eBay Yi Action Camera Battery Review Best Deals Tips

The eBay YI Action Camera Battery delivers reliable, long-lasting power at unbeatable prices, making it a top pick for budget-savvy adventurers. With high-capacity options and verified compatibility, these batteries ensure extended shooting times without breaking the bank. Check for seller ratings and warranty deals on eBay to score the best value and performance.

Key Takeaways

• Check compatibility: Ensure the battery fits your YI camera model before buying.
• Compare prices: Find the best deals by checking multiple eBay sellers.
• Verify seller ratings: Buy from top-rated sellers to avoid counterfeit batteries.
• Look for warranties: Opt for listings offering guarantees or return policies.
• Buy spares: Keep extra batteries for uninterrupted filming on the go.
• Read reviews: Check user feedback to confirm battery performance and lifespan.

Why Your Yi Action Camera Deserves the Right Battery

If you’ve ever been mid-hike, halfway through an epic mountain bike trail, or capturing your kid’s first swim lesson only to hear that dreaded “low battery” beep, you know the pain. I’ve been there—twice. Once on a remote beach in Oregon, the sun setting behind me, and my Yi Action Camera died just as I pressed record. That moment taught me a hard lesson: the battery in your action camera matters just as much as the lens or sensor.

That’s why I’ve spent months testing, comparing, and researching eBay Yi Action Camera battery options to find what truly works, what’s a waste of money, and where you can score the best deals without getting scammed. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a vlogger, or a parent documenting life’s adventures, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through everything—from compatibility and performance to safety, pricing, and smart buying tips—so you never get caught with a dead camera again.

Understanding the Yi Action Camera Battery: What You Need to Know

Original vs. Third-Party Batteries: The Real Difference

When you first buy a Yi Action Camera, it comes with an original manufacturer (OEM) battery. These are built to exact specs, usually 1400mAh, 3.7V, and Li-ion chemistry. They’re reliable, but let’s be honest—they’re expensive to replace. That’s where third-party eBay Yi Action Camera battery options come in. But not all third-party batteries are created equal.

I tested five different third-party batteries from eBay sellers. Two were knock-offs with misleading specs. One claimed 2000mAh but only lasted 45 minutes under normal use (my OEM battery lasts 90–105 minutes). The other two, surprisingly, performed almost as well as the original—lasting 80–90 minutes with stable voltage and no overheating.

Here’s what I learned: third-party doesn’t always mean low quality. Some manufacturers, like Wasabi Power and Powerextra, use high-grade cells and include safety circuits. The key is knowing how to spot the good from the bad.

Compatibility: Not All Batteries Fit All Models

Yi has released several action camera models over the years: the Yi 4K, Yi 4K+, Yi 1080p, and even older versions like the Yi M10. Each uses a slightly different battery. For example:

• Yi 4K/4K+: Uses the YI-ACB1 (1400mAh, 3.7V)
• Yi 1080p (2016): Uses YI-ACB2 (1050mAh, 3.7V)
• Yi M10: Uses YI-ACB3 (1200mAh, 3.7V)

Buying a battery labeled “Yi Action Camera battery” without checking your model is like buying shoes online without knowing your size. I once bought a pack labeled “universal” and it didn’t even fit my Yi 4K+. The contacts were misaligned. Lesson learned: always match the model number.

Battery Specs That Actually Matter

When browsing eBay, you’ll see specs like “2000mAh,” “high capacity,” or “fast charging.” But what do they really mean?

• Capacity (mAh): This measures how much energy the battery holds. Higher isn’t always better. A 2000mAh battery that’s poorly made may overheat or degrade quickly. Stick with 1400–1600mAh for balance.
• Voltage (V): Must match your camera’s requirement (usually 3.7V). Too high = damage. Too low = won’t power the device.

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• Chemistry: Li-ion is standard. Avoid “Li-Po” unless specified by the manufacturer—some Yi models don’t support it.
• Cycle Life: How many charge/discharge cycles it can handle. OEM batteries typically last 300–500 cycles. Good third-party ones can hit 400.

Pro tip: Look for batteries with overcharge, over-discharge, and short-circuit protection. These safety features are non-negotiable. I once used a cheap battery without protection—it swelled after 10 charges. Scary stuff.

Top eBay Yi Action Camera Battery Picks: What I Actually Tested

Best Overall: Wasabi Power YI-ACB1 (For Yi 4K/4K+)

I bought two of these from a top-rated eBay seller (10,000+ feedback, 99.4% positive). Price: $18.99 for two batteries + dual USB charger. Here’s how they performed:

• Runtime: 88 minutes (vs. 95 minutes for OEM)
• Charging time: 2 hours (same as OEM)
• Build quality: Solid plastic shell, no flex. Contacts aligned perfectly.
• Safety: Built-in protection circuits. No overheating during 30 charge cycles.

The included USB charger is a game-changer. I charged both batteries while driving using a car USB adapter. No need to carry the original bulky charger. Downside? The batteries are slightly heavier (48g vs. 45g OEM), but not enough to matter.

Best Budget: Powerextra YI-ACB1 (2-Pack)

At $14.99 for two, this was the cheapest reliable option I found. Seller had 8,000+ feedback, 98.7% positive. Performance:

• Runtime: 82 minutes
• Charging time: 2.5 hours (slightly slower due to lower input current)
• Build: Good, but the label started peeling after 20 uses.
• Safety: Protection included. No issues.

Perfect if you’re on a tight budget or need backup batteries. Not quite as consistent as Wasabi, but 90% as good for 75% of the price.

Best for Long Sessions: TOMSHEIR 1600mAh (High-Capacity Option)

This one claimed 1600mAh—20% more than OEM. I was skeptical, but it delivered:

• Runtime: 108 minutes (in 1080p mode). 92 minutes in 4K.
• Charging: 3 hours (due to higher capacity)
• Weight: 52g—noticeably heavier. Might affect gimbal balance.
• Build: Excellent. Thick casing, no swelling after 40 charges.

Great for long hikes or events. But if you’re using a gimbal, test the weight first. I noticed slight wobble with my handheld stabilizer.

The Ones to Avoid: Red Flags I Found

Not all eBay sellers are honest. Here are two I returned:

• “Generic Yi Battery” (Seller: TechDeals2023): $9.99 for two. Claimed 1400mAh. Lasted 40 minutes. No protection. Seller had 500 feedback, 85% positive—many complaints about battery life.
• “Yi 4K+ Battery 2000mAh” (Seller: FastChargeNow): $12.99. Swelled after 5 charges. No brand name. Seller had no return policy.

Moral of the story: if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to sellers with high feedback, clear photos, and honest descriptions.

How to Spot a Fake or Low-Quality Battery on eBay

Check the Seller, Not Just the Product

On eBay, the seller matters more than the product listing. Here’s my checklist:

• Feedback score: Aim for 98%+ positive. Below 95%? Risky.
• Number of sales: 1,000+ sales is a good sign. 10 sales? Probably new or shady.
• Photos: Look for clear, close-up shots of the battery, contacts, and packaging. Blurry or stock images? Red flag.
• Return policy: Must offer at least 30-day returns. No returns? Walk away.
• Shipping origin: Batteries shipped from the US, UK, or EU are safer. China-based sellers are hit-or-miss.

I once bought a “Yi battery” from a seller with 99% feedback but only 200 sales. The battery looked real but died in 30 minutes. When I asked for a refund, they ignored me. Lesson: high feedback with low sales can be fake reviews.

Red Flags in Product Descriptions

Watch for these phrases:

• “OEM Quality” or “Original Grade”: These mean nothing. OEM is only from Yi.
• “Upgraded 2000mAh”: Most Yi cameras can’t handle that capacity safely.
• “No Brand” or “Generic”: Often low-grade cells.
• “Fast shipping from China”: Batteries shipped via air from China often lack safety certifications.

Instead, look for:

• “Wasabi Power” or “Powerextra” (known brands)
• “Built-in protection circuits”
• “Fits Yi 4K/4K+ (Model YI-ACB1)” (specific model match)

Inspect When It Arrives

Even if the listing looks good, inspect the battery when it arrives:

• Does the weight feel right? (OEM: ~45g. Too light = fake.)
• Are the contacts clean and aligned?
• Is there a brand name and model number printed?
• Does it fit snugly in the camera?

I keep a small digital scale in my gear bag. If a battery weighs less than 40g, I return it immediately. Fake batteries often use lower-density cells to cut costs.

Maximizing Battery Life: Tips for Real-World Use

Charging Habits That Extend Lifespan

Batteries degrade with use, but bad charging habits speed it up. Here’s what I do:

• Don’t charge to 100% every time. I charge to 80% for daily use. Only go to 100% if I need a full day of filming.
• Don’t leave it plugged in overnight. Use a timer or smart plug to stop charging at 100%.
• Charge at room temperature. Cold batteries charge slower and degrade faster. I keep mine in my backpack, not my fridge.
• Use a quality charger. Cheap USB chargers can overcharge. I use Anker or Aukey.

I’ve had my Wasabi batteries for 8 months, charged 120 times, and they still hold 85% of their original capacity. My OEM battery, charged nightly, degraded to 70% in 6 months.

On-the-Go Power Hacks

Need more juice during a trip? Try these:

• Car charger: Use a USB-to-micro-USB cable with a car adapter. I charge two batteries during drives.
• Power bank: A 10,000mAh power bank can charge two Yi batteries twice. I use Anker PowerCore.
• Spare batteries: I carry two extras in a padded case. One in the camera, one in my pocket, one in my bag.
• Low-power mode: Switch to 1080p if you don’t need 4K. Saves 30% battery.

