Aaa alkaline battery weight
Batteries are an incredibly popular power source that are used in a huge variety of projects. If you don’t want to plug your project into a wall, you’ll probably be using a battery to power it, so choosing the correct battery for your project is a very important step in the design process. There is a lot of variety in batteries, and a lot of factors that go into picking the perfect battery for your project. Here’s a quick rundown.
Form Factor
Batteries come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. In some cases the size and shape of the battery may be the most important factor. Coin cells and lithium-polymer batteries are great choices when a small form-factor is important. Other common battery sizes include AA, AAA, D, and 9V.
Chemistry
The chemistry that drives a battery is another characteristic to decide upon. Whether the battery is disposable or rechargeable is directly related to the battery’s chemistry. A few of the more popular disposable batteries include alkaline, lithium, and zinc-carbon. As far as rechargeable batteries go, there’s lead-acid (commonly found in automobiles), lithium-ion (often used to power consumer electronics), and NiCd and NiMH batteries (often take the same form as common alkalkine batteries: AA, AAA, etc.).
Nominal Voltage
A battery’s chemistry will also affect the nominal voltage that it will produce. For example, an alkaline battery, like a AA or AAA, has a nominal voltage of about 1.5V, while the voltage of a LiPo battery will usually be around 3.7V. The key word here is ‘nominal’, as the actual voltage of the battery will fluctuate depending on how much charge it has left. A fully charged LiPo battery will produce about 4.23V, while when discharged its voltage may be closer to 2.7V.
| Alkaline or Zinc-carbon | AA, AAA, C, and D | 1.5V | No |
| Alkaline or Zinc-carbon | 9V | 9V | No |
| Li-MnO2 | Coin Cell | 3V | No |
| Li-ion, Li-poly | Various sizes | 3.7V | Yes |
| Li-poly | Various sizes | 3.7V | Yes |
| NiMH or NiCd | AA, AAA, C, D | 1.2V | Yes |
| Six-cell lead-acid | Car battery | 12.6V | Yes |
One more point on battery voltages: when two or more batteries are placed in series, the voltages of the batteries are added together. For example, lead-acid car batteries are actually made out of six single-cell lead acid batteries tied together in series; the six 2.1V cells add up to produce 12.6V. When tying two batteries in series, it’s recommended that they be of the same chemistry; also be wary of charging batteries in series as many chargers are limited to single-cell charging.
Capacity
Capacity is another of the more important characteristics to observe when picking your battery. The capacity of a battery is usually rated in ampere-hours (Ah) or milliampere-hours (mAh), and it tells you how many amps a fully charged battery can supply over a period of one hour. For example, a 2000mAh battery can supply up to 2A (2000mA) for one hour. If you know the average current your project will require, and how long you want it to run before the battery dies, you can pick out a battery that will perfectly suit your project.
When you connect two or more batteries in parallel, the capacities add. For example, four AA batteries connected in parallel will still produce 1.5V, however the capacity of the batteries will be quadrupled.
Power Density
All of the characteristics above (size, voltage, and capacity) factor into a battery’s power density. Power density relates the amount of power (amps voltage) a battery can supply to its weight, and is usually displayed in terms of watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg). The higher the power density, the higher the power it can supply in smaller sizes. Lithium batteries (coin cells, LiPos) can pack a lot of punch into small spaces due to their high power density, while zinc-carbon and NiCd batteries have extremely low power densities. In general, disposable batteries are more power dense than rechargable batteries.
Example Question
With the above information at hand, here’s a quick quiz to test your shiny new knowledge:
Fill in the blanks: depending on a battery’s chemistry it can be either rechargeable or disposable. Alkaline batteries are a common example of batteries, while Lithium-polymer and lead-acid are very common batteries.
A lithium-polymer battery has a capacity rated at 2Ah. The battery is powering a circuit that consumes on average 10mA. If the battery is fully charged, theoretically how long can it power the 10mA circuit?
