When buying batteries, you want them to last a long time, and not “die out” within a couple of days after purchase. When choosing batteries, it is important to know exactly what application they are being purchased for, as well as how AA and AAA types differ. To save your time surfing the Internet, we will also tell you about the difference between AA and AAA batteries.
The first type (AA) is AA batteries. Their capacity depends on weight (as a rule, their diameter does not exceed 1.5 cm and length 6 cm). Such batteries have been produced for more than 100 years; they first saw the world in 1907. This type is less expensive than AAA, and these batteries are suitable even for use in cold weather.
The second type (AAA) are pinky batteries - they received this name due to their size (their length does not exceed 4.46 cm, and their diameter is 1 cm). Pinky batteries weigh 12 grams and have a voltage of 1.5 W. It is also worth considering that there are salt and alkaline batteries - the productivity of the first is 540 mAh, and the second is 1200 mAh.
Important to remember! Used batteries should be taken to special places (these are often located in chain stores). Don't throw them away with other trash, save nature!
VARTA LONGLIFE (AAA)
Prices for 1 piece. : 56-80 rub.
VARTA LONGLIFE batteries are of decent quality, you don’t even have to doubt the purchase. For relatively little money (180 rubles) you will get 4 high-quality batteries that can be used on various devices. The buyer is offered a choice of different numbers of batteries in the package:
- 6 pcs. (255 rub.);
- 10 pieces. (350 rub.);
- 12 pcs. (390 rub.);
- 24 pcs. (720 rub.).
Long-lasting batteries are suitable for radios, watches, remote controls, and children's toys. The manufacturer states that the batteries are also effective for digital cameras.
Which rechargeable batteries are best to buy?
Before purchasing, you should determine in what conditions you plan to use the battery. Here everything is decided by the chemical composition:
- Nickel-cadmium models are heat-resistant,
- Nickel metal hydride - long service life,
- Lithium-ion - high energy intensity.
The main parameters for choosing a battery include capacity. It affects the amount of energy that a battery can store. The permissible capacity also depends on the chemical composition. For example, Li-Ion models of size AAA correspond to a maximum capacity of 3000 mAh, Ni-MH - 1250 mAh.
To distinguish a rechargeable battery from a regular one, pay attention to its markings. Storage-type batteries are marked Rechargeable and indicate the capacity in milliamp-hours.
The self-discharge indicator reflects the loss of battery energy when there is no load. It is affected by both the type of electrolyte and operating conditions, for example, sudden temperature changes or working in cold weather.
For nickel-cadmium models, the self-discharge value is no more than 10% in the first day after replenishing the energy reserve, for lead-acid models - about 40% per year.
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FOTON AAA/LR03
Prices for 1 piece. : 22-30 r.
FOTON AAA/LR03 pinky alkaline batteries will serve you for a long time, no matter what device you use them for, including devices that require high power: watches, remote control, digital camera, flashlight, etc.
If you have a lot of different little things at home, children's toys that require frequent battery changes, buy FOTON AAA/LR03 - they work no worse than expensive models. A convenient storage container is included.
GP Rechargeable 1000 Series (AAA)
Prices for 1 piece. : 150-175 rub.
The batteries have a fairly large capacity (1000 mAh) and hold a charge well, ideal for children's toys that need frequent battery changes. The GP Rechargeable 1000 Series comes with a clear storage box that closes tightly.
If time allows, you can look for discounted batteries in online stores - it’s more profitable to buy 8 pieces at once. According to users, they have been buying GP products for many years, and they have never failed. For little finger batteries, a capacity of 1000 is quite good. Batteries discharge slowly but charge quickly.
Energizer Max LR03 (AAA)
Prices for 1 piece. : 43-59 rub.
Energizer Max AAA/LR03 batteries hold a charge for a long time, so you can be sure of their reliability wherever you go. Great for powering computer mice and flashlights. Shelf life: minimum 9 years from the date of purchase.
If there are children at home who play with toys, it is advisable to immediately buy a whole pack. This is the first alkaline battery that does not contain mercury. Works up to 45% longer, holds a charge for up to 10 years. Energizer Max AAA/LR03 batteries are leak-proof.
For reference: one of the buyers used batteries for LED lighting with a motion sensor - according to him, they ran out in 3 days. You need to ask store managers in detail which devices they are suitable for.
TOP 3 best salt batteries
Salt batteries are considered obsolete, but many continue to use them due to their low cost.
