- Pick boost when the load needs more volts than the pack gives.
- Pick buck when the load needs fewer volts than the pack gives.
- Check the connector rating and the wire gauge before you buy.
Parts that fit this guide
In-stock parts ship from the New York, USA warehouse in 1-2 business days. Prices below are the live store prices we verified on November 10, 2026.
MT3608 DC-DC Step Up Boost Converter Module, 2A Adjustable, 5-Pack / 10-Pack ($8.61)
MT3608 boost module at $8.61 for a 5-pack. It takes 2 to 24V in and gives 5 to 28V out at up to 2A, with up to 96% efficiency.
XL4015 5A DC-DC Step Down Buck Converter Module, 4-38V to 1.25-36V, 2-Pack ($7.41)
XL4015 buck module at $7.41 for a 2-pack. It takes 4 to 38V in and gives 1.25 to 36V out at up to 5A, with screw terminals.
5A Switch-Mode UBEC, 2-8S LiPo ($10.99)
5A UBEC at $10.99. It feeds receivers and servos from a 2 to 8S pack and handles bigger servo loads than the 3A version.
XT60H Male + Female Connector Set with Sheath Housing, 10-Pair ($11.87)
XT60H connector set at $11.87 for 10 pairs. It lists 30A rated and 60A maximum with 0.5 mOhm gold-plated copper contacts.
LiPo Low Voltage Buzzer Alarm + Battery Voltage Indicator Tester, 1S-8S ($4.85)
LiPo buzzer at $4.85. It covers 1S to 8S packs with plus or minus 0.01V precision and an adjustable 2.7V to 3.8V alarm.
Shop the full range: Power Distribution and BECs at Quality RC Parts. See also: Related guide.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pick a boost or a buck module?
Pick boost when the load needs more volts than the pack gives. Pick buck when the load needs fewer volts. The MT3608 boosts 2 to 24V up to 5 to 28V, and the XL4015 bucks 4 to 38V down to 1.25 to 36V.
How much current can the XL4015 buck module give?
It gives up to 5A at up to 96% efficiency. The 2-pack costs $7.41 and uses screw terminals for input and output.
What UBEC fits a 6S pack with digital servos?
The 7A UBEC at $12.99 covers 2 to 8S packs. The 15A UBEC at $27.99 covers 6 to 12S packs for bigger models.
How do I watch the battery while I run the load?
Plug the $4.85 buzzer into the balance lead. It covers 1S to 8S packs with plus or minus 0.01V precision.
Sources
- Battery University: series and parallel battery configurations
- PowerStream wire size and ampacity table
- Amass XT60U connector datasheet
Last updated: November 10, 2026.