Differences between AA and AAA Battery-use, size, capacity, mAh
AA and AAA batteries are two common types of household batteries. The main differences between them are their size and capacity. AAA battery is also called a Pencil cell.
AA battery is bigger than AAA battery and have a higher capacity. They typically measure about 50.5 mm in length and 14.5 mm in diameter, and have a capacity of 2000-3000 milliampere-hours (mAh).
AAA batteries, on the other hand, are smaller than AA batteries and have a lower mAh capacity. Their dimensions are 44.5 mm in length and 10.5 mm in diameter, and have a capacity of 1000-1200 milliampere-hours (mAh).

Both types of batteries are commonly used in household electronics, such as remote controls, flashlights, and small toys.
Both AA and AAA batteries have the same voltage rating of 1.5V for a single cell despite their size.
If we want to increase voltage we have to connect more cells in series. For example, if we required 6V then we can use 4 numbers cells in series i.e. 41.5V =6V.
Rechargeable AA and AAA batteries are also available in the market, They can be recharged and used multiple times, making them a more cost-effective and eco-friendly option than disposable batteries.
AA and AAA battery may look similar, but there are important differences between the two that can affect their performance and suitability for different applications.
However, AA batteries are generally more commonly used than AAA batteries due to their larger size and higher capacity, which makes them suitable for devices that require more power.
AA battery can not fit into AAA battery slot. As both batteries hold different sizes. And AAA and AA doesn’t stand any meaning it’s just notation used to express sizes and capacity of them.
Comparison between AA and AAA Battery
When it comes to batteries, size, and capacity are two important factors to consider. AA and AAA batteries differ in both size and capacity.
AA batteries are larger than AAA batteries, measuring about 50.5mm in length and 14.5mm in diameter, while AAA batteries measure about 44.5mm in length and 10.5mm in diameter.
In terms of capacity, AA batteries typically have a higher capacity than AAA batteries. This means that AA batteries can provide more power and last longer than AAA batteries.
For example, a typical AA alkaline battery has a capacity of around 2,850mAh, while a typical AAA alkaline battery has a capacity of around 1,200mAh.
It’s important to note that there are different types of AA and AAA batteries available, such as rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries.
Rechargeable AA and AAA batteries tend to have a lower capacity than non-rechargeable batteries, but they can be recharged multiple times, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run.
When choosing between AA and AAA batteries, it’s important to consider the device you’ll be using them in and its power requirements.
If the device requires a lot of power, such as a digital camera or a portable speaker, you may want to opt for AA batteries with a higher capacity.
However, if the device is smaller and requires less power, such as a TV remote or a computer mouse, AAA batteries may be sufficient.
Applications and Uses Different Batteries
AA and AAA batteries are widely used in various electronic devices, from small toys to large appliances.
AA batteries are commonly used in devices that require more power, such as digital cameras, flashlights, and handheld gaming consoles.
On the other hand, AAA batteries are typically used in smaller devices that require less power, such as remote controls, wireless keyboards, and computer mice.
AA batteries are also commonly used in portable audio devices, such as MP3 players and portable speakers.
They provide a longer battery life compared to AAA batteries, making them ideal for extended use.
Additionally, AA batteries are often used in emergency kits and survival gear due to their longer shelf life and higher capacity.
AAA batteries, on the other hand, are commonly used in medical devices, such as blood glucose monitors and hearing aids.
They are also used in small electronic devices, such as calculators and handheld games, due to their compact size and lower power requirements.
In summary, AA batteries are best suited for devices that require more power and have a longer battery life, while AAA batteries are ideal for smaller devices that require less power and have shorter battery life. It is important to choose the right battery size and type for your device to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Selecting the right batteries for applications
When it comes to choosing between AA and AAA batteries, it’s important to consider your specific needs.
If you’re looking for a battery with a longer lifespan and higher capacity, AA batteries may be the better choice.
However, if you need a smaller battery that can fit in tight spaces, AAA batteries may be more suitable.
Consider the devices you’ll be using the batteries for and their power requirements.
For high-drain devices like digital cameras or handheld gaming consoles, AA batteries may be the better option.
