How to choose the correct size, voltage, chemistry and protection for your device
Quick answer: Match the exact battery format, chemistry, voltage, terminal style and protection requirements specified by your device manufacturer. These batteries may look similar, but they are not automatically interchangeable.
Why Choose Strike Batteries?
Strike offers rechargeable lithium-ion versions of 18650, 14500, CR2 and CR123A batteries with built-in USB-C charging, so no separate charging box is needed. Every battery also includes a Battery Management System designed to protect against overcharge, over-discharge and short circuits.
- Built-in USB-C port: charge with a compatible USB-C cable, phone charger, laptop or power bank.
- Smart charge indicator: red indicates charging and green indicates a full charge.
- Convenient charging: approximately 1–4 hours depending on battery size.
- Designed for repeat use: recharge up to 1,200 times under appropriate use conditions.
- Less disposable waste: reduce repeated purchases of single-use batteries when your device supports the Strike model.
Always compare the individual Strike product specifications with the device manual. Built-in protection and USB-C charging do not override device compatibility requirements or safe handling practices.
Which Battery Do You Need?
Battery names describe distinct formats with different dimensions, voltages and chemistries. Choosing by appearance alone can damage a device or create a safety hazard.
| Battery | Type | Nominal voltage | Approximate size | Common uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18650 | Rechargeable lithium-ion | 3.7 V nominal; 2.8–4.2 V operating range | 18 × 65 mm before protection circuitry | Flashlights, headlamps, regulated vapes, radios and communication devices |
| 14500 | Rechargeable lithium-ion with USB-C charging | 3.7 V nominal; 2.8–4.2 V operating range | 14 × 50 mm before protection circuitry | Compact lights, radios, receivers and compatible instruments |
| CR2 | Rechargeable lithium-ion with USB-C charging | 3.7 V nominal; 2.8–4.2 V operating range | Check full Strike product dimensions | Cameras, rangefinders, sensors, locks and compatible instruments |
| CR123A | Rechargeable lithium-ion with USB-C charging | 3.7 V nominal; 2.8–4.2 V operating range | Check full Strike product dimensions | Flashlights, cameras, alarms, optics and compatible security equipment |
Strike Batteries are rechargeable, USB-C chargeable and button top across these four formats. Always confirm voltage, chemistry, terminal style and maximum dimensions in the device manual.
18650 Batteries: Rechargeable Power for Demanding Devices
An 18650 is a cylindrical rechargeable lithium-ion format with a 3.7 V nominal voltage and a 2.8–4.2 V operating range. The name refers approximately to an 18 mm diameter and 65 mm length, although a protection board and button-top terminal can add length.
Devices that may use 18650 batteries
- High-output LED flashlights and tactical torches
- Headlamps, lanterns and bicycle lights
- Inspection lights, work lights and search lights
- Portable fans and selected handheld electronics
- Surveying, testing and measurement instruments
- Doorbells, security devices and outdoor electronics
- Specialist photography, diving and field equipment
- Compatible regulated vaping devices
- Two-way radios, handheld transceivers and compatible communication equipment
Strike fit reminder: Strike 18650 batteries are button top. Confirm the device accepts button-top cells and check compartment length, voltage, discharge capability and protection requirements before purchase.
14500 Batteries: AA-Sized, but Not an AA Substitute
A 14500 is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a 3.7 V nominal voltage and a 2.8–4.2 V operating range. It is close in size to an AA battery, but its voltage is much higher than a typical AA. Use it only when the device specifically supports a rechargeable 14500 lithium-ion battery.
Devices that may use 14500 batteries
- Compact LED flashlights and everyday-carry torches
- Small headlamps and inspection lights
- Selected bicycle lights and outdoor accessories
- Compact instruments, sensors and data-collection devices
- Electronic locks and specialist handheld equipment
- Selected compact radios, handheld receivers and communication devices
Strike fit reminder: Strike 14500 batteries are button top. Similar dimensions do not mean AA compatibility.
CR2 Batteries: Rechargeable Compact Power
CR2 commonly refers to a compact disposable lithium format. The Strike CR2 2 Pack is a rechargeable lithium-ion, USB-C chargeable, button-top battery with a 3.7 V nominal voltage and a 2.8–4.2 V operating range. Confirm that your device supports this rechargeable voltage range, chemistry and full dimensions before use.
Devices that may use CR2-format batteries
- Compact film and digital cameras
- Laser and golf rangefinders
- Light meters and photographic accessories
- Security sensors and motion detectors
- Electronic locks and access-control devices
- Compact flashlights and specialist instruments
Strike fit reminder: Strike CR2 batteries are rechargeable lithium-ion button-top batteries with a 2.8–4.2 V operating range, not standard disposable 3 V CR2 cells.
CR123A Batteries: Rechargeable Power for Compact Equipment
CR123 and CR123A commonly describe a compact disposable lithium format. The Strike CR123A 2 Pack is a rechargeable lithium-ion, USB-C chargeable, button-top battery with a 3.7 V nominal voltage and a 2.8–4.2 V operating range and is not an automatic replacement for a disposable 3 V CR123A cell.
