C Cell Batteries vs. 26500 Batteries - Comparisons and Recommendations

C cell batteries and 26500 batteries are physically very similar batteries - they are cylindrical batteries commonly used for powering home appliances, toys, flashlights, musical instruments, etc.

C cell batteries and 26500 batteries differ in chemistry type and thus their nominal voltage, capacity, internal resistance (drain type), shelf life, use, and similar.

Updated: August 14, 2024.

C Size Batteries and 26500 Batteries - Dimensions and Specifications

C cell batteries are cylindrical batteries with physical dimensions of 50.0 mm (~1.9685 inches) in height and 26.2 mm (~1.0315 inches) in diameter.

26500 batteries feature a height of 50.0 mm and 26.0 mm diameter, while very similar 25500 batteries feature a 50.0 mm height and slightly smaller 25 mm diameter.

Due to the better similarity to the C cell batteries, 26500 batteries are more common than 25500 batteries.

Since C batteries are larger than AA (~50.5 x 14.5 mm) and A batteries (50.0 x 17.0 mm), C batteries may be replaced by these cells using a plastic size adaptor, with the loss of capacity.

C batteries are also labeled as MN1400 batteries, MX1400 batteries, 343 batteries, U11 batteries, LR14 batteries, R14 batteries, 14A batteries, 14D batteries, E93 batteries, etc.

The most common labels are C battery, MN1400, LR14, and R14.

Both C cell batteries and 26500 batteries come in several chemistries and are generally divided into primary (non-rechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) batteries.

Generally, C cell batteries are Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), alkaline (zinc-manganese dioxide, for example), and zinc-carbon batteries, while 26500 batteries are lithium batteries.

The capacity, voltage, output current, and other features greatly depend on the battery chemistry. The list of most common C-cell battery chemistries is given in the following comparison table:

Rechargeable (Secondary) C-Cell Batteries

Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable C cell batteries have a nominal voltage of 1.2V, and they are able to produce large currents, but their capacity and number of charging/discharging cycles are limited when compared with equivalent Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries.

Although they have a relatively high discharge rate, due to their memory effect and the environmental impact of cadmium, NiCd batteries are being phased out, but still may be found in cheaper tools as C batteries or sub-C batteries (42.9 x 22.2 mm) with or without soldering tabs.

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable C cell batteries feature good capacity, they are cadmium/mercury-free, have low self-discharge rate, tolerate a large number of charging/discharging cycles, have a good shelf life, etc.

Depending on the NiMH battery type, the nominal capacity of NiMH C batteries varies usually between 2.0 and 6.0 Ah with a nominal voltage of 1.2 volts.

Low-drain NiMH C cell batteries feature a larger capacity than the high-drain NiMH C size batteries, but high-drain models can easily produce much stronger currents than the low-drain NiMH batteries.

Some of the most popular rechargeable NiMH C-cell batteries include (Amazon links, the links open in the new windows):

• EBL C-Cell NiMH 1.2V 5000mAh Batteries
• Tenergy C-Cell NiMH 1.2V 5000mAh Batteries

Note: Both NiCd and NiMH types of batteries should be charged only with the chargers designed for such battery chemistries. High-quality, well-balanced, and maintained NiMH batteries may withstand 400-800 charging/discharging cycles, more than justifying their initially higher prices.

Non-Rechargeable (Primary) C-Cell and 26500 Batteries

Zinc-Carbon non-rechargeable C cell batteries feature a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts and nominal capacity in the 3.0 - 4.0 Ah range. They are very affordable C-size batteries intended for mostly low-drain applications. Also, they offer a shelf life of 2-4 years

Alkaline non-rechargeable C cell batteries are the most common C-size battery chemistry. These batteries feature a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts and nominal capacity in the 6.0 - 8.0 Ah range.

Alkaline batteries cost more than zinc-carbon batteries, but they have larger capacity and longer shelf life, sometimes 7-10 or even more years.

Alkaline batteries are intended for medium-drain applications including LED flashlights, portable radios, toys, and other similar devices.

Some of the most popular models include (Amazon links, the links open in the new windows):

• Energizer MAX C Alkaline Batteries
• Duracell Coppertop C Alkaline Batteries

Lithium non-rechargeable C size/26500 batteries are commonly Lithium Thionyl Chloride (Li-SOCl₂) batteries featuring extremely low self-discharge rate (<1% per year), high capacity, and are able to operate at low temperatures.

On the other hand, Lithium Thionyl Chloride (Li-SOCl₂) batteries feature relatively high internal resistance and are suitable for low-drain applications.

Also, after being on standby for many years, they don't produce their nominal voltage right away - depending on the model, this time varies.

On average, Lithium Thionyl Chloride (Li-SOCl₂) C cell/26500 batteries feature a nominal voltage of 3.6 volts and a capacity of 8.0 - 10.0 Ah - they are able to store 2.5 - 3x more energy than, for example, alkaline C size batteries.

Rechargeable (Secondary) 26500 Batteries

Rechargeable lithium 26500 batteries use several very similar lithium chemistries including IMR (LiMn₂0₄ - Lithium Manganese Oxide), INR (LiNiMnCoO₂ - Lithium Manganese Nickel), IFR (LiFePO₄ - Lithium Iron Phosphate), ICR (LiCoO₂ - Lithium Cobalt Oxide), or some other similar/hybrid (LiNiCoO₂ - Lithium Nickel Cobalt Oxide, LiNiCoAlO₂ - Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide, etc.) technology.

