The key advantage of a standard, non-rechargeable AA alkaline battery is that it’s immediately available, very cost-effective in the short-term, and suitable for such a broad range of low-drain devices that it’s essentially the default option for many people. If you’re looking for a battery that can go the distance no matter the drain, look no further than the Energizer Ultimate Lithium.

Designed with Powerseal Technology to protect from leakage cross better than the other leading battery for up to two years after fully used when left in low drain devices.

Combining loose or non-identical rechargeable AA batteries - particularly of different ages and active cycle capacities - in a single device can, therefore, lead to power or stability issues, which is why battery packs are generally a far better option in this scenario. But these alkaline batteries are also not good for high power devices and such devices will quickly deplete them. As always, you get what you pay for and the Basics lose power faster than their pricier rivals, with the voltage dipping below 1V after just 90 minutes of use, leaving our high-intensity torch with a pathetic-looking output. Factor in the clear environmental issues and it’s a no-brainer, although many local councils and some supermarkets now offer free recycling.

For convenience and long-term cost-effectiveness, it’s hard to beat rechargeable AA batteries in many day-to-day uses. Rechargeable AA batteries are extremely commonplace these days; you’ll find them on sale in almost as many places as you’ll find non-rechargeable variants. Again, vinegar or lemon juice on a cotton bud will be effective here, as will careful scraping with a flat screwdriver for any stubborn residue. Unlike other batteries, lithium ion batteries have a shallow self-discharge rate and can use for long time. Other primary batteries include silver oxide and miniature lithium specialty batteries and zinc air hearing aid batteries.However, in our tests we found that a pair lasted as well as the equivalent Energizer Lithiums, with 1. AA lithium cells have a shelf life of up to 9 years, and they can last a far longer time than most other AA types in the right sorts of devices.

We’ll also use the batteries in a range of devices, including games controllers and portable radios, to get an idea of how well they last in lower drain gadgets or over longer periods of use. These AA cells work effectively in performance like Wireless microphones, in ear monitors, hand held devices, pagers, remotes, flashlights, calculators, meters, door locks, cellular phones, cameras, infusion pumps and more. Lithium AA batteries are a solid choice for more robust shorter-term use in high-drain equipment such as digital cameras, or even better in low-drain devices that need to be powered on for very long periods of time. Generally speaking, you should go for alkalines for most of your battery needs but opt for lithiums for digital cameras or other high-drain products where you need a reliable high charge for as long as possible.

Once you’ve taken care of yourself, it’s important to clean any leaked material off components and contacts in the battery enclosure, as it can damage devices irreparably if left to degrade the metals. That’s not a problem for many devices, where you use them intensively over short periods, but for something you use over a long period, such as a remote control, regular recharges soon become annoying. When various batteries working together are unable to discharge at equal or consistent rates, some cells can end up being placed under excessive workloads as they struggle to compensate for weaker performers.

They’re designed to hold their charge for up to 10 years and cope with temperatures down to -40°C and up to 60°C, and the box informs you that they’re proofed against leakage and explosion – something we’d always regard as a plus. Another advantage of lithium disulfide batteries compared to alkaline batteries is that they are less prone to leak. If you’re using just a few of the aforementioned gadgets, you’re bound to get through plenty of batteries over the course of the year. Energizer, Energizer Bunny design, and certain graphic designs are trademarks of Energizer Brands, LLC and related subsidiaries. The Duracell Mega Family Pack is the most cost effective way to ensure you always have the right battery in the drawer, no matter what the device.Moreover, if you regularly use AA battery-powered devices and find yourself having to replace cells fairly often, then alkalines probably aren’t offering you the best bang for the buck - you may be overdue a switch to rechargeables for considerably improved long-term economy.