18650 vs AAA
Battery Comparison

Feature 18650 AAA
Diameter 18mm 10.5mm
Length 65mm 44.5mm
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 800-1,200 mAh (alkaline); 600-1,000 mAh (NiMH)
Weight ~45-48g ~11-12g
Rechargeable Yes (hundreds of cycles) 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 Small remotes, thermometers, small toys, wireless mice
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 AAA devices without a voltage-converting adapter Not compatible with 18650 devices; different voltage and size