Devices that may use CR123A-format batteries
- Tactical, duty and high-output flashlights
- Security cameras, alarm sensors and motion detectors
- Cameras, flashes and photographic accessories
- Night-vision, thermal-imaging and optical equipment
- Smart-home sensors, electronic locks and access controls
- Emergency lights, field instruments and selected medical equipment
Strike fit reminder: Confirm that the device supports the 2.8–4.2 V rechargeable operating range, its chemistry, button-top terminal and full dimensions.
Why Amazon and eBay Restrict Stand-Alone 18650 Batteries
Major marketplaces have imposed outright restrictions on separately sold 18650 cells. eBay states that 18650 batteries must be pre-installed in a product and cannot be sold separately. Amazon applies strict lithium-battery restrictions and compliance requirements that can prohibit or remove stand-alone cylindrical-cell listings. These measures reflect genuine safety concerns: some online sellers have offered counterfeit, rewrapped, damaged, poorly protected or falsely specified cells that can overheat, short-circuit or enter thermal runaway.
Strike Batteries provides a safety-focused protected alternative with button-top construction and a clearly distinguishable raised positive terminal, an integrated Battery Management System designed to protect against overcharge, over-discharge and short circuits, built-in USB-C charging and clear compatibility guidance. Easier terminal identification can help reduce installation mistakes, but terminal shape alone does not make a lithium-ion battery universally safe. Always confirm polarity, voltage, dimensions, terminal type and device approval.
Battery Safety: What Every Buyer Should Know
- Use only the battery type, chemistry, voltage and configuration approved for your device.
- Do not use a cell with damaged wrapping, insulation, dents, corrosion, leakage, swelling or unusual heat.
- Never carry an unpackaged battery with keys, coins or other conductive objects.
- Keep spare cells in individual protective cases.
- Never mix old and new batteries or different brands, capacities or chemistries.
- Charge through the built-in USB-C port as instructed by Strike.
- Do not charge unattended or near combustible materials.
- Keep batteries away from children and pets.
- Recycle batteries through an approved collection service.
Buying Batteries in the US, UK, Europe and Australia
Strike Batteries makes ordering specialist rechargeable batteries straightforward across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Australia. Strike always dispatches these products through a carrier approved to transport them. Enter your delivery address at checkout to see the postage options currently available for your destination.
United States
US customers can order directly from Strike Batteries. Add the required button-top battery to your cart and enter your delivery address at checkout to view available postage options.
United Kingdom
UK customers can buy Strike’s button-top rechargeable batteries directly and check available postage options before payment.
Europe
Customers throughout Europe can enter their country and delivery address at checkout to see available postage services.
Australia
Australian customers can order directly, including customers outside major cities. Enter your delivery address or postcode at checkout to see available postage options.
How to Choose the Right Battery in Five Steps
- Read the device label and manual. Record the exact battery designation, chemistry and voltage.
- Check physical fit. Compare diameter, length and button-top terminal requirements.
- Verify electrical requirements. Confirm nominal voltage and required discharge capability.
- Confirm construction. Strike batteries are protected button-top models.
- Buy from a transparent specialist. Look for clear specifications, safety information, protective packaging and customer support.
Ready to choose? Shop Strike’s button-top 18650 and 14500 batteries, the Strike CR2 2 Pack, and the Strike CR123A 2 Pack. Compare the product specifications with your device requirements before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Strike Batteries offer returns?
Yes. Strike offers a 30-day returns policy in the United States, United Kingdom, throughout Europe and Australia. If you are unhappy with the products, return them within 30 days of purchase for a refund.
Are all Strike 18650, 14500, CR2 and CR123A batteries button top?
Yes. Confirm that your device accepts button-top batteries and has enough compartment length.
Do Strike Batteries need a separate charger?
No separate charging box is required. These Strike models have a built-in USB-C charging port and an indicator that shows red while charging and green when full.
Why can button-top batteries be easier to install safely?
The raised positive terminal makes the positive and negative ends easier to distinguish, helping reduce polarity confusion during installation. Terminal shape alone does not make a battery universally safe, so always confirm polarity, voltage, chemistry, fit and device compatibility.
What protection is built into Strike Batteries?
Every battery includes a Battery Management System designed to protect against overcharge, over-discharge and short circuits.
Can a 14500 battery replace an AA battery?
Only if the device manufacturer explicitly supports a 14500 lithium-ion battery. Similar dimensions do not mean compatible voltage.
Can I recharge CR2 or CR123A batteries?
Standard disposable CR2 and CR123A batteries are not rechargeable. Strike’s CR2 and CR123A models are rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with a 2.8–4.2 V operating range that charge through their built-in USB-C ports. Use them only in devices that explicitly support this rechargeable voltage range.
Where can I buy 18650 batteries when marketplaces restrict them?
Shop directly at StrikeBatteries.com for protected, button-top batteries with clear specifications and compatibility guidance. Strike dispatches orders through carriers approved to transport the products purchased; enter your delivery address at checkout to see available postage options. This provides a straightforward route to efficient, safety-conscious delivery when major marketplaces restrict stand-alone 18650 listings.
The Bottom Line
The best battery is the correctly specified battery from a transparent source, used in an approved device and handled with care. Confirm button-top compatibility, then choose the correct Strike Battery for your application.
