БългарскиBattery tests,
or: does the Duracell Rabbit really run that much
Some time ago, I decided to test the available non-rechargeable battery brands here. What do you get in terms of capacity (mAh), as well as mAh-to-price ratios. Consequently, I also included some rechargeable ones, and in fact - I measured all kinds of different batteries.
The test results were initially published on the HardwareBG forums (the community there gave me a lot of recommendations, and donated quite a few batteries!). I decided to gather all the information here, in a more compact form, with the hope it will reach the broad audience.
The development of this review is all volunteer-based, by me, and with the kind help of dozens of enthusiasts. If you like the project, there are several ways to help us, for the future expansion and development.
New results will periodically be added to the page; see the changelog.
The Rules
Alkaline batteries:
- I test brand new alkaline batteries only, fresh from the store. Usually the place of purchase and the price is explicitly mentioned.
- AA/AAA cells are drained together in four-packs. While the individual characteristics of each cell are also important, the typical usage of these cells in electronic utilities employs several of them, meaning that the performance of the pack depends on the weakest of them. So I discharge them in sets of four, to capture the performance of the complete set, not only the individual stats.
- The batteries are discharged to 0.9V per cell. For AA/AAA sizes, a coastdown discharge (termed „the last will“) at smaller current is also employed after the main one, to evaluate the capacity after draining to complete flat.
- All batteries are tested in equal conditions, in an air-conditioned room, away from sunlight.
Rechargeables:
- The discharge is to 1.0V per cell.
- Since the batteries lose some charge with time, it is important how much exactly do you wait after the charging is completed, before the discharge commences. For this reason, I determined three types of tests: „one-hour“ (charging is done, the batteries are put to rest for exactly one hour, then they are discharged), „five-days“ (with a waiting time of five days) and „monthly“.
Test sequence
I unpack the batteries and connect them to my battery tester.
I measure the momentary initial open-circuit voltage and write it down. Then, a heating phase - 30s at 300 milliamps - is performed;
the intent is to „activate“ the battery. What follows is another open-circuit voltage measurement, and after that the real test begins.
The discharge cycle has the following timings:
- 4.8s discharge through a 22Ω resistor, at 90% duty-cycle PWM (this is specifically for AA cells; for others, the settings are listed in the respecive subsections);
- 1.15s rest and an open-circuit voltage measurement at the end of it.
This cycle is repeated until the voltage drops below the desired threshold. The described scenario with AA cells takes 12-14 hours to do a discharge. Note that the battery pack isn't discharged with constant current, but is more like a constant-resistance load (~30Ω when using the aforementioned settings). This accounted for in the capacity calculations and keep that in mind when interpreting the discharge curves. The meter's accuracy should be within 1-2% - it's been tested several times.
With AA/AAA cells, the discharge is split into two phases. After the main discharge (which consumes 90-95% of the energy), I leave the cells to rest for a few hours. Then I subject them to a more gentle discharge (termed coastdown/„last will“ here) at less current, ≤50%. This drains out whatever's left in the cells.
Alkaline AA cells
Main discharge: 90-91% duty-cycle PWM, approximately equiv. to 30Ω load,
165-170mA.
Coastdown: 50-60% duty-cycle, approximately equiv. to 47Ω load, 80-90mA.
Discharge to: 0.9V per cell.
| Photo | Brand / model | Price [€] |
Cell count | Unit price [€] |
Expiry |
Origin |
Store |
Ustart [V] |
Uaverage [V] |
Capacity (+coastdown) [mAh] |
Capacity per unit price [mAh/€] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
AB Super Alkaline | 1.68 | 6 | 0.28 | 06-2017 | China | Piccadilly | 6.34 | 4.79 | 2260 (+188) | 8100 (8700) |
 |
ASED | 1.53 | 4 | 0.38 | 03-2023 | China | ASED | 6.36 | 4.85 | 2180 (+198) | 5700 (6200) |
