The S6 Ultra Adds 280W on Mains. Is the D6 Pro Still Smarter?
Quick Answer
The HOTA S6 Ultra is the better mains-powered charger: it shares 480W across two channels, against 200W for the D6 Pro. The D6 Pro remains our pick for ordinary FPV packs because it is smaller, lighter and already handles two typical 6S freestyle batteries comfortably.
The 650W Headline Hides the Real Difference
Read only the largest number and these chargers look equal: both offer 325W per channel and 650W total from a sufficiently capable DC supply. Both accept 1–6S lithium packs, deliver up to 15A per channel and balance at up to 1600mA per channel. That is why we would not replace a working D6 Pro simply to gain “650W”.
The useful upgrade is inside the mains supply. The S6 Ultra provides 480W AC with power shared between its channels; the D6 Pro provides 200W AC. Two 6S 1300mAh packs charged at 2C need roughly 131W before conversion losses, so the D6 Pro is already adequate. Two 6S 5000mAh packs at 1C need roughly 252W, which pushes beyond its AC ceiling and gives the S6 Ultra a genuine reason to exist.
There is a naming trap here. Our earlier HOTA comparison covers the original S6 at 400W AC; the current product is the S6 Ultra at 480W AC. We would check the full model name before using an older S6 specification table or shopping for a replacement.
| Specification | HOTA S6 Ultra | HOTA D6 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| AC charge power | 480W shared | 200W shared |
| DC charge power | 325W × 2 | 325W × 2 |
| Charge current | 15A × 2 | 15A × 2 |
| Balance current | 1600mA × 2 | 1600mA × 2 |
| Size | 116 × 116 × 85mm | 108 × 105 × 76mm |
| Approximate weight | 800g | 555g |
What the Extra Size Buys
The S6 Ultra is 245g heavier and larger in every dimension. In return, its GaN and SiC power stage removes the need for an external high-power DC supply when charging larger packs at home. It also provides two 5V/2.1A USB-A outputs and a USB-C output rated up to 45W.
The D6 Pro is easier to carry and has a wireless phone-charging pad plus a 5V/2.1A USB output. Its 200W mains limit is not a defect for 5-inch FPV use; it is usually enough. Our position is simple: buy capacity for the packs on your bench, not for a wattage headline you will never use.
What We Would Actually Buy
For 1100–1800mAh 6S FPV packs, we would buy the D6 Pro and keep the smaller 555g unit. For large fixed-wing, cinelifter, ground-vehicle or field-fleet batteries, we would take the S6 Ultra because 480W from a UK wall socket avoids adding a separate DC supply.
If neither use case sounds quite right, compare the wider range in our HOTA charger lineup and browse our battery and power systems. Whichever charger you choose, follow our LiPo charging safety procedure: inspect packs, use the correct chemistry and cell count, and never charge unattended.
FAQ
Q: Is the S6 Ultra faster than the D6 Pro?
A: On AC mains, yes when the combined pack load exceeds the D6 Pro’s 200W limit. On suitable DC input, both are rated at 325W per channel and 15A per channel.
Q: Can both chargers handle 6S LiPo and LiHV packs?
A: Yes. Both support 1–6S LiPo, LiHV, LiFe and Li-ion packs, as well as other battery chemistries listed by HOTA.
Q: Does 480W mean each S6 Ultra channel gets 480W?
A: No. The 480W AC rating is shared through intelligent power distribution. Per-channel and combined limits still apply.