Best Lithium Car Audio Battery
Car audio systems tend to be rather "hungry" regarding the required electricity and can drain ordinary car batteries rather fast.
To prevent any issues with the car's starting batteries, additional batteries or even battery packs are added in order to power the built-in car audio systems. As such, lithium car audio batteries have many benefits over lead-acid batteries and are becoming more and more popular.
Updated: October 28, 2024.
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Car Audio/Stereo Power Requirements
The power requirement of car audio/stereo varies from dozens of watts to several thousands of watts and that is a huge difference.
Small audio/multimedia devices with power up to 100 or so watts can be powered by the car's main battery as long as the battery is not discharged too low when the engine is turned off.
However, when high-end audio/stereo systems with the electric requirements of 500-5000+ Watts are mounted in the car, things become interesting ...
Note: additional battery (or battery pack) is a deep discharge battery or battery pack, not intended for cranking and thus must be isolated from the car's starting battery, alternator, and engine starter. This isolation is done using battery isolators, which allow the user to recharge both batteries using the same alternator, but prevent deep discharge battery to discharge the starting battery. For more about battery isolators, feel free to check our Guide to Understanding and Choosing Battery Isolators article.
So, check your audio system documentation, find its electric requirements, and of course, recommended fuses - wiring can be over-dimensioned, but fuses should be as recommended by the audio system manufacturer!
Depending on the power requirement, one may expect currents from 40-42 Amps (500W systems) to 400-420 Amps (5000W systems) or even more, when the systems are powered by the 12V.
This additionally increases the current load that the alternator must provide, raising the question of the alternator dimensioning. For example,
- if the alternator max. current is 160 Amps, or less, a 20 Amps max. lithium battery charger is recommended,
- if the alternator max. current is 160 - 180Amps, a 40 Amps max. lithium battery charger is recommended,
- if the alternator max. current is 180 Amps or more, a 60 Amps max. lithium battery charger is recommended.
Generally, the stronger the alternator, the better it is regarding the additional load - this is the reason why many custom car audio systems have custom-built alternators.
Lithium vs. Lead-Acid Batteries
Lithium batteries offer many benefits when compared with lead-acid batteries, including:
- 12V lithium batteries offer a much more stable output voltage, with many models having an output voltage of >12V, regardless of the battery's remaining charge, which also leads to better energy efficiency.
- lithium batteries are 2-3x lighter than lead-acid batteries. When the batteries are being discharged by stronger currents, this difference is even higher, sometimes even 4-5x.
- lithium batteries cycle well, with most models supporting 2000+ cycles down to 100% DoD, 3000+ cycles down to 80% DoD and 5000+ cycles down to 50% DoD.
- lithium batteries are spill-proof, maintenance-free batteries that can be mounted in virtually any position.
- lithium batteries may be recharged faster, with most models having maximum continuous charging current in the 0.5-1.0C range, etc.
On the other hand, lithium batteries also have a few issues, including:
- lithium batteries must be recharged using dedicated lithium battery chargers, or using smart AGM battery chargers featuring dedicated lithium battery charging mode, or using battery charger controllers designed to charge lithium batteries.
Note: lithium batteries should be charged using the so-called Constant Current/Constant Voltage (CC/CV) charging algorithm if the charge controller has enough power available. Direct charging of lithium batteries using a car's alternator is not recommended for several reasons. Also, most 12V lithium batteries are deep cycle batteries unable to crank/start car engines! For short, it is good to have lithium batteries isolated by a charge controller (which can be, for example, powered by a car's alternator (modified or not, custom one or not)) and used only as deep cycle batteries.
- lithium batteries tend to be more expensive, at least initially. Since they cycle so well, in the long run, they are actually cheaper than lead-acid batteries, saving both time and money.
- lithium batteries should NOT be connected in series and/or parallel unless explicitly allowed by their manufacturers.
