Zinc chloride : This used to be the general-purpose battery of choice, but alkaline batteries are now so cheap that you don’t often see them. Today’s disposable batteries break down into three basic types: For some purposes – when you’re powering low-drain devices such as a clock or remote control – the differences aren’t that important, but with high-drain devices like a camera, game controller or anything with a lamp, screen or motor, you could see huge differences in lifespan and reliability. Different manufacturers use different chemistries and processes to make them, and there are big differences in terms of how much power the battery can supply, how long it lasts and how fast the battery loses energy while not in active use. How to choose the best AA batteries for youĪA batteries might be cheap and cheerful, but that doesn’t mean they’re all the same. If you need further guidance as to which batteries suit your needs best, there’s a buying guide towards the bottom of the page explaining the differences between various types of batteries, including rechargeable variants. Of course, not any disposable will do, you want batteries with a decent life so they won’t need replacing when you need them most.īelow you’ll find the list of those that came on top in their respective categories. That may make rechargeable batteries a more appealing option in the long term, but they’re not as convenient, and for certain devices, you’re better off sticking with disposables. If you’re using just a few of the aforementioned gadgets, you’re bound to get through plenty of batteries over the course of the year. Torches, toys, clocks and remote controls are among the most commonly used products requiring them, and you’ll find bridge and DSLR cameras, radios, video game controllers and travel shavers that are powered by them, too. However when it’s placed under load, the voltage comes in at ~ 1.5 volts.Despite the majority of modern gadgets now opting for built-in batteries, there are still many useful household items that rely on good old AA batteries. Take a look at the following chart which shows the Energizer lithium L91 (AA size) battery voltage discharge profile.Īs you can see, the voltage is higher than 1.5 under a near-zero load. However when operating under load, the operating voltage will range from 1.4 down to about 1.2 depending on load and time spent under load. Here’s another photo that I just took of the open circuit voltage for an alkaline Energizer MAX battery. I’m sure that’s because the operating voltage (~ 1.5) falls within the design parameters of most AA powered devices. I have never had a problem using the lithium in place of the alkaline in my particular devices. If your device specifically restricts the use of lithium chemistry, well, use the Energizer Max instead. Here’s a photo I just took while measuring open circuit voltage of a new Energizer AA Ultimate Lithium battery.Ĭheck the operating manual or quick-start guide of your device. This AA lithium battery under typical loads will operate in a nice range of approximately 1.5 volts down to about 1.4 volts over time. This is where the lithium vs alkaline battery excels. HOWEVER, before you get all worried about that (being more than 1.5 volts)… As soon as the load goes above just a few milliamps, say 10 mA, operating voltage settles in at 1.5 volts. Note the apparent open-circuit (no load) voltage of the AA lithium. However the lithium chemistry performs much, much better under load. See the linked article at the end about these batteries that don’t leak or corrode.īoth batteries have a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts. Best of all, they don’t leak (Lithium batteries don’t leak either). I use this particular brand exclusively for my alkaline needs. I have found an excellent AA alkaline battery for everything else. ![]() cold weather performance, high capacity, and heavier loads). So I don’t use them for everything where I don’t need their advantages (e.g. ![]() Yes, lithium AA batteries cost more than regular alkaline batteries. However the advantages are the same regardless of its form factor. So I use them in devices which demand good performance under higher loads. Lithium battery performance characteristics are outstanding under load. 2-way handheld radios while transmitting) because lithium battery voltage is a tad higher than alkaline. Lastly, for devices with high drain demands (e.g. Also for devices where more battery capacity (longer life) under moderate to heavy load is preferred. I use AA lithium batteries for my battery powered devices operating in cold weather. And I will suggest a great alkaline battery too. Although you might not need to spend the extra $ for the advantages of lithium vs alkaline – depending on the device you’re powering. ![]() You might ask, “Are lithium AA batteries better than alkaline?” My answer and opinion is mostly yes.
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