Linear BEC: It has a more linear output voltage then SBEC and is safer to voltage breakdown (short circuit input and output after failure). It is suitable for a smaller voltage difference between input and output, with a larger difference it starts to overheat. The ideal power supply for linear BECs with a 5-6V output are two Li-xx cells (2S).

Switched BEC: It is suitable where we want a higher supply voltage.For example, to power the BEC from the main batteries (power supply for motor). It can also "work" with a bigger voltage range (up to 59V) while keeping small dimensions.