Batteries are one of the most important inventions to humankind. We use them to power remote controls, lamps, Walkie talkie and the list goes on.
AAA batteries are the smallest sized cylindrical batteries, and they are used to power smaller gadgets. They are more common than the other batteries because of their small size. From clocks to torchlights, they are used to power many household gadgets.
Because batteries are so important, it is necessary to get the best ones. The wrong batteries can easily damage expensive devices.
We understand that picking out the best batteries may not be an easy task. So, we have researched and tested different batteries. Whether you would be buying single-use batteries or rechargeable AAA batteries, we have you covered on this list.
Table of Contents
Considerations for choosing AAA Batteries
Before you pick out a pack of batteries, there are many things to consider, so you don’t buy batteries that won’t serve you well.
Capacity
The power capacity of a battery is the amount of energy stored in it. It is measured in watthour(AH or mAH).
It is essential to consider the power capacity because it determines how long the battery would last.
The amount of time the battery works for is determined by the load current. What this implies is that a small device like remote controls will drain less current than laptops.
You have different options to select from when buying an AAA battery. You can either decide to buy rechargeable or single-use(Alkaline) batteries. With most rechargeable variants having 800 mAH capacity, while most Alkaline batteries have up to 1000mAH capacity.
Generally, Alkaline batteries have higher raw capacity than their rechargeable counterparts but drain faster, so their higher raw capacity doesn’t matter.
However, if you need a battery that works well with high drain devices like walkie-talkies, then the alkaline battery variant is the best choice.
Cycle
Since alkaline batteries are single-use, they do not have cycles like rechargeable batteries. The recharge cycle of a battery is the amount of time a battery is drained and reused.
This cycle is affected by the quality of the battery. Batteries with lower quality would break down faster, and they would have fewer cycles. Such batteries usually have more discounts, but it’s better to buy from reputable brands.
Note that it’s not advisable to use rechargeable batteries in flashlights for your emergency kit because they would discharge when not used. A better option would be Alkaline or lithium batteries.
Although they both have only one cycle, they last very long. In some cases, they work for a few years before there is a need for a replacement. A digital clock, for instance, would work for about one year using Alkaline batteries, while it would run for about 2-3 years using a lithium battery.
The lifespan of all battery types is shortened by high humidity except lithium batteries that work well in cold weather.
Self Discharge
When rechargeable batteries are not used for a long time, they lose their charge. If you must buy a rechargeable battery that would sit in your storage or would be used in low power devices that are not for everyday use, then you should buy trusted rechargeable batteries with low self-discharge rate.
Alkaline batteries are known to have a lower self-discharge rate and a longer shelf life, which you might want to consider if you are buying your batteries in bulk.
Although all batteries slowly self-discharge (At different rates)and it doesn’t matter if they are installed in a device or not. These batteries later leak out when they are dead due to changes in their chemical composition. The environment can cause such changes.
Using any battery at high humidity or any temperature above standard room temperature would reduce the battery’s life span.
15 Best AAA Batteries
1. Duracell Optimum Batteries
The Duracell Optimum battery is a trusted brand, and for a good reason. The Optimum brand of Duracell is one of the best batteries in the market. The aaa battery is made to last longer than regular Duracell batteries so that users can enjoy using for long periods, their electronic devices that would otherwise require constant battery changes.
Pros
- They are versatile and powerful.
- The 1.5-volt batteries produce more power than the average aaa battery.
- The batteries can be used with a wide variety of appliances.
- They are sold with resealable storage trays that give a more organized way to store them.
Cons
- The batteries are not rechargeable.
2. Allmax Batteries
Allmax AAA Maximum Power Alkaline is a known brand amongst the best batteries for home use. The batteries can be used with remote controls, clocks and other household items, providing the needed power for our daily activities efficiently. The batteries can retain charge for as many as 10 years in storage without leaking.
Pros
- The batteries are long-lasting and safe to use
- They are compatible with many devices.
- Each battery can produce a stable maximum power.
- They are made with a leak protected design.
Cons
- They are not rechargeable batteries.
3. Panasonic BK-4MCCA8BA
The Panasonic Eneloop batteries are high capacity Ni-MH batteries held in high esteem amongst battery brands. The 800 MAh batteries can work at low temperatures up to -4°F making them suitable for winter. It is best used to power household items like remote controls and flashlights.
Pros
- They can be charged by solar.
- Low self-discharge batteries
- Can maintain their charge for up to 10 years when stored properly
Cons
- It has a relatively low charge cycle.
4. ACDelco
The ACDelco alkaline battery powers electronic devices like wall clocks, remote controls, cameras efficiently. The clean energy batteries can retain their energy for as many as ten years in storage under suitable conditions. This package is sold with 100 batteries. The battery sets the bar for other brands.
Pros
- ACDelco alkaline battery is sold in a recloseable package on amazon.
- It is leak protected with a stainless steel pre-coating
- The item is made of mercury and cadmium free.
Cons
- It is not rechargeable.
