Shop by Battery Chemistry: Choose the Right Cell for Your Device

Selecting a battery starts with the job it needs to do: how long it must run, the current it draws (steady vs. pulsed), the environment (heat/cold), and whether you can recharge. Use the comparison below to zero in on the best chemistry for your application.

Quick Comparison

Which Chemistry Fits Your Use Case?

• Long, low‑maintenance standby (months to years): Choose Li‑SOCl2. Add a pulse‑capacitor if your device transmits bursts.
• Everyday AA/AAA gear with frequent use: Low‑self‑discharge NiMH (LSD) reduces drawer drain and handles higher loads better than alkaline.
• High energy in compact packs: Li‑ion (18650/21700/prismatic) for laptops, tools, cameras. Use protected packs and the correct charger.
• Thin/light custom shapes: LiPo pouches for wearables, RC, and instruments—protect mechanically and use balance charging.
• Daily cycling and safety: LiFePO4 for solar lighting, UPS, mobility; long cycle life and stable thermal behavior.
• Budget low‑drain: Alkaline or Zinc‑Carbon for remotes, clocks, and seldom‑used items.
• Cold weather or strong pulse ability without recharge: Li‑MnO2 (CR123A) outperforms alkaline in cameras and flashlights.

Chemistry Guides

NiMH — Everyday Rechargeable

• Use if: You want lower operating cost over time for AA/AAA devices, camera flashes, toys, handheld tools.
• Avoid if: Your device is extremely voltage‑sensitive to 1.2 V/cell or will sit unused for many months (choose LSD NiMH if stored).
• Notes: Charge only with NiMH‑compatible chargers; low‑self‑discharge types retain ~70–85% after a year.

NiCd — Rugged Under Stress

• Use if: Equipment faces heat, vibration, and frequent deep discharges (emergency lighting, industrial controls).
• Avoid if: Environmental restrictions or recycling logistics are a concern.
• Notes: Tolerates abuse; must be recycled due to cadmium; periodic full cycles help maintain capacity.

Li‑ion — High Energy Density

• Use if: You need light weight and high capacity (power banks, tools, cameras).
• Avoid if: The device expects 1.5 V cells or will see severe cold without thermal management.
• Notes: Use packs with protection/BMS; follow manufacturer charge limits (often 4.2 V/cell max) and store around 30–60% charge.

LiPo — Slim, High Output

• Use if: Space/weight are critical (drones, RC, slim enclosures).
• Avoid if: The pack can be crushed, punctured, or overheated without protection.
• Notes: Balance‑charge multi‑cell packs; monitor for swelling; secure mechanically.

LiFePO4 — Long Cycle Life

• Use if: You need thousands of cycles and stable output for solar, UPS, mobility, and outdoor gear.
• Avoid if: Maximum capacity per volume is the top priority.
• Notes: Nominal 12.8 V packs (4S) can replace 12 V lead‑acid with a LiFePO4‑appropriate charger and BMS.

Primary Lithium — Set‑and‑Forget

• Li‑SOCl2 (3.6 V): Ultra‑low self‑discharge for 5–20 year designs (meters, asset trackers). Use pulse‑assist capacitors for radio bursts.
• Li‑MnO2 (3.0 V): Good pulse capability (CR123A, coin cells) for cameras, sensors, safety devices.
• Never recharge primary lithium cells.

Alkaline — Everyday Value

• Use if: Low‑to‑moderate drain devices (remotes, clocks, LED candles).
• Avoid if: High current or cold weather are common; consider lithium primaries instead.
• Notes: Replace before full depletion to reduce leakage risk in stored devices.

Zinc‑Carbon — Lowest Cost

• Use if: Very light loads and infrequent use.
• Avoid if: You need long runtime or high current.

Fitment and Compatibility

• Size vs. voltage: Some Li‑ion cells share sizes with alkaline/NiMH but have higher voltage (e.g., 14500 looks like AA but is ~3.7 V; 10440 looks like AAA but is ~3.7 V). Do not substitute unless the device explicitly supports it.
• CR123A vs. RCR123A: CR123A is 3.0 V primary (Li‑MnO2); RCR123A is 3.6/3.7 V rechargeable (Li‑ion). They are not interchangeable in all devices.
• Pack requirements: Multi‑cell Li‑ion/LiPo/LiFePO4 packs may require a BMS and balance charging.
• Don’t mix: Never mix old/new cells, brands, or chemistries in the same device.

Runtime Planning (Simple Estimating)

Rule of thumb: Runtime (hours) ≈ Capacity (mAh) ÷ Load (mA) × a derating factor for chemistry and load.

• Light/steady loads: derate ~0.8–0.9 (NiMH/Li‑ion perform closer to label).
• High/pulsed loads (especially alkaline): derate ~0.4–0.7 due to voltage sag and efficiency losses.

Examples:

• AA alkaline, 2500 mAh at 100 mA: 2500 ÷ 100 × 0.6 ≈ ~15 hours.
• AA NiMH, 2000 mAh at 500 mA (camera flash): 2000 ÷ 500 × 0.8 ≈ ~3.2 hours, with better high‑current performance than alkaline.
• D‑cell Li‑SOCl2, 19,000 mAh at 0.1 mA average: 19,000 ÷ 0.1 ≈ 190,000 hours (~21.7 years); real designs are limited by shelf life and temperature.

Charging, Storage, and Safety

• Use the correct charger: NiMH, Li‑ion/LiPo, and LiFePO4 require different charge profiles.
• Never charge primary cells: Alkaline, Li‑SOCl2, and Li‑MnO2 are non‑rechargeable.
• Store cool and dry: Avoid heat; store rechargeables partially charged (about 30–60%).
• Protect LiPo and Li‑ion packs: Prevent puncture, crushing, and short circuits; use protected packs where possible.
• Recycle responsibly: Recycle NiCd, NiMH, Li‑ion/LiPo/LiFePO4 at approved facilities; don’t trash.

FAQ