Their nominal voltage differs from 3.2 to 3.7 volts and nominal capacity from 3.0 to 6.0 Ah - again, some models are intended for low-drain and some for high-drain applications.

While both rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium batteries are mutually replaceable, at least for low-drain applications, devices designed to be powered by C-cell batteries and nominal voltages of 1.2 - 1.5 volts should not be powered by lithium 26500 batteries due to the large voltage difference (more than 2x) - such voltage difference may damage the device.

Some newer devices including LED flashlights, toys, portable radios, and similar are designed to be powered by either C-size batteries or 26500 batteries, despite the voltage difference - these devices feature small DC/DC converters ensuring that proper internal voltage is always available regardless of the input voltage.

Note: Only the devices that specifically state that they CAN be powered by either C-cell batteries or 26500 batteries should be powered by these batteries. Other devices should be powered by only one battery type as labeled by the device's manufacturer!

C-Cell and 26500 Batteries Chemistries Comparison Chart

The following comparison chart lists some of the most popular C-cell and 26500 batteries, with their chemistries and other features and specifications:

Note: there are many more C-Cell and 26500 batteries on the market - these are very popular sizes for a broad range of applications.

 C-Cell Batteries Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about C-cell batteries and batteries in general:

What is a C type battery?

C-cell or C-type batteries are cylindrical 50 x 26.2 mm batteries that can be primary and secondary cells and are used in various applications, including tools, toys, gadgets, flashlights, etc.

Other labels include MN1400, MX1400, 343, U11, LR14, R14, 14A, 14D, E93, etc., but "C battery" and "MN1400 battery" are the most common ones.

Can you still buy C batteries?

Yes, C-cell batteries are manufactured by many reputable brands and can be found in most hardware stores, office products stores, and online shops.

Are C batteries the same as AA? Do C-type batteries last longer than AA?

No, AA batteries feature physical dimensions of 50.5 x 14.5 mm, while C batteries feature physical dimensions of 50 x 26.5 mm.

Due to their much larger internal volume, C-cell batteries last longer than AA batteries.

What can I use if I don't have a C battery?

If one can't find C-cell batteries, it is possible to use AA and/or A batteries with the special battery holder. However, AA (50.5 x 14.5 mm) and A (50 x 17 mm) batteries feature lower capacities than C-cell batteries and will not last as long as C-cell batteries.

What is the difference between C batteries?

The main difference between various C-cell batteries is their chemistry and hence their storage and discharge features.

Do flashlights use C or D batteries?

Yes, flashlights still use both C and D batteries, and with a transition to LED flashlights, C and D batteries powered flashlights can offer high lumens output for longer periods of time.

C-Cell and D-Cell batteries are similar batteries, but they differ in size and many other features.

Are C and 26500 batteries recyclable?

Yes, both C and 26500 batteries are recyclable. Like most battery types, they contain materials that can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly, but these materials can also be recovered and reused.

It’s important to take them to a designated recycling center or participate in a battery recycling program rather than disposing of them in regular household waste.

Recycling helps prevent toxic metals from entering landfills and promotes the reuse of valuable materials.

How long do C and 26500 batteries last?

The lifespan of C and 26500 batteries depends on their chemical composition and usage patterns.

For alkaline C batteries, they typically last between 5 to 10 years in storage with minimal self-discharge. When in use, their lifespan can vary based on the device’s power demands, generally providing power from a few weeks to several months.

Lithium non-rechargeable 26500 batteries, on the other hand, can have a significantly longer shelf life, often up to 10 years or more due to a very low self-discharge rate.

Their operational life also tends to be longer than their alkaline counterparts when used in high-drain devices, offering sustained performance over extended periods. Regular usage and device type significantly impact the overall longevity of these batteries in practical applications.

Are C and 26500 batteries prone to leakage, and why?

C and 26500 batteries, like other batteries, can be prone to leakage under certain conditions.

For alkaline C batteries, leakage is often due to over-discharge, where the battery is left in a device long past its usable charge, leading to the breakdown of battery chemicals and resulting in leakage of potassium hydroxide.

This can cause corrosion and potential damage to electronic devices.

Lithium 26500 batteries are generally less prone to leakage compared to alkaline batteries, but they can still leak under extreme conditions such as overcharging, exposure to high temperatures, or physical damage to the battery casing.

This can lead to the release of corrosive substances or, in worst cases, thermal runaway leading to fire or explosion.

Proper handling and storage can significantly reduce the risk of leakage for both types of batteries.

Few Final Words

If you have a device that is powered by C-cell or 26500 battery, check the battery type and get the battery of the same chemistry type.

Only if the device's manual clearly states that it may be powered by either a C-size battery (nominal voltage 1.2 - 1.5 volts) or a 26500 battery (nominal voltage 3.2-3.7 volts) consider replacing the C-size battery with a 26500 battery or vice versa.

Personally, if the device allows C batteries to be replaced by 26500 batteries, especially if the device is used often, do it - 26500 lithium rechargeable battery stores more energy and may be recharged 500-1000+ times, depending on the battery model and type of use.

Note: always charge the batteries with the battery chargers intended for such batteries.

However, alkaline C-cell batteries are still very popular - for the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check the Alkaline C Battery Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).