In A Nutshell
Overall, the best rechargeable AA battery is the Eneloop Pro (aka Sanyo XX Battery Powered By Eneloop). These batteries hold their charge for 12 months. They also have a high energy capacity (2500 mAh), and they perform better than similar high-capacity AAs (see my article for more information).
Another good rechargeable AA is Maha’s Imedion battery, which is cheaper than the Eneloop Pro (about $5 less for a pack of 4). Imedions are also low-discharge, high-capacity batteries, but they do not perform quite as well as the Sanyo XX (see this reviews for the details on their performance).
The Details
Today, the best rechargeable batteries are the “low self-discharge” Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) cells. These low-dischrage batteries have a lot going for them: they come fully charged (like alkaline batteries), and they can hold their charge over many months (unlike regular Ni-MH rechargeables). Because they can hold their charge for so long, they are suitable for low-drain devices like remote controls and flashlights. They are also ideal for use in high-drain electronic devices like digital cameras, where they out-perform alkalizes.
So, basically, these “low self-discharge” Ni-MH batteries offer the convenience and shelf-life of alkalines, and the high-drain performance of older Ni-MH batteries.
Generally, the best low self-discharge batteries are made in Japan (the others are made in China), these are: Sanyo’s Eneloops, Duracell, Energizer and Sony. The Eneloop Pro batteries from Sanyo definitely hold their charge the longest, and they are my top recommendation. I review the batteries in more detail below, and review some of the best battery chargers at the end of this article. I do not recommend the Energizer or Duracell rechargeable batteries — these name brands seem to produce inferior rechargeables, perhaps to protect their sales of alkaline batteries.
See also my review of best rechargeable D Size Batteries, C Size and 9V batteries.
Eneloop Rechargeable Batteries by Sanyo
Better designed than other rechargeables, Eneloop batteries have become a best-seller for Sanyo. Eneloops can be recharged up to 1000 times, and they will retain their charged capacity even after 6 or 12 months of storage. After 6 months, they retain 90% of their charge. After 12 months, they retain 85% of their charge (when stored at 20 degree Celsius). Sanyo recommends keeping the batteries in a cool location to maximize charge retention.
The AA-sized Eneloops are rated at 2000 mAh, and the AAA-sized Eneloops are rated at 800 mAh (mAh stands for “MiliAmp hours” — a unit that indicates how much energy a battery can hold.)
The charge times are as follows: AA Eneloops charge in 230 minutes, and AAA Eneloops charge in 135 minutes.
Eneloop batteries are available at Amazon in 8 packs, and 16 packs and 32 packs. They are also available with a charger: 8 Eneloop Batteries with a Charger. Note that these links to the second-generation 2000 mAh eneloops.
You can also get a special edition Eneloop Glitter pack, which features multi-colored Eneloops.
Eneloop Pros (or Sanyo XX Battery Powered By Eneloop)
Sanyo has released a new version of the Eneloop, called the Eneloop Pro (in Japan) or Sanyo XX Battery Powered By Eneloop (in the US and Europe). The Eneloop Pro battery has a capacity of 2500 mAh — which is 500 mAh more than the regular Eneloops.
Eneloop Pro batteries are available on Amazon.
The Best Battery Chargers
How about some good battery chargers to go with these batteries? The chargers featured below are some of the smartest out there — they have built-in protection to prevent overcharging or undercharging. They can also handle most battery sizes.
LaCrosse Technology BC-1000 Alpha Battery Charger
The LaCrosse Alpha BC-1000 Charger has sophisticated monitoring circuitry that controls the charging process, and it is also capable of “renewing” batteries by running fully-controlled discharge-recharge cycles.
The charger shows battery voltage and charge status on its digital display. It has four separate charge channels so you can charge one, two three or four batteries at a time – even on individual charge programs. This allows you to test one battery while charging the others. It comes with four AA and four AAA batteries, four battery adapters (which convert AA sized battery to C and D sizes) and a carry case. Note, however, if you want to charge C or D size batteries, you’ll want to get the Ansmann chargers below.
You can get the LaCrosse BC-1000 Alpha Charger at Amazon for about $60, and you can find the BC-700 Charger available for around $36 (this is essentially the same charger but does not include bonus items the four AA & AAA cells, plus the four C + D-cell converters).
PowerEx MH-C9000 WizardOne Charger-Analyzer
This newly released charger could be a serious rival to the LaCrosse charger — we will post a full review soon.
The PowerEx MH-C9000 is available at Amazon for about $50
Ansmann Deluxe “Energy 16″ Charger
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Ansmann is a German company known for their range of high-end, intelligent battery chargers. Ansmann’s “Energy 16″ charger can handle both NiCad and NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries. When the batteries are inserted into the charger, they are analysed, and batteries needing reconditioning are automatically restored by several cycles of charging and discharging. The charger will also indicate if a battery has been damaged and cannot be charged.
