Best Overall
EBL AA Rechargable Batteries
AMAZON
- The batteries retain an 80 percent capacity after three years of non-use.
The batteries retain an 80 percent capacity after three years of non-use.
- They are only partially pre-charged.
They are only partially pre-charged.
We put the EBL AA Rechargeable Batteries at the very top of our list because they feature a patented technology that helps them reach their max capacity (2800 mAh—milliamps per hour) during the charging and recharging process. You also get a hard plastic case to store the batteries when they’re not in use.
These are NiMH batteries, meaning they stay charged for longer compared to alkaline batteries. The batteries have a lifespan of 1200 charge cycles which should last a few years, even with frequent use. In addition, the battery has an extremely low discharge rate (the amount of energy it releases over time) and is able to stay at 80 percent capacity after three years of non-use.
These batteries are best used in small devices like radios, lanterns, toys, wireless devices, and game controllers. Be aware that they are only 15 to 20 percent pre-charged out of the box and need to be fully charged before first use. They don’t contain potentially harmful chemicals like cadmium, mercury, and lead which is great for safety and the environment. We would have loved it if the pack included a charger, but you can always buy one separately.
Types Available: AA | Comes Pre-Charged: Yes | Number Included: 8 | Comes With Charger: No | Charge Cycles: 1200
Best Budget
Amazon Basics 16-Pack Rechargeable AA Batteries
AMAZON
- These batteries are good for high-powered devices like TV remotes, toys, and digital cameras.
These batteries are good for high-powered devices like TV remotes, toys, and digital cameras.
- The sizing is slightly inconsistent with typical AA batteries.
The sizing is slightly inconsistent with typical AA batteries.
For anyone who replaces their devices’ batteries often, Amazon Basic's batteries are sold in packs of 8, 12, 16, and 24, and cost just under $2 a battery.
The batteries have a 2000 mAh capacity, which guarantees that they will go the distance and last a while before recharging. They are pre-charged and can be used immediately out of the box. You can recharge them up to 1000 times with minimal power loss. This means that you won’t be throwing them away as often, which in turn is better for the environment.
The batteries have a low-self discharge rate (the rate at which a battery loses charge over time) and are able to maintain 80 percent of their capacity for up to two years. Overall, they have a shelf life of five years which is the maximum life expectancy estimated for a NiMH battery.
For this pick, no charger is included. Keep in mind that several users found them slightly larger than your average AA batteries—they may be tough to get in and out of your devices.
Types Available: AA | Comes Pre-Charged: Yes | Number Included: 8, 12, 16, or 24 | Comes With Charger: No | Charge Cycles: 1000
Best Splurge
Ansmann AA Rechargeable Batteries
AMAZON
- These batteries perform well in both hot and cold climates, so you don’t have to worry too much about where you store them.
These batteries perform well in both hot and cold climates, so you don’t have to worry too much about where you store them.
- The brand’s charger is very expensive.
The brand’s charger is very expensive.
Compared to other options, Ansmann AA Rechargeable Batteries work well in devices that consume a lot of power, such as DSLRs, power tools, remote-controlled toys, and microphones. However, it does come at a steep price—a pack of eight is about double the cost of other rechargeable batteries on our list.
With an Ansmann charger (sold separately for nearly $80), expect the batteries to fully charge in 15 to 20 minutes. This is a big difference from other options, which usually take several hours to complete a charge. If the price for the brand's charger is too high, however, you can use a compatible charger from another brand. The batteries also come with a case to safely stow them.
They work exceptionally well in extreme temperatures—the batteries won’t lose power if they are stored in freezing temperatures (down to -4℉) or hot temperatures (up to 122℉), making them an ideal option if you are living in extreme climates. They can be charged up to 1000 times before expiring.
Types Available: AA | Comes Pre-Charged: Yes | Number Included: 4, 8, 12 16, 20 | Comes With Charger: No | Charge Cycles: 1000
Best With Charger
Panasonic Eneloop Rechargeable Batteries and Charger
AMAZON
- These are great batteries for devices you don’t use too often because they retain most of their charge for up to 10 years.
These are great batteries for devices you don’t use too often because they retain most of their charge for up to 10 years.
- The cost per battery is high.
The cost per battery is high.
Rechargeable batteries often require a charger to be purchased separately, but the Panasonic Eneloop AA Batteries come with one included. You can charge all four batteries simultaneously or individually as needed. You don’t have to worry about the batteries overheating, as the charger automatically shuts off when they’re fully charged.
