Published on: May 10, 2022
Written by Liam Jaxon / Fact-checked by David Rowan
In spite of the fact that most devices today come with built-in batteries, we still require AA batteries to operate remote controls, alarm clocks, humidifiers, nightlights, and other home devices. AA batteries of various chemistries have varying capacity, voltages, and discharge characteristics. So first, it is critical to understand how many volts an AA battery has.
When searching for AA batteries online, you’ll find several unknown manufacturers. So you might be thinking, “are all AA batteries the same?” No, they come in different types. That’s why we’re here to inform you more about AA batteries.
We experimented with varying batteries of AA and delivered this information for your convenience. Here we present the dimensions, types and equivalents info of longest-lasting AA batteries to keep your electronics operating.
What Is an AA Battery?
According to the American National Standards Institute, AA batteries are one size. It has a diameter of 14.5 mm and a length of 50.5 mm. It is generally known as a ‘Double-A’ battery. It is a single electrochemical cylindrical cell dry battery that can be either disposable or rechargeable. About 50% of all batteries sold in the US are AA batteries.
When buying AAs, consider what you’ll use them for. Low-drain gadgets, like TV remote controls and alarm clocks, are prime candidates for these batteries. It’s better to use lithium batteries for high-drain gadgets like digital cameras. They are made up of several chemistries.
A gadget intended for AA batteries will normally only accept 1.2-1.5 V unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. In addition to AA’s basic label, various labels are also in use, such as HP7 (U12), Penlight (Mignon), MV1500 (MX1500), Mignon (MV1500), Type 316 (LR6, 15A), R6, 15D, FR6, 15LF and others.
What Are the Different Types of AA Batteries?
You may hear that AA batteries are mainly three types. Below I discussed what are the three main types of batteries and their functions.
AA Primary Batteries
These are the most widely used and standard types of AA batteries. They are generally made of Lithium, Alkaline, or Zinc Iron, among other materials. ACDelco AA Batteries are one of them and intended for use in low-power gadgets, and they tend to leak when they have been in storage for an extended period. According to test conditions, duty cycle, and cutoff voltage, it can hold 400 to 900 milliampere-hours.
Besides, they are also single-use and not refillable. Duracell CopperTop AA Batteries are utilized in popular power products such as cordless phones, TV remotes, handheld culinary gadgets, grooming devices and clocks.
AA Lithium Batteries
This is another sort of low-power disposable battery. They don’t leak after long storage. One of them is Energizer AA Lithium Batteries with a long shelf life and can be used in common appliances for months. Lithium AA batteries are likewise more expensive than other types.
Lithium batteries are typically designed with three layers of protection like Bevigor AA Lithium Batteries with sealing rings to prevent leakage. As well as preventing liquid from leaking or damaging the device by using spiral-wound batteries (based on standard usage). Usually, a lithium battery produces 3000mAh and 1.5V with a 10-year shelf life.
AA Rechargeable Batteries
These AA batteries are less common and cost more than the primary varieties. They are not always readily available. Rechargeable AA batteries come in several chemistries: nickel-cadmium (NiCd) (600–1,000 mAh), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) (600–2,750 mAh) and lithium-ion. Energizer NH15BP-8 Rechargeable AA Batteries are long-lasting, rechargeable, and simple to use. Obviously, they need a charger to keep going.
Rechargeable batteries are less efficient than disposable batteries; hence they are generally sold in smaller packs with a charger. Another popular rechargeable battery Duracell AA Batteries comes with a 400 rechargeable NiMH battery. Typically rechargeable batteries provide hundreds of cycles to help you to save money and time.
AA Battery Equivalent and Features Chart
The table below includes the most popular AA battery chemistries and their attributes, including their voltage.
| Chemistry | Common Name | Rechargeable | Typical Capacity (mAh) | Voltage (V) |
| Alkaline | LR6, 15A | No (Mostly No) | 1800 – 2700 | 1.5 |
| Carbon Zinc | R6, 15D | No | 600 – 1600 | 1.5 |
| Li-FeS2 | FR6, 15LF | No | 2700 – 3300 | 1.5 (1.8 max) |
| Li-ion | 14500 | Yes | 600 – 2000+ | 3.6 – 3.7 |
| Li-SOCl2 | (14505) | No | 2400-2700 | 3.5-3.6 |
| Li-MnO2 | CR AA | No | ~2000 | 3.0 |
| Lithium | – | Yes | 1000-2000+ | 1.5 |
| NiCd | KR6, 1.2K2 | Yes | 600 – 1000 | 1.2 |
| NiMH | HR6, 1.2H2 | Yes | 700 – 2800 | 1.2 |
AA Battery Equivalent Chemistries and Features Details
The AA battery is available in a variety of voltages and capacities. To understand what the best AA battery is? First, you need to know the type. Here are some of the most prevalent.