This charger has ten charging positions: six for AAA, AA, C or D sized cells, and four for 9V cells. The six top positions can handle two AAA or two AA cells or one each of the larger C or D cells.
A LED display shows the state of charging for each cell.
This charger can be used worldwide — it accepts 100-240V 50-60Hz AC.
It’s available from Amazon for around $87.
Ansmann Deluxe “Energy 8″ Charger
Ansmann’s “Energy 8″ charger has all the features of the “Energy 16″ charger, but has 8 charging points instead of 16. It has four AAA/AA/C/D and two 9V positions.
It’s available from Amazon for around $56.
Maha PowerEx “Ultimate Professional” Charger
The Maha’s Ultimate Professional Charger almost lives up to its hyperbolic name. This compact charger can charge any combination of 1 to 8 batteries. You can mix and charge AA, AAA, C and D sized cells at the same time on individual charging circuits. Each battery size also has its own fixed contact charging points (i.e. not a spring). An LCD display shows charging and conditioning status of each rechargeable battery.
Like the Ansmann chargers, Maha’s chargers can restore batteries to their optimal performance level by repeatedly charging and discharging them. It also has intelligent charging technology and overcharge protection. It also comes with an international AC adapter, and short-circuit protection.
It is available from Amazon for around $83.
Nice review. Informative.
I feel it is important to choose a smart charger with individual charging channels because paired channel chargers do an inadequate job; they do not charge each cell optimally.
Sir,
I want to purchase your “Eneloop Recharageble Battry Cells” because i am hear by differant resource that these are the best cells of 2007.
Please tell me how i can purchase them from Pakistan because these are not avilable in Pakistan.
Please tell its solution at my e-mail address fayyaz_pk62@hotmail.com
I am very thankful if u help me.
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http://www.owhata.com/2007/05/26/green-magazineonline/
your doing great work – onwards! best…james
Great review! This will help me shop for new rechargable batteries. I will note your list on my blog.
Very useful review. Thanks!
is the sanyo charger that has eneloop cells included a good charger ..also does it have a overcharge protection feature? thanks tim
Please respond…I have the IC3 Rayovac 15 minute rechargeable NimH 2000 mAh batteries..and they work great…but don’t feel like having to go online to get more. Using the PS6 recharger…am I able to buy the Energizer 15 minute rechargeable batteries and use the same charger that I use for the IC3′s…thanks
problem with rechargeable; they are all 1.2. some devices won’t work with less then 1.3V
You should look at the “Pure Energy” line of rechargeable alkaline batteries. They’re MUCH better than NiMH – they retain their charge and are cheaper.
The problem with rechargeable alkaline is that it lowers full capacity with a deep discharge and it needs its own charger. Imho hybrid nihm are much better.
What Dsize recharge batteries do knowledgeable people recommend for torches? Thank you for your help.
I am still using two ARLEC Ni-cad Dsize batteries which were charged by me for the first time in 1996. After more than one hour’s continuous use it still keeps going. It may not hold the charge very long though.
I’ve been having lots of problems with some of the cheaper NiMH rechargeables I’ve bought over the years. They seem go all go bad after just a few charges. I think it’ll be worthwhile to spend a bit more and get some top rated ones instead of the lousy ones I’ve been getting.
I agree, I have not been happy with the performance of any rechargable batteries I have bought over the years including Rayovac and Energiser, they do seem to go bad very quickly and dont seem to hold a full charge so much that I dont even bother using my rechargable battereries any more.
I buy the bulk packs of duracell batteries for $10 a pack they last so much longer in my digital camera than my rechargable ones. I dont mind paying $10 every couple of months for packs of batteries that last a long time in my camera.
I do mind paying $20 even one time for rechargable ones and charger that dies on me after such a short time of use.
Yes, the brand of rechargeable can make a difference, but for heaven’s sake, you should be charging them with a SOLAR POWER BATTERY RECHARGER!
Using coal powered electricity to recharge your batteries is just wasteful. Let the sun do the work directly. Take the coal out of the loop.
The Eneloop batteries are outstanding — by far the best rechargeable I’ve ever used. They hold a charge extremely well (as well as alkalines) on the shelf and when in a device but not being used. They hold plenty of power for cameras, radios, telephones, recorders. And they do not have the “memory” problems that plague ni-cads, the ridiculous discharge flaws of rechargeable alkalines, or the lousy shelf life of conventional ni-mh’s. Eneloop + a top quality charger such as the MAHA MH-C808M is the way to go. The Rayovac Hybrid ni-mh is also a cut above, but not as good as the Eneloop.
Wonderful and so very comprehensive review. I am strictly using rechargeable batteries for quite a while and at least personal feeling is much better – less pollution.
