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26650
26650 batteries are large rechargeable lithium-ion cells, 26mm across and 65mm long, used in high-drain IR illuminators, hunting lights and some night vision and thermal gear. Their size lets them hold more energy than an 18650, which means longer runtime on a cold night.
What we carry
- Vapcell K62 26650, 6200mAh. The higher capacity of the two, for the longest runtime between charges.
- Efest 26650, 3.7V, 4200mAh. A 3.7V cell with less capacity, for devices that don't need the larger rating.
Choosing the right cell
Only use a 26650 battery in a device built for one. It is not interchangeable with an 18650, 21700 or 26800, even when the chemistry is the same. Check your manual for the cell size, whether it needs a button top or flat top, and whether a protected cell fits.
Capacity, measured in mAh, sets how long the cell runs. More capacity is better for long sits, but your device's current draw matters too, so follow what the maker recommends.
Lithium cells lose capacity in the cold. Keep spares warm in an inside pocket and store them partly charged in a case. Batteries can't be returned once sold, so call if you're unsure. For smaller cells see 18650 batteries, and for storage see battery cases and protectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 26650 batteries better than 18650 batteries?
They hold more energy, because they are wider, but they aren't better in every device. A 26650 only fits gear designed for it, and it adds size and weight. If your light or optic takes a 26650, it will usually run longer per charge than a device built around an 18650.
What is the maximum capacity of a 26650 battery?
Quality 26650 cells generally run from about 4000 to a little over 6000mAh. The Vapcell K62 we carry is rated 6200mAh, near the top of what honest 26650s offer. Be wary of listings claiming 9000mAh or more; those numbers usually mean a mislabeled or low-grade cell.
Which 26650 battery is the best?
The right one is the cell your device's maker recommends, with the capacity you need. Between the two here, the Vapcell K62 gives more runtime at 6200mAh, and the Efest offers 4200mAh at 3.7V. Buy from a seller who carries genuine cells, since counterfeits are common in this size.
What is the difference between the 26800 and 26650 batteries?
Length. The numbers describe size: a 26650 is 26mm wide and 65mm long, while a 26800 is 26mm wide and 80mm long. The longer cell holds more energy but won't fit a tube made for 26650s. Always match the exact size your device lists.
Which battery is better for me, 21700, 18650, or 26650?
The one your device is built for. An 18650 (18 by 65mm) is the most common, a 21700 (21 by 70mm) carries more energy in a slightly bigger body, and a 26650 (26 by 65mm) is the widest of the three. Bigger cells run longer, but they need a device sized to hold them.