- lithium batteries feature built-in Battery Management Systems (BMS) that protect the batteries from unwanted events like overcharge, over-discharge, overheating, too low temperatures, overcurrent, etc. Also, good BMSs regularly balance the battery's cells, prolonging their lifetime. Without BMS, even Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries would not be safe to use.
When balancing the pros and cons of lithium batteries, it is obvious that lithium batteries are much lighter, they are unable to crank the engine, they cycle very well, initially they cost more, they require special chargers, and some of them can be connected in series/parallel.
Personally, the best course of action is to isolate a deep cycle lithium battery (or battery pack) using a DC-to-DC battery charger which is on one side connected to the car's electric system and on the second side connected to the lithium battery.
Such DC-to-DC battery chargers protect the lithium battery from various transition voltages and charge the lithium battery using CC/CV charging algorithm.
Also, in order to protect the starting battery from being drained while the engine is Off, some DC-to-DC battery chargers support the use of the so-called "D+ ignition cable," which signals the charger if the engine is On or Off.
One of such DC-to-DC battery chargers is the Renogy 12V 40A DC to DC On-Board Battery Charger (Amazon link, link opens in the new window), which supports both lead-acid and lithium batteries and the use of D+ ignition cable and current limiting cable (it can be used to charge the batteries with up to 40 Amps or up to 20 Amps).
The following comparison chart lists some of the most popular 12V lithium batteries, ranging from ~50Ah to 400+Ah.
| Model | Battery Type Chemistry |
Group Size Capacity (Ah) |
Discharge Currents | Parallel / Series Connections | Weight (lbs/kg) |
| Battle Born BB10012 | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
31 100 |
100A cont. 200A 30s |
P: yes S: up to 4 |
29 lbs; 13.2 kg |
| Battle Born BB10012H | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
31 100 |
100A cont. 200A 30s |
P: ∞ S: up to 4 |
31 lbs; 14.1 kg |
| Battle Born BBGC2 | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
GC2 100 |
100A cont. 200A 30s |
P: yes S: up to 4 |
31 lbs; 14 kg |
| Chins 12V100Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
31 100 |
100A cont. 300A 5s. |
P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
23.9 lbs; 10.8 kg |
| Chins 12V400Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
4D (6D) 400 |
250A cont. 750A 5s |
P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
86.4 lbs; 39.2 kg |
| Digi Marker 12V 300Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
8D 300 |
200A cont. | P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
61.9 lbs; ~28.1 kg |
| Eco-Worthy 12V100Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
34 100 |
- | P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
23 lbs; 10.4 kg |
| Eco-Worthy 12V150Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
31 150 |
150A cont. | P: unlimited S: up to 4 |
36.7 lbs; 16.6 kg |
| ExpertPower EP12200 | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
4D (6D) 200 |
150A cont. 200A 3s |
? | 48.3 lbs; 21.9 kg |
| HYPERY 12V 150Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
31 150 |
150A cont. 300A 10s |
P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
37.4 lbs; ~17.0 kg |
| Ingeosolly 12V 300Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
4D (6D) 300 |
200A cont. | P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
55 lbs; ~25.0kg |
| JITA 12V100Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
31 100 |
100A cont. | P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
24.2 lbs; ~11.0 kg |
| JITA 12V200Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
4D (6D) 200 |
200A cont. | P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
48.9 lbs; 22.2 kg |
| JITA 12V300Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
4D (6D) 300 |
200A cont. | P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
59.5 lbs; 27 kg |
| JITA 12V400Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
4D(6D) 400 |
200A cont. 400A 5s |
P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
83.7 lbs; 37.9 kg |
| LiTime (Ampere Time) 12V 50Ah Plus | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
- 50 |
50A cont. 100A 5s |
P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
14.3 lbs; 6.5 kg |
| LiTime (Ampere Time) 12V 100Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
31 100 |
100A cont. 280A 5s |
P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
24.25 lbs; 11 kg |
| LiTime 12V 100Ah Mini | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
24 100 |
100A cont. 250A 5s |
