Sealed Lead-Acid Comparison
AGM vs Gel Batteries: Which Battery Type Should You Choose?
AGM and gel are both sealed, maintenance-free lead-acid batteries, so on paper they look interchangeable — but they behave differently enough that picking the wrong one can cost you cycle life, charging headaches, or money you didn’t need to spend. This AGM vs Gel guide breaks down the decision by what actually matters: how you use the battery, how it’s charged, its cycle life, and what you’re willing to pay.
For most standby and general replacement needs, AGM is the practical choice. For buyers who need longer cycle life in a properly matched sealed lead-acid system, gel is the premium option. And for demanding stationary cyclic and partial-state-of-charge applications, lead carbon is the highest-performance lead-acid upgrade.
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In This Guide
- 1. Quick Answer
- 2. AGM vs Gel vs Lead Carbon at a Glance
- 3. What Is an AGM Battery?
- 4. What Is a Gel Battery?
- 5. Main Differences
- 6. Cycle Life & Depth of Discharge
- 7. Charging Requirements
- 8. Choose by Application
- 9. When Lead Carbon Is Better
- 10. Switching Between AGM & Gel
- 11. FAQ
- 12. Final Recommendation
1. Quick Answer: AGM vs Gel Batteries
Choose AGM if:
- You want the practical, lower-cost option that’s widely available.
- Your use is standby or backup (general-purpose AGM, CBL) or everyday cycling (deep-cycle AGM, CDC).
- You want fast charging and wide charger compatibility.
Choose Gel if:
- Longer cycle life is your priority and your charger is matched to gel.
- You run slow, deep, repeated discharges or operate in high heat.
- You accept a higher price for the premium sealed lead-acid option (Canbat CBG).
Need more than either can give while staying in lead-acid? Lead carbon (Canbat CLC) is the premium upgrade — the strongest cyclic performance and partial-state-of-charge tolerance for demanding stationary, solar, telecom and backup systems.
| Your priority | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Lowest cost, standby/backup | General-purpose AGM (CBL) |
| Reliable cycling at a fair price | Deep-cycle AGM (CDC) |
| Longer cycle life, charger-matched | Gel (CBG) |
| Highest cyclic performance and longest service life | Lead carbon (CLC) |
2. AGM vs Gel vs Lead Carbon at a Glance
The core decision on this page is AGM vs gel. Lead carbon is included here as the premium lead-acid upgrade so you can see all three routes before you choose.
| Feature | AGM | Gel | Lead Carbon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best use | Standby (CBL) and general cycling (CDC) | Deep, slow, high-heat cycling | Demanding stationary cyclic, solar, telecom & PSoC |
| Cost | Lower | Higher | Premium |
| Cycle life | Good | Higher at a given depth of discharge | Highest in lead-acid |
| Charging sensitivity | Tolerant of most chargers | Sensitive — needs a gel-correct profile | Tolerant, high charge acceptance |
| High-current output | Strong (low internal resistance) | Lower | Strong |
| Recharge speed | Faster | Slower | Fast, PSoC-optimized |
| Partial-state-of-charge tolerance | Limited | Moderate | Excellent |
| Maintenance | Maintenance-free, sealed | Maintenance-free, sealed | Maintenance-free, sealed |
| Best Canbat category | CBL / CDC | CBG | CLC |
The AGM vs Gel comparison is not only about cycle life — charging compatibility, application fit and total cost matter just as much. In short: AGM is the practical default for most standby and replacement applications; gel is the premium option for longer cycle life when charger and application are matched; lead carbon is the highest-performance lead-acid choice for demanding cyclic, solar, telecom and partial-state-of-charge applications.
3. What Is an AGM Battery?
An AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery is a sealed, valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery in which the electrolyte is held in a fine glass-mat separator between the plates. It’s spill-proof, maintenance-free, and can be installed in almost any orientation. Because the mat keeps the acid in close contact with the plates, AGM has low internal resistance — which means it delivers high current well and recharges quickly.
AGM isn’t a single product, though, and this is where most buying mistakes happen. Canbat builds two distinct AGM lines for two different jobs:
General-purpose AGM (CBL series) is built for standby and float service — applications where the battery normally stays fully charged and only discharges during an outage. Think UPS systems, alarm and security systems, emergency lighting, and backup power. It is not designed for repeated deep cycling.
Deep-cycle AGM (CDC series) is built for cyclic use — applications where the battery is regularly discharged and recharged as part of normal operation. Think mobility, RV and marine house power, solar, and floor machines. The CDC construction is engineered to withstand repeated deep discharges that would shorten the life of a general-purpose AGM.
