CR123A batteries are lithium batteries and have lightweight cells with large voltages. These batteries work well for a variety of applications that need high power. In this blog post, we’re going to help you find the best CR123A battery for your devices. Initially, CR123A batteries were designed for digital cameras. Today, people use them for LCDs, bright flashes, flashlights, security cameras, home automation, toys, smoke detectors, tactical equipment, and more.
In general, CR123A’s are 1.31 inches long, 0.55 inches in diameter, and 0.6 oz. in weight, which makes them smaller than AA batteries (1.94 inches in length, 0.57 inches in diameter, and 1.1 oz. in weight). CR123A batteries generate more voltage than AA batteries. Each cell produces a maximum voltage of 3 volts.
The power-to-size ratio makes CR123A batteries ideal for devices like LED flashlights. Compared to 2 AA batteries that generate 3 volts, 2 CR123A batteries in series can produce 6 volts. PTC protection circuits can protect these batteries from various issues. PTC disconnects the circuit between the terminals of the battery when there is high voltage or current.
CR123A batteries come in rechargeable and non-rechargeable versions. These replace common batteries, such as 5018LC, VL123A, L123A, K123LA, and BR2/3A. Some common brands of C123A batteries are Panasonic, Tenergy, Duracell, and Energizer. In today’s post, we will review the best CR123A battery products. Read on!
Best Rechargeable CR123A Battery
Enegitech CR123A Lithium Battery
Enegitech is a budget-friendly and long-lasting CR123A rechargeable battery. You can charge these batteries up to 500 times. PTC protection prevents it from over-charge, over-discharge, over-current, and short circuit by disconnecting the charger. It is an ideal battery for digital cameras, flashlights, LED flashlights, calculators, medical equipment, and more. They are eco-friendly and prevent non-rechargeable lithium batteries.
Pros
- Eco-Friendly
- Built-In Safety
- Long Battery Life
- 500 Cycles
Cons
- Not compatible with every charger
QUICKHELP CR123A Battery
QUICKHELP is a popular brand that manufactures high-quality CR123A batteries for Arlo security cameras. These are ideal for high-drain devices and provide long-lasting battery life. Because they are rechargeable, you can save a lot of money. You can replace the battery one time to get long-lasting power.
You can fully charge the battery within 90 minutes. The charger has an LED indicator light that shows the status of the charge. The manufacturer offers a year warranty and a one-month refund guarantee. The battery is ideal for digital cameras, toys, calculators, and flashlights.
Pros
- 1-year warranty
- High-drain device
- Fast charge and safe
- Rechargeable up to 650 times
Cons
- None
Tenergy 3.7V Rechargeable Battery
Tenergy 3.7V is a rechargeable battery designed for Arlo high definition (HD) security cameras. It works with different Arlo models, such as VMC3030, VMS3330, VMK3200, and others. You can recharge these batteries up to 500 times. It has built-in protection features that prevent the circuit from damages. Tenergy 3.7V batteries have a low self-discharge rate. The manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Smart circuitry protection
- High energy capacity
- 10-year shelf life
Cons
- None
Best Non-rechargeable CR123A battery
AHJ CR123A Lithium Batteries
AHJ CR123A battery has a 1600mAH capacity that produces a steady voltage curve. The battery has a longer shelf life and performs 3-5 times better than alkaline counterparts. The product is certified by ROHS, CE, and UL and comes with multiple protection features, including anti-leakage, anti-explosion, and anti-corrosion.
It has thick steel construction and shell design, which make it ideal for long-term use. The cell has a longer shelf life (up to 10 years) due to low self-discharge rates, which is less than 1%. It can withstand extreme temperature and humidity. The manufacturer claims that these work best for flashlights, motion sensors, microphones, toys, medical equipment, and smoke detectors.
Pros
- Ultra-safe
- 10 years shelf life
- Affordable
Cons
- Not suitable for Arlo
Energizer CR123A Lithium Photo Batteries
Pros
- Leak-resistant
- Lithium composition
- Variety of applications
Cons
- Medium discharge rate
Interstate CR123A Lithium Batteries
Pros
- Perfect for security devices
- Replaces many batteries
- 1,550mAH capacity
Cons
- None
AmazonBasics Lithium CR123A Batteries
AmazonBasics are ideal for long-term power. You can use these batteries for household devices and workplace devices. The manufacturer claims that these are also ideal for traveling because they keep your device ready while on the go.
AmazonBasics batteries replace 123, 123A, and CR123 battery models. If you have high-drain devices, then choose AmazonBasics 3v batteries. Although we don’t recommend them for Arlo security cameras, you can use them for LED flashlights, digital cameras, and medical equipment.
Moreover, they have a lithium composition and perform for a long time than alkaline batteries. These batteries work well in extreme temperatures, which range between -40 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- Leak-free shelf life
- High-performance single-use batteries
- Competitive price
Cons
- Not for Arlo cameras
Best CR123A Battery for Arlo Camera
NYI CR123A 3V Lithium Battery
NYI CR123A batteries have a 1650mAh capacity and come with an innovative lock core mechanism. Although they are designed specifically for Arlo security cameras, you can use them for smoke detectors, microphones, flashlights, and Polaroid cameras.
The battery has less than a 1% discharge rate, which increases its lifespan. NYI CR123A batteries are lightweight, compact, and durable cells that are resistant to high humidity and temperature. The built-in PTC protection prevents the battery from overheating.
