What's the difference between types of batteries?

Typically, AA and AAA batteries come in one of two flavors: lithium or alkaline (though please don't lick your batteries). Lithium batteries are longer-lasting, less prone to leakage, and more expensive. Alkaline batteries are cheaper, more ubiquitous, but rarely rechargeable.

How long do rechargeable AA and AAA batteries last?

The total lifespan of your batteries, as well as the duration of a single charge for rechargeable batteries, depends on a number of factors: the draw of the device they're inserted in, voltage, the total time they're in active use vs. downtime, environmental factors, and manufacturing process/component quality. Generally, lithium and eneloop batteries will last longer than their alkaline alternatives, both in terms of individual charge and total life span.

Can batteries explode?

It's extremely rare that consumer AA or AAA batteries will explode. To avoid ruptures, be sure you're not inserting batteries in the wrong direction, especially for long periods of time, and store your batteries (or the devices they're living in) away from heat sources and in dry conditions (to avoid corrosion and deteriorating the case, as well as the battery cavity of the device itself)

The 5 Best AA and AAA Rechargeable Batteries of 2023

If you have many battery-powered devices in your house, switching to rechargeable batteries can save you a lot of money. Our experts think most people should buy the Energizer AA rechargeable batteries, which are perfect for remotes and low-power devices.

The Rundown

Best Overall:

Energizer Rechargeable AA Batteries (8-Pack) at Amazon

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Best Amazon:

AmazonBasics 12-Pack AAA Batteries at Amazon

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Best Long-Lasting:

Panasonic 16-Pack Eneloop AA and AAA at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Energerizer AAA Recharger Power Plus (4 count) at Amazon

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Best High Capacity:

EBL AA and AAA at Amazon

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in this article

Our Picks
What to Look for in a Rechargeable Battery
FAQ

Energizer Rechargeable AA Batteries (8-Pack)

Amazon

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What We Like

5-year average lifespan
Maintain charge for 12 months in storage
Made partially from recycled batteries

What We Don't Like

Runs down somewhat quickly between charges

This set of eight AA batteries from Energizer is an excellent household pack for keeping remotes, cameras, and kids’ toys up and running year-round. They’re also made from 4% recycled batteries, making them more environmentally friendly.

These batteries are pre-charged and ready to use right out of the package and can be recharged about 1,000 times in their lifecycle, potentially replacing hundreds of single-use batteries.

Energizer’s “Extended Life Composition” also promises up to five years of regular use before they need to be recycled. If you aren’t using them immediately, they can maintain a storage charge for up to a year.

Each charge gives these batteries 5.5 to 8 hours of use. That’s quite a bit of time for devices used infrequently or with minimal power, like TV remotes or flashlights. But if you want to use these in electronics that are on for long periods or use a lot of power, like a set of string lights or a video game controller, you may need to recharge these batteries frequently.

_{Size: AA | Type: NiMH (nickel metal hybrid) | Capacity: 2,000mAh | Recharge Cycles: 1,000 | Pre-charged: Yes}

Amazon

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What We Like

Good value
Charger included
4-hour recharge time

What We Don't Like

Capacity diminishes with multiple recharges

Amazon offers a rechargeable option under the AmazonBasics brand, and this 12-pack of AAA batteries makes our list based on sheer value. Not only do you get a dozen rechargeable batteries, but you also get a USB-powered charger that’s compatible with both AA and AAA battery sizes. It makes this a great starter kit for anyone looking to buy rechargeable batteries for the first time.

When left in storage, these batteries can be recharged up to 1,000 times and maintain 80% of their capacity for two years. The charger can also power up AmazonBasics-brand batteries in just four hours. As a safety measure, it protects against accidental overcharging and wrong-polarity charging.

_{Size: AAA | Type: NiMH (nickel metal hybrid) | Capacity: 800mAh | Recharge Cycles: 1,000 | Pre-charged: Yes}

Amazon

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What We Like

Up to 2,100 recharge cycles
Maintains charge for 10 years in storage
Works in cold weather

What We Don't Like

More expensive
No charger included

They’re a little pricier than the other options on this list, but Panasonic’s Eneloop brand AAA rechargeable batteries last the longest. These batteries can be recharged up to 2,100 times, which is about twice the lifespan of the average rechargeable battery and can power up in about two hours.