Both Canbat AGM lines are UL 1989 certified — independent, third-party verification of safety and performance, which carries real weight with Canadian engineers, electrical inspectors and procurement teams.
4. What Is a Gel Battery?
A gel battery is also a sealed VRLA battery, but instead of a glass mat, the electrolyte is immobilized in a silica-based gel. That gel structure resists acid stratification and protects the plates during deep discharge, which gives gel its main strength: it tolerates deep, slow, repeated cycling — and high ambient temperatures — better than a typical AGM.
The trade-offs are real, though. Gel is more sensitive to overvoltage: charge it on the wrong profile and you can damage it quickly. It accepts charge more slowly, delivers lower peak current than AGM, costs more, and is less widely stocked. Canbat’s gel line is the CBG series, positioned as the premium sealed lead-acid option for buyers who specifically need its longevity and can pair it with a gel-correct charger.
5. AGM vs Gel Batteries: Main Differences
Beyond the spec sheet, here’s what separates the two in practice:
Electrolyte design. AGM suspends the acid in a glass mat; gel sets it in silica. The mat gives AGM lower internal resistance and stronger high-current delivery; the gel gives gel batteries better deep-discharge tolerance and heat resistance.
Charging. This is the single biggest practical difference. AGM accepts a wide range of chargers and charges faster. Gel needs tighter voltage control and is unforgiving of overvoltage — the wrong charger is the most common way gel batteries die early.
Cost and availability. AGM is cheaper and easier to source, in more sizes and from more suppliers. Gel costs more and is more specialized.
Misuse risk. Because AGM tolerates more charger and discharge variation, it’s harder to damage by accident. Gel rewards a correctly configured system and punishes a careless one.
For most buyers, those differences point toward AGM. Gel makes sense when its specific strengths — deep-cycle longevity, heat tolerance, slow steady draw — line up with the application and the charger is set up for it.
6. Cycle Life and Depth of Discharge
Cycle life is where gel earns its premium — so it’s worth looking at the numbers honestly.
For any lead-acid battery, cycle life depends heavily on depth of discharge (DoD): the shallower you discharge before recharging, the more cycles you get. Here’s how Canbat’s deep-cycle AGM (CDC) and gel (CBG) lines compare, each per its own datasheet at 25°C:
| Depth of discharge | Deep-cycle AGM (CDC) | Gel (CBG) |
|---|---|---|
| 30% DoD | ~1,400 cycles | ~2,400–2,500 cycles |
| 50% DoD | ~500 cycles | ~1,200 cycles |
| 80% DoD | — | ~600 cycles |
| 100% DoD | ~300 cycles | (not published) |
Figures are guidance for product selection, each per the respective Canbat datasheet at 25°C. Real-world cycle life depends on depth of discharge, charge profile, discharge rate, temperature and bank condition.
At a given depth, gel typically delivers meaningfully more cycles when it is charged correctly — roughly double at 50% DoD. That’s consistent with how gel is positioned across the industry, and it’s the strongest argument for choosing gel when long cycle life is your top priority.
For buyers who need to go further still while staying in lead-acid, lead carbon (CLC) steps up again — Canbat rates the CLC line at roughly 2,500 cycles at 50% DoD, well beyond both AGM and gel, with strong partial-state-of-charge tolerance. More on that in Section 9.
The 50% Rule
As a general practice, don’t routinely discharge any lead-acid battery — AGM or gel — past about 50% DoD. Occasional deeper discharges are fine; doing it every cycle dramatically shortens life. Size the battery so your normal draw stays within roughly half its capacity.
Compare Capacity at the Right Rate
Capacity ratings depend on the discharge-rate standard used on the datasheet. When comparing AGM and gel, check the rated capacity at the discharge rate closest to your application rather than comparing Ah ratings alone — that’s the fairest way to judge usable energy for your system.
A note on general-purpose AGM: the CBL series is not included here because it’s built for standby and float service, not repeated cycling, and is not rated for deep-cycle duty. If you’re comparing cycle life, you’re choosing between deep-cycle AGM (CDC) and gel (CBG) — not CBL.
7. AGM vs Gel Battery Charging Requirements
AGM and gel do not charge the same way, and getting this wrong is the most common cause of premature failure.
Gel requires tighter voltage control and is sensitive to overvoltage — push too much voltage and the gel can develop voids and lose capacity permanently. AGM is more forgiving and accepts charge faster. The practical rules:
- Don’t assume one charger suits both. A charger set for AGM can overcharge a gel battery; a gel profile can undercharge an AGM.
