Batteries

What's behind our battery Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 12 models in batteries to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Battery life
Battery life reflects the performance of each pair of AA batteries in a digital camera, based on the maximum number of pictures that could be shot.
# of shots
The actual number of photos that could be taken until the battery went dead.
Cost per 50 shots
The cost ($) to shoot 50 photos with each model.

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Recommended batteries

Recommended batteries are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended batteries

Battery buying guide

To find the battery that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Buying guide video

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Why shop here?

In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy batteries in a safe-shopping environment.

Learn more about our Price & Shop program

In Consumer Reports' Ratings of AA batteries, our technicians found real differences among well-known names and value brands. Use lithium batteries in high-drain devices such as cameras and alkaline batteries in low-drain devices such as remote controls. If you're looking for information about batteries, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ battery reviews will give you honest advice that you can trust. Use our battery buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and battery reviews to help you choose the best batteries for your needs.

Ratings & recommended batteries

AA batteries (12)

Recommended models are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices among models, weigh performance, features, price, and attributes that matter to you, such as color, size, or style.

Battery buying guide

Disposable batteries have become a staple in our world of high-tech portable electronic devices. AA batteries are still the most widely sold battery type, used in many toys, radios, flashlights, and remote controls, and in some digital cameras, though more of those are using tiny rechargeables. But do you really need to buy expensive brand-name batteries to keep your gadgets up and running?