18650 batteries are used to power all sorts of different devices—everything from power tool batteries, laptop computers, portable flashlights, to portable jump starters. But the question is: How good are the batteries inside those devices?
We tested several brands that claim they can provide three times the capacity of some more expensive batteries. So let’s get the testing underway and see which brand is really the best.
Testing the Batteries
In the first test, we’ll find out if the affordable Chinese brands really do provide three to four times more capacity than the more expensive competition. We’ll also see how these batteries perform at colder temperatures and under a really high load. In the final showdown, we’ll see which battery can power up a fan the longest.
LG HE4
At $2.99, one of the least expensive batteries we’ll be testing is the LG HE4. It’s rated for 2500 milliamp-hours and 20 amps continuous. It can handle up to a 4000 milliamp charge rate. Made in Korea, the LG weighs 45.82 grams, and the second LG weighs slightly more at 45.95 grams.
We wanted to keep an eye on the temperature of the batteries during the charge and discharge cycle, so we used a thermometer with probes. None of the batteries overheated during the 1-amp charge and discharge cycle.
In the first test, all the batteries were charged at 1000 milliamps, and once fully charged, we measured the internal resistance and then measured the capacity during the discharge cycle.
The LG HE4 did much better with an internal resistance of 12.3 on both cells. During the discharge at 1000 milliamps, the LG HE4 performed better than its rating, delivering 2524 milliamp-hours, slightly exceeding its 2500 rating.
LG MJ1
At $3.25, the LG MJ1 is another affordable battery. It’s rated for 3500 milliamp-hours and 10 amps. The LG is made in Korea. The first battery weighs 46.8 grams, and the second battery also weighs 46.8 grams.
Samsung 25R
At a price of $3.42, the Samsung 25R is rated for 2500 milliamp-hours and 20 amps. It’s made in Korea or Malaysia. The first Samsung weighs 43.9 grams, and the second battery weighs 43.92 grams.
The LG MJ1 had an internal resistance of 27 and 27.3. The Samsung 25R did much better at 11.7 and 11.7. The 3500 milliamp-hour LG MJ1s produced 3404 and 3389 milliamp-hours, and the 2500 milliamp-hour Samsungs produced 2545 and 2528 milliamp-hours.
Samsung 30Q
At $4.34, the Samsung INR 30Q is rated for 3000 milliamp-hours and 15 amps. The Samsung is made in either Korea or Malaysia. The first battery weighs 45.77 grams, and the second battery weighs 45.84 grams.
The Samsung 30Q did much better with an internal resistance of 11.8 and 12.1. The 3000 milliamp-hour Samsung 30Q did much better, at 2985 and 3002 milliamp-hours, which is 99.8% of its rating.
Samsung 35E
At $4.89, the Samsung 35E is rated for 3500 milliamp-hours and 8 amps, made in Korea. The first battery is the heaviest yet, weighing 48.79 grams. The second battery weighs slightly more at 48.94 grams.
The Samsung 35E had an internal resistance of 18.7 and 19.1. The Samsung 35E, which is rated for 3500 milliamp-hours, produced 3276 and 3234 milliamp-hours.
Sony Murata VTC6
At $5.67, the Sony Murata VTC6 is rated for 3000 milliamp-hours and 15 amps. The Sony is made in Japan. The first battery weighs 46.65 grams, and the second battery weighs nearly the same at 46.67 grams.
The Sony Murata VTC6 did even better, with internal resistance of 11.9 and 11.6. The 3000 milliamp-hour Sony VTC6 produced 2969 and 2961 milliamp-hours.
Panasonic Sanyo
At $7.89, the Panasonic Sanyo is the most expensive battery that we’ll be testing. It’s rated for 3500 milliamp-hours and 10 amps, made in Japan. The first battery weighs 47.78 grams, and the second battery weighs nearly the same at 47.76 grams.
The Panasonic had an internal resistance of 22.2 and 21.5. The 3500 milliamp-hour Panasonic delivered 3450 and 3484 milliamp-hours.
Comparing the Batteries
Comparing 18650 batteries is a lot like comparing cars—some are designed for high efficiency, while others are designed for high performance and aren’t as efficient. However, just like some car brands offer better and more reliable cars, the same holds true for 18650 batteries.
When it comes to lithium batteries, the well-known brands tend to weigh more, indicating more battery material and potentially higher capacity.
Internal Resistance
When it comes to internal resistance, the lower this number, the better. A battery with low internal resistance can deliver current to meet sudden current pulses or high current demands more easily. As batteries wear out, their internal resistance increases.
The Sony VTC5A, Samsung 25R, Sony VTC6, Samsung 30Q, and LG HE4 did excellent at 12 milliohms of resistance or less.
Capacity Delivery
Beginning on the left side of the chart, the first seven brands did a terrific job while delivering at least 97% of their rated capacity. The Samsung 35E did a respectable job at 93% of its rating.
Cold Temperature Performance
Up next, we’re going to see how these 18650s perform when they’re very cold. The freezer is set at 6 degrees Fahrenheit or minus 14 degrees Celsius. The batteries were all placed in the freezer after they were fully charged for several hours before the test began.