- Check the charger’s battery mode and voltage settings before connecting. Many quality chargers have selectable AGM and gel modes — use the correct one.
- Match the charger to the battery. Wrong charging can shorten battery life and may not be covered under warranty if the failure is caused by improper charging.
If you’re matching a charger to your battery, Canbat’s AC battery chargers cover the right profiles for AGM, gel and lead carbon — reach out if you want help confirming the right one for your bank.
8. Which Battery Should You Choose by Application?
This is the part that matters most. When comparing AGM vs Gel by application, the right choice depends on whether the battery is used for standby backup, regular cycling or charger-matched deep-cycle service. Match your application to the right battery:
| Application | Canbat recommendation | Gel? |
|---|---|---|
| UPS / alarm / emergency lighting | General-purpose AGM (CBL) | — |
| Mobility scooters / wheelchairs | Deep-cycle AGM (CDC) | — |
| Solar / off-grid (stationary storage) | Lead carbon (CLC) for premium cyclic and PSoC; deep-cycle AGM (CDC) for budget systems | Only if charger-matched |
| Telecom / stationary backup | General-purpose AGM (CBL) for standby/float backup; lead carbon (CLC) for cyclic/PSoC backup | — |
| RV / marine | Deep-cycle AGM (CDC) | — |
| Golf carts / floor machines | Deep-cycle AGM (CDC; e.g. CDC224-6 for GC2) | Only for charger-matched legacy systems |
| High-heat / niche deep-cycle | — | Gel (CBG), if the charger/profile is correct |
The pattern: general-purpose AGM for standby, deep-cycle AGM for everyday cycling at a sensible price, lead carbon for premium stationary cycling and partial-state-of-charge solar and telecom storage, and gel for the specific cases where its deep-cycle and heat tolerance are the deciding factors and the charger is matched to it.
9. When Lead Carbon Is the Better Lead-Acid Upgrade
When deep-cycle AGM isn’t enough but you want to stay within sealed lead-acid, lead carbon (Canbat CLC) is the premium upgrade. By adding engineered carbon to the negative plate, lead carbon improves charge acceptance and endurance — especially in partial-state-of-charge (PSoC) operation, where standard lead-acid batteries struggle and sulfate.
Compared with deep-cycle AGM and gel, lead carbon offers:
- Stronger cyclic performance — Canbat rates the CLC line at roughly 2,500 cycles at 50% DoD, well beyond AGM or gel.
- Better partial-state-of-charge tolerance — it thrives in solar and backup applications that rarely return to a full charge between cycles.
- Faster recharge — important where grid power is unreliable and the battery must be ready before the next outage.
- Longer service life — a design life of over 12 years at 20°C.
Lead carbon is the right choice for off-grid and on-grid solar storage, renewable energy banks, telecom backup, microgrids, hybrid genset systems, and other demanding stationary cyclic and PSoC applications. It costs more than AGM, but for buyers cycling hard in partial-state-of-charge conditions, it delivers the strongest lead-acid longevity Canbat offers.
10. Switching Between AGM and Gel
A lot of buyers arrive here holding a dead gel or AGM battery and asking what they can replace it with. The deciding factor is almost always the charger.
Replacing a gel battery with AGM. Usually possible, and often an upgrade in cost and availability — provided your charger can be set to an AGM profile (or already runs one). Same footprint and terminals make the physical swap straightforward in most systems.
Replacing an AGM battery with gel. Possible, but usually not the first recommendation unless your charger supports a gel profile and the application genuinely benefits from gel’s deep-cycle or heat tolerance.
Mixing AGM and gel in the same bank. Don’t. The two have different charging requirements and performance characteristics, and combining them forces a charge profile that’s wrong for at least one of them — shortening the life of the whole bank.
When in doubt, match the new battery to what your charger is set up to deliver, or reset the charger to match the new battery.
11. AGM vs Gel Batteries FAQ
Are AGM and gel batteries the same?
No. Both are sealed, maintenance-free VRLA lead-acid batteries, but AGM holds its electrolyte in a glass mat and gel sets it in a silica gel. That difference drives everything else — charging, cycle life, current output and cost.
Is AGM better than gel?
For most buyers, yes — AGM is cheaper, more widely available, charges faster and tolerates more chargers. Gel is the premium choice in specific cases: deep, slow, high-heat cycling where longer cycle life matters and the charger is set for gel.
Which lasts longer, AGM or gel?
At a given depth of discharge, gel typically delivers more cycles — roughly double at 50% DoD in Canbat’s lines. For the longest cycle life within lead-acid, lead carbon (CLC) outlasts both.
