AAA vs AA Battery: What’s The Difference?
Do you know the difference between AAA and AA batteries? Most people don’t realize there is a difference, but there is!
These batteries are the most popular batteries used in many household devices. Because the devices we use are of different sizes and strengths, there are different types of batteries used to operate them.
In this post, we’ll explain the differences between these two types of batteries. We’ll also talk about which type of battery is better for certain applications. Stay tuned!
AA Battery Overview
AA batteries are dry cell batteries that are used to power and help portable electronic devices run.
They are called dry cell batteries because they have balanced moisture that allows enough current to pass through. These batteries have existed for a while as they were invented more than 100 years ago.
Unlike some may think, the letters AA do not mean anything, nor are they abbreviations for any term. The AA batteries are what one would call standard size, and they run on 1.5 voltage.
They are also very common; they are the most common types of batteries being manufactured currently. The AA batteries are considerably bigger than the AAA batteries.
AAA Battery Overview
Just like AA batteries, AAA in AAA batteries do not stand for any term; instead are just an indication of what type of batteries they are. Of course, they are the 2nd most popular type of batteries after the AA batteries.
While the AA batteries were invented in 1907, the AAA batteries followed four years later in 1911. Also known as the Triple A batteries, they are also standard-size single-cell and dry batteries.
Unlike AA batteries, though, they are used to power low-drain devices that require lesser capacity, such as portable equipment. They are also used to power devices like small toys, kitchen timers, remote controllers, etc.
Excellent Quality Size AA Pencil Battery for Toys and Clocks
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Excellent Quality Size AA pencil battery for Toys and Clocks
Brief Introduction : Everbright UM-3 AA battery R6 is one of our best-selling batteries throughout the years. The discharge time of more than 60 minutes meets most low-drain devices ‘ demands. There will be no quality problems such as liquid leakage, swelling, and no discharging.
Product Introduction: Everbright Excellent quality size AA batteries cells for toys and clocks are our star product, features are as below:
- 1.5V AA UM-3 carbon battery
- Over 60 minutes long lasting discharging time
- IEC production standard against leakage
- PVC jacketed with more competitive price
R6 Discharge Curve :
- Anti-leakage wall structure to prevent leakage.
- Special sealant has good power storage effect.
Applications: Everbright Excellent quality size AA batteries cells for toys and clocks are widely used for gadgets like electric toys, mouse, sphygmomanometer, electric door lock, torch, remote control, etc.
Different types of AA batteries
The first thing to note when looking to buy AA batteries in the UK is just how many different sorts you’ll find on sale from a wide range of manufacturers, suppliers and retailers. In fact, you can buy ‘standard’ AA batteries. disposable alkaline 1.5V versions. almost anywhere you look, and more often than not they’ll work in most types of consumer electronic devices.
But when should you just take the first available option, and in which scenarios does it pay to shop around a little more? In this section we’ll explore some of the most common AA battery types sold in hardware stores, electrical retailers, supermarkets, petrol stations and newsagents all over the UK, and suggest which sorts are best for which applications.
Rechargeable AA batteries
Rechargeable AA batteries are extremely commonplace these days; you’ll find them on sale in almost as many places as you’ll find non-rechargeable variants. While other chemistry types are available, NiMH is almost certainly the commonest variant of rechargeable AA battery you’ll encounter today (the once widespread NiCd types are now increasingly viewed as somewhat obsolete, thanks to being both fairly low capacity and toxic).
For convenience and long-term cost-effectiveness, it’s hard to beat rechargeable AA batteries in many day-to-day uses. They’re often sold bundled together in multiples of two or four cells complete with a charger, although it’s just as common to find any number of the batteries themselves. or indeed the requisite chargers. sold separately.
Rechargeable AA battery packs are also a widely available option, in which multiple identical rechargeable AA cells are combined together to form a single larger battery. Rechargeable battery packs are generally suitable for use in a wide range of devices that require more than one or two batteries to operate, provided of course that you can find a pack in the right configuration to fit the device in question.
Common pack configurations include 4, 5, 6, 12 or 24 AA batteries assembled in series, in parallel, or in a combination of the two. Rechargeable battery packs usually feature secondary wrapping or plastic end caps placed around the cell grouping, in order to keep them in their intended layout. Additional interconnects and terminals are wired in to provide managed power-flow between the numerous cells in the pack, allowing for more evenly balanced delivery across a single combined circuit.
The advantage of rechargeable AA battery packs is that they behave much like a single cell in terms of swapping them in and out. For devices requiring multiple batteries to power on, this is much more convenient than having to remove each individual cell one by one when you need to charge or replace them.
