14500 and AA batteries are recommended interchangeable in most cases but are these batteries the same? They are almost similar in size, but 14500 batteries come with the protected circuit, charging capacity, and voltage features variations.
because of the same size, some devices accept both batteries but to understand their differences read below 14500 and AA batteries detailed comparison.
14500 VS AA: Quick Comparison Chart
| Basis of comparison | 14500 | AA |
|---|---|---|
| Basics | Lithium-ion | Alkaline, Ni-MH |
| Size | 14mm wider, 50mm height | 13.5mm to 14.5mm |
| Discharge rate | 10 % per month | 20 % per month for Ni-MH, Alkaline 0.3% |
| Capacity | 600mAh to 1600mAh | 1700mAh to 2850mAh |
| Electric Description | 3.6V to 3.7V | 1.5V |
This Brief Discussion Can Clear Up Any Confusion About 14500 vs AA Batteries
Here is the detailed comparison of 14500 VS AA batteries based on different features:
Basics of 14500 VS AA
14500 batteries are based on lithium-ion chemistry. While discharging, lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode through an electrolyte. All of the 14500 batteries come with lithium-ion basics, but not all lithium-ion batteries are 14500 batteries.
In the past, AA batteries come with specific voltages, sizes, and chemistry, but now AA batteries differentiate based on their size. AA batteries are now based on lithium, nickel, and alkaline rechargeable.
Size
It is assumed that the size of 14500 and AA batteries are almost the same, but it is not. There is a minor difference in their size. 14500 batteries are 14mm wider and 50mm taller, while the AA batteries come between 13.5 to 14.5mm size ranges.
The difference is minor, so they easily fit at each other and could be used as alternatives in some electronic devices.
Discharge Rate and Capacity
The capacity, 14500 batteries, comes in the range of 600mAh to 1600mAh, while the AA batteries have a capacity range between 1700mAh to 2850mAh. The voltage capacity of both the batteries is the same, up to 1.5 volts.
There is a wider difference in discharge rate; 14500 batteries are Lithium-ion based that have a very low discharge rate. Its maximum discharge rate is up to 10 percent per month if you store it properly.
But the AA batteries come in different bases, so their discharge rate depends on their base. If the AA battery is NiMH and NiCD based, its discharge rate will be higher than 14500 batteries that are almost 20 percent per month. Nickel-based AA batteries have a very low discharge rate, up to 0.3 percent.
There is no memory when you have 14500 batteries; you can recharge it thousands of times. But AA batteries with Ni-MH have memories that lose their recharge capacity up to 500 to 800 times if not recharged or discharged correctly.
Electric Description
14500 batteries come with 3.6 to 3.7V cell voltage, so during discharge, it ranges from 4.2V to 2.5V but never should go below 3V to maintain the battery‘s good health.
While the AA batteries come with only 1.5V cell voltage that ranges between 1.5V to 0.9V during discharge, but it does not work below 1V.
Conclusion
14500 and AA batteries are sometimes interchangeable due to their size similarity. But there are differences in their features such as based, electric description, capacity, and discharge rate. 14500 batteries always come in Li-ion, but AA batteries have multiple base options.
