Duracell AA Rechargeable Battery Review: Worth the Price?
One Best Buy customer summed it up perfectly: “These babies really do the job and hold the charge! Duracell rocks.” The Duracell Precharged Rechargeable Battery AA (Pack of 2) earns a strong 9/10, praised for longevity, charge retention, and reliability across demanding devices like gaming controllers, cameras, and audio equipment.
Quick Verdict: Yes — Highly recommended for mid to high-drain devices
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Holds charge for up to a year unused | Some users note lower voltage than expected |
| Up to 400 recharge cycles | Not ideal for devices needing constant 1.5V |
| Precharged and ready to use out of the box | Occasional old stock issues if buying from less reputable sellers |
| Works in any NiMH charger | Premium price compared to entry-level brands |
| Strong performance in high-drain gear like DSLR flashes | Small pack size may not suit heavy users without multiple purchases |
| Environmentally friendly — reduces battery waste | Slight self-discharge over months of storage |
Claims vs Reality
Duracell markets these AA rechargeables as their “#1 longest-lasting per charge” with a 2500mAh capacity and precharged convenience. The promise is clear: long life between charges, compatibility with any NiMH charger, and up to 400 recharges.
While most feedback supports these claims, there’s nuance. Best Buy reviewer “peterak” noted: “With 2450 mAh and an average of 1.25–1.4 V they work just fine… some utilities need 1.5 V, but not mine.” This illustrates a gap — while officially rated at 1.2V, some devices needing full alkaline voltage can underperform.
Duracell also guarantees up to a year’s charge retention, which Reddit and Trustpilot data support. “They have still 75% charge after a year of not using,” wrote “peterak.” Yet others, like “bayly,” cautioned against buying old stock, saying their pack arrived dated 2013 and was flat on arrival.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
A recurring pattern across platforms is battery longevity. Professional photographers in multiple reviews celebrate extended shooting time. “Worth the money… these batteries last a long time powering my flash through a wedding,” reported Best Buy user “peter wallburg studios.” For event shooters, this means fewer swap-outs mid-session, and less kit weight from spares.
Gamers also gain. “I use my AA rechargeable batteries for my Xbox One… they last about 5 days, 6-8 hours a day of use,” shared “ghost spartan.” Minimizing charge interruptions is critical for marathon play and tournament settings.
Families with toy-hungry children praise them for saving repeated alkaline purchases. “My son has a lot of remote control cars and these batteries have been a lifesaver,” wrote “butterfly.” That financial relief comes from high cycle counts — up to 400 recharges — extending battery service life over years.
For outdoor and specialized tech users like astrophotographers, the short NiMH charge time matters. “We got the charger and an extra set… having a short charge time… we don’t want them conking out on us when we’re doing astrophotography,” noted “hornet69.”
Common Complaints
Though minor compared to praise, voltage expectations trip some buyers. The nominal 1.2V rating means certain electronics expecting fresh alkaline output (1.5V) might not function optimally. Best Buy reviews mention this for specific devices, though most high-drain gear still works fine.
Old stock is a surprising but real issue. “Upon receipt these batteries had no charge… dated 2013… BB should not sell outdated merchandise,” complained “bayly.” While genuine Duracells are durable, precharged marketing fails if the retail chain delivers stale units.
There are also isolated cases of confusion between rechargeable and single-use Duracell products in marketplaces like Amazon — creating risk of buying the wrong chemistry for your charger or needs.
Divisive Features
One divisive point is the higher upfront cost. Professionals and heavy users see it as justified over years, but light users balk. “The only reason I did not rate them a 5 is… the price was about 20% high,” said “pjsjs.”
Another is the bright green casing. Some love the visibility — “easy to spot from the next room,” per “narnarbobo” — but others prefer subdued gear aesthetics.
Trust & Reliability
Scam concerns arise mainly from third-party marketplace sellers mislabeling or shipping counterfeit stock. An Amazon review warns: “Do not order… they are not genuine Duracell… but Chinese knock-offs.” Legitimate retailers deliver the expected performance; problems stem from sourcing.
Long-term durability appears consistent. Multiple Reddit and Best Buy users report multi-year use without failure — “None have failed over the past two years… other brands, every third battery will fail within the first year,” said “scarpace.”
The combination of Duralock technology and balanced self-discharge patterns means rare slow capacity decline, aligning with Duracell’s multi-year guarantees.
Alternatives
From user commentary, Energizer rechargeables are the main comparison. “Between these and the Energizer brand, I’ll go with Duracell… they hold more charge and feel more durable,” claimed “benny boy ninja.” The trade-off is marginally less expensive Energizers with slightly lower capacity (often ~2000mAh vs Duracell’s 2500mAh), making Duracell preferable for sustained high-drain usage.
Another alternative mentioned indirectly is GoalZero’s rechargeable kit batteries. One reviewer explicitly preferred Duracell over GoalZero cells, citing stronger performance in solar-charged packs.
Price & Value
Currently priced around $11.89 for a 2-pack on Amazon, plus shipping. eBay listings suggest $17–$20 for similar packs, with bulk buys offering better per-unit rates. Duracell’s value proposition comes from replacing hundreds of single-use cells, which many Trustpilot reviewers frame as “money well spent,” especially for gear-heavy hobbies or professions.
Buying tips from community members consistently recommend:
- Stick to reputable sellers (avoid counterfeit risks)
- Watch for sale events like “Deal of the Day” at Best Buy for up to 50% off
- Pair with a quality smart charger to maximize cycle life
FAQ
Q: Can these be charged in non-Duracell chargers?
A: Yes, they work in any NiMH charger. However, users note Duracell chargers are among the safest for preventing overcharge.
Q: Do they need full discharge before recharging?
A: No. NiMH chemistry in these cells avoids the “memory effect,” allowing flexible charge cycles without performance loss.
Q: Are they suitable for low-drain devices?
A: Technically yes, but community consensus recommends them for mid to high-drain devices for optimal value.
Q: Will these work in devices requiring 1.5V?
A: Some may underperform since NiMH cells output ~1.2–1.3V under load. Users advise checking your device’s voltage tolerance before buying.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a high-drain device user — photographers, gamers, field technicians — needing long life, fast recharge, and environmental gains. Avoid if your gear mandates steady 1.5V or if you’re unlikely to cycle them enough to offset cost. Pro tip from community: Buy multiple sets during sale events and rotate them to keep power always ready.
