Lithium vs Alkaline Batteries: A Complete Guide to show you the difference
We may be clear about the difference between lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries, but when we talk about lithium batteries and alkaline batteries, the boundaries seem not so obvious because they are both everywhere in our daily lives, including children’s Toy cars, remote control airplanes, TV remote control panels. They are all very ordinary cylindrical batteries. Some people may think their performance should be similar since they look similar, right? This is not the case.
Let’s dive in and figure out the differences between these two batteries.
First, their most essential difference is the difference in cathode materials. The cathode material of alkaline batteries is an electrochemical battery whose main component is a concentrated solution of amino acid salts, while the cathode material of lithium batteries uses lithium alloys and compounds. You may be confused after hearing this, but don’t worry. I have made a table here to help you sort out the concepts related to lithium batteries and alkaline batteries:
| Battery Type | Electrode Materials | Voltage (Per Cell) | Energy Density (Wh/kg) | Charge/Discharge Efficiency | Cycle Life | Main Applications |
| Lithium-ion Battery | Lithium compounds (Cathode) | 3.6V | 150-200 | High | 300-500 | Portable electronics, Electric vehicles, Energy storage systems |
| Alkaline Battery | Zinc (Cathode) | 1.5V | 90-120 | Medium | 80-200 | Clocks, Remote controls, Portable devices |
| Nickel-Cadmium | Nickel (Cathode) | 1.2V | 45-80 | Medium | 200-500 | Portable tools, Toys, Emergency lighting |
| Nickel-Metal Hydride | Nickel hydride (Cathode) | 1.2V | 60-120 | Medium | 300-1000 | Cordless phones, Digital cameras, Portable electronics |
| Lead-Acid Battery | Lead (Cathode) | 2.0V | 30-40 | Medium | 200-400 | Automotive batteries, UPS, Solar power systems |
| Lithium Polymer(LiPo) Battery |
Lithium compounds (Cathode/Anode) | 3.7V | 130-200 | High | 300-500 | Portable electronics, Remote-controlled models, Some drones |
| Sodium-Sulfur | Sodium (Cathode) | 2.1V | 100-150 | High | Depends on design | Energy storage systems, Electric vehicles |
| Fuel Cell | Hydrogen (Cathode) | 0.7-1.2V | High | High | Depends on design | Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, Stationary power applications |
| Aluminum-Air Battery | Aluminum (Cathode) | 1.2V | High | High | Depends on design | Portable power sources, Emergency backup power |
As shown in the table above, the common types of batteries available in the market include lithium-ion batteries, alkaline batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lead-acid batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, sodium-sulfur batteries, fuel cells, aluminum-air batteries, and more. The two most commonly encountered battery types are lithium and lead-acid batteries. It’s worth noting that lithium batteries are produced using lithium-ion cells.
When it comes to lithium batteries:
- Exterior Distinction:
- Based on physical appearance, lithium-ion cells can be categorized into Prismatic and Cylindrical cells.
- Material Distinction:
- Lithium-ion cells can be divided into Ternary and Lithium cells based on their internal materials.
- Capacity Division:
- Size Differentiation:
- Prismatic cell sizes can vary among different brands, lacking standardized dimensions.
- Cylindrical cell sizes include 14500, 16650, 18650, 21700, 26650, and 32650.
When discussing alkaline batteries, common types include:
- AA (LR6): These are commonly used in remote controls, flashlights, and toys.
- AAA (LR03): Typically found in remote controls and small electronic devices.
- C (LR14): Used in devices like massagers and portable speakers.
- D (LR20): Found in larger devices like flashlights and portable radios.
- 9V (6LR61): Used in smoke detectors and audio equipment.
Alkaline batteries are popular due to their availability, affordability, and ease of use, making them suitable for a wide range of low-power devices.
| Alkaline Battery Type | Typical Capacity Range | Main Application |
| AA（LR6) | 1000~3,000mAh | Remote controls, Alarm clocks, Toys |
| AAA(LR03) | 500~1,200mAh | Remote controls, Small electronic devices |
| C(LR14) | 5000~8,000mAh | Massager, Portable speaker |
| D(LR20) | 10000~15,000mAh | Large flashlight, Portable radio |
| 9V(6LR61) | 400~600mAh | Smoke detectors, Audio equipment |
Currently, lithium-ion batteries continue to dominate the market. While sodium-ion batteries have seen rapid development in recent years, the technology is still in its infancy globally. Chinese company CATL has announced the development of sodium-ion batteries, but their production is not yet at a large scale, and the products are still in the experimental and improvement phase. In the coming decades, the demand for lithium-ion batteries will remain strong, much like lead-acid batteries have remained relevant over the years due to their simplicity and low cost. To learn more about lithium-ion battery products, please visit our Justlithium product listing.
