18650 batteries are lithium-ion cells that can output between 2.5 and 4.2 V of power. And they measure 18mm in diameter and 65mm in length. The milliamp-hours capacity of a 18650 can vary depending on the brand and manufacturer. Still, they typically range between 1800 and 3500mAh. The latter is the most frequently used in vaping devices like box mods or mechanical mods.
James BickfordUpdated: March 6, 2023
Most popular
Pownergy 18650 Battery
10/10
3000mAh capacity
3.7V Voltage
30A Continuous Discharge
The Pownergy 18650 battery has an internal capacity of 3000mAh. And it has a continuous discharge rate of 30A, making it perfect for sing...
The Pownergy 18650 battery has an internal capacity of 3000mAh. And it has a continuous discharge rate of 30A, making it perfect for single or dual-cell high-wattage vaping devices. Besides, the cell has a maximum nominal voltage of 3.7V. So it can work with direct current devices that do not have variable voltage settings.
The Imren 30Q battery is a popular cell for its large 3000mAh capacity and accurate voltage output readings. The cell can accurately output up to 15A and has a maximum continuous discharge rate of 40A. As a result, users often install the cell into high-wattage devices that can output anywhere from 100 to 220W.
Reasons to Get This:
You are a habitual vaper and need high-drain batteries
You want a high-quality cell for your high-wattage devices
The MXJO 18650 battery is a flat-top cell with an internal 3000mAh capacity paired with a maximum discharge rate of 35A. The cell is wrapped and comes with an authenticator code so vapers can verify its authenticity. The MXJO also has a continuous discharge current of 20A, giving it at least 200 recharge cycles.
The Blackcell IMR18650 battery is a super high-capacity cell. Its features with 3100mAh rating and a maximum continuous discharge current of 40A. The cell comes in a pack of two, and both cells are wrapped and protected. The batteries have a nominal voltage of 3.7V. So they are suitable for high-drain devices like a box or mechanical mods.
The Sony VTC6 18650 is a well-known battery used in many different types of vapes for its long-lasting capacity. The VTC6 features a 3000mAh capacity that can last up to three hours on a single charge. The cell also has a nominal voltage of 3.6V and a continuous discharge rate of 15A, different from other batteries’ typical 30 or 40A currents. Also, the cell is wrapped and features specifications on the wrapping.
Reasons to Get This:
You want a backup cell for your high-wattage mods
You want a battery that is wrapped and protected
You want a battery that is good for mechanical mods
18650 batteries are different from most other types of batteries or vape batteries.
First, the 18650s are commonly used in other applications and products like power tools, laptops, and e-bikes. Second, they require much more care and knowledge to operate safely than most other types of batteries for vaping or otherwise.
This care and safety are necessary since an unwrapped battery, especially a 18650. It can become a danger to yourself and others if mishandled. It is also important to always buy high-quality batteries from trusted brands. It can be brands like Samsung, NiteCore, LG, or other big electronics makers.
Users often wrap or rewrap 18650 vape batteries for a variety of reasons. However, the wrapping can tear and expose the internal components of the cell, which are volatile if they come in contact with any other type of metal, from coins and keys to other batteries and vape accessories. Vapers often wrap the cells in new material to prevent thermal leaking and battery explosions.
How to Choose 18650 Vape Batteries
Choosing the right 18650 battery depends on the specific application and requirements. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a 18650 battery:
Capacity: refers to how much energy the battery can store and is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Higher capacity batteries generally provide longer run times between charges but may have a lower maximum discharge rate.
Max Continuous Discharge Rating (CDR): The battery’s maximum current can safely discharge continuously without causing damage or risking safety hazards. It’s important to choose a battery with a CDR that can handle the demands of your device, such as high-drain devices like vaping mods or flashlights.
Brand and Quality: Look for reputable brands with a history of producing high-quality, safe batteries. Low-quality batteries can be dangerous and may not provide the expected performance.
Voltage: Ensure the battery’s voltage matches your device’s voltage requirements. Most 18650 batteries are rated at 3.6-3.7 volts.
Size and Shape: 18650 batteries come in different sizes and shapes, so choosing one that fits your device and application is important.
Price: Consider your budget, but be wary of very low-priced batteries as they may be low quality or counterfeit.
Where to Buy a 18650 Battery?
You can buy a 18650 rechargeable battery from dozens of places, from online shops to IRL stores. A Samsung 18650 battery is a common power source for many portable and stationary electronics, so they are always available. In addition, you can try everything from hardware stores or major electronics retailers, even Wal-Mart, to find a wide variety of 18650 vape batteries and more.
Online retailers are also an excellent place to look. Giant e-commerce sites like Amazon and eBay also regularly sell 18650 lithium batteries. Still, every buyer should ensure they buy from a reputable retailer, no matter who it is. Off-brand batteries are dangerous and can seriously harm anyone who uses them, especially in vapes.
Rewrapped batteries are often mislabeled with the wrong voltage range or capacity. A vaper using this false battery could push it beyond its limits without knowing it, leading to disastrous consequences. You can double-check with the retailer to see if they have a good reputation and test your batteries before you use them to confirm they are authentic.
