best value rechargeable AAA batteries

all of my AA are eneloops, but I need some AAA for my DMM, remotes, etc. I will spend the money on eneloops if I have to, but just seeing if there are any newer alternatives. I know Duracell had “duraloops” but I thought they changed their cell supplier which is why they were all clearanced out about a year or so ago.

are these worth it? they are $12.97 for 800mAh NiMH AAA 6-pack

the Tenergy Centura are essentially $14 for an 8 pack

the Eneloops are $17.09 for an 8 pack from amazon warehouse

the Amazon Basics are $16 for an 8 pack

These KeyKo batteries are actually interesting. They are from a Japanese company called KeyKo, but I doubt the cells are made in Japan. They are $11.95 for an 8 pack. I’m hesitant about purchasing an unknown company’s batteries. For somebody that is better at interpretting data sheets here is the data sheet for the Keyko batteries and here is the data sheet for eneloop batteries

You can find eneloops on sale from time to time. I got them for 7.99 per 4pack from newegg a few weeks ago

I use cheap alkalines for all of my low draw remotes, DMM etc. They last a year or so. With such low draw, using rechargables you will never use enough cycles to recoup the higher initial cost. The best use for rechargables is in high drain devices that use it’s charge up every day or so. It is the only way you are going to consume the 500 to 1000 recharge cycles of the cell.

You recoup the higher cost by not having to replace ruined remotes and DMMs.

No joke. I also have a few cheap aaa flashlights as well. Also the lights for my bench grinder.

Heard some good things about these, no free shipping though Radio Control Planes, Drones, Cars, FPV, Quadcopters and more - Hobbyking

A look at the amazon listing indicates (down a bit on the page) that these are made in China. They may not be as good as the Japan made ones and are not the same as the eneloops.

The other forum has a couple of tests that you may find interesting:

aa - Japan made vs China made “duraloops” (cycle testing):
Japan/China duraloops

aaa - Japan made vs China made “duraloops” (cycle testing):
Japan/China aaa duraloops

I recently bought 8 white amazon basics aaa’s for $12.99 (Can) - about $10 Us on amazon.ca - they seem to be good batteries and may be made alongside eneloops. I did some discharge tests but haven’t tested to see how long they hold a charge. Results are here (see post 29):

Amazonbasics aaa

I also bought some Energizer Power Plus aaa’s (4 for $12.99 Can - not a great deal even on sale). I did some discharge tests which can be seen here:

Energizer PowerPlus aaa

I plan to test them at 1 month and 2 months but that will be a while yet.

I would buy eneloops if they were available for a decent price but they are few and far between in my area so I’ve ended up buying mostly Japan made duraloops (and have been very happy with them). Unfortunately the only duraloops I can find now are the ion core and they don’t seem to go on sale so are quite pricey.

Regards,

John.

Yeah. Shipping is like $7 through them.

I think I’m gonna dare to be different and order the keyko ones and compare them to my eneloops. I don’t have any fancy equipment but I can run what tests I can through my charger. Also check runtime on a flashlight between the two. Hell, why not. They may turn out to be decent.

If there’s an IKEA nearby, their LADDA Ni-MH batteries are pretty good for the price! It’s $5.99CAD for a 4 pack of AAs or AAAs.

I’ve been using Duracell Duralock batteries purchased at Wal-Mart. They have the black tops, are made in Japan and are generally thought to be rebranded Eneloops. I also have a number of the AA - same style and made in Japan. Less than $11.00 for a pack of 4. These are generally thought to be good batteries and are also thought to be rebranded Eneloop cells.

How about the Fujitsu
Made in Japan , same as the Eneloop .The same factory makes both Eneloop and Fujitsu brand.
Shipping is not free , but still a good value, IMO .

[gerald_clark wrote:
You recoup the higher cost by not having to replace ruined remotes and DMMs.]

If that happens you are correct, but I have never had one ruined by alkalines. Many posts here would make one think that if he used alkalines he is doomed to having his equipment, lights, remotes ruined.
That has not been my experience in many years of using alkaline and prior batteries. Many years ago when the flashlights were cheap metal lights, and I had never heard of rechargeable batteries, I had a cheap flashlight ruined by leaking batteries. So I think the probability of ruining equipment is grossly overstated. Sure it happens, and especially if batteries are allowed to lose charge, but it is not as prevalent as indicated in my own experience.

For flashlights, such as my bedside Maglight 3C I have obtained adapters and I use them with eneloops, since I almost never even turn the light on.

By the time one buys 50 batteries and quality chargers he has not saved money unless the equipment is used very often. But it is fun to play with anyway.

ADDED: For awhile the only eneloops I found went for from $3 to $4 each. At that price I do not think they are the best buy for me. I have had good luck with Tenergy Premium batteries at about $1.67 per unit. Lately I have also bought some of the Duracell ion core batteries. At around $2 each they might be the best buy if they are really rebranded eneloops. I do not think the Tenergy batteries will hold their charge as well as eneloops.

How you use them is an important factor in choosing the best buy for your own use.
Jerry

I use the IKEA Ladda NiMH cells. Best price per mAh & consistency.

Buy japan made cells only ....

Anything else is a mistake

i already have some japan eneloops. i just need some reasonably priced batteries for other things. I have gotten to where I absolutely hate buying alkalines. I’m forced to on my game cameras that I make as I put eneloops in the cameras and recharge them with alkalines. I know some of the things I want to use the AAA’s in will never benefit from the rechargeables, but I’ve had too many items ruined by leaking cells. I think eneloops for a remote control is overkill. I may end up going that route though, just figured this would open up an opportunity to test various cells against my eneloops such as the keyko and acculoop batteries. Do I expect them to beat the eneloops……nope. Just want to see if they are a serviceable alternative.

Unless you leave them on the shelf for a couple of months without use or charging Tenergy Premiums are a viable alternative. Here are some results in my lights.
Fenix LD01 AAA Hi
Tenergy Pre 2hrs 20min
Eneloop 1hr 35min
EBL 1hr 57min 2hrs 2min
Tenergy Ce 1hr 30min
Duracell SC 1hr 30min

Mid
Tenergy Prem 3hrs 51min
Eneloop 3hrs

Sipik 68 Clones AA Hi
Tenergy Pre 2hr 45 min
Eneloop 1hr 50min
EBL 2hrs 0min
After 1 week
Hi
Tenergy Pre 2hr 3min
Eneloop 1hr 32min
Tenergy Cen 2hr 2min

Hi After 1 Month
Tenergy Premium 2hr 5min
Eneloop 1hr 58min

It depends upon your need and use, but “You pay your money and takes your choice.”
At about 1/2 the price for my needs the Tenergy Premium is the better choice.

Jerry

That’s definitely an option. Thanks for your results.

I opened my DMM one day (after having in storage for about a year) to find the alkaleaks leaking. Luckily I don’t think it was damaged yet. I stuck Eneloops in it but it doesn’t seem to want to work with the lower voltage.

Thanks for the clear-cut, convincing data.

Isn’t the “After 1 Month” data strange, especially for Eneloop? After 1 Month data is better (longer) than the After 1 week data. Also, even the Tenergy Pre “improved” After 1 Month. Moreover, that does not seem to indicate Tenergy Pre will degrade, if at all, after 2 months (or more). Think you need to do more testing :slight_smile: for you to say “Unless you leave them on the shelf for a couple of months without use”. It could very well be 6-month or maybe even a year. :wink: