π Click to view full specifications, comparison & safety guide
18490 Charger β Dedicated Chargers for 18mm Diameter Medium Li-ion/NiMH Cells, Precision & Safe Charging Management
Welcome to our 18490 Charger collection. The 18490 battery (approx. 18mm diameter Γ 49mm length) is a medium-sized cylindrical Li-ion/NiMH cell positioned between the 18350 (~35mm) and 18500 (~50mm). Li-ion versions feature a nominal voltage of 3.7V, full charge of 4.2V, and typical capacities ranging from 1100mAh to 2000mAh, with high-drain IMR models supporting 15C+ continuous discharge; NiMH versions feature a nominal voltage of 1.2V. Its unique combination of 18mm diameter and 49mm length places special demands on slider adjustment range, negative terminal spring tension, and chemistry detection. The 18490 is often used as a rechargeable replacement for two CR123A primary cells, widely applied in tactical flashlights, e-cigarettes, medical devices, power banks, security equipment, wireless microphones, and various portable electronic devices. This collection features high-quality chargers specifically designed for or perfectly compatible with 18490 cellsβranging from single-bay portable chargers to multi-bay digital chargersβensuring your 18490 batteries are recharged in the safest, most efficient, and most precise manner.
18490 Battery Key Specifications
| Parameter | Li-ion | NiMH |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 3.7V | 1.2V |
| Full Charge Voltage | 4.2V | 1.45Vβ1.5V |
| Typical Capacity Range | 1100mAh β 2000mAh | Varies by model |
| Dimensions (Diameter Γ Length) | ~18.0mmβ18.5mm Γ 48.5mmβ49.5mm | ~18mm Γ 49mm |
| Recommended Charge Current | 0.2A β 0.5A | 0.1C β 0.2C |
| Weight | ~32g β 36g | ~35g β 45g |
Core Advantages of 18490 Chargers
- Perfect Size Compatibility with Secure Fit: At ~49mm longβpositioned between 18350 (35mm) and 18650 (65mm)β18490 cells require chargers with adjustable sliders. All chargers in this collection feature slider travel that perfectly accommodates 49mm length, ensuring secure contact for medium cells and preventing charging interruptions or high contact resistance.
- Multi-Chemistry Auto-Detection: Most chargers in this collection support automatic detection of both Li-ion (3.7V) and NiMH (1.2V) chemistries. Select professional models (e.g., Nitecore D4) also support LiFePOβ (3.2V) mode, ensuring each battery type terminates at the correct voltage to prevent overcharging.
- Precision Adaptive Charging Current: With typical capacities of 1100mAhβ2000mAh (Li-ion), 18490 cells charge best at 0.2Aβ0.5A. These chargers support adaptive or manually adjustable currents to prevent damage from excessive current and extend battery lifespan. Models like the Nitecore Ci2 support up to 3000mA fast charging while automatically reducing current for smaller cells.
- Smart Charging Management: Utilizes constant-current/constant-voltage (CC/CV) charging profile for Li-ion, or -ΞV/dT/dt termination for NiMH, with automatic battery state detection. Charging terminates precisely at the correct cut-off voltage, effectively preventing overcharging and ensuring battery safety. Some chargers can also automatically activate over-discharged batteries and detect/reject damaged cells.
- Multiple Safety Protections: Built-in overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, short-circuit, reverse polarity, and overheat protection for comprehensive charging safety. Many chargers use fire-retardant materials and have passed CE, FCC, and RoHS safety certifications.
- Independent Charging Channels: Multi-bay chargers control each slot independentlyβmix 18490, 18650, 21700, 18350, 18500, and other cell sizes with different charge levels without interference.
- LCD Digital Display: Real-time monitoring of charging voltage, current, accumulated capacity, and internal resistanceβcharging status at a glance.
18490 Charger vs. 18500 Charger vs. 18650 Charger
| Parameter | 18490 Charger (This Collection) | 18500 Charger | Standard 18650 Charger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length Compatibility | Slides down to ~49mm | Slides down to ~50mm | Slides typically fit 65mm |
| Diameter Fitment | 18mm standard | 18mm standard | 18mm standard |
| Chemistry Support | Li-ion / NiMH / LiFePOβ (select models) | Li-ion / NiMH / LiFePOβ (select models) | Primarily Li-ion |
| Can Charge 18490? | β Yes (dedicated or fully compatible) | β Yes (similar length, usually compatible) | β οΈ Verify slider travel reaches 49mm |
| Supported Cells | 18490 / 18500 / 18350 / 18650 / 21700 / NiMH, etc. | 18500 / 18490 / 18350 / 18650, etc. | 18650 / 21700 / 20700, etc. |
| Recommended For | 18490 primary users | 18500 primary users | 18650 / 21700 primary users |
Popular 18490 Charger Models β Quick Reference
| Category | Model | Bays | Charge Current | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Bay Multi-Function | XTAR VC4 | 4 | 0.1Aβ1A (adjustable) | LCD display, supports Li-ion/NiMH, 30+ sizes including 18490 |
| 4-Bay Smart Charger | Nitecore D4 | 4 | 0.375AΓ4 / 0.75AΓ2 | Independent channels, Li-ion/LiFePOβ/NiMH, HD LCD |
| 2-Bay Fast Charger | Nitecore Ci2 | 2 | Up to 3A (single bay) | USB-C input, QC/PD fast charge, 30+ sizes |
