The Best AA Batteries
No matter how high-tech the world around us becomes, old-fashioned batteries will never go out of style. From household devices, such as wall clocks and doorbells, to electronics, such as cameras and game controllers, to those random objects that we only remember are battery-operated once they run out of juice, AA batteries always come in clutch. Here, we present the best of the best. From your standard alkalines to the best rechargeable options, we guarantee any of our top five AA battery models will give you the charge you need.
Amazon Basics AA Alkaline Batteries
Better Basic Batteries
AA alkaline batteries are the most commonly used batteries in household objects like clocks, remotes, and toys. Delivering just the right amount of consistent voltage across different devices, they have a larger capacity and shelf-life than zinc alternatives, lasting on a shelf for about 10 years. You truly can’t beat the value of these low-cost packs by Amazon Basics. While the batteries themselves may not last as long as their competitors, their unit cost and 10-year shelf-life make up for this. And with a leak-free and corrosion-resistant design, you can rest assured you’ll get power without the problems.
Pros:
- Easy-to-open packaging
- Shelf-stable for 10 years
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
- Great cost value
Cons:
- Batteries don’t last as long as other name brands
Energizer AA Batteries (48 Count)
Max Alkaline, Max Value
Having lasting goods on hand in your pantry can save you time and money in the long run, both in case of emergencies and in normal day-to-day operations. For this reason, batteries are a highly recommended bulk purchase. The particular design of these Max Alkaline batteries by Energizer ensures that their usefulness won’t degrade over the years.
Leak-free and long-lasting, these high-quality AA batteries come in 12 packs of four. And with all the time you’ll save from making those rushed trips to the store to stop that smoke detector from beeping all night, you can take time to notice just how many objects in your house will require batteries from this great bulk buy.
Pros:
- Come in packs of 4 batteries for easy distribution
- Holds power for up to 10 years of storage
- Leak-resistant construction for up to two years
- Compatible with low to mid-drain devices
Cons:
- Some batteries in the package may be weaker than others
Panasonic Eneloop AA Rechargeable Batteries
Rely on Rechargables
Not only do they end up saving you time and money regardless of how often you’re using your smart devices, but rechargeable batteries are also much more environmentally friendly. And these particular Eneloop AA batteries by Panasonic take this one step further as they come fully charged with solar power, ready to use right out of the box. You can even purchase a charger along with your battery set from the same manufacturers. If you’re like us, you’ll only stop using them if you lose them.
Pros:
- Recharge up to 2100 times
- Pre-charged with solar power
- No memory effect (won’t hold less charge over time)
- Choose your count
Cons:
- Higher cost
Energizer AA Lithium Batteries
Lithium for Longer Life
While you’ve likely heard of lithium batteries in safety announcements at the airport, you may not know the difference between alkaline and lithium options and where to use both. In short, lithium batteries do more on all the levels – they’re lighter (and thus better for portable devices), last longer both in devices and on the shelf, and work in extreme conditions. It’s because of those very qualities that they’re more expensive than their alkaline counterparts. But depending on what you need them for, lithium batteries like these assorted count packs by Energizer are worth the higher price. Whether you’re looking for a trusty emergency pack of power in case of blackouts or other situations or for reliable functionality in sensitive devices like carbon monoxide detectors, Ultimate Lithium batters will have you covered.
Pros:
- Holds power for up to 20 years in storage
- For high-tech, smart devices
- Works in extreme temperatures (-40 to 140 F)
- Choose your count
Cons:
- Higher cost
- High heat can pose a fire hazard
Survival Frog EasyPower USB AA Rechargeable Battery (4 Count)
The Best of Both Worlds
Rechargeable batteries are great for all the reasons we listed above, but they’re often pricier and slightly annoying to charge. That’s why the folks at Survival Frog made these super convenient USB chargeable AA batteries. Simply plug them in to the port when you notice your device has stopped working and wait until you see the blue light that indicates the charge is back, and boom – you’re ready to go again. Just note that these particular batteries are recommended for smaller, low to mid-level drain devices rather than for emergency or high-tech use.
Pros:
- Over 500 charges per battery
- Lightweight
- Indicating lights to show the charge
- Smart design with cap-covered charge port
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Not for high-level power devices like DLSR cameras
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dispose of my batteries?
Because they contain a variety of chemicals like lead, mercury, copper, etc, batteries should never be thrown out with your regular trash. Local institutions like supermarkets often have specified battery banks where you can drop off old batteries to be recycled properly. If you don’t have the time or the ability to go to your local recycling center, then you can also request special battery bags to be collected from your home. Rechargeable batteries are a great way to reduce battery waste, but they too will need to be recycled at some point and can be dropped off at the same centers as your one-time-use ones.
How do I safely store my batteries?
Since batteries are a smart and convenient bulk buy given their long shelf life, storing them properly is key. We recommend keeping them in their original packaging in order to keep out moisture and to prevent the terminals from touching conductive material. Then, store your packages at or below room temperature and out of direct sunlight. Lastly, don’t store your batteries in metal containers. So all in all, a wooden drawer somewhere cool is the best place to store batteries.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.