14500 VS 18650 batteries when and how to use each type

18650 VS 14500 batteries -when and how to use each type

Lithium batteries are used in multiple products all around the world; they used for UPS lithium battery,  power electric vehicles, electronic devices, homes, etc. Depending on their usage, lithium batteries exist in different shapes and types. We can find cylindrical cells on entire packs made of different cells connected together to provide the required power. 18650 vs 14500 batteries are among cylindrical cells used for multiple purposes.

Understanding each model and the main differences between them is important; it helps identify which one to use and why.

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Are 14500 and 18650 batteries similar

There are differences between 18650 vs 14500 batteries. These two specifications of batteries will have different specifications according to different battery types.And there is a video about 18650 vs 14500 batteries.

What is a 18650 battery

An 18650 is a lithium-ion battery with a cylindrical shape. Its name refers to its measurements. 18 is for 18 mm diameter and 65 for 65mm length. They are bigger than aa batteries and have a nominal voltage of 3.2/3.6/3.65/3.7v.

What is 14500 battery

A 14500 is a lithium-ion battery, it has a cylindrical shape and could be used for multiple products. 14 refers to its 14 mm diameter while 50 is for its 50 mm length. They are considered the rechargeable version of the aa batteries (14 diameter 48 height).

What is 14500 battery

What is the difference between 18650 vs 14500 batteries

Specification

The 18650 lithium ion batteries are larger than 14500, in terms of voltage, both are similar with a voltage range of 3.2 to 3.7 v. Larger 18650 lithium ion battery has a bigger capacity, it can be up to 3500 mah, while 14500 battery is generally 500-800 mah. In weight, there is a slight difference, the smaller 14500 lithium-ion batteries weigh about 30 to 40 grams while the others are between 45 to 50 grams depending on the manufacturer.

Performance

For power output, the 18650 vs 14500 batteries power comparison winner is the larger 18650. They can provide more power output as they are bigger in size and superior in capacity. Even they are both lithium-ion batteries and designed to last for a long time, 14500 has a slightly lower energy density. If it is the same type of 18650 vs 14500 batteries produced by the same manufacturer, the energy density should be the same. If used and maintained properly, both batteries can have a long life cycle.

Application

14500 lithium-ion batteries can be used on flashlights, remote controllers, and all devices that work on aa batteries. They are a great alternative to aa batteries as they are rechargeable, have more power density, and have higher capacity. These batteries are also environmentally friendly. 18650 lithium ion batteries have many applications, the most common product they run is Vapes. Their high capacity and interesting power specs make them great for Vapes.  The lithium battery packs used in many power equipment use 18650 cells, such as electric vehicle batteries, electric motorcycle battery, lithium RV battery, marine batteries…

What is the difference between 14500 vs 18650 batteries

18650 vs 14500 batteries-which battery is better

To compare 18650 vs 14500 batteries you need to have clear criteria. Both batteries have different specs and applications so to compare them we need to look at where they can do the same task.

For example, if you have an RC model and you need to power it with high capacity lithium batteries both models can be a great fit for such a project. However, weight and dimensions could really matter, so having smaller and lighter 14500 type batteries could be better for you. Also, 14500 type batteries are designed with sizes allowing them to replace aa batteries. While bigger types like the 18650 lithium ion battery can’t fit in those battery holes.

Some battery packs, even those mounted on e-scooters and small electric vehicles, are composed of cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells. In this situation, 18650 lithium-ion battery will be the best choice. Thanks to their high capacities and current rates, they can run products for a longer time and more effectively.

Based on these two examples, we can say that none of the two types could be better than the other, both of them may be the best choice under given circumstances. The most important is to define needs properly in order to make the right choice.

18650 vs 14500 batteries-which battery is better

18650 vs 14500 batteries-what are the similarities

The most obvious similarity between both lithium-ion battery types of 18650 vs 14500 batteries is their voltage. they both have an output of about 3.6 to 3.7v. For other specs like; weight, capacity, and size are different. However, they can be used to power the same products if the battery compartment allows that.

