#Best aa batteries how to#

They’re cheap and very easy to find, and last much longer than the old zinc chloride batteries. They’re cheap as chips when bought in bulk and fine for low-drain gadgets such as a remote control, but you’ll go through them quickly on anything more demanding.Īlkaline : The mainstream battery technology for high-drain devices. Zinc chloride : This used to be the general-purpose battery of choice, but alkaline batteries are now so cheap that you don’t often see them. Today’s disposable batteries break down into three basic types: For some purposes – when you’re powering low-drain devices such as a clock or remote control – the differences aren’t that important, but with high-drain devices like a camera, game controller or anything with a lamp, screen or motor, you could see huge differences in lifespan and reliability. Different manufacturers use different chemistries and processes to make them, and there are big differences in terms of how much power the battery can supply, how long it lasts and how fast the battery loses energy while not in active use.

#Best aa batteries how to#

How to choose the best AA batteries for youĪA batteries might be cheap and cheerful, but that doesn’t mean they’re all the same. Best for High-Drain devices: Duracell Optimum | £5.45.Best everyday batteries: Energizer Alkaline Power | £9.49.Best budget batteries: Amazon Basics Performance Alkaline | £6.11.Best for stamina: Energizer Ultimate Lithium | £8.98.If you need further guidance as to which batteries suit your needs best, there's a buying guide towards the bottom of the page explaining the differences between various types of batteries, including rechargeable variants. Of course, not any disposable will do, you want batteries with a decent life so they won't need replacing when you need them most.īelow you'll find the list of those that came on top in their respective categories. That may make rechargeable batteries a more appealing option in the long term, but they're not as convenient, and for certain devices, you're better off sticking with disposables. If you're using just a few of the aforementioned gadgets, you're bound to get through plenty of batteries over the course of the year. Torches, toys, clocks and remote controls are among the most commonly used products requiring them, and you’ll find bridge and DSLR cameras, radios, video game controllers and travel shavers that are powered by them, too.

Despite the majority of modern gadgets now opting for built-in batteries, there are still many useful household items that rely on good old AA batteries.