Between Li-ion and LiPo, 14 of the 16 characteristics in the full table below differ; 2 are the same.
3.6 V · 221–260 Wh/kg · 400 cycles
The most energy per kilogram among rechargeables, in standard 18650 and 21700 cells with high-capacity and high-current versions.
Watch out: No charging below 0 °C, and a damaged or shorted cell can catch fire: use protected cells or a BMS.
3.7 V · 173–185 Wh/kg · 500 cycles
Light, flat cells in almost any shape, with the highest discharge rates for drones and RC models.
Watch out: The soft pouch has no case: retire swollen packs, never puncture them, and charge on a fire-safe surface.
| Feature | Li-ion (NMC/NCA) | LiPo (pouch) |
|---|---|---|
| Differences (14) | ||
| Basics | ||
| Nominal voltage | 3.6 V | 3.7 V |
| Voltage range | 2.5 V (empty) to 4.2 V (full) | 2.75 V (empty) to 4.2 V (full) |
| Formats | 18650 and 21700 cylindrical cells, alone or in packs | Flat pouch cells; RC and drone packs from 1S to 6S with balance leads |
| Example (source of the figures) | LG MJ1, Molicel P42A | EEMB LP503759, Grepow 25C |
| Energy | ||
| Energy per kilogram | 221–260 Wh/kg | 173–185 Wh/kg |
| Energy per litre | 597–727 Wh/L | 361–388 Wh/L |
| Life and storage | ||
| Cycle life | 400 to 80 % (LG MJ1); not stated for the Molicel P42A | 500 at 0.5C (EEMB LP503759); not stated for the Grepow cell |
| Self-discharge and storage | At most 10 % in 30 days at 25 °C (LG MJ1 test) | No yearly figure: EEMB asks to store at 40–60 % and recharge every 3 months |
| Current | ||
| Maximum continuous discharge | From 10 A (2.9C, LG MJ1) to 45 A (10.7C, Molicel P42A) | From 2C (EEMB LP503759) to 25C (Grepow GRP5934096: 45 A) |
| Temperature | ||
| Charging temperature | 0–45 °C | 0–45 °C · EEMB LP503759; not stated for the Grepow cell |
| Discharge temperature | from −40 to 60 °C · LG MJ1 from −20 °C | from −20 to 60 °C · EEMB LP503759; not stated for the Grepow cell |
| Safety, charging and shipping | ||
| Fire risk | Higher: NCA cells went into thermal runaway at 207 °C and peaked at 579 °C in 18650 abuse tests; a short or an overcharge can start a fire | Higher: the Li-ion chemistry in a soft pouch with no metal case; a swollen, punctured or crashed pack can catch fire |
| Charging | CC/CV to 4.20 V per cell, never above; packs need a BMS | CC/CV to 4.20 V per cell (LiHV 4.35 V); packs of several cells on a balance charger |
| Uses | ||
| Typical uses | Power tools, e-bikes, laptops, flashlights, ESP32 projects on 18650 cells | Drones, RC models, thin devices, wearables |
| Same on both (2) | ||
| Basics | ||
| Type | Rechargeable | |
| Safety, charging and shipping | ||
| Air transport | Lithium-ion dangerous goods (UN3480/3481): loose batteries by cargo aircraft only, at 30 % charge at most; since 2026, batteries over 2.7 Wh packed with equipment must also be at 30 % at most. Passengers carry spares in the cabin, up to 100 Wh freely and 100–160 Wh with airline approval; since 27 March 2026, at most two power banks each, not recharged on board | |
Open the battery comparison →Tick what your project needs and see which of the 15 chemistries fits.
Voltage and charge chart: Li-ion (NMC/NCA) →
Voltage and charge chart: LiPo (pouch) →
With Li-ion: more energy per litre. With LiPo: more cycles.
Cycle life for Li-ion: 400 to 80 % (LG MJ1); not stated for the Molicel P42A. For LiPo: 500 at 0.5C (EEMB LP503759); not stated for the Grepow cell. These figures depend on depth of discharge, current and temperature.
Often: both are about 3.6 V per cell and charge to 4.2 V. Check that the new cell or pack handles the current, fits, and has protection or a BMS.
LiFePO4 vs Li-ion (NMC/NCA) NiMH low self-discharge vs Li-ion (NMC/NCA) Supercapacitor vs Li-ion (NMC/NCA) LiFePO4 vs lead-acid AGM LTO (lithium titanate) vs LiFePO4 Sodium-ion vs LiFePO4 NiMH low self-discharge vs alkaline
Figures from one or two named cells or batteries per chemistry, from the makers’ datasheets; checked in November 2026.