The differences between 2306 and 2207 FPV drone motors are often debated. In this article I will share my understanding and experience to help you decide which stator size is better for your application and pick a suitable motor size for your next build.
In case you don’t already know, the numbers 2306 and 2207 are the stator sizes of a motor. The first 2 digits are the stator width, the last two digits are stator height.
Further Reading: How to choose Mini Quad Motors
2306 is wider but shorter, while the 2207 is taller but thinner.
It’s hard to find 2306 and 2207 motors of the same construction, features and material to make a fair comparison. This article is based on my experience with the motors I have flown with, and feedback from many pilots I’ve talked to.
Theoretical Differences Between 2207 & 2306
Stator Width & Height
2207 has a narrower stator width, results in a smaller rotational inertia that allows for faster RPM changes. The taller stator creates a larger vertical “surface area” that allows for larger magnet size, therefore it can cut through more magnetic field.
2306 has a wider stator which increases the top and bottom surface areas, which improve cooling. A cooler motor is generally more efficient.
Stator Volume
Knowing the stator width and height we can calculate the stator volume:
- 2306: (23/2)^2 x 3.14 x 6 = 2491.59
- 2207: (22/2)^2 x 3.14 x 7 = 2659.58
A 2207 motor has approximately 6.3% higher stator volume, which means it can produce more torque than a 2306 motor. Stator volume is a factor of motor torque assuming all other variables being equal.
However, it also means the 2207 is slightly heavier than the 2306. For example, the Dragonfly Hurricane 2207 is about 32g while the Brotherhobby R5 2306 is about 29g.
Stator volume might have some effect on flight performance, but it also depends heavily on motor construction, design features and materials used. Things like the amount of copper, the type of magnet, air gap, stator lamination etc, all play a part in the performance of a motor.
But purely based on the different stator sizes, the general impression is that a 2207 is more powerful and responsive, while a 2306 is more efficient and smoother.
Conclusion
For beginners, I really don’t think it matters which motor size to use, the difference is subtle. There are more important factors to consider when picking a motor like the construction, design features, user feedback/reviews etc.
But generally I would recommend 2207 if you have to choose. The superior responsiveness, power and torque are all contributing factors to a better flying FPV drone. 2306 is a little bit more “gentle” IMO, and it’s great for smooth flying style. The less torquey motors also make it easier to tune sometimes, and the better efficiency is great for long range builds.
Check out my motor recommendations.
22 comments
I’m curiouse about how much closer the volume percentage is using 2306.5 as thats what most are I mean its on’t a 1/2mm more in height but how much difference does it make on the 6.3% ststor volume difference? Hope I hear back thanks a bunch for all you do!
Hi.
So a 2306 should be more efficient? I was looking at Xing2 motors for 4s, the 2207 is 2755kv which is a bit high for my liking but 2306 is 2555 which should suit better. The thing is that looking at the tables they provide the 2306 gives way less thrust per W when tested with same props. What could be the reason? Any other motor you would reccomend?
Hey Oscar, getting ready for next year’s racing season and stumbled across this. I usually run 2207 with higher kv motors so I have the flexibility to put on a throttle cap for control in multigp tracks, and disable it to go flat out for fun. Would a 2306 stator be more ideal for using the 60%-70% throttle cap?
Thanks for this article. I’m looking at building a kwad that can lift around 2 kilos (kwad and payload weight combined). Would 4 Xing-E Pro 2207 2750kv motors generate enough thrust for the job? I plan on using 5135 props but also considering 6030 folding props.
Probably yes, but you would be better off looking for larger motors and propellers for higher efficiency. Motor and props this size aren’t designed for 2Kg weight.
Thanks for the info! starting on FPV and sometimes it’s hard to undestand the differences in components and also what is best for the different flying styles!
Can we mix match 2207 & 2306 motors? I have burned one 2207 and have 2306 to replace. Is it possible?