18650 vs. 21700 Battery
21700 batteries are new cells that are longer and contain more capacity and output range than the smaller 18650 lithium battery. Like the 18650, the 21700 also gets its name from its measurements – 21mm in diameter and 70mm in length. However, the extra size means the cell can outperform the shorter battery.
It can output more power and last longer with only a single cell, unlike the typical dual-18650 configuration. These features are fueling the popularity of the 21700. They are making waves in the vaping world and are also found in everything from e-bikes and scooters to EVs, laptops, and power tools.
FAQ
How to charge a 18650 battery?
You can recharge a 18650 battery using any compatible lithium-ion battery charger. There are several chargers with two or more battery slots, retractable contacts to fit all battery types, and safety features like overcharge protection.
How to charge a 18650 battery without a charger?
There are ways you can charge a 18650 rechargeable battery without a regular charger. Instead, you can use something like a standard phone charger by using a battery holder, a few wires, and an altimeter to measure the proper discharge and recharge rate.
How long does it take to charge a 18650 battery?
It takes a typical 18650 battery between three to four hours to fully charge.
What is a 18650 battery size?
The battery size of a 18650 is in its name. It measures 18mm in diameter and 65mm in length.
How to tell if a 18650 battery is protected?
You can tell if a 18650 battery is protected if you see a few of the following things:
A capped or button top
A circuit board on the bottom
An added metal plate on the bottom
Information about the battery’s chemical composition and capacity
What is a 18650 lithium battery?
A lithium 18650 battery is a rechargeable cell that can output anywhere from 3.7 to 4.2V.
What is the highest current 18650?
The highest current 18650 battery available in the market was the Sony VTC5A with a maximum continuous discharge current of 25 amps.
What is the best 18650 for Mech Mod?
Choosing a high-quality battery for mech mods with a high continuous discharge rating (CDR) is important to ensure safe and reliable performance. Look for batteries with a CDR of at least 20 amps, and consider purchasing from reputable brands that have a proven track record of producing reliable and safe batteries.
Conclusion
This review has intentionally included batteries from across the spectrum so every reader can find one that fits their needs– they have different prices and various capabilities. These are the best 18650 batteries on the market. By paying attention to the information given in this review, vapers will ensure they never buy a low-quality or underperforming battery. By purchasing one of the mentioned batteries, vapers know they will get the most out of the power supplier of their choice. They will also protect themselves from knock-off fake batteries that ruin their vapes and vaping experiences.
Published: August 25, 2017Updated: March 6, 2023
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James Bickford
My way of understanding the significance of vaping came not only through the disruption of smoking but its effects on society as a whole. Now I bring people to vaping and bring vaping to people. I love using new gear, writing in-depth reviews and generally nerding out about vaping to like-minded people.
27 comments on “Best 18650 Batteries for Vaping in 2023”
Dom Diablo Blanco
September 30, 2019 at 1:17 am
Umm, you got the numbering system a bit wrong. The first 2 digits are indeed the diameter in millimeters but the remaining 3 digits are NOT the length as you explained it. The length is the following 3 digits are length in tenths of a millimeter. Think about it… 650mm is friggin 25 inches!! In reality an 18650 is 18mm dia 65.0mm len.
Thanks for taking the time to present this info. Your descriptions of the terms helped and were logical and easy to understand. That said it is confusing to use your explanations, look at the battery specs and understand why several of the batterys with superior specs are listed low on the list. Any chance you could explain for us?
I’m new to vaping and thinking of buying a smok mag 225 watt kit. I have some Sony vtc6 flat top batteries and some Panasonic NCR18650B which is button top. I think they are both around 3000 to 3500 mah batteries. I didn’t want to have to buy more batteries if the ones I have will work. I want a battery that will last for a long time and to get the best vaping experience. If there is a better battery for vaping with this smok mag kit than the ones I have I don’t mind buying more because I use the ones I have in flashlights anyway. I just want to get the best vaping experience and would greatly appreciate any help that you could give me. Thanks in advance and this was a great post
Does anyone know where I can get the shorter lithium ion batteries for a smok, they are integral and need to be soldered in, 1 has failed. I will replace them both, thanks
Can the PRIV V8 use a 3.7 3300MAH 40A battery? I’m lost here as to why my wife’s machine isn’t working after I bought the new battery and new tank with it.
Great article and very easy to understand even to those of us who have no clue what all the “numbers” mean on a battery..
I do have one question… What are the trusted websites that sell these batteries at a reasonable price without having to worry about getting ripped off with a rewrap ?? Thank you for any help..
Great job explaining everything in detail. For non experienced users and those that didn’t have much knowledge before…. This I found to be very helpful. Great job.
This has been very interesting reading about people’s thoughts and knowledge on the good & bad of batteries but Anyone use Golisi batteries I’ve using 21700 for a little while now with no issues but I never see anybody mentioning Golisi
I actually just bought 2 2packs from Vape wild. They seem like a tough battery. They are NOT what I needed though. I needed 18650 not 21700. I paid $24.00 a pack for a total of 48.00 I just wish they were the correct size.
