Best Spare Batteries for Canon EOS M100
The Canon EOS M100 is a fantastic little travel companion, but its compact size comes with a significant trade-off: a relatively small LP-E12 battery that struggles to last a full day of shooting. If you are tired of the dreaded red battery icon cutting your photo walks short, finding a reliable spare is essential. While the official Canon cell is our top pick for reliability, several high-quality third-party alternatives offer incredible value for photographers on a budget.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Spare Batteries for Canon EOS M100: Detailed Reviews
Canon LP-E12 Lithium-Ion Battery View on Amazon View on B&H
When it comes to powering your M100, the official Canon LP-E12 remains the gold standard. I’ve found that while third-party options are great for backups, the genuine Canon cell consistently delivers the most accurate “time remaining” data to the camera’s display. It features an 875mAh capacity, which typically yields around 295 shots per CIPA standards. Unlike some cheaper clones, this battery handles heat exceptionally well during video recording, which is vital for the M100’s small chassis. It’s also built with higher-quality lithium cells that maintain their charge for longer periods in storage. The only real drawback is the premium price tag, which can be three times higher than generic sets. However, for peace of mind and the assurance that you won’t experience a sudden mid-shoot failure or compatibility warnings, the OEM battery is an investment worth making for any serious hobbyist.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Wasabi Power LP-E12 2-Pack View on Amazon View on B&H
If you’re planning a weekend trip and don’t want to constantly worry about your power levels, the Wasabi Power 2-pack is a game changer. This kit includes two batteries rated at 1100mAh and a very convenient dual USB charger. In my experience, the stated 1100mAh is a bit optimistic—they usually perform similarly to the 875mAh Canon original—but having two of them for a fraction of the price is unbeatable value. The standout feature here is the USB charger. The M100 doesn’t support in-camera USB charging, so being able to charge these spares via a power bank while they are in your backpack is a massive advantage. You might notice the battery percentage indicator drops a bit faster toward the end of the charge compared to the original, but for casual shooting and travel vlogging, these are the best bang-for-your-buck options on the market.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
BM Premium LP-E12 Battery View on Amazon View on B&H
For those who only pick up their M100 for occasional family gatherings or short outings, the BM Premium LP-E12 offers a functional solution for the price of a few cups of coffee. These batteries are fully decoded, meaning they will display the correct battery levels on your camera screen without annoying pop-up warnings. While they lack the premium feel and long-term durability of the Canon or Wasabi options, they provide enough juice for about 200-250 shots. I’ve noticed that BM Premium batteries tend to have a slightly higher self-discharge rate—if you leave them in your bag for a month, they might lose 15-20% of their power. However, as an “emergency” third battery to keep in your pocket, they are perfectly adequate. If you are a high-volume shooter or do a lot of long-exposure work, you might find them lacking, but for everyone else, they do exactly what they promise without breaking the bank.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Watson LP-E12 Li-Ion Battery View on Amazon View on B&H
Watson has built a solid reputation for creating high-quality third-party batteries that are a step above the generic Amazon brands. Their LP-E12 version is excellent for M100 users who want near-OEM performance without paying the full Canon tax. It offers 800mAh of capacity, which I’ve found to be very “honest”—it lasts almost exactly as long as the original Canon battery. What makes the Watson stand out is the internal safety circuitry that prevents overcharging and overheating, providing an extra layer of protection for your camera’s electronics. It’s a bit more expensive than the Wasabi or BM Premium packs, but the build quality is noticeably sturdier. If you’ve had bad experiences with cheap batteries swelling over time, the Watson is the “safe” middle ground between generic clones and the expensive official version. It’s my personal go-to when I need a reliable secondary battery that I know won’t fail during a long sunset shoot.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Powerextra LP-E12 2-Pack with LCD Charger View on Amazon View on B&H
The Powerextra kit is very similar to the Wasabi Power offering, but it includes a superior charger that features a small LCD screen. This screen shows you the exact percentage of charge for each battery, which is incredibly helpful when you’re juggling multiple spares during a busy day of filming. I find this much more useful than the simple “Red/Green” LED lights found on most chargers. The batteries themselves are rated at 1200mAh, though in real-world use, you should expect performance slightly below the OEM Canon. They are fully compatible with the M100 and don’t trigger any “unrecognized battery” errors. The batteries are well-constructed and fit snugly in the M100’s battery compartment without sticking. For vloggers who need to know exactly how much “b-roll time” they have left on their spares, the information provided by the LCD charger makes this kit a standout choice over other generic bundles.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Buying Guide: How to Choose Spare Batteries
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon LP-E12 | Critical Reliability | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Wasabi Power 2-Pack | Travel/Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| BM Premium | Occasional Use | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Watson LP-E12 | Pro Enthusiasts | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Powerextra LCD Kit | Video/Vlogging | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many shots can I expect from one LP-E12 battery in the M100?
Under standard CIPA testing conditions, you can expect roughly 295 shots. However, in the real world, this varies. If you use the LCD screen at full brightness, frequently use Wi-Fi, or record a lot of video, that number can drop to around 200 shots. Conversely, if you are efficient with your power settings and avoid using the flash, you can sometimes squeeze out 350 to 400 still images on a single charge.
Can I charge the Canon M100 battery inside the camera via USB?
Unfortunately, no. The Canon EOS M100 does not support in-camera charging through its USB port. This is why many photographers prefer third-party battery kits that come with a USB-powered external charger. These external chargers allow you to power up your spares using a laptop, power bank, or car adapter while you are on the move, which effectively solves the lack of internal charging capability.
Are third-party batteries safe for my Canon camera?
Generally, yes, provided you buy from reputable brands like Wasabi, Watson, or Powerextra. Modern third-party batteries include “decoded” chips that communicate with the camera and safety circuits to prevent overheating. While there is a microscopic risk with any lithium-ion cell, most users experience no issues. I always suggest keeping an eye on them for any signs of “swelling,” and if a battery becomes difficult to slide in or out, replace it immediately.
Does the LP-E12 work in other Canon cameras?
Yes! The LP-E12 is a very versatile battery. Besides the M100, it is used in the Canon EOS M50, M50 Mark II, M200, and the older Rebel SL1 (100D). This is great news if you decide to upgrade to an M50 later on, as your spare batteries will remain fully compatible with your new gear, making it a very safe long-term investment for your camera bag.
Will cold weather affect my battery life?
Absolutely. Lithium-ion batteries like the LP-E12 rely on chemical reactions that slow down in cold temperatures. If you are shooting in freezing conditions, you might notice your battery level dropping twice as fast as usual. To combat this, I always keep my spare batteries in an inner pocket close to my body heat. Swapping a warm battery into the camera can give you a significant boost in performance during winter shoots.
Final Verdict
For most Canon EOS M100 owners, I highly recommend the Wasabi Power 2-pack; the inclusion of a USB charger is a lifesaver for travel. If you are a professional or shooting a once-in-a-lifetime event, stick with the genuine Canon LP-E12 for its guaranteed stability. Casual users will find the BM Premium more than sufficient, but regardless of your choice, never leave home with just one battery—the M100 is too much fun to let a dead battery stop the show!