Can I use a regular AGM charger on a gel battery?
Not as a rule. AGM and gel use different charge profiles, and an AGM charger’s higher voltage can overcharge a gel battery and permanently reduce its capacity. Use a charger with a correct gel setting — or one that lets you set the gel voltage — and confirm the mode before connecting.
Which is better for solar, AGM or gel?
For premium solar and off-grid storage, lead carbon (CLC) is the strongest lead-acid choice, with deep-cycle AGM (CDC) as a budget option. Gel can work well when the charge controller is configured for it.
Which is better for mobility scooters and wheelchairs?
Deep-cycle AGM (CDC) is the practical choice — sealed, maintenance-free, reliable cycling, and widely available in the right sizes.
Which is better for RVs and marine use?
Deep-cycle AGM (CDC) is the practical sealed lead-acid choice for RV and marine house power — reliable cycling at a fair price, in a widely compatible footprint.
When should I choose lead carbon over AGM or gel?
Choose lead carbon when you need the strongest cyclic performance and partial-state-of-charge tolerance within lead-acid — typically solar, off-grid, telecom and microgrid storage that cycles frequently and rarely returns to full charge.
12. Final Recommendation: AGM vs Gel Batteries
The best AGM vs Gel choice comes down to the application: AGM for most practical replacements, gel for longer cycle life in matched systems, and lead carbon for the strongest lead-acid performance. For most standby and backup applications, choose general-purpose AGM (CBL). For everyday cyclic use at a sensible price, choose deep-cycle AGM (CDC). When longer cycle life is the priority and your charger is matched to it, gel (CBG) is the premium sealed lead-acid option. And when you need the strongest cyclic performance and partial-state-of-charge tolerance — for solar, off-grid, telecom and microgrid storage — lead carbon (CLC) is the highest-performance lead-acid upgrade.
Choose With Confidence
Choose the right sealed lead-acid battery for your application.
General-purpose AGM·Deep-cycle AGM·Gel·Lead carbon·UL 1989 certified
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I would like to install a battery in my leisure RV trailer, which has a 12 volt system. The battery will be charged with the built-in voltage sensitive split charge relay. I live in Barcelona and as you probably know, it can get super hot in summer season.
1. Do you recommend me using a GEL battery or an AGM battery, keeping in mind the hot weather and the split charge?
2. Would there be any conflict having a flooded battery running the truck, while having lead acid for leisure use?
1. Your best option would be an AGM battery.
2. The majority of battery isolators would require both your starter battery and your leisure battery to have the same chemistry, since each battery type is charged differently. If you have two different battery types, then the isolator will not charge both batteries properly. In order to ensure both batteries have the same chemistry, you should also install a start-stop starter battery under the hood. This is an AGM battery which is readily available in battery stores.
Great article!
It is helpful to note that AGM batteries are faster to recharge than gel batteries and are more easily found in stores worldwide. Believe it or not, gel batteries have a smaller market share. than AGM batteries. Also, since gel is more expensive as it offers higher cycles, the cost per cycle is about the same as AGM. As a general tip, if you need to use the battery for just for a few months to a year, you’re better off with buying AGM. If you are looking to install a battery and just forget about it for a number of years, then you’ll probably need a Gel battery. If you think a gel battery is too expensive, then you can buy an AGM battery and then replace it when it goes bad…at the end of the day, you’d be paying about the same in the long term.
I have been using 12 volt batteries for a long time now while living on a sailboat for almost 12 years! In my experience, gel cell batteries offered me maximum cycle life when discharged to about 50% depth of discharge. I am now an old grandpa relying on my electric wheelchair for my everyday life. I have used both AGM batteries and gel batteries in my wheelchair, but it seems like gel batteries do not last much longer than AGM. Both battery types were discharged up to 50% and I have been using a smart three stage charger.
Do gel batteries actually last longer or is this a myth?
Technically speaking, gel batteries have a longer cycle life than AGM batteries, when used properly. You mentioned that you’ve been using a 3 stage charger, which is great, but it is important to note that AGM batteries and gel batteries are required to be charged differently. There is a noticeable difference in longevity between gel and AGM. If you’re not noticing a big difference, then you might be using a charger specifically designed for AGM and not gel. If you don’t use a charger that is specifically designed for gel batteries, then you will damage your battery in the longer term. Please also note that it is great that you are only discharging the batteries to only 50%. If you deeply discharge an AGM battery below 50%, then you are likely to damage the battery, but gel batteries less sensitive to deep discharging.
Finally a clear understanding of AGM batteries, thanks for taking the time to write this!
