Batteries: Reviews

Updated July 2011

Few things are more annoying than dead batteries, whether it’s an emergency flashlight or a child's toy. Today’s choices go beyond disposable alkaline batteries, but not all rechargeable batteries are created equal. ConsumerSearch editors have consulted professional usage tests (performed in a lab setting) and user reviews to match the right type of battery with the right gadget.

FONT
PRINT

Compare All

Best rechargeable batteries

Sanyo eneloop Rechargeable

*Est. $12 for four AA Compare Prices

Both professional and owner-written reviews rave about the Sanyo Eneloop hybrid batteries because they offer all the advantages of rechargeable NiMH batteries but come pre-charged and ready to use. Unlike most… expandrechargeables, the Sanyo Eneloop batteries lose their charge extremely slowly, so they're still 75 percent charged after three years in storage. Furthermore, they can be recharged 1,500 times, so they're much more cost-effective than disposables. Sanyo Eneloop batteries also come in AAA size, and Sanyo makes adapters that allow the use of AA and AAA batteries in devices that take C and D batteries. Various kits and chargers are available, including a charger that plugs into any USB port. collapse

See Our Full Review

Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: Editors here test 17 models of AA batteries -- alkaline, lithium, nickel oxy-hydroxide and rechargeable types (including the Sanyo Eneloop).

Doc's Charger and Battery Reviews: This frequently updated Australian site tests the newest batteries and chargers as they become available.

DPReview.com: Based on extensive tests of five brands of hybrid (pre-charged, low self-discharge) AA batteries, a retired engineer recommends Sanyo Eneloop batteries as one of the top two.

StefanV.com: A model-airplane enthusiast writes this detailed review of the Sanyo Eneloop batteries, testing them in comparison to standard NiMH rechargeable AA batteries.

CPFReviews.com: This review of a Sanyo Eneloop kit describes the batteries as having "excellent performance." While the evaluation doesn't compare the Eneloop with other brands or types, it's detailed and well illustrated.

Amazon.com: More than 1,600 owners give Sanyo Eneloop batteries mostly very positive reviews, praising the fact that they don't need to be charged out of the box.

Where to buy:

See All Stores

Buy from
Amazon

for $22.40

Disposable alkaline batteries

Duracell CopperTop alkaline

*Est. $5 for four AA Compare Prices

In tests of standard alkaline cells, Duracell CopperTop batteries last just as long as or longer than other alkalines -- even pricier "advanced" or "ultra" types. But owner reviews prefer the CopperTop, saying it's less… expandlikely to leak than off-brand batteries, and Duracell will repair or replace your device if a Duracell battery leaks and ruins it. Although experts recommend rechargeable batteries for most uses, alkalines are the best value for low-drain electronics like smoke detectors. Lithium disposable batteries can last longer, but alkaline cells are much less expensive and easier to find in stores. Duracell CopperTop batteries are available in AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt sizes. collapse

See Our Full Review

Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: ConsumerReports.org compares Duracell CopperTop batteries to 16 other disposable and rechargeable batteries, using digital cameras to find out which batteries last longest.

DealNews.com: Students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute test six different brands and models of disposable batteries -- five alkaline (including the Duracell CopperTop and Duracell Ultra Advanced) and one lithium -- and finds "no measurable difference" among the alkaline batteries.

Which? magazine: Editors at this British publication test 20 disposable lithium and alkaline AA and AAA batteries (including the Duracell Plus, the U.K. version of the U.S.-model Duracell CopperTop) in high- and very high-drain scenarios such as digital-camera use.

PopPhoto.com: The Duracell CopperTop offers the lowest cost per shot of the six alkaline batteries in this digital-camera test.

Amazon.com: More than 140 owners give Duracell CopperTop batteries extremely high ratings here -- an average 4.5 stars out of 5.

Where to buy:

See All Stores

Buy from
Amazon

for $4.89

Best disposable batteries for digital cameras

Energizer Ultimate Lithium

*Est. $10 for four AA Compare Prices

Experts say that hybrid rechargeable batteries are best for digital cameras and other high-drain devices, but if it's inconvenient to recharge batteries (during travel, for example), reviews consistently praise the… expandEnergizer Ultimate Lithium as the best disposable batteries for digital cameras. They cost more than most disposables, but comparison tests show that they last so long that each photo actually costs less to shoot. Recovery time and flash power are also excellent. Lithium batteries are light, work well at low temperatures and have a long shelf life of up to 10 years. The Energizer Ultimate Lithium battery comes in AA and AAA sizes. collapse

See Our Full Review

Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: Editors here test 17 battery models in digital cameras to find out which last the longest.

Which? magazine: This British consumer magazine tests the Energizer Ultimate Lithium alongside 19 other disposable batteries, simulating high-drain use (such as in flashlights) and very high-drain use (as in digital cameras).

Choice magazine: The Australian equivalent of ConsumerReports.org, Choice magazine tests 19 disposable and rechargeable batteries (including the Energizer e2 Lithium, now renamed Energizer Ultimate Lithium).

PopPhoto.com: This digital-camera test also includes the Energizer e2 Lithium (now renamed Energizer Ultimate Lithium).

Amazon.com: Nearly 90 percent of the more than 160 or so user reviews posted here give the Energizer Ultimate Lithium 4 out of 5 or a perfect 5 stars, saying they really do last longer than alkalines in high-drain devices like digital cameras.

Where to buy:

See All Stores

Buy from
Amazon

for $7.09