Complete Comparison Guide About 18650 vs 14500 Battery
mikal jason
On the portable electric device market, 18650 and 14500 batteries are most often seen and are well known for their different purposes and uses.
As using an improper battery could damage your device irreparably, selecting the appropriate battery type and model for your device is of vital importance in its maintenance and long-term lifespan. There are various battery types and compatible devices on the market.
This article compares 18650 vs 14500 Battery in detail, detailing what makes each unique, their advantages, applications areas, etc.
What Is an 18650 Battery? An 18650 battery is a rechargeable lithium ion battery designed for industry standard dimensions - 18mm in width by 65mm in height with typically 1200mAh-3600mAh of storage.
18650 batteries can achieve both full charge and discharge cycles simultaneously with no adverse affect on performance.
What Is A 14500 Battery
14500 battery cells are rechargeable lithium cells similar to what would be found in standard AA batteries in shape and size.
However, one point that needs to be highlighted here is the differences in voltage between alkaline AA batteries (1.5V) and 14500 batteries (3.75V), making a huge impactful statement!
Comparative Study between 18650 vs 14500 Batteries
Here we present an in-depth comparison between them from various points of view; not only electrochemical properties and application fields are being considered but also application space considerations are taken into consideration.
Chemistry
At present, most 18650 and 14500 batteries available on the market are composed of NiCoMn Ternary materials; however some 18650 cells utilize LiFePO4 instead.
Since both batteries are made out of NiCoMn Ternary materials, their voltage levels are similar. 18650 rechargeable batteries can accept 4.2V maximum charge voltage while 14500 batteries offer 1C charge current ratings (What Is Battery C Rating).
Capacity
18650 lithium ion batteries tend to offer greater capacities; their capacities typically range between 1200mah and 3500mah while 14500 batteries usually fall between 500mah and 800 mah capacity.
As can be seen, 18650 lithium batteries tend to be larger in dimensions than 14500 lithium batteries, typically measuring 18mm by 65mm in size whereas typical 14500 batteries come in at 16mm by 50mm.
Discharge Rate
18650 batteries typically feature a maximum discharge rate of 10C while 14500 cells only support an approximate discharge rate of 5-1C on the market.
Battery Life
18650 batteries are advanced rechargeable cells which deliver higher power density, longer runtimes and increased reliability than their 14500 counterparts. Their typical lifespan reaches 800-1000 recharges while those for 14500s only extend 500-800 cycles before needing replacement.
Before purchasing either 14500 or 18650 battery there are various points to keep in mind before making your choice. With each battery has unique qualities so be wary when choosing between these options! When making this important choice.
Electronic products often feature different battery compartment sizes. By carefully comparing the 18650 battery to 14500 batteries in dimensions and capacity, you can determine which would work best with a portable electronic device requiring it. Larger batteries cannot fit in smaller compartments.
Output Power
Every device comes equipped with power ratings; when this power falls below what it can handle, failure occurs and performance suffers significantly. Exceeding these limits may damage products as batteries overheat causing fire risk or overcharging and overflow. 14500 and 18650 batteries typically offer lower output levels so ensuring you select one suitable to the power output of your device is essential to its successful functioning.
Recharging Current
Both batteries require nearly the same charging current (0.2C-0.5C). It is vitally important that these batteries receive their recommended charging current in order to prevent permanent damage to these cells.
Charging Times
These batteries also boast faster charging times compared to traditional types. Fast charging generally takes only 1 or 2 hours for complete charges.