My smart battery charger has 2 charging options: 1-AGM / WET 2- GEL.
I have been charging my AGM battery on 2-Gel charger settings instead of 1-AGM/WET, by mistake of course…. My charger reads “error” with a red light, and the battery is at 7.8 volts!
Have I killed my battery?
First, charging an AGM battery on gel settings shouldn’t kill your battery. It’s actually the opposite. If you charge a gel battery with a AGM settings, then you will damage the battery, but that’s not what you’re doing so that’s good. Second, your battery’s voltage dropping to 7.8V is very low, but most chargers on the market are smart enough to bring your battery back to life. Try to plugin your battery to your charger and give the charger some time to maintain the battery. If the battery doesn’t come back to life and stops charging forever, then the battery has become useless. You will need to recycle it and buy a new one.
This is a great article comparing AGM vs Gel, especially for a newbies ligke myself! I recently purchased a used electric car, which has a battery bank of 6 GEL batteries. I know for sure that there is at least one or two bad batteries, but I am planning on replacing all of the entire bank of 6 batteries.
1) I am leaning towards AGM instead of GEL –Am I making the right decision?
2) Do all battery chargers have Wet or AGM/Gel charging options?
If you decide to replace all 6 batteries, then AGM would be a good option. This is because most car chargers are programmed to charge wet-cell and AGM batteries. Your car charger might have the option of charging gel batteries, but this is normally very uncommon. If you buy gel batteries then realize that you car can only charge AGM or wet, then you will damage your batteries. For this reason, your best bet is to replace all batteries with AGM as it would be guaranteed that the charger charges AGM. Even if the charger does have an option to charge gel batteries and its set to it, this setting will not damage you batteries if you install AGM.
What’s the difference between gel charging setting and AGM charging settings?
Both AGM batteries and gel batteries charge very similarly. The only difference is that gel batteries are more sensitive to higher volts. This is why lead acid battery chargers normally have different settings for AGM and for gel. The battery settings for AGM have a higher voltage, which can be as high as 15 volts. However, battery charging settings for gel batteries has a safer lower voltage, which can reach up to 14.3 volts.
Thanks for your quick response!
One more question: How do I check if my AGM battery is 70% discharged or 90% discharged …etc?
In order to determine how charged your AGM battery is, you will need to check your battery voltage. If the volt range is between 13.2 V and 12.8 V, it means your AGM battery is fully charged. If the voltage reads 2.4 V, then the battery would be 75% charged. When the battery voltages reaches 12.2 V, then it would be 50% charged. Finally, if your AGM battery reaches the 12.0 V mark, it would be 25% charged. Warning: Do not let the the battery voltage go below 12 volts, but if it happens, the battery should be recharged as soon as possible, in order to avoid battery damage.
I will be installing a domestic windmill-energy project for my home, so I am wondering which battery type would be best suited for this project? The project is planned to be installed off grid, so we will not be relying on electricity from the power company.
If you’re looking for a long term solution, the best lead acid battery type would be gel. This is because gel batteries provide deep cycle performance and a long cycle life. If you’re looking for a short term solution, you could use AGM, which is a cheaper option. However, we don’t recommend discharging AGM batteries lower than 50% in order to retain the battery’s health.
I have a backup power system at home with eight flooded batteries from Trojan (6 v volt 220 Ah). The batteries are connected to a 2-in-1 Trace inverter/charger. It has been a headache maintaining flooded batteries, so I am thinking of replacing them with sealed lead acid batteries. After reading this article “AGM vs Gel”, it seems that installing gel batteries would be a better option for my backup power system compared to AGM… although I am not sure if I can change my battery inverter/charger settings to charge the gel batteries. The current battery charge settings are set to 28.8 volts, with a float set to 26.8 volts. Please advise me which settings I need for gel batteries?
Charge settings of 28.8 volts with a float set to 26.8 volts would be fine for gel batteries, assuming you’re charging them all in bulk. However, if you could lower the 28.8 volts to 28.0 to 28.8 volts, it would be better because gel batteries are sensitive to high voltages.
I have a motorcycle AGM battery charger. I purchased a Canbat AGM battery CDC100-12. Will it be okay to charge the battery with my motorcycle battery charger?
If the battery charger you use for your motorcycle battery is designed for AGM, then it would be okay to use it since CDC100-12 is also an AGM battery. The “AGM” setting on your battery charger simply refers to a higher voltage, up to 15 volts normally. Regardless of what type of AGM battery you are using, whether it’s general purpose, deep cycle or high rate, they all use the same charge settings. This is also true if you’re using a motorcycle AGM battery or a start-stop AGM battery for your car/truck.
