Alkaline AA and AAA batteries - which to get/avoid

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Alkaline AA and AAA batteries - which to get/avoid

johno1234

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#323580 17-Dec-2025 13:15

I'm always finding myself needing them and not always having any. Looking at what's for sale there's quite a big price variation and the name brand ones tend to be quite a bit more expensive.

What brands are the best bang for buck and any to avoid?

Main uses are wireless mouse/keyboards, AV and other remote controls.

1 | 2 | 3

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#3444969 17-Dec-2025 13:32

E.g.

"Consumer Recommended" $15.48 for 24: https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/BATMLF1036/Maxlife-BATAA-A24-AA-ALKALINE-24-PACK-NEW?qr=pspy

vs these ones $63 for 10! https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/BATENG717200/Energizer-Ultimate-Lithium-AA-Batteries---10-Pack

Such a wide difference in cost per.

xpd

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#3444970 17-Dec-2025 13:32

Look at Eneloops instead of one use ones.... they last forever.

XPD / Gavin

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cddt

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#3444973 17-Dec-2025 13:34

We have some large packs of Duracell... can't really say if they are better or worse but seem to do the trick.

Since having kids our battery use has increased about 10000%

My referral links: BigPipe | Mercury

russelo

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#3444981 17-Dec-2025 13:46

I have a few stacks of this at home as I buy it every time it's on sale.

If you time it right, Supercheap sells this for $12:

https://www.supercheapauto.co.nz/p/sca-sca-alkaline-aa-batteries-24-pack/542182.html

Mainly using it for PIR sensors and temperature/humidity sensors around the house to feed home assistant.

timmmay

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#3444985 17-Dec-2025 14:11

Varta from Bunnings have worked well for me for years. I've gotten some Duracell from Amazon AU recently for a similar price which should work as well.

saf

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#3444986 17-Dec-2025 14:16

I usually grab the ones from Trade Tested, and seem to work fine for a very sharp price! (or at least I don't feel like I'm running around replacing batteries all the time 🤷‍♂️)

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pih

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#3444988 17-Dec-2025 14:46

Had some MaxLife leak on me and corrode the terminals on two heat pump remotes simultaneously. In my experience Duracell and Energizers are far less likely to leak than most of the cheaper brands, at least in part justifying their cost.

johno1234

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#3444989 17-Dec-2025 14:48

saf:

I usually grab the ones from Trade Tested, and seem to work fine for a very sharp price! (or at least I don't feel like I'm running around replacing batteries all the time 🤷‍♂️)

Damn those really are cheap!

pih

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#3444990 17-Dec-2025 14:49

xpd:

Look at Eneloops instead of one use ones.... they last forever.

All signs point to IKEA LADDA batteries being made in the same factory. Might be worth a try.

vexxxboy

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#3445000 17-Dec-2025 15:14

i am using the Rocket brand from reduced to clear. A pack of 10 for $2. on the back it says a Duracell company.

Common sense is not as common as you think.

richms

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#3445001 17-Dec-2025 15:17

I use kirklands from costco, used to use varta from bunnings. All alkalines will leak if let run flat. They are not allowed to put mercury and something else in them now to keep them stable when flat.

johno1234:

vs these ones $63 for 10! https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/BATENG717200/Energizer-Ultimate-Lithium-AA-Batteries---10-Pack

Those are not alkaline. They are much better performers at low temperatures, and are also much lighter weight than alkalines. I use the varta versions of AAAs in my temperature sensors in my freezers as alkalines stop producing power at -20 or so.

Richard rich.ms