 |
Activ Energy | 1.69 | 8 | 0.21 | 01-2020 | Belgium | Aldi | 6.35 | 5.01 | 2140 (+300) | 10200 (11600) |
 |
Aerocell Alkaline | 1.89 | 8 | 0.24 | 2017 | EU | Lidl | 6.30 | 4.84 | 2400 (+148) | 10200 (10800) |
 |
Alkaline supercell | 3.89 | 4 | 0.97 | 12-2025 | USA | Walgreens | 6.34 | 4.93 | 2200 (+204) | 2260 (2460) |
 |
Ansmann | 1.61 | 6 | 0.27 | 01-2019 | China | ProMarket | 6.34 | 4.80 | 2240 (+190) | 8300 (9000) |
 |
Aro | 1.41 | 4 | 0.35 | 06-2016 | Germany | Metro | 6.30 | 4.92 | 1940 (+228) | 5550 (6200) |
 |
Aro (12 pack) | 2.14 | 12 | 0.18 | 05-2018 | China | Metro | 6.30 | 4.92 | 2140 (+370) | 12000 (14000) |
 |
Carrefour Alcaline | 0.92 | 4 | 0.23 | 2016 | China | Carrefour | 6.35 | 4.88 | 2240 (+238) | 9800 (10800) |
 |
Carrefour Discount | 0.61 | 4 | 0.15 | 2016 | China | Carrefour | 6.35 | 4.89 | 2260 (+275) | 15000 (16800) |
 |
Carrefour I-Tech | 2.53 | 16 | 0.16 | 05-2019 | China | Carrefour | 6.29 | 4.90 | 2000 (+320) | 12600 (14600) |
 |
Clever Alkaline | 1.02 | 4 | 0.25 | 12-2012 | China | Billa | 6.28 | 4.95 | 2140 (+180) | 8400 (9100) |
 |
Duracell Basic | 2.55 | 4 | 0.64 | 03-2018 | Belgium | Technopolis | 6.30 | 4.96 | 2100 (+127) | 3300 (3500) |
 |
Duracell Coppertop USA | 7.11 | 8 | 0.89 | 03-2018 | USA | CVS Pharmacy | 6.33 | 5.00 | 2440 (+126) | 2750 (2900) |
 |
Duracell Procell | 4.60 | 10 | 0.46 | 03-2018 | Belgium | dcpower.eu | 6.27 | 5.02 | 1900 (+295) | 4100 (4750) |
 |
Duracell Ultra Power (swiss) | 8.13 | 4 | 2.03 | 03-2019 | Belgium | Coop | 6.42 | 5.08 | 2320 (+196) | 1140 (1230) |
 |
Energizer Industrial | 5.06 | 10 | 0.51 | 03-2019 | USA | dcpower.eu | 6.33 | 4.93 | 2040 (+226) | 4050 (4450) |
 |
Energizer Lithium | 8.53 | 4 | 2.13 | 12-2034 | Singapore | BMB | 6.72 | 5.76 | 3100 (+10) | 1460 (1460) |
 |
Energizer Max (USA) | 4.82 | 4 | 1.20 | 2024 | China | REI | 6.36 | 4.84 | 2360 (+156) | 1960 (2080) |
 |
Energizer Powerseal | 2.25 | 4 | 0.56 | 2023 | Indonesia | VRS Trading | 6.39 | 4.93 | 2120 (+200) | 3750 (4100) |
 |
Energizer maximum (BG) | 2.76 | 4 | 0.69 | 03-2023 | USA | BMB | 6.33 | 5.00 | 2180 (+200) | 3150 (3450) |
 |
Energizer maximum (Ukraine) | 2.04 | 4 | 0.51 | 03-2023 | USA | Billa | 6.37 | 4.96 | 2500 (+121) | 4900 (5150) |
 |
Excell Alkaline (BG) | 0.92 | 4 | 0.23 | 03-2017 | China | Penny Market | 6.35 | 4.89 | 2000 (+214) | 8800 (9700) |
 |
Excell Alkaline (UK) | 0.51 | 4 | 0.13 | 08-2016 | China | (from England) | 6.32 | 4.97 | 2100 (+202) | 16600 (18000) |
 |
Fujitsu G | 1.84 | 4 | 0.46 | 09-2020 | Japan | dcpower.eu | 6.38 | 4.94 | 2120 (+204) | 4600 (5050) |
 |
GP Super (goldentop) | 1.79 | 4 | 0.45 | 07-2017 | China | N/A | 6.26 | 4.88 | 2220 (+178) | 4950 (5350) |
 |
GP Super (greentop) | 1.79 | 4 | 0.45 | 01-2018 | China | Dimiter Petkov markt | 6.26 | 4.79 | 2300 (+125) | 5150 (5400) |
 |
Grundig alkaline | 4.34 | 12 | 0.36 | 06-2017 | China | Fantastiko | 6.38 | 4.75 | 2300 (+63) | 6400 (6550) |
 |
Ikea Alkalisk | 1.79 | 10 | 0.18 | 12-2017 | China | Ikea | 6.35 | 4.93 | 2540 (+96) | 14200 (14800) |
 |
Ikea alkaline | 2.04 | 10 | 0.20 | 03-2016 | China | Ikea | 6.32 | 4.85 | 2240 (+148) | 10900 (11700) |
 |
Jumbo XXX/HiWatt | 1.28 | 4 | 0.32 | 09-2017 | Hong Kong | Jumbo | 6.33 | 4.88 | 2020 (+160) | 6350 (6800) |
 |
K-Classic Alkaline | 1.02 | 4 | 0.25 | 06-2017 | Germany | Kaufland | 6.26 | 4.88 | 2120 (+95) | 8400 (8700) |
 |
Kodak Oxy-Alkaline | 4.09 | 4 | 1.02 | 11-2014 | USA | Photopavilion | 6.62 | 5.15 | 1600 (+172) | 1580 (1740) |
 |
Maxell Alkaline | 1.79 | 4 | 0.45 | 01-2017 | China | N/A | 6.32 | 4.92 | 2220 (+178) | 4950 (5350) |
 |
Mr. Grand Alkaline 5+3 | 2.49 | 8 | 0.31 | 12-2018 | China | Masoutis Nikiti | 6.34 | 4.91 | 1940 (+270) | 6250 (7100) |
 |
Panasonic Evolta | 3.17 | 4 | 0.79 | 08-2018 | Thailand | Metro | 6.33 | 5.07 | 2140 (+248) | 2700 (3000) |
 |
Panasonic Pro | 2.55 | 4 | 0.64 | 2019 | Belgium | Billa | 6.30 | 4.98 | 2180 (+240) | 3400 (3800) |
 |
Philips PowerLife | 2.14 | 4 | 0.54 | 04-2015 | China | Technopolis | 6.34 | 4.88 | 1960 (+136) | 3650 (3900) |
 |
Pluto Advanced Alkaline | 1.53 | 4 | 0.38 | 06-2018 | China | Askent | 6.35 | 4.87 | 2320 (+121) | 6100 (6400) |
 |
PowerMAX Alkaline | 1.74 | 4 | 0.43 | 07-2017 | Bulgaria | Fantastiko | 6.39 | 4.95 | 2180 (+234) | 5000 (5550) |
