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Best Rechargeable AA Batteries

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Rechargeable Ni-Mh AA Batteries Tested and Reviewed

You know how frustrating it can be when you're right in the middle of something important powered by AA batteries, and they suddenly expire! And if you've traditionally used alkaline batteries, it's not uncommon to find you've mixed new and partly used batteries together (easily done). If you've never considered rechargeable batteries before, this review of 20 makes of rechargeable Ni-Mh AA batteries will help you decide. After all, with the promise of 1000 cycles without loss of power, rechargeable batteries make economic sense especially when you consider how many regular household items rely on them. If you've tried rechargeable batteries before and were disappointed with the results, read on to find out why not all rechargeable Ni-Mh AA batteries are created equal.

Nowadays, it makes good sense to simply recharge or recycle your AA batteries, especially as we're all trying to economise and be more environmentally friendly. But for this to be truly effective and worthwhile, you need the best rechargeable batteries available.

So, what exactly makes a best battery?

Is it how long a battery lasts? Capacity? Value for money? A combination of these things? True, you may be able to buy value packs of regular AA batteries from your local supermarket or market, but what about recycling all those 'dead' alkaline batteries? They all have to be disposed of correctly these days right?

The good news is that AA rechargeable Ni-Mh batteries are good for 1000 cycles as long as you look after them properly, which makes them good sense and exceptional value. However, not all rechargeable AA batteries are created equal; some AA rechargeables pass the duration test with flying colours, whilst others lose their charge in a matter of weeks if left unused (did you know that? I didn't either!). Then there's the cost of a charger to factor in.

To answer these questions (which were questions I asked myself), I put this lens together to help you benefit from my research so can decide which AA batteries best suit your needs. To do this, I've included a test from The Gadget Show which reviewed 20 makes of AA rechargeable batteries in a first use test and review.

So, which AA rechargeable battery came out tops? Let's see:

'The Gadget Show' Rechargeable AA Battery Test and Review

Suzi Perry and Jason Bardbury put AA rechargeable batteries to the test...

The Gadget ShowThe Gadget Show Test tested 20 different makes of AA rechargeable batteries, all run for the first time, and factors in the duration the batteries lasted on first use, their cost, the time to recharge them and the cost of chargers, before picking the top 5.
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Rechargeable batteries are perfect for high-use gadgets and usually come in a Nickel-metal Hydride Form or Ni-MH, and a good way of checking how long your rechargeable batteries will last, is from their MaH or miliAmp hours rating.

Tip: the higher the miliAmp rating, the lower the number of times you can recharge it.

If You're In A Hurry, Here Are The Top 3 Gadget Show Test Winners:

1. Uniross 2700 mAh Performance Rechargeable Batteries

2. GP ReCyko 2100 mAh Rechargeable Batteries

3. Energizer 2450 mAh Rechargeable Batteries

#1 Test Winner: The Uniross AA 2700 mAh Performance Batteries


Uniross 4 x AA 2700mAh Performance Batteries



The Gadget Show test winners, these Uniross 2700 mAh Ni-Mh Performance rechargeable batteries last up to 7 times longer in digital cameras and are a great overal buy especially if you're going to put them straight into a device right after a full charge.

However, don't expect these batteries to retain their charge after a few months if you've left them in a drawer - as I found out!

Some rechargeable batteries are slightly larger than regular AA batteries and can be difficult to get in and out of some devices, like the MAG compact torches. These however, have no such problem.

#2. GP ReCyko 2100 mAh Ni-Mh Rechargeable Batteries




GP 2100mAh AA ReCyko Rechargeable Ni-Mh Batteries 4 Pack



The GP ReCyko 2100mAh batteries are a new breed of rechargeable battery and my favourites, combining the benefits of Alkaline and rechargeable technologies being described by GP as 'always ready.' These use what GP term Green Generation Battery technology and are ready to go straight out of the pack - no pre-charging required (essential for those situations where you need a battery ready-to-go).

The GP ReCyko batteries, unlike the test winners Uniross, have a low discharge rate which means they won't run down as quickly if left unused. In fact, they retain 90% of their charge after 6 months and 85% after 12 months! AND, they recharge the quickest in only 35minutes. Wow!

The GP ReCyko batteries are also available in AAA which makes these my rechargeable battery of choice.

#3 Energizer 2450 mAh Rechargeable Batteries


Energizer Battery Rechargeable Capacity 2450mAh 1.2V AA
[Pack 4]



The Energizer's are a good solid performer and are widely available with an instantly recognisable name. What's more, these batteries took just over an hour to recharge which is quite acceptable especially as most folks have at least a few spare batteries to help them in an emergency whilst the rechargeables are on charge.

Energizer Rechargeable batteries are highly recommended for high-drain or frequently-used devices which you might use more than once a week: digital cameras, portable audio players, two-way radios, handheld games, and GPS equipment. They are also recommended for toys, infant devices, and PDA's.

Get These Great Rechargeable Batteries From Amazon.com Now

As tested on The Gadget Show UK

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Of course, wth those rechargable batteries, you'll need the best charger


Uniross Smart Charger + 4 x AA 2700mAh Performance Batteries



It's no good going through the process of choosing the best AA rechargeable batteries to suit your needs then not having a charger to charge them. Do beware of the cheaper chargers though because they may not charge your batteries as quickly or as effectively as possible. We recommend this Uniross unit which comes complete with 4 of The Gadget Show test winning batteries included.

There are also compact chargers like this which will charge AAA batteries as well, useful if you use these rechargeable batteries too.

Do YOU Use AA Rechargeable Batteries? Tell Us About It!

Like this lens? Just want to share your feedback, or just give a thumbs up? Be the first to leave a blurb! Thanks for dropping by.

  • Nov 8, 2010 @ 9:47 am | delete
    yes, i do use this kind of rechargeable batteries and i want to share that people must also be careful in the charger aside from the batteries cause using the wrong charger can destroy your batteries. base from experience!
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  • richertalk Nov 8, 2010 @ 10:07 am | delete
    Hi - thanks for your helpful comments and you're quite right too! I have several chargers, one for each make because like you say, chargers are not created equal! Good tip, thanks.
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Richard Anderson when not scrabbling around for charged AA batteries, helps internet and network marketers evolve by adopting success strategies they... more »

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