They are pre-charged out of the package and are “low self-discharge,” meaning they can maintain about 70% of their power for up to 10 years in storage.

Unlike many other rechargeable batteries, Eneloop AAA batteries work even in frigid temperatures as low as -4°F. This resilience makes them an excellent option for outdoor electronics like lights, security cameras, or an emergency kit in your car.

_{Size: AAA | Type: NiMH (nickel metal hybrid) | Capacity: 800mAh | Recharge Cycles: 2,100 | Pre-charged: Yes}

Energerizer AAA Recharger Power Plus (4 count)

Amazon

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What We Like

Maintains charge for 12 months in storage
Made partially from recycled batteries

What We Don't Like

Shorter overall lifespan

This pack of Energizer AAA rechargeable batteries is a great budget option for powering household items. The Recharge Power Plus model is designed to last longer between charges than some of Energizer’s other rechargeable options, so it’s excellent for electronics that use a lot of power, like digital cameras or kids’ toys.

As a bonus, these batteries are made from 4% recycled batteries and can hold their charge for about a year in storage. The main downside is that it doesn’t support quite as many recharges, maxing out at about 700 cycles.

_{Size: AAA | Type: NiMH (nickel metal hybrid) | Capacity: 800mAh | Recharge Cycles: 700 | Pre-charged: Yes}

Amazon

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What We Like

Higher capacity
Maintains 80% capacity for 3 years of use

What We Don't Like

Only pre-charged to 15% capacity
Longer charge time

EBL may not be the most recognizable brand name, but these rechargeable batteries are an Amazon favorite for a reason. While most AAA rechargeable batteries have an 800mAh capacity, these have a whopping 1,100mAh capacity, meaning they last longer between charges and are an ideal choice for electronics that draw a lot of power.

These batteries are also LSD, or “low self-discharge,” so after three years of regular use, they should still be able to charge to 80%. They’re good for up to 1,200 recharge cycles.

While these batteries are technically pre-charged and useable out of the pack, they’re charged only to 15% capacity and will need several hours before they’re at full power. Their larger capacity also means they typically take longer to charge than 800mAh AAA batteries.

_{Size: AAA | Type: NiMH (nickel metal hybrid) | Capacity: 1,100mAh | Recharge Cycles: 1,200 | Pre-charged: Yes, only 15%}

What to Look for in a Rechargeable Battery

Long Life

The life of a rechargeable battery is defined by how many times you can charge it, use it, and charge it again before it no longer works. Look for rechargeable AA and AAA batteries rated for at least 500 recharge cycles or up to 2,000 recharge cycles for higher-end batteries.

Charge Capacity

Rechargeable AA and AAA batteries are defined by charge capacity, given in mAH. High-charge capacity is essential if your devices use a lot of power. A lower capacity is acceptable if you buy batteries for devices requiring less power, like wall clocks and remote controls.

Low Self-Discharge

This refers to how much charge the batteries lose when they aren’t used. This is extremely important if you want to keep extra AA and AAA rechargeable batteries in your drawer and grab fresh ones when needed instead of waiting for the charger.

FAQ

What's the difference between types of batteries?

Typically, AA and AAA batteries come in one of two flavors: lithium or alkaline (though please don't lick your batteries). Lithium batteries are longer-lasting, less prone to leakage, and more expensive. Alkaline batteries are cheaper, more ubiquitous, but rarely rechargeable.
How long do rechargeable AA and AAA batteries last?

The total lifespan of your batteries, as well as the duration of a single charge for rechargeable batteries, depends on a number of factors: the draw of the device they're inserted in, voltage, the total time they're in active use vs. downtime, environmental factors, and manufacturing process/component quality. Generally, lithium and eneloop batteries will last longer than their alkaline alternatives, both in terms of individual charge and total life span.
Can batteries explode?

It's extremely rare that consumer AA or AAA batteries will explode. To avoid ruptures, be sure you're not inserting batteries in the wrong direction, especially for long periods of time, and store your batteries (or the devices they're living in) away from heat sources and in dry conditions (to avoid corrosion and deteriorating the case, as well as the battery cavity of the device itself)