Yea you should be able to if the KV is close. Although I’d never recommend doing that :) But if you are desperate you could do that until you get the correct motor in.
hi, I’m about to build 7″ drone, power 4s battery, and with all gear+battery +gopro it’s going to weight around 900gr. Can you recommend me which motors to use, I personally thought to take iFlight XING-E 2306 1700kv. Thanks in advance
I have heard some people say that 2207 motors are a little easier to tune than 2306 motors and I am wondering if it is true. I have some iFlight XING 2306 2450kv motors that have particularly been difficult to tune without getting hot motors and I was hoping I wouldn’t have to crank up my PIDs as high if I try some 2207 motors of the same kv.
That’s highly subjective, and hardware dependant.
I don’t think 2306 and 2207 are that different when it comes to tuning.
I always refer to your blogs for its informative content. I’m definitely going to try 2207’s soon as another factor ihe 2207 will have a theoretical up to about 11% greater surface area to radiate it’s magnetic field.
Best wishes,
William Mitchell
Hi oscar new to the hobby also my setup is
Lumenier qav-r2 frame
Matek f405 std FC
Lumenier 35a 4in1 ESC
Caddx eos2 turbo camera
R9mm receiver
And i just added 3bhobby 2306 2500kv freestyle motors to it
My question is what it the best size blade to put on this set up should i put a 4.8×3.8×3 or 5x5x3 prop size. The quad is going to be mainly a smooth runner but i want it to pull out of a dive once i get the balls to try flips.
why not give them both a try and decide for yourself? Props are so cheap you can try a few different ones.
I’m looking to build a copter that would handle both 5 and 6″ props well, with the aim of doing more technical freestyle in smaller areas on 5″ and longer range cruising on 6″, and I’m torn between whether to go with 2207-08 or 2306-07. Theoretically, the better low RPM performance of the 23 diameter stator would mean it will handle 6″ props better, but I’m not sure how it will play out. Maybe the overall wider power zone of 2208 is more significant than the RPM at which it works best.
I’ve tried comparing them by trying out different motor/prop combos in Liftoff but I don’t know how representative of the real life nuances that is.
Also, would putting more aggressive 5″ props on 2306 make it better at the top end?
For 6″ maybe look at 2207 – 2208, 2306 perhaps has slightly too little stator volume
Thank you Oscar for this knowledge. But I am a little confused since Joshua Bardwell is saying that he likes 2207 more for having more controll in the lower throttle area…
?
What‘s your explanation for that?
Cheers Ben.
He’s right in a way, 2208 has slightly more torque than 2207, but you also have to take into account of the weight increase.
It’s just a personal preference. for me 2207 is powerful enough, and it’s lighter, giving the quad less momentum thus more responsive and efficient.
Thanks for the great info. The bottom line for me: at my experience level, it doesn’t matter.
Good day Oscar
I am new to this hobby. I got two race quad with huge difference in flight performance. One with 2306 2600kv Tmotor f40 pro ii with 215mm frame size and another one with 2207 2550kv emax LS with 200mm frame size, both true x frame. I use this two rig for race. Both use clracing f4s fc and gemfan hurricane 51499 props. Not a serious race, just a hobby while improving my skills.
2207 with 200mm frame size was so nimble than 2306 with 215mm frame size. I put a gopro 5 session on 2207 rig and still nimble and easy to control at corner than 2306 rig without a gopro.
Probably 2207 with smaller rotational inertia and faster RPM changes helps the responsiveness and smaller frame size are much more nimble in roll and pitch, easy to control in corner.
I will get another same 200mm frame size and put it to 2306 rig and share the results later.
This is just my personal opinion. I love to discuss and share my thought. The most important thing is I am not a fans to any products.
Thank you, this is remarkable info. 2306 vs 2207 has always been in my mind, finally you have gave a crystal clear picture of the differences between the two enough for me to make a choice for the next build. However, I would ask an opinion, the next build would be a long range 6 inch with gps & run cam split with low kv on 4s. Which is a better choice between BH R6 2306 1700kv or BH R3 2206 1720kv as per your reviews.
I would go for the 2306, the wider stator size is better for this application.