On the other hand, for low-drain devices like remote controls or wireless keyboards, AAA batteries may suffice.
It’s also important to consider the cost and availability of each type of battery.
While AA batteries are more commonly used and easier to find, they may also be more expensive than AAA batteries.
Ultimately, the right battery for your needs will depend on a variety of factors.
By understanding the differences in size, capacity, and applications between AA and AAA batteries, you can make an informed decision and choose the battery that best meets your needs.
0 mAh Alkaline Battery. AAA [SF-PRT-09274]
These are your standard 1.5V AAA alkaline batteries from Rayovac. Don’t even think about trying to recharge these. Roughly 750mAh per AAA cell. Combine 4 to get ~6V peak, and ~4.8V as they hit their discharge curve.
Sold in single units.
Note: This item is non-returnable. If this item arrives damaged or is not functioning properly, please do not hesitate to contact us to see if further actions may be taken.
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Alkaline Batteries
Microbattery.com carries top quality AA, AAA, C, D, 9v, and hard to find alkaline battery products. We carry respected alkaline battery brands including Atomic, Duracell, GP Batteries, Energizer (and Eveready), Panasonic, Rayovac, and Sony. Alkaline AA, AAA, C, D, and 9 volt batteries can readily start up high current equipment with dynamic instantaneous power, and deliver a stable current for many hours. Alkaline batteries meet a wide variety of application requirements for a range of devices including portable radios and TV’s, motorized toys, clocks, electronic games, cellular telephones, electronic photoflashes, and more. If you are not sure which alkaline battery brand you want, but know the size you’re looking for, you can browse all batteries grouped by their sizes. You will find the more common AA and AAA batteries, C and D alkaline batteries, and 9 volt (9v) alkaline battery brands competitively priced. We also carry Energizer AAAA alkaline batteries (E96) which are most often used to power pen lights, laser pointers, and styluses.
Tianqiu LR44 Battery (357A/AG13), Alkaline, Tear Strip (10 Batteries)
Maxell LR44 Battery Alkaline (1PC)
Maxell LR44 Battery Alkaline (Pack Of 10)
Additional Information On Standard Alkaline Batteries
Alkaline batteries were invented in 1949 by Lewis Urry, a chemical engineer at the Eveready Battery Company, and have been with us since the 1950s. They are the most widely recognized among primary batteries and served as the next step in off-the-shelf consumer batteries, gradually replacing the cheaper 1.5-volt zinc-carbon that powered most consumer devices at its peak. Alkaline batteries deliver more energy at higher loads than their zinc-carbon predecessors and are considerably less susceptible to electrolyte leaks from spent batteries. Leaks are caused by the production of hydrogen gas all primary batteries produce as they discharge. In the absence of adequate venting, pressure builds that ruptures the battery seal creating a corrosive crystalline formation that can spread even into the host device and cause damage.
In common with other primary cells, alkaline batteries have higher specific energy, hold higher capacities, and deliver nearly 40 percent more energy than newer rechargeable technologies such as the lithium-ion batteries. While impressive in published technical specifications, however, manufacturers often do not mention specific power, or power delivery, which is different from specific energy. Primary batteries are inferior to rechargeable batteries when it comes to specific power, particularly for loads that draw high current. Their lack of strength on loading makes alkaline batteries more suitable for light loads of lower drain applications such as remotes, flashlights, and other portable electronics. Where alkaline batteries fail to address the requirement for high capacity devices, lithium-metal batteries offer improved loading.
Alkaline and other primary batteries exhibit low performance under high load conditions due to their high internal resistance, which is how well electrical current flows through a material, as measured in ohms (Ω). As the battery is discharged, its internal resistance continues to increase, which causes a collapse in voltage. Demonstrating the performance of an alkaline battery in low drain devices as opposed to high drain devices, a depleted alkaline from a digital camera will frequently contain enough energy to power a wall clock for as long as two years.
The most widely recognized among primary batteries is the alkaline, which offers great benefits:
The excellent safety record of alkaline batteries allows for unregulated transport on aircraft. Unfortunately, alkaline cells are limited to light loads of low drain devices such as remotes, flashlights, and some portable electronics. Where alkaline fails to address the requirement for high capacity devices, lithium-metal batteries offer improved loading; however, because they are considered Class 9 hazardous material, the transport and shipping of lithium batteries are subject to stringent regulatory guidelines.