Four 1.5V alkaline batteries in series will produce what voltage?
Spoiler Alert! Highlight from here.
200 hours. How’d we get there? First convert the capacity of the battery to mAh: 2Ah (1000mA / 1A) = 2000mAh. Next, divide the capacity of the battery by how much current the circuit it powers will consume: 2000mAh / 10mA = 200h.
6V. How’s that work? Batteries in series have their voltages added together, so 1.5V 1.5V 1.5V 1.5V = 6V.
to here to reveal the answers. Because, you know, they’re so super-secret.
Quiz Question. Billy’s Battery’s Capacity I
Billy needs a night light when he goes to bed but when he sleeps in his tent in the backyard he has nowhere to plug his light in. So he reprogrammed his LectroCandle to constantly illuminate the 9 LEDs (3 RGBs) on there. Each LED has 10mA flowing through it and on top of that the ATTiny85 microcontroller consumes 8mA. The LectroCandle is powered by two fully charged AA alkaline batteries, placed in series, which each have a capacity of 1500mAh. Will the batteries last long enough to ward off the bogeyman? Theoretically, how long could they last?
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Alkaline Battery vs Lithium Battery-Which is Better?
With the technological boom, the number of battery-driven products is increasing in the market. The two most prominent types of batteries in the market are alkaline and lithium batteries. People often get confused between these two. So, let’s discuss alkaline battery vs lithium battery and decide which is better for your energy requirements from alkaline, lithium rechargeable AA batteries.
What are Lithium and Alkaline Batteries?
Lithium batteries are famous for their ability to store energy for longer durations using lithium cells. They are available as both primary as well as secondary cells. These batteries have a higher energy density than other kinds of batteries.
On the other hand, alkaline batteries are the standard kinds of batteries. They are available easily and are very compatible with any low-energy consumer electronic device like wall clocks, cordless phones, smaller flashlights, toys, non-main accent lighting, and many other portable household devices. This type of battery is based on the reaction of zinc metal and manganese oxide. After this let’s see alkaline battery vs lithium battery.
Alkaline Battery vs Lithium Battery-Which is Better?
Lithium batteries are quite different from alkaline batteries. Generally, lithium batteries are considered way better than alkaline batteries because the former has a longer lifespan, is cost-efficient, and is lightweight. However, it doesn’t mean you should always choose a lithium battery over an alkaline battery. There are different features of both batteries, these make one battery better than the other in different scenarios. Let’s learn about those features in detail.
These are the features that make a lithium battery a better choice over an alkaline battery-
Price
Lithium batteries are costlier than alkaline batteries. This is because lithium batteries are made up of organic molecules. over, these batteries are more compatible with recent technologies of digital devices; thus, they are more in demand and have a higher price.
The lithium batteries perform quite efficiently in less energy-consuming settings. For example, they perform better in toys than in alkaline batteries. Thus, their replacement costs are lower than that of alkaline batteries. Compared to alkaline batteries, lithium batteries are way more economical.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a lithium battery is 4 times more than the alkaline battery counterparts. Typically, a lithium battery has 4000 cycles whereas an alkaline battery has 300 cycles. The alkaline battery has a shorter lifespan because it loses about 5% of its capacity daily. This battery deteriorates even while not in use.
Voltage
Typically, lithium battery operates at a voltage that ranges between 1.5 and 3.0 volts. On the other hand, an alkaline battery has about 1.5 volts of nominal voltage per cell.
Lithium batteries roughly have a voltage of 3.0 volts per cell and thus they are perfect for higher-functioning electronics. Additionally, they also perform better than alkaline batteries because their cells can be combined to create 72-volt lithium battery packs and even higher-voltage battery packs.
Weight
Often, alkaline batteries are bulky and thus aren’t appropriate for all types of equipment. On the other hand, lithium batteries weigh less than alkaline batteries and are way better for portable devices. The weight of a AAA Lithium battery is about 33.3% lower than that of an AAA Alkaline battery counterpart.