Despite the fact that such self-contained batteries have many disadvantages, they are only suitable for low-power devices. There are several decent models on the market.
Philips LongLife AAA
Salt battery, which is of acceptable quality. Sold in blister packs of 4 pieces.
The operating voltage is 1.5 V, but consumers note that the actual value is slightly lower. The obvious advantage of the model is its affordable price.
Pros:
- low cost;
- sold as a set.
Minus: low operating voltage, which does not correspond to the declared one.
Price: from 65 rubles.
Philips LongLife AAA
GP GreenCell 15G AA
This model of salt batteries is one of the best on the market. A nominal power of 1.5 V is sufficient to power devices with high power consumption (for example, children's toys with electronic modules and portable lighting equipment).
The battery is suitable for use in a wide temperature range (from -10 to +40°C). The model has low internal resistance, thanks to which the device does not lose its performance characteristics for 5 years.
Pros:
- long service life;
- disposal and recycling does not harm the environment;
- The actual power corresponds to the declared one.
No cons found.
Price: from 70 rubles.
GP GreenCell 15G AA
Sonnen AA-R6
The Sonnenschein brand salt battery is manufactured in China. Belongs to the popular AA size and can be used in most low-power devices.
The rated power is 1.5 V, so the model is suitable for installation in alarm clocks, remote controls, flashlights and children's toys.
Pros:
- affordable price;
- rated power 1.5 V;
- universal standard size.
No cons found.
Price: from 62 rubles.
Sonnen AA-R6
COSMOS LR03 Basic (AAA)
Prices for 1 piece. : 18-22 r.
Long-life alkaline batteries COSMOS LR03 Basic are used to power devices with low and medium energy consumption: computer mice, keyboards, flashes, remote controls.
Optimal temperature for battery operation: from -30 °C to +50 °C. One of the buyers said that he charges the batteries once every 3 months, playing every other day or two. Used in the Xbox remote. In terms of price/quality, according to the owners, these are the best little finger batteries - they last a long time, and at the same time they are not inferior in quality to analogues from foreign manufacturers.
Rating of the best AA/AAA batteries
Duracell Turbo AA/HR6
These are nickel-metal hydride batteries that can be used in almost all devices. Also, unused batteries can be stored for up to 10 years, and they will remain serviceable at any time. Even high consumption devices will work at 100%. Capacity – 2500 mAh. Number of charge cycles – 400. Sold in packs of 2 and 4 pcs.
Minimum price – 646 rubles.
Duracell Turbo AA/HR6
Advantages:
- Energy intensive;
- High quality;
- Sold immediately charged;
- Capacity.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
ROBITON AA R6 Mignon 2850
AA batteries that are suitable for installation in toys, walkie-talkies and more complex equipment. The maximum number of charge cycles is 1000, which makes the device almost eternal. The capacity is 2850 mAh, and the operating voltage is 1.2 V. As a bonus, the kit includes a sealed storage box.
The average cost is 287 rubles.
ROBITON AA R6 Mignon 2850
Advantages:
- Capacity;
- Vitality;
- Price;
- Holds charge well.
Flaws:
- Not found.
Panasonic eneloop AA
Good batteries that work well with the camera and MP3 player. They can withstand up to 2100 charge cycles without losing capacity (1900 mAh). Also a big plus is the absence of self-discharge, so the devices will never let you down.
The average cost is 591 rubles.
Panasonic eneloop AA
Advantages:
- High quality;
- The declared capacity is true;
- Long work;
- Reliability.
Flaws:
- Price.
GP Rechargeable 2700 Series AA
This option is also suitable for use in cameras. However, the number of cycles here is 500, which limits the user. Capacity 2650 mAh. Sold only in sets of 8 pieces, a gift box for storing unused items is included.
The average cost is 1064 rubles.
GP Rechargeable 2700 Series AA
Advantages:
- Capacity;
- Case;
- 133 rubles per piece;
- High quality.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Ergolux Rechargeable batteries AAA
Good batteries at an affordable price will appeal to most. After all, the capacity of the cells is 1100 mAh, while the operating voltage is 1.2 V. Supports 700 charge cycles. Sold in a set of 2 pieces. at a price of 85 rubles.
Ergolux Rechargeable batteries AAA
Advantages:
- Low cost;
- The capacity corresponds to the declared one;
- 700 cycles.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Energizer Accu Recharge Extreme AAA
High-quality little finger batteries from a trusted manufacturer, which can be used in almost any equipment, even despite the small capacity of 800 mAh.
The average cost is 470 rubles.
