# Rechargeable batteries, are they worth it? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 15, 2021, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103 "2021-04-15T19:58:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Limmin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f04885/32.png) [@Limmin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Limmin)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2021, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/21 "2021-04-16T15:17:53Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > Also if I go with rechargeables, what kind of rotation do I set up? Do I get 3x battery sets, so that 1 set is in the device while 2 sets are charging? Or 2x battery sets? Now to address the OP as others have done: I keep a few spares. Because I have a mixture of old and newer AA and AAA (all NiMH) I typically have enough. Charging takes only about 30 minutes, with my fast charger. But then, my need for these batteries goes up and down over time. Sometimes I have over a dozen spares, other times I struggle to find any. (Typically I forget that I have put these batteries into a device I don’t use very often, so they become “lost” for a while.) ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/22 "2021-04-17T00:45:48Z")
> [@jnglmassiv](#): > > Conventional wisdom is among us ham radio ops and other hobbyists is to use alkaline for **very load drain** devices like clocks, smoke detectors garage door controls &, yes, TV or stereo remotes. Bolding mine. You’ve probably got a word goof in there that leaves me baffled. What are you really trying to say? ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/23 "2021-04-17T03:04:24Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > > [@jnglmassiv](#): > > > > **very load drain** devices like clocks, smoke detectors garage door controls &, yes, TV or stereo remotes. > > Bolding mine. > You’ve probably got a word goof in there that leaves me baffled. What are you really trying to say? I believe it is **low drain devices**. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/24 "2021-04-17T07:08:46Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > It wouldn’t occur to me to use rechargeable batteries in TV remotes, because they last so long that either I or the TV will die before I go through enough regular batteries to equal the cost of rechargeables. Hmmm. For some strange reason my remote chews through batteries at a pretty fast clip. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/25 "2021-04-17T13:01:17Z")
Good bet one of the buttons sticks or your pets like to play with it. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/26 "2021-04-17T13:31:06Z")
I’m yet another person who used Eneloop batteries - someone here said they were great years ago and several people agreed, so I gave them a shot and they are indeed great. I also recently began to use another brand mentioned in this thread, Tenergy, in my smoke detectors. It’s hard to find rechargeable 9V batteries (and I’m lucky enough that the charger I already owned charges them) and decided to give them a shot in November. I haven’t had to recharge them yet. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/27 "2021-04-17T15:36:15Z")
Tip for when your remote control batteries stop working; swap them left to right or up and down. They’ll keep working for a while longer. ---
**Author:** ![Paintcharge](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/paintcharge/32/7946_2.png) [@Paintcharge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paintcharge)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/28 "2021-04-17T17:33:51Z")
My remote thermometers (the sensor part that lives outside and sends temp to the base station inside) eat batteries, especially in winter. As in, they last about a month. I’ve switched to rechargeables for those. Definitely worth it. ---
**Author:** ![lobotomyboy63](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobotomyboy63/32/2900_2.png) [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/29 "2021-04-17T18:21:50Z")
> [@elfkin477](#): > > I’m yet another person who used Eneloop batteries - someone here said they were great years ago and several people agreed, so I gave them a shot and they are indeed great. > **[Eneloop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eneloop)** > > Eneloop (Japanese: エネループ, Hepburn: Enerūpu) (stylized as eneloop) is a brand of 1.2-volt low self-discharge nickel–metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries and accessories developed by Sanyo and introduced in 2005. Panasonic acquired a majority stake in Sanyo in 2009, and Eneloop batteries were thereafter branded, but not manufactured, by Panasonic. > Eneloop cells lose their charge much more slowly than the 0.5–4% per day loss of previously available NiMH batteries, retaining about 85% of th... I bought mine awhile ago. I was using a lot of clip on flash while taking pictures and other batteries stopped taking the charge, didn’t last as long, etc. IIRC they cost more but it works out cheaper…and they’re more dependable. > Following the acquisition of Sanyo by Panasonic, a fourth generation was introduced in April 2013. The number of charges per cell was increased from 1800 to 2100 cycles for both AA (BK-3MCC) and AAA (BK-4MCC) models.[[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eneloop#cite_note-ProductLineup-2) In some countries the batteries are branded as Panasonic. [One contrast…these Duracells say 400 charges](https://www.amazon.com/Duracell-Battery-Charger-Batteries-batteries/dp/B00DTE6QSY/ref=asc_df_B00DTE6QSY/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309809835998&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10045838533814872233&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026919&hvtargid=pla-436163160233&psc=1) I’ve used Tenergy (not rechargeable) before. I tried some via amazon, thinking the low price was great but they could be wimpy. I was very pleased, though. They seem to be a good brand. ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/30 "2021-04-17T21:27:09Z")