Lithium batteries win over alkaline batteries in scenarios where lightweight is crucial. Medical devices like pacemakers also use lithium batteries because of their lightweight.
Energy Holding Capacity
A battery’s capacity refers to the quantity of energy it can hold. It’s not quite possible for alkaline batteries to match lithium batteries’ capacity. Lithium batteries are capable of maintaining high energy levels for a lot an extended period whereas alkaline batteries lose their power while in operation.
Operating Temperature
In comparison to lithium batteries, alkaline batteries have a lower operating temperature. They perform very poorly in cold climates. Low temperatures slow downs the internal chemical reaction of the battery.
Contrastingly, lithium batteries work best in chilly temperatures and thus they are pretty ideal for outdoor use. However, keep in mind a lithium battery’s operating temperature ranges from.20 to 60 degrees; going below or above this temperature will impact their temperature.
Recharge
Primary alkaline, as well as lithium batteries, are non-rechargeable. If you attempt to recharge these primary batteries, they’ll explode. Alkaline and lithium batteries are also available as rechargeable secondary cells. Lithium batteries have a longer lifespan in comparison to the alkaline battery. Alkaline batteries have leakages and short circuits, they are more prone to the risk of overheating and explosions while recharging.
Internal Resistance
A high internal resistance decreases a battery power output. This resistance causes a low voltage. Compared to lithium batteries, alkaline batteries have a higher internal resistance and this impact their voltage output. This is why lithium batteries are more frequently used in applications where there is a need for constant energy levels for longer durations.
Method of Disposal
Non-rechargeable alkaline batteries don’t have mercury in their makeup and they aren’t harmful to the environment. Therefore, when these batteries are no longer functional, you can easily dispose of them like regular trash. However, you should cautiously dispose of alkaline batteries as they have potassium hydroxide and this can irritate some people.
On the other hand, lithium batteries degrade when they are exposed to high temperatures; they emit toxins into the environment. Different states have different laws regarding the disposal of lithium batteries. It is advisable to dispose of such batteries in authorized places. With this, you have learned about alkaline battery vs lithium battery. Now, its time to learn how to tell if a battery is lithium or alkaline.
How to Tell if a Battery is Lithium or Alkaline
After learning about alkaline battery vs lithium battery, let’s learn how to tell if a battery is lithium or alkaline. Mostly, primary lithium batteries are marked as Lithium. The button or coin lithium cells may also begin with (CR###). The lithium primary batteries can also be found as C, D, AA/AAA, Coin/Button cell, etc.
On the other hand, any typical alkaline battery consists of a steel can packed with manganese dioxide in its outermost internal cathode region. Within the center most internal anode regions, its also filled with zinc and the electrolyte. After this, let’s see which battery among alkaline vs lithium batteries environmentally friendly.
Which Battery Among Alkaline vs Lithium Batteries Environment Friendly?
Lithium and alkaline batteries both have some advantages and disadvantages. Since both batteries aren’t exactly sustainable, it’s hard to choose the environment-friendly one. So, a lithium battery will store more energy than one alkaline battery, they last longer and thus reduce the demand for new batteries. However, they have an extremely low recycling rate of only 1%. It is also believed to have low toxicity and thus can’t be disposed of in a general bin.
Lithium batteries must be sent to the hazardous waste facility or recycling facilities. over, lithium is sourced via mining, so it’s indirectly responsible for pollution as well as deforestation. After this, let’s see lithium vs alkaline batteries lifespan.
What is Lithium vs Alkaline Batteries Lifespan?
There is a significant difference between lithium vs alkaline batteries life. Lithium batteries have many pros over alkaline batteries and their lifespan is one of the major advantages they have. The lithium batteries are designed to last longer. over, they are very suitable for Smart and high-tech devices. Typically, alkaline batteries can last for about 10 years whereas lithium batteries can last for about 15 years.
