Neewer vs Smallrig V-Mount Battery (Which is better?)
If you’ve ever tried to piece together the perfect camera rig, you already know the struggle—power is everything. You can have the best camera body, the sharpest lens, and the most rugged cage, but without a reliable battery, none of it matters.
That’s where V-mount batteries come in. They’re the backbone of professional rigs, giving you longer runtimes and more flexibility than your standard camera batteries. But here’s the catch: once you start shopping, you’ll quickly realize that many V-mounts look exactly the same on paper.
That’s the situation I found myself in when comparing the Neewer PS099E and the Smallrig VB99. Both are 99Wh V-mount batteries. Both cost $199. Both have the same lineup of ports. So, does it even matter which one you buy?
After using the Neewer for one month (sent to me for testing) and the Smallrig for nearly two years, I put them head-to-head. Here’s what I discovered—and how you can make the right choice for your setup.
The Similarities: Why They Look Identical on Paper
Before we dive into the differences, let’s look at what makes these two so similar:
Price: Both retail at $199—affordable compared to higher-end V-mounts. This price point was the reason I bought the Smallrig in the first place two years ago.
Ports: Identical layouts:
BP port on the bottom
D-tap on the side
Two barrel ports (8V and 12V) on top
USB-A and USB-C
Capacity: Both are 99Wh, the largest you can legally carry on a flight. It’s the sweet spot: smaller 50Wh feel underpowered, while larger 200Wh+ are great but not travel-friendly.
Display: Each has a screen showing inputs/outputs, so you can monitor usage in real time.
On paper, they’re neck and neck. But once you actually mount them, differences start to appear.
The Differences: Where the Decision Gets Real
1. Size & Footprint
The Smallrig is slightly smaller than the Neewer, even though both are 99Wh. It’s not a massive gap, but if you’re obsessed with keeping your rig compact, every millimeter counts.
2. Build Quality
Both use durable plastic, but the Smallrig feels more premium and rugged. The Neewer doesn’t feel cheap or fragile—it just lacks that extra refinement.
3. Port Covers
On the Neewer, the plastic covers don’t fit as snugly and can be fiddly to reattach. Smallrig’s are smoother and easier to use. Not a deal-breaker, but noticeable over time.
4. Port Orientation
This is where things really split:
Smallrig: USB-A, USB-C, and barrels are all on top. It looks tidy, but gets crowded when multiple cables pile up.
Neewer: Barrels on top, USB-A/USB-C on one side, D-tap on the other. More breathing room, but cables come from multiple directions.
Which layout works best depends on your rig’s cable management. If you hate clutter on top, Neewer may win. If you want everything in one zone, Smallrig is cleaner.
5. Power Button Placement
A small but surprisingly important detail:
Smallrig’s button is on the side. I often forget where it is.
Neewer’s button is under the display. Much more intuitive and easier to tap while facing the screen.
In daily use, this tiny detail made a real difference.
6. Charging Speed
Both can charge via USB-A or USB-C, but here’s the performance gap:
Neewer PS099E: Max 65W input. 0–100% takes about 90 minutes–2 hours.
Smallrig VB99: Accepts up to 100W. 0–100% takes about 50–60 minutes.
Since I usually charge overnight, the difference doesn’t always matter. But if you’re shooting multiple sets in a day, Smallrig’s faster recharge is a lifesaver.
Real-World Performance
Both batteries worked flawlessly with the Canon R5 Mark II, R6 Mark II, and Sony FX6. No glitches, no reliability issues. Performance in the field isn’t the deciding factor—it’s the ergonomics, build, and charging speed that separate them.
Actionable Takeaways for Choosing Your V-Mount
If you’re deciding between these two, here’s a simple framework:
Consider your rig’s layout.
Hate cluttered tops? Go Neewer.
Prefer one clean cable zone? Go Smallrig.
Think about charging needs.
Overnight charging = either works.
Need fast turnaround = Smallrig wins.
Value the feel and durability?
Smallrig feels more premium in hand.
Prioritize usability details.
If button placement drives you crazy, Neewer’s under-display button is a win.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, both are excellent, affordable V-mounts that punch way above their price tag. Your choice boils down to port orientation, build feel, and charging habits.
Personally, I lean toward the Smallrig for its build and faster charging, but I can absolutely see why someone would prefer the Neewer’s port layout and intuitive button placement.
Either way, you’re getting a reliable 99Wh V-mount that can handle serious professional work without draining your wallet.
Which would you choose—Neewer or Smallrig? Drop your answer in the comments below and let’s help each other build smarter, cleaner rigs.
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