I also use the same battery charger for my motorcycle battery and for my external AGM battery, which I use to power some small equipment on the go… It’s working flawlessly so you should be fine. You can take my word on it!
I bought a gel battery a few years ago for some project. After I was done using it for about 7 months, I left it in my garage without using it for a year or so. Just recently I tried to use the battery, but it seems like it’s completely dead since it didn’t give me any power. I must have left it uncharged and whatever was left in the battery got self-discharged. Anyway, I left the battery to charge overnight using a 1 amp battery charger and it worked fine in the morning! I took this advise from some online article and they called it “tickle charging”…. My question is, would this harm the battery in anyway if I keep charging the battery on 1 amp?
I am glad you were able to bring you gel battery back to life! In regards to charging, there is nothing wrong with charging a gel battery with 1 amp, but it is important to make sure your battery charger has “gel” settings. Gel batteries can be sensitive if they are charged with too high of a voltage. Compared to standard AGM batteries, which can be charged with a battery charger with up to 14.4 – 15.0 voltage, gel batteries should not be charged at rate higher than 14.2 volts.
We are installing a 25 Kilowatt liquid emergency generator in our office from Generac. We are not sure whether we should be installing AGM or gel batteries, but after reading this article that compares the two battery types, I am leaning more toward the gel cells. We are likely be use the system only once a week for about 30 minutes. Just to make sure I am buying the right battery type (AGM vs Gel), what do you suggest?
Both gel and AGM batteries are sealed lead acid type, so either battery type would work fine. However, depending on your usage, gel might be a better option if you need to deep cycle your batteries. AGM batteries normally perform best if they’re only discharged up to 50%.
I am a little confused if I can have my marine battery and my house AGM battery both plugged to the same switch/charger.
As long as both of your batteries are AGM, then it would be fine to connect both batteries on the same charger. If your marine battery and your house batteries are of different chemistry, such as if one is AGM and the other is gel, then you should not connect both batteries on the same charger. This is because AGM batteries and gel batteries require different charging settings. Note that if you do end up connecting both AGM and Gel together, the charger will still charge them. However, because each battery is constructed differently with different chemistry, charging current will be uneven and battery performance will also be uneven. As a result, this will cause an early failure of one or both of your batteries.
Can an AGM battery be replaced with a gel battery?
AGM batteries and Gel batteries have different charge settings. As long as your battery charger has settings for gel, then you yes can replace your AGM battery with with a gel battery. Note that if you charge your gel battery on AGM charging settings, you will eventually damage the battery. This is because AGM batteries use a higher voltage to charge while gel batteries use a lower voltage.
I was looking for an easy to read AGM vs GEL article for a long time!!
This is perfect, thanks!
I actually had a college project which required me to compare AGM and gel batteries, so this article was very helpful for me too!
I have a motorcycle in that would like to replace a betters for and I am thinking of upgrading to AGM battery, but it appears that the regulator rectifiers I got has a voltage set to 14.7V, and sometimes it even reaches 14.9 V or 15 V. Is that too high of a voltage to to charge an AGM battery with? I would like the battery to last me for a while, so I really want to make sure I am charging it properly.
Generally speaking, AGM batteries should be charged at a lower voltage than 15. However, Canbat AGM batteries are high performance type and can take up to 15 volts without harming the battery. In fact, if you check your battery, it should say “cycle use: 14.4 – 15.0V”. Therefore any voltage within that range should charge a Canbat AGM battery fine.
Excellent article with very helpful information that is simply explained!! I purchased a CANBAT AGM about 2 years ago and it’s been working great! I used to have an AGM battery before from Ultracell and it had only lasted a few months. I went back to the store that I bought it from and they said they won’t replace it under warranty because it wasn’t factory defected, but instead it was my fault that I broke it… Now I am thinking that I might have discharged it too deep… but then again I am using your AGM battery the same way and it’s been working for a couple of years just fine.
Unlike most battery brands on the market, Canbat AGM batteries are designed to be high performance this is probably why it’s working flawlessly for you. In regards to your previous battery, there are a number of factors that could damage your battery, such as the re-charge and discharge rates. You should be using a battery charger that is specially designed for AGM. You should also not discharge your battery at a too high of a rate. If you need a discharge the majority of your battery’s power in a short amount of time, then your best option is an AGM high rate battery.
