Best Spare Battery for Canon EOS M6 Mark II
The Canon EOS M6 Mark II is a pocket-sized powerhouse, but its high-speed burst shooting and 4K video capabilities drain the compact LP-E17 battery faster than you’d expect. After years of shooting with the M-series, I’ve learned that a single cell rarely survives a full afternoon of street photography. While the genuine Canon LP-E17 remains our top pick for its flawless communication with the camera, several third-party alternatives offer incredible value for those who need multiple backups on a budget.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Spare Battery for Canon EOS M6 Mark II: Detailed Reviews
Canon LP-E17 View on Amazon View on B&H
There is no substitute for the original. The Canon LP-E17 is the only battery that offers “full communication” with the EOS M6 Mark II. This means you get an accurate percentage display on your LCD and no annoying “non-genuine battery” pop-up warnings when you power on. With a 1040mAh capacity, it is engineered specifically for the M6 II’s power draw patterns. I find this battery essential for critical shoots, like weddings or travel vlogging, where a sudden power cut could mean a missed shot. While third-party options exist, they often fail to show the remaining charge, leaving you guessing. The safety circuitry inside the OEM Canon cell also provides peace of mind against overheating during long 4K video recordings. It is more expensive than the competition, but for the primary battery in your bag, the reliability and seamless integration are worth every penny.
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Wasabi Power LP-E17 2-Pack View on Amazon View on B&H
If you need volume without the high price tag, Wasabi Power is the most trusted name in the third-party market. This kit gives you two batteries and a dual-slot USB charger for less than half the price of a single Canon cell. On my M6 Mark II, these batteries perform admirably, lasting nearly as long as the OEM version. The caveat? These are “partially decoded.” You will have to click “Yes” on a prompt when you turn the camera on, and you won’t see a battery meter on your screen—the camera will simply shut down when it’s out of juice. However, for casual shooting days, having two spares in your pocket is a massive advantage. The included USB charger is a game-changer for travel, as it allows you to charge your spares via a power bank or car adapter while you’re on the move.
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BM Premium LP-E17 View on Amazon View on B&H
BM Premium offers one of the most affordable ways to keep your M6 Mark II running. These batteries are designed for the casual user who just needs a “just in case” backup in their bag. Like most third-party LP-E17s, they won’t communicate their exact percentage to the camera, but they are built with multiple circuit protections to prevent overcharging and short-circuiting. In my testing, they offer about 85-90% of the runtime of the original Canon cell. They are particularly useful for photographers who primarily use the viewfinder (EVF-DC2) rather than the LCD, as this slightly extends the life of these non-metered cells. The build quality is surprisingly decent for the price, though I’ve noticed they can slightly lose their maximum charge capacity after about a year of heavy use. For the price of a fancy latte, they are a solid insurance policy against a dead camera.
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SmallRig LP-E17 USB-C Rechargeable View on Amazon View on B&H
SmallRig has innovated where Canon stood still. Their LP-E17 replacement features a built-in USB-C port directly on the battery casing. This is a game-changer for the M6 Mark II user who wants to travel light without a bulky wall charger. You can plug this battery directly into your laptop, phone charger, or a portable power bank. While it still suffers from the “non-decoded” lack of a battery meter, the sheer convenience of charging anywhere makes up for it. The capacity is rated at a legitimate 1050mAh, and the charging indicator light on the battery itself tells you exactly when it’s topped up. I’ve found this to be the perfect “emergency” battery to keep in a glove box or backpack because you’ll always have a way to charge it. It’s built to a much higher standard than most budget clones.
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Neewer LP-E17 Dual USB Kit View on Amazon View on B&H
Neewer is a staple in the camera accessory world, and their LP-E17 kit is highly reliable for the price. The standout feature here is the exceptionally slim dual charger that uses a Micro-USB or USB-C input. It fits easily into the small pockets of a mirrorless camera bag. The batteries themselves provide consistent power and don’t suffer from the “swelling” issues that some very cheap off-brand cells exhibit over time. While you’ll still deal with the “non-genuine” message on your M6 Mark II, the batteries hold their charge well during long periods of storage. This makes them excellent backups for occasional shooters who might leave their gear in a bag for weeks at a time. I often recommend this kit to new M6 II owners who spent most of their budget on the body and lenses but still need a reliable way to get through a full day of shooting.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Spare Battery for M6 Mark II
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon LP-E17 | Pros / Reliability | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Wasabi Power | High Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| BM Premium | Budget | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| SmallRig USB-C | Minimalist Travel | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Neewer Kit | Dual Charging | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will third-party batteries damage my M6 Mark II?
Generally, no. Reputable brands like Wasabi, Neewer, and SmallRig include overcharge and short-circuit protection. The biggest “risk” is the lack of a battery meter and the “non-genuine” prompt. However, extremely cheap, unbranded batteries from unknown sellers could potentially swell or leak, which can damage the battery compartment. Stick to the established third-party brands reviewed here to ensure your camera’s safety while saving money on your spare power supplies.
Why doesn’t my battery level show with a third-party battery?
Canon uses a proprietary encryption chip in the LP-E17. Most third-party manufacturers have not fully cracked this code (a process called decoding). While the battery provides power perfectly, the camera cannot “talk” to the chip to read the remaining voltage. This results in the battery icon being empty or missing entirely. You will usually get a warning asking if the battery is genuine; you must select “No” and “Yes” to proceed with shooting.
Can I charge my M6 Mark II via USB-C?
Yes, but there is a catch. The EOS M6 Mark II supports in-camera charging only when the camera is powered off. Additionally, you must use a USB-C to USB-C cable connected to a Power Delivery (PD) compatible charger or power bank. A standard USB-A to USB-C cable or a low-wattage phone brick usually won’t work. This makes spare batteries even more vital, as you cannot easily charge while actively shooting.
How many shots can I expect from one battery?
CIPA ratings for the M6 Mark II are around 305 shots per charge using the LCD. In real-world use, if you shoot bursts and don’t spend too much time reviewing images, you can often get 500-600 shots. However, 4K video recording will drain a full battery in about 60-80 minutes of total recording time. If you plan on a full day of vlogging or street photography, I recommend carrying at least two spares.
Can I use a third-party charger for my Canon battery?
You can, but it’s not always recommended. The official Canon LC-E17 charger is designed to communicate with the OEM chip to ensure a safe, balanced charge. Some third-party chargers work fine with Canon batteries, but they might not charge them to a full 100% or could potentially shorten the lifespan of the cell. Conversely, the Canon charger will usually refuse to charge third-party batteries, flashing an error light instead.
Final Verdict
For professional work or travel where you can’t afford a surprise shutdown, the original Canon LP-E17 is the only choice that provides a reliable battery meter. However, for most hobbyists, the Wasabi Power 2-pack offers the best bang for your buck, providing plenty of juice for a full weekend of shooting. If you are a minimalist traveler, the SmallRig USB-C rechargeable battery is a brilliant innovation that simplifies your gear bag by eliminating the need for a dedicated wall charger.