P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
19 lbs; 8.6 kg |
| LiTime (Ampere Time) 12V 200Ah Plus | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
4D (6D) 200 |
200A cont. 400A 5s |
P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
52.3 lbs; 23.7 kg |
| LiTime (Ampere Time) 12V 300Ah Plus | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
4D (8D) 300 |
200A cont. 400A 5s |
P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
63 lbs; 28.54 kg |
| LiTime (Ampere Time) 12V 400Ah Plus | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
8D 400 |
250A cont. 750A 5s |
P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
86.2 lbs; 39.1 kg |
| Lossigy 12V100Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
- 100 |
50A cont. | P: up to 10 S: up to 4 |
23.8 lbs; 10.8 kg |
| Lossigy 12V200Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
4D 200 |
100A cont. | P: no limit (10?) S: up to 4 |
46 lbs; 20.9 kg |
| Lossigy 12V400Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
4D (6D) 400 |
200A cont. | P: up to 10 S: up to 4 |
95 lbs; 43 kg |
| Power Queen 12V100Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
31 100 |
100A cont. | P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
25.25 lbs; 11.0 kg |
| Power Queen 12V200Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
4D (6D) 200 |
100A cont. | P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
48.28 lbs; 21.9 kg |
| Power Queen 12V300Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
4D (6D) 300 |
200A cont. | P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
62.8 lbs; 28.5 kg |
| Redodo (ex. Zooms) 12V 100Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
31 100 |
100A cont. | P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
25.35 lbs; 11.5 kg |
| Vatrer 12V 100Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
31 100 |
100A cont. | P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
33 lbs; 15 kg |
| Vatrer 12V 200Ah | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
4D 200 |
100A cont. | P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
48.5 lbs; 22 kg |
| Vatrer 12V 460A | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
8D 460 |
250A cont. | P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
105 lbs; 47.5 kg |
| Weize FPLI-12100AH | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
31 100 |
100A cont. 200-250A surge |
P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
26.4 lbs; 12.0 kg |
| Weize TPLI-12200AH | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
4D (6D) 200 |
100A cont. 200A 3s |
P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
27.6(?) lbs; 12.5(?) kg |
| Weize TPLI-12300AH | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
4D (6D) 300 |
200A cont. 400A 3s |
P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
60.5 lbs; 27.4 kg |
| Wingda W100-12V100AH | Deep Cycle LiFePO4 |
31 100 |
50A cont. | P: up to 4 S: up to 4 |
23.8 lbs; 10.8 kg |
Note: Amazon affiliate links (the 'Model' column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices. Also, we have really tried to verify every single bit of information in this chart and article (and in the end - our website), but things change over time without prior notice.
As one can see, 12V lithium batteries are becoming more and more popular, but this does not mean that they are all suitable to be used as car audio batteries, especially if larger battery packs are needed.
Can a lithium car audio battery improve sound quality?
Yes, a lithium car audio battery can improve sound quality in a car audio system. Lithium batteries provide a more stable and consistent power output than traditional lead-acid or AGM batteries, which helps maintain a steady voltage to your amplifiers and other audio components.
This stable power supply prevents voltage drops during heavy bass or high-volume playback, which can lead to distortion or reduced sound quality in some systems.
Additionally, lithium batteries have a faster discharge and recharge rate, allowing them to handle the high power demands of a robust car audio setup more effectively, resulting in cleaner, more consistent audio performance.
How long does a lithium car audio battery last?
A lithium car audio battery typically lasts between 5 to 10 years, depending on the battery's quality, usage patterns, and environmental factors. Lithium batteries generally have a longer lifespan compared to traditional lead-acid or AGM batteries due to their ability to handle more charge cycles without significant degradation.
However, factors like extreme temperatures, frequent deep discharges, and high current draws can affect their longevity. Proper maintenance, such as avoiding full discharges and keeping the battery within optimal temperature ranges, can help maximize its lifespan.