Primary batteries exhibit low performance under high load conditions due to their high internal resistance, which is how well electrical current flows through a material, as measured in ohms (Ω). As the battery is discharged, its internal resistance continues to increase, which causes a collapse in voltage. Demonstrating the performance of an alkaline battery in low drain devices as opposed to high drain devices, a depleted alkaline from a digital camera will frequently contain enough energy to power a wall clock for as long as two years.
The most common cell formats for primary batteries are AA, or penlight batteries, which were made available for the public in 1915; and AAA which appeared 39 years later to address the needs of camera manufacturers and the rise of smaller devices. Other size formats include the larger C, D, and 9-volt batteries. The 1990s saw the introduction of AAAA (pronounced quadruple A) batteries, originally designed to power laser pointers and other micro-format devices. The AAAA battery owes its origin to the 9-volt battery, which consists of six AAAA cells, each with a rated voltage of 1.5V. Other common formats include various disc-shaped, button cells such as the popular LR44 battery.
The alkaline AAA battery has only about half the capacity of an AA, despite their similar selling prices. To illustrate, a bicycle light powered by an AAA battery will provide half the runtime of the equivalent light outfitted with an AA battery for insignificantly little more. Prevailing consumer trends prioritizing downsizing over energy cost contributed to the disparity between their pricing in relation to their capacities. In their drive to cut their costs, cities will often buy alkaline batteries in bulk and consolidate their purchase orders. Where coin batteries are needed, such as the LR41 or the LR43 battery, others resort to switching to bulk lithium battery purchase orders.
AA Battery Specifications (Alkaline)
AA Battery Weight- 24 grams
AA Battery Nominal Voltage- 1.5 V
AA Battery Capacity (Avg.)- Alkaline ≈ 2500 mAh
AA Battery Composition- Alkaline, Lithium, Carbon-Zinc, NiCd, NiMH, Lithium-Ion
AAA Battery Specifications (Alkaline)
AAA Battery Weight- 11.5 grams
AAA Battery Nominal Voltage- 1.5 V
AAA Battery Capacity (Avg.)- Alkaline ≈ 1200 mAh
AAA Battery Composition- Alkaline, Lithium, Carbon-Zinc, NiCd, NiMH, Lithium-Ion
AAAA Battery Specifications (Alkaline)
AAAA Battery Height- 42.5mm
AAAA Battery Weight- 6.5 grams
AAAA Battery Nominal Voltage- 1.5 V
AAAA Battery Capacity (Avg.)- Alkaline ≈ 600mAh
AAAA Battery Composition- Alkaline
9V Battery Specifcations
9V Battery Weight- 45.6 grams
9V Battery Nominal Voltage- 9 V
9V Battery Capacity (Avg.)- Alkaline ≈ 550 mAh Carbon Zinc≈ 400 mAh Lithium≈ 1200 mAh
9V Battery Composition- Alkaline, Lithium, Carbon-Zinc, NiCd, NiMH, Lithium-Ion
LR44 Battery Specifications
LR44 Battery Diameter- 11.6mm
LR44 Battery Weight- 1.95 grams
LR44 Battery Nominal Voltage- 1.5 V
LR44 Battery Capacity (Avg.)- ≈ 115 mAh
LR44 Battery Composition- Alkaline (similarly sized variants in silver oxide)
LR41 Battery Specifications
LR41 Battery Diameter- 7.9mm
LR41 Battery Weight-.57 grams
LR41 Battery Nominal Voltage- 1.5 V
LR41 Battery Capacity (Avg.)-≈ 25-32mAh
LR41 Battery Composition- Alkaline (similarly sized variants in silver oxide)
What alkaline batteries will fit in my device?
