Each LR6/AA cylindrical cell measures 51 millimetres (height) by 15 millimetres (diameter). Ultimate AA batteries are direct replacements for size codes AM3, E91, FR6, L91, KAA, MIGNON, MN1500, ND62S, R6, UM3 and 4006. Shop around for AA and AAA batteries and the main types you’ll find are alkaline and lithium disposable batteries. No one else tests like Which? – our independent lab tests simulate the way you really use batteries, so you can be confident that our Best Buy AA batteries will power your devices for longer. Generally speaking, you should go for alkalines for most of your battery needs but opt for lithiums for digital cameras or other high-drain products where you need a reliable high charge for as long as possible. Should I buy rechargeables instead? We’ve compared Energizer, Duracell and Panasonic batteries with supermarket own-brand batteries, such as Aldi, Morrisons, Lidl and Sainsbury's, to find the very best. Best Buy AA batteries on test

Leak-resistant and boasting a shelf life of as long as ten years at room temperature, Ultimate AA/LR6 Energizer cells deliver reliable power. They continue working in extreme heat and cold: the manufacturer-recommended temperature limits are -40°C (minimum) and 60 degrees Centigrade (maximum). Especially useful in portable appliances, the battery weight of 100 grammes is around 30 per cent less than typical alkaline cells. In many cases, yes. rechargeables don’t deliver as much voltage as disposables (typically 1.25V rather than 1.5V), but they normally maintain the same level for longer and can just be recharged when they run dry. You pay more upfront for the batteries and the charger (if you need one), but you’ll recoup the difference within a couple of uses – and AA batteries cost so little to recharge that it’s barely worth thinking about. Factor in the clear environmental issues and it’s a no-brainer, although many local councils and some supermarkets now offer free recycling.

Any shop that sells a certain amount of batteries per year (and the threshold is low) is obliged to have a collection point for old batteries. From here, they will be recycled and the useful chemicals will be extracted.

Our tough lab tests have uncovered big differences between the best AA batteries and the worst. Use our results to make sure you don't waste your money. Put a set of one of our Best Buy AA disposable batteries in your most power-hungry devices, such as a camera or torch, and they will last over three hours longer than the worst. Put them in a medium-drain device, like a games console or Christmas lights, and you'll get an amazing fourteen extra hours.

The best AA batteries you can buy in 2023

The best AA batteries you can buy in 2023 1. Energizer Ultimate Lithium: The longest-lasting AA battery Alkaline : The mainstream battery technology for high-drain devices. They’re cheap and very easy to find, and last much longer than the old zinc chloride batteries. Technical advances have also seen the major problems – a short shelf life and a propensity to leak – reduced or even fixed. In fact, per hour, lithium batteries still cost more than good alkaline batteries. So they're good if a failing battery is a major inconvenience (like if you're travelling) but they aren't necessarily the cheapest per hour of use.

For high-drain devices, low-cost batteries may only be fractionally cheaper per hour of intensive use than some of our Best Buys. When the latter will last longer, is the extra hassle of buying, replacing and recycling them more often worth such a small saving? Best AA batteries for 2023 Lithium batteries last a lot longer in more energy intensive devices. We've found that they can give you 2-3 hours more power than an alkaline battery. But they're also much more expensive. When your batteries are out of juice, the best thing to do is to take them to your local shop and put them in the battery bin there. Similar applications in which lithium cells offer an advantage include personal grooming accessories, PIR sensors, high-tech flashlights and night-vision goggles. In particular, lithium cells work well in equipment that demands occasional short bursts of high current – not least in photography flash units, where their relatively light weight is also beneficial. New long-lasting Energizer Ultimate 1.5V AA or LR6 batteries are capable of lasting up to eight times longer than standard equivalents. Renowned for durability, the Ultimate lithium range is a top choice for devices with occasional high current demands.It's not just disposable batteries that be thrown away like this. If you have a lithium-ion battery for a phone, computer, or other electronic device, it can go in the same bin. If it fits in your hand, it's probably fine to go in a shop's battery bin. We’ve tested batteries from Aldi and Lidl – which can cost as little as 26p per battery – alongside big brands Duracell and Energizer to see how they match up. Only our tests reveal whether buying cheaper batteries will save you money and hassle.