The 18650 and the 26650 rechargeable battery types are used in multiple applications, from flashlights to vapes, laptops, and even electric vehicles. Despite this, most people wouldn’t realize, as the batteries are often contained in a casing of some kind.
But is the 18650 or the 26650 battery better for electric tools?
The 18650 and 26650 batteries are popular because of their long life, the ability to be recharged hundreds of times, and the high power output they provide. Both battery types use lithium-ion, originally developed in the 1970s.
Let’s dive a little deeper to find out which battery is best.
26650 vs. 18650: 3 differences to consider before buying batteries for your electric devices
As we mentioned, both the 18650 and 26650 batteries use the same technology internally. In this section, we explore some of the more significant differences between the two.
26650 vs. 18650: Battery Size
The figures used to describe the batteries refer to their physical size. A 18650 battery is 18 mm in diameter and 65 mm long, while a 26650 battery is 26 mm in diameter and 65 mm long.
The zero at the end simply means the batteries are cylindrical. This extra size allows the 26650 battery to store more electrical charge, and we will discuss this next.
26650 vs. 18650: Capacity and Discharge Rate
We measure battery capacity in mAh. You can buy a 18650 battery from around 1200 mAh to 3600 mAh capacity, while 26650 batteries are available with up to 6000 mAh. In simple terms, the higher the capacity, the longer the battery will last before it needs to be recharged.
As with many things, the claims that manufacturers make for their battery capacity may not reflect reality! This is particularly true of cheap copies, which may only provide half or even less than the stated mAh capacity.
The discharge rate is a measure of the maximum power that the battery can provide at a given time. There may be two discharge rates quoted. Maximum discharge rate refers to the absolute full power available, but it may only be available in bursts. Continuous discharge rate refers to the maximum power that can be provided over long periods and is usually much lower than the burst rate.
On the side of the battery, you may see something similar to this:
2500 mAh LiPo 10C
The figures mean the battery has a 2.5 Amp (2500 mAh) capacity, and the 10C means it can be discharged at ten times the capacity, so in this case, at 25 Amps.
26650 vs. 18650: Battery Life
Ultimately, it’s the capacity of the battery that determines the amount of power it can supply. Therefore, if you want a battery that lasts for a long time on a single charge, go for a higher mAh.
How long do 26650/18650 batteries last?
This is not a simple question and depends on a large number of factors. Rechargeable battery life is expressed as the number of recharging cycles. The higher the number of recharging cycles, the longer the battery should last.
If the item you are powering with the battery draws a lot of power constantly, then the battery life will be shortened. On the other hand, a battery that is operating at lower discharge rates and is recharged regularly will last much longer. For this reason, the same battery used in different tools could last for very different periods.
A battery that is running at a heavy discharge rate could need replacing after just six months. Batteries in less demanding situations could last for many years. For this reason, it is better to buy a larger capacity battery than needed to prevent heavy discharge rates.
Are 18650 and 26650 interchangeable?
Based on their voltage and current outputs, yes, the 18650 and 26650 batteries are interchangeable. However, the two battery types are very different in size.
The 26650 has a much greater diameter, so it will not fit in items designed for the slimmer 18650 battery. A 18650 battery will fit in a compartment designed for a 26650 battery, but you will most likely need a sleeve to hold the battery firmly.
Are 26650 batteries better than 18650?
This is a matter of great discussion in online forums, and there are several reasons why it’s not a simple yes or no answer.
The 18650 battery has been available for decades and has received substantial development, whereas the 26650 is relatively new. For this reason, an excellent quality 18650 will be better than an average 26650 battery.
While the volume of the battery casing itself has increased by almost half again, the battery’s capacity is not always improved by the same proportion. This is partly due to the technology used and the way the cell’s internal components are arranged.
The 26650 are often designed for a higher discharge rate, with a reduced total capacity. This creates more heat, and therefore, the battery cells are bigger and have more space around them.
So, in short, buy the battery that offers the power output you need and fits your item’s battery compartment.
18650 Battery Recommendations
SHENMZ 3400mAh Flat Top 18650 Battery
The SHENMZ 18650 rechargeable batteries are great for small fans, vapes, and cameras. Each battery offers 3400mAh of capacity which gives you long life even when using the device at high rates during charging!
The only downside? They’re flat-top so make sure your electronics can handle them before buying these types, otherwise, there may be some trouble ahead.
LCLEBM 3400mAh Flat Top 18650 Battery
The 3400 mAh 18650 batteries are suitable for multiple uses: flashlight and vape. You are given a 1-slot USB charger so that you can use your device for hours on end without worrying about running out of juice!
Just using this USB charger, you’ll be able to get those 16650 batteries back up at full strength after 4 hours of charging.
Keeppower 3500mAh Protection Circuit 18650 Battery
Keeppower’s 18650 battery is one of the highest capacity, best quality options available.
With a large size and long-lasting power, this Made-in-Japan product will suit your needs if you’re looking for lights with button tops!
26650 Battery Recommendations
Shockli 5500mAh 26650 Battery
Shockli 26650 is a great cell for all purposes. It has a capacity of 5500 mAh, giving plenty of life, even when your equipment is in a high-power setting.
Shockli is also a perfect cell for vape users with its 20A continuous current.
RENOOK: For those who seeking 26650 battery + new flashlight
The high-power 5000mAh battery supplied with this set will hold their charge for 4 to 8 hours without recharging. When in use, the flashlight will give you hours of good light.
By choosing the RENOOK, you will get a good quality water-resistant USB flashlight, a battery charger for multiple battery types, and a 26650 battery (5000mAh).
Do you need affordable batteries for shutter remotes, older film cameras, or compact flashlights?