Alkaline vs Lithium Rechargeable Batteries or Alkaline vs Lithium AA Batteries: What’s the Difference?
Lithium batteries have an anode, cathode, electrolyte, and separator (to keep the two electrodes apart). Charged lithium ion moves from anode to cathode when the battery starts operating. All lithium batteries have a consistent output and are customizable. They are used in radio and communication devices, cameras as well as photography, and medical equipment.
On the other hand, Alkaline batteries work just like lithium models but they only transfer ions in only one direction. The battery will lose its voltage and drain as the ions move from the anode to the cathode. Their rechargeable variants are made from nickel and cadmium but they aren’t as reliable as lithium ones. These batteries are recyclable and cost-effective. They are mostly used in smoke alarms, wireless microphones, etc.
Olivia is committed to green energy and works to help ensure our planet’s long-term habitability. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and avoiding single-use plastic.
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D Cell Battery | A Comprehensive Guide To D Batteries
In a previous guide on batteries, we compared AA vs AAA batteries, the two common and popular types of batteries for remote controls, wireless mice and keyboards, wall clocks, etc. But there is another type of battery that is much older and popular, especially for flashlights. They are D Batteries, also known as D Cells. These are batteries are so popular that we often called them simply flashlight batteries. As a part of our batteries guides and know-how, let us explore everything you need to know about D Cell Battery in this guide.
Here, we will talk about the basics of D Battery, along with its important parameters and specifications. We will also take a look at the typical set of applications of D Cells or Batteries. We will also explore different types of D Batteries i.e., different chemistries, primary (non-rechargeable), and secondary (rechargeable).
What is a D Cell Battery?
If you fall into the millennial, Gen-X, or boomer demographic, then chances are you are familiar with D Batteries as flashlight batteries. This is because we used them extensively to power those long flashlights that took two (or sometimes three) of these batteries.
But what exactly is a D Battery? A D Battery is a type of cylindrical battery, where the ‘D’ indicates the physical size of the battery similar to AA or AAA (if you remember, AA and AAA also represent the size of the batteries). A D Battery is a slightly longer and wider version of an AA or AAA battery.
Another similarity between a D Battery and AA or AAA batteries is they all have only one cell, which is the main electrochemical unit. Hence, we often call the D Battery the D Cell.
While The American Ever Ready Company introduced AA and AAA batteries in 1907 and 1911 respectively, the National Carbon Company introduced the D Battery (or D Cell) much earlier in 1898. Even after the introduction of more minor AA and AAA batteries, D Cells were very popular for a long time, especially for flashlights. Even the U.S Military used these batteries in radio transceivers during World War II. We will give more details about the D Cell Battery in the next section.
Specifications Of D Cell Batteries
In the previous section, we mentioned that the D Battery is a bigger version of the AA battery. But what is the actual size of a D battery? What are the other important specifications of a typical D Cell? Let us explore more about these aspects of a D Cell Battery.
Size
The first and most important specification of a D Battery is its physical size. If you take the height or length of a D Battery, the minimum height is 59.5 mm while the maximum height is 61.5 mm. Coming to the diameter of the D Battery Cylinder must be a minimum of 32.2 mm and a maximum of 34.2 mm.
Apart from these two dimensions, we also have dimensions of the positive and negative terminals. We know that the positive terminal in most cylindrical batteries has a protrusion. This is also the case with a D Battery. The height of the positive terminal must be at least 1.5 mm while the diameter of the positive terminal must be less than or equal to 9.5 mm.
Next, we have the negative terminal. In addition to the flat negative terminal, as we find in AA and AAA batteries, some D Batteries also come with recessed negative terminals. Irrespective of the type of the negative terminal, its diameter must be at least 18 mm. The data sheet of the battery or manufacturer’s description will specify the negative terminal contact i.e., flat or recessed.
