The upfront cost of rechargeable batteries may seem a bit steep, but the charger and any batteries you purchase will pay for themselves in the long run. Instead of opting for a new battery pack every time a gadget dies, why not throw the dead batteries in a charger for a few hours? It’s better for your wallet and the environment.
AA options
Panasonic Enerloop Pro
Best Overall
Sanyo’s Eneloop was one of the top choices in our original list. It remains one of our favorites even though Panasonic now manufacturers the batteries. The Eneloop Pro sports a capacity of 2,500mAh. The Pros can only be charged 500 times or so, but their performance is what makes them superior.
The Eneloop Pros simply work better than ordinary batteries. They perform flawlessly both in everyday conditions and extreme temperatures. Plus, the batteries don’t exhibit any sort of memory effect, meaning you can recharge them when they’re fully or partially drained.
Why we love them:
- Unaffected by intense heat, resulting in consistent performance
- Having no charge memory lets you charge them whenever you want
- Retains up to 85% of power for a year when unused
Something to consider:
Compared to its competitors, this battery’s lifespan of 500 charges is short. If you plan to use this battery as a workhorse, you might want to consider batteries with a longer lifespan.
EBL High Capacity
Best Value
EBL’s rechargeable batteries sport 2,800mAh capacity, and you get eight in a pack instead of the typical four. These batteries come pre-charged, with storage cases. The company also claims its batteries will retain 75% of their capacity even after three years of storage, due to the low self-discharge. Recharge these batteries up to 1200 times.
Aside from being efficient, these batteries are also eco-friendly. They don’t contain substances that pollute the environment so you can use them without worry. This inexpensive pack of eight cells will not only let you save money but also the environment.
Why we love them:
- Higher capacity means less frequent charging and a longer lifespan
- Low self-discharge boosts power efficiency
- Cost-effective
Something to consider:
The white wrappers around the poles tend to peel easily. This could be a nuisance especially for people who are sensitive to aesthetics.
Energizer Recharge Universal
Most Efficient
Energizer is a household name, and the company’s Recharge Universal brand is widely available. While they offer only 2,000mAh capacity, they remain one of the cheaper options among top-tier rechargeable batteries. Tests have shown these batteries to keep up with more expensive options when it comes to performance, and unless you need the larger capacity, they make a good option for your wireless keyboard or mouse.
Why we love them:
- Made with 4% recycled battery material
- 5-year usable battery life
- Pre-charged, these cells are perfect for on-the-fly swapping
Something to consider:
These batteries are not made for use with power-hungry devices as they have a smaller capacity.
Duracell Rechargeable
Most Versatile
Another widely available option is the Duracell Rechargeable. They sport a larger capacity (2,650mAh) than the competing model from Energizer, though they may not perform as well in some electronic devices. Duracell stands by its product and promises it’ll last up to five years under normal use. Not a bad deal.
Why we love them:
- Charges extra-fast when paired with Duracell’s 30-minute charger
- Large capacity makes it suitable for a wide variety of devices
- Extra-long battery life due to DURALOCK technology
Something to consider:
When unused, the charge of these batteries lasts for only six months, which is shorter than other rechargeables. Consider a different option if you don’t expect to use the batteries frequently.
Amazon Basics AAA rechargeable batteries
Best Rechargeable AAA
While AAs are generally the standard, many smaller devices use AAA batteries, so it is nice to have some on hand. These batteries offer up to 800mAh, and they can last for years on a single charge, thanks to their low self-discharge technology. The company claims that the batteries will retain 80 percent of their charge even after a year of non-use. Moreover, the batteries come pre-charged — using solar energy no less — so you can feel good about doing your part for the environment.
Why we love them:
- The 1000-charge lifespan is long for AAA cells
- Pre-charged, these batteries are great for emergency swaps
- Excellent price to performance ratio
Something to consider:
While are well-performing batteries yet they’re not intended to power heavy-duty devices. They work best for smaller devices such as household stables like remote controls and alarm clocks.
Is it worth getting rechargeable batteries?
Yes. Rechargeable batteries don’t only let you save money in the long run, they’re also more sustainable than disposable ones. They cost more initially, but you end up saving a lot more since you don’t have to replace them for a long time.
What are the disadvantages of rechargeable batteries?
The primary cons of using rechargeable batteries are their lower capacity and higher cost compared to disposable ones. If you have an urgent need for a battery and can’t afford a rechargeable one, disposables are great. Despite these cons, rechargeables offer a lot more to compensate, such as being more sustainable and economical down the road.
How do you know if rechargeable batteries are still good?
As long as it still can hold a charge close to what it can hold brand new, it’s still good. Eventually, though, rechargeable batteries will start to hold less charge and eventually die. This degradation is slow in quality rechargeable batteries.
About the author:
Rusty Davis has been a tech lover for as long as he can remember. From the early days of gaming consoles to the introduction of the smartphone, portable computers, and more, he’s always wanted to get his hands on the latest and greatest. He has years upon years of experience reviewing and testing everything from phone cases to smartwatches, the latest phones and tablets to gaming computers, and even desks. If it’s a piece of tech or tech-adjacent, he’s interested in how it works and who it works best for. He’s now here sharing all of his knowledge with you to help you make the best decision for yourself.
Why should you trust us
The Digital Trends team prides itself in offering expert product recommendations in ways that everyone can understand. Our team of experts is constantly using and reviewing the latest and greatest consumer tech, smart home gadgets, televisions, and so much more to offer insights to help guide your purchasing decision. We have vigorously tested thousands of different products across these categories, and we’ve distilled our lists to bring you the best of the best. If we feel a product does not live up to our expectations, it doesn’t make the list. We are humans though, and realize that not every recommended product will be perfect for everyone, so we do our best to call out important features that may impact your choices. Below our top picks we’ve included additional product information to ensure that you are making the right choice for your unique needs. The products in this guide have been carefully curated by our team of experts and enthusiasts who understand the value and quality needed for the best options.