Cost Comparision
Generally, alkaline batteries tend to be cheaper than lithium-ion batteries, especially considering that some are non-rechargeable. This price difference primarily arises from variations in the raw materials used.
Alkaline batteries use materials like manganese dioxide, which are relatively inexpensive. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries rely on lithium, and their cost is influenced by the global price of lithium minerals. As a result, lithium-ion batteries are inevitably more expensive. As a rule of thumb, the cost of lithium-ion batteries is typically 3 to 6 times higher than that of alkaline batteries.
This cost difference plays a significant role in choosing these battery types for various applications, with alkaline batteries being favored for their affordability and ease of use, while lithium-ion batteries are chosen when higher performance and rechargeability are needed.
ROI comparison
Under equivalent conditions, purely looking at the data, the lifespan of a lithium-ion battery is typically 6-9 times longer than that of an alkaline battery. Additionally, the practical usage cycle tends to be even longer.
Let me illustrate this with an example: Suppose you buy a lithium-ion battery for $10 that serves you well for a decade. Now, consider if you bought an alkaline battery for $2, which only lasts for a year. Over the next 9 years, you might need to buy a new alkaline battery each year. Despite the initial cost advantage of alkaline batteries, over 10 years, you could spend $20. In contrast, with the lithium-ion battery, you would have saved yourself $10 in the long run.
So, regarding value and longevity, opting for a lithium-ion battery often makes more economic sense.
Comparison of user experience
In the case of alkaline batteries, their voltage gradually decreases as they are used, eventually dropping to a point where they can no longer function effectively until you recharge or replace them. This means that the power supply efficiency of alkaline batteries decreases with use until they can no longer operate correctly.
On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries can maintain a consistent voltage output at their rated voltage for most of their discharge cycle. They can provide nearly constant power output until they are depleted. While the voltage may decrease slightly during use, it remains relatively stable throughout most of the discharge cycle.
This characteristic of lithium-ion batteries makes them suitable for applications that require a consistent and stable power supply, such as in many portable electronic devices and electric vehicles.
Voltage comparison
Alkaline batteries typically operate at around 1.5 volts, while lithium-ion batteries usually run at 3.2 or 3.6 volts, depending on the specific type. This means lithium-ion batteries are more efficient than alkaline batteries regarding the exact power output requirements. With the same conditions in play, higher voltage translates to lower current, reducing heat generated within the system. As a result, this decrease in heat significantly lowers energy losses, making lithium-ion batteries the more efficient choice.
Lifespan
As we mentioned earlier regarding return on investment, lithium-ion batteries typically outperform alkaline batteries by a factor of 6 to 9. Alkaline batteries generally offer around 200 to 290 charge cycles, whereas lithium-ion batteries can achieve a much more impressive range of 2000 to 4500 charge cycles.
Safety performance
Compared to alkaline batteries, lithium-ion batteries have certain risks like thermal runaway, chemical leaks, and precise charge management. However, these risks have been significantly mitigated with the continuous improvement of innovative Battery Management System (BMS) technology and ongoing advancements in product design and manufacturing processes. As a result, lithium-ion batteries are now considered very safe and are used in applications that require high energy density and lightweight properties, such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles.
On the other hand, alkaline batteries are more suitable for low-power devices commonly found in everyday life, such as remote controls, alarm clocks, and toys. They can be safely disposed of and recycled at designated locations once depleted.
In summary, as consumers, how should we choose batteries?
After gaining an understanding of the concepts discussed earlier, I believe you now have some knowledge about lithium-ion batteries and alkaline batteries. So, do you know which one to choose when you’re planning to purchase batteries soon?
As I mentioned earlier, if you need batteries for everyday items like toys, remote controls, or household devices such as alarm clocks and Bluetooth lights with low power consumption, then alkaline batteries are generally a good choice. You might wonder, didn’t I just say that lithium-ion batteries offer a higher return on investment? Why recommend alkaline batteries? It might take longer to recoup your investment (ROI) in the long run due to their lower power consumption. Most people prefer something they can see and a more budget-friendly option, at least for now.
However, if you’re planning to invest in energy storage systems for your boat, home, or factory, or if you want an off-grid solar power system to supply electricity during the day and store excess energy for nighttime use or even sell it back when you have a surplus, then you should consider longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries. Don’t forget to factor in the ROI and overall user experience we discussed earlier.
As for where to find the best lithium-ion battery manufacturers?
Justlithium is a lithium-ion battery manufacturer based in China, offering various lithium-ion battery products to customers worldwide. The core team comprises over ten former engineers from BYD, and they have access to a robust supply chain network, including top-tier cell brands like CATL, BYD, EVE, Gotion, Ganfeng, and others. If you have the time, why not visit the product center to see if they have the battery you need? Alternatively, you can contact Justlithium’s sales engineers for online consultations.
