The Best Rechargeable Batteries So You’re Never Short on Power (2023)

Also available in AAA

Key Specs

• Battery Type: Ni-MH
• Capacity: 1,900 maH
• Recharge Cycles: 2,100
• Pre-charged: Yes

Despite the fact that rechargeable batteries cost less in the long run, their price point is steeper, which may be difficult to swallow — especially if it's your first time buying rechargeables and you have to stock up. You might even be tempted to buy a budget rechargeable battery like the ones from Amazon Basics since you can buy more for less. I strongly urge you to spend a little extra on these batteries from eneloop.

Also available in AAA, C, D, and 9V

Key Specs

• Battery Type: Ni-MH
• Capacity: 2,300 maH
• Recharge Cycles: 1,000
• Pre-charged: Yes

Energizer's rechargeable batteries have a lot going for them. They are made from 15% recycled materials, have a generous 2,300 mAh capacity, and they will deliver up to 1,000 charge cycles. The reasons why they're not our top pick? Eneloop batteries are harder to find in stock and don't maintain their capacity as long.

You can store an eneloop battery for a decade, and it will likely still have a 70% remaining charge. Energizer's rechargeables are oftentimes are more expensive than the competition. Regardless, they are still solid batteries that are plenty reliable. Plus, they come in less common sizes like C, D, and 9V.

Also available in AAA

Key Specs

• Battery Type: Ni-MH
• Capacity: 2,500 maH
• Recharge Cycles: 500
• Pre-charged: Yes

If you're deciding between the Eneloop and the Eneloop Pro, the short answer is this: the Pros have a 25% higher capacity but at the expense of a shorter cycle life.

You can expect more than 2,000 cycles with the standard Eneloop batteries (our best overall pick) but just 500 cycles for the Pros. The Pros are the best option for speedlights, flashlights, or video game controllers. If you want a higher capacity so you won't need to recharge your batteries as frequently, I can't recommend them enough.

Also available in AAA, C, D, 9V

Key Specs

• Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
• Capacity: 1,560 maH
• Recharge Cycles: 1,000+
• Pre-charged: Yes

Pale Blue's batteries are a good option for folks who want to recharge their batteries quickly. In fact, this option charges five times faster than conventional rechargeable batteries. That's because they are lithium-ion rather than NiMH batteries. They conveniently use a micro USB cable for charging and have a LED light so you won't accidentally overcharge them.

It takes about an hour to charge AAA batteries and just under 2 hours for AA batteries. The 9-volt and “D” batteries take around three and 4.5 hours, respectively. You can also feel good buying these since Pale Blue has committed 1% of its annual sales to support environmental nonprofits.

Even if you already have an old battery charger lying around the house, the BQ-CC55 charger from Panasonic is still worth buying. It has an auto-shutoff feature, so you don't accidentally overcharge your batteries. This, in return, will ensure your batteries have a longer shelf life over time.

I like that the battery pack isn't so large that it covers up to one of your two outlets, has a convenient fold-out plug, and is compatible with both AA and AAA batteries. This option takes around 3 hours to recharge your batteries.

For folks who'd prefer to recharge their batteries using a USB cable, consider the iQuick Smart Battery Charger. Like the Panasonic charger, this option has an auto-shutoff feature and notification lights, so you know the batteries are charging. But rather than plugging directly into your wall, the EBL charger has a micro USB and USB-C input on its side that you plug your charging cable into.

Unfortunately, it does not come with a wall charger, which is good for environmental reasons but may be inconvenient if you don't have one lying around the house.