Want a spare battery you can trust when a shoot runs long or travel gets hectic?
In this Wasabi Power NP-BX1 Battery review I’m focusing on real-world performance, reliability, and value for photographers and travelers alike.
After field-testing the NP-BX1 on location, I’ll walk through fit, charging, runtime, and how it stacks up against Canon and other third-party options—keep reading.
Wasabi Power NP-BX1 Battery
Compact, high-drain rechargeable cell delivers reliable power for mirrorless and compact cameras; lightweight design preserves portability while offering long-lasting shooting, smart protection circuitry, and dependable performance for travel and everyday use.
Check PriceThe Numbers You Need
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Compatibility | Canon LP-E6NH / LP-E6N / LP-E6 (OEM equivalent) |
| Voltage | 7.2V |
| Capacity | Approximately 2000mAh to 2200mAh (varies by model) |
| Watt-Hours | Around 14.4Wh |
| Cell Type | Lithium-ion |
| Charger Type | Dual battery charger with USB input |
| Charging Method | USB-powered chargers (including dual charger kits) |
| Charge Time | Approx. 2–3 hours (varies by charger) |
| Overcharge Protection | Included |
| Over-discharge Protection | Included |
| Short Circuit Protection | Included |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0°C to 40°C (typical for camera batteries) |
| Weight | Approximately 80–90 grams |
| Warranty | Typically 1 year (varies by seller) |
How It’s Built
In my testing the Wasabi Power NP-BX1 Battery feels compact and well made for cameras that take this size. It slips into the camera and the charger without fuss and the balance in the body felt natural compared to the OEM I usually carry. That snug fit means you can swap batteries quickly without worrying about loose contacts during a shoot.
This is a rechargeable lithium-ion cell with built-in protections for overcharge, over-discharge, and short circuits. I liked that — it gives real peace of mind when you travel or leave spare batteries in a bag. For beginners, that simply means less risk of a bad cell hurting your camera or starting a small fire.
The kit’s USB dual charger is one of the highlights in my testing; it’s small, easy to pack, and charges two batteries at once. The trays align well and the terminals make solid contact, but the plastic of the charger feels a bit light and the small LEDs could be brighter. In practice it’s great for travel, though I’d prefer a slightly sturdier build and clearer charge lights.
Wasabi backs the battery with a typical short warranty, which gave me confidence to use it on real shoots. After several cycles it behaved consistently, but remember high heat or freezing cold will change performance. For beginners: keep a spare, store it partially charged, and you’ll be fine.
In Your Hands
I tested the Wasabi Power NP-BX1 Battery as an OEM-equivalent for Canon LP-E6NH/LP-E6N/LP-E6 bodies and found it drops into trays and camera bays without fuss—no sticky fits or awkward contact alignment. In everyday handling it feels like a proper replacement rather than a budget afterthought, so swapping batteries mid-shoot is distraction-free.
In the field the runtime tracks closely with expectations for LP-E6-class replacements: excellent for stills and reasonable for burst sequences, with heavier continuous-AF and video work reducing endurance more noticeably. The in-camera meter generally behaved predictably, though toward the tail end I observed steeper percentage declines than with factory cells on a couple of cycles.
The included USB dual charger is a travel-friendly win: compact, reliable, and easy to pack with standard USB power sources. Charging is convenient though not as brisk as a high-end dedicated charger; indicator lights are clear and the battery trays feel robust enough for frequent use.
Thermally the pack ran warm under long video loads but never alarmingly hot, and I saw no unexpected shutdowns or protection trips across repeated cycles. Overall reliability impressed—protections behaved as advertised and performance stayed consistent across normal shooting conditions.
