The Best Rechargeable Batteries You Can Use Over and Over Again

We’ve all felt the pain of sitting down to play a game and getting that dreaded “low battery” warning for our Xbox One controller. Batteries are an unfortunate fact of life. Luckily, there’s a way to break that cycle of buying package after package of single-use batteries. It’s time to stop wasting money and invest in a better solution: rechargeable batteries.

Rechargeable batteries have come a long way and there are more options than ever before. Spending a little more upfront can save you big bucks in the long term and keep you from needing to buy more for years at a time. If you’re ready to move on from those old school disposables, we’re here to help. Here’s a breakdown of some of our favorite rechargeable batteries, no matter what size you’re looking for.

TL;DR – These are the Best Rechargeable Batteries

1. Panasonic Eneloop Pro

Best Rechargeable Batteries

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Panasonic’s Eneloops have one of the best reputations in the business and for good reason. Not only do they pack a respectable amount of charge, they’re reliable and consistent even over longer periods of time.
They consistently rank among the highest in rechargeable battery round-ups and have won over the community.

These Eneloop Pros are slightly more expensive than normal Eneloops but offer 20% more capacity to save you time between recharge cycles. At 2550mAh for AA and 950mAh for AAA, they have a lead on other major brands in capacity, and with AA and AAA sizes, 4 and 8 packs, you’ll be able to outfit all of your favorite devices.

2. Bonai Rechargeable Batteries

Best Budget Rechargeable Batteries

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If Eneloops are too expensive, Bonai batteries make for an outstanding option. Not only do they offer improved 2800mAh and 1000mAh capacities, they’re also available in 24-packs for only $34.97 as of this writing – $1.46 per battery! If that’s too much, you can also scale back with 8 or 16-pack options.

BONAI may not be a household name, but they deliver an incredible bang for your buck. Every battery is rated for a whopping 1200 cycle lifespan and includes a 12-month guarantee, so you can buy with confidence.

3. AmazonBasics Rechargeable Batteries

Best C and D Rechargeable Batteries

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If you’re looking to power a larger device, chances are that AA and AAA aren’t going to cut it. Amazon is here to help through their house-brand, AmazonBasics. AmazonBasics Rechargeable Batteries come in both C and D sizes, as well as AA, AAA, and 9V if you want to buy multiple types at once. These batteries also come pre-charged, right out of the box.

Worried about buying a store brand? Don’t be. At only $12.49 for C-size and $24.49 for D-size, these batteries are not only more affordable than name-brand Energizers, but also double and quadruple the battery life at 5000mAh and 10000mAh for C and D sizes. Each is rated for an impressive 1000 charge cycles. If that’s not enough, the AmazonBasics Rechargeable Battery line currently sits at an incredible fifty-three thousand reviews at 4.5 stars. The downside? These larger sizes require a separate charger like this one from EBL.

4. EBL 9-Volt Lithium Ion Rechargeable Batteries

Best 9-Volt Rechargeable Batteries

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With the other basics covered, you may find yourself looking for a reliable set of 9-volts. After all, maintaining the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can save your life. Rechargeable 9-volts don’t come much better than the 600mAh capacity version from EBL. For just over $30, you get a set of five batteries and a high-quality smart charger that will make sure the batteries never over-charge or overheat.

What’s more, this set abandons the usual Nickel battery in favor of Lithium-Ion, the same type powering your smartphone. At 600mAh, they’ll last a long time on their own, but with the move to Lithium, you’ll never have to worry about your devices getting weak as you near a recharge. Plus, they recharge much faster too!

5. Zonhood High Capacity Rechargeable Batteries

Best High Capacity Rechargeable Batteries

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If you’re looking for the best high capacity rechargeable batteries, look no further than Zonhood. Their high capacity line is very similar to our Best Budget pick above, but wins out in this category due to the excellent guarantee. Zonhood doubles the standard by offering a 60-day guarantee and full 24-month warranty!

You’ll also be pleased to know that these batteries offer industry-leading capacity at 2,800mAh and 1100mAh for AA and AAA sizes. Paired with a 1200 cycle lifespan, investing in these batteries will save you recharges and extra trips to the store.

6. Deleepow Rechargeable Li-ion AA Batteries

Best Lithium Rechargeable Batteries

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Nickel batteries are great for many things, but sometimes you need to guarantee full power, right up until they’re depleted. If that describes you, then consider Deleepow’s Rechargeable Lithium Batteries. Available in packs of four with or without a charger, in both AA and AAA sizes, these batteries will provide consistent power at 1.5V.

The thing to keep in mind is that these are rated in milliwatt hours, not milliamp, like nickel batteries. 3200mWh translates to about 2,100mAh, so the overall time between your charges will likely be less than with a traditional Ni-MH battery. The AAA version is even less at 533mAh. Maintaining full power does come with some sacrifices, but it’s necessary for electronics like drones. Lithium rechargeable batteries also often output at higher voltages, which is useful for high-powered devices.

7. EBL USB Rechargeable AA Lithium Batteries

Best USB Rechargeable Batteries

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All of the batteries in this list so far have required wall chargers, but if you don’t have an outlet to spare, the EBL USB Rechargeable AA Lithium Ion Batteries are likely a good choice. Every battery has its own micro-USB connection and the package comes with a handy 4-in-1 charging cable to plug them all in at once. Since they’re all lithium ion, you can count on power that won’t weaken over time and a fast, two hour recharge time.

These batteries also pack a lot of juice. Rated at 3300 mWh at 1.5V, that translates to 2200mAh of consistent power. They’re also rated for a full 1200 recharge cycle, so should last for years into the future. The downside? They’re only available in AA.

What To Look for in Rechargeable Batteries

When shopping for rechargeable batteries, there are a handful of key things you’re going to want to keep in mind: capacity, battery type, lifespan, and the reputation of the manufacturer. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to look for when purchasing rechargeable batteries.

Capacity is one of the most important. It is most frequently rated in milliampere/milliamp hours (mAh) and reflects how much charge the battery can hold. How long that battery will last depends on its milliamp rating and how much power the device requires. A remote control car will drain your batteries far faster than an Xbox One controller, for example. As a rule, you’ll want to buy the highest milliamp hour battery you can afford.

Along with that, you need to consider what type of battery will best match your needs. Most rechargeable batteries use Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH). This makes the batteries more affordable but their power output drops the weaker the battery becomes.

Other batteries use Lithium, similar to those in your smartphone, and avoid this but at a higher price. Be aware, lithium batteries are often rated in milliwatt hours, which can make their capacities seem larger than they really are. Be sure to use a calculator when comparing between different lithium-ion batteries.

The third thing to keep in mind is the expected lifespan of the batteries, usually rated in recharge cycles. The more cycles the battery is rated for, the better. A good battery will have a lifespan of 500 cycles at minimum and preferably 1000+.

The final thing to consider is the reputation of the battery manufacturer. Amazon is filled with rechargeable batteries from companies you’ve likely never heard of. Since Amazon accepts sellers from around the world, this isn’t something to be afraid of, but you should always read the reviews. While most listings will be perfectly trustworthy, there are a few bad apples, so before you hit that Buy Now button, remember this life lesson: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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Source: IGN.com The Best Rechargeable Batteries You Can Use Over and Over Again