We may be clear about the difference between lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries, but when we talk about lithium batteries and alkaline batteries, the boundaries seem not so obvious because they are both everywhere in our daily lives, including children’s Toy cars, remote control airplanes, TV remote control panels. They are all very ordinary cylindrical batteries. Some people may think their performance should be similar since they look similar, right? This is not the case.
Let’s dive in and figure out the differences between these two batteries.
First, their most essential difference is the difference in cathode materials. The cathode material of alkaline batteries is an electrochemical battery whose main component is a concentrated solution of amino acid salts, while the cathode material of lithium batteries uses lithium alloys and compounds. You may be confused after hearing this, but don’t worry. I have made a table here to help you sort out the concepts related to lithium batteries and alkaline batteries:
| Battery Type | Electrode Materials | Voltage (Per Cell) | Energy Density (Wh/kg) | Charge/Discharge Efficiency | Cycle Life | Main Applications |
| Lithium-ion Battery | Lithium compounds (Cathode) | 3.6V | 150-200 | High | 300-500 | Portable electronics, Electric vehicles, Energy storage systems |
| Alkaline Battery | Zinc (Cathode) | 1.5V | 90-120 | Medium | 80-200 | Clocks, Remote controls, Portable devices |
| Nickel-Cadmium | Nickel (Cathode) | 1.2V | 45-80 | Medium | 200-500 | Portable tools, Toys, Emergency lighting |
| Nickel-Metal Hydride | Nickel hydride (Cathode) | 1.2V | 60-120 | Medium | 300-1000 | Cordless phones, Digital cameras, Portable electronics |
| Lead-Acid Battery | Lead (Cathode) | 2.0V | 30-40 | Medium | 200-400 | Automotive batteries, UPS, Solar power systems |
| Lithium Polymer(LiPo) Battery |
Lithium compounds (Cathode/Anode) | 3.7V | 130-200 | High | 300-500 | Portable electronics, Remote-controlled models, Some drones |
| Sodium-Sulfur | Sodium (Cathode) | 2.1V | 100-150 | High | Depends on design | Energy storage systems, Electric vehicles |
| Fuel Cell | Hydrogen (Cathode) | 0.7-1.2V | High | High | Depends on design | Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, Stationary power applications |
| Aluminum-Air Battery | Aluminum (Cathode) | 1.2V | High | High | Depends on design | Portable power sources, Emergency backup power |
As shown in the table above, the common types of batteries available in the market include lithium-ion batteries, alkaline batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lead-acid batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, sodium-sulfur batteries, fuel cells, aluminum-air batteries, and more. The two most commonly encountered battery types are lithium and lead-acid batteries. It’s worth noting that lithium batteries are produced using lithium-ion cells.
When it comes to lithium batteries:
- Exterior Distinction:
- Based on physical appearance, lithium-ion cells can be categorized into Prismatic and Cylindrical cells.
- Material Distinction:
- Lithium-ion cells can be divided into Ternary and Lithium cells based on their internal materials.
- Capacity Division:
- Size Differentiation:
- Prismatic cell sizes can vary among different brands, lacking standardized dimensions.
- Cylindrical cell sizes include 14500, 16650, 18650, 21700, 26650, and 32650.
When discussing alkaline batteries, common types include:
- AA (LR6): These are commonly used in remote controls, flashlights, and toys.
- AAA (LR03): Typically found in remote controls and small electronic devices.
- C (LR14): Used in devices like massagers and portable speakers.
- D (LR20): Found in larger devices like flashlights and portable radios.
- 9V (6LR61): Used in smoke detectors and audio equipment.
Alkaline batteries are popular due to their availability, affordability, and ease of use, making them suitable for a wide range of low-power devices.
| Alkaline Battery Type | Typical Capacity Range | Main Application |
| AA（LR6) | 1000~3,000mAh | Remote controls, Alarm clocks, Toys |
| AAA(LR03) | 500~1,200mAh | Remote controls, Small electronic devices |
| C(LR14) | 5000~8,000mAh | Massager, Portable speaker |
| D(LR20) | 10000~15,000mAh | Large flashlight, Portable radio |
| 9V(6LR61) | 400~600mAh | Smoke detectors, Audio equipment |
Currently, lithium-ion batteries continue to dominate the market. While sodium-ion batteries have seen rapid development in recent years, the technology is still in its infancy globally. Chinese company CATL has announced the development of sodium-ion batteries, but their production is not yet at a large scale, and the products are still in the experimental and improvement phase. In the coming decades, the demand for lithium-ion batteries will remain strong, much like lead-acid batteries have remained relevant over the years due to their simplicity and low cost. To learn more about lithium-ion battery products, please visit our Justlithium product listing.