 |
Price Star | 2.04 | 10 | 0.20 | 09-2017 | China | Jysk | 6.38 | 4.92 | 2280 (+156) | 11200 (11900) |
 |
Raymax | 4.75 | 30 | 0.16 | 07-2018 | China | Carrefour | 6.38 | 4.88 | 2100 (+266) | 13300 (15000) |
 |
Sainsbury's | 5.75 | 8 | 0.72 | 12-2018 | China | Sainsbury's | 6.39 | 4.92 | 2340 (+156) | 3250 (3450) |
 |
Sony Alkaline (12 pack) | 2.04 | 12 | 0.17 | 12-2017 | China | Fantastiko | 6.33 | 4.99 | 2100 (+206) | 12400 (13600) |
 |
Sony Stamina PLUS | 2.14 | 4 | 0.54 | 09-2018 | Indonesia | Technopolis | 6.35 | 4.96 | 1980 (+142) | 3700 (3950) |
 |
Toshiba Alkaline | 2.55 | 4 | 0.64 | 01-2016 | Indonesia | Technopolis | 6.33 | 5.10 | 1560 (+186) | 2440 (2750) |
 |
Ultralux super alkaline | 1.27 | 4 | 0.32 | 2015 | China | Technopolis | 6.30 | 4.79 | 2180 (+123) | 6900 (7200) |
 |
Varta High Energy | 2.91 | 4 | 0.73 | 06-2017 | Germany | Carrefour | 6.26 | 4.97 | 2380 (+194) | 3250 (3550) |
 |
Varta Lithium Professional | 9.43 | 4 | 2.36 | 2021 | China | Carrefour | 7.03 | 5.48 | 2440 (+206) | 1040 (1130) |
 |
Varta Longlife | 2.55 | 4 | 0.64 | 2017 | Germany | Technopolis | 6.23 | 4.79 | 2260 (+198) | 3550 (3850) |
 |
Varta Max Tech | 3.07 | 4 | 0.77 | 06-2018 | Germany | BMB | 6.36 | 4.94 | 2460 (+133) | 3200 (3400) |
Results (in descending order by capacity):
And with respect to performance-to-price ratio:
Note: most of the tested brands do offer larger packs - 8, 12, 16 cells - which are a more cost-effective package,
considering that the total price is not scaled proportionally upwards.
The effective unit price can be significantly lower (e.g., see the Panasonic Evolta).
So, a simpler rule of the thumb here is that if you can find alkaline batteries at 0.15€ or less per cell, this is already
a pretty good deal, even if the capacity isn't that great.
Alkaline AAA cells
Main discharge: 41-42% duty-cycle PWM, approximately equiv. to a
63Ω load, 75-80mA.
Coastdown: 25-28% duty-cycle, approximately equiv. to a 100Ω load, 40-43mA.
Discharge to: 0.9V per cell.
| Photo | Brand / model | Price [€] |
Cell count | Unit price [€] |
Expiry |
Origin |
Store |
Ustart [V] |
Uaverage [V] |
Capacity (+coastdown) [mAh] |
Capacity per unit price [mAh/€] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
ASED | 1.53 | 4 | 0.38 | 03-2023 | China | ASED | 6.38 | 4.86 | 1210 (+17) | 3150 (3200) |
 |
Aerocell Alkaline | 1.89 | 8 | 0.24 | 2017 | EU | Lidl | 6.25 | 4.91 | 1090 (+62) | 4600 (4900) |
 |
Aro (12 pack) | 2.14 | 12 | 0.18 | 05-2018 | China | Metro | 6.28 | 4.91 | 990 (+91) | 5600 (6100) |
 |
Carrefour Discount | 0.79 | 4 | 0.20 | 2016 | China | Carrefour | 6.36 | 4.82 | 1150 (+26) | 5800 (5950) |
 |
Carrefour I-Tech | 2.14 | 16 | 0.13 | 05-2019 | China | Carrefour | 6.33 | 4.97 | 940 (+76) | 7000 (7600) |
 |
Duracell Basic | 2.55 | 4 | 0.64 | 2018 | Belgium | Technopolis | 6.17 | 4.98 | 960 (+101) | 1500 (1660) |
 |
Energizer | 2.29 | 4 | 0.57 | 03-2018 | USA | T-Market | 6.24 | 4.98 | 890 (+111) | 1540 (1740) |
 |
Energizer Lithium | 8.53 | 4 | 2.13 | 12-2034 | Singapore | BMB | 6.55 | 5.72 | 1280 (+6) | 600 (600) |
 |
Energizer Powerseal | 2.25 | 4 | 0.56 | 2023 | Singapore | VRS Trading | 6.35 | 5.01 | 890 (+98) | 1580 (1740) |
 |
Energizer maximum | 2.76 | 4 | 0.69 | 03-2023 | USA | BMB | 6.29 | 4.98 | 940 (+87) | 1360 (1480) |
 |
Excell Alkaline (BG) | 0.92 | 4 | 0.23 | 12-2016 | China | Penny Market | 6.26 | 4.85 | 860 (+116) | 3750 (4250) |
 |
GP Super (goldentop) | 1.79 | 4 | 0.45 | 01-2018 | China | N/A | 6.24 | 4.82 | 1090 (+30) | 2440 (2520) |
 |
Geonaute | 2.15 | 12 | 0.18 | 05-2019 | China | Decathlon | 6.34 | 4.93 | 880 (+234) | 4950 (6250) |
 |
Ikea Alkalisk | 1.79 | 10 | 0.18 | 12-2017 | China | Ikea | 6.28 | 4.94 | 1120 (+25) | 6250 (6400) |
 |
Ikea alkaline | 1.79 | 10 | 0.18 | 06-2017 | China | Ikea | 6.26 | 4.80 | 1110 (+49) | 6200 (6450) |
 |
Kirkland Signature | 1.19 | 4 | 0.30 | 03-2016 | USA | N/A | 6.09 | 5.01 | 720 (+115) | 2420 (2800) |
 |
Maplin | 11.75 | 24 | 0.49 | 03-2019 | China | Maplin | 6.35 | 5.04 | 870 (+98) | 1760 (1960) |
 |
Maxell Alkaline | 1.79 | 4 | 0.45 | 07-2016 | China | N/A | 6.23 | 4.91 | 1030 (+79) | 2300 (2480) |
 |
Maxima super alkaline | 0.92 | 4 | 0.23 | 05-2016 | China | T-Market | 6.28 | 4.89 | 1040 (+42) | 4500 (4700) |
 |
