Lithium or Alkaline Batteries - Which Do I Need?

Essentially, lithium and alkaline batteries are made of different materials and are constructed differently. This affects their performance in various uses. Alkaline manganese dioxide batteries, commonly known as alkaline batteries, are good all-around batteries for everyday electronic devices and last longer than some other types. However, lithium iron disulfide batteries, or lithium batteries, have several distinct advantages over their alkaline counterparts:

• Lithium batteries are designed to last longer, making them a good choice for high-tech and smart devices, and those electronics for which changing the battery is inconvenient. 
  
• They can withstand extremely low temperatures so they can work without failing in a freezing climate. This makes them ideal for outdoor applications. 
  
• They’re lighter than alkaline batteries, so they offer an advantage when used with portable devices, especially cordless power tools. 

In short, we can use a lithium battery as a high-performing alternative to a standard alkaline battery in many cases. However, the benefits come at a cost: Lithium is a more expensive technology, which means a higher price point. These batteries can even outlast the normal lifespan of some inexpensive, noncritical devices, like toys, so the extra cost may not be justified in every case. Also, lithium batteries are restricted to carry-on travel items by some airlines.

Lithium-ion batteries (sometimes referred to as li-ion batteries) can be recharged and reused hundreds of times. Rechargeable batteries are convenient, they’re more cost-effective and they have a longer life than disposable batteries. They also help reduce waste which can have a great impact on the environment. Rechargeable batteries are more expensive than their counterparts, however, the savings over the life of the battery is far superior to single-use disposable batteries. Rechargeable batteries are good to use with high-use items, such as headsets, gaming remotes, etc.

Lithium batteries, on the other hand, are disposable and should never be recharged. Chemically speaking, standard lithium batteries contain pure metallic lithium, while lithium-ion batteries employ lithium compounds. When you’re in need of a long lasting battery, a lithium battery is a good choice.

When comparing alkaline batteries versus lithium batteries, one of the main questions asked is how long do lithium batteries last? While it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, lithium batteries tend to outlast alkaline batteries by up to 6 times longer. Some manufacturers’ lithium batteries can hold their power and last up to 20 years when properly stored. Consumers also want to know what lithium batteries are used for. Lithium and lithium-ion batteries have a wide range of uses, including cameras, cell phones, golf carts, tablets, pace makers, watches, mobility scooters and more.

When you want to know what battery is good for what usage, it’s good to know that batteries are used for a variety of items, with some batteries being better for certain uses than others. Lithium and lithium-ion batteries can withstand low- and high-temperature variances and work well outdoors, whereas alkaline batteries are best for electronics that require low or medium power. Common uses for common batteries include (but aren’t limited to): 

• AA batteries: flashlights, cordless phones, wall clocks, computer mouse, small kitchen appliances, gaming controller, etc.
• AAA batteries: small electronics like remote controls, digital cameras, calculators, small toys, small flashlights, thermometers, etc.
• C batteries: flashlights, portable radios, musical instruments, toys, etc.
• D batteries: large flashlights, audio equipment, some digital cameras, etc.
• 9V batteries: smoke detectors, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, LCD displays, some toys, portable speakers, etc.

Different devices have different power requirements, which is why we have different-sized batteries. Batteries used to be made to fit individual products, but it became costly and complicated to have to buy a new battery with every product. This problem led to the standardization of battery sizes. The battery industry named batteries using letters, resulting in sizes like AA, AAA and C, all the way to modern batteries like the 12-volt lithium battery. The most popular size used are AA batteries.

Check out our helpful chart which compares such things like battery sizes, key features, shelf life and more.

It’s easy to toss a battery in a drawer or leave it on a shelf, but proper battery care is important for making sure that your batteries last longer and stay safe. Batteries left unprotected risk coming into contact with metal or other batteries. This risks causing a short circuit, and battery short circuits create enough heat to start a fire, even small coin batteries. Some batteries, such as 9-volts, require particular caution, because their terminals are so close together. This is also true for coin batteries.

Most manufacturers recommend storing your batteries in a dry, room-temperature place. Avoid storing your batteries in areas that are too hot or too cold, like uninsulated sheds and garages.

Whether your battery is discharged or your rechargeable battery has worn out, disposing of them the right way is important. Short-circuiting is always a risk, but some batteries can pose an environmental risk.