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You might feel a bit of sticker shock spending almost twenty bucks on two batteries. Nickel-metal Hydride (or NiMH) batteries like this Energizer 9V battery do have a high initial cost. Since you can recharge them hundreds of times, though, they’re economical in the long run.
NiMH batteries have a lower capacity and a faster recharge rate. They’re designed more for short-term, high-power applications than long-term use. They’re ideal for electronic gadgets like remote control cars and drones, but not the best choice for something like a smoke detector.
You can get higher capacity for less money if you go with a Li-ion cell instead. If you want your battery to charge in a snap, though, you’ll want these Energizer NiMH 9v batteries.
Pros
- Fastest charging time (as low as 15 minutes to full)
- Contains no toxic substances like cadmium
- Slim and sized to fit even tight battery compartments
- More recharges than other types of battery
- Efficient and even power discharge.
Cons
- High per-battery cost
- Won’t last as long per charge as other designs
- Doesn’t hold the charge well in storage
2 BONAI Li-ion Rechargeable 9V Batteries
A li-ion battery like this one from Bonai is a great choice if you want a long-lasting battery. You can recharge these batteries up to 1,200 times. Since each charge will last almost as long as a typical disposable battery, that makes them a very economical option.
The per-battery cost of this 4-pack is high compared to alkaline batteries. That initial cost goes up since you’ll need to buy a charger, which costs around $10.
The performance is worth the cost for most people, though. This is especially true if you’re powering things like guitar pedals that can eat through other batteries. In our opinion, this is one of the best 9v batteries for regular high-power use.
Pros
- Can withstand more recharges than most 9-volt batteries
- Efficient with a low self-discharge rate
- Great option for products with a high power drain
- Multiple layers of protection against overcharging
- Eco-friendly and safe design
Cons
- Will have to buy the charger separately
- Not the best option for long-term storage
3 EBL Li-ion (6F22) 600mah Rechargeable 9V Battery
If you’re looking for the most affordable option in rechargeable batteries, check out these lithium-ion batteries from EBL. They’re durable, too – you can recharge them over a thousand times before they wear out. This makes them a great long-term value in addition to the low initial cost.
EBL designs their batteries to be rugged. They have interior safeguards against overcharging and power surges. The discharge rate of these batteries is low, too. This makes them great batteries for smoke detectors. With low use, they can last years between charges.
The only possible complaint about this battery is that it is a smidge larger than the typical 9-volt. If the battery compartment of your device types, these batteries might not fit. Otherwise, though, they’re an affordable and powerful rechargeable option.
Pros
- Best value for a rechargeable battery
- Can be charged up to 1,200 times
- Low self-discharge (lasts up to 3 years in storage)
- Built-in protection against overcharges and short-circuits
- Works well even in hot weather
Cons
- Are slightly larger than a typical 9V battery
- Takes 5+ hours to charge them
4 Keenstone Li-ion Rechargeable 9v Battery
Getting the batteries and charger together as a set is a convenient option. You know they’ll work together seamlessly, first of all. It’s also usually a bit less per piece when you buy a whole set.
In this case, you’ll get six rechargeable 9V batteries along with the charger. The batteries have a relatively high capacity and can be recharged about 500 times. They are not the most durable or most powerful, but they’re dependable and give plenty of juice for most home needs.
Considering how much you’re paying for this set, the charger feels a bit cheap. It does the job well and relatively quickly. You can find the same design of charger for about half the price from other brands, though.
Pros
- Includes charger
- Batteries work in both hot and cold weather
- High power capacity
- Versatile across devices and uses
- Holds charge well even when stored
- Fast recharge rate
Cons
- Highest cost option on the list
- Charger feels a bit cheap for the price
5 Maxlithium (ML9v4B) 800mah Lithium Ion Rechargeable 9V Battery
Here’s another option that comes with an included charger – and for a lot less than the Keenstone set above. They’re a fast-charging option, able to go from empty to full in less than 3 hours. This makes them a great choice for people who go through a lot of batteries.