Mr. Grand | 1.99 | 4 | 0.50 | 05-2017 | China | Masoutis Nikiti | 6.25 | 5.05 | 810 (+107) | 1620 (1840) |
 |
Panasonic Evolta | 3.17 | 4 | 0.79 | 08-2018 | Belgium | Metro | 6.30 | 5.05 | 1070 (+78) | 1340 (1440) |
|
Panasonic Pro Power | 3.68 | 8 | 0.46 | 01-2023 | Belgium | Metro | 6.26 | 4.93 | 1020 (+60) | 2220 (2340) |
 |
Philips PowerLife | 2.14 | 4 | 0.54 | 10-2015 | China | Technopolis | 6.30 | 5.11 | 740 (+112) | 1380 (1580) |
 |
PowerMAX Alkaline | 1.74 | 4 | 0.43 | 10-2013 | Bulgaria | Fantastiko | 6.20 | 4.79 | 1100 (+27) | 2520 (2580) |
 |
Raymax | 3.93 | 30 | 0.13 | 02-2018 | China | Carrefour | 6.24 | 4.82 | 1110 (+89) | 8500 (9100) |
 |
Sainsbury's | 5.75 | 8 | 0.72 | 02-2019 | China | Sainsbury's | 6.35 | 4.91 | 1090 (+57) | 1520 (1600) |
 |
Sony Stamina PLUS | 2.14 | 4 | 0.54 | 2018 | Indonesia | Technopolis | 6.35 | 5.08 | 910 (+59) | 1680 (1800) |
 |
Toshiba Alkaline | 2.55 | 6 | 0.43 | 2016 | Indonesia | Technopolis | 6.25 | 5.08 | 910 (+53) | 2140 (2280) |
 |
Ultralux super alkaline | 1.27 | 4 | 0.32 | 2015 | China | Technopolis | 6.19 | 4.81 | 1050 (+39) | 3300 (3400) |
 |
Varta Long Life | 2.55 | 4 | 0.64 | 2017 | Germany | Technopolis | 6.20 | 4.98 | 970 (+71) | 1520 (1640) |
 |
Varta Max Tech | 2.92 | 4 | 0.73 | 06-2018 | Germany | BMB | 6.23 | 4.91 | 1120 (+43) | 1520 (1580) |
Capacity - absolute value:
Performance/cost:
Alkaline nine-volt batteries
Main discharge: 11-13% duty-cycle PWM, approximately equiv. to 200Ω load, 35-40mA.
Coastdown: None. It isn't applicable to this battery type, it retains only a few mAh after the main discharge.
Discharge to: 0.9V per cell (5.4V for the battery).
| Photo | Brand / model | Price [€] |
Expiry |
Origin |
Store |
Ustart [V] |
Uaverage [V] |
Capacity [mAh] |
Capacity per price [mAh/€] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
AB Super Alkaline | 1.53 | 09-2017 | China | Piccadilly | 9.30 | 7.36 | 610 | 400 |
 |
Aerocell | 0.94 | 06-2018 | N/A | Lidl | 9.23 | 7.33 | 545 | 580 |
 |
Aro | 1.84 | 06-2016 | Malaysia | Metro | 9.05 | 7.33 | 575 | 310 |
 |
Carrefour Discount | 1.00 | 2016 | China | Carrefour | 9.20 | 7.38 | 610 | 610 |
 |
Carrefour I-tech | 1.51 | 12-2019 | China | Carrefour | 9.20 | 7.50 | 565 | 375 |
|
Carrefour I-tech (second test) | 1.02 | 12-2019 | China | Carrefour | 9.27 | 7.57 | 515 | 505 |
 |
Duracell Alkaline | 4.44 | 03-2016 | Belgium | Shell | 9.20 | 7.81 | 440 | 99 |
|
Duracell Alkaline (second test) | 4.60 | 03-2017 | Belgium | Praktiker | 9.16 | 7.95 | 49 | 11 |
 |
Duracell Industrial | 1.87 | 03-2019 | Malaysia | NEGS | 9.15 | 7.53 | 495 | 266 |
 |
Duracell Procell | 1.84 | 03-2017 | Belgium | dcpower.eu | 9.17 | 7.72 | 430 | 234 |
 |
Energizer | 2.51 | 2018 | China | VRS Trading | 9.24 | 7.40 | 595 | 236 |
 |
Energizer Industrial | 2.30 | 03-2016 | USA | dcpower.eu | 8.80 | 7.18 | 540 | 234 |
 |
Energizer Powerseal | 2.41 | 03-2018 | USA | BMB | 8.97 | 7.19 | 565 | 234 |
 |
Ikea | 2.04 | 09-2016 | China | Ikea | 9.20 | 7.46 | 535 | 262 |
 |
Ikea Alkalisk | 1.53 | 02-2020 | China | Ikea | 9.30 | 7.38 | 600 | 395 |
 |
K-Classic Alkaline | 1.27 | 06-2016 | Malaysia | Kaufland | 9.05 | 7.15 | 575 | 450 |
 |
Maplin | 1.96 | 01-2019 | China | Maplin | 9.34 | 7.34 | 575 | 295 |
 |
Maxell Alkaline | 1.68 | 01-2016 | EU | Kaufland | 9.06 | 7.43 | 505 | 300 |
 |
Philips Power Alkaline | 2.76 | 02-2017 | N/A | Technopolis | 9.25 | 7.25 | 600 | 218 |
 |
Sony Stamina PLUS | 3.01 | 09-2016 | N/A | Technopolis | 9.00 | 7.22 | 595 | 198 |
 |
Ultralux super alkaline | 1.79 | 11-2015 | China | Technopolis | 8.96 | 7.65 | 470 | 264 |
 |
Varta High Energy | 1.99 | 06-2015 | Malaysia | BMB | 8.95 | 7.21 | 550 | 275 |
 |
Varta Industrial | 1.52 | 06-2020 | China | NEGS | 9.35 | 7.47 | 600 | 395 |
 |
Varta Longlife | 2.68 | 2016 | Malaysia | Carrefour | 9.10 | 7.27 | 560 | 210 |
Capacity - absolute value:
Performance/cost:
Rechargeables
The evaluation of rechargeables is quite different (and also more complicated) from the alkalines, for the following reasons:
- Their qualities and capacity are significantly influenced by the charging device. It's not surprising to discover that a low-end charger fills them up incompletely. Sadly, there's no universal, proven, one-size-fits-all charger. Thus, I've explicitly mentioned the charger that was used for each battery type.
