Optima battery review: Best Redtop/Bluetop/Yellowtop 2023

(Last Updated On: March 13, 2024)

Are you considering buying an Optima battery but are unsure if you should go for RedTop, BlueTop, or YellowTop?

I’ve got you covered.

In this article, you will find the differences of the product lines. You will know which color is for cars, trucks, RVs, or boats, etc. and easily have an idea about what color you have to buy. I will also recommend the best options for each “top” today.

Let’s start with the key to the best Optima battery: to color of the Top.

RedTop vs. BlueTop vs. YellowTop: What’s the Difference?

Optima RedTop: starting battery for cars/trucks

Optima Battery Red Top is the right battery for a car that doesn’t have aftermarket accessories like audio systems. If you read any Optima redtop battery guide, you will learn that this is a starting battery. Your car uses about 5% of the charge when starting, but this battery easily recharges when the alternator kicks in.

The RedTop works for a truck, recreational car, and gasoline-powered car. Also, it works with heavy systems that draw a lot of power when starting.

Optima BlueTop: starting and deep cycle battery for marine and RVs

Optima Battery Blue top is the ideal battery for recreational and marine cars. There are two versions of this model, and both are perfect for starting cars. These are the starting/deep cycling dual-purpose battery and the starting battery. The former comes in a dark gray case, while the latter comes in a light gray case.

If you have a marine or recreational car with no aftermarket systems, go for the dark gray Blue Top Battery. And if your marine or recreational car has aftermarket systems, go for the light gray case Blue Top Battery.

Optima YellowTop: starting and deep cycle battery for cars/trucks

Optima Battery Yellow Top is a dual purpose battery since it provides deep cycling ability to the igniting battery. It is suitable for vehicles that require a lot of power when they have started and those that drain more charge that alternator can replace.

This is the perfect battery for a racing car or any high-performance car with a small or no alternator. In fact, you can use it to operate your diesel truck or other heavy equipment that turns DC to AC.

Moreover, this is the right battery for a car with aftermarket audio systems. If your car system is 250W or more than the OEM system, go for a YellowTop battery.

Best Optima Redtop Batteries Review

Optima Batteries 8020-164 – If the spill-proof nature is the name of the game

Next on my list is a battery that’s more compact in size. And this is one of those instances where smaller is better. But of course, this battery also packs plenty of features for any fun you’ll have in your car along the way.

At a Glance

• 12-volt
• 720 Cold Cranking Amps
• 9.38” x 7.69” x 6.75”
• 90-minute reserve capacity
• AGM battery
• Last about a year

Why You’ll Want it?

As already mentioned, this battery is smaller in size. Therefore, it’ll have no problems fitting in most cars out there. You’ll even get a plastic trey to help with getting the fit just right.

Another nice feature here is the battery’s spill-proof nature. So say goodbye to those spills that result from accidentally slamming into potholes. During my tests, I even accidentally slammed into a nasty curb, and still no mess! Now that’s a quality design.

This battery is also easy to recharge. Just align your positive and negative terminals with another battery and you’re good to go! It’s really as simple as jump-starting a car.

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Optima Batteries 8004-003 – For heavy use

Kicking off my Optima battery reviews is the Optima 34/78 RedTop. This battery packs some of the highest Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) out there. And to further sweeten the deal, it also brings some monstrous specs to the table.

At a Glance

• 12-volt
• 800 Cold Cranking Amps
• Reserve Capacity: 100 minutes
• 34/78
• 10” x 6 78” x 7 1316”
• About-2 year lifespan on average
• AGM Battery

Why You’ll Want it?

Starting, you’ll notice this battery packs far more cold cranking amps than other batteries on my list. And for that matter, 800 CCA is one of the highest values on the market! With that said, you’ll have no problems getting your car started on those bone-chilling December nights.

If that’s not enough, keep in mind that the 34/78 RedTop is also vibration-resistant. So this battery is begging you to take it along with you on your off-roading adventures. Not only that, but it makes it a downright durable battery as well!

