1. MT3608
- Type: Step-up (boost) converter only
- Input voltage: ~2V – 24V
- Output voltage: Up to ~28V (adjustable)
- Output current: ~1A typical (2A peak, but with good cooling)
- Efficiency: ~93% max
Use cases:
- Powering 9V/12V devices from a single Li-ion (3.7V) battery.
- Converting USB 5V to 9V/12V for small loads.
- Small, low-cost projects where you just need a voltage boost with <1A.
2. Mini360 (based on MP2307DN chip)
- Type: Step-down (buck) converter only
- Input voltage: 4.75V – 23V
- Output voltage: 1V – 17V (adjustable)
- Output current: Up to 3A (but realistically 1.5–2A without extra cooling)
- Efficiency: Up to 95%
Use cases:
- Compact, cheap buck regulator for small electronics.
- Replacing 7805/LM317 linear regulators to save heat.
- Step down 12V (from car/battery) to 5V for microcontrollers.
- Space-constrained builds (super tiny footprint).
3. LM2596 (classic and popular module)
- Type: Step-down (buck) converter only
- Input voltage: 4V – 40V
- Output voltage: 1.25V – 37V (adjustable, depending on input)
- Output current: Up to 3A (typically ~2A continuous without heatsink)
- Efficiency: ~65–85% (older design, not as efficient as newer chips)
Use cases:
- General-purpose buck converter — cheap and everywhere.
- Step down 24V industrial supply to 12V or 5V.
- Rugged projects where efficiency isn’t critical but current >1A is needed.
- Beginner-friendly (big module, easy to solder/use).
4. XL6009
- Type: Step-up (boost) or buck-boost (depending on module design)
- Input voltage: 3.5V – 32V
- Output voltage: Up to 35V (some modules up to 60V)
- Output current: ~2–3A (depends on cooling and input/output ratio)
- Efficiency: ~94% max
Use cases:
- Replaces the older LM2577 boost modules.
- Higher power boost needs than MT3608 (2–3A instead of ~1A).
- Car projects (boost 12V to 19V for a laptop).
- Portable power supplies where you need a flexible input range.
- Often found in buck-boost modules (can output higher OR lower than input).
Quick Comparison Table
| Module | Type | Vin Range | Vout Range | Current | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MT3608 | Boost | 2–24V | up to 28V | ~1A (2A pk) | Boost Li-ion/USB to 9–12V |
| Mini360 | Buck | 4.75–23V | 1–17V | ~2A cont | Tiny 12V → 5V for MCU |
| LM2596 | Buck | 4–40V | 1.25–37V | ~2A cont | General purpose, higher Vin tolerance |
| XL6009 | Boost / Buck-Boost | 3.5–32V | up to 35V+ | 2–3A | High-power boost, flexible input/output |
In short:
- Need boost with small loads → MT3608
- Need buck in a tiny footprint → Mini360
- Need a rugged, general buck regulator → LM2596
- Need high-power boost or buck-boost → XL6009