What should be the best charging routine for the 24V (2x12v)/28AH battery of my wheelchair ? with a full charge I can go 20km/12miles but I mainly use it at home and with my usage, the battery charge would last for almost 2 weeks. But I know that deep discharging would decrease the life of a SLA battery. Is it okay for me to charge the battery every week or should I charge the battery daily ?. Please suggest the best possible routine for charging the batteries so that I could get most out of the battery and also increase the life of the battery to the maximum extent possible.
It’s good practice to charge your SLA battery whenever possible. You will get more out of your SLA battery when it is fully charged. Keeping your battery uncharged for long period of time will cause the battery to lose its full ability to recharge. For example, if you only recharge your SLA battery up to 80% for lets say a few months, your battery may permanently lose its ability to recharge to 100%. This does not only apply to Canbat batteries. It applies to all SLA batteries on the market, regardless of the manufacturer. In conclusion, it’s best to always fully recharge your battery when you can.
Hello,
I want to run a pump driven by a 1 HP motor, 230vAC. I am hooking it to a 12 V 3KW inverter. Which type of battery – Flooded, Tubular, AGM or Gel will be most suitable for it (considering very high current it draws during motor start). I am planning to have 600-700 Ah battery bank. The pump will run approx 3-4 hours per day, will start-stop for at least 30-35 times.
Thanks.
Hello Prasan,
For high current discharges, we recommend High Rate batteries.
They are AGM batteries designed to provide high discharge currents.
Click on the link above to learn more about High Rate batteries.
Good day,
I love your write up on AGM vs Gel batteries.
I would like to find out for the same capacity of Canbat AGM and GEL battery, how much longer in time will it take a GEL battery to get charged to 100%?
Secondly, how much more power or energy will it take a Canbat GEL battery to get charged to 100% when compared to AGM?
Lastly, what is the behavior of Canbat GEL and AGM battery when they get to there end of life. Is it true that when GEL batteries get to there end of life, they diminish quickly to the point it can not receive any charge again while AGM gradually diminsh? What is the estimated time it will take after end of life to diminsh to the point where it can no longer receive charge for both batteries.
I hope end of life means when a battery losses 20% of it’s capacity?
Answer to first question: The charging method and time for AGM and Gel batteries are very similar. Both battery types require a constant voltage and a specific current (Ah). In general, if you have an AGM battery and a Gel battery with the same capacity, assume it’s 12V 100Ah, the charging time will be the same, assuming we’re using chargers with the same voltage and current.
Answer to second question: Gel batteries don’t require more power to recharge compared to AGM batteries.
Answer to third question:
1. For cycle use, the cycle life of GEL batteries is higher than AGM batteries
2. For float charging, diminish rate almost the same for both Gel and AGM
3. For cycle use, when the capacity drops to 60% or 50%, replace the battery
4. For float charging use, when capacity drops below 80%, replace the battery
To learn about how to select an AGM battery charger, read this blog post: https://canbat.com/select-agm-battery-charger-3-steps/
I would like to run an inverter and batteries in the basement with no ventilation. I need to have no harmful gasses in living area. Which battery will release no gasses? Gel or AGM?
All valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries release gas. Whether you go with Gel or AGM, you’ll want to ensure you install the batteries in a ventilated environment. Installing a VRLA battery in a sealed environment with no ventilation is risky. The gasses released from the battery can start a fire in case there is a spark.
hi i am replacing the battery in my 6 volt electric fencer . is it worth it to replace it with a gell cell batterie and will the solar panel charge it
Solar batteries are best suited for solar application, so yes your solar panel can charge it without issues. Solar batteries have a much longer life than the standard AGM batteries. Replacing your 6V battery with gel cell is a good idea, especially if you’re looking for a battery that can live for years without having to replace it again.
Thank you, this is very helpful. I’m now looking to invest in batteries for my solar power project. I got the panels and a good solar charge controller already, I started testing with an automotive battery then a SLA battery. I’m now looking to try a gel type but didn’t want to go blindly. After reading this article I now have a clearer picture of what to expect. Thanks again.
Am having 2*200AH (12v each) AGM batteries and using 24v smart charger on them. If I replace it with gel batteries of 12v each, can I still use the same charger on the gel batteries without damaging it?
Gel batteries are more sensitive to charging and require specially designed chargers. For this reason, gel batteries should not be charged with an AGM battery charger. It is not that an AGM battery charger cannot charge a gel battery, because technically it can, but it is not recommended because it will harm the gel battery in the long-run. For more information, please read this article: https://canbat.com/select-agm-battery-charger-3-steps/
Hi
What would you recomend to use in an Electric truck (fork lift)? Gel or AGM? Consider that the users may run below 50% quite often.