Dom Diablo Blanco
September 30, 2019 at 1:17 amUmm, you got the numbering system a bit wrong. The first 2 digits are indeed the diameter in millimeters but the remaining 3 digits are NOT the length as you explained it. The length is the following 3 digits are length in tenths of a millimeter. Think about it… 650mm is friggin 25 inches!! In reality an 18650 is 18mm dia 65.0mm len.
Matty C
April 26, 2019 at 11:14 amCan you use a 6800mah battery in a 230W mod box for vaping….????
Robert
March 14, 2019 at 6:50 amThanks for taking the time to present this info. Your descriptions of the terms helped and were logical and easy to understand. That said it is confusing to use your explanations, look at the battery specs and understand why several of the batterys with superior specs are listed low on the list. Any chance you could explain for us?
Paul
October 25, 2018 at 3:48 pmI’m new to vaping and thinking of buying a smok mag 225 watt kit. I have some Sony vtc6 flat top batteries and some Panasonic NCR18650B which is button top. I think they are both around 3000 to 3500 mah batteries. I didn’t want to have to buy more batteries if the ones I have will work. I want a battery that will last for a long time and to get the best vaping experience. If there is a better battery for vaping with this smok mag kit than the ones I have I don’t mind buying more because I use the ones I have in flashlights anyway. I just want to get the best vaping experience and would greatly appreciate any help that you could give me. Thanks in advance and this was a great post
Dave Auffret
October 23, 2018 at 5:37 amDoes anyone know where I can get the shorter lithium ion batteries for a smok, they are integral and need to be soldered in, 1 has failed. I will replace them both, thanks
B W
September 30, 2018 at 12:32 amThanks
Cam
September 27, 2018 at 12:11 pmCan the PRIV V8 use a 3.7 3300MAH 40A battery? I’m lost here as to why my wife’s machine isn’t working after I bought the new battery and new tank with it.
Kathy Doyle
August 31, 2018 at 5:35 amGreat article and very easy to understand even to those of us who have no clue what all the “numbers” mean on a battery..
I do have one question… What are the trusted websites that sell these batteries at a reasonable price without having to worry about getting ripped off with a rewrap ?? Thank you for any help..
Jojo
September 30, 2018 at 12:30 amAre you saying direct vapor sells fake batteries with no knowledge of them being fake or that direct vapor purposely sell them and rip people off?
Kenny
August 16, 2018 at 4:52 pmGreat job explaining everything in detail. For non experienced users and those that didn’t have much knowledge before…. This I found to be very helpful. Great job.
Bernard Bunkam
August 16, 2018 at 5:07 amMuch appreciated!
RichO
August 9, 2018 at 12:48 amGreat article! Thank you
Steve
June 9, 2018 at 2:10 pmThis has been very interesting reading about people’s thoughts and knowledge on the good & bad of batteries but Anyone use Golisi batteries I’ve using 21700 for a little while now with no issues but I never see anybody mentioning Golisi
Gareth Heathcote
September 5, 2018 at 8:11 amI got one with my geekvape aegis mod and it’s a great battery mate
Rafiullah khan
November 7, 2018 at 2:29 amDear sir,kindly, suggest me ,i want to purchase larg quantity for my electric car power box.which co.and vol,mah,,thanks
Steve
June 9, 2018 at 2:05 pmAnyone use Golisi batteries I’ve using 21700 for a little while now with no issues but I never see anybody mentioning Golisi
Gerald Erwin
September 27, 2018 at 11:30 amI actually just bought 2 2packs from Vape wild. They seem like a tough battery. They are NOT what I needed though. I needed 18650 not 21700. I paid $24.00 a pack for a total of 48.00 I just wish they were the correct size.
Justin
June 2, 2018 at 12:36 amThanks a lot for the info, well stated.
Gorky
May 21, 2018 at 9:49 pmThanks a lot, this article is very useful and good.
Great job.
Aaron
May 11, 2018 at 7:18 amAppreciate the time you took to write this out, thank you very much
Nath
May 3, 2018 at 1:08 pmGood info ! Made things easier
Poser Turbo
April 10, 2018 at 1:39 pmThank you for delivering the info in plain english and not getting to technical .. Simple and to the point good job!
Remy
April 1, 2018 at 3:55 amHow about who are using a different brand of battery in one mods…is there any effect to the mod such as the mod will explode or anything else
Walter
March 23, 2018 at 3:03 pmYes, very helpful and clear explained for a non professionals. I learnd a lot tahnk you
Veeda Dixon
March 14, 2018 at 6:34 pmVery useful information. The battery situation was driving me crazy and you eliminated all the guess work. Thanks
Deborah Zid
February 25, 2018 at 4:00 amGreat info, thanks!!
Shelley L Johnson
December 28, 2017 at 1:21 pmThanks, this article was very helpful and well written!! Gave me all the information I was looking for.