Best Batteries: Powerful and Long-Lasting
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Panasonic Eneloop NiMH Rechargeable AA Batteries -
Tenergy Centura High-Capacity NiMH Rechargeable Batteries -
Duracell Rechargeable NiMH Batteries -
Duracell Coppertop Alkaline Batteries -
Energizer AA Batteries -
Rayovac UltraPRO Alkaline Batteries -
Buyer's Guide
When it's time to buy new batteries, there are plenty of choices out there. The way to decide which is the best option for you is to first consider what you need the batteries for, then examine what the battery is capable of doing. It all boils down to two choices; disposable or rechargeable. Simply put, disposable batteries are just that. You get a one-time use out of them and when they're drained of their power you throw them away. Rechargeables allow you to keep the cells and re-charge them repeatedly, saving time and money when it comes to the power source in your electronics. However, rechargeables aren't necessarily appropriate for every device or application.
Disposable batteries are good for almost all devices, as long as you have the correct size for the application you're looking to power up. These come in two common types: alkaline and lithium. Alkaline is the most widely used as they have a slow self-discharge rate, they can be stored for a long time without any loss of charge (roughly about seven years), and are often used in low-drain devices such as radios, remote controls, and other devices that don't require constant use at high voltage. There are high-drain versions of alkaline batteries available as well that are intended for devices that require more juice more frequently. These "premium" alkaline batteries cost more but provide a charge that is similar to a lithium battery. Lithium batteries last longer, can be stored longer, weigh less than a regular battery, and provide nearly double or triple the power capacity of a standard alkaline battery. They also perform well in extreme temperatures. But they all have one thing in common at their very basic purpose— when they've been drained, you throw them away.
Rechargeable batteries are cells that you can recharge when they're out of juice. Slip them into any charger and after a short period of time, they're ready for use all over again. They are usually more expensive than disposables, but you save money in the long run since you only buy them once. You can find them in three different types: nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, and lithium-ion (not to be confused with the lithium disposables above). Depending upon which type you choose, some have low self-discharge rates, where the battery maintains its charge for an extended period of time, and others have higher rates, in which the battery does the exact opposite. No matter which type you choose, rechargeable batteries are often recommended for high-drain devices that require constant power and at large volumes. The reason is easy to understand— rechargeables can be recharged and replaced quickly and easily and without additional costs beyond the price of electricity from an outlet. To go out and keep buying disposables for a device that needs such a power load would probably get more expensive than paying a one-time cost for a set of rechargeables and a charger.
No matter what you need them for, we have a list of the best batteries in 2022 for any of your electronics. We've also included a buyer's guide below to help you make an informed decision.
The Best Batteries in 2022 | Review by Bestcovery
Panasonic Eneloop NiMH Rechargeable AA Batteries - Best Battery Overall
Made exclusively in Japan, the Panasonic (formerly Sanyo) Eneloop was the first rechargeable battery with low self-discharge characteristics, and is still the most commonly found brand today. The Eneloop batteries come pre-charged from the factory and function almost exactly like a standard alkaline battery in terms of use and shelf life; except that these are capable of being recharged over 1500 times without degradation in performance. They're also ideal for extreme temperature use in environments as low as -4 degrees. The 2000 mAh capacity is less than that of a standard single-use AA battery (the Eneloop Pro version has a 2550 mAh capacity); but the discharge characteristics between the NiMH rechargeables and typical alkalines allow for safe use in any appliance. These ratios stay pretty comparable in both the Eneloop and XX lines through the larger sizes as well. The Eneloops also have no memory effect, they can be fully recharged whether they are completely drained or have some partial charge remaining. There's no need for a battery tester here, just plug them into the charger and you're all set.
Tenergy Centura High-Capacity NiMH Rechargeable Batteries - Runner Up
Both the Premium and Centura lines of Tenergy NiMH rechargeables are available in AA, AAA, C, D and 9 Volt sizes. The Tenergy Premium is their high-capacity line which range from 1000 to 10000 mAh respectively. The Centura batteries range from 800-8000 mAh from AAA to D, with 200 milliamp hours available in the 9 Volt. These LSD versions can take 1000 recharge cycles and may be stored for up to 6 months while retaining 90 percent of their charge. After one year that lowers to 85%, comparable to the other batteries on our list. These rechargeables also lasted exponentially longer than standard alkaline batteries in various devices, most notably cameras, R/C toys and other electronics that require large amounts of power. However, when stacked up to other rechargeables on our list, they performed well in most cases, with only a 20-30 minute difference in power life between these and the other brands. Not a wide margin, but noticeable nonetheless.
