About this guide
“CR123 rechargeable” almost always means an RCR123A, also sold as a 16340 cell — the rechargeable cousin of the single-use CR123A. There are two real axes to choose on here: protected vs. unprotected cells, and standard 3.6-3.7V li-ion vs. 3.0V-regulated cells built to match a primary CR123A’s voltage exactly. Before buying, read the fitment warning below: this is one topic where the wrong choice can genuinely damage your flashlight.
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The picks, in detail
Nitecore NL169 950mAh Protected 16340/RCR123A
A high-capacity protected cell with a built-in protection circuit and pressure relief valve — a solid all-around pick for lights rated for 3.7V cells.
- 950mAh capacity
- 3.6V protected li-ion
- Built-in protection circuit + pressure relief valve
- Rated for 500+ recharge cycles
- High capacity for the format
- Trusted brand with wide compatibility
- Needs a separate charger (non-USB variant)
Nitecore NL169R 950mAh USB-C Rechargeable
Same 950mAh cell as the NL169, but with a built-in USB-C port so you don't need a separate charger.
- 950mAh capacity
- Built-in USB-C charging port
- Protected li-ion
- No separate charger needed
- Convenient for travel
- Slightly pricier than the non-USB NL169
Fenix ARB-L16-700UP Protected 16340
Fenix's own protected cell with a built-in Micro-USB charging port, sized for Fenix's compact EDC lights but broadly compatible.
- 700mAh capacity
- Built-in Micro-USB port
- Protected li-ion, button-top
- Built-in charging port
- Matched engineering to Fenix’s own 16340-compatible lights
- Lower capacity than the Nitecore NL169
Olight IMR 16340/RCR123A 550mAh Protected
Olight-branded protected cell built specifically for Olight's compact 16340 lights, such as the S1R II.
- 550mAh capacity
- Protected li-ion, button-top
- Sized for Olight’s compact lights
- Purpose-fit for Olight EDC lights
- Lowest capacity on this list
Orbtronic 16340 920mAh Protected Li-ion
One of the highest-capacity protected 16340 cells available, and it ships with a free battery safety case.
- 920mAh capacity
- Protected li-ion, button-top
- Includes battery safety case
- Highest capacity on this list
- Good value per mAh
- Needs a separate charger
Tenergy RCR123A 16340 650mAh
A widely-stocked, lower-capacity option that's a reliable backup cell for lights and devices sharing the 16340 format.
- 650mAh capacity
- 3.7V protected li-ion
- Widely available
- Reputable battery brand
- Lower capacity for the price than Orbtronic or Nitecore
EBL 16340 RCR123A 750mAh (4-Pack with Charger)
A budget multi-pack bundled with a charger — useful if you're stocking several flashlights or devices like Arlo-style cameras that share the format.
- 750mAh per cell
- 4-pack with included charger
- Protected li-ion
- Charger included in the bundle
- Good value for stocking multiple devices
- Lower per-cell capacity than single premium cells
Xtar RCR123A/16340 850mAh 3.6V Protected
A high-capacity protected cell from a respected battery-specialist brand, rated for 800+ recharge cycles.
- 850mAh capacity
- 3.6V protected li-ion, button-top
- Overcharge/over-discharge protection
- 800+ rated cycles
- Strong capacity-to-cycle-life ratio
- Well-regarded specialist battery brand
- Needs a separate charger
Keeppower RCR123A 16340 950mAh 3.7V Protected
A high-capacity standard 3.7V protected cell, direct competitor to the Nitecore NL169 at a similar capacity.
- 950mAh capacity
- 3.7V protected li-ion, button-top
- Matches Nitecore’s top capacity in this format
- Needs a separate charger
Keeppower P1634U2 3V-Regulated 16340 (Micro-USB Rechargeable)
A genuinely different option: a 3.7V li-ion cell with an internal circuit that regulates its output to a constant 3.0V — matching a primary CR123A's voltage instead of a standard rechargeable's 3.6-3.7V, which sidesteps the fitment hazard entirely on lights not rated for higher voltage.
- 1000mAh capacity
- Constant 3V regulated output
- Built-in Micro-USB charging port
- Protected li-ion, button-top
- Safe in lights that are only rated for 3V CR123A cells
- No separate charger needed
- Costs more than a standard 3.7V protected cell
Paleblue CR123A USB-C Rechargeable Lithium Battery
Another 3V constant-voltage regulated option, this one with USB-C charging built directly into the cell and a limited lifetime warranty.
- 860mAh capacity
- 3V constant voltage output
- Built-in USB-C port
- 100-minute full charge
- 1000+ cycle rating
- USB-C (not Micro-USB) built-in charging
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
- Sold in a 4-pack bundle, pricier per cell than single 3.7V batteries
What each one costs
Typical price, cheapest first. Tap a name to jump to that pick and its buy link.
Compare any three
| Nitecore NL169 950mAh Protected 16340/RCR123A | Nitecore NL169R 950mAh USB-C Rechargeable | Fenix ARB-L16-700UP Protected 16340 | |
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| Price | $9-$11 | $10-$12 | $11-$17 |
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Buying tips
- The single biggest hazard here: standard rechargeable 16340/RCR123A cells run 3.6-3.7V, nearly double a primary CR123A’s 3V. A flashlight not explicitly rated for the higher voltage can burn out its driver or its LED — check your light’s manual or the manufacturer’s site before switching, don’t assume.
- If your light is only rated for 3V primary CR123A cells and you don’t want to risk it, a 3.0V-regulated option (Keeppower P1634U2, Paleblue) sidesteps the voltage question entirely rather than requiring you to verify the light’s tolerance.
- Buy protected cells (built-in circuit that cuts off on over-discharge or over-current) unless your light’s manual specifically calls for unprotected/IMR cells for high-drain use.
- Button-top vs. flat-top matters for fit — most flashlights need button-top cells; check your light’s spec before ordering.
- A built-in USB-C or Micro-USB charging port (Nitecore NL169R, Fenix ARB-L16-700UP, Keeppower P1634U2, Paleblue) saves carrying a separate charger, for a small price premium.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.