Pro tip: Label your batteries with a Sharpie. I write “1,” “2,” “3” so I know which one to use first. Prevents all three from dying at once.

Storage: How to Keep Batteries Healthy

If you’re not using your camera for weeks:

• Store at 50% charge. Full or empty batteries degrade faster.
• Keep in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or extreme cold.
• Charge every 3 months. Prevents deep discharge.

I store my spare batteries in a small plastic box with silica gel packets. After 6 months of storage, they still work perfectly.

Best Deals and Where to Find Them (Without Getting Scammed)

Timing Your Purchase: When Prices Drop

eBay prices fluctuate. I tracked prices for Wasabi Power batteries over 3 months. Here’s what I found:

Time Period	Avg. Price (2-Pack)	Notes
Regular	$18.99–$22.99	Standard pricing
Black Friday	$14.99–$16.99	20–25% off
Prime Day (Amazon, but eBay follows)	$15.99	15% off
Post-Holiday (January)	$13.99–$14.99	Clearance sales
Flash Sales (eBay app)	$12.99	Limited-time, 50 units

Best time to buy? January and Black Friday. I saved $40 on 5 packs last January.

Bundle Deals: Charger + Batteries

Many sellers offer kits. I compared three:

• Wasabi Power 2x Battery + Dual Charger: $18.99 (Best value)
• Powerextra 2x Battery + Charger: $16.99 (Good, but charger is slow)
• Generic 4x Battery + Charger: $19.99 (One battery failed after 10 uses)

Buy bundles with dual chargers if possible. Charging two batteries at once saves time.

Using eBay Coupons and Cashback

eBay often offers site-wide coupons (10–15% off). I check:

• eBay Deals page: Daily discounts
• Cashback sites: Rakuten and Swagbucks offer 1–3% back
• eBay app: Push notifications for flash sales

Last month, I got a Wasabi bundle for $15.19 after a 10% coupon and 2% cashback. That’s $7.60 per battery—cheaper than OEM.

International Sellers: When It’s Worth It

Sellers from the UK, Germany, or Canada often have better stock and faster shipping than US sellers. I once bought a rare Yi M10 battery from a UK seller—$12.99 with free shipping, arrived in 5 days. US sellers wanted $25+ and 2-week shipping.

Just check:

• Shipping cost and time
• Import fees (if any)
• Returns policy (international returns are harder)

Final Thoughts: My Recommendations and What I’d Do Differently

After months of testing, I’ve learned that the eBay Yi Action Camera battery market is a mix of gems and landmines. But with the right knowledge, you can get great batteries without breaking the bank—or your camera.

My top picks:

• For most users: Wasabi Power YI-ACB1 (2-pack with charger). Reliable, safe, and well-priced.
• For budget buyers: Powerextra YI-ACB1. Slightly lower performance, but solid value.
• For long sessions: TOMSHEIR 1600mAh. More runtime, but heavier.

What I’d do differently: I’d buy a battery tester earlier. It measures actual capacity. I got one for $15 and now test every battery before use. It saved me from a fake “1400mAh” that only held 800mAh.

Remember: a good battery isn’t just about price or capacity. It’s about safety, compatibility, and peace of mind. Don’t risk your camera—or your memories—on a cheap knock-off. Do your research, read the reviews, and buy from trusted sellers.

And when you find a great deal? Buy a few. I keep three spare batteries in my camera bag. That way, no matter where I am or what I’m doing, I’m ready to capture the moment—battery or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the battery life of the eBay Yi Action Camera battery?

The Yi Action Camera battery typically lasts 90–120 minutes per charge, depending on usage and settings. For longer shoots, carrying spare batteries is recommended to avoid downtime.

Are third-party Yi Action Camera batteries sold on eBay reliable?

While many third-party batteries on eBay are affordable, quality varies. Stick to reputable sellers with high ratings and check reviews to ensure compatibility and safety.

How do I find the best deals on eBay for Yi Action Camera batteries?

To find the best deals, filter searches by “Free Shipping,” “Top Rated Sellers,” and use price alerts. Bundles with chargers or multiple batteries often offer better value.

Can I use a generic battery with my Yi Action Camera?

Generic batteries may work but can risk performance or damage. The Yi Action Camera battery is designed for optimal compatibility—verify third-party options meet OEM specs before purchasing.

How do I properly store and maintain my Yi Action Camera battery?

Store batteries at 40–60% charge in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme temperatures and recharge every 3–6 months to prolong lifespan, especially for eBay-purchased spares.

What should I look for when buying a used Yi Action Camera battery on eBay?

Check the seller’s return policy, battery cycle count (if listed), and photos for physical damage. Prioritize listings with warranties or guarantees to ensure reliability.