Best Battery Reviews – Consumer Reports

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AA batteries

What's behind our battery Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 15 models in batteries to see which ones perform best.

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Overall score
This is based on ratings from Flashlight and Toy tests. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
Flashlight
This is based on the total hours of flashlight life a cell provided under conditions designed to mimic typical household flashlight use.
Toy
This is based on the total hours of toy operation a cell provided under conditions designed to mimic typical toy use.

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Recommended batteries

Recommended batteries are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended batteries

Battery buying guide

To find the battery that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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In Consumer Reports' Ratings of AA batteries, our technicians found real differences among well-known names and value brands. Use lithium batteries in high-drain devices such as cameras and alkaline batteries in low-drain devices such as remote controls. If you're looking for information about batteries, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ battery reviews will give you honest advice that you can trust. Use our battery buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and battery reviews to help you choose the best batteries for your needs.

Ratings & recommended batteries

AA batteries (15)

In Consumer Reports' Ratings of AA batteries, our testers found real differences among well-known names and value brands. Use lithium batteries in high-drain devices such as cameras and alkaline batteries in low-drain devices such as remote controls and flashlights. For often-used devices including toys and video-game controllers, consider using a rechargeable battery.

Battery buying guide

Disposable batteries are a staple in today's world of portable electronic devices. The most widely sold type--the AA--is used in flashlights, radios, remote controls, toys, and game controllers. Battery prices range widely, and to find out whether you need to pay top dollar to keep your gadgets running, we tested 15 different brand-name batteries--both alkaline and lithium.