On one hand, 18650 batteries carry more power, on the other hand, 26650 batteries serve us with high capacity. Therefore, the clash between these two battery types is quite extrusive. 26650 or 18650 battery? The choice of the best battery type generally depends upon the concerns and demands of an individual.
26650 vs 18650 Battery
Rechargeable batteries are one of the most prevalent batteries nowadays. Among all the batteries, 26650 and 18650 batteries contain a prominent place in the market.
Both of them are very useful for multiple applications including flashlights, vapes, laptops, and even electric vehicles. However, to determine the right one for you, there are some features you have to consider first.
Battery Size
More diameter size means more capable of delivering power. In the case of 18650 rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, 18 indicates the diameter that is 18mm, 65 indicates battery length which is 65 mm, and 0 stands for the cylindrical battery.
On the contrary, the 26650 rechargeable lithium-ion battery is 26mm in diameter, 65mm in length and it is also a cylindrical battery. As mentioned before, due to their size, they can deliver much power to even a short flashlight. The main dissimilarity here is the diameter. The 26650 battery includes a larger diameter.
Capacity
18650 batteries have a capacity of around 1200mAH to 3600mAH. This capacity is floated by most vape box mods that consist of regulated box mods and mech mods. On the other hand, 26650 batteries are accessible with up to 6000mAH.
Higher capacity means the battery lasts longer before it requires to be recharged. From the quantity, it’s clear that 26650 batteries include a much larger capacity than 18650 batteries. Due to their higher capacity, they are suitable for VV vape box mods.
Voltage
18650 batteries can take up to a maximum of 4.4V. the charge current is also higher, around 0.5 times the battery capacity. On the contrary, 26650 batteries are built of Lithium Manganese Oxide material that can attain an ostensible voltage of about 3.6V to 3.7V. However, the implied voltage can rise up to 4.2V. Here 18650 batteries lead to 26650 batteries.
Discharge Rate
The discharge rate refers to the measurement of the maximal power that a battery can deliver at a time. discharge rate is divided into two types. The maximum discharge rate is absolute full power available only in bursts. Continuous rate is the maximal power that can be equipped over long periods and is generally much lower than the burst rate.
On the side of the battery, usually, you can see something like this written, ‘2500 mAH LiPo 10C’. this 10C part declares the discharge rate of the battery. It means the battery can be discharged at 10 times the capacity. In this case, the capacity is 2.5 Amps.
Battery Life
As mentioned before, the capacity of the battery determines the battery life of the battery. If the capacity is higher, the running time will also be higher. Thus if you want a battery to run for a long time on a single charge, go for a battery that has higher mAH.
Durability
The durability of the battery depends on many things. There can’t be a specific answer to it. However, in the case of rechargeable batteries, the higher number of recharging cycles indicates longer battery life.
If the element you’re powering with the battery evokes a lot of power invariably, then the battery life will be lessened. Differently, lower discharge rates and regular recharge enhance the battery’s durability. Thus the same battery’s longevity can differ depending on the tool it’s being used on.
A battery running at a huge discharge rate can require replacing in just six months. However, batteries in less exacting situations can serve for many years. So it’s better to buy a large capacity battery to prevent the risks of heavy discharging rates.
Are 26650 and 18650 Batteries Interchangeable?
Regarding the current and voltage outputs, 26650 and 18650 batteries are interchangeable. But as their size differs, you may not use one in the tools specifically designed for the other.
Since the diameter of 26650 batteries is greater, it won’t be suitable in the compartment made for slimmer 18650 batteries. The same goes for 18650 batteries. But as 18650 batteries are slimmer and 26650 are thicker, when you’ll put a 18650 battery in place of a 26650 battery, it will fit but not firmly. Therefore, if you get a sleeve to hold the battery firmly, it can help.
So, Which Battery Is Better?
Recently, 18650 batteries are highly famous due to their great performance and power. But these batteries are not designed to run suitably in temperatures below freezing. The size of this battery also differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. Though the efforts to standardize the battery size are on board.
26650 lithium-ion batteries are high-capacity batteries serving high performance. For high-drain devices, these batteries can provide outstanding power. However, they have a higher discharge rate.
Both batteries are highly appreciated for electrical tools and devices. Focus on your purpose before choosing the better one for yourself. The answer is hidden in your obligations.
Considerable Facts to Choose the Right Battery for Your Applications
Whenever you want to buy a rechargeable battery, these are some things you have to check. First, eco-friendly batteries should be your top priority. Then check for durability. It won’t be pleasant if you have to change batteries frequently in a year. Then, read the guidelines of the electronic device you want to use the battery for.
Lastly, check if the battery is protected or not. Protected batteries include an embedded small electrical circuit in the cell packaging which protects the battery from different problems such as temperature, over-charging, under or over current.
On the other hand, unprotected batteries don’t include this circuit. Thus they own more current capability and capacity. But for long-term usage and the safety of your electronic devices, protected batteries are better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Okay to Use 26650 and 18650 Batteries Together?
18650 rechargeable batteries can be used alone or with 26650 batteries in order to create battery packs and power banks or tools used for recharging a device. So, depending on the objective, both 26650 and 18650 batteries can be used together.
Is It Safe to Charge the Battery Overnight?
No, it is suggested not to charge the phone for a long period. It can damage the battery life and overall longevity of the battery. It reduces the capacity of the battery as well.
Final Verdict
26650 vs 18650 battery is a debate without a definite answer. Both batteries are very convenient in terms of energy, power, and performance. However, as the lives of our electrical devices depend upon the lives and performances of the batteries, choosing the right battery is very important regarding the requirements of the device itself.
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