Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Friday, August 12th
What other store offers the same level of online shopping as Amazon? It's hard to think of one, isn't it? With more than 100 million members of its Prime loyalty program, this retailer offers free shipping and lots of extra perks - all on top of their in-stock inventory of, well, just about everything.
You won't be surprised to learn that Amazon has an almost uncountable array of batteries. From their proprietary Amazon Basics brand to household names like Energizer, Rayovac and ACDelco, you won't be lacking options when shopping on this site.
You'll also be able to take advantage of editorial recommendations in many battery product categories. For example, we found a helpful article from TheDrive describing the best off-road batteries for maximum power boost on rough terrain. (Granted, we found this article when searching for "marine battery", which isn't as useful, but we still appreciate the info.)
Let's take a look at our two comparison products: the 20-count Duracell AA package and the Moto G4 Play cell phone battery. For the Duracell batteries, you'll pay $12.84 and get free shipping if you're a Prime member. And, if you buy this brand and size of battery frequently, consider Amazon's Subscribe and Save program: you'll earn a discount of 15% on your first order (check the box for the coupon) and anywhere from 5-15% on every future delivery. You'll find lots of options for off-brand Moto replacement batteries, including some under $10. But, if you want to go OEM, you'll pay $13.95 with no extra charge for shipping. In fact, as Prime-eligible items, you could get the Duracell batteries and the Moto replacement battery same-day with no upcharge for the fast delivery.
With all of these positives, you're probably wondering why Amazon earned a middle-of-the-road 3-star rating, below most of the other retailers we evaluated. Simply put: it's the return policy (or lack thereof). While Amazon is known for having a crazy-good return policy on practically everything, batteries are specifically listed as "non-returnable". While we found some batteries that had good manufacturer warranties (usually the larger types for cars, boats, etc.), Amazon's overall policy is that you can only get a refund if a product is defective - not if you ordered the wrong size or just decided you need something different.
Of course, if all you want is a good deal on everyday batteries - and you've already got free shipping with Prime - you may not be so worried about returns, making Amazon a decent choice. On the other hand, if you're going for something specialty like a battery pack for a remote control toy, you may want to leave room for error by shopping with a retailer that will allow you to return it if needed.
Sure, you can stop by your local supermarket, gas station or electronics store and snag a pack of AAAs for the remote, but it's almost never going to be at the best possible price. And, if you need something specialized, like a replacement battery for a boat or a power tool, the chances of finding exactly what you need - without having to drive to many different stores - are pretty slim.
Lucky for all of us, getting the right-sized battery for every application - key fobs, home security systems, remote control toys, and the basics around the home - is as simple as going online. Many online battery retailers offer a much bigger variety than anything you'll find locally, with brands you know like Energizer and Duracell, along with store-brand options that can save you a lot of money for the same amount of power and longevity.
Some stores even offer a discount if you opt into their automatic delivery program, so that you're never left empty-handed when the video game remotes run out of juice or the smoke detector starts chirping.
As you consider the various online battery stores out there, how can you tell which one should get your business? Here are several criteria you can keep in mind as you shop:
TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best battery stores that you'll find online. We hope this information helps you find the exact batteries you need, with minimal hassle and maximum savings!
Select any 2 Battery Stores to compare them head to head