Battery selection is crucial when working with Seeed Studio’s Xiao series. Factors like charging chip differences, power profiling, and project needs will determine the best choice. This document outlines the differences across Xiao boards and considerations for selecting the best battery.
Key Factors in Battery Selection
Battery Chemistry & Voltage
Most Xiao boards support 3.7V or 3.85V LiPo batteries.
Built-in over/under voltage protection is ideal for safety.
Different battery shapes: Round, Square, Flat—which one fits your project?
Charging Chip & Current Ratings
Different Xiao boards use different charge controllers, affecting charge speed and battery compatibility.
Some charge ICs are configurable, while others have fixed charge rates.
Power Profiling & Runtime Estimation
Power consumption varies by board. Measuring active vs. deep sleep current is key.
Online tools like Digikey’s Battery Life Calculator can help predict runtime.
Xiao Board Battery Charging Comparison
Xiao Board
Charging Chip
Max Charge Current
Recommended Battery
Power Considerations
Xiao nRF52840
TP4054
50mA (default), configurable to 100mA
3.85V 450mAh LiPo (Round/Square)
Best for low-power applications, BLE projects.
Xiao ESP32C3
TP4057
100mA
3.7V 500mAh+ LiPo (Flat/Square)
More power-hungry due to WiFi, benefits from larger battery.
Xiao ESP32S3
TP4057
100mA
3.7V 500mAh+ LiPo
Dual-core processor increases power draw; power profiling is recommended.
Xiao ESP32C6
TP4057
100mA
3.7V 450-600mAh LiPo
Lower power than ESP32S3, but still benefits from optimized battery selection.
Power Profiling & Optimization
Measure current consumption in different modes (active, sleep, deep sleep) before finalizing a battery choice.
Use tools like the Digikey Battery Life Calculator to estimate runtime based on power draw.
Consider adding external power management circuits for efficiency.
Discussion & Community Input
What battery do you use with your Xiao board?
Have you tested different charge rates or power optimizations?
Do you prefer round, flat, or square LiPo batteries for your projects?
Ah’ good catch, I have tried I knew it looked to clean, only the older schematic had it called out, the new one is missing? I re-checked the same. I will inquire also on the discord and see if they reply. Perhaps Kevin could tell us if this is the case. I think the first pcs i tested had a lower current, but it was a while back so I 'm betting they changed it after the chip shortage situ. ? But EAGLE eye as per usual My guy… What batteries have you used and had success with? I’m sure you got the receipts.
The three ESP32C3s I got two years ago had a charge current of 370mA.
The drawings do not list the name of the charge controller, so I do not know what is actually mounted on the more recent C3s.
Yea, I’ll take you WORD on that, I thought the earlier ones were indeed different, got it backwards more than likely. We even had a few post I think others may have noticed. Probably wouldn’t be the first time with the supply and demand waves. I want them to use a PMIC, one that’s connected via I2C really do the Xiao thing right. replace the boot button as a power push button (connected to the pmic) with a MCUBoot Loader they can, ALL xiao’s just one button. Then USE the corners of the board as TOP-SIDE Battery PADS.
like this: (in Seeed Green)
It would work on every Xiao except the nrf52840 Sense version because some PCB cowboy put a resistor WAY out on the edge (DRC_check FaiL ) past the PDM. so they would have to fix that.
Look with a magnifier a single resistor. I’m sure I could find it on the Schematic and BOM. Sure beats POGO pins… Wait until you see the next video…LOL
Choosing the Right Battery for Your Xiao Board
Key Factors in Battery Selection
Xiao Board Battery Charging Comparison
Power Profiling & Optimization
Discussion & Community Input
What batteries have you used and had success with? I’m sure you got the receipts. 
PJ 
put a resistor WAY out on the edge (DRC_check FaiL ) past the PDM. so they would have to fix that.