Learn the basics of rechargeable batteries in this Product Rundown
From remote controls to video-game controllers, wall clocks to flashlights, throughout the home, there are power-hungry electronic devices using up our batteries. Often the most economical and environmentally friendly choice is to buy rechargeable batteries. But what kind is best? Take a look at our Product Rundown on rechargeable batteries for a quick read of what you need to know about rechargeable batteries, followed up with some links to rechargeable batteries to get your electronic devices powered again.
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What you need to know about rechargeable batteries
Let’s go over some questions about rechargeable batteries, starting with the most important.
What kind of rechargeable battery should I buy?
When looking for rechargeable batteries, your best bet is to purchase good quality, high-capacity NiMH batteries. Keep reading to find out why, or…
Look here for our suggestions on NiMH rechargeable batteries.
What is battery capacity?
The capacity of a battery is how much energy it is able to store, which is shown in milliampere-hour (mAh). The higher the capacity, the longer the battery will power your electronic device. Rechargeable AAA batteries have a capacity range of 300 to 1,250 mAh. Rechargeable AA batteries have a capacity range of 600 to 2,750 mAh.
What do the battery letters mean?
The letters on a battery indicate what size it is. Popular battery types, from smallest to largest, include AAA, AA, C, and D. 9V and coin-type batteries are also available.
What are rechargeable batteries made of?
There are three types of rechargeable batteries commonly found in electronic devices: NiCD (Nickel Cadmium), NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride), and Li-Ion (Lithium-Ion).
Should I choose NiCD, NiMH, or Li-Ion batteries for my device?
Under normal circumstances, when replacing standard alkaline AAA or AA batteries, your best choice is to choose NiMH batteries. If your device came with a pre-installed rechargeable Li-Ion battery, replace it with a Li-Ion battery of similar shape and capacity.
Why are NiMH batteries best for my electronic device?
For devices that use AAA, AA, C, or D size batteries, your choice is between NiMH and NiCD batteries. Li-Ion batteries output a much higher voltage that is most likely not suitable for these devices. NiMH batteries have a higher capacity compared to NiCD batteries, so they last longer and require fewer trips to the battery recharger. NiMH batteries have no “memory,” so they can be recharged at any time, whereas NiCD batteries should be drained completely before recharging. NiMH batteries are less toxic than NiCD batteries, so they are more environmentally friendly as well. NiMH batteries work well in all types of electronic devices.
What else should I consider when buying rechargeable batteries?
Cycles & Lifespan:
Rechargeable batteries have a limit to how many times (cycles) they can be recharged. The higher the number of cycles, the better. They also have a lifespan, for example, 5 or 10 years. So, even if the number of cycles has not been reached by the end of the lifespan, the batteries will most likely stop accepting a charge. Be sure to note this information when comparing different rechargeable battery products.
Low Self-Discharge (LSD):
All batteries lose power naturally over time through self-discharge. If you leave a battery in a drawer, sooner or later it will lose its charge and no longer be able to power your devices. LSD rechargeable batteries keep their charges for longer periods. If you go through batteries quickly, there is no need to buy LSD batteries, but if your batteries sit unused, for example, in a flashlight used only for emergencies, you probably want to choose rechargeable batteries with low self-discharge.
C & D adaptors:
Finding rechargeable C or D batteries can be difficult, but you can buy adaptors that will let you use your rechargeable AA batteries in devices that require C or D batteries.
Charger required:
If you don’t have one already, you will need a battery charger to recharge your batteries. Many brands package a simple charger with a set of 4 batteries. Those chargers will work fine, but if you are looking for something better take a look at our How To Buy A Battery Charger page.
HowToBuyA – Rechargeable Battery Suggestions
Now that you know what kind of rechargeable batteries you should buy, here are some some links to some of the best. Take a look at these suggestions for Eneloop rechargeable batteries and Amazon Basics rechargeable batteries.
Affiliate notice: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
Eneloop Rechargeable Batteries
When it comes to rechargeable batteries, the online consensus is that Panasonic’s Eneloop rechargeable batteries are the best in the market. Made in Japan, these high-quality batteries are the standard to which other brands are compared for the simple reason that they consistently live up to their advertised specifications: 2,000 mAh, 2,000 cycles, 10-year life span, and low self-discharge. While the cost per battery for Eneloops is higher than lower-quality competitors, the overall expense is still less than what you would pay for regular alkaline batteries over the long run. Buying packs with higher quantities will usually save you a bit of money.
Amazon Basics Rechargeable Batteries
If you are looking for more of a bargain, you might try Amazon’s own brand Amazon Basics rechargeable batteries. Some of these are made in Japan, while others are made in China or Malaysia. The Japanese batteries receive much better reviews than the others. Check the selling page for country of origin, but be warned: according to customer reviews, it can be hit or miss whether you will actually get the Japanese versions even if the product page states they are made in Japan. Even so, you will probably fare better buying the Amazon Basics batteries versus buying other bargain-brand batteries also made in China.
High Capacity –
2,400 mAh, 400 cycles
- AA 4-pack
- AA 8-pack
- AA 12-pack
- AA 16-pack
- AA 24-pack
High Capacity –
850 mAh, 500 cycles
- AAA 4-pack
- AAA 8-pack
- AAA 12-pack
- AAA 16-pack
- AAA 24-pack
Wrap Up
We hope you have enjoyed our product rundown on rechargeable batteries. Let us know what kind of batteries you end up buying and why in the comments below.