Cost Comparision
Generally, alkaline batteries tend to be cheaper than lithium-ion batteries, especially considering that some are non-rechargeable. This price difference primarily arises from variations in the raw materials used.
Alkaline batteries use materials like manganese dioxide, which are relatively inexpensive. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries rely on lithium, and their cost is influenced by the global price of lithium minerals. As a result, lithium-ion batteries are inevitably more expensive. As a rule of thumb, the cost of lithium-ion batteries is typically 3 to 6 times higher than that of alkaline batteries.
This cost difference plays a significant role in choosing these battery types for various applications, with alkaline batteries being favored for their affordability and ease of use, while lithium-ion batteries are chosen when higher performance and rechargeability are needed.
ROI comparison
Under equivalent conditions, purely looking at the data, the lifespan of a lithium-ion battery is typically 6-9 times longer than that of an alkaline battery. Additionally, the practical usage cycle tends to be even longer.
Let me illustrate this with an example: Suppose you buy a lithium-ion battery for $10 that serves you well for a decade. Now, consider if you bought an alkaline battery for $2, which only lasts for a year. Over the next 9 years, you might need to buy a new alkaline battery each year. Despite the initial cost advantage of alkaline batteries, over 10 years, you could spend $20. In contrast, with the lithium-ion battery, you would have saved yourself $10 in the long run.
So, regarding value and longevity, opting for a lithium-ion battery often makes more economic sense.
Comparison of user experience
In the case of alkaline batteries, their voltage gradually decreases as they are used, eventually dropping to a point where they can no longer function effectively until you recharge or replace them. This means that the power supply efficiency of alkaline batteries decreases with use until they can no longer operate correctly.
On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries can maintain a consistent voltage output at their rated voltage for most of their discharge cycle. They can provide nearly constant power output until they are depleted. While the voltage may decrease slightly during use, it remains relatively stable throughout most of the discharge cycle.
This characteristic of lithium-ion batteries makes them suitable for applications that require a consistent and stable power supply, such as in many portable electronic devices and electric vehicles.
Voltage comparison
Alkaline batteries typically operate at around 1.5 volts, while lithium-ion batteries usually run at 3.2 or 3.6 volts, depending on the specific type. This means lithium-ion batteries are more efficient than alkaline batteries regarding the exact power output requirements. With the same conditions in play, higher voltage translates to lower current, reducing heat generated within the system. As a result, this decrease in heat significantly lowers energy losses, making lithium-ion batteries the more efficient choice.
Lifespan
As we mentioned earlier regarding return on investment, lithium-ion batteries typically outperform alkaline batteries by a factor of 6 to 9. Alkaline batteries generally offer around 200 to 290 charge cycles, whereas lithium-ion batteries can achieve a much more impressive range of 2000 to 4500 charge cycles.
Safety performance
Compared to alkaline batteries, lithium-ion batteries have certain risks like thermal runaway, chemical leaks, and precise charge management. However, these risks have been significantly mitigated with the continuous improvement of innovative Battery Management System (BMS) technology and ongoing advancements in product design and manufacturing processes. As a result, lithium-ion batteries are now considered very safe and are used in applications that require high energy density and lightweight properties, such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles.
On the other hand, alkaline batteries are more suitable for low-power devices commonly found in everyday life, such as remote controls, alarm clocks, and toys. They can be safely disposed of and recycled at designated locations once depleted.
In summary, as consumers, how should we choose batteries?
After gaining an understanding of the concepts discussed earlier, I believe you now have some knowledge about lithium-ion batteries and alkaline batteries. So, do you know which one to choose when you’re planning to purchase batteries soon?
As I mentioned earlier, if you need batteries for everyday items like toys, remote controls, or household devices such as alarm clocks and Bluetooth lights with low power consumption, then alkaline batteries are generally a good choice. You might wonder, didn’t I just say that lithium-ion batteries offer a higher return on investment? Why recommend alkaline batteries? It might take longer to recoup your investment (ROI) in the long run due to their lower power consumption. Most people prefer something they can see and a more budget-friendly option, at least for now.
However, if you’re planning to invest in energy storage systems for your boat, home, or factory, or if you want an off-grid solar power system to supply electricity during the day and store excess energy for nighttime use or even sell it back when you have a surplus, then you should consider longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries. Don’t forget to factor in the ROI and overall user experience we discussed earlier.
As for where to find the best lithium-ion battery manufacturers?
Justlithium is a lithium-ion battery manufacturer based in China, offering various lithium-ion battery products to customers worldwide. The core team comprises over ten former engineers from BYD, and they have access to a robust supply chain network, including top-tier cell brands like CATL, BYD, EVE, Gotion, Ganfeng, and others. If you have the time, why not visit the product center to see if they have the battery you need? Alternatively, you can contact Justlithium’s sales engineers for online consultations.
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