- All batteries have self-discharge (a phenomenon where the battery charge slowly diminishes, even when not in use), which provoked me to do the three test types, with different waiting period after the charge. Besides that, it's weirdly important to be punctual with the resting times: it does matter whether you've waited exactly one hour, or 1½ hours. After my initial amazement, I commited to obey to a strict testing protocol thereafter, to avoid biasing the results.
- Batteries age, and there's no good way to test that, even though this is quite significant. With rechargeables, the extent of that long-term degradation is of utmost importance, while the capacity of their first cycles is not so critical.
- Rechargeables are considerably more expensive.
Rechargeable NiMH AA cells
Charger: Maha MH-C9000 WizardOne (website).
Main discharge: 88-91% duty cycle PWM, approximately equiv. to a 30Ω load, 160-170mA.
Discharge to: 1.0V per cell.
| Photo | Brand / model | Price [€] |
Manufacure |
Origin |
Store |
Uaverage [V] |
Capacity (1h/5d/30d) [mAh] |
Capacity per price [mAh/€] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Activ Energy | 5.97 | 01-2013 | China | Aldi | 5.05 | 2220 | 1480 |
| 5.01 | 2140 | 1440 | ||||||
| 4.97 | 2040 | 1360 | ||||||
 |
Carrefour 2000 | 9.87 (for 6) | 12-2013 | China | Carrefour | 5.05 | 1980 | 1200 |
| 5.01 | 1820 | 1110 | ||||||
| 4.98 | 1820 | 1100 | ||||||
 |
Carrefour Eco Planet | 8.15 | N/A | China | Carrefour | 5.02 | 1980 | 970 |
| 4.99 | 1880 | 930 | ||||||
| 4.96 | 1840 | 900 | ||||||
 |
Duracell 2650 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 3.83 | 2040 | N/A |
| 3.72 | 1380 | N/A | ||||||
 |
Eneloop (1st gen) | 15.33 | 01-2009 | Japan | Technopolis | 5.08 | 1800 | 470 |
| 5.05 | 1720 | 445 | ||||||
| 5.01 | 1680 | 440 | ||||||
 |
Eneloop (2nd gen) | 15.33 | 04-2011 | Japan | Technopolis | 5.09 | 1780 | 465 |
| 5.07 | 1760 | 460 | ||||||
| 5.04 | 1660 | 435 | ||||||
 |
Eneloop (3rd gen) | 12.27 | 09-2012 | Japan | dcpower.eu | 5.11 | 1820 | 590 |
| 5.08 | 1760 | 575 | ||||||
| 5.04 | 1640 | 535 | ||||||
 |
Eneloop XX | 15.34 | 09-2012 | Japan | dcpower.eu | 5.16 | 2380 | 620 |
| 5.11 | 2220 | 580 | ||||||
| 5.07 | 2120 | 555 | ||||||
 |
Eneloop pro | 12.68 | 07-2012 | Japan | Bic Camera | 5.12 | 2260 | 710 |
| 5.08 | 2180 | 690 | ||||||
| 5.05 | 2160 | 680 | ||||||
 |
GP | N/A | N/A | China | N/A | 3.79 | 800 | N/A |
| 3.79 | 121 | N/A | ||||||
 |
GP 2100 | 28.12 (for 20) | N/A | China | N/A | 5.10 | 1290 | 920 |
| 3.77 | 625 | 445 | ||||||
 |
GP Re Cyko | N/A | N/A | China | N/A | 5.07 | 1760 | N/A |
| 5.04 | 1700 | N/A | ||||||
 |
GodP | 8.64 | N/A | China | eBay | 5.00 | 1820 | 840 |
| 4.95 | 1680 | 770 | ||||||
 |
Imedion | 8.18 (for 2) | N/A | Taiwan | Photopavilion | 2.51 | 1860 | 455 |
| 2.50 | 1760 | 430 | ||||||
| 2.47 | 1540 | 375 | ||||||
 |
K-Classic Accu 2.500 | 6.13 | 11-2013 | N/A | Kaufland | 5.02 | 2360 | 1540 |
| 5.00 | 2200 | 1440 | ||||||
| 4.94 | 1960 | 1280 | ||||||
 |
LADDA 2000 | 5.11 | 10-2013 | China | Ikea | 5.06 | 2020 | 1580 |
| 5.05 | 1860 | 1460 | ||||||
| 4.99 | 1860 | 1460 | ||||||
 |
Panasonic Evolta | N/A | N/A | China | N/A | 2.51 | 1760 | N/A |
| 2.50 | 1640 | N/A | ||||||
| 2.48 | 1560 | N/A | ||||||
 |
PowerGenix Ni-Zn | N/A | N/A | China | N/A | 6.70 | 1380 | N/A |
| 6.73 | 1330 | N/A | ||||||
| 6.65 | 1240 | N/A | ||||||
 |
Sanyo | N/A | 05-2010 | Japan | N/A | 2.54 | 2300 | N/A |
| 2.52 | 2180 | N/A | ||||||
| 2.49 | 1920 | N/A | ||||||
 |
Tronic EnergyEco | 4.09 | 06-2011 | China | Lidl | 5.04 | 1700 | 1660 |
| 5.01 | 1620 | 1600 | ||||||
| 4.96 | 1560 | 1520 | ||||||
 |
Tronic EnergyEco 2300 | 3.57 | 07-2013 | China | Lidl | 5.02 | 2100 | 2340 |