5. Energizer Max Batteries
The energizer batteries are one of the best for your devices. The long-lasting batteries produce stable power over long periods and do not leak after their lives have been spent. Users can purchase a mixture of 24 aa and 24 AAA batteries on amazon. The battery is compatible with cameras, walkie-talkies and other gadgets.
Pros
- The batteries are mercury-free
- They are constructed to be leak-resistant, protecting your devices from damage.
- They are as durable as their AA batteries counterparts.
Cons
- Expensive than other brands
6. AmazonBasics
AmazonBasics batteries are high capacity batteries capable of powering household items and gadgets without problems. They are sold on Amazon as 36 pack batteries. The batteries can be used for cameras, toys, flashlights, and walkie talkies. With a 10-year shelf life, the batteries can be stored away until people need them.
Pros
- The 1.5-volt batteries are reliable.
- They have adaptive power, so there’s no risk of excess voltage supply over the specific device.
- Designed to prevent short-circuiting throughout their lives
Cons
- These batteries are not rechargeable nor reuseable.
- They have a relatively short life span.
7. EBL Batteries
EBL batteries are known to last longer than regular batteries. The batteries have an excellent non-leakage design that makes them one of the best batteries amongst brands. They are used to power household items like toys, controllers, mouse, radios and clocks. They have a 10-year shelf life and can be stored until they’re needed.
Pros
- Each battery has a constant current discharge.
- They are mercury and cadmium free.
- EBL batteries are sold in a resealable container
- Your device is protected from damaging surges.
- They work well throughout their lives.
Cons
- They are not rechargeable.
- The wrapping easily comes off after some time.
8. Rayovac Batteries
Rayovac batteries are aesthetic power cylinders. The brand is known to make quality AAA and AA batteries, and they are best used for low power consuming devices. The 1.5 Volt batteries are made in the US and are suitable for household items like flashlights, clocks and remote controllers. The batteries are leak protected, and testing confirms no mercury used. They are sold on amazon in 18 count packs.
Pros
- They are long-lasting
- The durable batteries have a shelf life of ten years.
- With proper testing, each battery is certified to be leakproof.
Cons
- They discharge quickly when used for heavy-duty equipment.
9. Duracell – CopperTop Batteries
The Duracell CopperTop batteries are a brand known to be one of the best amongst the collection of longest lasting battery brands in the market. With a voltage of 9 volts per battery, these all-purpose batteries are very effective for powering devices. Some of these include remotes, flashlights, smoke detectors and many more. These batteries are reliable and trusted by customers all over the world.
Pros
- They have long-lasting battery life.
- They last up to 10 years in storage.
- They are suitable for devices with high power drain.
Cons
- They are easily affected by temperature.
- They are not rechargeable.
10. Energizer AAA Lithium Batteries
Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries are the number one longest-lasting AAA lithium batteries available for purchase in markets worldwide. Each Energizer Ultimate Lithium Battery boasts an incredible shelf life length and can perform even in extreme temperatures; they are therefore suitable for use in both outdoor and indoor environments. The batteries are an ideal choice for smart devices such as cameras, remotes and games. They are good as backup sources of energy.
Pros
- They have a shelf life of 20 years.
- They work at temperatures ranging from –40F to 140F.
- They have a leak-proof design.
Cons
- Highly inflammable when not kept properly
11. POWERADD Batteries
Poweradd batteries are recognized amongst the best battery brands available on Amazon. These batteries have a voltage of 1.5V, are very durable and have high performance when used to power various devices. Some of the many devices the batteries are compatible with include: flashlights, wireless mouse, remotes and many more. They are ideal for everyday use in homes and offices and for backups to prepare for emergencies.
Pros
- They have a shelf life of 10 years.
- They have long-lasting battery life.
- Leakproof technology.
- The batteries have an eco-friendly design as they include no toxic metals.
Cons
- They run down very quickly when used with high drain devices.
12. Tenergy Battery,
Allmax batteries are amongst the top competing brands on Amazon. With a voltage of 1.5V per battery, these batteries are long-lasting, cost-effective and capable of delivering maximum power to devices. They are generally regarded as one of the best batteries to power up all kinds of devices such as cameras, flashlights, toys, blood pressure monitors, portable audio devices and many more.
Pros
- The batteries have a shelf life of 10 years.
- They are compatible with a wide variety of devices.
Cons
- The batteries can’t be recharged.
13. POWEROWL Batteries
PowerOwl Ni-MH batteries are 1000mah capacity battery. The mercury and cadmium free batteries have a clean, minimalistic design that stands out from other brands. The batteries take 2 to 3 hours to charge completely. They can be used for devices like flashlights, shavers, clocks and controllers. Each 1000mah battery can replace 2100 regular batteries, giving users sufficient time to carry out whatever tasks they have planned in the long run.
Pros
- The alkaline battery can run for over 5 hours before needing a recharge.
- Long service life (can be recharged over 1200 times) and can be stored for up to 3 years.
- They are eco-friendly and produce green energy, so no pollution to the environment.
Cons
- They are more expensive than your average NiMH battery.
