Best Spare Batteries for Canon EOS M5
The Canon EOS M5 is a fantastic mirrorless workhorse, but its compact size comes with a notorious drawback: the LP-E17 battery life is frankly underwhelming. If you are planning a full day of shooting or high-bitrate video, a single cell won’t cut it. After years of testing power solutions in the field, I’ve found that while the OEM Canon LP-E17 remains the most reliable, several third-party alternatives offer incredible value for photographers on a budget.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Spare Batteries for Canon EOS M5: Detailed Reviews
Canon LP-E17 Battery View on Amazon View on B&H
There is simply no substitute for the original Canon LP-E17. While it is the most expensive option on this list, it is the only one that is “fully decoded.” This means your EOS M5 will display an accurate battery percentage and remaining shot count right on the LCD. Third-party batteries often trigger a warning message upon startup and leave you guessing when the power will cut out. In my experience, the 1040mAh capacity of the OEM version is also more “honest” than the inflated numbers seen on generic brands. It handles high-speed burst shooting and video recording without the voltage drops that can occasionally cause camera freezes. If you are shooting a paid gig or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, the peace of mind offered by the genuine Canon cell is worth the premium. It also charges perfectly in the standard LC-E17 charger that came with your camera.
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Wasabi Power LP-E17 Kit View on Amazon View on B&H
Wasabi Power has been a staple in the photography community for a reason. Their LP-E17 replacement kit usually includes two batteries and a compact wall charger for less than half the price of a single Canon battery. While these cells are “partially decoded”—meaning the M5 might ask if the battery is genuine (you just click ‘No’) and won’t show a battery meter—the actual longevity is impressive. I’ve found these to hold a charge significantly better than “no-name” eBay alternatives. The included charger is a nice bonus because it often features a fold-out plug, making it much more travel-friendly than Canon’s corded version. If you can live with the lack of an on-screen battery gauge, this is the most cost-effective way to ensure you never miss a sunset. Just be aware that you must use the Wasabi charger for these batteries; the original Canon charger may reject them.
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Powerextra LP-E17 2-Pack View on Amazon View on B&H
Powerextra offers the absolute best “bang for your buck” if you simply need quantity. Their kit often comes with a dual-slot charger that is powered via Micro-USB or USB-C. This is a game-changer for travel because you can charge your M5 batteries from a power bank or a car USB port while moving between locations. The batteries themselves are comparable to Wasabi in terms of performance—they are not decoded, so you won’t see the power level on your M5’s screen. One minor limitation I’ve noticed is that they tend to lose their charge a bit faster when sitting in a camera bag for weeks, a phenomenon known as self-discharge. However, for the price of a couple of lattes, you get two spare cells that can keep you shooting all weekend. They are perfect as “emergency” backups that live in the bottom of your bag.
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BM Premium LP-E17 Fully Decoded View on Amazon View on B&H
BM Premium has made a name for itself by aggressively updating its chips to match Canon’s firmware. While many third-party batteries fail to show the power meter, the newer “Fully Decoded” versions from BM Premium actually communicate with the EOS M5. This means you get the best of both worlds: a lower price point than OEM, but with the battery icon functioning correctly on your display. I find these to be slightly more robust in build quality than the cheapest budget options. They are rated at 1300mAh, and while real-world use feels closer to the standard Canon 1040mAh, they certainly don’t underperform. If you find the “This battery cannot be authenticated” message on your Canon screen to be incredibly annoying, these are the best third-party solution to avoid it. They also tend to work better with the original Canon LC-E17 charger than most other brands.
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SmallRig LP-E17 USB-C Battery View on Amazon View on B&H
SmallRig is primarily known for camera cages, but their recent foray into batteries is brilliant. This LP-E17 replacement features a built-in USB-C port directly on the battery casing. This means you don’t need to carry a separate charging cradle at all. You can simply plug a phone charger or laptop cable directly into the battery to juice it up. For M5 users who travel light, this is an absolute game-changer. It eliminates one more bulky plastic accessory from your kit. Performance-wise, it’s reliable and features multiple safety protections against overcharging. You’ll still deal with the “non-genuine” pop-up on the M5, but the sheer convenience of charging via USB-C usually outweighs that minor hurdle. It’s the perfect companion for vloggers who might need to charge a spare in their pocket while using another one in the camera.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose Spare Batteries for Canon EOS M5
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon LP-E17 | Pros / Reliability | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Wasabi Power Kit | Value Shoppers | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Powerextra 2-Pack | Extreme Budget | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| BM Premium | Feature-Rich | ★★★★★ | Check |
| SmallRig USB-C | Travelers | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will third-party batteries damage my Canon EOS M5?
Generally, no. Reputable brands like Wasabi, BM Premium, and SmallRig use high-quality lithium-ion cells with built-in safety circuits. While there is always a nominal risk with any battery, these brands are widely used by the photography community without major issues. However, always avoid “no-name” generic batteries that lack safety certifications, as they are more prone to overheating or swelling, which could potentially damage your camera’s internal battery compartment.
Why doesn’t my battery meter work with third-party batteries?
Canon uses a proprietary communication chip in the LP-E17 battery. If a third-party battery isn’t “fully decoded,” the camera can’t read the data from that chip. As a result, the M5 will display a warning message asking if the battery is genuine. Once you click “No,” the camera works perfectly, but the battery icon will remain empty or missing because the camera doesn’t know the voltage level.
Can I charge Wasabi or Powerextra batteries in my Canon charger?
Usually, the answer is no. Most third-party LP-E17 batteries require their own specific charger because they lack the proper chip to communicate with the Canon LC-E17 charger. If you try to use the Canon charger, it will often blink an error light. This is why most third-party batteries are sold as kits that include a USB or wall charger.
How many shots can I expect from one LP-E17 in the M5?
Under CIPA standards, the EOS M5 is rated for approximately 295 shots per charge. In real-world use, you can usually squeeze out 350-400 shots if you are conservative with the LCD screen and don’t use the built-in flash. However, if you are using the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) frequently or shooting 1080p video, that number will drop significantly, making spare batteries essential for a full day of shooting.
Are there “fully decoded” third-party batteries available?
Yes, brands like BM Premium and Watson have released “fully decoded” versions of the LP-E17. These batteries contain a replicated chip that allows the EOS M5 to display the battery percentage correctly. They are slightly more expensive than standard third-party batteries but significantly cheaper than the official Canon version. Always check the product description specifically for the term “fully decoded” before purchasing.
Final Verdict
For the professional who needs to know exactly how much power remains, the original Canon LP-E17 is the only way to go. However, for most hobbyists and travelers, the Wasabi Power kit or SmallRig USB-C batteries offer much better value. I personally keep two Canon batteries for my main shooting and a stack of Wasabi spares for emergencies. If you travel light, the SmallRig USB-C version is a brilliant innovation that saves space.