Batteries & Bulbs Review for April 2021

Item: Batteries & Bulbs Review
Rating: 4

Tuesday, April 20th

2021 Battery Store Reviews

Batteries & Bulbs

Return Policy: Request within 14 days of purchase, return within 45 days of delivery

Whether you know this retailer as Batteries Plus or Batteries & Bulbs, you're already familiar with its many brick-and-mortar locations offering batteries of almost every kind, along with smartphone and tablet repair services, light bulbs, and more. Around since 1998, this retailer is one of the best resources for whatever kind of battery you may need.

We really love the intuitive, easy-to-shop setup of this retailer's online store. Sure, we knew that things like ATVs, cell phones and laptops need batteries, but browsing through their alphabetical list of battery options was strangely interesting. Airsoft? Baby monitors? Dog collar/fence combos? Two-way radios? Sump pumps? Chances are very good that if you need any kind of battery, Batteries & Bulbs has you covered.

When searching for our two comparison items, Batteries & Bulbs' closest match on the Duracell AAs was the 24-pack for $18.99 (and it was listed as in stock at our nearest store if we wanted to choose in-store pickup). The replacement battery for the Moto G4 Play was listed as an in-store repair only, priced at $69.99 (though a pop-up offer of $10 off the repair when scheduling the appointment online saved us some money). In fact, for every model of cell phone we checked out, there were no DIY options: you'd have to go to a Batteries & Bulbs near you to have the battery professionally installed (which isn't a bad idea, especially with an included 6-month warranty on their work).

During our most recent visit to the site, we spotted a pop-up offer. It included a 10% off code when ordering online and picking up in-store; there was an email newsletter sign-up at the bottom of the pop-up, but it wasn't required to give them our information in order to get the discount.

We appreciate the return policy offered by Batteries & Bulbs. You have 15 days to make your request and 45 days to get your product back to them, either by mail or at a convenient in-store location near you.

We did find some negative customer reviews about this store. But, most of them seemed related to customer service received at specific in-store locations, not the online store or the batteries themselves. And, an "A+" rating and accreditation by the Better Business Bureau is a good indication that Batteries & Bulbs does a reputable job overall when taking care of their customers.

Batteries & Bulbs offers a selection across a product range that is unparalleled by most of the retailers we evaluated. Whatever device you need to power, you're going to find the right batteries at this online store.

See Batteries

The 7 Best Battery Stores

Where Can You Get the Best Deals and Selection When Buying Batteries?

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.

Continue reading below

Battery Store FAQ

What exactly is a battery?

Batteries are devices that store energy to be used later. Chemical energy is changed into electricity, to power your remote, bathroom scale, boat, car - or thousands of other battery-operated items!

How many different kinds of batteries are there?

Almost too many to count! Batteries are typically classified by whether or not they're rechargeable, and then by what elements they use to create electricity. Alkaline batteries are the most popular among the non-rechargeable types, while Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel - Metal Hydride are tops among rechargeable batteries.

How long should my batteries last?

There's no simple answer to that question. Some factors that affect battery life are usage, temperature, and (in the case of rechargeables) how they're maintained and recharged.

Can I recycle my batteries?

Sometimes. You shouldn't put them in your weekly recyclables/trash, however. Look for a collection point in your area, or see if your local government has any scheduled drop-off dates.

What is the "memory effect" that happens with some batteries?

Some types of batteries, particularly NiCad and NiMH, can experience a decreased capacity if you don't regularly let the battery discharge all the way to empty before recharging. For example, if you keep your cell phone on a charger and don't ever take the battery down to zero, your battery can "forget" that it can discharge and you wind up with lower capacity. The solution? Let your battery fully charge and discharge at least once every 2-3 weeks.

Will my batteries really last longer if I keep them in the fridge?

Actually, that depends. Most batteries used to be made of zinc-carbon, which did last longer when stored at colder temperatures. But, that doesn't apply to today's alkaline batteries - so with your typical non-rechargeable battery, it's better to store it at room temperature. Most battery manufacturers don't recommend storing any batteries in the fridge these days: the benefits are too small to be worth it, and the moisture in your appliance could corrode the casing or terminals (and who wants a toxic leak in the fridge!).

Which battery is better for everyday use: rechargeables or not?

Six of one, half a dozen of the other, in most cases. You'll notice with rechargeables that they start to lose their charge more quickly as you use them (see above regarding "memory effect" ). But, they're more eco-friendly than alkaline: think about how many times you have to recharge your batteries on your favorite gaming remotes, for example, and you'll see how many batteries would wind up in the garbage if they're not rechargeable! It's a matter of preferences and priorities, for most people.

Is it less expensive to buy my batteries online?

Depending on where you shop, yes. There are several reputable online battery stores that offer great deals and an even more impressive selection. That's important at times of the year when it seems like everyone needs batteries: you don't have to worry about leaving the store empty-handed. You also get the added convenience of having your batteries delivered right to your home or office: no trip to the store necessary.

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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:

Selection. A battery store is only a good option if they carry what you need! Does the store offer all of the battery types you need? Do you have several brands and package sizes to choose from?
Price. Are the batteries affordable? Does the store offer money-saving perks like free shipping or promotional discounts?
Return/Refund Policy. Because batteries can be considered "hazardous materials", not all stores accept returns. If you order the wrong size or just want to return your order, will the store allow it? Will you get a full refund, or should you expect a restocking fee?

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!

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Batteries & Bulbs Review