Key Features
Review Price:
£24.99- USB-C chargingTop-up directly without the need for an external charger.
- Li-ionSimilar discharge curve to 1.5V alkaline batteries.
Introduction
Expanding its line-up, the Paleblue Voyager C USB-C uses the same Li-ion battery tech as in the smaller AA and AAA versions, but just for a much larger battery. It’s a nice upgrade to have, particularly for the likes of more powerful torches or clocks, cutting down on the number of alkaline batteries you might get through.
The only potential issue is that the slight electromagnetic interference that the batteries put out might stop them from working in every appliance. Is that an issue? Read on to find out.
Design and charging
- Integrated USB-C port
- Sold in a two-pack
While the Paleblue Voyager AA USB-C and Paleblue Voyager AAA USB-C are both sold in a four-pack, the Paleblue Voyager C USB-C is sold as a two-pack for £24.99 / $29.99. They’re much larger in size, of course, and have a higher capacity, so that price difference is to be expected.
Compared to alkaline C batteries, these are expensive. However, as each battery can be used 1000+ times, that brings the overall cost down to just over 1p per use, which is very cheap.
Otherwise, you get a very similar experience. Each set of batteries is sold in a plastic storage/carry case, which holds two Type C batteries, plus the USB-C charging cable.
This cable is a splitter, so that you can charge two batteries with just one cable. As with the rest of the Voyager range, this charging cable is USB-C at both ends.
When the batteries are flat, plug the cable into the USB-C port; the light flashes green until the battery is charged, then turns solid green.
You’ll most likely need to charge this way, as Li-ion batteries can’t be charged using a regular battery charger designed for NiMH cells, as this will damage them. Using USB-C, a full charge (from empty) takes 240 minutes, and it’s 186 minutes for an 80% charge. These batteries will also hold a charge in a similar way to an alkaline battery, so you can charge today and use tomorrow.
Charging is slower than on the AA and AAA batteries, but the Paleblue Voyager C USB-C has a much larger capacity: 4000mAh, vs 2200mAh on the AA version.
Performance
- High capacity
- Some incompatibilities
As a Li-ion battery, the Paleblue Voyager C USB-C is designed for a near-constant 1.5V output, closely matching that of an alkaline battery. The idea is that these rechargeables can be used in place of disposable batteries, and that’s true for the most part, but the internal voltage control circuitry can cause some interference.
Using four Paleblue Voyager C USB-C batteries in my Sure smart cat flap, I found that the microchip reader would work for two out of three of my cats, but one of them couldn’t get in. Presumably, the placement of the chip means that the interference from the batteries stops the chip reader working.
In other places, the Paleblue Voyager C USB-C batteries work fine. I used them in a clock and a high-power torch and had no issues at all.
I tested capacity using the XTAR VX4 battery tester, which is compatible with Li-ion batteries. The result of 4518mAh was above the rated capacity. I also measured starting voltage at 1.51V, in line with alkaline batteries.
Should you buy it?
You need an eco-friendly alternative to alkaline C batteries
If you use a lot of C batteries, say for a torch or wall clock, these are an eco-friendly alternative that will pay for themselves over their 1000+ use life.
You have a compatibility issue
The internal circuitry means that these batteries put out a small amount of interference that may cause problems with some devices.
Final Thoughts
Provided you’ve got the right devices, the Paleblue Voyager C USB-C batteries are a brilliant alternative to alkaline batteries. Powerful, flexible and capable of being used more than 1000 times, these batteries are an eco-friendly alternative to alkalines, and deserve their place on the list of the best rechargeable batteries.
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- Capacity and voltage tested with an XTAR VX4.
- Used in real-life appliances to check compatibility.
Are the Paleblue Voyager C USB-C batteries compatible with every device?
They’ll work with the majority of devices, although some minor compatibility issues may exist.
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