Good quality rechargeable battery packs are usually assembled such that all the individual AA cells in the pack are functionally identical, reasonably balanced, and can be charged and discharged at similar rates to one another over their active lifetimes. This is better and safer for both the batteries themselves, and the long-term health of the devices they’re powering.
When various batteries working together are unable to discharge at equal or consistent rates, some cells can end up being placed under excessive workloads as they struggle to compensate for weaker performers. Combining loose or non-identical rechargeable AA batteries. particularly of different ages and active cycle capacities. in a single device can, therefore, lead to power or stability issues, which is why battery packs are generally a far better option in this scenario.
Lithium AA batteries
When it comes to discussing AA lithium batteries, it’s important to make a key distinction between lithium and lithium-ion cells. The latter, usually abbreviated to ‘li-ion’, are the extensively rechargeable versions you often find built into mobile phones, laptops, drones, vaping devices, and a broad catalogue of other high-drain consumer electronics products.
These Li-ion cells combine lithium with other compounds and almost always appear in significantly different form factors (often large, flat and rectangular) than the familiar size and shape of button-top AA batteries. Li-ion cells operate at significantly higher voltages than most AA battery types, and must never be placed in a charger designed for AA-type NiMH or alkaline batteries. Many battery types placed in the wrong charger may eventually leak or rupture, but Li-ion cells can ignite with shocking violence if mishandled badly enough.
A standard AA lithium (non-ion) battery, on the other hand, is not intended to be rechargeable in the first place. Instead, what pure lithium chemistry offers in AA format is an especially powerful and very long-lasting cell type. Lithium AA batteries are a solid choice for more robust shorter-term use in high-drain equipment such as digital cameras, or even better in low-drain devices that need to be powered on for very long periods of time. They’re ideal in smoke alarms, for example, where the average power draw is very low and where extreme long-term stability is key.
AA lithium cells have a shelf life of up to 9 years, and they can last a far longer time than most other AA types in the right sorts of devices. Importantly for the health of your valuable electronics, lithium AA batteries don’t leak over time, unlike many cheaper varieties.
The Best AA Batteries: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Overall: Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries
Why They Made The Cut: The Energizer Ultimate lithium AA battery is currently the clear market leader in terms of performance and reliability, and has the ability to handle extreme temperatures.
Specs — Chemistry: Lithium Iron Disulphide — Capacity: 3,000 mAh — Pack Sizes: Four, six, eight, 12, 24
Pros: — Reliable high performance — Extreme temperature range — 20-year shelf life
Cons: — Comparatively expensive — Counterfeits are common
The decision over which are the best overall AA batteries has to be primarily about power output, and at the moment the Energizer Ultimate Lithium is the clear market leader. It is not just a question of outlasting alkaline alternatives — most lithium batteries do that — but the Energizer Ultimate outperforms other lithium rivals too.
The main reason is the lithium iron disulphide (LiFeS2) chemistry. Usually found in batteries of 3V (volts) and larger, Energizer has produced a 1.5V AA version. In fact the open circuit value (when no power is being drawn by a device) is 1.8V. This, in combination with the class-leading 3,000 mAh capacity, produces consistent power levels for longer than any competitor. These Energizer batteries are an ideal choice for high-drain digital cameras, handheld games, and some of the best flashlights.
Other impressive statistics are a 20-year shelf life, and a working temperature range from.40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re guaranteed leak proof (in normal use), and Energizer claims it is 33 percent lighter than AA alkaline batteries.
It’s expensive for a disposable battery, and we are aware of a number of counterfeits so always buy from reputable sources.
Best Rechargeable: Panasonic Eneloop AA Batteries
Why They Made The Cut: Panasonic’s Eneloop rechargeable batteries are packed with features that deliver consistent performance, and solve the common problem of charge draining away when not in use.
Specs: — Chemistry: Nickel metal hydride — Capacity: 2,000 mAh — Pack Sizes: Four, eight, 16
Pros: — Recharge up to 2,100 times — Pre-charged using solar energy — Maintains charge well
Cons: — Slow charging — Expensive
It’s not unusual for NiMH batteries to be recharged several hundred times, but eventually the conductive surfaces wear down. Panasonic have dramatically improved this aspect of their Eneloop AA battery. which is rated for up to 2,100 cycles. As a result, while initial investment is comparatively high, these batteries can eventually work out better value than many alternatives.