Hi
Where can I purchase one of those ENELOOP Batteries.
Tks
Kevin
Purchased Eneloop charger with four batteries two months ago. Charger works great and ONE set of batteries operates my digital camera great but the other set lasts only about 15 minutes before I get the “change batteries” signal on my camera. Probably just one bad battery dragging the other one down but it’s beet a little frustrating. Batteries and charger purchased at Walmart.
Does anyone know what the best option is for nimh size D batteries. I don’t want to use the adapters that convert size AA to D, they don’t have enough juice. Are there any hybrid size D or C’s out there?
There are several steps you can take to help you get maximum performance from your laptop battery: Prevent Memory Effect – Keep the laptop battery healthy by fully charging and then fully discharging it at least once every two to three weeks.
Costco carries Eneloop here in Washington State. I bought 2 packs and have been very pleased with their performance over the last 6 months.
I have used a set of 4 Eneloop AA for my digital camera, which I use a lot.
At first they lasted a month before needing charging, but now they last only one or two shoots…
There are no charging directions that I can find.
Bought from Tandy, Australia
I bought my first set of Eneloop on christmas in 2006 and they are still going strong like they were new. I use them every day in my camera and I never had anything comparable, they are just perfect, ready every time I want to go, they were never ever discharged when not used. That’s what I was missing all the years before: This reliability! Priceless!
outdoor lights will it make a differance using 1.2v 600 mah vrs.2100 mah I have both and is there a mah? I should use? Thanks Don
The Eneloops aren’t that widely available in stores around DC from what I’ve seen, so I stick with Duracell Precharge Rechargeables because they’re cheap and hold a great charge too
This article is very timely; you’ve convinced me to upgrade to the new rechargeable technology. I’ve been using rechargeable NiMH for eight years now and they are starting to die on me. I have noticed that there is significant variation in quality according to brand. If you want to hang onto the older battery technology, I like the Sony NiMH batteries. I’ve used them for 8 eights years and they’ve really held up to frequent use… or is it abuse? The quick charge Rayovac’s are convenient but the batteries don’t last like the Sony’s. As for the no name brand… what is that suspicious bulge on the side of the battery that formed after less than 3 years of light use?
Thanks, also, for the tip about Costco selling the eneloops. Great price. You get 8 AA’s, 2 AAA’s, a bunch of plastic sleeves that convert the AA’s to C’s & D’s and a charger for under $30 (as of Aug. 3, 2008).
The charger is pretty darn basic. It’s the type that will sense when the charge is complete and turns off the charge process. The charger holds 4 batteries and it charges in pairs. You can mix AA’s and AAA’s but only in pairs. No “smart” features like deep discharge. But the the price at Costco is pretty much the cost of the batteries with the charger tossed in for free. I’m not complaining. The charger will work with 120-240 V and is very light and compact. For those of you who hesitate over the hefty price of rechargeables vs. alkalines, last time I traveled I got caught without a charger and paid $15 at a fancy tourist trap hotel shop for 4 alkaline AA’s for my camera. 4 eneloops for $12 at Amazon vs. $15 alkalines? Switch and don’t leave home without the charger!
Oh, wait. This is the new technology. Just charge up before you leave. Duh.
These are all every stagger battery
This is a good battery charger.
I use the Eneloop batteries in my vibrator, and oo-ee-oo I can have multiple orgasms and keep on going if I want (though I usually get too sore after about a dozen). Great batteries and last a long time in my vibrator!
My setup, which I am VERY happy with, is a large supply of Eneloop batteries plus one 4-cell smart charger (The Lacrosse BC-900 reviewed above). Works GREAT.
The folks having problems with their eneloops probably need to put them on a “recharge” cycle with one of the smart chargers. I understand that you can often get these kinds of issues by using “fast” chargers rather than “slow” trickle charges.
Where to buy:
Costco is where I got my initial stash of Eneloops (got two travel packs and just never use the charger). However, for the next couple of weeks Thomas Distribution (http://www.thomasdistributingshop.com) is having a hell of a sale on Eneloops, 4 AA’s for under $10, and they throw in a travel case for each set as well. The price goes down even more (moderately so) if you buy a bunch.
We have a family with 6 kids, and went through a LOT of batteries before switching to rechargables. We also tried “old style” rechargables before hitting on the eneloops. We’d end up with “dead” batteries after only a few recharges; I understand now that was most likely because we’d let the batteries completely discharge before recharging them, which apparently can ruin standard NiMH batteries.
In any case, we started off with the Lacrosse charger and the 8+2+charger+shells+travel pack deal from Costco (see http://www.eneloopusa.com/products.html about 1/2 way down), then quickly discovered we’d need at least twice as many eneloops. Six months later and still going strong, and I’m upsizing our battery supply with a bunch more eneloops from Thomas Dist (see above).