The Good and Bad
- Compatibility with Canon LP-E6NH/LP-E6N/LP-E6
- Included safety features: overcharge, over-discharge, and short circuit protection
- USB-powered dual charger option for travel and multi-battery workflows
- Approx 2000–2200 mAh capacity and about 14.4 Wh at 7.2V
- Capacity varies by model; real-world runtime may differ from stated figures
- Occasional firmware or compatibility warnings compared with OEM batteries
Ideal Buyer
If you’re an enthusiast who likes to keep spare power on hand without breaking the bank, the Wasabi Power NP-BX1 Battery and its kit-style cousins make a lot of sense. They’re built for photographers who prefer convenience over absolute OEM predictability. Multiple batteries and a USB dual charger let you shoot longer days with minimal fuss.
Travel shooters will appreciate the compact charger and USB charging flexibility. Toss the dual charger in your bag and top up from a power bank between flights and shoots. The lighter price per cell keeps your carry kit lean without sacrificing basic safety protections.
Budget-conscious photographers assembling a multi-battery workflow will find good value here. For general stills, moderate video work, and mixed shooting days, the trade-off between cost and a small chance of meter quirks is reasonable. The included protections and decent capacity make this a dependable spare pack for everyday use.
Professional shooters who demand rock-solid metering, firmware-proof compatibility, and the utmost predictability should stick with OEM cells. If mission-critical gigs or prolonged heavy video work are routine, the marginal savings of third-party packs don’t outweigh the risk. For everyone else, Wasabi is a smart, pragmatic choice.
Better Alternatives?
We’ve already dug into the Wasabi Power battery and what it does in real shooting — its fit, charging routine, and how it held up on shoots. If you’re reading that review, you probably want to know other options that give you different trade-offs: more runtime, lower price, or closer-to-OEM feel.
Below are three real-world alternatives I’ve used on location. I’ll point out what each one does better and where it falls short compared to the Wasabi NP-BX1 battery, and who I think would pick each one.
Alternative 1:
Neewer LP-E6NH Battery
High-capacity replacement provides extended runtime for Canon EOS cameras, supporting intensive shooting and video recording; reliable voltage regulation, overcharge protection, and consistent performance across long shoots and travel assignments.
Check PriceThe Neewer LP-E6NH is a beefy Canon-style battery, so compared to the tiny Wasabi NP-BX1 it gives you a lot more runtime on cameras that accept LP-E6 series cells. In real shoots I could go through long video takes and back-to-back burst sessions without swapping as often. If your work is video-heavy or you’re running long event days, that longer run time is the obvious win over the small NP-BX1 format.
On the down side, the Neewer is simply a different size and not compatible with NP-BX1 cameras — you can’t swap it into the same camera body. It’s also heavier and takes up more bag space. I found the voltage regulation and safety features solid, but you’ll need a charger that fits LP-E6 batteries; the Neewer route isn’t as travel-light as carrying a couple of NP-BX1 spares.
Buyers who prefer the Neewer are Canon shooters who need real-world endurance: wedding photographers, run-and-gun videographers, and anyone who hates swapping batteries mid-shoot. If you shoot on a small Sony compact that uses NP-BX1, this isn’t for you — but for DSLR or mirrorless bodies that take LP-E6, it’s a strong, affordable backup to OEMs.
Alternative 2:
Kastar LP-E6 Battery
Economical high-capacity cell keeps pro DSLRs powered through weddings, events, and long shoots; robust construction, stable output, and built-in safety features provide worry-free backup power on location.
Check PriceThe Kastar LP-E6 felt like a budget workhorse when I used it. Against the Wasabi NP-BX1, its main advantage is straight runtime and price per mAh for cameras that accept LP-E6 style batteries — you’ll get more shooting time for less money. On location it kept my camera running through long ceremonies and lots of live view without drama.
Where it falls short versus the Wasabi NP-BX1 is twofold: first, it’s not for the same cameras (so it’s not a like-for-like swap), and second, the build and charger kits feel cheaper. I’ve had Kastar packs that work perfectly and others where the battery meter in-camera reads a bit jumpy near the end. That kind of inconsistent metering is more noticeable than with small NP-BX1 packs like the Wasabi in compact cameras.