Here is the list of our top lithium car audio battery picks:
Battle Born BB12100 Deep Cycle Lithium Battery
Battle Born BB12100 Deep Cycle Lithium Battery is THE deep cycle lithium battery that sets standards for all other deep cycle lithium batteries. Such features and performances come at a certain price, but what You pay is what You get.
Battle Born BB12100 lithium battery features a nominal voltage of 12.8 volts and a nominal capacity of 100Ah.
The physical dimensions of the battery are (L x W x H) 12.75 x 6.88 x 9 inches (32.4 x 17.5 x 22.7 cm), and it weighs 29 pounds (~13.2 kg) - Battle Born BB12100 battery can easily fit in the battery compartments intended for the BCI Group 31 batteries.
Like practically all other lithium car audio batteries, the Battle Born BB12100 battery is based on the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry, with the advanced Battery Management System (BMS) monitoring the battery parameters like voltage, current, temperature, cells condition, and similar.
Battle Born BB12100 battery is water-resistant and sealed, but it should not be submerged (obviously). Also, it is very resistant to vibrations and mechanical impacts - just don't abuse it, and the battery will work. This battery comes with a 10-year warranty.
As a deep cycle battery, Battle Born BB12100 is able to withstand 3000-5000 cycles, depending on the depth of discharge (DoD%).
Battle Born BB12100 battery features a maximum continuous discharge current of 100 Amps (1C) and a maximum surge current of 200 Amps for 30 seconds (yes, 30 seconds). Also, any load above 200 Amps for a longer period of 0.5 seconds will cause the BMS to disconnect the battery.
The maximum charging current is 50 Amps (0.5C), allowing the user to cycle the battery every 3-4 hours.
Additionally, Battle Born BB12100 features a BMS that allows the user to connect the Battle Born BB12100 in parallel (practically almost no limit) and series (up to 4 in series) - this may change with new submodels, so check it before actually connecting the batteries.
With its output voltage of 12 or more volts, Battle Born BB12100 is able to provide 1200+ Watts for almost an hour.
If a larger capacity is required, feel free to connect more batteries in parallel, increasing the capacity but also the maximum power.
Note: when connecting the Battle Born BB12100 batteries in series and parallel, be sure to thoroughly read the Owner's Guide - nothing special to read, but it is highly recommended to get accustomed to these (or any other) lithium batteries before actually connecting them.
Battle Born BB12100 deep cycle lithium battery comes with excellent BMS, rather long warranty, high maximum discharge current, can be recharged quickly, supports a large number of charging/discharging cycles, it is lightweight, it can be connected in series/parallel, etc.
It fully justifies its price, which is not low ...
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the Battle Born BB12100 Deep Cycle Lithium Battery Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).
LiTime (Ampere Time) 12V 200Ah Plus Deep Cycle Lithium Battery
LiTime (former Ampere Time) 12V 200Ah Plus is a very popular LiTime lithium deep discharge battery - other models include 50Ah, 100Ah, and 300Ah lithium batteries.
LiTime 12V 200Ah Plus battery features physical dimensions of (L x W x H) 20.5 x 9.37 x 8.54 inches (~52.1 x 23.8 x 21.7 cm), and it weighs 52.3 pounds (~23.7 kg).
Due to its weight, the LiTime 12V 200Ah Plus battery belongs to the BCI Group 6D, but most of such batteries are labeled as similar but somewhat smaller than BCI Group 4D - hence "4D (6D)" size value in the comparison chart.
Thanks to the built-in BMS, the LiTime 12V 200Ah Plus battery features a maximum continuous discharge current of 200 Amps (2400+ watts output power for almost an hour), with the maximum surge current of 400 Amps (4800+ watts) for 5 seconds.
According to the manufacturer, the LiTime 12V 200Ah Plus battery features a maximum charging current of 1C (200 Amps) current - personally, in order to prolong its lifetime, keep the maximum charging current up to 0.5C (100 Amps).
Depending on the Depth of Discharge, LiTime 12V 200Ah Plus battery supports 2000-5000 charging/discharging cycles.
