Common JST Connector Types & Their Applications: A Complete Guide

JST connectors are among the most widely used wire-to-board connectors in electronics. From tiny drone sensors to high-current motor drivers, different JST series are optimized for different applications. This guide covers the most common JST connector types, their key specs, and where each one is used in the real world.

Common JST connector types overview — SH, GH, PH, XH, ZH, EH, SM, VH series housings, PCB headers and crimp terminals comparison

What Is a JST Connector?

JST stands for Japan Solderless Terminal, the company that originally developed these connectors. Today, "JST connector" broadly refers to any connector following JST's design standards — including many compatible third-party versions. JST connectors are characterized by their pitch (pin-to-pin spacing), locking mechanism, and current rating. For a step-by-step identification method, see our JST connector identification guide.

JST Connector Types Overview

Series Pitch Current AWG Mount Primary Application
SH 1.0mm 1A 28–32 SMD Drones, wearables, laptops
GH 1.25mm 1A 28–32 SMD Flight controllers, FPV
ZH 1.5mm 1A 26–32 Through-hole 3D printers, IoT modules
PH 2.0mm 2A 24–32 Through-hole LiPo batteries, Arduino
XH 2.5mm 3A 22–28 Through-hole 3D printers, RC vehicles
EH 2.5mm 3A 22–30 Through-hole Slim PCB applications
SM 2.5mm 3A 22–28 Wire-to-wire LED strips, lighting
VH 3.96mm 10A 18–22 Through-hole Power supply, motors

JST SH — 1.0mm Pitch

The JST SH is the smallest commonly used JST series. Its 1.0mm pitch makes it ideal for ultra-compact, weight-sensitive applications.

  • Current: 1A per contact | Wire: AWG 28–32 | Mount: SMD | Locking: Friction lock or side latch

Best for: FPV drones, Pixhawk/ArduPilot telemetry, laptop internals, wearables, compact IoT sensors.

JST SH 1.0mm pre-crimped cable bundle with connector housings — ultra-compact 1.0mm pitch for FPV drones, wearables and laptop internal connections

Shop JST SH 1.0mm Connectors →

JST GH — 1.25mm Pitch

The JST GH is extremely popular in the drone and robotics community, particularly for flight controller connections. It features a positive side latch for secure connections.

  • Current: 1A per contact | Wire: AWG 28–32 | Mount: SMD | Locking: Side latch

Best for: Flight controllers (Pixhawk, Betaflight), FPV drones, GPS modules, telemetry systems.

JST GH 1.25mm connector kit — SMD housing, PCB header and pre-crimped cables for Pixhawk flight controllers and FPV drone telemetry

Shop JST GH 1.25mm Connectors →

JST ZH — 1.5mm Pitch

The JST ZH bridges the gap between the ultra-compact SH/GH and the more common PH series. It is one of the smallest through-hole JST connectors.

  • Current: 1A per contact | Wire: AWG 26–32 | Mount: Through-hole | Locking: Positive latch

Best for: 3D printer sensor connections, compact IoT modules, camera modules.

JST ZH 1.5mm connector kit — through-hole housing and pre-crimped cables for 3D printer sensors and compact IoT module connections

Shop JST ZH 1.5mm Connectors →

JST PH — 2.0mm Pitch

The JST PH is one of the most popular JST series worldwide. Its 2.0mm pitch strikes a balance between compact size and ease of handling. See our detailed JST PH vs SH comparison for more.

  • Current: 2A per contact | Wire: AWG 24–32 | Mount: Through-hole | Locking: Standard positive latch

Best for: LiPo battery packs, Arduino sensor wiring, small robots, RC hobby electronics.

JST PH 2.0mm connector kit — housing, right-angle PCB header, crimped terminals and pre-crimped cable for LiPo battery and Arduino projects

Shop JST PH 2.0mm Connectors →

JST XH — 2.5mm Pitch

The JST XH is the workhorse of the JST family for DIY and maker projects. Its 2.5mm pitch is easy to work with by hand, and it supports up to 3A per contact. For full specs and FAQ, see our JST XH Connector Complete Guide.

  • Current: 3A per contact | Wire: AWG 22–28 | Mount: Through-hole | Locking: Standard positive latch

Best for: 3D printer wiring (Creality, Prusa), RC battery packs, DIY electronics, stepper motor connections.

JST XH 2.5mm connector kit — housing, PCB header and pre-crimped cables for 3D printers, RC vehicles and DIY electronics

Shop JST XH 2.5mm Connectors →

JST EH — 2.5mm Pitch (Slim)

The JST EH shares the same 2.5mm pitch as XH but has a significantly slimmer housing profile. Not interchangeable with XH despite the same pitch.

  • Current: 3A per contact | Wire: AWG 22–30 | Mount: Through-hole | Locking: Positive latch

Best for: Space-constrained PCB designs, industrial control boards.

JST EH 2.5mm slim connector kit — lower-profile housing than XH for space-constrained PCB and industrial control board applications

Shop JST EH 2.5mm Connectors →

JST SM — 2.5mm Pitch (Wire-to-Wire)

The JST SM is a wire-to-wire connector only — there is no PCB mount version. It is the most popular connector for LED strip connections worldwide.

  • Current: 3A per contact | Wire: AWG 22–28 | Mount: Wire-to-wire only | Locking: Positive latch

Best for: LED strips, LED lighting systems, wire extension harnesses.

JST SM 2.5mm wire-to-wire connector — standard for LED strip connections, RGB lighting harnesses and wire extension applications

Shop JST SM 2.5mm Connectors →

JST VH — 3.96mm Pitch

The JST VH is the largest commonly used JST series, rated for up to 10A per contact. See our full JST VH Connector Guide for complete specs.

  • Current: 10A per contact | Wire: AWG 18–22 | Mount: Through-hole | Locking: Positive latch

Best for: Power supply connections, motor drivers, industrial equipment, high-current battery systems.

JST VH 3.96mm high-current connector kit — housing, PCB header and pre-crimped cables for power supplies, motor drivers and industrial equipment

Shop JST VH 3.96mm Connectors →

How to Choose the Right JST Connector Type

Application Recommended Series
FPV drone / flight controller GH (1.25mm) or SH (1.0mm)
LiPo battery (small) PH (2.0mm)
LiPo battery (large / RC) XH (2.5mm)
Arduino sensor wiring PH (2.0mm) or XH (2.5mm)
3D printer wiring XH (2.5mm) or ZH (1.5mm)
LED strip connection SM (2.5mm)
High current / motor / power VH (3.96mm)
Wearable / ultra-compact SH (1.0mm)

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common JST connector type?

The JST PH (2.0mm) and JST XH (2.5mm) are the most widely used series in hobbyist and maker electronics.

Are all JST connectors compatible with each other?

No. JST connectors are only compatible within the same series. Even connectors with the same pitch (e.g. XH and EH at 2.5mm) are not interchangeable.

How do I identify which JST connector type I have?

Measure the pitch with a digital caliper, compare the housing shape, and count the pins. Our JST identification guide walks you through the full process step by step.

Where can I buy JST connectors?

Browse our JST Connector collection for all major series. Ships worldwide with no minimum order quantity.

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