Standard AGM batteries, commonly known as General Purpose Batteries, are not meant to be discharged more than 50% if you want them to last for at least a year. This doesn’t just apply to Canbat AGM batteries, but rather to all AGM batteries in the world, regardless of who the battery manufacturer is. There are AGM batteries that are specifically designed to be discharged up to 80% and those are called deep cycle batteries. The reason why they have the ability to be deeply discharged is that they are designed with thicker lead plates. Gel batteries can also be discharged up to 80% without damaging the battery. However, gel batteries have different charging requirements and you need to ensure that your electric truck (forklift) has the ability to charge gel batteries. If you use a battery charger designed for AGM, not gel, you will damage your gel battery.
I would like to install a battery in my 24V 50 Amp system. I live in Saudi Arabia and it’s very hot in the summer season. So,
do you recommend me using a GEL battery or an AGM battery? why?
Thanks in advanced
We have developed a special range of VRLA batteries for high temperatures. This range is called CHT, which is our High Temperature battery range. CHT batteries are available in Saudi Arabia through our local distributor. Our CHT High Temperature batteries have been used for solar projects by many clients, including Saudi Aramco. Please email us your inquiry with your name and phone number and we will forward your details to our battery distributor. Here’s our CHT battery catalogue for reference: https://canbat.com/downloads/High-Temperature-CHT.pdf
Thanks for sharing such good info, I would appreciate if you quote us prices for Pakistan Market.
Thank you for your interest in our AGM batteries. Your request has been forwarded to our sales team and they will be in touch with you shortly.
Hey Dear Canbat.
Im a Motorbike rider and i do drive maybe once in a couple weeks.
Recently im having cranking problems.
I do charge my lead acid battery and i get good performance for a week and battery dies again.
Im plannin to replace that.
Which one would u recommend gel or agm ?
Thanks…
Since you currently have an AGM battery and it’s working fine for you, we suggest you stay with the same technology. This is particularly true since Gel batteries require a different charger than AGM batteries. If you were to get a gel battery instead of an AGM battery, you will need to get a new charger. If you’re okay with that, both AGM and Gel battery technologies would work. Keep in mind that gel provide a relatively higher cycle life, but it also comes with a higher price tag.
How to refill a gel battery
Gel batteries are sealed and maintenance-free. You cannot refill a gel battery as topping up is never required.
Hello. I want to buy a gel battery and my boat charger has these options
1. Lead-calcium deep discharge – 16v/13.8v
2. Sealed lead, maintenance free, gel type -14.4v/13.9v
3. Classic lead open-14.2v/13.3v
4. Lead calcium (standard charge) – 14.6v/14v
Can you please tell me what option is for gel battery
Best regards Heinrich amir
Please select option number 2: Sealed lead, maintenance free, gel type
For which climate zones AGM and GEL batteries are suitable?
Gel batteries:
Discharge: -20°C~55°C (-4°F~131°F)
Charge: 0°C~40°C (32°F~104°F)
Storage: -20°C~50°C (5°F~122°F)
AGM Batteries:
Discharge: -15°C~50°C (5°F~122°F)
Charge: 0°C~40°C (32°F~104°F)
Storage: -15°C~40°C (5°F~104°F)
I have a LiFePO4 battery (150 Ah) on board and this is switched parallel to 4 AGM batteries (each 100 Ah).
As 3 of 4 of my AGM batteries broke down, I am thinking to add 1 additional LiFePO4 battery and only 2 more AGM batteries.
This additional battery should be LiFePO4 battery of your company.
Now I wonder if this configuration is possible:
1 LiFePO4 Extender (I have) + 1 LiFePO4 battery (from your company) + 3 AGM batteries ( I still have a working one and would like to add 2 from your company.)
Thanks in advance for your explanation.
We do not recommend connecting LiFePO4 and AGM together
Been charging two motorcyle gel batteries for five years now with a craftsman car battery charger I bought in 1989 and charges both fine and both batteries are alive and well and test so on my new battery tester. Just anecdotal but the whole special gel battery charger appears to be maybe bs? I don’t remember either AGM or Gel batteries even existing thirty five years ago.
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear that your gel batteries are performing well even with an older charger. While it’s true that some traditional chargers can work for gel batteries in certain situations, specialized gel/AGM chargers are generally recommended because they offer voltage and current profiles that better match the unique charging needs of these battery types. This helps extend battery life and maintain consistent performance over time. You’re right that gel and AGM batteries weren’t as common decades ago, but they’ve become popular in the last 30 years due to their safety, maintenance-free design, and deep-cycle capabilities. Thanks again for your insights!