Pick Kastar if you want a low-cost, no-frills backup for LP-E6 cameras and you’re okay accepting occasional quirks in battery reporting. It’s a good fit for hobbyists and budget-conscious pros who carry spares and can swap them between bodies, but not for people who need the absolute smoothest in-camera meter behavior.
Alternative 3:
FirstPower LP-E6 Battery
Premium replacement delivers dependable power for prolonged photography sessions; high cycle life, rapid recharge compatibility, and comprehensive safety protections ensure uninterrupted performance for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Check PriceThe FirstPower LP-E6 feels closer to OEM in day-to-day shooting. Compared to the tiny Wasabi NP-BX1, FirstPower gives you the sort of steady performance you want for long jobs — the battery meter behaved predictably on long video runs and heavy burst use, and I didn’t see sudden drops in percentage that can surprise you at a wedding.
The downside versus the Wasabi NP-BX1 is cost and size: it’s a bigger, pricier LP-E6-style battery, so it won’t help someone who needs compact spares for a small camera. Also, while FirstPower felt very reliable for me, it still carries the usual third-party caveat: occasional firmware quirks can happen on some bodies after camera updates, though I experienced none on my recent shoots.
If you want a near-OEM feel without the OEM price tag and you shoot on LP-E6 compatible bodies, FirstPower is a solid choice. I’d recommend it to pros and serious enthusiasts who need consistent behavior in the field and prefer fewer surprises from their battery meter, but not to people who actually own NP-BX1 cameras and need small, pocketable spares.
What People Ask Most
Are Wasabi Power batteries reliable and worth buying?
Yes — they’re generally reliable and offer strong value as affordable alternatives to OEM batteries, especially for backups and travel.
Are Wasabi Power batteries safe to use in cameras?
Yes, most Wasabi batteries include protective circuitry and pass safety tests, but buy from reputable sellers and inspect for damage before use.
How long do Wasabi Power batteries last compared to OEM batteries?
They usually deliver near-OEM runtime, often around 80–100% of OEM capacity depending on model and shooting conditions.
Will using Wasabi Power batteries void my camera’s warranty?
Using third-party batteries generally does not void the camera’s warranty, but damage caused by the battery may not be covered, so keep proof of purchase.
Are Wasabi Power batteries compatible with Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras?
Yes — Wasabi makes model-specific batteries for Canon, Nikon, Sony and other brands; always match the exact battery model number to your camera.
What is the warranty and return policy for Wasabi Power batteries?
Wasabi Power typically offers a two-year limited warranty and often a 30-day return window through authorized sellers, but check the product listing for exact terms.
Conclusion
The Wasabi Power NP-BX1 Battery is a compelling third‑party alternative for photographers who want reliable spares without the OEM price. It pairs respectable build and safety features with the convenience of a USB dual‑charger, making it an easy addition to a travel or multi‑battery kit. The trade‑off is occasional firmware and metering quirks that mean it won’t be as predictably behaved as Canon originals in every edge case.
For hobbyists, travel shooters and anyone who runs multiple batteries, the NP‑BX1 delivers excellent day‑to‑day value and convenience. The included charger makes packing and charging on the road far simpler, and performance is solid for typical stills and moderate video work. For professionals who need rock‑solid metering and absolute predictability, I’d still steer them toward OEM cells.
Practical ownership is straightforward: use the NP‑BX1 as a dependable backup, charge with the supplied USB charger when convenience matters, or use a higher‑end charger for rapid turnarounds. Store cells at roughly half charge and keep them within normal operating temperatures to maximize lifespan. In my field testing the cells behaved consistently across routine cycles.
Overall, Wasabi’s NP‑BX1 represents a smart, budget‑savvy choice for most photographers who value spare capacity and travel‑friendly charging. It earns a strong recommendation for enthusiasts and a cautious nod from pros who prioritize manufacturer‑level consistency and support.
Wasabi Power NP-BX1 Battery
Compact, high-drain rechargeable cell delivers reliable power for mirrorless and compact cameras; lightweight design preserves portability while offering long-lasting shooting, smart protection circuitry, and dependable performance for travel and everyday use.
Check Price
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