Battery Guide: 5V, 7.4V, 12V, Which One is Better?

Typically, heated apparel is battery-powered. When plugging the cable port into the battery and pressing the apparel button, the battery generates electric energy to activate built-in heating elements, allowing wearers to experience warmth in seconds. So, the choice of battery is significant because it impacts the heating performance, including the heating efficiency or heating hours.

There are many types of batteries available on the market, and the common types are 5V batteries, 7.4V batteries, and 12V batteries. Most users don’t have a clear understanding of these batteries and don’t know which one is the best fit for their heated apparel. So, what’s the difference between these batteries, and which one is better? Don’t worry, you’ll find the answer in this passage.

5V Battery

5V batteries are commonly associated with USB charging. This type of battery is known for the excellent portability and convenience, which often are used to be compatible with small electric devices.

Pros

• USB charging compatibility. USB devices are typically designed to operate at 5V, in accordance with the voltage standard of USB. So, 5V batteries not only can charge 5V heated apparel but also can be used with other USB devices, like smartphones, table lamps, or small electric fans.
• Easy to carry. 5V batteries usually are compact with a small design, making it easy to carry wherever you go.

Cons

• Low energy density. Compared with other types of batteries, 5V batteries cannot generate sufficient energy to heated apparel with 5-6 heating elements or charge some devices requiring high power output.
• High power loss. During the charging, 5V batteries tend to easily lose power because of the limited voltage.
• Slow charging. Due to the low voltage, 5V batteries typically have slower charging rates.

Comparison

In terms of the overall performance, Venustas 5V battery stands out among these batteries. Although the capacity of these batteries is 10000mAh, Venustas battery can heat up to 11hrs thanks to the advanced technology. Also, it only weighs 5.64oz, which is lighter than the other two options. Tide 5V battery offers a higher output and 10 heating hours, while the MRBIU 5V battery provides the shortest working hours.

7.4V Battery

7.4V batteries are one type of rechargeable batteries with a standard voltage of 7.4V. Also, they are usually lithium-ion (Li-ion) or lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries, which are widely compatible with 7.4V heated apparel, cameras, remote-controlled vehicles, power tools, medical devices, etc.

Pros

• Higher energy density. 7.4V batteries boast a higher energy density to activate 5-6 heating elements while 5V batteries only can support 3-4 heating elements.

• Versatility. Most 7.4V batteries are designed with a DC output and a USB output, allowing users to charge the heated apparel and their mobile phone at the same time.

• Stable performance. Compared with 5V batteries,7.4V batteries with a DC output heat faster to provide instant and even warmth.

Cons

• Cannot charge 12V heated apparel.
• Cannot provide sufficient electric energy for high-power devices.

Comparison  

All three 7.4V batteries are designed to power heated apparel with different features. Making a purchase choice between them depends on your specific needs. Venustas 7.4V battery and ORORO 7.4V battery prioritize the balance between size and heating hours, which ensures users can enjoy long-lasting warmth without compromising on weight. In comparison, the PTAHDUS 7.4 V Battery falls behind in this regard.

12V Battery

12V batteries usually are designed for heated workwear to achieve better heating performance. They're especially popular among outdoor people who stay outside for long periods.

Pros

• High power output. Thanks to the higher voltage, 12V batteries produce more electric power to ensure sufficient warmth across the core body areas.
• Fast heating. Compared with 5V and 7.4V batteries, 12 batteries can transfer electric energy into heat more quickly to provide instant warmth.
• Compatibility. Most 12V batteries are designed with a DC output and USB output, allowing users can charge the smartphone while wearing the heated apparel.

Cons

• Little Bulky. 12V batteries are always a little heavier and larger, which could cause discomfort when putting it on your body.

Comparison

From the above table, we can find that Venustas 12V battery has a larger capacity of 10000mAh compared with the other two options. With a competitive capacity, it allows Venustas 12V heated apparel to provide warmth for up to 11hrs, or charge the iPhone 15 up to 4 times. Also, it’s equipped with 2 DC output ports and 1 USB port, being compatible with 7.4V heated apparel, 12 heated apparel, and other electric devices. If you would like a battery with a larger capacity, Venustas 12V battery is your first choice. 

In comparison, DEWBU 12V battery boasts a substantial capacity of 4500mAh. While not as high as Venustas, DEWBU still offers impressive power for prolonged usage. But it is only compatible with 12V heated apparel and other electric devices. Milwaukee 12V Battery has a competitive advantage in size and weight although its capacity only has 3000mAh.

DC VS USB port

Many individuals are unfamiliar with the distinctions between a DC port and a USB port. Allow us to clarify the differences for you.

Typically, USB ports a universal and multifunctional interface for connecting and powering a wide range of devices. DC ports are more specialized to provide a stable direct current power supply, often used in powering computers, laptops, or other electric devices.

Normally, 7.4V and 12V batteries are designed with DC ports while the 5V has a USB port. The USB port has exceptional compatibility, but the major limitation is the lower power output. In contrast, the DC port not only allows for a more robust power supply but also enhances better heating performance.

Conclusion

All in all, 7.4V and 12 V batteries are the trend while the 5V has gradually out of the market. Hope this guide can help you make the right decision when you purchase batteries.