Introduction
We get a lot of questions from customers about the differences between lithium button cells and alkaline button cells. This is a great question, because there are several things to consider when choosing between these two types of batteries. If you want to know more about the differences between them, keep reading!
One of the most common questions we get from our customers is: What’s the difference between a lithium button cell and an alkaline button cell? Here’s everything you need to know to answer this question.
Lithium batteries are more expensive than alkaline batteries, but they’re also more powerful, durable and environmentally friendly. Let’s take a look at how each type works and why you might want to use them in your product.
The first thing to know is that both are disposable batteries, which means they can be used once and then must be replaced. Neither type of battery is rechargeable.
Because of this limitation, it’s generally recommended that you buy your batteries in bulk to keep your costs down.
For example, if you need a lot of AA batteries for a project or event, buying them individually at the store would cost much more than buying them in bulk online.
Lithium button cell batteries are a bit more expensive than alkaline ones but have several advantages: longer shelf life (about five years), higher voltage (1.5 V vs 1 V), lower self-discharge rate (10% per year vs 20% per year), lighter weight per unit capacity (20 g/Ah vs 30 g/Ah). Lithium cells also have lower internal resistance which allows them to deliver greater current in low temperatures compared with alkaline types
The second thing to know is that they have different chemical compositions and are used in different types of devices. Lithium button cells are made using lithium metal or lithium compounds and alkaline button cells are made using manganese dioxide and zinc.
Lithium batteries provide the highest energy density of all battery chemistries, which means it can store more energy per unit volume than other types of batteries. This makes them ideal for devices where size is a determining factor such as watches, cameras and calculators. Lithium batteries tend to last longer than other types of rechargeable batteries like NiMH or NiCd because they don’t degrade as quickly under high-drain conditions like when being used in a camera flash unit which requires frequent recharging cycles
Thirdly, each type of battery has benefits and drawbacks. Lithium button cells can last for many years, but cost much more than alkaline batteries. Alkaline batteries are less expensive, but won’t last as long as lithium batteries.
Next, let’s look at the three main differences between lithium button cells and alkaline batteries. Firstly, there are physical differences between the two types of battery. Lithium button cells are much smaller than alkaline batteries, allowing them to be used in compact electronic devices such as watches and calculators. Alkaline batteries can’t be as small because they contain a different material inside that makes them larger than lithium batteries.
Secondly, each type of battery has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to usage time: lithium lasts longer than alkaline does but costs more; on the other hand, alkaline lasts for less time but is significantly cheaper. Finally – and perhaps most importantly – both types of battery differ greatly in their environmental impact: while lithium produces no harmful emissions during use or disposal (unlike many other common types), many believe that using alkaline batteries puts undue strain not only on the environment but also on our wallets because they can last up to ten years before needing replacement!
Fourth, each type of battery is designed for different purposes. Lithium batteries work well in cameras, calculators and watches, while alkaline batteries work better in remotes, musical instruments, toys and flashlights.
Alkaline batteries are more affordable than lithium batteries. They also last longer, but not as long as lithium batteries do. Lithium button cells have their upsides: they’re less likely to leak or swell and have a lower chance of exploding than alkaline batteries do. This makes them ideal for use in cameras, calculators and watches (especially those with delicate electronics).
But alkaline button cells can be used in remotes that require frequent use; musical instruments such as keyboards and guitars; toys like cars or robots; flashlights; LED lights; laser pointers; smoke detectors and security alarms.
To summarize all this information, here’s a quick breakdown for you:
So, what does all this mean for you? As a general rule of thumb, if you’re looking for a battery to power something that uses little energy, like a remote control or clock, then an alkaline button cell will suit your needs. If, on the other hand, you need something that can keep up with heavy use—such as when it comes to powering an LED flashlight or any other device that requires more frequent recharging—then lithium batteries are probably the better option.
In short: lithium batteries last longer than alkaline batteries but cost more and don’t work in every product. Alkaline batteries are good for low-drain devices and aren’t as expensive as lithiums but can’t be used in high-drain products like lights and toys without permanently damaging them over time because of their lower voltage output compared to lithiums’ higher output levels (3 volts vs 1.5 volts).
Conclusion
To summarize all this information, here’s a quick breakdown for you: Lithium batteries are more expensive than alkaline batteries but last longer and perform better in devices that require higher voltages. Alkaline batteries are less expensive but don’t last as long as lithium ones when used in high-drain devices like cameras or flashlights