The table below displays some of the battery types available in AA and AAA sizes, and their general specifications:
Characteristic | Primary (disposable) | Secondary (rechargeable) | |||
Chemistry | Zinc Carbon | Alkaline | Lithium-ion | Ni-CD | Ni-MH |
Capacity AA | 400–1700 | 1,800–2,600 | 2,500–3,400 | 600–1,000 | 800–2,700 |
Capacity AAA | ~300 | 800–1,200 | 1,200 | 300–500 | 600–1,250 |
Nominal Voltage | 1.50V | 1.50V | 1.50V | 1.20V | 1.20V |
Discharge rate | Very low | Low | Medium | Very high | High |
Shelf life | 1–2 years | 7–10 years | 10–15 years | 5 years | 5 years |
For additional battery information and other technical data please visit the Microbattery.com: Battery University Knowledge Resource Center
Shop Popular Alkaline Batteries:
Choosing the right power cells for compact devices.
AAA batteries (also known as triple-A batteries) power all kinds of devices, from recreational to essential. They’re found in dozens of devices from digital cameras and drones, to blood pressure monitors and laser levels. These tiny powerhouses deliver the same 1.5V output as a AA battery, but they are smaller and lighter so the gadgets they are used in can be more compact.
While all AAA batteries are the same physical size, their performance, durability, and cost can vary considerably. To help you find the right combination of power and value, we’ve rounded up the best AAA batteries to serve your needs.
How We Picked The AAA Batteries
Our main aim with this battery review is to explain the different types of triple-A batteries and give examples of the best of each type via our top picks. We researched all the leading brands to get a comprehensive view of the market.
Type: There are three main types of AAA batteries: alkaline, lithium, or nickel metal hydride (usually written as NiMH or Ni-MH). Each of these has its pros and cons, so it was important to understand how they perform in order to choose which was best for particular uses.
Power: Although all of these batteries have a nominal voltage of 1.5V, each device has a different way of using that stored energy. They are often referred to as high-drain (like drones) or low-drain (like simple alarms). When making the picks we wanted to offer solutions that suited all types of gadgets.

Price: There are plenty of cheap AAA batteries available, and some are an excellent value. However, high-drain devices can burn through them very quickly, so they are often a false economy. When choosing our favorites we tried to find the best balance between performance and price.
The Best AAA Batteries: Reviews Recommendations
Best Overall: Panasonic Eneloop
Why It Made The Cut: Although the initial cost is comparatively high, Panasonic Eneloop batteries offer incredible durability, good all-weather performance, and hold their charge for longer than their rivals.

Specs: — Type: NiMH — Capacity: 800 mAh — Pack Sizes: Four, 12, 16, 24
Pros: — Up to 2,100 recharge cycles — Ready to use — Durable power storage
Cons: — Expensive — Long charging times
Given the different performance levels and prices, it is not easy to pick the best AAA batteries overall. Our favorite disposable AAA batteries make a strong case, but with up to 2,100 recharge cycles possible, Panasonic’s Eneloops are currently the longest-lasting batteries on the market. They aren’t cheap, but because of their durability, they provide very competitive long-term value.
Panasonic’s Eneloop AAA batteries also overcome two of the notable drawbacks of many rechargeable NiMHs. First, a lot of them need to be charged before use, whereas these are pre-charged at the factory using solar energy (you may also be interested in our article about the best solar batteries ). Second, many don’t hold their charge while not in use. The Panasonic Eneloop batteries again deliver market-leading performance, retaining up to 70 percent for a decade (when stored following manufacturer instructions).
Unlike alkaline batteries that lose charge dramatically when the temperature drops, Panasonic Eneloop AAA batteries still function as low as.4 degrees Fahrenheit. However, when they do need to be recharged they will take several hours. It is worth buying these rechargeable batteries with a charger if you don’t already have one, as Panasonic’s own model has Smart features that charge each battery to the optimum level individually, and turn off automatically when full charge is reached.
Best Disposable: Energizer Ultimate AAA Batteries
Why It Made The Cut: Energizer’s Ultimate batteries are unrivaled in terms of consistent power output, shelf life, and temperature range. When reliability is important, they are undeniably the best choice.
