What Devices Use 18650 Batteries in 2025?

Mari Chen

Hello everyone, I am Mari Chen, a content creator who has been deeply involved in the lithium battery industry and the chief content officer of yungbang . Here, I will take you through the technical fog of lithium batteries - from material innovation in the laboratory to battery selection on the consumer side; from cutting-edge battery research and development to safety guidelines for daily use. I want to be the "most knowledgeable translator" between you and the world of lithium batteries.

Portable Power Devices

Portable power devices are a cornerstone of modern life. Many of these gadgets rely on the consistent energy provided by 18650 batteries. The 18650 format gives these devices a great mix of power, size, and cost-effectiveness.

Power Banks and Chargers

Many power banks use 18650 batteries to store and deliver energy. Manufacturers choose these specific batteries for their high capacity. This allows them to create compact yet powerful charging solutions for phones, tablets, and other electronics. The cells inside these power banks are designed for long runtimes.

Note: High-capacity 18650 batteries used in these devices typically offer:
A capacity between 3000mAh and 3500mAh.
A practical maximum capacity of 3600mAh as of 2025.

These numbers show why the 18650 remains a top choice for portable charging.

Laptop Battery Packs

While many modern laptops use flat lithium-polymer batteries, some models still contain packs of 18650 batteries. These cylindrical batteries offer excellent energy density. This means they can store more power for their weight compared to some other battery types. The 18650 batteries provide the long runtime needed for work and entertainment on the go.

Battery Type	Typical Energy Density
18650 Cell	220–260 Wh/kg
Li-Polymer Cell	150–200 Wh/kg

This higher density makes the 18650 a powerful option for laptop manufacturers.

Portable Fans

Portable fans are another common application for the 18650. These small devices need a reliable power source to keep you cool. The 18650 batteries offer several key advantages over other types of batteries.

Superior Capacity: A single 18650 has a much higher capacity (2000–3500 mAh) than AA batteries, leading to longer fan operation.
Stable Voltage: They provide a steady 3.7V, ensuring consistent fan speed.
Rechargeability: These batteries can be recharged hundreds of times, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice.

Electric Mobility with 18650 Batteries

Personal electric vehicles need a power source that balances energy, weight, and cost. The 18650 batteries provide an excellent solution for these devices. Manufacturers bundle many individual 18650 cells together to create large, powerful battery packs. This method allows them to build custom batteries for many types of light electric vehicles.

E-Bikes and the 18650 Lithium Battery

The 18650 lithium battery is a popular choice for e-bikes. These bikes need reliable, long-lasting power for different riding conditions. Manufacturers assemble the 18650 batteries into packs with specific voltages to match the bike’s motor. Common configurations for e-bikes include:

36V 8Ah packs for affordable, lower-power models.
48V 11.6Ah packs for higher capacity and longer rides.

These packs contain many small batteries working together to power the ride.

Electric Scooters and Skateboards

Electric scooters and skateboards also depend on 18650 batteries for their compact power. A scooter with a 10Ah battery pack can typically travel 15-18 miles on a single charge. Safety is very important for these personal electric vehicles. For this reason, the batteries include several key safety features.

Safety First! 🛡️ Modern 18650 battery packs include a Battery Management System (BMS). This system helps prevent common risks by providing overcharging protection and short-circuit protection.

Drones

Drones require lightweight batteries that deliver a lot of power quickly. The 18650 cell is a great fit due to its high energy density. While newer, larger cells like the 21700 are emerging, the 18650 remains a cost-effective and proven option. The cost difference between these batteries is often a key factor for manufacturers.

Battery System	Cost per kWh (approx.)
21700 Lithium Battery	$155/kWh
18650 Lithium Battery	$171/kWh

This table shows the 18650 is still a competitive choice for building powerful and affordable batteries.

Power Tools and High-Performance Lighting

High-demand devices need powerful and reliable batteries. Cordless power tools and high-performance lighting are two categories where 18650 batteries excel. These applications require a lot of energy, and the 18650 format delivers the necessary power and endurance.

Cordless Power Tool Batteries

Cordless power tools require high current to work correctly. A single power tool battery pack contains multiple 18650 batteries working together. These batteries must supply intense bursts of energy for tasks like drilling or sawing. Using the right batteries is essential for performance.