| 2-Bay Digital Charger | XTAR VC2 | 2 | 0.5A (adaptive) | LCD display, USB input, supports 18490β18650 |
| 6-Bay Smart Charger | XTAR MC6C | 6 | Auto-adaptive | 6 independent channels, 30+ sizes |
| Single-Bay Portable | XTAR MC1 | 1 | 0.25A/0.5A | USB input, ultra-compact, auto-detection |
| 4-Bay Fast Charger | XTAR VC4S | 4 | 0.25Aβ3A (adjustable) | 3A fast charge for 18650, low current for 18490, Type-C |
| 8-Bay Analyzer Charger | XTAR VC8 | 8 | 0.25Aβ3A (adjustable) | Capacity testing, cell matching, supports 18490 |
Typical Specifications Range (18490 Chargers)
| Parameter | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Input Power | USB 5V / Type-C / DC 12V / AC 100β240V |
| Charge Cutoff Voltage | 4.2V Β±0.05V (Li-ion) / 3.65V (LiFePOβ) / 1.45Vβ1.5V (NiMH) |
| Charge Current Range | 0.1A β 3A (adjustable/adaptive) |
| Supported Cell Sizes | 18490 / 18500 / 18350 / 16340 / 18650 / 21700, etc. |
| Protection Features | Overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, short-circuit, reverse polarity, overheat |
| Display Type | LED indicators / LCD digital display |
| Operating Temperature | 0Β°C β 40Β°C |
Typical Applications
| Application Scenario | Recommended Charger | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-device user; charge 18490, 18650, NiMH together | 4-bay multi-function (XTAR VC4 / Nitecore D4) | Compatible with Li-ion/NiMH/LiFePOβ, one charger does it all |
| Tactical flashlight/e-cigarette user, using 18490 to replace 2xCR123A | 4-bay smart charger (Nitecore D4 / XTAR VC4) | Secure grip for 18mm diameter, precise termination, extends cell life |
| Daily home use, charging 1β2 18490 cells | 2-bay digital charger (XTAR VC2 / Nitecore Ci2) | Real-time data display, clear charging status, secure fit |
| Need to charge multiple cells (3β6) simultaneously | 6-bay smart charger (XTAR MC6C) | 6 independent channels, highly efficient |
| Travel / on-the-go charging for 18490 flashlight/e-cigarette cells | Single-bay USB portable (XTAR MC1) | Ultra-compact, plug into any USB port, supports power bank charging |
| Need to test capacity and internal resistance for cell matching | 8-bay analyzer charger (XTAR VC8) | Capacity testing and IR detection for precise matching |
How to Choose the Right 18490 Charger?
| Your Requirement | Recommended Type | Suggested Model |
|---|---|---|
| I have multiple cell types (18490/18650/NiMH) and need one universal charger | 4-bay multi-function charger | XTAR VC4, Nitecore D4 |
| I want real-time charging data monitoring, daily home use | 2-bay digital charger | XTAR VC2, Nitecore Ci2 |
| I need to charge multiple cells (3+) simultaneously | 6-bay smart charger | XTAR MC6C |
| I only charge 18490 cells and need maximum portability | Single-bay USB portable | XTAR MC1 |
| I need fast charging for 18650 but also 18490 compatible | 4-bay fast charger | XTAR VC4S |
| I need to test capacity and internal resistance for cell matching | 8-bay analyzer charger | XTAR VC8 |
| I need bulk quantities or custom charging solutions | Contact our sales team | β |
β οΈ 18490 Charger Safety Guidelines
- Distinguish Battery Chemistry: 3.7V Li-ion (full charge 4.2V), 3.2V LiFePOβ (full charge 3.65V), and 1.2V NiMH (full charge 1.45V) require different modesβdo not mix. Ensure the charger has correctly identified or manually set the appropriate mode before charging. Never charge a NiMH battery with a Li-ion charger, or vice versaβthis can lead to overheating, reduced lifespan, or even safety hazards.
- Confirm 18490 Size Compatibility: 18490 cells are ~49mm longβabout 16mm shorter than 18650s. Some 18650 chargers cannot securely hold this length. Verify product specifications explicitly list 18490 or 18500 support before purchase.
- Select Appropriate Charge Current: 18490 cells charge best at 0.2Aβ0.5A (Li-ion). If manual setting is available, select a low current; if adaptive, ensure proper detection.
- Avoid High-Temperature Charging: Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight; ensure good ventilation during charging.
- Remove After Full Charge: Although chargers feature auto-termination, prolonged connection to power may still affect battery longevity. Remove batteries promptly after charging.
Why Choose Our 18490 Chargers?
- Genuine Brand Products: Chargers from XTAR, Nitecore, and other global professional charger brandsβreliable quality with full safety certifications.
- Precisely Compatible with 18490: Curated selection of models supporting 18mm diameter and 49mm length with secure gripβeliminates compatibility issues.
- Multi-Chemistry Compatibility: Select models support Li-ion, NiMH, and LiFePOβ batteriesβone charger for multiple needs.
- One-Stop Shopping: 18490 batteries, chargers, and accessories all in one placeβsave time and effort.
- Flexible Purchasing: Single-unit retail and bulk wholesale options available for both individual and enterprise needs.
- Certified & Safe: CE, FCC, RoHS certifications ensure quality and safety.
- Expert Technical Support: Guidance on charger selection, usage tips, and after-sales support.
πππ Browse the product list below to find the perfect 18490 Charger for your needs. For volume quotes or technical inquiries, please contact our customer service team.




















