18650 button top batteries are famous for their stability and applicability in different gadgets. They are handy in flashlights, portable devices, or other customized electronics; their performance cannot be paralleled.
Here, you will learn why 18650 button-top batteries are special and which ones are worthy of buying.
Part 1. What is an 18650 button top battery?
An 18650 button-top battery design makes fitting into devices requiring a protruding contact point easier. The dimensions are generally 18mm in diameter and 65mm in length, where the “18650” name comes from.
Key Features:
- High Capacity: Usually ranging from 2000mAh to over 3500mAh.
- Rechargeable: Designed for multiple charging cycles.
- Long Shelf Life: Retains charge well when not in use.
- Safety Features: Often includes protection circuits to prevent overcharging.
- Compatibility: Fits in a wide range of devices due to its raised terminal.
Part 2. Top 10 18650 button top batteries
1. Ufine 7.4 V 4400mAh 18650 Battery Pack
Specifications:
- Capacity: 4400mAh
- Nominal Voltage: 7.4V
- Configuration: 2S2P
- Max Charge Current: 4400mA
- Operating Temp: -20°C to 60°C
Pros:
- High capacity ensures long-lasting performance
- Reliable protection against overcharges and short-circuits
- Supports a wide temperature range, perfect for varied environments
- Ideal for both personal and industrial applications
- Long cycle life enhances cost-effectiveness
Cons:
- Slightly heavier at 200g
- 100 cycles might limit longevity for heavy-duty applications
2. Samsung INR18650-30Q Battery
Specifications:
- Capacity: 3000mAh
- Nominal Voltage: 3.6V
- Max Discharge: 15A
- Rechargeable: Yes
- Dimensions: 18.42mm x 66.64mm
Pros:
- Strong 3000mAh capacity for long-lasting use
- 15A continuous discharge supports high-drain devices
- Reliable button-top design for flashlights and doorbells
- Rechargeable for eco-friendly use
- Global shipping available
Cons:
- Slightly longer than standard 18650 cells
- Not suited for e-cigarettes or vapes
3. LG MJ1 18650 Battery
Specifications:
- Capacity: 3500mAh
- Nominal Voltage: 3.64V
- Max Discharge Current: 5A
- Rechargeable: Yes (400+ cycles)
- Protection Circuit: Yes
Pros:
- High capacity ensures longer runtimes
- Built-in protection for safety in high-drain devices
- Ideal for flashlights and household electronics
- Rechargeable with a long shelf life
- The top design fits well on multiple devices
Cons:
- Max discharge limited to 5A
- It is slightly more expensive for high-capacity
4. Sony VTC6 Battery
Specifications:
- Capacity: 3000mAh
- Nominal Voltage: 3.6V
- Max Discharge Current: 15A
- Rechargeable: Yes
- Dimensions: 18.5mm x 67.1mm
Pros:
- High 15A discharge rating for demanding devices
- Excellent balance between capacity and power output
- Durable design for high-drain applications
- Ideal for power-hungry flashlights and battery packs
- Reliable button top ensures compatibility with various devices
Cons:
- Slightly longer than standard 18650 cells
- Unprotected, requiring careful handling
5. Panasonic NCR18650B Battery
Specifications:
- Capacity: 3350mAh
- Nominal Voltage: 3.6V
- Max Discharge Current: 5A (PCB limit)
- Protection Circuit: Yes, PCB
- Dimensions: 18.9mm x 69.41mm
Pros:
- High capacity, great for long runtimes
- Built-in protection circuit prevents overcharging and short-circuiting
- Reliable for power-hungry devices with moderate discharge needs
- Rechargeable with a long lifespan
- Ideal for flashlights, medical equipment, and other high-drain electronics
Cons:
- Slightly larger than standard 18650 cells
- Lower discharge current compared to high-drain models
6. Sanyo NCR18650GA Battery
Specifications:
- Capacity: 3500mAh
- Nominal Voltage: 3.6V
- Discharge End Voltage: 2.5V
- Max continuous discharge: 10A
- Dimensions: 66.5mm x 18.5mm
Pros:
- High capacity offers extended runtime
- Supports 10A continuous discharge, suitable for high-drain devices