Power tools need high-discharge cells to provide rapid energy and prevent the motor from stalling.
A cell’s Continuous Discharge Rating (CDR) shows the safe current it can deliver.
Drills and grinders need batteries with a 20A to 30A CDR for peak power.
These powerful batteries ensure consistent torque and help the tool last longer.

High-Performance 18650 Flashlights

The 18650 is the gold standard for high-performance consumer flashlights. A single 18650 lithium battery can power a flashlight to produce incredible brightness. Many modern devices easily achieve over 1,000 lumens, with some models reaching 3,200 or even 4,000 lumens. The 18650 offers a great balance of size and power.

A high-capacity 18650 cell holds over four times the energy of a 3xAAA battery pack. This allows an 18650 flashlight to run much longer and shine brighter than one using disposable batteries.

The high energy density of these rechargeable batteries makes them ideal for a bright flashlight that needs to last a long time.

Tactical and Work Headlamps

Tactical and work headlamps also rely on 18650 batteries. These devices need to be dependable in various conditions. The 18650 provides long runtimes and performs well even in the cold. Professionals and outdoor enthusiasts choose headlamps with 18650 batteries for their superior endurance and consistent light output. The rechargeable nature of the batteries also makes them a cost-effective choice for frequent use.

Everyday Consumer Devices

The 18650 batteries power many everyday personal electronic devices. Their reliability and power make them a top choice for various consumer electronics. These portable batteries are found in items people use daily, from vaping devices to smart home gadgets.

Vaping Mods

The 18650 is the most common battery for an e-cigarette. Safety is extremely important for these devices. Users must choose batteries with the correct Continuous Discharge Rating (CDR). The CDR shows the maximum current a battery can safely provide. Using batteries with a low CDR in a high-power e-cigarette can be dangerous.

Safety Tip for Vapers ⚠️ A battery’s CDR is a key safety measure. A higher CDR often means lower capacity (mAh). You cannot have a battery with both the highest CDR and the highest capacity. Always match the 18650 batteries to your device’s needs.

15-20A CDR: Sony VTC6, Samsung 30Q, LG HG2
20-25A CDR: Sony VTC5A, Molicel P26A
30A+ CDR: Samsung 20S, LG HB6

Bluetooth Speakers

Many portable Bluetooth speakers use an 18650 lithium battery. These speakers need a power source that is both lightweight and long-lasting. A single 18650 or a small pack of them provides hours of music playback. The rechargeable nature of these batteries makes the speaker battery convenient and cost-effective for users. The 18650 format gives designers a good balance of size and power for their portable audio devices.

Smart Home Doorbells

Wireless smart home doorbells also use 18650 batteries for power. These devices need reliable, long-lasting batteries to operate correctly. The 18650 offers excellent capacity, reducing how often the batteries need recharging. Several major brands use the 18650 in their products.

Smart Home Brand	Uses 18650 Batteries?
Ring	Yes
Eufy	Yes
Arlo	Yes

These brands trust 18650 batteries to keep their smart doorbells running smoothly.

In 2025, 18650 batteries continue to power many devices across key categories. These include portable power, e-mobility, tools, and consumer gadgets. While newer formats are available, the 18650 offers an unmatched combination of reliability, power, and cost. This balance keeps the 18650 essential for many devices. The dependable 18650 batteries are a true workhorse in the world of rechargeable batteries. These batteries confirm their lasting importance.

FAQ

Are 18650 and AA batteries the same?

No, they are not the same. An 18650 battery is larger than an AA battery. It also provides a higher voltage, typically 3.7V compared to an AA’s 1.5V. People should never use them interchangeably, as this can damage a device.

Why do devices still use 18650 batteries in 2025?

Manufacturers continue to use 18650 batteries for several reasons. They offer a great balance of power, reliability, and cost. This proven technology remains a cost-effective choice for many applications, from power tools to e-bikes, ensuring dependable performance for consumers.

How long does a typical 18650 battery last?

The lifespan of an 18650 battery depends on its use. Most high-quality cells can handle 300 to 500 charge cycles before their capacity significantly drops. Proper care, like avoiding extreme temperatures, helps extend the battery’s life and maintain its performance over time.

Is it safe to use any 18650 battery in any device?

No, it is not safe. Devices require batteries with specific ratings.

Important! ⚠️ Always match the battery’s Continuous Discharge Rating (CDR) to the device’s power needs. Using the wrong battery, especially in high-drain devices like vapes or power tools, creates a significant safety risk.