| 5.00 | 1980 | 2220 | ||||||
| 4.97 | 1840 | 2060 | ||||||
 |
Tronic EnergyEco 2300 (2015) | 3.57 | 07-2014 | China | Lidl | 4.98 | 2060 | 2320 |
| 4.95 | 2040 | 2280 | ||||||
| 4.92 | 1900 | 2140 | ||||||
 |
Tronic Professional 2500 | 6.13 | 10-2011 | China | Lidl | 5.07 | 1660 | 1090 |
| 5.04 | 1420 | 930 | ||||||
| 4.99 | 1210 | 790 | ||||||
 |
Tronic Professional 2500 (2014) | 3.57 | 01-2014 | China | Lidl | 4.96 | 1420 | 1580 |
| 4.94 | 1200 | 1340 | ||||||
| 4.87 | 1050 | 1180 | ||||||
 |
Turnigy LSD | 9.93 | N/A | Hong Kong | rcparts.eu | 5.06 | 2300 | 930 |
| 5.03 | 2120 | 860 | ||||||
| 4.98 | 2040 | 820 | ||||||
 |
Uniross Hybrio | N/A | N/A | China | Vali | 5.06 | 1460 | N/A |
| 5.02 | 1340 | N/A | ||||||
| 4.98 | 1240 | N/A | ||||||
 |
Varta | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 4.91 | 1800 | N/A |
| 5.03 | 1800 | N/A | ||||||
 |
Varta 2100 Ready to use | 10.22 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5.07 | 2040 | 800 |
| 5.05 | 1920 | 750 | ||||||
| 5.03 | 1860 | 730 |
As mentioned, the rechargeables are tested two or three times, using different resting periods, with the goal of estimating their
self-discharge rates. Visually, sorted by capacity:
Performance/price (for the ones that have a stated price):
Rechargeable AAA NiMH cells
Charger: Maha MH-C9000 WizardOne (website).
Main discharge: 46-47% duty-cycle PWM, approximately equiv. to a 55Ω load, 90-95mA.
Discharge to: 1.0V per cell.
| Photo | Brand / model | Price [€] |
Manufacture |
Origin |
Store |
Uaverage [V] |
Capacity (1h/5d/30d) [mAh] |
Capacity per price [mAh/€] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Activ Energy | 5.97 | 01-2013 | China | Aldi | 5.03 | 830 | 555 |
| 5.00 | 780 | 520 | ||||||
| 5.96 | 680 | 455 | ||||||
 |
Carrefour Eco Planet | 5.04 | N/A | China | Carrefour | 5.02 | 740 | 590 |
| 4.98 | 730 | 580 | ||||||
| 4.94 | 720 | 570 | ||||||
 |
Duracell | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5.04 | 900 | N/A |
| 5.01 | 840 | N/A | ||||||
 |
Duracell Duralock 750 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5.11 | 720 | N/A |
| 5.07 | 690 | N/A | ||||||
| 5.04 | 680 | N/A | ||||||
 |
Eneloop (2gen) | 15.29 | 01-2011 | Japan | Technopolis | 5.07 | 750 | 198 |
| 5.04 | 710 | 186 | ||||||
| 4.99 | 680 | 178 | ||||||
 |
Eneloop XX | 15.34 | 09-2012 | Japan | dcpower.eu | 5.07 | 870 | 226 |
| 5.03 | 820 | 212 | ||||||
| 5.00 | 780 | 204 | ||||||
 |
G.Energy | 3.02 | N/A | China | T-Market | 5.11 | 555 | 740 |
| 5.06 | 490 | 650 | ||||||
 |
GP 800 | N/A | N/A | China | N/A | 2.54 | 605 | N/A |
| 2.49 | 550 | N/A | ||||||
 |
HW 850 | N/A | N/A | China | N/A | 2.47 | 585 | N/A |
| 2.48 | 660 | N/A | ||||||
 |
K-Classic Accu 750 | 5.11 | 12-2012 | N/A | Kaufland | 5.08 | 630 | 490 |
| 5.02 | 620 | 485 | ||||||
| 4.87 | 545 | 425 | ||||||
 |
LADDA 750 | 5.11 | 10-2013 | China | Ikea | 5.05 | 720 | 565 |
| 5.02 | 665 | 520 | ||||||
| 4.98 | 645 | 505 | ||||||
 |
Lava 1100 mAh | 3.83 (for 3) | N/A | China | Elimex | 3.80 | 720 | 560 |
| 3.77 | 645 | 505 | ||||||
 |
Tronic EnergyEco | 4.09 | 06-2011 | China | Lidl | 4.99 | 710 | 700 |
| 4.97 | 640 | 625 | ||||||
| 4.93 | 635 | 620 | ||||||
 |
Tronic EnergyEco 950 | 3.57 | 07-2014 | China | Lidl | 4.99 | 810 | 900 |
| 4.96 | 750 | 830 | ||||||
| 4.91 | 700 | 780 | ||||||
 |
Tronic Professional 900 | 3.57 | 01-2014 | China | Lidl | 4.97 | 570 | 635 |
| 4.94 | 540 | 605 | ||||||
| 4.88 | 490 | 550 | ||||||
 |
Varta Longlife Accu | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 3.72 | 670 | N/A |
| 3.75 | 635 | N/A |
Capacity:
Performance/price (for the ones that have a stated price):
Rechargeable NiMH 9V (8.4 V) batteries
Charger: Konnoc Standard Ch@arger (photo).
