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The remote control for the television, children’s toys, gaming controllers, flashlights, wall clocks, smoke detectors, and plenty of other electronics require batteries to function. Standard AA and AAA batteries aren’t a huge expense, but constantly buying them can be a hassle. Even more annoying is disposing of them properly. Not all communities allow them to be thrown out with the household trash, and if you want to protect the planet by recycling them, you may need to take an extra visit to a certified recycler. A better option than single-use batteries, for your wallet and the environment, is rechargeable batteries.
Main advantages of rechargeable batteries
The biggest reason you should switch to rechargeable batteries is that they’re highly cost-effective compared to single-use options. The initial cost will be slightly higher than buying standard batteries from the store, but after using them a few times, you’ll recover these upfront fees. Each time you recharge and use these batteries, you’ve saved a single-use battery from entering the landfill, so you’re also making a more environmentally friendly decision. Beyond the affordability and environmental impact, it’s just incredibly convenient to have batteries on hand. You might have to wait while they recharge, but you don’t have to waste precious gas on a trip to the store.
In terms of performance, rechargeable batteries are often superior in this regard as well. If you’re buying the more affordable batteries, you’re likely buying alkaline batteries. As alkaline batteries begin to drain, their voltage output also decreases, so they don’t perform as well. Rechargeable batteries, on the other hand, have a consistent voltage whether they’re fully charged or nearly drained.
The cost breakdown for rechargeable batteries
How cost-effective are rechargeable batteries? We’ve done the math. Currently, you can get four rechargeable AAA batteries for $13 at Walmart, with a weekly Flash deal on the Tenavolts AAA Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries. A four-pack of triple-A batteries from Duracell costs around $5 at the retailer, while the most affordable options are under $4. Based on these numbers, you will make your money back within the third or fourth time you recharge the reusable batteries. Tenavolts batteries are long-lasting and can be recharged 1,000 times according to the manufacturer, which would equate to hundreds of dollars in batteries over its lifetime.
Since the Tenavolt is one of the most budget-friendly selections, not all rechargeable batteries will be this cost-effective, but they should all save you a pretty penny in the long run. Since it’s harder to compare two different brands, let’s look at Energizer’s rechargeable battery line. The Energizer Rechargeable Battery Charger costs $24 at Walmart, and works with both AA and AAA battery sizes. This selection comes with four rechargeable AA batteries to get you started. The standard Energizer Max AA Batteries will put you out $5, so for Energizer’s line, you’ll need to recharge the batteries five times to recoup your costs.
It’s also important to consider how often you need batteries. If you only use batteries in a remote control or alarm clock, it would take you much longer to break even, and disposable batteries might be a smarter financial choice in these cases. If you regularly use a gaming controller, digital camera, kids’ toys, or other high-drain devices that require frequent battery changes, you will see your investment pay out much sooner.
Tenavolts AAA Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries
Energizer Rechargeable Battery Charger
More rechargeable battery deals
Batteries come in all shapes and sizes, and that’s not even to mention the numerous battery brands on the market. We’ve rounded up the best deals at Amazon and Walmart to help you get the best possible savings on your purchase.
If you’re a Duracell fan, Amazon currently has a limited-time deal on the Duracell Ion Speed 1000-Battery-Charger with 31% off, bringing the price of the charger and four rechargeable batteries to just $18. Another standout option at Amazon is the highly rated Philips Rechargeable AA Lithium Batteries, which come in a cool and handy charging storage case. Nearly all rechargeable batteries use a charging case to power up, but the Dfito AA Rechargeable Batteries at Walmart have a unique design with a USB-charging port built in, which is quite convenient if you don’t want to keep track of a specialty battery charger.
Duracell Ion Speed 1000-Battery-Charger
Philips Rechargeable AA Lithium Batteries (8-Pack)
Dfito AA Rechargeable Batteries
PowerOwl Rechargeable D Batteries and 4-Bay Battery Charger
Ebl 9-Volt NiMH Rechargeable Batteries (4-Pack)
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