Alongside durability, you’ll find this battery is ultra-reliable as well. After all, a 100-minute- reserve capacity is no joke. Parasitic drain isn’t even an issue at this point. So go ahead and install that bass-heavy power stereo system in your car! I certainly did. And I experienced no light flickering and no shortages with this battery!

Lastly, installation couldn’t be easier. You don’t even need to know what a bearing is to place it in your car successfully. Optima even throws in a few brackets to ensure a perfect fit. When I gave it a try, it only took a matter of minutes to get it in a 2004 Mustang. So it’s pretty simple as well.

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Optima Battery 8025-160 – If the durability is your priority

You’ll want a battery that’ll last you years to come, right? Of course, you do! And it’s hard to find a starting battery that lasts longer than the Optima 25 RedTop.

At a Glance

• 12-volt
• 720 cold-cranking amps
• 10 516” x 6 1316” x 7 58”
• 90-minute reserve capacity
• AMG battery
• Battery life: 2-4 years +

Why You’ll Want it?

First of all, battery life is one of the best you’ll find on a RedTop. On average, it lasts every bit of 2-4 years. Even longer if you take good care of it, that’s some reliability and long-term savings right there!

Also noteworthy is this battery’s durability. After all, it’s built for high-performance situations. So if you ever take your car to the track, don’t be afraid of a hard launch. For that matter, embrace the hard launch. This battery can take it! Trust me, I successfully tried!

Note that this battery also allows for a pretty high number of cold cranking amps. So with that said, you can use it anywhere in the US, at any time! When I tried, I noticed the car started in cold weather just as well as it did in mild temperatures.

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Best Optima Bluetop Batteries Review

Optima Battery 8016-103 – Best for deep cycling RVs

f you are looking for an Optima Deep Cycle Battery for your RV, then the D34M is the model for you. I am recommending you this battery since it’s a dual-purpose unit. What I mean is it acts as a starting and a deep cycle battery.

At a Glance

• 43.5 pounds
• 10 x 6.9 x 7.8 inches
• 12 volts
• 750 cold-cranking amps
• Cranking Amps – 870 Ampere
• Marine Cranking Amps – 870 Ampere

Also, it is a sure-starting 12V and maintenance-free battery that will really serve your purpose. It provides sufficient power even when the conditions are harsh to run your boats, RVs, and motorhomes. This is made possible thanks to the SpiralCell design as well as continuous lead plates.

Besides, I love the fact that its design has the ability to provide a clean, strong, and safe source of power. This lightweight battery also has a high reserve capacity and superb starting power. Another good thing about the D34M is the ability to resist vibration and the provision of a long shelf-life.

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Optima Battery 8052-161 – Best for boats

Another great Optima Deep Cycle Marine Battery that will also start your boats is the D31M. One amazing thing about the battery is the unbelievable 155 minutes of reserve capacity. In fact, I found out that this is the main reason why it works effectively for deep cycling.

At a Glance

• 59.8 pounds
• 12.8 x 6.5 x 9.4 inches
• 12 volts
• 900 cold-cranking amps
• Reserve capacity of 155 minutes for constant performance

Also, I am excited to inform you that it’s a double-purpose battery, which can start and deep cycle your boat. Its starting power is also impressive, rated at 900 CCA – this is so powerful. Furthermore, you will find it very easy to mount in your car, boat, or any other place you want to use it.

The durable and rugged construction of the D31M is another plus, which I can attribute to the polypropylene exterior. Also, it features a design that protects it from spills and vibrations. And it is able to handle several recharges.

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Optima Batteries 9006-006 – Best for lightweight

One of the most powerful batteries from Optima is the 9006-006-FFP BlueTop. In fact, it can rival Optima Red Top 34R when it comes to power and acts like a marine starting battery. It is can provide you 4 hours of 40 lbs. motor trolling motor.

At a Glance

• 38.4 pounds,
• 12.1 x 11.8 x 11.5 inches
• 12 volts
• 800 cold-cranking amps
• Reserve capacity of 100 minutes for constant performance

With a high CCA of 800 and 100 minutes of reserve capacity, the battery can power most electrical devices besides the motor. And since it’s an optima gel battery, it is able to withstand damage, scratches, and bumps. This is further enhanced by the durable plastic cover it comes with.

