Best Rechargeable Batteries? (AA, AAA etc)

Looking at buying a good set of batteries + charger once and for all.

Sick of buying disposable batteries for my devices and it would be nice just to always have a set of batteries on hand that I know won't be useless.

Looking at buying this, https://www.jbhifi.com.au/tv-home-entertainment/tv-accessori…

Is the charger OK?

I see the term "eneloop" being thrown around alot, do they need a special charger?

Would you buy energizer batteries ?

Let me know what you use, and if you are happy with your setup :)

Comments

  • I think there are different kinds of rechargeable batteries suited to different tasks. If you want a low power draw long expiry the cheaper nimh are still fine. Coles makes cheap ones. Energiser still charge extra for their brand name, but perform equal to or worse than the home brand batteries according to choice. I use Varta 2600 batteries. They cost a little extra, but are reviewed well and are available at bunnings.
    There are also many different kinds of eneloops.

    • I thought if you want long expiry you want a decent low self discharge (LSD) nimh. Not any cheapie.

  • +8

    Eneloop, Hobby King LSD or IKEA Ladda.

    You need a particular type of charger to charge them effectively, it isn't really expensive.

    I have a Panasonic BQ-CC17 which is a very basic charger that I bought bundled with Eneloops.

    Not a battery nerd but supposedly Energiser are worse for rechargeable batteries.

    • +2

      I like how white the LADDA batteries are, and the texture feels like paper instead of the same old plastic wrap.

      • +5

        Yes that's a very important feature when considering a good rechargeable battery.

  • +3

    Aldi

  • +2

    Rainbow glitter.

  • +2

    I have eneloops and Ikea batteries and a Maha Powerex C9000.

    Definitely get a smart charger, there's a smart charger often on Ozbargain for $30-$40 can't remember the name though, shouldn't be to hard to find.

    • +1

      I have Nitecore D4 & it is about that price and works well.

      • Ah yes that's the point I was trying to remember, there is also another version i4 I think.

  • +1

    I have used lots of different rechargeables over the years but found Eneloops to be the best. Use them mainly for Xbox controllers and remotes but only buy from batterymates store on eBay as I have found them to be genuine and well priced.
    Also use XTAR VC4 charger that gives them perfect charge ($37 on eBay), my neighbor who is into electronics put me onto this combo and it's been brilliant.

  • I've been using rechargeables for over 10 years and the best batteries I've found are Maha Powerex batteries. Not cheap but better than Eneloops, Hobbyking and Aldi brands.

    • My powerex did not last as long as eneloops

  • +1

    As others above have suggested, I would go Eneloop, Ikea, Hobbyking, Aldi in decreasing order of preference.

    IKEA ladda seems like the best bang for buck atm. Also apparently their smart charger is pretty decent but I swear by my Maha C9000 😀

  • It used to be that eneloops were the best (and dick Smith often had specials on them) hence all the eneloop comments.
    However these days, I believe basically any ni-mh (low self discharge) battery made in Japan will be fine. There is apparently only one factory in Japan that makes ni-mh lsd batteries, so they're all just relabeled, hence the suggestions of IKEA, ALDI and Hobby King batteries also being good.

    Don't get that charger though. The nitecore d4 is a good, easy to use one and will maintain your batteries better. Currently ~$30 at Zapals.

  • Thanks everyone! I put a order in for a Nitcore D4, will hopefully find a special on the eneloops.

    This might be a silly question, but what is a normal mAh for your regular duracell battery?

    I don't want less running time from my rechargeable batteries.

    And the eneloops are no bigger then a normal battery right? In the past I have had a set of rechargeable batteries that were physically bigger and did not fit in all device's.

Login or Join to leave a comment