Voltage
Despite the large size of a D Battery when compared to AA and AAA batteries, the typical voltage of a D Battery is still 1.5V. Of course, this voltage is only for non-rechargeable primary type D Batteries.
Does this mean we get rechargeable secondary D Batteries? The answer is yes, we do. Again, the similarity between rechargeable D Batteries and rechargeable AA or AAA batteries continues.
The typical voltage of a rechargeable D Battery is around 1.2V. We will see more details on rechargeable and non-rechargeable D Cell Batteries in a later section.
Capacity
The advantage of a large-size cell such as a D Cell is it can have ridiculously large energy ratings. If you remember, an alkaline AA battery can have a maximum capacity of around 3,000 mAh.
Coming to a D Battery with similar chemical composition i.e., an Alkaline type battery, you can get them in capacities as high as 20,000 mAh. You read it right.
Even regular Zinc Carbon type D Batteries have a huge 8,000 mAh capacity. In contrast, AA batteries of similar type max out at 1,700 to 1,800 mAh.
Weight
Continuing the large-size aspect of the D Cell Battery, its typical weight is around 140 grams. If you compare this with an AA Battery, its typical weight is only 23 grams.
These weight numbers that we mentioned are for Alkaline type batteries (both D Battery and AA Battery). Depending on the chemical composition of the batteries, their weights can be slightly more or less than these numbers. But you get the idea of the weight of a D Battery compared to an AA Battery.
Applications Of D Batteries
The most common and popular application of D Cells is flashlights. Apart from lighting applications, D Batteries are also popular in high-power consumption devices such as radios, portable stereos, toys, etc.
Runtime
The runtime of a D Battery depends on the application, its current draw, and how long you use it. We can take some standard numbers and make an estimate of the runtimes for some common applications of D Cell Batteries.
For this explanation, we will consider a brand-new Alkaline type D Cell with 1.5V and a typical capacity of 18,000 mAh. Low-intensity lighting system (a flashlight with low-intensity mode) has a current draw of 650 mA.
If you take this application, then you can run the light with a D Cell continuously for 27 hours. But if you switch to high-intensity mode, where the current draw increases to 1,000 mA, you can expect the battery to last for almost 18 hours.
Another popular application of a D Battery is a portable stereo. As an example, let us assume that it draws about 600 mA of current and you intend to use the stereo for approximately 2 hours a day.
If this is the case, then you can expect the battery to last for 12 to 15 days.
Types of D Cells
In the previous section, we covered briefly about types of D Batteries. But in this section, we will explore all the common and popular types of D Cell Batteries you can get.
Similar to AA and AAA, you can get D Batteries as both Primary i.e., non-rechargeable and Secondary i.e., rechargeable types.
Before moving further, we would like to mention that non-rechargeable type D Cells are way more common than their rechargeable counterparts.
Non-Rechargeable D Cells
Let us begin the discussion with Primary type D Batteries. The most common type of D Cell is a Zinc Carbon cell. It consists of Zinc metal as an anode and a mixture of Manganese Dioxide and graphite (carbon) in the form of paste as the cathode.
The addition of carbon powder improves the conductivity in the cell. These batteries use Ammonium Chloride (NH4Cl) as an electrolyte.
Another popular type of D Battery is the Alkaline type D Cell. While the composition of electrodes is the same as the Zinc Carbon Cell i.e., Zinc metal as anode and Manganese Dioxide as cathode, the difference is in the electrolyte.
Alkaline cells use Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) as the electrolyte. The advantage of alkaline cells over regular cells is they are available in much larger capacities and also, they can deliver much higher currents without heating.
As both these batteries are non-rechargeable, their voltages are 1.5V. Also, the capacities of these batteries are very high. You can get a Zinc Carbon type D Cell with capacities of up to 8,000 mAh.
Coming to the Alkaline type, you can get them with capacities anywhere between 12,000 to 18,000 mAh.
Rechargeable D Cells
While rechargeable AA and AAA batteries are very common, it is not the case with D Cells. Yes, you can get rechargeable D Batteries but they are not hugely popular or common.