These batteries come precharged. When you’re ready to use them, just open the package and pop them straight into your device. The batteries feature a 2000 mAh capacity, with a 1900 mAh minimum. Because you can recharge them up to 2100 times, you’re guaranteed to get lots of use compared to disposable alkaline batteries. Use them for flashlights, headsets, wireless keyboards, and other high-drain devices.
These are the best rechargeable batteries to keep in storage because they retain 70 percent of their charge for up to 10 years. This also makes them excellent batteries to use in devices that you don’t reach for often. Although they cost more per battery upfront, you’ll save on the backend because they are so long-lasting.
Types Available: AA | Comes Pre-Charged: Yes | Number Included: 4 | Comes With Charger: Yes| Charge Cycles: 2100
Best for Microphones
PowerOwl Rechargeable AA Batteries
AMAZON
- They’re NiMH batteries that can run for longer periods of time, making them a great choice for operating microphones.
They’re NiMH batteries that can run for longer periods of time, making them a great choice for operating microphones.
- The shelf life is only three years.
The shelf life is only three years.
Because these PowerOwl batteries are the NiMH type, they’re able to steadily discharge power at around 1V as long as they hold their capacity. This makes them a superb option over alkaline batteries for powering a microphone or other device that’s being used for extended periods. If you have a podcast or YouTube channel and don’t want to constantly replace batteries, this is the best rechargeable battery for the money.
With a capacity of 2800 mAh, the PowerOwl is on the high end of the spectrum. The batteries can be recharged over 1200 times, so it’s a great choice if you use your mics a lot to record videos or songs. The shelf life is decent but not amazing: after three years in storage, the batteries will hold 70 percent of their charge. They fully charge within five or six hours.
The brand claims that one PowerOwl rechargeable battery is the equivalent of 2100 alkaline batteries. They are also precharged using wind power (only at 20 percent, not fully charged). Take note that it takes a while for these batteries to warm up to their potential—they’ll reach their prime performance level after a few charge cycles have passed.
Types Available: AA | Comes Pre-Charged: Yes | Number Included: 8, 12, 20 | Comes With Charger: No| Charge Cycles: 1200
Best for Gaming
Kytok Rechargeable Battery Pack
AMAZON
- The battery boasts an impressive 3000 charge cycles, so you can focus more on gaming and less on buying new batteries.
The battery boasts an impressive 3000 charge cycles, so you can focus more on gaming and less on buying new batteries.
- It’s only compatible with Xbox controllers.
It’s only compatible with Xbox controllers.
If you’re the type that racks up hours in front of a gaming system, having the best batteries for your controller is key. We suggest the Kytok Rechargeable Battery pack. It features four large-capacity 1800 mAh rechargeable batteries that come with a charging dock to charge them simultaneously. However, not everyone can use it—it’s specifically designed for Xbox Series controllers (Sorry, Playstation and Nintendo users).
The battery pack uses a 31.5-inch USB-C cable to charge the batteries, plus there’s a power switch on the dock. It’s pretty fast when it comes to charging, replenishing a drained battery in three to three-and-a-half hours. Combined, the batteries in this pack should last you about 20 hours on one charge—great for marathon gaming sessions. The batteries can be recharged up to 3000 times.
LED indicators on the charging dock will blink red while charging and turn green when complete. There is also a built-in smart chip that protects the batteries from overheating, and overcharging. This feature can also prevent a short circuit if the dock is accidentally left running all night.
Types Available: 1800 mAh | Comes Pre-Charged: No | Number Included: 4 | Comes With Charger: Yes | Charge Cycles: 3000
Best Fast-Charging
Fuvaly Rechargeable Lithium AAA Batteries
AMAZON
- These batteries only take one hour to recharge, which is by-far the quickest charging time on our list.
These batteries only take one hour to recharge, which is by-far the quickest charging time on our list.
- They might get hot when charging.
They might get hot when charging.
Unlike other rechargeable batteries which can take six to seven hours to fully charge, the Fuvaly USB Rechargeable Batteries recharge in one. The charger looks different, too—instead of a standard charger, it features a 4-in-1 USB cord that hooks up to each battery.
The charger has a rotating top to show/hide the port and status light on the battery. Plus it comes with a smart chip that prevents the battery from overcharging or short-circuiting. Another benefit of these batteries is the 1.5V steady output and low self-discharge. These batteries can be charged more than 1000 times in their lifetime.