The long-term durability of these batteries is their only drawback. You’ll get about 300 charges out of them. They’ll still save you money in the long run compared to disposable batteries. Compared to other rechargeable options, they won’t last as long.
These Maxlithium batteries are a great choice for high-powered devices. Their capacity is relatively high, and this means they can dole out more power at once. Combined with the quick recharge, this makes them perfect for power tools or outdoor equipment.
Pros
- Comes with the compatible charger
- Can charge 3 batteries to full in just a couple hours
- Low self-discharge (less than 1% every month)
- Relatively high capacity
- Works at temperatures as low as -4°F
Cons
- Batteries will only last for about 300 charges
- The charger isn’t the most sturdy or durable
6 Duracell Procell (PC1604)9V Alkaline Battery
Most people know about Duracell batteries. They’re one of the leaders in the industry for a reason, making reliable batteries that are reasonably priced. The Procell line of disposable alkaline batteries is certainly affordable at less than twenty bucks a dozen.
In terms of performance, these aren’t your best options. They have the lowest capacity of the non-rechargeable batteries we looked at. They’re reliable while they last but they won’t last as long. That does mean the long-term costs can add up if you use them often.
The Duracell Procell 9-volts do provide a strong charge. They’re rated for industrial use so you know they can handle your household devices. You’ll have to change them more often than other options, but if you don’t mind that they’re a fine choice.
Pros
- One of the lowest per-battery costs on the list
- Fits standard 9-volt battery slots
- Professional-grade housing and build
- Resist leaking and corrosion
- Rated for home or industrial use
Cons
- One of the lowest capacities on the list
- Non-rechargeable
- Won’t stay good as long in storage
7 Energizer E522 Alkaline 9V Battery
Energizer batteries are known for their high quality, but that doesn’t mean they have to be expensive. When you average it out, that’s less than two bucks a battery.
This isn’t your best option if you want batteries that can sit on a shelf for a while. These Energizer batteries will only hold their charge for about 5 years if you don’t use them. They’re a better option if you need something right away for something that you use every day.
You can count on Energizer batteries to work for you when you need them. They’re not the most powerful option, but they’ll give you plenty of juice for most applications. As a convenient low-cost 9V battery, you can count on every time, these Energizer 9-volts are a great choice.
Pros
- Perfect battery to use in everyday devices
- Sized to fit into all standard battery slots
- Durable metal jacket
- No added harmful chemicals or special disposal needed
- Uses PowerSeal technology for zero leaks
Cons
- Relatively short sitting shelf-life of 5 years
- Fairly low overall capacity for a non-rechargeable battery
8 Energizer (L522) Ultimate Lithium 9v Battery
This is the best battery on the list if you need a device you can use outdoors year-round. They’ll keep giving you power in the coldest winter and hottest summer. That reliability is a hallmark of the Energizer brand, and they definitely deliver with these best 9v batteries.
Energizer batteries are impressively durable overall. They’re completely leak-free and guaranteed not to burst or break from standard use. About the only way, you could destroy this battery is if you tried to charge it. It’s non-rechargeable, even though it uses a lithium cell.
The only word of warning with this battery is that when it dies, it dries fast. It’ll give you full juice right up until it’s drained. This is great in one sense but it does mean you might not know when it’s about to fail. They’ll last you a few years easily, though, so failure isn’t a frequent risk.
Pros
- Works from -40°F to 140°F
- Great for both indoor and outdoor use
- Guaranteed not to leak in any circumstance
- Gives full power for the entire length of the battery
- Reliable in a wide range of devices
Cons
- Non-rechargeable
- Only retains charge in storage for up to 5 years
9 ACDelco (AC265) Alkaline 9V Battery
Alkaline batteries are usually the most affordable option. This 12-pack from ACDelco is definitely a good value – you’ll pay just over a dollar a battery. That’s a great price for an alkaline battery of this size, especially considering the level of performance.
