There are several sorts of batteries that can be used in your everyday life. Some are disposable, some rechargeable. Batteries are incredibly important to our daily lives because they power our technology and household items.
Although rechargeable batteries are more expensive upfront, they save you money in the long run.
Rechargeable CR123A batteries are worth it because they’re strong-built and last longer than AA or AAA battery cells. With the best rechargeable CR123A batteries, you won’t have to replace them as often, which saves you money!
Read on to find out how you can use rechargeable batteries as an affordable, sustainable solution.
What Should You Know About Rechargeable CR123A Batteries?
CR123A batteries have their own pros and cons, like all other products. But do they deserve to replace your old batteries? There are a few things you must know about these batteries before going for one.
Capability
You obviously shouldn’t judge a battery only by its capacity. If you do, you won’t be able to understand the perks of rechargeable batteries.
On average, non-rechargeable batteries have a capacity of 1200-2000mAh. On the other hand, rechargeable batteries have a capacity of only 500-800mAh.
But where you can use the non-rechargeable batteries only one-time, rechargeable batteries can be charged 500-600 times. Moreover, there are some brands that use battery optimization technology to enhance battery backup.
Can you even imagine how much backup you’re gonna get from these fabulous batteries?
Self-Discharge Rate
Self-discharge rate determines how much battery charge will drain even if it is not used in any devices. The average self-discharge rate of rechargeable CR123A batteries is 2.5% each month. It means your battery will not be used if it’s left unused for 2-3 hours max.
If you compare this rate with non-rechargeable ones, you may get a little disappointed. Even after ten years, around 80% of the battery’s capacity is left for further usage.
But the thing is, even if your battery gets fully discharged in 2 years, you can still charge it. These batteries can be recharged 500-700 times. So, technically they will serve you longer than other CR123A batteries.
Tolerance to Temperature
The temperature has a huge effect on batteries. In extremely cold or hot weather, most of the batteries can’t perform properly.
Rechargeable CR123A batteries are more sensitive in this category. When the battery is getting charged, it gets heated naturally. But the great fact is CR123A batteries are surprisingly temperature protective.
Where other batteries start to outperform, CR123A batteries deliver high performance even at 50-60°C.
Chargers for Rechargeable Batteries
CR123A batteries are lithium batteries that can be charged with regular lithium iron phosphate chargers.
A lead-acid battery charger can also be used for charging. In that case, you have to be careful before using one. The lead-acid battery chargers that have the automatic equalization feature shouldn’t be used at all. It will damage your CR123A battery for sure.
Yes, you have to be a little particular before choosing a good charger for CR123A batteries. But there are some brands that provide a high-quality charger with the batteries as well. So the consumers don’t have to look otherwise. What a great initiative!
Usage Varieties
Aside from the unique features of rechargeable CR123A batteries, their use in a wide range of gadgets has made them quite popular.
They are widely used in wireless security cameras, picture cameras, home automation, flashlights, smoke detectors, tactical equipment, illumination equipment, and other similar applications.
Accessibility
As I already discussed, rechargeable CR123A batteries can be used in many kinds of devices. They must be easy to find. Right?
They are indeed! No matter which country you are in right now, they can be easily found in the cities and their suburbs.
Table could not be displayed.5 Best Rechargeable CR123A Batteries
There are many things that use batteries. And not only do they need to be replaced, but they can also cost a lot of money. That’s why it’s always good to have a pack of rechargeable CR123A batteries around. Have a look at the finest products here:
1. Duracell B0014D0SKE High Power Lithium Batteries – 1 count (Best for Storage Life)
When it comes to the “rechargeable” CR123A batteries, we know we can’t store them for years after years. According to their self-discharge rate, you can expect them to be charged for 2-3 years, but not ten long years. Right?
Here is a surprise! Duracell B0014D0SKE High Power Lithium Batteries have a storage capacity of 10 years. Yes, it’s real! So, it doesn’t matter if they are left unused; they will still be ready to serve with a charge even after ten years.
So, Duracell batteries are very good for those devices that are not used on a daily basis.
