Things to keep in mind when buying a new laptop battery

Laptop batteries have come a long way from the swappable parts we used to be used to. Modern laptop batteries are built into the device, making them harder to remove and therefore harder to find if you need a new one.

So, if you want to replace your laptop battery, here are 5 things you need to keep in mind.

1. Compatibility

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The first step when buying a laptop battery is to check that the battery you are considering is compatible with your laptop. In most cases, laptop batteries are sold by part number or by laptop make and model, making it easier to choose the right one.

Finding the specific part number for your device isn't difficult. Your laptop has a label with its serial and model numbers, usually on the bottom. To make it easier to find, you can look up compatible batteries by model number.

Also, if you open your laptop, you will see the exact part number printed on the battery. Finding a battery with the exact part number is the surest way to get the right battery.

Keep in mind that you'll need to open at least the back of your laptop, as most modern laptops have built-in batteries. If you don't want to use a screwdriver to open your laptop, Windows laptop battery health analysis tools usually list all the relevant specs you need to pay attention to.

2. Capacity and voltage

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Next is capacity and voltage. Even if the battery fits your laptop, that doesn't necessarily mean it will work. Batteries provide a specific voltage when charged, and that's the voltage level at which your laptop is configured to operate. The best way to know which voltage and capacity to look for is to check the battery that came with your laptop, as the voltage, amperage, and capacity are always printed on the OEM battery.

For example, if your laptop requires a 20-volt battery, installing a 10-volt battery won't work, even if the battery is perfectly installed and connected to the laptop. Even if your laptop works with a lower-voltage battery, you'll still experience performance issues while running on battery power or shorter battery life because the replacement battery you're using won't be able to keep up with the power level your laptop requires.

Capacity is another important aspect to consider. Third-party alternatives are often cheaper than OEM batteries. One way third-party suppliers cut costs is by producing batteries that offer the same power but with a smaller capacity.

Your laptop will still work fine as long as the battery meets its capacity requirements, but battery life will be affected depending on the capacity difference between the original battery and the replacement battery you use. If you're using Windows 11, you can also check out these tips to make your laptop battery last longer.

3. Battery chemistry

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Batteries come in many shapes and sizes. Even if you find a battery with the exact specifications you're looking for, its capacity, performance, and weight may vary if it's made up of different components.

Currently, you'll find two common battery chemistry options on the market: Lithium-ion (Li-ion) and Lithium-Polymer (LiPo). In general, you should buy the same capacity battery as the one that came with your laptop. However, as long as the battery provides the same amount of power, you should be fine.

If you change the chemistry of your battery, you will also have to account for the change in power required to charge a different battery. Your computer's battery monitoring system (BMS) may prevent you from making such changes.

For most people, it's a good idea to find the same type of battery as the one that came with your device, as that will likely give you the best possible battery performance.

4. OEM vs. Third-Party Options

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As with all PC components, you'll find both OEM and third-party battery options. If you want a simple, hassle-free replacement, you'll want to stick with the OEM option. On the other hand, if you have a thin and light laptop like an ultrabook, you'll be pretty limited in your options for OEM battery replacements, as batteries for thinner devices are made specifically for those specific laptops.

On the other hand, budget laptops have more options. If you have a standard 3- or 6-cell battery in your laptop, you'll find plenty of third-party options that match your specifications and battery connectors. Third-party batteries also tend to be cheaper than OEM batteries, but keep in mind that there may be some compromises. Availability is also one of the reasons to buy a laptop with a removable battery.

For example, a third-party supplier may use a different (and cheaper) battery chemistry or sell a lower capacity battery to undercut the OEM component price. So while buying a third-party battery may save you some money, it's important to pay attention to the specifications and make sure you're getting the right one. With OEM batteries, it's generally a matter of finding the right part number. And since the battery is made specifically for a particular device, it's more reliable than a third-party option.

5. Reviews and ratings

Last but not least, if you buy a battery online, you won't be able to test it until it arrives, at which point it's too late. In such cases, you should look up the model number of the battery you're considering buying, then look for reviews and ratings to determine whether it performs as expected.

This method isn't foolproof, however; chances are you won't find much reassurance, especially if you're considering a third-party option. However, a little research can help you verify the manufacturer's or seller's claims about the battery's capacity and charging capabilities. Better to be safe than sorry.

As long as you know the capacity, charge capacity, form factor, and chemical composition of your battery, you can't go wrong when purchasing a replacement battery. With a little time and research, you'll have a laptop that runs as well on the battery as it did on day one.

David Pac

Update 09 December 2024