14. HiQuick Batteries
HiQuick is a battery brand widely recognized around the world. The AAA battery has a simple design and packs a punch in terms of power delivery. It is suitable for high drain devices and can be used for remotes, game controllers, toys, toothbrushes and computer mouse. The rechargeable batteries are sold on Amazon in packs of 4.
Pros
- They are sold with battery compartments for proper packaging when the batteries are not in use
- the battery can maintain 80% capacity after 2 years of non-use
- Each 1100mah battery can be recharged 1200 times
- The batteries are leak protected and Eco friendly
Cons
- Batteries will reach top performance after a 3-5 time fully charge cycle.
15. Panasonic K-KJ17M3A4BA c
Panasonic Eneloop batteries are low self-discharge batteries that can be used with high drain devices. These batteries produce more power than the average rechargeable battery. They can be used for devices like game controllers, toys, flashlights and clocks. Each battery undergoes proper testing and has extreme temperature performance up to -4° F. They are sold on Amazon with a four-position charger that can work for both aa and AAA batteries and automatically shuts off when batteries are full.
Pros
- They can be recharged up to 2100 times.
- Retain up to 70% of their power after 10 years on the shelf
Cons
- They take a long time to charge fully.
Overall Best Buy
Duracell is a popular name among battery users. They are known for producing the best batteries with a long life span. Duracell CopperTop batteries are, without doubt, long-lasting and are very reliable. If you are looking for a durable battery with ample capacity, then this battery is your best pick.
Best Budget Buy
Allmax AAA maximum power batteries are one of the best deals available today. Although these batteries are affordable, they perform excellently, and they have a decent lifespan. One thing is for certain with these batteries; they won’t be leaking anytime soon. It’s a great choice for anyone that wants to buy single-use batteries in bulk at a very affordable price.
FAQs
How long do AAA batteries last
It is difficult to answer how long batteries generally last because there are different types of batteries made up of different chemicals. We can only compare these batteries to each other and estimate how long they should last under certain conditions.
The lifespan of batteries depends on five factors: the battery quality, the battery type, how the battery is used and the environment in which it is used.
Battery quality
For starters, durability widely depends on quality. For a product to last long, it has to be made from durable materials. With many new battery companies springing up, it is possible to fall prey to buying low-quality batteries. Batteries with high quality are usually on the expensive side. It’s essential to buy from trusted brands. However, new brands are producing high-quality batteries.
Battery type:
There are four major types of batteries; standard batteries, lithium, alkaline and rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries could be Nickel-cadmium(NiCad), Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium-ion batteries(Li-ion). For most devices, standard batteries last the shortest, followed by alkaline batteries, then lithium batteries and finally rechargeable batteries.
The life span of a battery also depends on use. Devices require more power than each other. While some devices would use a battery for several years, others might completely drain the battery after a few hours. Devices like torchlights, wireless mice, digital cameras use more power than devices like a wall clock or a TV remote. This ultimately means that such devices would use up a battery faster.
Environment
The Temperature affects both the capacity of a rechargeable battery and the cycle. A battery would last less than 25% of its usual time if charged in a hot environment. It can even lose about 50% of its capacity if charged in a very cold environment.
Generally, all batteries perform better at standard room temperature.
How to recharge AAA batteries
To recharge batteries, you would need battery chargers for batteries with old technology. There are so many of those chargers available in the market.
Most of them can charge up to 4 batteries at once. The designs vary, but the average AAA battery charger has a cord that can be connected to a power source. Also included are lights that show you if the batteries are dead, moderately charged or fully charged.
Newer design rechargeable batteries have USB ports in them. That way, you can charge them with your regular USB charger.
Note that you should only charge rechargeable batteries. Charging disposable batteries can be dangerous.
How to dispose/recycle AAA batteries
Batteries contain toxic chemicals that can leak into our environment, pollute our water, and damage our ecosystems. To prevent this, we must properly dispose of old batteries.
Also, almost every type of battery holds a residual charge when they are no longer able to power up a device. These charges may be released as fire should the battery be damaged.
To prevent pollution or accidental fire, you should ensure that the batteries are not thrown into the garbage as that is illegal. Instead, follow these steps.
Sort out the batteries according to their types and put them in different bags. Ensure that you do not place alkaline and rechargeable batteries together as it can cause heat. Instead, tape edges with paper tape to prevent leakage. Use a glove to sort them out as you do not want to get the toxic powder on your hands.
Alkaline batteries can be put in a bag and then tossed in the trash. They are said to be non-hazardous except in California, where throwing any type of batteries in the trash is illegal. You can also choose to recycle your Single use batteries.
You cannot throw rechargeable batteries in the trash because they contain heavy metals that are hazardous to the environment. Instead, they must be recycled.
To recycle your batteries, search the web for the closest recycling facility to you. Place the batteries in plastic bags or brown bags after taping and then deliver it to the facilities.
If you have to mail it to them, check for additional safety tips for shipping.
Where to buy AAA batteries
These batteries can be purchased in your local stores, or you can choose to shop online on online stores like Amazon or eBay. Simply visit Amazon.com or follow any of our links to pick a battery of your choice. The delivery fee is very affordable, especially if you live in America. Amazon is reliable as it also offers consumer reports.