Cold temperature had very little impact on the Korean-made Samsung 25R and the LG HE4. However, the Samsung 30Q, Sony Murata VTC6, Sony Murata VTC5A, Panasonic, LG MJ1, and Samsung 35E all achieved very close to or over 90% of their rated capacity, showing terrific cold temperature performance.
Cost Per Milliamp-Hour
When buying 18650 batteries, including the ability to meet high drain rate applications, cost per milliamp-hour is an important factor. The LG MJ1 produced 10.5 milliamp-hours per penny, which is actually pretty impressive. The LG HE4 did very well at 8.4, the Samsung 25R at 7.4, the Samsung 30Q at 6.9, and the Samsung 35E at 6.7.
It’s all about milliamp-hours per penny. The Korean-made LG and Samsung appear to be a much better value than the Japanese-made Sony Murata and Panasonic cells. While it appears that the Sony Murata VTC5A is about the same value, there’s obviously a lot more to consider—VTC5A offers a 35-amp drain capacity, the highest of all the cells tested.
High Load Performance
In the next test, we’ll use a tester to apply a load to the batteries, increasing the load in one-amp intervals up to but not exceeding the current rating for each battery.
The batteries all started out at 4.2 volts.
• With a 1-amp load applied, the first six brands were at 4.18 volts. The VTC5A and the Panasonic were at 4.1 volts.
• With a 2-amp load, most of the brands remained above 4 volts, but the Panasonic was at 3.95.
• At 3 amps, the first six brands, which were all rated for at least 15 amps, did terrific at 3.9 volts or higher. The LG MJ1 and the Panasonic, both rated for 10 amps, did well at 3.87 volts.
• At 4 amps, the first seven brands were at 3.87 volts or higher, while the LG MJ1 was at 3.8 volts.
• At 5 amps, the first eight brands continued to do very well with a voltage ranging from 3.62 to 3.87.
• At 6 amps, voltage was at 3.57 and above for the first eight brands.
• At 7 amps, the first eight brands delivered between 3.5 and 3.72 volts.
• At 8 amps, seven of the eight batteries were at 3.5 volts or more; the LG MJ1 was at 3.34.
• At 9 amps, seven of the eight batteries were at 3.42 volts or more, and the LG MJ1 was at 3.27.
• At 10 amps, only the batteries rated for 10 amps or more were tested. The 35-amp Sony Murata VTC5A really began to shine, managing the 10-amp load with 3.5 volts. The LG MJ1, which is rated for 10 amps, was at 3.19 volts.
Final Showdown
In the final showdown event, we’ll see which battery will power up a fan the longest. All the batteries were fully charged before the test.
• The Sony Murata VTC5A stopped at 214 minutes.
• The Samsung 25R gave up at 228 minutes.
• The LG HE4 stopped at 242 minutes.
• The Sony VTC6 was the next to stall at 262 minutes.
• The Samsung 30Q quit at 277 minutes.
• The Panasonic gave up at 293 minutes.
It’s down to the Samsung 35E and the very affordable LG MJ1.
• The Samsung stalled out at 304 minutes.
• The LG MJ1 did the best at 307 minutes.
The top three brands are rated for 3500 milliamp-hours, and the fourth and fifth place finishers are rated for 3000 milliamp-hours. The LG HE4, Samsung 25R, and Sony Murata VTC5A are rated for 2500 milliamp-hours.
Conclusion
When it comes to 18650 batteries, one thing is for sure—you don’t necessarily get what you pay for. In fact, you’re probably not getting very much at all for your money if you’re buying low-quality batteries.
Our advice is buyer beware and do some research. There are some very good batteries out there. Those that are made in Korea and Japan are very high-quality batteries, doing very well as far as meeting the manufacturer’s specifications, and they tend to hold up over time from our experience.
At Sunpower New Energy, we are proud to be a Chinese lithium battery brand committed to providing high-quality 18650 batteries that can compete with the well-known brands. Our batteries undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet industry standards and deliver reliable performance.
FAQs
Q1: How do Chinese 18650 batteries compare to brands like Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic?
A1: While some low-cost batteries may not perform as well as established brands, companies like Sunpower New Energy are dedicated to producing high-quality batteries that meet industry standards. Our batteries are designed to offer competitive performance and reliability comparable to brands like Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic.
Q2: What factors should I consider when purchasing 18650 batteries?
A2: When purchasing 18650 batteries, consider factors such as capacity (mAh), continuous discharge rating (amps), internal resistance, and manufacturer reputation. Ensure the battery meets the requirements of your device and choose reputable brands that provide reliable performance.
Q3: Are higher-priced batteries always better in terms of performance?
A3: Not necessarily. While price can be an indicator of quality, it’s important to look at the battery’s specifications and test results. Some affordable batteries may offer excellent performance, while some expensive batteries may not meet expectations. Always research and choose batteries based on verified performance data.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on testing results and is intended for educational purposes. Always follow safety guidelines when handling batteries.