Main discharge: 15% duty-cycle PWM, approximately equiv. to a 360Ω load, 23-25mA.
Discharge to: 1.0V per cell (7V for the whole battery, the ones tested here are all 7-cell).
| Photo | Brand / model | Price [€] |
Manufacture |
Origin |
Store |
Uaverage [V] |
Capacity (1h/5d/30d) [mAh] |
Capacity per price [mAh/€] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Carrefour Eco Planet 170 | 3.45 | N/A | China | Carrefour | 8.76 | 242 | 69 |
| 8.68 | 220 | 63 | ||||||
| 8.60 | 214 | 61 | ||||||
 |
Fujicell 280 | 6.13 | N/A | Japan | Technopolis | 8.78 | 252 | 41 |
| 8.72 | 232 | 37 | ||||||
| 8.66 | 212 | 34 | ||||||
 |
HQ 200 | 5.88 | N/A | China | Pulsator | 8.58 | 218 | 37 |
| 8.48 | 198 | 33 | ||||||
| 8.42 | 158 | 26 | ||||||
 |
Konnoc 220 | 7.92 | N/A | China | Technopolis | 8.78 | 61 | 7 |
| 8.42 | 54 | 6 | ||||||
| 7.64 | 22 | 2 | ||||||
 |
Philips MultiLife 170 | 6.64 | N/A | China | Technopolis | 8.73 | 174 | 26 |
| 8.66 | 156 | 23 | ||||||
| 8.62 | 142 | 21 | ||||||
 |
Tronic EnergyEco | 4.09 | 06-2011 | China | Lidl | 8.79 | 242 | 59 |
| 8.71 | 218 | 53 | ||||||
| 8.63 | 204 | 49 | ||||||
 |
Tronic EnergyEco (2015) | 3.57 | 07-2014 | China | Lidl | 8.75 | 214 | 59 |
| 8.67 | 202 | 56 | ||||||
| 8.62 | 188 | 52 | ||||||
 |
Varta PowerAccu 200 | 8.73 | N/A | Germany | Pulsator | 8.66 | 182 | 20 |
| 8.64 | 174 | 19 | ||||||
 |
Varta PowerAccu Ready 2 Use 200 | 8.73 | N/A | Germany | Pulsator | 8.82 | 184 | 21 |
| 8.74 | 170 | 19 | ||||||
| 8.69 | 162 | 18 |
Capacity:
Performance/price (for the ones that have a stated price):
Rechargeable Lithium-ion 18650 cells (3.7V)
Charger: Various, see the details page about each battery.
Main discharge: 100% duty-cycle PWM, approximately equiv. to a 24Ω load, the current
depends on the number of cells being discharged.
Discharge to: 3.0V per cell.
| Photo | Brand / model | Price [€] |
Manufacture |
Origin |
Store |
Uaverage [V] |
Capacity (1h/5d/30d) [mAh] |
Capacity per price [mAh/€] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
CGR18650AF | N/A | N/A | Japan | N/A | 3.71 | 1720 | N/A |
| 3.70 | 1680 | N/A | ||||||
| 3.69 | 1600 | N/A | ||||||
 |
EagleTac 2500 | 9.20 | N/A | China | dcpower.eu | 3.84 | 2520 | 275 |
| 3.84 | 2460 | 266 | ||||||
| 3.83 | 2380 | 260 | ||||||
 |
EagleTac 3100 | 13.80 | N/A | China | dcpower.eu | 3.66 | 3000 | 218 |
| 3.65 | 2800 | 202 | ||||||
| 3.65 | 2850 | 204 | ||||||
 |
EagleTac 3400 | 18.40 | N/A | China | dcpower.eu | 3.66 | 3250 | 176 |
| 3.66 | 3350 | 180 | ||||||
| 3.67 | 3200 | 174 | ||||||
 |
LH18650 (noname) | 5.11 (for 2) | N/A | China | N/A | 7.63 | 555 | 218 |
| 7.58 | 480 | 188 | ||||||
 |
Panasonic NCR18650B | 9.71 | N/A | Japan | dcpower.eu | 3.67 | 3200 | 330 |
| 3.67 | 3200 | 325 | ||||||
| 3.67 | 3150 | 325 | ||||||
 |
Sanyo UR18650FM | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 3.84 | 2100 | N/A |
| 3.83 | 2080 | N/A | ||||||
| 3.84 | 2140 | N/A | ||||||
 |
UltraFire 3500 | N/A | N/A | China | Dealextreme | 3.91 | 990 | N/A |
| 3.92 | 960 | N/A | ||||||
| 3.91 | 920 | N/A | ||||||
 |
UltraFire 4200 | 2.40 (for 2) | N/A | China | Dealextreme | 7.80 | 810 | 670 |
| 7.78 | 770 | 640 | ||||||
 |
UltroFite 4200 | N/A | N/A | China | Dealextreme | 3.88 | 830 | N/A |
| 3.88 | 820 | N/A | ||||||
| 3.88 | 810 | N/A |
Capacity:
Other batteries
This is the place for all miscellaneous test results I perform.
Tronic C 4000 mAh
These are a pair of LSD cells, which I received from Lidl. They are from the same „series“ as their AA, AAA and 9V counterparts. Test details, and a conclusion whether they relate well to their label - in this page.
Tronic D 4500 mAh
Similar to the above, these are one size bigger, but with a minuscule capacity improvement. Details.
e3 Li-Ion 9V
A PP3-shaped battery, housing Li-Ion rechargeable cells. It is quite different from the other rechargeable „nine-volts“ I've tested - read more about it here.