Energizer Accu Recharge Extreme AAA
Advantages:
- Popular brand;
- There is no self-discharge;
- Suitable for landline phone, camera, mouse;
- 2 batteries can replace a hundred regular ones.
Flaws:
- Capacity.
Ergolux Alkaline (AAA)
Prices for 1 piece. : 17-18 r.
If you are looking for high-quality batteries, but want to save money, we suggest you pay attention to Ergolux Alkaline . These batteries do their job perfectly, is there anything else required from them?
As a rule, batteries are sold in a single block of 12 pieces, but according to supporters of this brand, they are quite happy with this. Despite the modest price, Ergolux Alkaline perform well in computer mice, household appliances, watches and remote controls. These batteries prove that cheap does not mean bad.
TOP 3 best alkaline batteries
Self-contained batteries, which use alkali as an electrolyte, are given the appropriate name. They are better than salt ones, as they are suitable for devices with high energy consumption and have a long service life.
From the rating below you can find out which alkaline (alkaline) batteries are more profitable to buy.
Duracell Turbo Max
Duracell was the first company to manufacture alkaline batteries. Turbo Max is considered one of the most successful models.
A distinctive feature of the battery is the presence of a charge indicator. It is enough to place your finger on special points on the case, and a special strip will show whether the battery can release energy.
Pros:
- charge indicator on the case;
- universal packaging (from 2 to 12 pieces);
- Widespread - can be found in any store.
Minuses:
- high cost in comparison with analogues;
- poor short circuit protection.
Price: from 180 rubles.
Duracell Turbo Max
Sony Alkaline Stamina Platinum
Alkaline batteries from a well-known brand, which are available in AA and AAA formats. Users note the long service life of the model: the battery provides energy even 10 years after release.
Practical tests have shown that batteries have proven themselves best in devices that are used from time to time (for example, a remote control). If you install them in a children's railway, the charge will end in 2-3 days.
Pros:
- shelf life up to 10 years;
- the housing is protected from leaks.
Minuses:
- high cost in comparison with analogues;
- difficult to find in regular stores.
Price: from 144 rubles.
Sony Alkaline Stamina Platinum
Duracell Basic
The model has become widespread due to its affordable price and long service life. The operating voltage of the cells is 1.5 V, but according to the manufacturer, the batteries remain charged for 10 years if they are not used.
Users confirm the increased performance of the devices and positively evaluate the range of standard sizes. The batteries of this model are available in the following forms: AA, AAA, C, D and 9V.
Pros:
- stable voltage 1.5 V;
- wide range of standard sizes;
- remain operational for 10 years (without active use).
No shortcomings were found by users.
Price: from 120 rubles.
Duracell Basic
Saft LS14500 (AA)
Prices for 1 piece. : 272-443 rub.
Saft LS14500 lithium batteries of up to 50 mA and, unlike the others presented here, are designed for a power of 3.6 W. Their capacity is 2600 mAh. A key feature of the batteries is the concentric design of the electrodes.
If you want to save money, you can purchase batteries on Aliexpress - price for 1 pc. on the website is 206 rubles. Please check the batteries locally as one of the customers received them in bags and not in the original packaging and they ended up not working.
TOP 3 best lithium batteries
Lithium batteries are considered the most modern and powerful. They have a long shelf life and are suitable for installation in devices with high energy consumption.
Despite the high cost of such power devices, many users prefer lithium batteries. The rating of the best models, based on consumer opinions, is given below.
Energizer Ultimate Lithium
Due to low self-discharge, the battery can be used even after 20 years of storage. The product is recommended for use in devices with high energy consumption.
Despite the high cost, the batteries are suitable for those who do not have the opportunity to frequently change battery elements. They maintain a stable voltage even if the battery is almost completely discharged.
Pros:
- sold in many retail outlets;
- voltage stability does not depend on the charge level;
- Suitable for high power consumption devices.
Minuses:
- high price;
- Discharge quickly in devices with low power consumption (for example, remote control).
Price: 220 rubles.
Energizer Ultimate Lithium
VARTA Professional Lithium
When this model first appeared on the market, it was in very high demand due to its long service life and affordable price. Now the production of such batteries has been discontinued, so it is difficult to find them in regular retail outlets.
Compared to alkaline models, these batteries are lightweight and have a high charge level. They are recommended for installation in devices with high power consumption or in devices that users often hold in their hands (for example, flashlights or gamepads).
Pros:
- long duration of continuous operation (3 hours in intensive mode);
- protection against leaks;
- do not lose charge during long-term storage.
