2023 Picks: Best LiFePO4 Battery Reviewed

For decades, there have been two main battery options. Lead-acid batteries and standard lithium batteries have been the go-to options for a variety of uses, and they come in all shapes, sizes, outputs, and capacities.

However, battery technology is always evolving. It has to as our electronics evolve and require different battery traits to operate properly, as well as the general desire to make longer lasting, cheaper, and safer power sources driving that evolution as well.

If you’ve taken a look at the battery world recently, you’ve probably seen a new option known as LiFePO4.

LiFePO4 batteries are quickly gaining traction in the lithium battery space, and they offer a number of advantages that you just don’t get with traditional lithium-ion batteries.

So, we going to go over what a LiFePO4 battery is, some of the advantages and disadvantages you get, and of course, what few of the best LiFePO4 batteries are so you can make sure you get a cost-effective, reliable, and high-quality product when trying these newer batteries out.

Let’s get started.

What is a LiFePO4 Battery?

A LiFePO4 battery is a type of lithium battery that changes up the traditional chemical solution that generates the electrical current in lithium batteries. Whereas a traditional lithium-ion battery will have lithium iron phosphate, lithium manganese oxide, cobalt, and a lithium salt electrolyte, LifePO4 batteries have a lithium salt electrolyte, lithium iron phosphate, and a carbon anode.

That seems like a small difference, but it makes a major impact.

While LiFePO4 batteries are slightly more expensive, have lower capacity per cell, and weigh more, they are also safer, last up to 6x longer, and their heavy usage in off-grid living, solar power systems, and similar uses negate the majority of their drawbacks.

They’re even becoming cheaper due to more manufacturers making them and demand being met more effectively.

Does The LiFePO4 Battery Really Worth It?

When it comes to batteries, it’s not just about the initial purchase. You should consider the longevity, efficiency, and overall cost-effectiveness. That’s where LiFePO4 batteries step in as a trailblazing choice for many.

Unbeatable Advantages of LiFePO4 Batteries:

1. Extended Life and High Cycles: With over a decade-long lifespan, LiFePO4 batteries are designed to stand the test of time. Imagine a battery that offers over 4,000 cycles, with some premium models boasting up to 7,000!
2. Compact and Lightweight: Size does matter, especially in applications where space is a luxury. LiFePO4 batteries are not only lighter but also more compact compared to traditional lead-acid ones.
3. Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Don’t let the initial investment deter you. When you account for their longevity, these batteries come out on top in terms of cost-effectiveness.
4. Quick Charge and Discharge: In today’s fast-paced world, waiting hours for a charge isn’t practical. These batteries cater to this need by supporting high-speed charging and discharging.
5. Deeper Discharge: With over 80% Depth of Discharge (DOD), and some even supporting 100%, LiFePO4 ensures you get the most out of every charge.
6. No Memory Effects: Say goodbye to the performance degradation common with many battery types. LiFePO4 maintains its efficient performance throughout.
7. Minimal Self-Discharge: Ideal for storage, these batteries boast a mere 3% monthly self-discharge rate, retaining half their charge for several months.
8. Safe and Environmentally Friendly: Safety first! LiFePO4 batteries, made from eco-friendly materials, also possess stable chemical properties, making them exceptionally secure.
9. Low Maintenance: Once set, almost forget. These batteries demand very little attention, only periodic checks for terminal oxidation and loose wiring.
10. Performs Well in High Temperatures: If your application involves higher temperatures, rest easy knowing that LiFePO4 batteries can handle the heat.

Weighing the Pros and Cons:

Yes, LiFePO4 batteries come with an initial higher cost, but their numerous benefits make them a worthy investment. Their unparalleled efficiency, coupled with their lightweight design, makes them an attractive choice for many applications, from medical devices to electric vehicles. Their long-term cost savings, stemming from reduced replacements and enhanced performance, easily eclipse the upfront expenditure.

Concluding Thoughts:

When contemplating your next power solution, think beyond just the initial cost. The superior longevity, enhanced performance, and environmental benefits of LiFePO4 batteries position them as a front-runner. Whether for personal use or business applications, these batteries promise reliable power, making them an invaluable addition to our ever-evolving technological landscape.