Specs: — Type: Lithium Iron Disulphide — Capacity: 1,250 mAh — Pack Sizes: Four, eight, 12, 16, 18, 20, 24, 80
Pros: — Consistent power delivery — Outstanding shelf life — Excellent temperature range
Cons: — Expensive — Beware of fakes
When compared with other AAA batteries, the Energizer Ultimate is quite an expensive choice. It is a similar price to the Panasonic Eneloop, but is not rechargeable. It costs two or three times as much as the best alkaline AAA disposable battery. However, in performance terms, it has advantages over both.
A capacity of 1,250 mAh gives the Energizer Ultimate AAA Batteries dependable, durable power. In essence, it means they run more consistently for longer. These are the optimum batteries for high-drain devices like digital cameras, games controllers, and security devices. They have an operating range from.40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so temperature fluctuations present no problems. The LiFeS2 chemistry gives it a shelf life of up to 20 years, and unlike rechargeable batteries, they don’t drain while being stored. They do not leak, and they are claimed to be 30 percent lighter than alkaline rivals.
We have read reports of fakes being discovered, particularly in large pack sizes. Always beware of unusually low prices, and only buy from reputable retailers.
Best Budget: Amazon Basics AAA Batteries
Why It Made The Cut: For many ordinary electronic devices, expensive high-performance batteries are simply overkill. Amazon Basics are a low-cost, effective solution for everyday use.
Specs: — Type: Alkaline — Capacity: 800 mAh (estimated) — Pack Sizes: Four, eight, 10, 20, 36, 100
Pros: — Multiple household uses — Long shelf life — Good value
Cons: — Modest performance — Leaks not unknown
There are times when high-power versions are a good idea, but often it is convenient to have a bunch of cheap AAA batteries in a drawer for everyday devices like clocks, kitchen timers, TV remotes, small toys, etc. There is little point in buying expensive lithium or NiMH rechargeable batteries for these low-drain devices. Amazon Basics AAA Alkaline Batteries are one solution, and the larger the pack size the more cost-effective they become.
Shelf life is quoted as 10 years, and they contain no toxic components so they are relatively easy to recycle. Minimal fuss-free packaging is another feature. Amazon doesn’t appear to provide a capacity rating for their alkaline AAA battery, though they do for their rechargeable version. Our estimate is based on that figure, and in our experience is likely to be within 50 to 100 mAh. We would not recommend them for medium- or high-drain electronics.
Best Alkaline: Duracell CopperTop Batteries
Why It Made The Cut: Duracell’s ‘copper-colored top’ is arguably the world’s most recognizable battery. It is hugely popular, and these versions provide excellent performance for ordinary household devices.
Specs: — Type: Alkaline — Capacity: 1,150 mAh — Pack Sizes: Two, four, eight, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 36, 40, 56
Pros: — Reliable long-term performance — Long shelf life — Good value for money

Cons: — Not for high-drain gadgets — Packaging is slightly confusing
Duracell’s CopperTop Batteries are a high-quality, mid-range choice. They don’t have quite the performance of lithium models, but they cost considerably less. At the other end of the scale, there are certainly cheaper batteries around, but ‘throwaway’ models don’t offer the long-lasting power of the Duracell CopperTops in things like flashlights, toys, electronic thermometers, bathroom scales, etc. — the kind of medium-drain devices where the need to change batteries often soon gets frustrating.
A capacity of 1,150 mAh is remarkably high for alkaline batteries, meaning Duracell CopperTops deliver more consistent energy than many competitors. Like all alkaline batteries, they lose charge more quickly at lower temperatures, so this is not a good choice for trail cameras or devices that are outdoors for long periods. Also, for high-drain devices, we would still recommend lithium alternatives.
Packaging can be a little confusing. Some say the shelf life is 10 years while others say it is 12 years. This may just be a design change and makes negligible difference to performance if any. There are rare complaints about batteries leaking but huge volumes of Duracell CopperTops are sold so in our view, the numbers do not indicate a significant problem.
Best for Flashlights: Panasonic Eneloop Pro
Why It Made The Cut: The high-performance Panasonic Eneloop Pro overcomes the power drain problems associated with rechargeable AAA batteries, so your devices are ready to go when you need them most.