The feature may lead you to another concern. A battery, if left in a device for years, may leak. And this leakage can damage the whole device in many ways.
Duracell greatly covered this section as well. They have developed an in-built technology that protects the batteries from leaking. So, your devices won’t be damaged at all.
These batteries are 3V. It can easily replace other DL123, R17345, EL123 batteries.
Pros
- The batteries can be stored for ten years
- Leak-free design
- In-built technology protects the batteries from overcharging and overheating.
- Can replace DL123, R17345, EL123 batteries
Cons
- The battery charger doesn’t come with the product
- No particular charger is suggested by the manufacturer
2. WEGWANG B078N7FCHK Rechargeable CR123A Battery with Charger (Best for the Features)
WEGWANG has designed this product so well that you literally can’t find any major drawbacks. It’s a true bang for the buck product in this rechargeable CR123A battery category.
Before starting with the batteries, let’s talk about the charger first. Yes, WEGWANG provides an exclusive CR123A battery charger with the batteries.
The charger has four channels so that you can charge multiple batteries at a time. The charger has four separated LED indicators. While the batteries are charging, it turns the red light. Once the batteries are fully charged, the light turns green.
Here is a note-
if you place a fully charged battery in the charger, at first, it will show a red light. A red light, in general, means it’s charging. But don’t worry, it will definitely not be overcharging your battery. It takes just a few minutes for the voltages to be stable, and then the light will turn green.
WEGWANG has made the chargers with modern technology. It’s able to detect reverse-polarity and battery temperature to protect them from all possible damage.
It’s recommended by the manufacturer to remove the batteries from the charger once they are fully charged. So, you’re not getting an auto-shutdown feature with this charger.
The charger is able to charge all four batteries fully in just 2.5 hours, which is comparatively very fast.
The batteries will be around 40-60% charged when you buy them. It’s recommended by the manufacturer to charge all the batteries fully at first before using them for longer performance.
The charger has a USB type C input. As a result, you can easily use the chargers on the go. You can connect them to a power bank, laptop, or even to your car charger.
WEGWANG CR123A batteries have built-in technology to protect them from overcharging, excessive current flow, over-voltage, and short circuits.
They are also CE, FCC, UL, ROHS certified for their exclusive safety mechanism. So, the batteries will provide you with much better performance in different environments.
Talking about the environment, the batteries can perform very well in quite a wide range of temperatures. Most rechargeable batteries start to underperform at 0°C and below. But these batteries can perform smoothly even at -5°C.
The WEGWANG CR123A batteries have a capacity of 800mAh, which you can say is the highest amount of capacity that a CR123A battery has. Besides, because of their unique optimization technology, the batteries are able to last 21.8% longer than other 800mAh rechargeable batteries.
On the other hand, the batteries can be discharged and charged 600 times. And the product provides you with 8 CR123A rechargeable batteries. WeGWANG has got you covered in every way.
These 3.7V batteries are ideal for Arlo security cameras, other flashlights, toys, and electronic equipment.
WEGWANG batteries have a very slow self-discharge. Even if they are left unused for three years, the batteries will be fully charged. These batteries will surely give very long-lasting service.
Though it’s also recommended by the manufacturer to cycle (charge and discharge) the battery every 2-6 months to keep it active and for better performance in the long run, if you want to store for over six months, the ideal temperature is 10-30°C.
As I have just talked about leaving the batteries unused for a long time, let me clear another concern here. The batteries are made with durable and resistant materials. As a result, they are totally leak-free. So, neither the battery nor the device will be damaged at all.
WEGWANG batteries have a “peculiar” characteristic, I must say. It’s recommended to change all the batteries altogether and not mix an older battery with a new one while charging. WEGWANG says it may create some complications.
Like no other brand, WEGWANG is providing lifetime service, 24X7 email support, and a 1-month money-back service. Offering this kind of customer support even after jam-packing all the features in a single product is literally beyond imagination.
Pros
- The battery has a capacity of 800mAh.
- Battery optimization tech helps to provide 21.8% more backup than other batteries.