Quick Guide: Picking the Best LiFePO4 Battery

Ready to buy a LiFePO4 battery? Great! But wait, you want the best one, right? Here’s a simple list to help you out:

1. How Much Power? Check the ‘Ampere hours’ on the label. It tells how much power the battery can store and how long it can run your stuff.
2. Voltage Matters: Think of voltage like puzzle pieces. A 12V battery won’t fit a 24V system. Always match the battery to your system’s voltage.
3. Cycle Life: Imagine charging and using a battery again and again. The more cycles it can handle, the longer it lasts. That’s good value for your money!
4. Real Power Output: A battery might say 100Ah, but may only give 90Ah in real life. Look for its depth of discharge to know the true power.
5. Fast Charging: Some batteries charge quicker and use less energy doing it. That’s called charging efficiency. Higher is better!
6. Perfect Fit: Batteries come in different shapes and sizes. Make sure it fits where you need it, whether it’s for a boat or a solar setup.
7. Stay Safe: Good batteries have safety features. Look for things like protection from short circuits or overcharging.
8. Warranty Tells: A long warranty often means the battery is high-quality. Six months? Meh. Five years? Now, that’s confidence!
9. Price vs. Value: Cheaper isn’t always better. Think about how long the battery will last. Sometimes, paying a bit more upfront saves money in the long run.
10. Trusted Brands: Known brands usually mean better quality and service. It’s like choosing between a random soda and your favorite brand.
11. What Do People Say?: Check online reviews. If lots of folks are happy with a battery, you might be too!

The Top LiFePO4 Brands to Choose From

At the moment, LiFePO4 batteries are relatively new, and as such, not every battery supplier has jumped on the bandwagon and started making them.

However, out of the suppliers that have started producing them, a few stand out as great options for various reasons.

We’re going to start with our top pick, and then we’ll go over a few honorable mentions.

1: MANLY’s Best LiFePO4 12v 200ah Battery

This is our top recommendation, and for practically anything you’d want to use a 12v battery for, it’s going to be the best you can get.

MANLY has several traits working to its advantage.

First, there’s the 200ah rating. The vast majority of 12v batteries max out at 100ah. This allows the MANLY battery to discharge 200 amps of electricity for an hour before the battery depletes. It’s unlikely that most devices will need that, but it more or less equates to more capacity overall and better flexibility.

However, that’s not the only thing that sets the MANLY battery apart. It has several features and traits that make it the best LiFePO4 battery at 12v 200ah.

First, there’s the built-in safety features. MANLY packs its batteries with overcurrent protection, undercurrent protection, short circuit protection, and temperature-based protection to ensure that you get the safest battery possible. Along with LiFePO4’s innate high level of safety, these safety features basically eliminate any concerns for fire hazards or unnatural battery failures; along with any concerns for poor current control damaging the items they’re hooked up to.

Then, there’s the advanced performance. MANLY batteries maintain their performance and capacity at 90% throughout their lifespan. They also charge a lot faster than the competition, and they provide reliable performance for roughly 8000 charging cycles before it’s recommended to replace them. This means that, even if the MANLY isn’t the cheapest up front, it’s still the best value in the long haul.

In terms of the battery itself, the final main benefit is that MANLY provides customized battery options to suit any need. So, if the off-the-shelf battery isn’t exactly what you need, you can place a custom order.

The battery supplier itself also offers a top-tier guarantee, 24/7 service, and a long-standing reputation across the entire planet. You can’t underestimate the value of great after-purchase care and customer support; especially given the demanding applications these batteries are used for.

2: SOK 12v 206ah Solar Storage

The SOK boasts many of the same specs as the MANLY, but it’s not as advanced with its safety features and focuses primarily on providing a stable battery for residential solar power storage. In short, it’s a great battery if you have at-home solar panels to offset your energy bill or keep your home powered during emergencies.

The casing also boasts a significant level of quality. SOK knows that residential homes are often prone to experiencing mishaps and issues. So, there’s extra care taken to make sure the battery is solid. You don’t have to worry about your kids banging on it, the dog ripping it out of its space, or anything else that can cause dangerous situations to occur.

However, the battery only features a limited 5-year warranty, and it’s priced above our top pick with less flexibility.

3: Lion UT 1300

The Lion UT 1300 boasts an incredible ampere, but it has a more limited battery as well.

With 1300ah, a lightweight design, and a smaller profile than expected, the Lion UT 1300 is a great option for on-the-go charging; whether you’re off-grid and need to power your comms, or you’re just at a worksite all day and need to keep your phone and smaller tools charged.