Duracell Rechargeable NiMH Batteries - Honorable Mention
Duracell's standard coppertop disposable batteries are well-known and ubiquitous in the consumer battery market, which presents an ironic situation. The Duracell Pre-Charged batteries are low self-discharge NiMH rechargeable batteries, and the only thing visually separating these batteries from a standard disposable alkaline coppertops are the bright green color strips on the exterior. It would be a shame to toss one away after the factory charge is depleted, as these batteries can be recharged hundreds of times and maintain a charge for over a year. These Duracells hold about 2000 mAh and will retain their charge up to around 80 percent after a year of inactivity. In comparison studies of overall charge retention, these held up nicely and proved to be just as reliable as the best rechargeables on the market at the moment. This from a company which makes such an annual profit on the sale of alkaline batteries. It's nice to see that they provide a reliable rechargeable version for the mass market as well.
Duracell Coppertop Alkaline Batteries - Consider
Available in AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-Volt sizes; these alkaline batteries from Duracell are best-sellers for a reason. They have the best overall output of any standard alkaline battery on the market for guaranteed endurance and strength. They will power your low-drain devices such as remote controls, wireless mice, and flashlights longer and stronger than other brands out there, based on a number of consumer tests. When not in use, the Coppertop can be stored for up to 10 years without any loss of charge when stored in proper conditions. These are Duracell's standard alkaline batteries that are appropriate for most applications, but the company's Optimum line is more suitable for devices that use AA or AAA batteries and require higher output, such as digital cameras and video game controllers. The Coppertops are the less expensive option and offer the best overall value for your battery dollar. You can also find them almost anywhere, from supermarkets to hardware stores to pharmacies and so on.
Energizer AA Batteries - Best Disposable Batteries
Energizer's upgraded lithium version, the Ultimate is not available in all of the sizes that most alkalines accommodate, but instead just the two sizes that are most widely used, AA and AAA. Incorporating lithium into the cell makes them more appropriate for extreme temperatures, they're also lightweight and there's a reduced possibility of leakage of the cell. With an overall rating of 3000 milliamp hours in these lithium batteries, the Ultimate offers twice the staying power of their alkaline counterparts in certain devices and applications and up to seven times more under other comparisons including adverse weather conditions for outdoor use. Lithium cells are best suited for high-drain devices including digital cameras and GPS units and perform extremely well in both. These will also stay fresh longer than most alkaline batteries, with a storage time of up to 15 years before any charge is lost or diminished.
Rayovac UltraPRO Alkaline Batteries - Best Disposable Batteries
These high-performance batteries are made in the USA and are marketed for industrial use, so they're available in sizes AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V. They're packaged in stackable and closeable boxes for professional organization and convenience. The UltraPROs are still excellent batteries even if you aren't a professional contractor, offering approximately 2850 milliamp hours life capacity in the AA size (compared to around 2700 in the Coppertop and approximately 3000 in the Ultimate Lithium). Rayovac guarantees freshness of their batteries for up to seven years of storage and five for their 9V size. For the price, you can't beat these either, since they cost less per battery than their highly marketed counterparts above. Rayovac may not be a household name, but they make a powerful, long-lasting battery that does the job just as well as the more expensive brands around.
Buyer's Guide
These days, it seems as if we are becoming more and more dependent on technological devices. These tools make everything from housework to manual labor easier and more efficient. However, no matter how modern a gadget may be, its performance will only be as good as the batteries used to power it.
With so many different options for batteries on the market, deciding what to look for when buying them can be an intimidating task. To help you in making this decision, we have prepared this comprehensive buying guide highlighting the key features of the best batteries in 2022.
What Does the Inside of a Battery Look Like?
Batteries are made up of three units: cathode, anode, and electrolyte. These three parts work together to convert chemical energy into electrical energy, allowing the transfer of charge to your device. Common metals used inside batteries include lithium, zinc, and manganese.