What to consider when buying the 14500 and 18650 battery

When buying 18650 vs 14500 batteries, there are a few things to consider.

Dimension and size

To save money and time, it’s important to know what size and type of batteries your device use. Battery compartments are designed to contain specific sizes, bigger batteries may not fit inside.

Output power

All devices require defined power specs providing them with more or less power could cause trouble. Low power results in malfunctioning and low performance. If the power is beyond limits, the product could be damaged. Power efficiency problems usually result in overheating problems in both situations putting the batteries at risk of serious damage. So, lithium-ion batteries’ power output should be chosen carefully.

Charge time

If you need your devices working without interruptions you may consider batteries with lower charging time. 18650 vs 14500 batteries are designed with a fast charge like all lithium batteries, the rate of lithium-ion battery is generally 0.2C, Of course, you need the appropriate charger to get the best of their performance.

What to consider when buying the 14500 and 18650 battery

Authenticity

make sure to buy original products and not counterfeit batteries. They may be cheaper in price but that could have very bad consequences. Counterfeit batteries don’t meet quality and safety requirements. Their capacities and power specs aren’t similar to the original ones. A lot of counterfeit batteries are implicated in explosion cases.

Specific parameters need to see the manuals form battery manufacturers.

How do I choose a good 18650 battery

The size of best 18650 battery is already defined so is the voltage. The most important criterion to choose a battery is its continuous discharge rating. This parameter is also known as amperage capacity. It describes the battery’s discharge duration. If the battery fails to supply the current, it will overheat which may damage it.

What is the equivalent of 18650 batteries

Cylindrical lithium-ion batteries are available in different sizes and power capacities. Each type of them could be used in specific types of products. Among the most known types of these batteries, we have 14500, 18650, and 21700. The 18650 are known for their high capacity compared to other types. However, the actual requirements of the electric vehicles industry are demanding more powerful batteries.

The best 18650 battery has a capacity of 3500 mah. They are used in electric vehicles’ battery packs. More powerful vehicles called for the need for bigger batteries than the 18650, the solution was the 21700. With the same output voltage of 3.7 volts, these batteries have capacities reaching 4000 to 5000 mah. It allows them to last longer and so they’re more used in battery packs.

Can I charge 14500 and 18650 batteries with the same charger

Even though they don’t have the same size and capacity, some chargers are designed to charge 14500 and 18650 batteries. To solve the size difference problem, these chargers have adjustable charging compartment lengths. This technique allows different size lithium-ion batteries to fit in the same charger. Their voltage range is the same, 3.2 to 3.7 volts for both, so a charger could effectively charge both of them in terms of power supply.

Can I charge 14500 and 18650 batteries with the same charger

However, the problem could be with current, their current specs are different. This may result in overloading the charger or the batteries. A current overload will cause the temperature to rise significantly. Overheat may damage the battery or the charger.So to make it clear, even it’s possible ,but using the same charger for 14500 and 18650 lithium-ion batteries is not recommended.

Can I charge the 14500 battery with an aa charger

Even the 14500 lithium-ion batteries have the same size as aa batteries, they are different in power specs. Rechargeable and single-use aa batteries both have an output of 1.5 volts so their chargers are made for that. 14500 lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, have an output of 3.7 volts which is double the aa’s output. So the aa battery charger won’t be able to charge them properly. To maintain the charger and the batteries, use lithium-ion batteries charger only for 14500 cells and other types. They need smart chargers to be charged properly.

Conclusion

14500 and 18650 lithium-ion batteries have several similarities; but their major difference is in power output, difference in sizes, and capacities. They can be used to power a variety of products thanks to their specs. The most important is to make sure the device supports the battery or one of them could be damaged.

To maintain your safety always make sure to buy original products and avoid counterfeit batteries. Saving some extra money in the short term could have bad consequences.

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2 thoughts on “18650 vs 14500 batteries – when and how to use each type”

  1. I have a small Cree LED torch which takes a single use AA 1.5v cell. Could I use a 14500 to get a brighter light or would it damage the torch and/or the battery?

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