The development of Li focused ion beams (Li-FIB) enables controlled Li ion insertion into materials with nanoscale resolution. We take the first step toward establishing the relevance of the Li-FIB for studies of ion dynamics in electrochemically active materials by comparing FIB lithiation with conventional electrochemical lithiation of isolated beta-Sn microspheres. Samples are characterized by cross-sectioning with Ga FIB and imaging via electron microscopy. The Li-FIB and electrochemical lithiated Sn exhibit similarities that suggest that the Li-FIB can be a powerful tool for exploring dynamical Li ion-material interactions at the nanoscale in a range of battery materials. (C) The Author(s) 2016. Published by ECS. All rights reserved.