The Best AAA Rechargeable Batteries

  • Dani Rosewater

So many devices, toys, and electronics require AAA batteries these days. If you're tired of pouring money into alkaline batteries that don't last, it might be time for you to invest in some AAA rechargeable batteries. Compared to traditional batteries, they last longer per charge. And if you use them properly and care for them right, your rechargeable batteries can last for close to a decade. So while rechargeable batteries cost more initially, they often help you save money in the long run.

What To Look For

In order to find the best rechargeable on the market, we asked ourselves three questions: How long does the charge last while the battery is in use? How well does the battery hold a charge while it’s in storage? Is it a good cost value? Our favorite rechargeable battery was Panasonic’s lauded Eneloop, which boasts a long lifespan and comes with a charger. But the Eneloops don’t hold a charge as well while they’re in long-term storage. That’s why EBL’s eight-pack struck as the perfect pick for preppers and other folks with disaster preparedness in mind. Read on to learn about the rest of our favorite options and why they stood out to us.

Panasonic Eneloop AAA Rechargeable Batteries

Leading the charge

These batteries comes precharged, so you can start using them right away.
Best Overall

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Switching to AAA rechargeable batteries can help save you money, especially when you get a set like these from Panasonic. They can be recharged up to 2,100 times — that’ll replace a lot of alkaline batteries. These Ni-MH batteries come pre-charged and ready to use.

You can charge these batteries before they’ve drained completely. Once charged, they hold their charge for a long time. If you aren’t using them, they won’t discharge all of their charge. In fact, these batteries will still work ten years after you’ve last charged them if you take proper care of them. They work well, even in frigid temperatures down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit. In short, these AAA rechargeable batteries won’t let you down.

Pros

  • The company offers you the option of purchasing these batteries with a charger, so you’ll know that it’s compatible with the batteries.
  • Unlike some rechargeable batteries, these can be recharged when they’re partially charged without causing damage, which makes them far easier to deal with.

Cons

  • If you don’t get them on sale, they cost more per battery than most brands. However, they do hold their charge well, so it’s still a high-value buy.

EBL AAA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries

There's more in store

These batteries preserve their charge over a long period of disuse, making them the perfect set to bring along with you.
Best Low Discharge

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You never know when you’ll need a couple of fresh batteries. If you’re looking for a reliable AAA rechargeable battery for an emergency go-bag or to leave in your car, these ones are perfect. Once charged, they maintain their charge for a long time. They still have an 80 percent charge after three years of non-use.

These batteries come partially charged, so they’re ready to use if you need them right away. They can be recharged up to 1,200 times before you’ll need to replace them. There’s a unique ring around the top of the battery that helps prevent leaks. That’s a plus if you’re storing these with other supplies and don’t want to risk battery fluid contaminating everything.

Pros

  • Preppers, survivalists, backpackers, and anyone keen on disaster preparedness will appreciate that these stay viable even after years of non-use.
  • These batteries don’t contain any Hg, Cd, or Pd, so they’re better for the environment compared to some brands.

Cons

  • They arrive charged only at 15-20% of capacity, so it’s a good idea to fully charge them right away if possible.

Energizer Rechargeable AAA Batteries

Going the distance

You'll get a lot of use out of this set of AAA rechargeable batteries.
Best Eight Pack

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These AAA rechargeable batteries are partially made from recycled batteries, so in a roundabout way, they help minimize landfill waste. Since you can charge these up to 1,000 times, you’ll go through far fewer batteries in your house. Under normal use conditions, you can expect to get five years out of these batteries. If you think about how many batteries you use in a single year, you can see how this small investment can help save money over time.

This is a set of eight batteries. They are universal, meaning they can be charged in any NiMH charger. The charge can last up to a year in storage, so you’ll always have power when you need it.

Pros

  • We appreciate that these batteries boast a universal design, so you won’t have to buy the name-brand charger if you don’t want to.
  • Unlike two- or four-packs, this eight-pack supplies enough batteries to power multiple devices, so it’s great for a home’s entertainment center.

Cons

  • They seem to need recharging more quickly than some other options, which is a bit disappointing considering their price.

AmazonBasics AAA Rechargeable Batteries

The budget battery

When you first start using rechargeable batteries, investing in a large pack like this one can help meet all of your needs.
Best Value

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Are you hoping to replace all of the batteries in your house with rechargeable ones? Buying a larger pack like this one can help you do that more quickly. This set comes with a dozen AAA rechargeable batteries. You also have the option to buy them with the charger, which is helpful if you’re just getting started making the switch.

These batteries come pre-charged and ready to go. You can recharge them up to 1,000 times, so they’ll last for a long time. They slowly discharge, so after two years, they’ll still have an 80 percent charge.

Pros

  • If you’re looking for a way to stock up your house with rechargeable batteries, this bulk buy is one of the best ways to do so in terms of cost value.
  • Considering how low the price is on these, they do punch above their weight — even if won’t last as many recharge cycles.

Cons

  • These batteries won’t survive as many recharge cycles compared to some others, but they are reliable while they last.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of charger do I need for my AAA rechargeable batteries?

Most AAA rechargeable batteries are universal, which means you can use them in any compatible charger. You do not have to purchase the matching brand. As long as your charger can charge Ni-MH batteries, you should be able to use it. However, you will need to make sure that it can charge AAA batteries. Most will do either AA or AAA, but you will want to verify before you make the purchase. Buying a charger that won’t work with your batteries is never fun.

Should I charge my AAA rechargeable batteries before using them?

Many rechargeable batteries are pre-charged. In other words, they arrive at your home ready to go. However, please note that most do not arrive fully charged. Some batteries arrive with only a 15-20 percent charge. And while this will be enough to power up your device, it will not last a long time. We recommend giving a new set of rechargeable batteries a fresh charge.

About the Author

If you're a console gamer, Dani won't hold that against you. Although he plays on the PC, he grew up with an Xbox controller in his hand. He's also a filmmaker and musician, so he's figured out the importance of quality gear. He hopes to use his expertise to help people make informed decisions in their search for tech that works.

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