PowerBank IP018
A portable charger for mobile devices, containing a serious Li-Ion energy storage. I tested both the capacity, that can be drained out of the USB port, as well as the internal (real) capacity. Details.
Credits
I want ot thank all of the following people, which gave me batteries and gadgets to test (most of them coming from the HardwareBG boards): rover, Лупус, dedo_pop, achkar, Филипов, marsa, smelkomar, vutov, GeniusLoci, SunShine, surfer, dcpower.eu, rager, Nikola Goranov, Hristo Kolev, theslav (ukshopbg.com), ropotamski, Infernus, Alex Kazandzhiev, and Ceriel Jacobs. Thank you for your help!
Also, congrats to espr1t and Anri for the design advices and corrigenda.
Thanks to the Lidl marketing team, which were kind enough to send me a complete set of rechargeables to test; the man-in-the-middle is ropotamski, who introduced me to them.
A huge Thank You to Lyubo (LUBO_1) — for the help on the tester development, Ivaylo Katev and the people from the MCU-BG microcontroller/electronics boards — thank you guys for the ideas and expertise, you know who you are :)
This site is developed and maintained by me (Veselin Georgiev) in my spare time, with the hope it's useful to as many people as possible. If you wish to express your gratitude and support the project, you can donate a small amount using the button below:
Bitcoin: 1MmHmXGWGzsC8XddYZ9ybSu8XDdHWFtZXL
Wire transfers are also accepted. This page explains it in more detail, as well as a breakdown of what your money will be used for.
Contacts and recommendations
Skype: anrieff
E-mail: the same nick@gmail.com
HardwareBG thread (in Bulgarian): Войната на батериите: колко наистина тичка зайчето на Duracell (ревю)
Facebook page: 
→ Battery Tests
Change Log
| 13 Jul 2016 | - Recently published: 6 new tests of alkaline 9-volt batteries, as well as one AAA:
9V: Duracell Industrial, Varta Industrial, Carrefour I-tech, Carrefour I-tech (second test), Ikea Alkalisk and Maplin. AAA: Maplin |
| 08 Jul 2016 | - On 07 Jul 2016 this site served its 100 000th visitor! Around the same time, tests for 6 new battery models were uploaded, as well as some retesting of Raymax. The newly tested models are: AA: Energizer Max (USA), Alkaline supercell, ASED and Sainsbury's. AAA: ASED and Sainsbury's. |
| 15 May 2015 | - Added tests: results (and some reviews) of the following models: Primary: Raymax (AAA), Aerocell (9V) Rechargeables: АА: PowerGenix Ni-Zn, Activ Energy, Tronic EnergyEco 2300, Duracell 2650, GP 2100, Varta 2100 Ready to use, LADDA 2000, Carrefour 2000, K-Classic Accu 2.500, Tronic Professional 2500 (2014), and Tronic EnergyEco 2300 (2015). Thanks to all great people, who turned them in for testing! ААА: Activ Energy, Eneloop XX, Eneloop (2gen), Duracell, Duracell Duralock 750, K-Classic Accu 750, LADDA 750, Tronic Professional 900, and Tronic EnergyEco 950. 8.4V: Fujicell 280 and Tronic EnergyEco (2015). 18650: UltroFite 4200, EagleTac 2500, EagleTac 3400, Panasonic NCR18650B, and CGR18650AF. |
| 05 Apr 2015 | - Some new tests of non-rechargeable batteries/cells: in the „AAA“ category: Carrefour I-Tech and Energizer Lithium. In the „AAA“ category: Carrefour I-Tech, Geonaute and Energizer Lithium. |
| 29 Oct 2014 | - Added all recent tests of non-rechargeable batteries/cells: in the „AAA“ category: Aro (12 pack), Energizer maximum, Energizer Powerseal, Ikea Alkalisk, Kirkland Signature, Mr. Grand and Panasonic Pro Power. In the „9V“ category: Duracell Procell, Energizer, Energizer Industrial and Energizer Powerseal. |
| 08 Oct 2014 | - Added all recent AA cells: Ikea Alkalisk, Varta High Energy, Energizer maximum (Ukraine), Pluto Advanced Alkaline, Energizer maximum (BG), Price Star, Raymax, Energizer Powerseal, Fujitsu G, Sony Alkaline (12 pack), Mr. Grand Alkaline 5+3 and Aro (12 pack). Updated the details for the NiMH AA's from the previous (Aug 12) update. Posted additional measurements of Duracell Basic and Energizer Industrial. |
| 12 Aug 2014 | - Added reviews for Eneloop (1st gen), Eneloop (2nd gen) and added results for Eneloop (3rd gen), Eneloop pro, Eneloop XX, Panasonic Evolta, Sanyo, Tronic Professional 2500 and Uniross Hybrio. |
| 11 Aug 2014 | - In the battery details pages, the date of testing is now stated. |
| 30 June 2013 | - Added a section for the 18650-type cells, and one additional observation on the 9-volt Carrefour Discount. |
| 27 May 2013 | - Add details about: Toshiba, Ultralux, Carrefours, Excells, Evolta and Varta Lithium. Add in charts: Duracell (swiss), Duracell Procell, Energizer Industrial and Activ Energy. New reviews: Turnigy LSD and e3 Li-Ion 9V. |
| 09 Apr 2013 | - The data tables are now sortable. Click on the column header to have the data sorted by the column content. Thanks to Pesho® for the idea! |
| 06 Apr 2013 | - Added RSS feed. |
| 02 Apr 2013 | - Bitcoin donations address is added |
| 21 Mar 2013 | - First public release |
| 21 Dec 2012 | - This page is created |
The text and the data in these pages are published under the Creative Commons licenses, specifically CC-BY-NC-SA. Click on the icon for more info.