- The batteries can be discharged and charged around 550-600 times
- Very slow self-discharge rate
- The batteries are spillproof
- Exclusive technology to protect the batteries from overcharging, over-discharging
- The charger is of 4 channels
- Individual LED charge indicators are there
- Fast charging technology. You can charge the batteries in 2.5 hours
- USB type C input
- Great customer support
Cons
- You have to change all the batteries at a time, as new and old batteries shouldn’t be charged on a single charger.
- No auto-shutdown feature. It’s recommended to unplug the charger or remove the batteries once they are fully charged.
3. Tenergy B08WDY83S5 Rechargeable CR123A Battery (Best for ARLO)
The Tenergy B08WDY83S5 Rechargeable CR123A Battery is the only ARLO-certified battery. Arlo home security cameras are one of the most popular. And these batteries are “the” best for them. Besides, they are good for other cameras, motion, water sensors, light meters.
The battery has a capacity of 650mAh. On a single charge, these batteries are able to provide a very long-lasting backup.
You can recharge the batteries up to 500 times easily. I’m not saying you can’t use them after charging them 500 times. They will work after that as well. But up to 500 times, you won’t notice any performance lag for sure.
You see, the manufacturer has used the “Arlo certification” for marketing this product. Thus, they recommended the Arlo Camera battery chargers to charge these batteries for better and longer performance.
These batteries have in-build smart protection features. Besides, they have almost all of the standard safety certifications like UL 1642, UN 38.3, UL 2054, UL 60950, IEC 62133.
Smart battery protection actively works to manage the battery performance while charging and discharging. It protects the battery from overcharge, over-current, and over-discharge by shutting down the charger or the device.
It’s a 3.7-volt battery. So, you can use these batteries in many high-performance devices.
Pros
- The “Arlo certified” rechargeable battery
- 650mAh battery capacity
- The battery can be discharged and charged 500times
- Overcharging and heat protection technology is there
- Warranty period of 12 months
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a charger
4. Jesspow B08YKF6MTR Rechargeable CR123A Battery with Charger (Best for its integrated 8 channel charger)
As we discussed earlier, rechargeable CR123A batteries need a good quality charger as well for better performance. Jesspow, also known as the JESSY Rechargeable CR123A battery, comes with its exclusive high-performance charger.
The chargers have eight channels which is great. You don’t have to wait for some of the batteries to be charged to charge the other batteries now.
It has eight individual LED indicators that turn green and red. When the batteries are charging, they show a red light. And when all the batteries are fully charged, it turns the green light on.
The charger has a universal voltage input. So, you can easily carry them with you on tours for your JESSY CR123A batteries.
The JESSY charger is very efficient and charges all the CR123A batteries in just 3 hours. And these CR123A batteries last around 1.5 months on one charge. Considering the longevity of one charge, the charger does a really great job.
Please note here that the manufacturer suggests not using this charger to charge other brands’ CR123A batteries. At the same time, they also recommended this charger only to charge JESSY CR123A batteries for higher performance.
Another thing to remember is that you should not use this charger to charge a primary or non-rechargeable CR123A battery. Nor should you try mixing them with the rechargeable ones. It can cause short circuits immediately.
The batteries are very high performance and provide a really good battery backup with their 750mAh capacity. A single JESSY rechargeable CR123A battery is compared to 300 pieces of a 1500mAh non-rechargeable CR123A battery. So, you can imagine the backup you’re going to get from these!
These batteries have a voltage of 3.7V and are compatible with most of the Arlo security cameras. Specifically, the compatible models are Arlo VMC 3030, 3200, 3330, 3430, and 3530.
Besides, these batteries are vastly used in flashlights, game consoles, calculators, medical equipment, and other electronic devices.
In general, when batteries are charged, they are heated up a little. From this aspect, JESSY batteries won’t give any performance lag till the temperature is 40°C. But a big downside to these batteries is that they don’t really perform very well if the temperature is too low.
With all their amazing features and benefits, these rechargeable JESSY CR123A batteries are ideal options to replace other variations of 123 batteries.
