| 18650 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Cell | Approximately 18 mm diameter × 65 mm length | 3.6–3.7 V | 4.2 V | 2,000–3,500 mAh | Approximately 10–30 A, depending on the cell design and manufacturer rating | Single-cell box mods, regulated devices, and multi-cell removable-battery devices | Compact size, broad availability, established supply chain, and a wide selection of capacity and discharge specifications | Confirm the manufacturer’s continuous-discharge rating, cycle-life data, insulation condition, and compliance documentation. Do not rely only on pulse-current claims. |
| 21700 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Cell | Approximately 21 mm diameter × 70 mm length | 3.6–3.7 V | 4.2 V | 3,000–5,000 mAh | Approximately 15–45 A, depending on capacity, chemistry, and construction | High-power regulated devices and larger removable-battery mods designed for 21700 cells | Higher energy storage than many 18650 cells, good runtime potential, and strong suitability for modern high-power devices | Verify device compatibility because 21700 cells are physically larger than 18650 cells. Check the exact rated current at the intended temperature and operating conditions. |
| 20700 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Cell | Approximately 20 mm diameter × 70 mm length | 3.6–3.7 V | 4.2 V | 2,800–4,000 mAh | Approximately 15–40 A, depending on the cell specification | Selected high-power devices and products with a dedicated 20700 battery compartment | Balances greater capacity than many 18650 cells with a format that can support high-current applications | Do not substitute a 21700 or 18650 cell unless the device manufacturer specifically allows it. Confirm the battery compartment dimensions and electrical limits. |
| 26650 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Cell | Approximately 26 mm diameter × 65 mm length | 3.6–3.7 V | 4.2 V | 3,000–5,500 mAh | Approximately 10–30 A, depending on the cell model | Large-format regulated mods and specialty high-capacity devices | Large physical size can provide high capacity and robust energy storage for compatible products | The larger diameter limits device compatibility. Review cell weight, internal resistance, temperature performance, and transport requirements before ordering. |
| Protected Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Battery | Commonly based on 18650 or another cylindrical format; protection circuit may increase length and diameter | 3.6–3.7 V | 4.2 V | Usually lower than the equivalent unprotected cell because of the protection circuit and added construction | Often lower than an equivalent high-drain unprotected cell; use the protection circuit’s verified rating | Devices specifically designed for protected cells and selected low-to-moderate power applications | Provides overcharge, over-discharge, and short-circuit protection when correctly designed and tested | Protection circuits are not a substitute for a suitable device design. Confirm the protected dimensions, cutoff settings, current limit, and independent safety testing. |
| Lithium-Polymer Pouch Battery | Custom thickness, width, and length; dimensions are specified by the device design | 3.7 V nominal for a single cell | 4.2 V per cell | Approximately 300–2,000+ mAh in compact vape products | Varies widely; commonly specified by a C-rating and a maximum continuous current | Integrated pod systems, compact rechargeable devices, and products requiring a thin or custom-shaped battery | Flexible form factor, efficient use of internal space, and suitability for sealed or integrated-device designs | Require pouch swelling controls, puncture protection, reliable separators, battery-management protection, and validated charging parameters. Never compress, bend, or use a damaged pouch cell. |
| Single-Cell Integrated Lithium-Ion Pack | Custom dimensions based on the device enclosure | 3.6–3.7 V nominal | 4.2 V | Commonly 400–2,000 mAh for compact rechargeable devices | Defined by the complete battery pack, wiring, protection circuit, and connector | USB-rechargeable pod systems, closed-format devices, and compact disposable-style rechargeable products | Enables a compact product layout and simplifies the end-user experience by integrating the battery-management system | Check connector polarity, wire gauge, protection thresholds, thermal behavior, charge-current limits, and replacement-service requirements. |
| Two-Cell Series Lithium-Ion Pack | Custom pack dimensions; commonly assembled from two matched cylindrical or pouch cells | 7.2–7.4 V nominal | 8.4 V for a two-cell series pack | Pack capacity equals the capacity of one cell when cells are connected in series | Limited by the lowest-performing cell and the pack-management system | High-power regulated devices requiring higher input voltage | Can support higher device power while reducing input current for a given output power | Cells must be closely matched in type, capacity, age, and state of charge. Use a suitable battery-management or balancing system and an approved charger. |
| Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Cell | Available in several cylindrical and pouch formats | 3.2–3.3 V | Approximately 3.65 V | Format-dependent; commonly lower energy density than standard lithium-ion cells | Often supports high current and strong thermal stability, subject to the specific cell datasheet | Specialized devices designed specifically for LiFePO4 voltage characteristics | Good cycle-life potential and favorable thermal stability compared with many conventional lithium-ion chemistries | Not a drop-in replacement for a 3.6–3.7 V lithium-ion cell. The charger, cutoff voltage, and device electronics must be designed for LiFePO4. |
| Rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride Cell | Common cylindrical formats include approximately 14 mm diameter × 50 mm length for AA-size cells | 1.2 V nominal | Charging is chemistry- and charger-specific; it is not charged to 4.2 V | Approximately 600–2,500 mAh depending on size | Depends on the cell design and discharge conditions | Legacy or specially engineered products; generally unsuitable for modern lithium-ion vape devices | Lower fire-risk characteristics in some applications and established rechargeable-cell technology | Do not use in a vape device designed for lithium-ion cells. Voltage, charging method, energy density, and protection requirements are different. |