Whether it's a kid's new toy, your Xbox One controller or even just the TV remote, you always need batteries. If you're a parent, you always need a small mountain of batteries.
As we enter the busy holiday period and more battery-powered gifts arrive under the tree, your stockpile of AA's is due to take a hit. Instead of chucking drained batteries in the trash, consider a switch to rechargeable batteries. In the long run, you'll end up spending a lot less, and the added bonus of taking the dead ones and bringing them back to life means you'll never be caught without.
Having rechargeable batteries isn't as much of a chore as it once was, either. In many cases now you can use a single charger with multiple sizes and brands of batteries.
Not all batteries will come with chargers, but in some cases, you'll get one bundled in. Just in case we've got some great recommendations on both fronts.
Batteries
When you're buying batteries, especially for children's toys, it's important to get quality products. Be sure to check reviews if you're considering buying from a brand you're not familiar with, and using well known, reputable retailers such as Amazon or Best Buy is always recommended.
If you're looking for the best batteries to get, check out this little lot.
Panasonic Eneloop
One of the best known and most respected brands in rechargeable batteries, Eneloop from Panasonic has a lot to offer. They're a little more expensive than rival brands, so definitely worth snagging if you find a deal.
But, while a 4-pack of 2000 maH AA batteries might cost around $18, Panasonic claims a 2100-charge cycle lifespan (how many times you can fully charge and discharge the battery) with a 70% charge retention and up to 10 years of use.
Beyond this, there's also the Eneloop Pro range, which cost a little more at $20 for a pack of 4 AA size batteries but is designed for high-drain devices. These have a 2500mAh capacity and while their lifespan is less at 500 charge cycles, your powerful hardware will be better with them.
Energizer
These 2000mAh batteries come pre-charged so you can pop them out of the packaging and straight into your device. These are also the world's first rechargeable batteries to use a percentage of recycled batteries in their construction.
Energizer claims up to 5 years use from each battery, with a 1000-charge cycle lifespan and a charge that can be held without drain for 12 months.
These are available in AA, AAA and D sizes and while don't come bundled with a charger, make a perfect fit with the Energized one mentioned below. Prices vary depending on the size and quantity, but a 4-pack of AA will cost just $10.
Amazon Basics
For one of the most affordable options look no further than Amazon Basics. Again, available in different sizes like AA and AAA, with the AA batteries having an impressive 2400mAh capacity. Not bad at all for $10 for a 4-pack.
Amazon will price you up a bundle that includes a charger, or you can buy one separately.
The lifespan isn't as long as you'll get from some other brands, with Amazon claiming a 65% charge retention after three years, but they're priced low enough that you'll still save plenty of money over buying regular batteries. Especially since, in true Amazon style, the more you buy at once the more you'll save.
Chargers
Energizer Pro
The companion charger to Energizer's rechargeable batteries comes in a few different forms. The standout is the Pro model which can charge four AA or AAA batteries in 3-5 hours.
The value charger takes a little longer at 6 hours but is under $10. The Pro version is more expensive at $16, but in both cases, you're getting a 4-pack of batteries thrown in.
The Pro, though, has added bonus features like audio and visual updates on the charging process, as well as having an automatic shutoff to prevent against overcharging.
Amazon Basics
At just $15 this charger is remarkably good value and can charge four AA or AAA batteries at the same time. It'll charge AA batteries in between three and five hours depending on their capacity.
But that's not what's most remarkable about this charger. The first is that it supports power switching for international use, going between 100-240V AC. So wherever you go, you can always get charged.
The other neat feature is that there's a built-in USB port. So, while your battery charger is taking up a wall outlet you can still charge your phone. Pretty nifty.