Pros
- The batteries have a capacity of 750mAh.
- A single battery is equivalent to a 300 1500mAh non-rechargeable CR123A battery.
- It comes with an 8-channel charger
- LED indicator is there to show the charging status
- The charger has a universal voltage output, so it can be used anywhere in the world
- Fast charging technology
Cons
- Battery performance degrades at temperatures below 0°C.
- It’s not recommended to use the JESSY charger to charge your other brand’s CR123A batteries.
5. Rapthor B09186JWDT CR123A Rechargeable Battery (Best for Longer Battery Backup)
Generally, most of the non-rechargeable CR123A batteries have a capacity between 300-800mAh. Rapthor B09186JWDT CR123A Rechargeable Battery has a capacity of 750mAh. So, it’s obviously on the better side compared to the other batteries.
You will definitely get a longer-lasting backup from the battery capacity. Moreover, the manufacturer has used advanced optimization in this battery which allows it to provide a 25% longer backup than other 750mAh rechargeable CR123A batteries.
The Rapthor batteries can be charged over 550 times. As a result, using these batteries in various electronic devices is the most cost-effective option for you.
During the manufacturing process, no heavy cadmium, mercury, or lead is used. As a result, they are very good for the environment as well.
The Rapthor B09186JWDT CR123A Rechargeable Battery has a premium UN and UL certificate. This means you can blindly trust the batteries’ intelligence protection feature. It will protect the batteries from overcharging and overheating.
These batteries are 3.7V. Thus, you can easily replace the other 123 battery models.
Pros
- The battery has a capacity of 750mAh
- Advanced battery optimization has been integrated to provide a 25% longer backup.
- The batteries can be cycled over 550 times
- The batteries are environmentally friendly
- UL, UN certified in safety features
- The product comes with four batteries
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a charger
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Charge a Lithium Battery With a Nimh Charger?
No. I won’t suggest you use NiMH battery chargers to charge your rechargeable CR123A batteries. Both CR123A and NiMH batteries need very sophisticated chargers. But the fact is, they contain different electronics.
Using a NiMH battery charger to charge CR123A batteries may cause overheating, explosion, or chemical fire.
Can I Replace Nimh Batteries With Lithium?
Sometimes you may think of replacing your CR123A battery with a NiMH battery. But it shouldn’t be done at all. NiMH battery cells are very high in current. That means they are structured to deliver a high current at a time, which can damage the devices that use CR123A batteries.
Can I Temporarily Replace a Rechargeable cr123a With a Non-rechargeable cr123a Battery in Any Device?
Yes, you can. CR123A batteries will offer you the same kind of features whether they are rechargeable or not. Both of them are compatible with the same type of device.
Non-rechargeable CR123A batteries have a way lower self-discharge rate than rechargeable ones.
So, if you have to leave the battery in a device for a long time and may have to use it all of a sudden without worrying about the charging status, you can replace it with a non-rechargeable CR123A battery.
Does the Charge Percentage Matter Before I Store a Rechargeable cr123a Battery?
Yes. You shouldn’t leave the battery for a long time or store them if the battery percentage is less than 20%.
You know, batteries have a self-discharge rate of their own. If the battery is stored with a little charge for a long time, it may create an adverse effect. It means your battery will start to over-drain once you start using it.
Final Thoughts: The Best Type of CR123A Battery
All the batteries are affected by storage conditions, temperature, and the environment. Even the best rechargeable CR123A batteries. They certainly will degrade over time and won’t last forever. But charging and storing them in the right way will definitely enhance their service.
Despite some drawbacks, rechargeable batteries are often regarded as the best form of CR123A battery.
As a result, it is always preferable to use a rechargeable CR123A battery rather than a disposable, one-time CR123A battery. Choose any of the products I mentioned above. They don’t have any memory effect. That means they can be charged at any time, partially or fully drained.
These five products are jam-packed with cutting-edge technology and features. Without a doubt, these batteries will deliver the greatest service possible from a CR123A cell.