The motor type in a drone is one of the most critical factors affecting flight performance, stability, and efficiency. When choosing a drone, enthusiasts and manufacturers often ask: should a drone use brushed motors or brushless motors? Understanding the differences is essential for optimizing flight quality and long-term reliability.
This article explores the distinctions between brushed and brushless motors in drones, highlighting why BLDC motors dominate the modern drone industry.
Brushed Motors in Drones
Brushed motors are traditional DC motors that use physical brushes to transfer current to the rotating armature. They are commonly found in small, toy-grade drones due to:
Low cost: Brushed motors are cheaper to manufacture.
Simplicity: Easy to control without complex electronics.
Lightweight design: Suitable for micro or mini drones with minimal payload.
However, brushed motors have notable drawbacks:
Short lifespan: Brushes wear down over time, requiring maintenance or replacement.
Lower efficiency: Friction in the brushes generates heat and wastes energy.
Limited precision: Speed and torque control are less accurate, which can affect flight stability.
These limitations make brushed motors suitable mainly for beginner drones and low-cost recreational models rather than professional applications.
Brushless DC (BLDC) Motors in Drones
Brushless DC motors eliminate brushes and use electronic commutation to control rotor motion. This design provides several advantages that make them ideal for drones:
High Efficiency
BLDC motors convert electrical energy into mechanical motion more efficiently than brushed motors. This leads to longer flight times, reduced battery consumption, and less heat generation.
Precise Control and Stability
Electronic controllers enable precise modulation of speed and torque, ensuring:
Smooth hovering and flight transitions
Accurate automated flight paths
Reduced vibrations for better imaging and payload handling
Long Lifespan and Low Maintenance
Without brushes to wear out, BLDC motors require minimal maintenance and have a longer operational life, making them reliable for both hobbyist and commercial drones.
High Power-to-Weight Ratio
BLDC motors deliver significant thrust relative to their size and weight, essential for lifting payloads, maintaining agility, and supporting high-performance drone designs.
Why Most Drones Use BLDC Motors
Modern drones, including professional photography UAVs, delivery drones, and industrial UAVs, overwhelmingly use BLDC motors because they provide:
Superior energy efficiency and flight duration
Smooth, vibration-free operation
Greater payload capacity
Minimal maintenance requirements
Brushed motors are limited to toy drones and beginner models, while BLDC motors power almost all advanced drones.
In summary, while brushed motors can serve for simple, low-cost drones, brushless motors (BLDC) are the industry standard for modern drones due to their efficiency, stability, and reliability. For any drone operator or manufacturer aiming for optimal performance, selecting BLDC motors is essential for maximizing flight time, precise control, and long-term durability.
Understanding the difference between brushed and brushless motors helps enthusiasts and professionals make informed decisions about drone design, performance, and maintenance.