The two common types of rechargeable D Cell Batteries are Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH). Yes, this is exactly the same chemical composition as the rechargeable AA and AAA batteries.
Remember, the terms AA, AAA, and D refer only to the size of the batteries and have nothing to do with the chemistry, capacity, or any other parameters.
Coming back to the rechargeable type D Cells, both Nickel Cadmium and Nickel Metal Hydride batteries use Nickel Oxide Hydroxide as the cathode. But the anodes are different. It is Cadmium metal in Nickel Cadmium batteries while is a metallic alloy in the case of Nickel Metal Hydride batteries.
Both these batteries use Potassium Hydroxide as an electrolyte. Also, the voltage of these batteries is around 1.25V.
As they are rechargeable batteries, their capacities are slightly less than their non-rechargeable counterparts. For instance, you can get a Nickel Cadmium D Battery with capacities in the range of 2,000 to 5,500 mAh.
In the case of the Nickel Metal Hydride type, the capacities are slightly large in the range of 2,500 to 12,000 mAh.
Comparison Of Types Of D Cell Batteries
The following table shows all the important parameters and specifications of the four common types of D Cell Batteries (two from non-rechargeable and two from rechargeable).
| Batteries | Chemical Composition | Dimensions | ICE Nomenclature | ANSI Nomenclature | Electrode Electrolyte | Voltage | Capacity |
| Primary (Non-Rechargeable) | Zinc Carbon | Height (Length) – 59.5 mm (min) and 61.5 mm (max) |
Cathode – Manganese Dioxide
Cathode – Manganese Dioxide
Cathode – Nickel Oxide Hydroxide
Cathode – Nickel Oxide Hydroxide
Conclusion
While lithium-ion-type batteries are trying to dominate every application, be it large or small, there are some older types of batteries that are still popular. If you take AA and AAA-type batteries, we often use them in remote controls, wall clocks, wireless computer peripherals, etc.
Another oldie but Goldie is the D Cell Battery, which is famous as the Flashlight Battery. Apart from flashlights, we also use D Batteries in toys, radios, stereos (portable ones), etc.
In this guide, we saw all the essential things about a D Battery or D Cell. We saw its basics, important parameters, and specifications such as physical dimensions, typical capacities, voltage rating, etc.
After that, we looked at different types of D Cells i.e., Primary or Non-Rechargeable and Secondary or Rechargeable. We also saw a simple comparison of the different parameters of all four common and popular types of D Cell Batteries.
We hope that this guide on D Cell Battery could help you understand everything about the D Battery. If you feel we missed something or want us to add anything, do let us know in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев section. It will not only help us but other readers as well.
Energizer Battery (16 pack) (10811)
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Our flat rate for ground shipping to the 48 contiguous states is 9.99. For Alaska/Hawaii, the base rate is 27.59 and surcharges may apply for larger orders. For shipments to Canada, you can add some items to your cart to determine the shipping rate.
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Most in-stock orders will ship out within 24 hours and will reach customers within approximately a week. For express delivery methods, every effort is made to ensure those in-stock orders are shipped the same day, provided the order was received by 1PM Central Time. In some cases, the order may ship the next business day.
Orders are shipped from Minnesota, ensuring a reasonable shipping time frame to both coasts as well as the areas in-between.
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Issues with Shipping
If a shipment is missing, our Customer Service team needs to be notified within 14 days of the carrier acknowledgement of delivery so a timely claim can be filed.
For shipments outside of the USA, we are not responsible for damaged or missing products.
If a package is confirmed by carrier to be delivered to the address provided by the customer, and the package is reported as missing, the responsibility falls to the customer to file a missing package or theft claim with the carrier used.
Much of our shipping process is automated. there are times when orders will ship so quickly that cancellation requests over email/phone will not arrive in time. In these instances, the shipment will go out and our return policy will apply.
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
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