Consumer Batteries

What AA/AAA Batteries Are Cheaper To Buy?

Not too long ago, I remember what it was like when I got a new toy for Christmas. I would unwrap the present, see what I got, and want to play with it. Right away, I’d go to turn it on, and then realize that it required batteries. Some relatives possessed the foresight to make sure that they had included whatever was required, but most didn’t. So I would have to go and buy some AA or AAA batteries.

Finding the best AA battery and stockpiling lots of them can solve this problem. You know you always have what is necessary to run a new appliance (or toy), and they are also good for emergencies.

Table of Content

1 The Different Varieties
2 Which Ones Are the Best?
3 Conclusion

The Different Varieties

The most important thing to understand when purchasing AA batteries is the difference between the lithium and alkaline varieties. You want to make sure whatever you buy passes your battery test and fills your needs.

In general, lithium batteries last much longer, but cost a lot more. You must decide between a commodity for emergencies and a quality purchase for something you will use every day. Often you can find lithium batteries that perform at the same voltage as alkaline ones, so that shouldn’t be a worry, but the lithium type also operate better in extreme temperatures, which is a huge plus. They are also much lighter, which will make your life a lot easier if you are installing them in portable devices.

Which Ones Are the Best?

In planning for this purchase, you’re going to want to figure out what the best AA battery is. Based on our research and the differences between lithium and alkaline batteries earlier described, we have narrowed it down the best of each type.

Alkaline – The leading product in terms of cost is Costco Wholesale’s Kirkland Signature. They cost a fraction of what the leading lithium battery will cost and provide the majority of the benefits. If you want to go a little more upscale, then try the Duracell Quantum. These are the top performing alkaline variety and still cost a fifth of the best lithium batteries. If you’re fine with occasionally replacing them, these would be the way to go.
Lithium – Consumer ratings are in consensus, the Energizer Ultimate Lithium model is the best AA battery on the market. At such a high price you want to save this for situations where you wouldn’t want to be replacing it all that often, or you need the appliance to perform reliably in tough situations.

Conclusion

What you should take from this is that if you’re on a budget you should go alkaline, but if you think you will need to constantly replace them, then those cost savings disappear. Assess your needs in terms of these criteria and then decide which route you’re going to go: lithium or alkaline. Finding the best AA battery for you – that is, the one that passes your battery test – and buying a lot of them is the best way to prepare for any power needs you might have.