Specs: — Type: NiMH — Capacity: 950 mAh — Pack Sizes: Four, eight, 12, 16
Pros: — Excellent energy retention — Pre-charged — Good cold weather performance
Cons: — Expensive — Nor for watertight devices
A flashlight is often something that is used in emergencies and may have been left unattended for months. The last thing you need when the lights go out is to be searching around in the dark for batteries. Lithium AAA batteries are a good choice but are expensive. Rechargeable AAAs are an alternative that is much more cost-effective in the long run, but the fact that they self-discharge (the power drains over time) can make them impractical. Panasonic’s Eneloop Pros have largely overcome this problem, and we think they are the best rechargeable batteries for the job.
Unlike many NiMH AAA batteries, the Panasonic Eneloop Pros come ready to use, having been pre-charged using environmentally-friendly solar power. Over the period of a year they will retain up to 85 percent of their charge, so they can be trusted to perform when required. They make an equally strong choice for high-drain devices like camera flashes, and drones. Or for long-term use in wireless keyboards, and portable electronics. They can be recharged up to 500 times.
Things to Consider Before Buying
All AAA batteries deliver 1.5 volts of power, so deciding which are the best AAA batteries for particular devices largely comes down to the type, or in other words, the chemicals used to hold the charge.
Alkaline: Alkaline AAA batteries combine graphite, magnesium, potassium, steel, and zinc. They are considered environmentally friendly because they are relatively easy to recycle. Shelf life (how long they will last if left unused) is from seven to 10 years. They are the cheapest AAA batteries and are recommended for low-drain devices like remote controls, clocks, and blood pressure monitors. Alkaline batteries can leak, which could damage equipment, but it is no longer a common problem.
Rechargeable alkaline AAA batteries do exist but are generally outperformed by other types.
Lithium: There are several types of lithium AAA batteries. The most common disposable types are simply called lithium. They have a shelf life of 10 or more years, and typically last three to five times as long as alkaline AAA batteries in use. As a result, lithium AAA batteries are recommended for high-drain devices. They can also withstand temperatures from below-freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The one drawback with lithium batteries is that they can occasionally produce too much power for some gadgets, so it’s important to check the recommendations of the device manufacturer before using them.
The most recent development in non-rechargeable AAA batteries is Lithium iron disulfide (Li-FeS2). They are exceptionally durable and have a shelf life of up to 20 years.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion), and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) are both rechargeable battery types and are generally used for vehicle and marine batteries. Lithium-ion AAA batteries are available, and many have the advantage of being rechargeable via USB rather than needing a separate charger. However, they are expensive.
NiMH: Most AAA rechargeable batteries are nickel metal hydride. While initially more expensive than alkaline or lithium disposable batteries, they can be recharged hundreds or even thousands of times. They work well in high-drain devices. Shelf life is typically around five to seven years.
Though invariably marked as 1.5V, nominal voltage is usually 1.2V. However, power is delivered very consistently rather than other types of batteries that can drop quickly. In many cases, this won’t make a great deal of difference, but again it’s worth checking the advice of your gadget’s manufacturer. Also, the charge drains away whether used or not, so some need regular charging. You can either buy AAA rechargeable batteries with a charger or source the charger separately.
Capacity: While the voltage of AAA batteries is within a fairly narrow range, it may also be worth considering the milliAmp hours (mAh) rating. This has an impact on how long the battery can supply energy. Technically, a milliamp hour is a thousandth of an amp, supplied consistently for one hour. In real terms, if you have two 1.5V AAA batteries, one rated for 750 mAh, and the other for 1,000 mAh, then the second will deliver its charge for significantly longer.
FAQs
Q: What are AAA batteries used for?
They can be used to power a range of small, electronic devices from flashlights and TV remotes, to thermometers and bathroom scales.
Q: How much voltage can a AAA battery supply?
The nominal voltage — stated by all battery manufacturers — is 1.5V. In practice, voltage can fluctuate from around 1.2V to 1.6V. In the majority of cases, this isn’t enough to have any impact on the device being powered but it is worth checking the advice of the equipment manufacturer.
Q: How long do AAA batteries last?
In an unused state (called the shelf life), most AAA batteries last from seven to 10 years, though some last longer. Once inserted, it depends on the power demands of each gadget. It can be anywhere from several months to just a few hours.