Additionally, the battery is quite light, weighing just  38.4 pounds. However, you should note that the battery isn’t made for deep cycle use. It only provides sufficient power for starting and cranking.

The battery retains the charge longer than most batteries due to the SpiralCell technology.

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Best Optima YellowTop Batteries Review

Optima Battery 8037-127 – Best marine battery

The Optima 8037-127 D27F is the ultimate Optima Marine Battery that has enough power for starting boats. As I noted, it is also a great battery for running the different accessories in your marine gear. With a high reserve capacity and CCA rating, this battery is surely a deep-cycling battery.

At a Glance

• 54 pounds
• 12.2 x 6.8 x 8.7 inches
• 12V
• More than 15 times the vibration resistance

It is able to provide all the power you require when in the sea and it also acts as an Optima Motorcycle Battery.  And you don’t need to worry about its durability, the battery features 99.9 percent lead cells that enhances its life. But I must remind you that your battery will last according to how you handle it.

Another thing has to be its ability to withstand resistance. You might know how the sea is rough with all manner of tides.  It is also a compact battery, meaning that it fits in limited spaces.

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Optima Battery 8040-218 – If you want a maintenance-free battery

A deep cycle with decent cold cranking amps? No, you’re not dreaming. This combination does exist! And you’ll get exactly that with the Optima D35 YellowTop.

At a Glance

• 12-volt
• 620 cold-cranking amps
• 9 516” x 6 1326 “x 7 58”
• 98-minute reserve capacity
• Deep Cycle
• 3+ year lifespan

Why You’ll Want it?

You can’t look at this battery without noticing the cold-cranking amps. 620 CCA is simply incredible for a deep cycle battery. It’s more than enough to allow you to reliably start your car on those ultra-cold winter evenings. So this spec alone sets it ahead of other deep cycles you’ll find on the market.

It’s also nice to note that this battery is maintenance-free. So you won’t need to worry about getting your hands dirty, adding any water, or cleaning up any spills. Even better, I never experienced any leakage or corrosion during my time with it.

Lastly, keep in mind this battery packs one of the best reserve capacities you’ll find on the market. So go ahead and drop the bass with your aftermarket sound system. Not only can your car handle it without the electric parts going crazy, but it also just feels good.

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Optima Battery 8012-021 – If you want a secondary battery for your jeep

Within the Optima batteries collection, most people consider the Red Top as the starter battery. And as you will find from this Optima Yellow Top Battery Review, there is a reason for that. Due to its hybridize nature of the conventional lead-acid and AGM type of battery, this battery is mainly for the jeep.

At a Glance

• 42.9 pounds
• 10 x 6.9 x 7.8 inches
• 12 volts
•  750 cold-cranking amps
• Reserve capacity of 120 minutes for constant performance

The main benefit of this battery is the ability to maintain a steady self-discharge state than a traditional battery. This means that it will stay longer with a full charge before getting drained than other batteries.

In terms of specs, nothing really stands out or truly damning about the Optima Batteries 8012-021 D34. As long as your needs are basic, this battery will be fine. Still, you will enjoy a 120 minutes reserve capacity that is quite awesome.

The battery also has some decent level of vibration resistance, although this has to do with the AGM construction.

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Optima Battery 8073-167 – If you don’t drive your car daily, take this

It’s finally time to get to the deep cycle batteries. And this one here happens to work great for those show-cars you don’t drive daily.

At a Glance

• 12-volt
• 450 cold-cranking amps
• 9 516” x 5 116 “x 8 1516”
• 66-minute reserve capacity
• Deep Cycle
• 575 CA
• 2+ years of battery life

Why You’ll Want it?

The first notable feature of this deep cycle is its cranking amps. In general, it pumps out 575, which is pretty high. I was quite surprised when I flipped that ignition switch and the car powered up instantly.

And remember when I said this battery is perfect for those cars you don’t drive every day? This deep cycle will allow you to store your car for months at a time without the use of a trickle cycle. Then, when your prized horsepower toys awaken from their hibernation in spring, the battery still works as good as new!