Like most rechargeable batteries, these are made without mercury, cadmium, or lead. You can watch the batteries progress through their charging phases: a red light shows when the battery is charging and turns green when it’s done. While there’s a lot to like about these batteries, a few users noted that the batteries get pretty hot to the touch while charging.
Types Available: AAA | Comes Pre-Charged: Not listed | Number Included: 4 | Comes With Charger: Yes | Charge Cycles: 1000+
Best Bulk
Tenergy Rechargeable Batteries
AMAZON
- These batteries are great for cameras, as they last for up to 780 flashes (most alkaline batteries only last for up to 400).
These batteries are great for cameras, as they last for up to 780 flashes (most alkaline batteries only last for up to 400).
- Batteries can be inconsistent with how well they hold a charge.
Batteries can be inconsistent with how well they hold a charge.
If you use a lot of batteries, it makes sense to buy in bulk for better value. Tenergy Premium AA Batteries are UL-certified and come in a pack of 120, working out to be about $1 per battery. However, if you don’t need that many batteries, you can buy them in smaller packs.
These batteries are meant to be used with energy-sucking devices like digital cameras and other studio equipment. They offer more power for cameras in particular and can last for 780 flashes (compared to 400 flashes with an alkaline battery). This is also a great choice to take camping or on a road trip. The batteries are precharged up to 80 percent, with a 1200 charging cycle lifespan, and claim to retain 85 percent of the charge after one year in storage, although some users noted that they didn’t find the batteries held a charge for very long whether or not they were being used frequently.
Since it is a premium battery, it’s able to handle all weather conditions ranging from 122℉ to -4℉ without losing charge. The Tenergy battery is a NiMH type and should not be mixed with lithium or other battery chemistries because it may result in damage. Charging takes approximately two to three hours.
Types Available: AA |Comes Pre-Charged: Yes| Number Included: 4, 8, 12, 24, 60, 120 | Comes With Charger: No| Charge Cycles: 1200
Best AA
Duracell Rechargable AA Batteries
AMAZON
- These batteries have an impressive 10-year shelf like, so you can really stock up.
These batteries have an impressive 10-year shelf like, so you can really stock up.
- They only last for 400 charge cycles.
They only last for 400 charge cycles.
Duracell batteries are known for long-lasting power, and this 4-count of AA batteries is no exception. They come pre-charged and are commonly used in devices like baby monitors, electronics, toys, and video game controllers.
You can buy the batteries with a charger or can opt for a pack without, as the batteries are compatible with any NiMH model. The batteries have a long shelf-life of approximately 10 years and will retain a full charge for one year when not in use. However, you can only recharge them 400 times—way less than many of their competitors.
The batteries will retain their capacity for up to one year when it is not in use. Charging takes four hours on average. Take note that the charger does not have an auto-shut-off feature (it goes into a trickle charge mode), so you have to unplug it when the charging is complete.
Types Available: AA |Comes Pre-Charged: Yes | Number Included: 2 or 4 without charger; 4 or 8 with charger | Comes With Charger: Yes | Charge Cycles: 400
Best AAA
Energizer Rechargable AAA Batteries
AMAZON
- These batteries have an impressive 2300 mAh capacity which lasts about a year.
These batteries have an impressive 2300 mAh capacity which lasts about a year.
- The charger does not indicate when batteries are fully charged.
The charger does not indicate when batteries are fully charged.
Energizer is one of the most recognizable names in batteries, so we aren’t surprised that it makes some of the best rechargeable batteries out there. These triple-A batteries have a 2300 mAh capacity, which lasts about 12 months. Although they are priced higher than standard single-use alkaline batteries, they are a cost-effective solution.
The batteries are made using 15 percent recycled materials and are specially designed to minimize the chance of leakage, so when you finally throw them away they won’t leach harmful toxins into the ground. The batteries are great for everyday charging and are pretty handy to have around if you need to power a remote, camera, wireless mouse, and more.
This pick offers decent run times—with a digital camera you can take up to 350 photos on one charge; toys will get around 420 minutes of battery life; handheld controllers get about 480 minutes. You can recharge them up to 1500 times, and they come pre-charged and ready to use. It’s worth noting that users say the indicator light on the charger remains green and therefore doesn’t clearly indicate when the batteries are done charging.
Types Available: AAA |Comes Pre-Charged: Yes | Number Included: 4 or 8 | Comes With Charger: No | Charge Cycles: 1500