Pros
- Designed for Arlo Camera
- High Performance
- 1650mAh High Capacity
- Resist extreme weather
- 10 Years of Shelf Life
Cons
- Can’t be used for Arlo Go and Arlo Pro Cameras
Taken CR123A 3.7V 750mA Li-ion Batteries
Taken CR123A batteries are designed for Arlo security cameras. These are rechargeable and eco-friendly batteries, which means you can charge them for up to 600 times. Not only can you use them for Arlo, but they are also ideal for camcorders, calculators, toys, alarm systems, and flashlights. It generates 3.7V power and has a high capacity of 750mAh.
The lithium composition of the cell makes it a perfect power source for high drain devices. Additionally, it has no memory effect and comes with an RCR123A charger, which can charge 8 batteries simultaneously. Taken CR123A batteries are UL certified for protection against short circuits, over-charging, and over-heating. The batteries will ensure your Arlo Camera functions appropriately.
Pros
- High capacity
- Long-time use
- UL certification
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Rapthor 3.7V CR123A Lithium Batteries
Rapthor is one of the most popular brands that manufacture high-quality lithium batteries. The product “Rapthor 3.7v CR123A battery” works best for Arlo security cameras. It has a 10V/1A charge input that facilitates effective, powerful, and fast charging. The battery uses 125% energy to keep your device up and running. Rapthor 3.7v batteries work for different Arlo camera models, such as VMK3200, VMC3030, and VMS3330, 3230, 3430, and 3530.
The product has a built-in protection mechanism that prevents over-charge, short-circuit, over-voltage, over-current, etc. Like other batteries in this review, Rapthor CR123A battery also has a low self-discharge rate, which increases the shelf life of the cell. You can recharge the cells up to 550 times. This makes the battery an environmental-friendly product.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Durable
- 125% peak performance
Cons
- None
Best CR123A Battery – Buying Guide
Initially designed for digital cameras, people are now using CR123A batteries to operate different devices, such as Arlo security cameras, flashlights, tactical equipment, toys, and electronics.
There are many brands and products available on the market. However, choosing the right one is not always easy. That’s why we have created these buying criteria to help you purchase the best CR123A battery.
Rechargeable VS Non-Rechargeable
CR123A battery has a cylindrical structure that features 1.31 inches height and 0.55 inches diameter. Commonly known as “CR123A battery,” it is also labeled as K123A, CR17345, RCR16340, DL123A, VL123A, SF123A, 5018LC, EL123AP, and others. But, in general, all these batteries are categorized under the CR123A battery. There are two main types of CR123A batteries: rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries.
Rechargeable: Typically, it is labeled as an RCR123A battery, which has a higher voltage ranging from 3.5 volts to 3.7 volts. Rechargeable CR123A has a higher capacity that ranges from 500mAh to 800mAh. Some brands like RAVPower that manufactures CR123A batteries have capacity up to 1500mAh.
Non-rechargeable: IT has 3v nominal voltage and 1500mAH capacity. On average, the shelf life of the most popular non-rechargeable products is 7 to 10 years. If you want batteries for your standby devices, such as security devices and EDC flashlights, choose the non-rechargeable batteries. These batteries can optimally tolerate high drain currents.
The obvious primary difference between them is that you can use a rechargeable battery once it has been discharged, while you can’t use a non-rechargeable battery after it has been fully discharged.
Rechargeable batteries are usually more expensive than non-rechargeable batteries. A non-rechargeable battery can last longer than a rechargeable battery, but you can use it until it discharges.
Non-rechargeable batteries are an ideal choice for low-drain devices that use low power for their function. Rechargeable batteries, in contrast, are an excellent choice for high-drain electronics and gadgets.
Application
Alkaline batteries can undergo steep voltage drops, which don’t make them an ideal choice for security applications. On the other hand, CR123As maintain a steady voltage curve, which generates higher power for battery life.
Dropping voltage can lead to erratic performance that can damage your smart security system. So, if you are using a WiFi security system, make sure you choose a battery with a capacity ranging from 600mAh to 900mAh.
Home automation: Although you can wire your home automation devices like speakers and lighting into your property and power them from the electrical network, small sensors, including motion detectors and doorbells require you to power them via batteries. Remember, CR123A batteries will sit idle until stimuli activate the sensor. That’s why to choose a CR123A battery that has a longer shelf life.
Smoke Detectors: Your home security system has an essential component known as a “smoke detector,” which requires continuous power to perform optimally. When it comes to choosing the best CR123A battery for such a device, choose a battery that has lithium manganese dioxide composition. For instance, the interstate CR123A battery is best for your smoke alarms.
LED Lights: Some people choose AA batteries for their illumination equipment, such as LED lights. However, we don’t recommend them. CR123A battery works much better for LED lights than AA batteries. For instance, a battery with 17mm diameter and 34.5mm length is an optimal choice for LED lights.
Scopes & Laser Rangefinders: If you are looking to buy the best CR123A battery for your tactical equipment, such as ballistic computers, scopes, and laser rangefinders, make sure you choose a product that can withstand extreme temperatures. For example, any CR123A battery that can work in -20 degrees and 40 degrees Celsius will get the job done.
Performance
You want a CR123A battery for the high performance of your device. Some factors that determine the optimal performance of the best CR123A battery are resistance to low and high temperatures, long battery age, and low self-discharge rate. All products mentioned in our review can withstand extreme temperatures between -40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lightweight & Compact
Make sure you choose a lightweight and compact CR123A battery for your device. The standard size is about 34 mm in length and 16.5 mm in diameter. Compared to AA batteries that are less compact and have weight, CR123A batteries reviewed in this post are lightweight and durable. Also, look for the battery’s milliamp power and capacity of energy.
Safety
If you are buying CR123A batteries for electronic devices and applications like children’s toys and music players, it is important to look for safety features. For example, you can choose a battery that has internal PTC protection because it is safe for usage, even for kids.