Best ATV Battery-Top picks for ATV drivers (Review and buying guide)

(Last Updated On: March 14, 2024)

Should you possess an ATV or another type of off-road recreational vehicle, traditional car battery guidelines may not be appropriate. The principles underlying an ATV battery operation are similar, however, they deliver a distinct power level befitting for the smaller engine.

The best off-road experiences come from reliable ATV performance. Though overlooked this starts with a reliably performing ATV battery. To help you avoid an anticlimactic dune trip we will review ten of the most common and cost-effective battery replacements on the market.

After seeing these expert reviews of the best 12V ATV batteries you will be prepared to pick the battery that will crank your machines and get you in over the hump of preparation and into the seat of your machine and having a good time.

Best ATV battery comparison chart

Best ATV battery review

1. CB Chrome Battery YTX30L – Sealed AGM ATV Battery

Chrome Battery has developed a reputation for being a cost-effective alternative to dealer replacements. Well-made and reliable, it sports a drop-in design that relieves the headache that can come with the average installation. Also making installation a breeze, this Chrome Battery comes with all needed hardware included.

Built with top technology the acid found in the Chrome Battery is constructed with Absorbed Glass Mat technology which allows for a low-maintenance and spill-proof performance. Combined with the patented sealed post design, corrosion is prevented and the life of the battery is extended.

Often outlasting batteries that are twice the price, this battery has no problem running hard and long even in the coldest of conditions. Adding to its value, the battery posts on this unit are capable of attaching leads in various directions that allow for different applications.

2. UpStart Battery YTX9-BS Replacement 12v AGM ATV Battery

Compared to the more expensive Yuasa batteries commonly used in the relevant models, this UpStart battery is much friendlier to the wallet. It comes sealed, fully-charged and ready to go. Often praised for its plug and play design, users frequently take it straight from the package to their ATV or motorcycle and are riding right away.

While there have been reports of lemon units, the price often justifies the purchase against any concern from the end-user. After customers buy one of these batteries they often use them for all of their ATV needs.

3. ExpertPower AGM 12v 9ah Replacement ATV Battery

Conventional Batteries often require periodic fluid checks, but like some of the other batteries in our Top 10 list, the ExpertPower utilizes “AGM” technology which eliminates such needs. As an AGM battery, it will also exhibit less internal resistance which allows better production of cold cranking amperage.

This battery can go longer than other comparable batteries between recharges. It also exhibits suitable resistance to both heat and vibration which is what kills most batteries. The packaging is usually terrible but with a price tag that is well under any local store prices, the aesthetics can probably be overlooked.

4. Mighty Max YTX4L-BS Replacement ATV Battery

Another AGM spill-proof battery in a similar price range to others on our list The Mighty Max, is able to operate in a wide range of temperature and has a long service life, as well as can recover a charge even when run critically down.  It is rechargeable and can be mounted in any position. It is resistant to shocks and vibration and is a long-lasting option for the most hardcore of ATV enthusiasts.

Known for its ease of cranking and reliable ignition, Mighty Max is often the exact size as the battery it is replacing, has the same sides of polarity and comes with all the included hardware that is needed. There have even been reports of users getting good cranking from this battery on larger vehicles. The deal maker for a lot of ATV enthusiasts is, of course, the low price of the Mighty Max.

5. Chrome Battery YT4B-BS High-Performance Sealed AGM ATV Battery

All joking aside, Chrome Batteries are known for their ability to hold a charge. They can also be recharged effectively when running all the way down. Users measure the lifetime in years for Chrome batteries, easily standing toe to toe with the more expensive competitors.

When used under standard power sports conditions, this battery starts your ATV time and time again, displaying terrific longevity and reliability. They come fully charged and are always a perfect fit for a variety of off-road vehicles.

6. Weize YTX4L BS Rechargeable – Sealed AGM ATV Battery

Quad, dirt, and pit bikes, scooters you name it and this battery will work for it. High performance is a manufacturer guarantee with any Weize battery. It is able to be recharged and features a sealed lead acid design. It produces 3 amps and 12 volts and sets itself on par with most competing batteries.

Terminals are a nut and bolt variety and come with the needed screws. It is compatible with most ATV models and weighs just over three pounds. Often less than a quarter of the price of big box store batteries, some are skeptical about buying Weize. Nearly all who do take a chance on this thrifty option are pleased and reports of long use are common.

7. ThrottleX Batteries ADX14AH-BS – AGM Replacement ATV Battery

The ThrottleX is guaranteed to meet or exceed the specifications of the battery it replaces. It offers 220 CCA and 12 AH. It is Absorbed Glass Mat, non-spillable, and uses advanced lead-calcium technology. These things combine to give the user the peace of mind that starting power will not be an issue.

Resistant to sulfation and corrosion are part of this package that boasts above-average power and extra-long battery life. It has a spill-proof heat-sealed cover which eliminates the possibility of leaks. This leads to the voltage being held longer than other batteries and allows for an extremely low discharge rate.