Q: What’s the difference between AAA batteries and AA batteries?
Although they both provide the same voltage, AAA batteries are physically smaller than AA batteries. As a result, AAA batteries cannot be used in AA battery slots or vice versa.
Q: Are lithium AAA batteries worth it?
Lithium batteries are worth it for gadgets that need a lot of energy (such as digital cameras and radio-controlled toys), or in situations where they are subject to temperature extremes. The best lithium AAA batteries we found have an operating range of.40 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final Thoughts on AAA Batteries
Our top two picks are remarkable AAA batteries. The number of times the Panasonic Eneloop can be charged makes it surprisingly economical in the long term. The performance of the Energizer Ultimate is outstanding, although it does come at a price. For those who just want a cheap AAA battery for everyday gadgets, the Amazon Basics provide unbeatable economy.
Why Trust Us
Let’s get one thing out of the way: Online shopping is hard. Search for any product and you’ll be confronted with dozens (if not hundreds or thousands) of choices. Our mission at Futurism, where we cover the latest technology, is to simplify this experience by researching, testing, and continuing to evaluate products so we only recommend choices that are actually worth your time.
This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurism’s owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.
What Is the Difference Between AA and AAA Batteries?
From futuristic clocks to vintage radios, we use batteries to power a myriad of our personal devices. But have you ever wondered why some batteries are called AA and others are called AAA? Although both of these battery types look very similar, they have many differences. These distinctions include capacity, cost, size, and uses. We’ll discuss these differences in detail to help you better understand both these battery types.
Size
The most obvious difference between a AA battery and a AAA battery is the size. AA batteries tend to be larger than AAA ones both in height and length. A AAA battery also tends to be more slender, which makes it ideal for smaller devices since it won’t take up too much space.
Capacity
AA batteries also have a larger capacity compared to AAA ones. The capacity of a battery is measured in milliampere-hour. A double-A battery typically has a capacity of 2000 to 3000 milliampere-hour. On the other hand, the capacity of a triple-A battery can be between 350 to 1200 milliampere-hour.
The capacity of a battery is affected a lot by what material it is made with. For instance, a lithium battery can usually store much more electricity than an alkaline one. You can easily find the capacity of a battery on its packaging or on its label.
Use
Double-A and triple-A batteries also vary in terms of which devices they are used with. AA batteries are heavy-duty, so they are used in devices that consume more energy, such as large radios and toys. In contrast, AAA batteries are used in devices that consume less energy or have a compact profile, such as clocks or TV remotes.
Is the Voltage Of AA and AAA Batteries Different?
The voltage of AA and AAA batteries is usually the same. The output voltage of both these battery types is usually between 1.2 to 1.5 Volts depending on the building material and brand.
You will not notice much difference in power between double-As and triple-As initially. Triple-A batteries, however, tend to lose some of their voltage capacity after a while. A double-A battery, on the other hand, will take much longer to lose its voltage capacity making it more long-lasting.
How Much Do AA and AAA Batteries Cost?
The price of a battery pack is determined by its material, type, the number of batteries included, and brand. AAA batteries tend to be cheaper compared to double-As. So, a pack of triple As will cost you between 10 to 25, with a high-end option costing more. AA batteries, on the other hand, can cost you around 20 to 40. You can also find budget options that cost much less, such as the AmazonBasics AA Batteries.
Final Thoughts: Which Battery Type Should You Buy?
The battery type you should opt for more or less depends on which device you intend to use it with. You can usually tell the compatible battery type of a device by taking a look at its battery slots. Slimmer and smaller slots mean the device uses triple-As, whereas a larger slot means it uses double-As.
If you need batteries for a DIY project, then it is a good idea to go for double-As instead of triple-As solely because of their longer usage life. Be sure to go for a well-known brand when buying batteries, such as Duracell, Panasonic, or AmazonBasics, to ensure high quality and device safety.
Technology fascinated Alex from a very young age, and he’s carried his passion into his career as an aeronautical engineer, designing new technologies for airplanes. Dealing with such advanced technology emphasized to Alex the need for simple tech in our everyday lives, and he recommends computer products that will make anyone’s day-to-day operations easier.
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