Take a look at the dimensions, and you’ll notice this battery is pretty tiny. That’s great news since it allows you to use it in a handful of cars. These compact dimensions also allow this battery to fit perfectly inside of your hybrids and EVs.

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How do you choose the right battery for your car?

First things first. Before I even look at the market’s best batteries, it’s important to know what you’re actually looking for. So to help you out, here are a few features to check before searching for the perfect battery.

Types of batteries

You might think all batteries do the same thing. And in a sense, you’d be right. After all, they all give power to your car. But, things become a bit more complicated when it comes to how they deliver power to your car. As such, you’ll find batteries come in different voltages, prices, sizes, and more. So it’s important to pick the right one for your car.

Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (SLI)

This is hands down the most popular battery out there. And really, its job is all in the name. It’s a battery that gets your car started. But more than that, it also provides power to your vehicle’s essential functions. These include lights, ignition, etc.

Keep in mind that SLIs will require more frequent recharges than other batteries. So be aware of that when buying.

Lead-Acid

Don’t like messes? Then this is the battery for you! Lead-acid batteries are spill-proof and leak-proof. In other words-mess-proof.

The downside here is that these batteries are sealed. So while this prevents spills, it also prevents servicing. This means once your battery experiences problems, the only solution is buying a new one. So they can thin your wallet if you’re rough with them.

A popular lead-acid type you’ll often see with Optima batteries is the absorbed glass mat (AGM). This is where glass mats hold the electrolytes. And yes, they’re still spill-proof.

Deep Cycle

If you’re looking for a long battery lifespan, then a deep cycle is the way to go! Typically, these are the YellowTop Optima batteries. And they work perfectly for powering your golf carts and EVs as well!

Wet Cell

These are your budget batteries. As such, they’re also built cheaply. So expect more maintenance and servicing here. Generally, you won’t find these too frequently under the Optima brand.

Sizing Up the Battery

Next, you’ll want to make sure you pick the right battery size for your car. Thankfully, this step is pretty easy. Each size fits a different make. Here’s a quick overview of common sizes.

Other Useful Specs to Know

Almost done! But before I get to the reviews, here are a few final specs that are good to familiarize yourself with. Trust me; you’ll hear these words a metric-crap-ton of times when reviewing batteries. So what better time to get to know them than now?

Cranking Amps

This one’s simple. It’s the power your battery supplies upon startup.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

As the name implies, this one works just like cranking amps. Only here, it refers to your battery’s starting power in below-freezing temperatures.

Remember, batteries are made with chemicals. So when the weather becomes cold, liquids thicken and freeze. So your battery will work differently. As such, if you live in an area with cold climates or winters (Fargo, Rochester, Denver, etc.), be sure to take special note of this spec.

Reserve Capacity

For this one, you’ll want the highest number of minutes possible. In simple terms, this is the amount of time your fully-charged battery will power your car’s electronics before the battery runs out of juice.

When is this useful? Think about those times you sit in a parking lot with the engine off. Maybe it’s because your buddy desperately needed a rest stop. So to pass the time, you turn on the radio. The RC tells you how long the battery will power the radio (or any other electronics) before it completely drains.

So, Why Optima?

Over the years, Optima built a reputation as one of the top battery brands for your car. As such, you’ll find some remarkable qualities here.

For starters, Optima batteries won’t emit near the toxic or explosive gasses as other batteries. In general, it’s great for your health, especially giving other cars a jump. And if you’re into saving the planet, it’s less harmful to the environment.

You’ll also find that Optima batteries contain a gel substance instead of liquid. So this results in essentially no spills or messes. Ever.

While we’re at it, don’t forget about the Spiral Core. This is Optima’s signature design piece. It holds acid in place, which results in no messes. It also ensures the batteries won’t leak or corrode. This is all the better if you take your car to the track or an off-road environment!

Optima Red Top Battery, Optima Yellow Top Battery, and Optima Blue Top Battery are three types of Optima batteries out there. As you will find below, these batteries are different, and each has its own unique pros and cons.

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