Night Vision Goggle Batteries: Types, Power Options, and Practical Tips

Disclaimer:
CIGMAN doesn't sell night vision goggle batteries.

Our goggles already come with built-in rechargeable ones.

What you'll read here is just our take based on real experience with these products.

If you're looking for the right battery or just curious about how they work,
this quick guide should help.

So, let's begin!

Written by CIGMAN 
Published on August 22 2025

Fast Facts On NVG Batteries

For far-distance outdoor use, the most suitable main-line lithium batteries are CR123A, CR2, or AA lithium L91. They are lightweight, cold-resistant, and charge-retaining for months.

The biggest power draw usually comes from the IR illuminator, followed by the screen and image processing in digital models. Traditional tube systems use very little power.

Lithium cells operate even at –20 °C, while NiMH cells deteriorate quickly and lose their charge on storage too.

Paks outside generally supply power initially while the battery inside is on standby, with backflow-preventing circuits, so the device continues to run when you plug or unplug.

When choosing, check the datasheet, build quality, and weight. Too light cells are likely of poor quality. Lower and more uniform resistance is often a sign of higher performance.

If you want to learn more, continue reading for more details!

Common Batteries and Important Specs

For international or online purchases, lithium batteries must meet UN 38.3 requirements. Buyers must demand proof from reputable sellers. Otherwise, caution.

Here are the battery types and typical specs utilized most frequently in night vision devices:

The most common types of batteries for night vision goggles are 18650 lithium-ion, CR123A lithium, and AA in a few different chemistries. Each has its own quirks. The CR123A is small and light at around 17 grams, yet still manages about 1500 mAh at 3 volts, which is why it's so popular. AA batteries are everywhere, but performance really depends on the type.

Alkaline AAs yield approximately 1500 to 2800 mAh at approximately 23 grams. Lithium AAs are better, delivering almost 3000 mAh but only 15 grams. NiMH rechargeables usually fall within the 2000 to 2500 mAh range but at around 31 grams or so.

And then there is the 18650, a gargantuan rechargeable cell. At 3.7 volts with 2000 to 3500 mAh and weighing approximately 45 grams, it is one of the options in digital or thermal optics that burn a lot of power.

In real use, most goggles are capable of using a single AA or CR123A, and some even let you swap back and forth between the two with an adapter. Lithium batteries will give you more stable voltage and much longer run times.

As an example, a monocular will last you 50 hours on a single AA lithium or up to 72 hours using a CR123A. Binoculars with a larger draw usually get only 15 to 20 hours from the same mounting.

External Power Systems: Battery Packs, Cables, and Adapters

One reason military night vision goggles can be used for days is that they are externally powered. The setup is simple: a pack combines several cells to the right voltage, and a cable feeds that power into the device.

The battery pack is a tiny box of cells designed to meet the requirements of the goggles. Many are built, so the external pack supplies power first, so you have longer runtime and, as a fringe benefit, the added weight in the rear balances the helmet.

The cable matters just as much. A good one is flexible, works well in cold weather, and has good strain relief at the plug. The length needs to be enough to follow the routing of the helmet with a little slack. Too long and it catches on things, too short and it tugs when you turn your head.

Regarding the connector, most goggles use waterproof circular plugs with four pins and a push-lock design. They are simple to install, remain secure when installed, and are capable of withstanding rugged environments. When using third-party cables, always make sure the pinout as well as the polarity is compatible with your device.

Some helmet battery packs have a dual-compartment design that will take either two CR123As or four AAs. There's a simple knob that you turn to switch which side is powering the goggles. Most of these packs are made of rugged polymer, O-ring sealed for water resistance, and the lids are tethered so that you don't lose them when you're changing batteries in the field. Velcro-attached at the back of the helmet, not just does the pack power the unit, but it also acts as a counterweight for the goggles in the front.

Take one binocular NVG battery pack as an example. With four CR123As, the system will run for more than 90 hours. On a heavier four-tube panoramic setup, the same pack will take around 40 hours or so.

Where Does the Battery Go in Night Vision Goggles?

From our testing, different parts of a night vision device don't draw power in the same way.
The things to look out for are:
1.Infrared illuminator (IR LED or laser): This will usually be the biggest drain. A standard 850 nm high-power LED will consume about 1 amp, which is equivalent to over 1 watt of power.

2.Digital processing and display: CMOS sensors paired with OLED or LCOS microdisplays can vary a lot, from just a few dozen milliwatts up to several hundred, depending on resolution and brightness.

3.Image intensifier tube: Strikingly effective. Although it works at high voltage, the current drawn is very low, and the power taken is usually only a few dozen milliwatts.

How Do NVG Batteries Actually Work?

At the most basic level, a battery powers your goggles by turning chemical reactions into electrical current. Electrons move through the circuit and supply energy to the device as the cell is used up. The voltage is set by the chemistry inside, and the amount of material determines the capacity. When it's cold, these reactions slow down, and this builds up resistance, making the battery appear weaker.

Not all chemistries behave the same. Lithium batteries tolerate the cold much more easily, consistently operating reliably down to –20 °C. NiMH cells, on the other hand, discharge more quickly over time and function poorly in cold temperatures. This is why lithium cells are generally preferred for outdoor and long-duration applications.

