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The 10 best batteries to buy in the UK

Picture of a battery

Buying the best batteries depends entirely what you need them for, as there are many types suitable for a variety of devices. Even with the increase in cheap rechargeable batteries, traditional disposable batteries still have countless uses in the home. Unsure of what batteries you need to buy? Then check out the buying guide below for how to choose the best battery for your needs.

What are batteries?

Batteries refer to any device that features one or more electrochemical cells with connections that provide power to a variety of electric devices. Most disposable batteries are either lithium or alkaline batteries, with each one using a chemical reaction to provide a charge, while rechargeable versions of these batteries are also widely available. Batteries also come in a variety of sizes, with different ones being suitable for certain devices.

Why should you buy a good battery?

Good batteries are always needed for certain electrical devices. For instance, most households have devices such as alarm clocks, remote controls, LED flashlights. So it always helps to have some batteries on hand for the various devices that require reliable batteries to operate.

How to choose the right battery in 2024?

Another picture of a battery

Choosing the right battery requires a few considerations, so here are some things to think about when looking to buy good batteries:

  • Type: There are several types of batteries available, with the two most common being alkaline and lithium. Alkaline is generally the cheapest but doesn’t last as long as lithium batteries do, which perform better but cost a good bit more. If you need a lot of batteries it may be a better idea to buy cheaper alkaline batteries. But if you want the best batteries in terms of battery life, then lithium is choice to go for.
  • Size: Batteries come in various sizes, so be sure to get the ones that you require. AAA and AA are among the most common, with larger sizes including C, D, and 9V. Different devices use different sizes of batteries, so always make sure you get the right size for what you need - always check the device before you buy the batteries!
  • Rechargeable: Not all disposable batteries need to be thrown out when they die, with rechargeable options available for both lithium and alkaline types. They are recharged using a battery charger that plugs into a mains power outlet, and while the initial cost is much higher than other batteries, it does end up saving money as you won’t need to buy more down the line.

What is the best kind of battery in the UK?

There are several types of batteries available to buy, any of which may be appropriate for your needs.

  • Alkaline Batteries: The most widely available disposable battery sold, alkaline batteries use the reaction between zinc and manganese oxide to provide a charge. They are sold in most sizes from AAA to 9V and are generally the cheapest available. It’s important to note that not all alkaline batteries offer the same amount of power, with cheaper brand batteries typically lasting less time than reputable brands.
  • Lithium Batteries: These are technically a variation of the alkaline battery with the addition of lithium. This makes them last longer than alkaline batteries, especially in devices that drain batteries at a quick pace, but some devices don’t necessarily benefit from lithium batteries over alkaline.
  • Rechargeable Batteries: Both lithium and alkaline batteries have rechargeable variations that mean you don’t need to dispose of them once they are dead. Instead, they are charged using a special connector that plugs into a mains outlet, letting them fully recharge in a few hours. While more expensive, the initial outlay may end up saving money over time, especially if you go through high quantities of batteries.

Top 10 list of batteries in the UK (2024)

The bestseller list compares brands and their batteries. Which battery is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of Duracell LR06 battery
Duracell Plus AA Batteries (12 Pack) - Alkaline 1.5V - Up To 100%…
  • *Longevity performance in Digital Camera vs the Minimum average duration of the 2021…
  • TRUSTED: Duracell was part of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to become the first battery…
  • DURABILITY: Our technologies keep unused batteries fresh for up to 10 years in their…
BUY NOW
Offer TOP 2
Image of Duracell 3124-2 battery
Duracell Plus 9V Batteries (Pack of 2) - Alkaline - 100% Life Guaranteed…
  • *Commercial guarantee vs. the Minimum Average Duration across 2021 IEC 9V battery…
  • TRUSTED: Duracell was part of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to become the first battery…
  • DURABILITY:Our technologies keep unused batteries fresh for up to 5 years in their…
BUY NOW
TOP 3
Image of Amazon Basics AA battery
Amazon Basics AA Alkaline Batteries, Industrial Double A, 5-Year Shelf…
  • Single Use: Amazon Basics industrial double A batteries are disposable household…
  • Bulk Pack: Ideal for household, industrial, OEM and professional use. Cadmium, lead…
  • Industrial Grade: AA batteries with anti-corrosion components & zinc composi…
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TOP 4
Image of Duracell LR06 battery
Duracell Optimum AA Batteries (12 Pack) - Alkaline Batteries 1.5V…
  • *Delivers extra life in digital camera vs the Minimum Average Duration of the 2021…
  • OPTIMUM STORAGE: The innovative book-style pack keeps batteries in place for easy…
  • SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING: The 0% plastic battery packaging is 100% recyclable
BUY NOW
TOP 5
Image of Panasonic 014 battery
Panasonic Zinc Carbon 30 x AA & 20 x AAA Batteries Pack of 50
  • 20 x AAA Batteries
  • 30 x AA Batteries
  • Pack Contains
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TOP 6
Image of Panasonic 2917 battery
Panasonic AA 2917 Zinc R06R0 Special Power Battery
  • Improved relaunch performance
  • Being the world's leading battery manufacturer, Panasonic fulfils the diverse…
  • High Energy offers the precise and powerful energy needed in high drain devices
BUY NOW
TOP 7
Image of Duracell LR03 battery
Duracell Plus AAA Batteries (8 Pack) - Alkaline 1.5V - Up To 100%…
  • *Longevity performance compared to the Minimum Average Duration of the 2021 IEC AAA…
  • TRUSTED: Duracell was part of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to become the first battery…
  • DURABILITY: Our technologies keep unused batteries fresh for up to 10 years in their…
BUY NOW
TOP 8
Image of Amazon Basics AA 20 battery
Amazon Basics AA 1.5 Volt Performance Alkaline Batteries, 20-Pack…
  • Note: these batteries are NOT rechargeable. For reusable options, check out Amazon…
  • Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
  • Delivers the amount of power needed for a specific device; ideal for game controllers,…
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TOP 9
Image of Duracell LR06 battery
Duracell Plus AA Batteries (20 Pack) - Alkaline 1.5V - Up To 100%…
  • *Longevity performance in Digital Camera vs the Minimum average duration of the 2021…
  • TRUSTED: Duracell was part of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to become the first battery…
  • DURABILITY: Our technologies keep unused batteries fresh for up to 10 years in their…
BUY NOW
TOP 10
Image of Energizer E301594000 battery
Energizer AA Batteries, Alkaline Power, 16 Pack, Double A Battery…
  • Includes recycled materials *Steel up to 10% Recycled. AA/AAA Only. Specially marked…
  • 100% Recyclable Packaging - Energizer packaging is 100% recyclable, supports responsible…
  • 7-Year Shelf Life - Holds power up to 7 years in storage for trustworthy backup energy,…
BUY NOW
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We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2024/07/27.