As or C and D cells: http://www.sanyo.com/news/2008/08/08-2en.html – Eneloop “real” C and D cell batteries will be released in September. Bad news: initial release is in Japan, although I suspect we’ll see them in the US soon after.
Hi. Your site is great and provided me with lots of very useful information. Thanks
I would like to buy a rechargeable battery with 12V and 2Ah (or 6v and 3Ah). I’ve been reading your article about the new hybrid Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) cells. It provides info about the battery amperes but not about their voltage. Would you please point me to where I can get such information?
Thanks a lot
–Luis
Thanks for all the reviews and comments. great info.
Dear Sir;
Your webpage is great as well.
We need extensive information on your entire range of batteries and chargers to satisfy the need of certain customers.
For more impression, we need a few sets of hard- copy catalogs and your export price list before discount.
Your prompt response way generate business for both of us.
I look forward with interest to hearing from you in due course.
Kind regards.
Farouk E Abu Shara
Executive Director
hi..Which of these Hybrid rechargeables are NOT made in China?..Can I use my existing NI-MH charger?…thanks, Walt~
According to an independent comparison of low self discharge battery where the initial 1-hour, 1-week, 4-week, 3-month performance was measured.
The most efficient AAA is GP Recyko 800 mAh .
And here is the ranking:
#2 MAHA IMEDION 800 mAh
#3 Sanyo Eneloop 800 mAh
#4 Duracell Precharged 800 mAh
#5 Accupower Acculoop 800 mAh
#6 Hybrio by Ultralast 800 mAh
For AA low self discharge battery:
#1MAHA IMEDION 2100 mAh
#2Kodak Pre-Charged 2100 mAh
#3GP Recyko 2100 mAh
#4Duracell Precharged 2100 mAH
#5Hybrio by Ultralast 2100 mAh
#6Ansmann Max-e 2100 mAh
#7Nexcell EnergyON 2000 mAh
#8Eneloop by Sanyo 2000 mAh
#9Hybrid by Ray-O-Vac 2100 mAh
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1023&thread=26078814&page=2
Of course, the comparative review done on this is just one and would be excellent if can be repeated by others to verify the accuracy of the findings.
I hope Justin you can post comparative reviews &/or proofs for the metaefficient products. I am just curious on how to categorize a product as being the best metaefficient product in its class.
Nevertheless, you have an excellent website… Keep up the good work.
Do I have to buy the same brand of rechargeable batteries for the charger I already have or can I use another brand as long as it is the same type of battery?
Really, you think a 2100 mAh are the highest rated? I have been buying Powerex AA NiMH since 2008, they are 2700 mAh.
Micmaster, I’m referring to hybrid rechargeables.
I have just started to use the Eneloop AA rechargeables in my digital camera and have to say they are definately the best rechargeable batteries I have ever used
i think HYBRIO is also a very good choice when it comes to ready to use batteries. i am using a pair 1900 mAh with charger which i got for Rs. 645 INR.
after all Uniross is one of the trutsed brand in rechargeables.
I use NiMH rechargeable AAA batteries in a Kyosho Mini Z (small scale RC car). High discharge rate with a performance motor, the best Nationally recognized brand I have found is Energizer 850 mAh. I get the longest run time with minimal voltage drop with these. Duracell, Rayovac AAA NiMH batteries don’t get close to measuring up against the bunny!
Hey, great article! I work for PC Treasures and we just licensed a great new charger called the ReZap. It can be found at http://www.digitaltreasures.com.
Hey, great article! I work for PC Treasures and we just licensed a great new charger called the ReZap.it’s my web http://www.all-good-batteries.com
Great article. I personally own a Lacrosse BC-700 charger (less expensive than the BC-900) and it works beautifully. Thank you for such great information!
Thank very much for information
i want sum information about the solar batteries which is discharge at working time .give me any technology which charge the batteries by the external soures.
I have used powerex rechargeable batteries and chargers for a number of years with satisfaction. I need to buy more AAA’s now. How do the eneloop’s compare? Thanks.
My favorite is the Sanyo Eneloop, but I’m glad that all the other ones that came later came out because competition drives the prices down to a better level for everyone!
http://www.ansmann.de/cms/businessdivision/consumroot/batteries-battery-packs/rechargeable-batteries-nimh/maxe-accu-battery/2500mah-aa-maxe-plus.html
- The best at this time
Pls advise me what kind of charger should I go for ? my requirement is to charge 9000mAh battery for UXO detector, so I need the strong one (heavy duty) suppose Energy16 is it ok for me? or there’s other one’s better? Quantity I need 20-30 sets.
Where is the charger?The charger looks good. There is still time display.And thank very much for information.