This is where the UT 1300 excels; as a personal charger for smaller electronics.

This is both a great design choice and a drawback.

Sure, you can use this as an amazing power bank for personal electronics, but if you want to operate complex items with it, such as powering your fridge during a power outage or running shop tools without having your shop attached to the grid, it’s not going to work.

It is priced appropriately, though. So, this is something that works great if you’re going camping for the weekend, work long hours, and need to charge your electronics, or something like that.

4: Battleborn 100ah Residential Solar Battery

This is another highly specific battery. It doesn’t try to get everything right for every situation, but it does try to be the best for residential solar power needs, and it does a great job.

The Battleborn 100ah is a LiFePO4 battery that has the standard 100ah rating, and it’s entirely designed around storing solar power and using it efficiently to power a home. That is great if you’re going to use it for a solar power system, but it produces several faults when you try to use it for other uses. Notably, its 100ah rating means that it can only use 100 amps in an hour, or it’ll deplete its entire charge.

However, it does provide 10,000 watts of power per charge, and that can help you keep the lights on, the fridge running, and your phone charged during a power outage. You just don’t want to try to run your entire house the same way you would if the grid were working properly.

What to Consider When Choosing a LiFePO4 Battery

So, now that you know a few of the top brands, how do you choose between them?

Here are a few things to consider.

1: The Top Choice is the Best in General

Our number-one pick, the MANLY 12v 200ah LiFePO4 battery, is the best all around. It can do the vast majority of things you could possibly ask for, it’s priced attractively, and it has some of the best safety and quality-of-life features possible. It’s also backed by a guarantee that covers the full standard expected life of a LiFePO4 battery.

In the vast majority of situations, the MANLY is going to be your best bet, hands down.

It’s when your needs are extremely targeted, and there are unique traits, that you need to look elsewhere.

MANLY Battery is also a renowned battery supplier that supplies batteries to commercial and consumer markets around the world, and it offers one of the best guarantees around to ensure you’re satisfied.

2: Why MANLY Battery Top the Chart: 8 Reasons

1. Industry-Leading Manufacturing: With over 13 years in battery production, MANLY Battery sets the standard. Producing up to 6MWh daily, the brand epitomizes quality combined with vast production capacity.
2. Diverse Battery Solutions: Searching for solar energy storage batteries or those tailored for military applications? MANLY offers a spectrum of LiFePO4/lithium-ion batteries, catering to diverse energy needs from 6V to 72V.
3. Precision Customization: MANLY Battery understands individual requirements, offering bespoke battery services. Whether you’re after a specific voltage, capacity, or aesthetic, they are the go-to for customized battery solutions.
4. Globally Certified Excellence: With international certifications like 3, IEC62133, UL, and CE, MANLY ensures you’re investing in globally recognized quality. Their decade-long warranty stands as a testament to their commitment.
5. Safety Meets Efficiency: From overcharge protection to resilience against severe impacts, MANLY batteries are synonymous with safety. Plus, their performance metrics ensure they’re not just safe but incredibly efficient.
6. All-Weather Battery Power: Where many batteries falter, MANLY thrives. Optimal performance from -20°C to 75°C ensures your adventures continue, irrespective of extreme climatic challenges.
7. Eco-friendly Energy Champion: Boasting an impressive 98% energy efficiency, MANLY’s LiFePO4 batteries outclass traditional lead-acid variants, ensuring faster charging and minimized energy consumption.
8. Futuristic User Interactions: With features like Bluetooth connectivity and clear battery level displays, MANLY Battery redefines the user experience, offering a seamless blend of power and modern-day tech.

3: Your Usage

If you have a very niche usage, such as a personal power bank to put in your vehicle and charge your electronics, an option like the Lion UT 1300 might be worth looking at. However, you wouldn’t want to power your home with it.

Consider your specific usage for the battery, and if it’s very niche, pick a battery designed to fit that purpose.

4: Power Needed

Finally, you need to look at the voltage, amp hours, and wattage needed to fulfill your needs. Every electronic is different. So, we can’t really list out anything in general. However, with a bit of research, or just looking at a system’s requirements printed on the system, you can find the perfect battery to meet your needs. With more complex usages, you should expect to do a little research.