What Are the Different Types of Batteries?
Before setting out to buy some new batteries for your old appliances, you should be aware of the different types. There are two main categories that batteries fall under, each offering its own advantages.
Disposable Batteries
More commonly used than their counterpart, disposable batteries are single-use batteries that can be used to power devices for an extended period of time. After some time, however, disposable batteries no longer work and must be thrown away.
Disposable batteries create current by means of an irreversible chemical reaction, converting chemical energy into electrical energy. When the reactants involved in the process run out, there is nothing left to be converted into electrical energy and hence produce charge. At this point, disposable batteries are useless and must be thrown away and replaced.
Disposable batteries are typically cheaper than rechargeable ones and much more readily available. The charge offered by these batteries also lasts for a long time, making them a convenient, hassle-free choice. However, it is important to note that disposable batteries will always need to be replaced eventually.
Rechargeable Batteries
As the name suggests, rechargeable batteries can be externally charged after they are drained so that they can be used again and again. There is no limit to how many times you can recharge your batteries, though after some time you may notice a decrease in the charge capacity of the battery.
The reason why rechargeable batteries work is because the chemical reaction that takes place inside them is reversible. When you connect a rechargeable battery to a power source, the charge that had been drained is restored, allowing you to continue using it.
Rechargeable batteries, though more expensive than their counterpart, can last you a very long time. They are also better for the environment as they are not disposed of as often. However, they typically have a lower voltage rating as well which can affect the performance of your devices.
What Should You Look for When Buying Batteries?
Batteries are used extensively, charging everything from kitchen appliances to mobile phones. Deciding what aspects to keep in mind when shopping greatly depends on what you intend to use your battery for. However, with so much variation, this can be difficult. To help avoid an unsatisfactory purchase, here is a list of the most important attributes to keep in mind when buying batteries.
Type
As we have mentioned before, there are two main types of batteries: disposable and rechargeable batteries. Each one offers its own advantages and disadvantages.
Disposable batteries are more suited for low-drain devices such as clocks, remote controls, toys, and smoke alarms. These won’t require much charge to operate so you can rest easy for at least a few years before planning on replacing the batteries inside them. Rechargeable batteries, on the other hand, are better for high-drain gadgets such as laptops, mobile phones, and Bluetooth earphones. They require a lot more energy to function making a rechargeable battery a much better option.
Size and Storage Capacity
Storage capacity is the maximum amount of charge that a battery can hold. Of this total capacity is a smaller amount known as "usable capacity," which is the amount of charge the battery can safely hold without causing damage to itself. The higher the storage capacity of a battery the longer it will last, making it a very important metric to consider.
Power Rating
Power rating is another important feature to keep in mind when purchasing a battery. This is the amount of power that the battery can consume or discharge. Having a high power rating is beneficial because it means your battery can cater to more demand of current.
Battery Warranty
Though not a necessity, having a warranty for your battery is always a plus. In case something were to go wrong in terms of charging or overheating, a battery warranty would cover the damages.
How Long Does a Battery Last?
The life of a battery depends on several factors including the type of battery, size, capacity, rating, as well as the frequency of use. Rechargeable batteries on average last much longer than disposable ones though they are a bit more costly.
Best Batteries FAQs
Q. What do I do if my battery explodes?
A. In very extreme cases of misuse, it is possible for batteries (especially AA batteries) to rupture causing the contents of the battery to explode. If you face this scenario, the best course of action would be to immediately wash off any metal pieces or acid that have come in contact with your skin. Then make sure to neutralize the area with some lemon juice or acid for further protection.
Q. Are batteries recyclable?
A. Most batteries are safe to recycle, including alkaline, manganese, and carbon-zinc batteries. However, if your battery is made up of lead acid or nickel, it is best to throw it away with other hazardous waste as it can contaminate the surfaces it touches in case of a leak.
Q. What makes a battery go bad?
A. A battery can expire well before its estimated date due to many external factors. If your battery is placed in a high-temperature area with less humidity, it can cause the battery to age prematurely. Other instances like overcharging, heavy vibrations, or long periods of no use can make a battery go bad as well.