8. Pirate Battery YTX20L-BS High Performance ATV Battery

Made with the latest AGM technology, this pirate battery is spill-proof and has an extended life which is devoid of corrosion. They come fully charged and can be used to get your ATV rolling right away. Giving an impressive 18 amps and the standard 12 volts, this battery is more than sufficient power-wise.

It is constructed with a lead-calcium alloy that allows the whole package to be totally maintenance-free after initial installation. Pirate Battery also features a guarantee of their product backed up by a series of rigorous tests to ensure safety, OEM compatibility, effectiveness, and optimal performance.

9. Deka Sports Power ETX-30L ATV Battery

This Deka power sports battery is sealed, maintenance free and vibration resistant. It can be installed in any position and includes brass spacers that may be necessary for side mount cable installation. Designed for the enthusiast, it is ideal for ATVs, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. Molded top and side connection terminals provide versatility not always seen in batteries of this type.

Environmentally safe thanks to the AGM processes used in its construction, Deka batteries use highly porous microfiber separators which absorb and trap the electrolyte solution. This increases power and efficiency. Deka claims that this is the most advanced system in terms of power and value in the industry, and reports confirm the performance of their battery under even the most strenuous ATV usage.

10. SHOTGUN ATV Battery

Rating the different iterations of the battery in years, it’s not uncommon to hear of batteries outlasting their suggested lifetimes. Out of pocket costs are much lower because of the low initial price, but also because of the reduced frequency of needing new batteries. It fits most four-wheelers and ATVs perfectly and is often used to bring an older ATV out of the garage and into the field.

Often coming with a one year warranty, you can feel safe going with the SHOTGUN when you are needing a reliable replacement for your ATV.

ATV battery buying guide

With all of this information, you should be at least able to tell the difference between the batteries that will be available to you for purchase.

Things to consider

You probably know by now that you need to check and see what your specific ATV requires by way of the battery. Things to consider include the orientation the battery will need to be in when installed, the hookup system your ATV has and what kind of terminal configuration you will need, the amps needed for proper cranking, the longevity of the battery, and of course the price. All of the ATV batteries reviewed in this list are great for someone but they won’t all work for every person and their machine.

Things to avoid

Because not every battery doesn’t work with every ATV’s needs the number one thing to avoid is being complacent in determining the specifications that you need to follow in purchasing a battery. Being aware of the different sizes, weights and general performance abilities of the different options will save you from spending time and money on a battery that is completely unserviceable to you.

With things like amps, volts, and AGM construction on your mind as you look for the best performer for the price, it might also be a good idea to take into consideration everything that will need to happen after the right battery is in your hands.

If you’ve reached the point where you are ready to swap out the old battery for the new one you should have already done a few things. You should have already checked the situation of the old battery so that your replacement can match them. This means you have already looked at where the battery is located and how it hooks up into your ATV.

How to install an ATV battery

Most likely your battery cables are going to be bolted to the terminals. To remove the old battery you are going to need to use a socket wrench to remove the bolts and free up the old battery. There may be a bar that retains the battery itself; removal of such will require unbolting it with the same socket wrench used on the terminals. After the old unit is out you can put in the replacement.

Because you were careful to buy a new battery that matches the dimensions of the original you will have no problem sliding it right into place. After the new battery is in place, you will connect the positive cable to the positive post and tighten it. You’ll do the same thing for the left side and then reinstall any retaining equipment that you used.

With that, you should be good to go.

Whether you are planning on going riding right away or if your next trip isn’t for a while there are a couple of things to keep in mind that will preserve your new battery so that it is ready to go whenever you are.

Best way to maintain ATV battery

As a general rule of thumb, ATV batteries are going to lose 1% of its charge every day that it is not in use. This means that if you are going to go a month or two between rides you are losing somewhere around 40% of your total charge. Running your battery so low may render it unable to recover to a full charge from your ATV’s alternator alone.

What you should avoid doing is running your ATV every couple of days and letting it idle with the hopes that this will charge the battery. In most cases, this will actually drain your battery faster as the energy toll of starting the vehicle is substantially greater than the power returns off of the alternator while idling.

Instead, the best practice for extending the life of whatever battery you choose is to invest in what is a battery tender. Battery tenders are devices that plug into a standard socket and connect to a battery for the purpose of slowly providing it a charge until it reaches its peak charge. When this occurs the battery tender then maintains a full charge to the battery, essentially mitigating the slow drain that naturally occurs.

The bottom line

You are now pretty well off in terms of knowing what to look for and knowing what to do with a replacement battery. Make sure every time you go to ride your ATV that everything is ready to go, including the battery, avoiding the disappointment of having a dead-in-the-water machine.

The time investment is well worth the assurance that your ATV experience will be top-notch.

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