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Disposable battery reviews

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Last updated: 12 April 2022
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Fact-checked

Checked for accuracy by our qualified fact-checkers, verifiers and subject experts. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE.

Disposable or single-use batteries are still a viable option for a wide range of devices, from digital cameras and remote controls to battery-operated toys. We test and review a range of AA disposable batteries as well as a couple of AAA and 9V batteries to find the best value and best performing brands.

While single use may still be useful in an emergency, we encourage you to look at the results of our rechargeable batteries test for a more environmentally friendly and better value option.

We've also partnered with Shop Ethical on this update to show the ratings the Ethical Consumer Group gives to each company.

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Our test covers alkaline, lithium and zinc carbon AA batteries from major brands like Energizer, Eveready, Varta, Duracell, Aldi and more.

Our expert testers give every battery a thorough workout to help find the ones that:

  • last the longest
  • provide the best value when used in high drain and low drain devices
  • perform at their best for the lifetime of the battery.

Our interactive comparison tool will show you which brands are good value and perform the best for longer, while our Recommended list will help you quickly work out which batteries come out on top.

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Brand

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List of brands we tested in this review.

    Price

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    This figure is usually based on the pack price divided by the number in the pack. The four-pack is the most common, however some of the models on test were only available in packs of 10, 12 or even 20 batteries.

    enter value/s in increments of 1 between 0.21 and 7

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    Member only

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    Battery type

      Battery size

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      Single-use batteries are available in various sizes, with AA being the most popular followed by smaller AAA and square shaped 9V. 

        Included in this review

        Members-only access
        • Overall score
        • Shop Ethical
        • Performance (high drain) score
        • Performance (low drain) score
        • Endurance (high drain) score
        • Endurance (low drain) score
        • Value (high drain) score
        • Value (low drain) score
        • Capacity at 1V (low drain) (mAH)
        • Capacity at 0.7V (low drain) (mAH)
        • Time to reach 1V (low drain) (mins)
        • Time to reach 0.7V (low drain) (mins)
        • Capacity at 1V (high drain) (mAH)
        • Capacity at 0.7V (high drain) (mAH)
        • Time to reach 1V (high drain) (mins)
        • Time to reach 0.7V (high drain) (mins)
        • Price per battery
        • Price per pack of 4
        • Battery size
        • Battery type
        • Pack size
        • Country of origin

        Product selected for a detailed comparison

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