Best Rechargeable Batteries? (AA, AAA etc)

• 

  SharedSugar on 08/12/2017 - 18:49

  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.

  • 

    kipps on 08/12/2017 - 22:15

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

• 

  Diji1 on 08/12/2017 - 18:56

  +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.

  • 

    AustriaBargain on 08/12/2017 - 20:37

    +2

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

    • 

      WatchNerd on 09/12/2017 - 07:27

      +5

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

• 

  whooah1979 on 08/12/2017 - 19:07

  +3

  Aldi

• 

  [Deactivated] on 08/12/2017 - 19:19

  +2

  Rainbow glitter.

  • 

    Wystri Warrick on 08/12/2017 - 20:43

    +2

    ENELOOPS!

• 

  Wystri Warrick on 08/12/2017 - 20:49

  +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.

  • 

    kipps on 08/12/2017 - 20:59

    +1

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

    • 

      Wystri Warrick on 08/12/2017 - 23:47

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

      • 

        Wystri Warrick on 09/12/2017 - 12:41

        *one not point

• 

  reduced on 08/12/2017 - 23:17

  +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.

• 

  rockpeblar on 09/12/2017 - 00:55

  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.

  • 

    kacak on 09/12/2017 - 10:39

    My powerex did not last as long as eneloops

• 

  kacak on 09/12/2017 - 10:41

  +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 😀

• 

  moar bargains on 09/12/2017 - 13:21

  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.

• 

  m0tyrider on 11/12/2017 - 12:12

  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.