- Rechargeable and long-lasting, ideal for power-demanding electronics
- The button top makes it compatible with many devices
- Compact and lightweight, enhancing portability
Cons:
- Slightly larger than standard 18650 cells
- Not as high-drain as other models
7. Efest IMR18650 Battery
Specifications:
- Capacity: 3500mAh
- Nominal Voltage: 3.7V
- Max continuous discharge: 20A
- Charging voltage: 4.2V
- Dimensions: 18.6mm (D) x 65.2mm (L)
Pros:
- Perfect for high-drain devices
- Large 3500mAh capacity for longer runtimes
- The button top ensures compatibility with various devices
- Rechargeable and durable with multiple cycles
Cons:
- It may not fit in devices requiring flat-top batteries
- Heavier than lower-capacity alternatives
8. Orbtronic 18650 Battery
Specifications:
- Capacity: 3400mAh
- Voltage: 3.7V
- Type: Li-Ion
- Dimensions: 18mm x 65mm
- Weight: 1.6 ounces
Pros:
- High capacity of 3400mAh for extended runtimes
- Protected circuit for enhanced safety against overcharge/discharge
- Button top design ensures compatibility with various devices
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Larger size might not fit all battery compartments
- Slightly higher price compared to unprotected cells
9. Basen 18650 Battery
Specifications:
- Capacity: 3100mAh
- Nominal Voltage: 3.7V
- Max continuous discharge: 40A
- Type: Li-Ion
- Dimensions: Standard 18650 size
Pros:
- The high discharge rate of 40A for demanding applications
- 3100mAh capacity provides substantial runtime
- The flat top design allows for versatile use in various devices
- Li-Ion chemistry ensures stable and reliable performance
Cons:
- Requires a compatible adapter for use with devices designed for flat-top batteries
- Higher discharge rates may reduce the overall battery lifespan
10. Epoch 18650 2600mAh 8A
Specifications:
- Capacity: 2600mAh
- Continuous Discharge Rating: 8A
- Nominal voltage: 3.7V
- Maximum voltage: 4.2V
- Dimensions: 18.35mm x 70.05mm
Pros:
- Protected with overcharge and over-discharge safety features
- Ideal for moderate-drain devices due to 8A discharge rate
- Rechargeable for repeated use
- Compatible with devices requiring button-top batteries
- Compact design with reliable Epoch build quality
Cons:
- Longer than standard 18650 batteries (70mm) may not fit all devices
- Lower capacity compared to higher-end models (2600mAh)
Part 3. How to choose the right 18650 button top battery?
Here are some tips on choosing the right 18650 button top battery:
- Capacity: You should always choose a battery according to the requirements for usage. On the other hand, the high-capacity battery has a long power backup, but charging or discharging is faster for energy-intensive products.
- Voltage consistency: Keep battery voltage constant while discharging throughout its discharge cycle.
- Brand reliability: You ideally should stick to well-seasoned companies such as Ufine, Panasonic, or Samsung.
- Protection circuit: Select batteries with added safety measures to avoid overheating, short-circuiting, and overcharging.
- Intended use: When choosing a battery to power a flashlight, look for the higher discharge rates.
Part 4. FAQs
-
What is the difference between flat top and button top 18650 batteries?
Flat-top batteries have a flat positive terminal. Button top batteries, with their raised terminal. -
Will a flat top 18650 battery work in a flashlight?
If the flashlight’s design accommodates flat-top batteries, they will work. -
What is the highest capacity of an 18650 flat-top battery?
The highest capacity typically is around 3600mAh. -
What battery can I use instead of an 18650 flat-top battery?
If your device allows it, consider using 21700 batteries. Another alternative is the 26650 for applications. -
What is better than an 18650 flat-top battery?
For those seeking more power, 21700 or 20700 cells offer higher capacities.
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