18650 vs AA
Battery Comparison
Home > Battery Comparisons > 18650 vs AA
| Feature | 18650 | AA |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 18mm | 14.5mm |
| Length | 65mm | 50.5mm |
| Nominal voltage | 3.6-3.7V (Li-ion) | 1.5V (alkaline, single usage) or 1.2V (NiMH, rechargeable) |
| Typical capacity | 2,000-3,500 mAh | 1,700-2,500 mAh (alkaline); 2,000-2,500 mAh (NiMH) |
| Weight | ~45-48g | ~23g (alkaline); ~26g (NiMH) |
| Rechargeable | Yes (hundreds of cycles), rechargeable | Only NiMH/NiZn variants; standard alkaline is single-use |
| Common chemistries | Li-ion (NMC, NCA), LiFePO4 | Alkaline, NiMH, NiZn, lithium primary |
| Device compatibility | Flashlights, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, vapes | Remotes, toys, clocks, cameras, household electronics |
| Cost per cell | Higher | Lower (especially alkaline) |
| Cost per mAh | Often lower over time (reusable) | Higher long-term if using disposables |
| Availability | Common in electronics/hobbyist stores | Extremely widespread, sold everywhere |
| Interchangeability | Not compatible with AA devices without a voltage-converting adapter | Not compatible with 18650 devices; different voltage and size |
↑