This is a quality 9V alkaline battery. That does mean it can’t be recharged; once the battery dies, you’ll have to throw it away. It will take quite a while for that to happen, though. These batteries will last up to 8 years in storage.
The power from these batteries is consistent, too, which we appreciated. They won’t get weak as they get older. This makes them ideal for high-drain situations as well as lower-voltage applications, like smoke detectors. It’s a versatile, all-around 9v alkaline battery.
Pros
- Better for the environment, with no cadmium or mercury
- Consistent discharge rate across the whole life of the battery
- Stainless steel coating prevents leaking
- Can be stored several years in a cool, dry place
- Excellent choice for high-drain devices
Cons
- Not rechargeable
- Not as efficiently used in hot or cold weather
10 Rayovac D (ALD-12PPJ) Alkaline 10-year lifespan 9V battery
The main downside of these batteries is that, like alkaline batteries, they’re not rechargeable. They will last for a long time in storage, making them great back-up batteries. Check the bottom of the battery for the expiry date to know how long you can keep them.
In ANSI testing, Rayovac batteries performed comparably with the other major brands. This makes them an excellent value and the best alkaline battery for buyers on a budget.
Pros
- Most affordable option on the list
- Holds charge for up to 10 years in storage
- Great for high-use devices
- Re-sealable package for storage
- Last as long as other major brands in ANSI testing
Cons
- Non-rechargeable
- Will leak if left in storage past expiry date
Best 9V Batteries: The Bottom Line
The big divide in price is going to be between disposable and rechargeable batteries. The initial cost is lower with disposable batteries. In the long term, though, you’ll save money by using a rechargeable option.
Other than that, the big stat you’re looking at is the overall capacity. That will tell you how much power the battery holds when it’s fully charged. This is an especially important stat for disposable batteries since it can’t be filled again.
Taking all factors into consideration, the best 9V batteries you’ll find are probably the EBL-6F22. With high capacity and a low discharge rate, it will power your devices for a long time without failing. And it’s durable, too, lasting over 1,000 recharges.
Whatever your needs, the options on this list are the best 9V batteries on the market. Hopefully, this guide has helped you figure out what kind of power you need!
Top 3 Best 9V Batteries Comparison Table
[table “38” not found /]FAQs
1 What are the different types of rechargeable batteries?
There are two primary designs used for rechargeable batteries of this size: Nickel-metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium-ion (li-ion). Both can be found in a variety of sizes, and both styles have their strengths.
NiMH batteries recharge very quickly. They can also be recharged more times before failing. Li-ion batteries, on the other hand, have a higher overall capacity and hold their charge longer.
As a side note, don’t assume a battery is rechargeable just because you see the word lithium. Only Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable. Standard lithium batteries are not and will explode if you try to put them on a charger.
2 What is the best type of rechargeable battery?
That depends on what you need them for. Both NiMH and Li-ion batteries are non-toxic and great for home use. It’s really a question of the length of use. A Li-ion battery lasts a lot longer and can hold more power. This is why they’re becoming more popular.
You’ll want a Li-ion battery for long-term, low-power applications. This includes things like smoke detectors and TV remote controls. A NiMH battery still has uses, though. Specifically, it’s better when you need a lot of power just for a few hours. Things like guitar effect pedals and microphones thrive on NiMH batteries.
3 Do rechargeable batteries go bad if not used?
Batteries will definitely lose their charge over time if they’re not used. The discharge rate varies depending on the type of battery. Li-ion can hold their charge for up to 5 years in storage; NiMH models tend to only hold their charge for about a year.
If you continue to store a battery after it’s fully discharged, it will eventually stop working. Chemical reactions take place in a fully-discharged battery that degrades the cells and lower the total capacity.
The best way to avoid this is to periodically top off any rechargeable batteries you’re keeping in storage. Every 6-12 months put the batteries on a charger long enough to return them to full. This will prevent any issues from over-depletion.
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