Best AAA Batteries

Buying Guide

No matter what types of toys, electronics and other gadgets you’ve got around the house, you’re likely always in the market for AAA batteries to power them. This battery size runs smaller than the other popular AA size, so it’s often used in smaller products. You can purchase AAA batteries in quantities ranging from just a few at a time to dozens that can keep all your items going for quite a while. However, you’ll want to make sure you get enough AAA batteries fit your needs without having to constantly reorder them.

You’ll need to determine whether you’d prefer AAA batteries that are either single-use or rechargeable. These have trade-offs in terms of cost and convenience, and your intended use will also likely affect your decision.

Single-use AAA batteries are very easy to find and offer the convenience of being able to put in a new set of batteries quickly. They’re also a good choice for situations such as power outages and outdoor recreation since you won’t need to worry about having electricity to recharge them. While the cost per battery can be low, expenses can add up if you use them in powerful electronics that eat batteries in a hurry.

Two popular varieties of single-use AAA batteries include alkaline and lithium batteries. Alkaline AAA batteries cost less and are easier to find, but they have a shorter shelf life and are made more for devices that don’t drain energy excessively. Lithium AAA batteries, on the hand, cost more than alkaline batteries and work well for items that drain batteries more quickly. They have the longest shelf life but can be slightly harder to find. You might opt for alkaline batteries for a simple flashlight versus lithium ones for a digital camera, for example.

If you opt for rechargeable AAA batteries, you’ll need a charger that may or may not come with them. You can use this type of battery over and over, so you can see cost savings when you use them in devices that drain batteries quickly. However, there is some inconvenience that comes with having to wait for the batteries to recharge. These AAA batteries usually come in much smaller quantities than single-use ones, and the upfront price per battery is usually higher.

Working well for devices with a range of energy demands, rechargeable AAA batteries use nickel-metal hydride technology. They come in various capacities, where higher capacities lead to longer power. You’ll want to consider your device’s battery consumption and choose a capacity that suits your needs. These batteries can come already charged so that they’re ready for use, or you might need to charge them before popping them in the first time.

• When buying AAA batteries in bulk, try to find out the pack’s expiration date so you’re sure that you’ll use them in time. While they might still work, you can expect the performance to not be as high past the expiration date.
• How you can dispose of your old AAA batteries will depend on the type. Usually, you can put single-use alkaline batteries in with your normal trash unless your location has rules that call for recycling. However, you’ll usually need to either take unwanted single-use lithium or rechargeable batteries to a recycling center or contact the local authority that handles hazardous item disposal.
• Since it can be easy to mix up old and new AAA batteries, it’s a good idea to leave the new ones in their packaging until they’re needed. You can set used batteries aside in a box or other packaging until you can properly dispose of them.
• Always store your AAA batteries in the right conditions. You should avoid leaving them in temperatures that are very cold or very hot and in very humid environments. Also, don’t let the batteries sit in direct sunlight. Otherwise, you may find that the batteries won’t work as long as they should.
• Double check what type of batteries your item uses before buying because it’s easy to mistake battery sizes at a glance.
• Never put any non-rechargeable AAA batteries in a battery charger. Doing this presents a safety risk and can lead to the batteries exploding. Always check the AAA battery’s label or packaging to make sure it’s actually rechargeable.
• If you put a new set of AAA batteries in an item and it doesn’t seem to be working, check that you have the battery’s terminals touching the plus (+) and minus (-) contacts properly. If the battery’s properly oriented, you can verify that you didn’t put a dead or discharged battery in by mistake.