Our experts think most people should just buy the Energizer AA rechargeable batteries, which are perfect for remotes and low power devices. If this is your first time buying rechargeable batteries, don’t forget you’ll need a charger—be sure to check out our list of the best rechargeable battery chargers. 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 right away, they can maintain a charge for up to a year in storage. Each charge gives these batteries 5.5 to 8 hours of use. That’s quite a bit of time for devices that are used infrequently or draw a minimal amount of power, like TV remotes or flashlights. But if you want to use these in electronics that are on for longer stretches of time or use a lot of power, like a set of string lights or a video game controller, you may find you need to recharge these batteries pretty frequently. Size: AA | Type: NiMH (nickel metal hybrid) | Capacity: 2,000mAh | Recharge Cycles: 1,000 | Pre-charged: Yes Size: AAA | Type: NiMH (nickel metal hybrid) | Capacity: 800mAh | Recharge Cycles: 1,000 | Pre-charged: Yes 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 brands of rechargeable batteries, Eneloop AAA batteries work even in very cold temperatures as low as minus-4 F. This makes them a great 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 As an added 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 These batteries are also LSD, or “low self discharge,” so they retain that larger capacity for longer—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 on the charger 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% These are high-capacity, 2,300mAh batteries that last longer between charges and can be recharged up to 1,200 times. They also maintain 80% of their charge when left in storage for three years. Some reviewers note these batteries have a slightly larger diameter than the average AA, which may mean they don’t fit in every battery compartment. Size: AA | Type: NiMH (nickel metal hybrid) | Capacity: 2,300mAh | Recharge Cycles: 1,200 | Pre-charged: Yes
Charge Capacity
Rechargeable AA and AAA batteries are defined by charge capacity, which is given in mAH. If your devices use a lot of power, then high-charge capacity is essential. If you’re buying batteries for devices that require less power, like wall clocks and remote controls, a lower capacity is fine.
Low Self-Discharge
This refers to how much charge the batteries lose when they aren’t in use. This is extremely important if you want to keep a bunch of extra AA and AAA rechargeable batteries in your drawer and grab fresh ones when you need them instead of waiting for the charger.
About Our Trusted Experts
Emmeline Kaser is an experienced product researcher and reviewer in the field of consumer tech. She is a former editor for Lifewire’s product testing and recommendation round-ups.
