The Best AA Batteries To Power Toys, Gaming Controllers And More (2024)

Bespoke rechargeable batteries might be all the rage in most modern electronics, but there are still plenty of reasons you might need to use the humble AA battery. Kids’ toys, wireless Xbox controllers, TV remotes, and more still need traditional batteries, so knowing what the best AA batteries are can save you a lot of time and money.

Whether you're on the lookout for the best rechargeable AA batteries or just need a few disposables for emergency replacements, you want to buy batteries that are affordable, have a high capacity, and in the case of rechargeables, maintain their charge over long periods of time. Here are some of the best AA batteries you can buy for all sorts of needs and budgets.

• Longest Lasting Disposable AA: Energizer Ultimate Lithium
• Best Budget AA Batteries: ACDelco Super Alkaline Batteries
• Best Rechargeable AA Batteries: Panasonic Eneloop AA Rechargeable
• Best AA Batteries In Bulk: Rayovac AA Alkaline 500-Pack
• Best Branded AA Batteries: Energizer Max AA 48-Pack
• Best Advanced AA Battery Charger Kit: Panasonic Eneloop Pro
• Best Leak Proof Alkaline AA Batteries: Voniko Premium Grade AA Batteries
• Best Budget Rechargeable AA Batteries: Amazon Basics AA High-Capacity
• Best Fast Charger AA Battery Kit: Energizer 1-Hour AA Charger

Longest Lasting Disposable AA

Energizer Ultimate Lithium

Consistently ranked as one of, if not the longest lasting disposable batteries, the Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAs are about as good as it gets for single-use AA batteries. They cost more because of it, but if you want to swap batteries as infrequently as possible whilst guaranteeing good power delivery, these are the best AA batteries for the job.

Be wary of offers for these batteries in greater numbers, as there are a lot of counterfeit Energizer Ultimate batteries around. Stick to reputable sellers and if you need a lot of them, buy a greater number of smaller packs.

Budget Battery AA Batteries

ACDelco Super Alkaline Batteries 100 Pack

These alkaline AA batteries won't last as long as some of the more premium brands, but they do have one thing going for them: they're very cheap. Coming in at around half the price of the next most affordable options, these are the best AA batteries for those on a tight budget who still need a lot of power. They ship in a handy carry case too, so you don't even need to worry about batteries rolling around in your drawers once you've torn open the packaging.

Best Rechargeable AA Batteries

Panasonic Eneloop AA Rechargeable

With rechargeable batteries, it's all about lifespan. How many recharges can they take and how long can they last when being used and stored. Panasonic's Enelooop brand batteries have a high 2,000mAh capacity and can be recharged over 2,000 times for extensive re-use. Better yet, they manage to hold 70% of their charge over those recharges, so you won't end up with dud AA batteries in a year or two.

In fact, Panasonic guarantees that they'll maintain that level of charge over a 10 year period, so if you buy enough of these, you shouldn't need to buy AA batteries for many years to come. They also come pre-charged using solar energy, so you don't have to feel quite so guilty about using them right out of the box.

Best AA Batteries In Bulk

Rayovac AA Alkaline Battery 500 Pack

If swapping batteries out doesn't matter and you just need a lot of them right now, Rayovac offers a monstrously huge 500 pack of alkaline batteries. They're mercury free and rated to last 10 years so you shouldn't ever need to buy AA batteries again after picking up this pack.

Despite the relatively low cost, Rayovak batteries perform rather well in most tests, outlasting some of the more recognized brands. They're not top of the line, but they aren't scraping the barrel either.

Do note, however, that alkaline batteries are more prone to leakage than other types of disposable AA batteries. These are rated for a long shelf life so that shouldn't be a problem, but it's worth noting before deciding on which AA batteries are right for you.

Best Branded AA Batteries

Energizer Max AA 48 Pack

Need a lot of batteries but want to stick to a brand you know? Energizer has you covered. This 48-pack of AA alkaline batteries will last far longer than most competing batteries in demanding devices and they're even sold at a competitive price.

They aren't the longest-lasting batteries out there, and you'll never enjoy the same longevity of rechargeables or lithium batteries with alkaline, but the Energizer Max are some of the best AA batteries for anyone who wants a lot of long-lasting batteries without spending a fortune.

Best Advanced AA Battery Charger Kit

Panasonic Eneloop Pro High Capacity Power Pack

If you need a mix of long-life AA and AAA rechargeable batteries and could use a high-powered charger too, the Panasonic Eneloop pro charger kit has everything you need. The Eneloop Pro batteries don't have as many charge cycles as standard Eneloops, but they do have an extra 25% capacity, making them last significantly longer depending on the device they're powering. They're also designed to operate just as well at temperatures as low as four degrees Fahrenheit, making them great for cold climate use.

The charger itself can charge between one and four AA or AAA batteries (or a mix of both) at any one time; an advantage over some chargers which only charge in pairs. Lights tell you the status of each battery in the charger, and it sits snuggly against power sockets without taking up too much space. It even fits neatly into the handy storage case, so you can take your batteries and charger with you on the go more easily.

Best Leak Proof Alkaline AA Batteries

Voniko Premium Grade AA Batteries

All the convenience and low cost of alkaline without the concern for leaking, Voniko provides some of the most affordable batteries you can buy, and they're long lasting too. The real selling point of Voniko's design, however, is the double layer internal structure with a stainless steel cover. That construction ensures these alkaline batteries are completely leak proof and guaranteed to protect your electronic devices.

Voniko also employs strict environmentally friendly practices in the construction of these batteries. Packaging is re-usable for battery storage, and there is no lead, mercury or cadmium used in the manufacturing process.

Best Budget Rechargeable AA Batteries

Amazon Basics AA High-Capacity Rechargeable Batteries

This 24-pack of Amazon Basics batteries offers not only a high 2,400 mAh battery capacity, but long shelf life too. They can hold up to 70% of their capacity for six months, up to 50% capacity for 12 months, and are designed to handle hundreds of recharges without losing much in the way of maximum capacity.

They're shipped in minimalist packaging that can be easily recycled, and the batteries themselves can be recycled at your local recycling center. The real reason these are some of the best AA batteries, though, is that they're affordable. They cut the price of some of the bigger name brands by as much as 20%, helping you expand your rechargeable AA battery collection for less. You’ll want a nice charger to go with them.

Best Fast Charger AA Battery Kit

Energizer 1-hour Rechargeable AA Charger with 4 AA Batteries

You don't need many rechargeable batteries if they recharge quickly. With the 1-hour charger from Energizer, you can recharge between one and four AA and AAA batteries in an hour or less, helping you get your gadgets back up and running in no time. The simple to read battery gauge lets you know how far you are from a full charge too, making it easier to predict when they'll be ready.

Temperature and overcharge protections ensure that you'll never run into a dangerous battery situation. It also stops charging immediately when the batteries are full, helping maintain the lifespan of your rechargeable batteries