> [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > I believe it is **low drain devices**. Yes, thank you. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/31 "2021-04-18T00:01:55Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > ike I said before, with a high discharge device, NiMHs perform better than alkalines (about 150%-200% more flash discharges vs. alkalines and quicker recharge time. I need to correct this, or clarify this. I means about 150%-200% _as many_ flash discharges, not more. For example, if I can get 100 full power flash discharges on a flash powered with alkalines, I can get 150-200 with NiMHs (more towards the 200). ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/32 "2021-04-18T15:32:32Z")
Thanks for all the feedback here. I’ve learned a lot, and I’ll be buying Eneloop which is now owned by Panasonic. I need AAs and Cs, but I’ll get the AA-to-C adapters instead of the Cs. And I plan to get a smart charger so I can just store the batteries in it even when fully charged. That sounds simple enough. As for the one TV remote, we have no pets so I’ll look for a stuck button. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/33 "2021-04-18T16:30:41Z")
Do note that the Cs with AA adapters should last a good bit less long than an alkaline C in your case. NiMH AAs have a rating of about 2000-2500 mAh, while alkaline Cs are 8000 mAh. On a low drain device, you should find yourself swapping them out noticeably more often. ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/34 "2021-04-18T17:28:36Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > For some strange reason my remote chews through batteries at a pretty fast clip. Make sure you’re using actual alkalines and not ‘heavy duty’ batteries. ---
**Author:** ![lobotomyboy63](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobotomyboy63/32/2900_2.png) [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2021, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/35 "2021-04-19T02:07:10Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Do note that the Cs with AA adapters should last a good bit less long than an alkaline C in your case. NiMH AAs have a rating of about 2000-2500 mAh, while alkaline Cs are 8000 mAh. On a low drain device, you should find yourself swapping them out noticeably more often. I once had a boombox that required 8 x D batteries, and it ate them very quickly. For something like that, I wouldn’t expect miracles. Like I mentioned, I was never able to get the spacers to work at all…not even a teensy flicker out of the flashlight’s bulb. I tried various combinations of battery/sleeve but never got anywhere with them. Here’s what they look like now (mine were slightly different). [https://www.amazon.com/Eneloop-Spacers-Ni-MH-Rechargeable-Battery/dp/B00WF0V3YU/ref=sr\_1\_23?dchild=1&keywords=eneloop&qid=1618761030&s=electronics&sr=1-23](https://www.amazon.com/Eneloop-Spacers-Ni-MH-Rechargeable-Battery/dp/B00WF0V3YU/ref=sr_1_23?dchild=1&keywords=eneloop&qid=1618761030&s=electronics&sr=1-23) The C spacer is open on the top, allowing the AA’s contact through, but the D has an added metal contact. It seems like you’d bleed some energy, putting extra metal between battery and the device’s contact. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2021, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/36 "2021-04-19T02:29:38Z")
I’ve tried multiple rechargeable ones and they all suck. I assume I did something wrong but I don’t know what. I tried three different brands with three different chargers (the chargers they each came with). Didn’t try eneloops though. I tried rayovac, duracell and energizer rechargeables. I mostly needed them for my CD player (I like playing CDs on a walkman) so I eventually just bought a portable CD player with a built in rechargeable battery. I like that better than batteries that die in 40 minutes. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2021, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/37 "2021-04-19T02:48:15Z")
I know this isn’t directly on topic but if you are buying Duracell alkaline batteries you are almost certainly being ripped off. Duracell is one of those brands that charges more than the opposition and advertises heavily how long lasting they are, and consequently people assume they are better. Every actual test I have seen found them to be no better or generally worse than supermarket brands in an absolute sense. And on a value for money sense, they are appalling. As one of my favourite YouTubers rather pithily put it - “Chemistry isn’t always where your money goes”. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2021, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/38 "2021-04-21T14:42:39Z")
If you find yourself regularly buying alkaline batteries then yes by all means you should be using rechargeable batteries. Another vote for Eneloops. ---
**Author:** ![Deeg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deeg/32/2955_2.png) [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2021, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/39 "2021-04-21T15:01:27Z")
For what it’s worth, the Wirecutter has a [review on rechargeable batters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rechargeable-batteries/). eneloop is on their recommended list but they point out that a lot of brands (including eneloop) are made by the same factories in China and that there is little to no difference. Amazon Basics is (currently) a matching brand. ---
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2021, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103/40 "2021-04-21T15:05:15Z")
I have two wireless keyboards and two wireless mice, and they all use AA batteries. I’ve been using Eneloop batteries, and always have a set charged to swap out when a keyboard or mouse runs out. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-batteries-are-they-worth-it/940103.md?page=3)