A very interesting feature of its BMS is that it supports connections up to 4 batteries in parallel and up to 4 batteries in series - using 4 batteries, one can make a 12V 800Ah battery pack that is able to provide 9600+ watts for almost an hour, which is more than enough even for smaller electric vehicles.
When comparing the prices of these batteries, note that this is 12V 200Ah and not the 12V 100Ah battery - it is well designed and built, rather cost-effective lithium deep discharge battery.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the LiTime 12V 200Ah Plus Deep Cycle Lithium Battery Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
Chins 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle Lithium Battery
Chins 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle Lithium Battery can be connected up to 4 in series and up to 4 in parallel: 4S4P, 4S2P, 2S2P, 3S2P, etc.
This allows the user to make various battery packs ranging in voltage from 12V to 48V and in capacity from 100Ah to 400Ah.
Also, Chins manufactures several similar models, including 50Ah, 200Ah, and 300Ah, with similar BMS features.
Chins 12V 100Ah battery features dimensions of 12.95 x 6.77 x 8.43 inches (~32.9 x 17.2 x 21.4 cm) and it weighs 23.9 lbs (~10.8 kg) - Chins 12V 100Ah battery belongs to the BCI Group 31 batteries.
The maximum continuous discharge current is 100A, with a surge current of 300A(!) for up to 5 seconds. The maximum continuous charge current is 50 Amps, with a standard and recommended charging current of 20 Amps.
Chins 12V 100Ah battery supports 2000+ charging/discharging cycles down to 80% DoD.
Despite certain limitations (somewhat smaller number of supported charging/discharging cycles, smaller charging current), Chins 12V 100Ah battery is well-liked by its users and proves itself rather reliable considering its price for various applications, as a single battery or as a larger battery pack.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the Chins 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle Lithium Battery Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).
Eco-Worthy 12V 150Ah Deep Cycle Lithium Battery
Eco-Worthy 12V 150Ah Deep Cycle Lithium Battery features physical dimensions of 13 x 6.9 x 8.5 inches (~33 x 17.5 x 21.6 cm) and it weighs 36.7 pounds (~16.6 kg) - Eco-Worthy 12V 150Ah battery belongs to the BCI Group 31 batteries.
Its maximum continuous discharging current is 100 Amps, with a maximum continuous charging current of 80 Amps - a single Eco-Worthy 12V 150Ah battery is suitable for systems up to 1200 watts for ~90 minutes.
Eco-Worthy 12V 150Ah battery supports 3000+ charging/discharging cycles down to 80% DoD.
The manufacturer clearly states that the Eco-Worthy 12V 150Ah battery allows connections up to 4 batteries in series, with parallel connections being unlimited.
Considering its price (note that this is a 150Ah battery and not a 100Ah battery), the Eco-Worthy 12V 150Ah battery is an excellent entry-level lithium deep cycle car audio battery, well suitable for other purposes as well.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the Eco-Worthy 12V 150Ah Deep Cycle Lithium Battery Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
Few Final Words
Long Story Short: Deep cycle lithium batteries allow the user to have a strong battery pack to power even the strongest car audio systems without overloading the car or some other vehicle with heavy lead-acid batteries.
If you need much larger battery or battery pack (100Ah or 200Ah batteries are too small), consider for example, Vatrer 12V 460Ah Litihum Battery, LiTime 12V400Ah Lithium Battery, or similar batteries.
However, note that the size of the lithium batteries is more or less the same as the size of the lead-acid batteries of a similar capacity - some users focus almost entirely on the weight of the lithium batteries and their charging/discharging currents.
For example, if You are building a battery pack consisting of four (4) group 31 batteries, regardless if they are lithium or lead-acid batteries, You still need the same storage area - if they are placed side by side, You will need ~13 x 27.5 x 9 inches (~33 x 70 x 23 cm) - or slightly higher to help with the wiring.
Note: tampering and modifying the car's electric system should be done only by certified professionals. Whatever You do, it is your own responsibility!