Minus: the model has been discontinued and it is difficult to find batteries on the open market.
Price: from 290 rubles.
VARTA Professional Lithium
Robiton Profi CR123A
The composition of the battery is lithium manganese dioxide. The power supply has good performance, even at high current discharges. The rated power reaches 3 V, and the capacity of 1500 mAh allows the battery to be used in cameras and video equipment.
Additionally, the device is equipped with overheating protection, and the battery itself is resistant to cold. Sold in blisters of 1 piece.
Pros:
- capacity 1500 mAh;
- operating voltage 3 V;
- performance is maintained even at low temperatures.
No cons found.
Price: from 115 rubles.
Robiton Profi CR123A
GP Super Alkaline (AA)
Prices for 1 piece. : 37.5-49 rub.
GP Super Alkaline AA alkaline batteries , made in China, hold a charge for approximately 6 months and do not contain mercury. GP products are on the list of trusted brands (as already reported in paragraph 8), so you can safely take the kit.
If you use batteries for a computer mouse, you will be surprised by its durability. Your wireless mouse will last for several months with batteries, and the price is less than its competitors. If you're looking for a reliable power source for frequently used devices, be sure to take a look at GP Super Alkaline .
How to choose a rechargeable battery
Before choosing good rechargeable batteries, you need to understand that they are distinguished from disposable analogues by the “rechargeable” marking. Neglecting this point leads to unnecessary costs and problems with the operation of powered or charging equipment. At a voltage of 1.2 V, finger, little finger and D-type batteries successfully replace ordinary 1.5 V batteries, and to obtain higher ratings they are combined into sets with sequential connection. Rechargeable batteries are tens of times more expensive than disposable ones, so when choosing them you should not neglect to consider a number of important parameters.
Standard size
Among rechargeable batteries for portable and mobile devices, the most common are finger, little finger and D-cells. Similar in cylindrical shape, they differ in size and capacity. If for the smallest AAA cells its range is limited to 1300 mAh, then relatively large D-type batteries can accumulate up to 19000 mAh of energy. Before choosing rechargeable batteries, you need to clarify in which equipment they will be installed. The most reliable information will be provided by studying the battery compartment, as well as reading the instructions for the device for which the batteries are purchased.
Capacity
Capacity, measured in miles-amp-hours, provides information about how long the batteries will last. Since this parameter directly affects the price, purchasing energy-intensive rechargeable batteries is not always advisable.
There is no point in inserting a battery with a price of 2-3 hundred rubles into a watch that will work for more than a year on an ordinary battery. However, insufficient capacity will lead to frequent charging, which, in addition to inconvenience, will shorten the life of the rechargeable power source.
Optimal selection of batteries by capacity:
- Up to 1000 mAh – phones, remote controls, toys, as well as inexpensive devices with low power consumption:
- Up to 2100 mAh – amateur digital cameras, wireless mice, razors, toothbrushes, blenders;
- Up to 2500 mAh – tourist flashlights, photo flashes, game consoles, metal detectors, radio microphones;
- Over 5000 mAh – power banks, laptops and other energy-intensive devices.
As the capacity increases, the resource of rechargeable power supplies decreases.
Number of recharge cycles
The number of charge/discharge cycles is comparable to the battery life. To attract buyers, sellers inflate indicators, which in reality turn out to be several times lower. By indicating on the packaging the possibility of up to 2000 reloads, the manufacturer means ideal conditions and strict adherence to operating rules. In practice, good batteries rarely last more than 500 charging cycles.
Self-discharge
Self-discharge refers to the residual energy in the battery over a certain period of time. The parameter measured as a percentage is related to:
- Chemical composition, technologies;
- Operating conditions;
- Characteristics of the charger.
Nickel-cadmium batteries with LSD technology have proven themselves better than others in terms of self-discharge; after a month's storage, they save from 80 to 99% of their capacity. Although, when advertising their products, many manufacturers provide these indicators for a one-year period.
Duracell Basic (AAA)
Prices for 1 piece. : 49-65 rub.
The cute pink hare has won the hearts of many people from all over the world, so when they see him on batteries, they buy them without hesitation. Duracell Basic as good as the manufacturers say they are?
Duracell Basic AAA alkaline batteries For example, for a car alarm key fob, according to the user, the batteries last for six months. You will also be using a wireless mouse for a long time, changing the batteries about once every six months. The quality of Duracell is always at its best, as many people have been able to verify.