How you treat the battery also matters. Storage hot or at full charge for long periods hastens aging, but storage cools and at about half charge does the opposite to extend its life. Charging methods reflect chemistry too: lithium-ion cells employ a constant-current then constant-voltage method, while NiMH cells rely on signals like a small voltage drop or temperature rise to know when to cut off. For safety, modern lithium packs have built-in protections against overcharge, deep discharge, overheating, and short circuits.

How to Choose the Right Night Vision Goggle Batteries?

We’ve talked a lot, so here's a quick CIGMAN checklist to get you to identify the good stuff and skip the trash.

Check the label

A reliable cell or battery pack will have clear markings with voltage, capacity, batch number, and safety notes. If the print is blurry, incomplete, or filled with mistakes, reject it outright.

Hold the weight

If two batteries are alike but one weighs a lot less, that's a red flag. For example, excellent high-density 18650 batteries will typically be around 45 g. If it's really light, it's probably inflated or merely low quality.

Test resistance if you can

Most people don’t have pro gear. However, if you do, use a multimeter in internal resistance mode or a dedicated tester for it.

Low and consistent resistance generally means that the cell will load better and hold voltage more consistently.
 Cells with high resistance will plummet voltage as soon as you apply IR illumination, causing shutdowns or bad behavior.

Check consistency

When buying a pack, do a fast discharge test. Never combine cells if one wears out much more quickly than the others. For external packs, never combine good and bad cells together. Bad consistency not only shortens runtime, but might also trigger protection circuits or make the entire setup unstable.

Tips For Choosing External Cables And Connectors

The first thing to pay attention to is cable length. It's a good idea to run it once around the edge of the helmet and leave a little extra space. That way, it is long enough to move freely but not too long that it catches. If the cable is too short, every head turn will pull on it.

How you install the cable is important too. Secure it with zip ties or Velcro near the edge of the helmet. Make a little loop before the connector so that rainwater runs off instead of into the socket.

Connectors should also be maintained. When not in use, cover the equipment. Before heading out, clean the sockets and plugs using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. This reduces contact resistance and helps avoid sudden power loss.

Watch out for adapters too. Many circular plugs look similar, but the pin layout and polarity may be different. Always check the datasheet before using third-party parts.

What To Check Before Buying?

Start with the batteries. Reliable CR123A, CR2, or AA L91 batteries can usually be found by authorized suppliers and have a proper datasheet. Without unclear specs or any certification marks, it is preferable to avoid them.

In examining packs, cables, or connectors, choose items that detail pin definitions, sealing level, and quality material. For circular push-lock connectors, double-check with Fischer or LEMO specs for compatibility.

Shipping and after-sales also have to be considered. Lithium batteries exported by air or abroad are covered by UN38.3, and responsible traders will always attach a test summary.

Finally, examine the cable structure. Helmet battery packs often use cables around half a meter, which is long enough to route nicely without being excessive. Right angle or angled connectors hold the cable close to the helmet and device, which minimizes snagging. Solid cables utilize shielded multi-strand wire with a flexible jacket that stays flexible in cold temperatures and resists being pulled, making for reliable performance in outdoor environments.

Battery Pairing Suggestions

The CR123A batteries are compact and lightweight, and so are useful for quick patrols. Just carry a few spares with you.

AA L91 cells are even lighter and perform more reliably in cold weather, making them ideal for operations where you need something that works after long storage.

For binoculars or extended missions, an externally mounted aft-mounted battery pack is best. It not only increases runtime but also balances the weight of the goggles in front. You can switch batteries without losing surveillance, but remember that actual endurance depends on how often you use the IR illuminator and your brightness settings.

So, it's always a good idea to carry a backup.

Why Choose CIGMAN
As Your First Night Vision Goggles Brand?

1. CIGMAN specializes in laser electrical measurement and night vision tools that help users solve problems quickly in both professional and daily settings.
2. CIGMAN's products are safe, compliant, eco-friendly, user-friendly, and meet international standards with patented designs.
3. CIGMAN's products have been sold to more than 30 countries with more than 10,000,000 products.
4. CIGMAN insists on providing customers with high-quality products and promise to provide customers with 36-month worry-free after-sales service.

References

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[2] B. Sun, X. Ke, Y. Li, et al., “Review of Low-Temperature Performance, Modeling and Heating for Lithium-Ion Batteries,” Energies, vol. 16, no. 20, art. 7142, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/20/7142

[3] R. Ouyang, D. Chen, et al., “Influence of Low Temperature Conditions on Lithium-Ion Batteries and the Application of an Insulation Material,” RSC Advances, vol. 9, pp. 152–161, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2019/ra/c9ra00490d

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[5] B. Su, X. Ke, and C. Yuan, “Electrochemical Modeling of Calendar Capacity Loss of Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC)-Graphite Lithium-Ion Batteries,” arXiv preprint, arXiv:2103.02166, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://arxiv.org/abs/2103.02166

[6] M. Karimi Kisomi, “Thermal Management of Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Comparative Study of Phase Change Materials and Air-Cooling Systems Equipped with Fins,” arXiv preprint, arXiv:2503.10244, Mar. 2025. [Online]. Available: https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.10244

[7] Samsung SDI, “INR18650-35E Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Cell Specification,” Spec. No. 1.1, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., 2015. [Online]. Available: https://www.orbtronic.com/content/samsung-35e-datasheet-inr18650-35e.pdf

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