Cheap 18650 Batteries

A 18650 is a type of rechargeable battery based on the lithium-ion technology and their correct name is “18650” cell. The battery measures 18mmX65 and thus, its name corresponds to its size. The 18650 is also considered a new standard for replaceable and rechargeable batteries.

While they come with the standard performance of a classic lithium-ion battery, they have an output of 3.7 volts and their capacity is around 1800mAh-3500mAh. That’s why they are an ideal option for cameras, laptops and other electronic devices. Plus, they offer the best performance when compared with other types of rechargeable batteries available out there. The best part of these batteries is that they don’t get damaged when you charge them before it’s completely discharged like nickel-cadmium batteries are.

If you are planning to purchase cheap 18650 batteries, then you are in the right place. Here, you will get to know whether you should buy cheap batteries in order to save a few bucks or not. So, continue reading this post to learn more about cheap 18650 batteries.

Are Cheap 18650 Batteries Safe?

Well, you need to first understand that there are two types of 18650 batteries - protected and unprotected. Protected batteries come with an electric circuit and the circuit is integrated into the battery packaging that protects the battery from “over-charge”, “over-discharge” or heat.

Thus, 18650 protected battery is much safer than a 18650 unprotected battery as it is less probably to overheat or begin on fire. In terms of price, 18650 unprotected batteries are much cheaper as compared to 18650 protected batteries.

Well, let’s be frank that we are all seeking ways to save our a few bucks when it comes to purchasing batteries. Sometimes, we end up compromising the quality in an attempt to buy a cheap one. Low quality directly means that battery could cause damage to your device or you too.

At present, there are a lot of battery scammers in the market and they claim to offer desired qualities you are looking for in the battery at a cheap rate. But, these scammers are very good at convincing you to buy their cheap products. Thus, you need to be very careful when buying the 18650 batteries, especially online.

The Cheap 18650 battery And How to Avoid Buying Fakes

Now, wondering how to purchase cheap 18650 battery by avoiding fake one? Well, there is no doubt that it is quite a difficult task, but you just need to consider some factors in order to buy the right 18650 battery for your application.

The 18650 is not a standardized cell. Thus, they are all designed equally or with the same job in mind. One of the most important factors you need to consider when searching for 18650 batteries is the CDR (continuous discharge rating), i.e. amperage capacity. It is the rate at which current (measured in A (amps) can be drawn from the battery without overheating it. To find out which 18650 battery is appropriate for you, you will have to check the battery CDR with the power draw connected with your device. Keep in mind that if you end up choosing the wrong one, then cells will start to become hot and heat can damage your battery, and ultimately, minimizing its overall lifespan. Plus, overheating can make cells to leak, explore or damage the device.

Luckily, there is a direct relation between battery capacity and CDR i.e. the lower the battery CDR, the higher the battery capacity.

Just like any brand product, you need to beware of the fake products. It has become quite a common thing these days for a lot of vendors to purchase cheap batteries, rewrap them to display them as name brands and sell them as genuine items.

If you end up buying a battery for a high-powered device claiming it to have a safe CDR, then you could damage yourself or harm your device. The sad truth is that battery scammers are quite good at whatever they do. Plus, fake and genuine batteries are quite difficult to distinguish. From the wrapping to the name branding, to the listings - they seem to be the real deal.

But, there is one way that can tell you whether the battery is genuine or fake and it is by weight. Fake batteries generally weigh less.

Fortunately, most brands have a habit of mentioning their genuine batteries weight somewhere. Thus, you need to just cross-reference batteries you purchase online with the specification of the manufacturer. In order to check a specific cell, you can search the internet for cell name followed by word “datasheet”. It will then list the battery specifications such as weight, maximum CDR and capacity.

In short, we can say that genuine sellers will surely mention battery weight in their product datasheet or desiccation.

What Is The Average Price Of 18650 Batteries?

Interestingly, over 40% of batteries are based on lithium-ion technology all over the world. Plus, the 18650 battery type is one of most widely used and produced as it is found in various applications, which include robots, electric vehicles, laptops, power tools, solar grids, vaporizes and other various applications that are capable of storing electrical energy efficiently.

There is a lot of manufacturers available in the market for 18650 batteries and every manufacturer comes up with its own pricing system. However, the price of 18650 batteries starts from $4. Also, you may find some manufacturers selling 18650 batteries below $4. But, you should make sure that the battery is genuine one before you purchase it.

Well, the good news is that the cost to manufacture these batteries has dropped from $10 to $2 according to various studies.

There are different types of 18650 batteries and that’s why you have to ensure that what your specific device requires before buying the battery.  When you buy a battery that doesn’t come with the right voltage for your requirements, you can experience serious safety concerns. Plus, purchase only those batteries that are completely enclosed.