Alkaline Batteries
Based on the reaction between zinc metal and manganese dioxide, this battery is virtually identical to the ordinary AA battery. It features a 1.5 V nominal voltage and 1800-2700 mAh capacity. Based on capacity, Duracell CopperTop AA Alkaline Batteries are the perfect choice for power-hungry items such as children’s toys and other electronic devices.
Carbon-Zinc Batteries
It has a voltage of 1.5 V and a capacity of 600 to 1600 mAh. The battery’s actual capacity is decided by its intended use (low or high drain) and design. The Panasonic AA Batteries Super Heavy Duty Power Carbon Zinc batteries have a low capacity, making them ideal for remote controls or clocks. Besides, zinc-carbon batteries are being replaced with alkaline batteries due to their lower capacity.
LiFeS2 Batteries
Non-rechargeable AA lithium batteries come in two varieties: Li-FeS2 and Li-Ion (Lithium Ion). 2700-3300 mAh is a great capacity for a non-rechargeable AA battery. The long shelf life of Bevigor AA Lithium Batteries makes them ideal for standby, medical, backup, security, and EDC (Everyday Carry) devices and applications. And torches and cameras all use Li-FeS2 AA batteries.
Li-SOCL2 Batteries
A Lithium Thionyl Chloride (Li-SOCL2) battery has a nominal voltage of 3.5 to 3.6 volts, an OCV of 3.65 volts, and a capacity of 2400 to 2700 mAh.One of them is 4X EEMB ER14505 AA 3.6V Lithium Battery. It is not recommended to use Li-SOCL2 AA batteries in devices designed for 1.5V AA batteries. Also, Lithium Thionyl Chloride (Li-SOCL2) AA batteries have a 10-20 year shelf life.
Li-MnO2 Batteries
Typical Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li-MnO2) battery labels are 14505 and CR AA. The Li-MnO2 battery has a 3.0-volt nominal voltage, a 2.0-volt cutoff voltage, and a 2000 mAh capacity. 3 Volt Lithium AA Battery from EEMB AA 3Volt can last up to 10 years. There’s no cadmium, lead, or mercury in these batteries.
NiCd Batteries
Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries have a 1.2 V nominal voltage and a 600-1000 mAh capacity. A high self-discharge rate and memory effect make NiCd batteries unsuitable for high current applications. For example, Tenergy AA Rechargeable Battery NiCd has a larger capacity. For their high cadmium content, cadmium-based batteries are being replaced by NiMH batteries.
NiMH Batteries
Nickel Metal Hydride batteries have a simple voltage of 1.2 V, and capacity ranges from 700 to 1500 mAh, with some low drain variants reaching 2800 mAh. Modern NIMH batteries like EBL AA Rechargeable NiMH Batteries have a lower self-discharge rate, no memory effect and a more consistent output voltage than NiCds.
Li-ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable cylindrical batteries like AA batteries. It has a chemistry of lithium-ion and has a voltage of 3.6-3.7 volts. Battery capacities can range anywhere from 600 mAh to 2000 mAh or even more, depending on the intended application and other characteristics. Deleepow Rechargeable Lithium/Li-ion AA Batteries are great for high-power demand devices.
FAQs
1. Which Brand of AA Battery Lasts the Longest?
Duracell, Energizer, Eveready batteries have the longest life and then other batteries. In general, when it comes to performance, alkaline batteries surpass their non-alkaline equivalents.
2. Who Has the Best Deal on AA Batteries?
It depends on where you buy the aa batteries from. Online Sam’s Club, Walmart, Amazon, Costco and Best Buy always give the best deal.
3. What Do 20 AA Batteries Weigh?
A 20 pack AA batteries weigh approximately 1.06 lbs to 1.40 lbs based on different brand and type.
4. Is a 1.5 V Battery the Same as AA?
A zinc-carbon 1.5 V battery is an older type of battery with a typical capacity of 600 to 1600 mAh, whereas an alkaline AA battery has 1800 to 2700 mAh. So they are not the same.
Final Verdict
AA batteries are widely used in electronics. It comes in various compositions to suit any application that requires more power, storage capacity, or longevity. Hope after reading the whole article, now you know which AA batteries to buy and use.
You should do some preliminary study, which we have done for you here, on the many chemistry types, voltages, shelf lives, and storage settings that are advised for AA batteries.
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About This Writer
Hi, I am responsible for the 'Homeowners Power Solutions' category. My name is Liam Jaxon and a licensed technician with 7 years of experience in vehicle batteries, electrical gadgets, and home appliances. My working experience in different residential & light commercial electrical sectors and the automobile industry helped to acquire vast knowledge in this industry.