One of the drawbacks with rechargeable batteries is that when not in use the charge drains away. They often need to be charged before first use, which can be frustrating, and many will go flat over a period of months. Panasonic Eneloop batteries are different in two ways. First, they are supplied ready-to-use, having been pre-charged using solar power. Second, while they do lose some charge, they can retain as much as 70 percent for up to 10 years (when stored according to manufacturer instructions).
For convenience, we recommend the Panasonic Eneloop rechargeable AA batteries with charger, which automatically shuts off when batteries reach full capacity. However, bear in mind that charging can take up to 7 hours.
Best Budget: Amazon Basics High-Performance AA Batteries
Why They Made The Cut: The Amazon Basics offer cheap AA batteries that nevertheless provide good shelf life, and perfectly acceptable performance for a whole host of common electronic devices.
Specs: — Chemistry: Alkaline — Capacity: 2,200. 2,500 mAh (see below) — Pack Sizes: Four, eight, 10, 20, 48, 72, 100
Pros: — Competitive performance — 10-year shelf life — Low price
Cons: — Variable durability — Leaks are rare, but possible
Some people like the simple convenience of having a packet of cheap disposable AA batteries tucked in a drawer or cupboard. For them, the Amazon Basics alkaline version offers a good compromise between price and performance. Larger pack sizes provide particularly good economy.
When compared with lithium AAs, the capacity is modest, but it’s perfectly acceptable for household items like clocks, toys, TV remotes, and small flashlights. However, we would not recommend them for high-drain devices. Shelf life is 10 years, and the design is intended to prevent leaking.
Amazon Basics does not provide technical information, so the 2,200 to 2,500 mAh rating is taken from online sources who have made their own measurements. The challenge is that different devices draw different amounts of power so this is only an approximate guide.
Things To Consider Before Buying
The key feature of AA batteries is their chemistry though it is also worth checking capacity, when details are available.
Alkaline: Alkaline AA batteries have been around for well over 100 years. They are a proven, low-cost option. They are ideal for low-drain devices, and have good shelf life. They can leak, particularly if left in a gadget after they have gone flat. They don’t perform well in high-drain equipment.
Lithium: Lithium AA battery descriptions can be confusing, because three types are now common: lithium; lithium-iron disulphide (LiFeS2), both of which are disposable; and lithium ion, which are rechargeable. Ordinary lithium batteries are by far the more popular type, and are usually specified for high-drain gadgets. LiFeS2 offers even better performance. However, both are significantly more expensive than alkaline AAs.
NiMH: Most rechargeable AA batteries are nickel metal hydride (NiMH), which usually out-performs lithium-ion alternatives. While initial cost is comparatively high, they can be recharged hundreds of times, so frequently save money in the long run. However, NiMH AA batteries are self-discharging when not in use so may need recharging if left for several months. They typically have a shelf life of five to seven years.
Capacity: All batteries are rated at 1.5 volts (V), though actual output can fluctuate between around 1.2V and 1.6V, depending on chemistry. In most cases this makes little difference to the device being powered.
Batteries also have a mAh (milliAmp hours) rating. This can be compared to fuel. If you have two AA batteries, one rated at 1,500 mAh, and the other at 3,000 mAh, then the second example will run for roughly twice as long when used in the same gadget.
FAQs
Q: Are all AA batteries the same?
No. They’re all the same physical size, but there are differences in performance. Our descriptions of the picks above will help you choose the best AA batteries for a variety of uses.
Q: What’s the difference between AA and AAA batteries?
An AA battery (also called a double a battery) is physically larger than an AAA (triple a) battery. Although they are both rated at 1.5V, they are not interchangeable. Additionally, because an AA battery is larger, it’s normally capable of supplying charge for longer than a AAA version.
Q: Are lithium AA batteries better than alkaline?
Lithium AA batteries are more expensive than alkaline versions, but maintain performance for longer. They are definitely the better choice for gadgets that need a lot of power. However, for low-power devices, AA alkaline batteries are fine, and are significantly cheaper.
Q: How long do AA batteries last?
Most manufacturers give the shelf life of AA batteries as between five and 10 years, though up to 20 years is possible. How long they last in use varies tremendously, and depends on the device being powered. In a high-drain device like a digital camera they might last just a few hours. In a smoke detector, these batteries should last six months or more.
Final Thoughts on the Best AA Batteries
The Energizer Ultimate Lithium is an easy pick as the best AA battery. The LiFeS2 chemistry makes them more powerful, for longer, than any rival. They’re expensive, but if you need to rely on a battery for your digital camera, or other important equipment, they’re worth the investment. The Amazon Basics alkaline is what everyone likes to keep in a drawer for when the clock stops or the TV remote isn’t working. They’re cheap and perfectly adequate for low-drain devices.
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