Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenergy | Best Overall | ~$20-30 | 4.7/5 |
| EBL | Best Budget | ~$12-18 | 4.6/5 |
| Streamlight | Best Premium | ~$30-45 | 4.7/5 |
| Olight | Best for Flashlights | ~$25-35 | 4.5/5 |
| Powerex | Best Compact | ~$22-32 | 4.6/5 |
Intro
Rechargeable CR123A batteries occupy a different niche than primary lithium cells. They cost more upfront, deliver less capacity per charge, and require a charger. but for anyone running devices that consume CR123A cells regularly, the economics flip within weeks. At 500-1,000 cycles per cell, a quality rechargeable pays back its cost many times over.
The format goes by several names. RCR123A, CR123A rechargeable, 16340. but they all refer to the same cylindrical lithium-ion cell that fits the CR123A slot. The 16340 designation refers to the cell’s dimensions (16mm diameter, 34mm length), which is why all these cells are interchangeable physically.
Top 5 Picks
1. Nitecore NL1665R 650 mAh. Nitecore’s self-charging cell includes a micro-USB port in the positive end cap. No external charger needed. plug directly into any USB power source. Rated for 500 cycles, fits all standard CR123A devices, and includes a protective case.
2. Olight RCR123A 650 mAh. Built and validated alongside Olight’s flashlight lineup. The flat-top design fits tight carriers, and the 3.7V output is within range for all regulated Olight drivers. Available individually or in two-packs with Olight’s dual charging dock.
3. Streamlight SL-B26 Protected. Streamlight packages two protected lithium-ion cells with a USB-C dual charger, making this the best all-in-one starter kit. The built-in protection circuit handles overcharge, over-discharge, and short circuit, which makes these appropriate for less experienced users.
4. EagleTac 16340 IMR 700 mAh. The highest capacity pick on this list. IMR chemistry delivers excellent high-drain performance without needing a separate protection circuit. the manganese cathode is inherently more thermally stable. Best for flashlight users who want maximum brightness duration per charge.
5. Xtar 16340 CR123A 800 mAh. Xtar’s high-capacity option claims 800 mAh, the upper end of what the 16340 form factor can deliver. Includes a protection circuit. The companion Xtar chargers are among the best-regarded in the hobby community for cell health and accuracy.
What to Look For
Protected vs. unprotected. A protection circuit (PCB) inside the cell prevents overcharge, over-discharge, and short circuit. Protected cells are slightly longer (by 1-3mm) and may not fit in devices with tight battery compartments. Unprotected cells rely on the device or charger to manage those conditions.
IMR vs. ICR chemistry. IMR (lithium manganese) is inherently safer under abuse and handles high-current loads better. ICR (lithium cobalt) offers slightly higher capacity but requires a protection circuit for safe operation. For flashlight use, IMR is usually preferred.
Cycle rating. Quality cells are rated at 500-1,000 cycles. Cells without a stated cycle rating or with vague claims degrade quickly. The brands above all publish specific cycle data.
Self-charging convenience. Cells with built-in USB ports cost more but dramatically simplify logistics. no charger to carry, no compatibility questions. For travelers or field users, this feature is worth the premium.
Final Thoughts
The Streamlight SL-B26 bundle is the easiest entry into CR123A rechargeables. cells plus charger, protected chemistry, trusted brand. For maximum capacity and high-drain flashlight performance, the EagleTac IMR cells are the specialist choice. Whichever cells you buy, pair them with a quality charger if one isn’t included. a good charger extends cell life significantly by avoiding overcharge and balancing charge across cells.
Frequently asked questions
What charger do I need for CR123A rechargeable batteries?+
You need a charger compatible with 16340 or RCR123A lithium-ion cells. the rechargeable equivalent of CR123A. Multi-format chargers like the Nitecore i4, Xtar BC4, or Olight UC handle these cells. Some rechargeable CR123A cells include a micro-USB or USB-C port built into the positive terminal, eliminating the need for a separate charger.
How does the capacity of rechargeable CR123A compare to primary lithium cells?+
Rechargeable CR123A (16340) cells typically hold 500-750 mAh versus a primary lithium cell's 1,400-1,500 mAh. That means shorter single-use runtime. roughly half per charge. However, because you recharge rather than discard, the economics strongly favor rechargeables for any device you use regularly, typically breaking even within the first few months.
Are CR123A rechargeable batteries safe to use in security cameras?+
Yes, with a voltage consideration. Rechargeable CR123A cells output 3.6-3.7V compared to a primary's 3.0V. Most modern security cameras including Arlo handle this range without issue. Older or low-voltage devices may behave unexpectedly, so check your device's manual for maximum input voltage before switching to rechargeables.