Article updated on 08/21/2023 – We will soon add LR6 batteries to this comparison. Indeed, we are currently testing several of the most promising models. See you in September to discover the best LR6 rechargeable batteries on the market according to our in-house tests. Also note that, while our selection of LR3 batteries does not change in August, we have however restructured this guide in order to present to you our top 3 of the best products right from the start.
1. Amazon Basics AAA (8-pack): the best “cheap” rechargeable batteries
2. Duracell AAA 900 mAh (pack of 4 batteries): the best performing rechargeable batteries
3. panasonic eneloop pro (pack of 4): the most powerful rechargeable batteries
Our rechargeable battery test procedures
In order to carry out this comparison of the best rechargeable batteries, we have identified 22 models among the best-selling on the market, then selected and tested the 8 most promising batteries on paper, for several days.
To evaluate these rechargeable batteries, we focused on the most common batteries, namely the AAA / LR3 types. We have first check their charge level out of packaging. The capacity of each battery, expressed in mAh, was also taken into account. To assess the real autonomy in situation, rechargeable batteries were tested in a flashlight requiring only one battery, without recharging it first.
We were thus able to note from when the light began to flash, a sign that the energy was exhausted. In a second step, we charged the batteries to the maximum and we tested them in another small electronic device.
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This allowed us to evaluate their performance in timing how long the device operates before the batteries run out. Finally, we have timed 2 times their charging time using the same charger for all rechargeable batteries. Note that we only charged one battery at a time.
The best “cheap” rechargeable batteries: Amazon Basics AAA (pack of 8 batteries)
Upon receipt of this model of Amazon branded batteries, our battery checker told us they were partially charged. According to the manufacturer, they have a capacity of 500 cycles with minimal loss of power. Thanks to their displayed capacity of 850 mAh, our product experts found them very interesting for their very affordable price, especially since the performance is there.
Indeed, these Amazon batteries have allowed to run our test device continuously for 8:23 a.m. The only two models that outperformed the Amazon Basics rechargeable batteries were significantly more expensive and lasted 10:33 and 9:28 respectively. they were slower to load than most other models. If you opt for these batteries, know that they also exist in AA, C, D and 9V formats.
Product Rating: 4/5
The most powerful rechargeable batteries: Duracell AAA 900 mAh (pack of 4 batteries)
Duracell batteries are among the best known and most popular on the market and this particular model, 900 mAh and supplied in packs of 4, is therefore very widespread. These batteries also exist in 750 mAh, but their power/price ratio is less interesting in our opinion. However, the performance of this 900 mAh version simply impressed us. Unsurprisingly, these rechargeable batteries easily climbed to the top of the charts with autonomy of 10 h 33an hour more than the second-place battery in our comparison.
They are also preloaded arrivals and allowed our flashlight to run longer than others before the light started flashing. However, like the Amazon Basics, we estimated their charging time to be a bit longsince they put 1h50 to fully recharge. They exist in different capacities for the AA format: 2,500 mAh and 1,300 mAh, and are also available in batches of different quantities.
Product Rating: 4.5/5
The most powerful rechargeable batteries: Panasonic Eneloop Pro (battery pack of 4)
These Panasonic brand batteries have been the second best performers in our comparison. Arriving pre-charged with just under 1.2V out of 1.5V max, they performed very well with our flashlight test. When fully charged, they allowed operate a small electronic device for 9:28 a.m.and their charging time was excellent. They are also the largest capacity batteries among those tested, with 930 mAh over 500 recharge cycles.
Their performance/price ratio is a little less interesting than the other batteries in this comparison but remains honorable. They remain an excellent solution compared to the alternatives proposed currently on the market. Finally, they are also available in AA format with a capacity of 2,500 mAh, and in different batches.
Product Rating: 4/5
The rechargeable batteries with the longest life: Panasonic Eneloop ready to use (pack of 16)
Even if these batteries technically arrive behind the others in this comparison, we found them compelling. They have proven to be less efficient than those from Amazon, which are less expensive, but better than the Energizer Recharge Extreme batteries, which are also very popular with consumers.
If their value for money is a little worse than that of the other batteries, it remains completely coherent, in particular because they recharged the fastest (less than 1h20) and that they have a 2,100 cycle life, which far surpasses all other models. Upon unpacking, we have found that they were indeed “ready to use” with about 1.2V filled to 1.5V, like the Panasonic Eneloop Pros. With the same characteristics, they are also available in AA format.
Product Rating: 3.5/5
How to choose a rechargeable battery?
Following the recommendations of our product experts, here are the key criteria to consider before buying a rechargeable battery.
1 – Capacity
- The higher the capacity of a battery, the longer the battery lasts in use. It is expressed in mAh.
- It is interesting to note that the true capacity of a battery is generally lower than the theoretical capacity indicated by the manufacturer.
2 – The type of battery
- It exists several types of batteries: our test concerns, for the moment, only AAA batteries which use NiMH technology, nickel metal hydride. Their main advantage lies in their longevity: they have no “memory effect” and can be recharged at any time, even if they are not completely discharged.
- Among the other technologies, we find those with nickel-cadmium, lithium, lead and zinc, but they are much rarer. Therefore, it is more difficult to find compatible chargers.
3 – The number of cycles
- A rechargeable battery can withstand a certain number of cycles before losing efficiency and becoming unusable.
- It is important to take this criterion into account and opt for high-end batteries. Of course, they are more expensive, but they offer a better lifespan.
4 – Batch availability
- Whether you need multiple batteries to run a device or have multiple devices that require rechargeable batteries, it may be worth buying eight-packs. Also, it will allow you to use half and charge the other half in parallel, so you never run out of battery.
- However, note that there is generally no real financial gain in investing in a pack of 8 batteries instead of 4.
Most Affordable Rechargeable Batteries: Amazon Basics AAA (8-Pack)
The most powerful rechargeable batteries: Duracell AAA 900 mAh (pack of 4 batteries)
The most powerful rechargeable batteries: Panasonic Eneloop Pro (battery pack of 4)
The rechargeable batteries with the longest life: Panasonic Eneloop ready to use (pack of 16)
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