Energizer MAX AA Batteries Review: Strong for Low Drain
Starting with a surprising consistency across thousands of reviews, Energizer MAX AA Batteries (16 Pack) not only meets its marketing claims in low-drain devices but often exceeds them. With an average score of 4.7–4.8 out of 5 across Amazon, Best Buy, and eBay, it earns a solid 9.4/10 from cross-platform user sentiment. Buyers repeatedly praise their longevity in remotes, clocks, and toys, while independent lab testing suggests their high-drain performance is respectable but not industry-leading.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — an excellent buy for households with mostly low-to-medium drain devices, but less ideal for heavy electronics.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long lifespan in remotes, clocks, and toys | Shorter runtime in high-drain devices like camera flashes |
| Leak-resistant and durable casing | Single-use design creates environmental waste |
| Holds charge up to 10 years in storage | Can become costly for heavy battery users |
| Widely available and affordable | Occasional packaging complaints |
| Consistent voltage output until depletion | Price variations across retailers |
| Good value in bulk packs | Some find price higher than store brands |
Claims vs Reality
Energizer markets these AA cells as “up to 50% longer lasting than basic alkaline” and “powerseal technology protects devices from leaks for two years after use.” In low-drain conditions, lab testing from Choice confirmed a strong 91% endurance score — matching user experiences. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Good batteries and they worked well in my digital camera which uses up batteries like mad. These did last a lot longer than the other ones I have tried.”
However, the same testing scored them 58% endurance in high-drain devices, revealing a gap between marketing and reality for demanding electronics. Reddit user feedback echoes this: “In more demanding devices like my gaming controller or a flashlight, the lifespan was understandably shorter, but still satisfactory for single-use batteries.”
The 10-year storage claim holds up in community anecdotes. Best Buy customer “oled4ever” reported: “Quick shipping. Reliable and long-lasting. Lengthy expiration date.” Multiple eBay buyers confirm expiration dates as far out as 2032, supporting the shelf-life promise.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across platforms, longevity in everyday electronics is the most repeated compliment. Best Buy reviewer “khushboos” wrote: “My son uses toys almost every day and still the battery is going good. I must say long-lasting batteries.” This mirrors Choice lab scores and Reddit accounts where remote controls and wall clocks keep running for months.
Durability is another point of praise. Reddit user reports highlight “robust outer casing” and “no leaking or corrosion issues,” while an eBay buyer “centek” said: “Reliable batteries that don't leak over time like competitor brand.” This leak resistance builds trust for those powering expensive devices.
Consistency in voltage output benefits devices sensitive to power fluctuation. A Best Buy customer “humbertom” explained: “Their consistent and dependable power output ensures stable performance without any fluctuations or drops.”
Common Complaints
The most frequent drawback is performance in high-drain applications. Choice’s 52% performance score under heavy load correlates with Reddit accounts of shorter lifespans in flashlights and gaming controllers. Heavy electronics users sometimes switch to lithium alternatives for better endurance.
Environmental concerns arise from the single-use design. Reddit discussions acknowledge “discarding single-use batteries contributes to waste,” making them less appealing to eco-conscious buyers.
Price sensitivity is another complaint. Trustpilot user “superk734” noted: “Priced too high…on the rack the price said one thing and when I got to register it was more.” While bulk deals on eBay can mitigate this, retail pricing swings frustrate some.
Divisive Features
The blister-pack packaging divides opinion. Some appreciate its organization and safety, while others find it excessive or difficult to open. Amazon buyer feedback mentions “nice compact package (inside a way too large cardboard box)” — suggesting logistical inefficiency.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term reports show Energizer MAX AA maintains brand trust. A Best Buy reviewer “big snoop” wrote: “Last longer than store brand, Duracell and Amazon batteries,” and has used them for over two years without issue. eBay buyers consistently recommend them, with 100% of 67 ratings marked “would recommend.”
Scam or counterfeit concerns are minimal due to strong retail presence and sealed packaging. The leak protection guarantee adds another layer of confidence, with Energizer offering to replace devices up to $250 if damaged by leaks.
Alternatives
For high-drain devices, users often mention Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA as a superior alternative, lasting months to over a year in cameras and smart devices. Choice lab data suggests lithium cells outperform alkaline in capacity and endurance but at higher cost. Rechargeable NiMH packs like Energizer Power Plus appeal to eco-conscious buyers, reducing waste and long-term expense.
Price & Value
Retail pricing ranges from $13–$16 for a 16-pack at major outlets, dropping to $10–$12 in eBay bulk deals. Buyers like “white-paint” on eBay value promotions: “2 packs of 16 AA batteries…hard not to like this deal.” Best Buy’s frequent sales drive repeat purchases, with customers noting better value compared to smaller packs.
For households, bulk buys offer the best cost-per-unit, especially given the long shelf life that allows stocking up without risk of expiry.
FAQ
Q: How long do Energizer MAX AA batteries last in a TV remote?
A: Many users report several months to over a year in low-drain devices like remotes, thanks to stable voltage and low self-discharge.
Q: Are these batteries leak-proof?
A: They are designed with PowerSeal technology to prevent leaks for two years after full depletion, and multiple user reports confirm no leakage incidents.
Q: Do they perform well in flashlights?
A: They work reliably but have shorter lifespans in high-drain flashlights compared to lithium AA options.
Q: Can I use them for gaming controllers?
A: Yes, but expect shorter runtimes in heavy-use scenarios. Many users still find the performance acceptable for non-rechargeable cells.
Q: Is the 10-year shelf life real?
A: Yes, community feedback and retailer stock dates confirm long expiration periods, making them ideal for bulk storage.
Final Verdict: Buy if your devices are primarily low-to-medium drain — remotes, clocks, toys — and you value leak protection and long shelf life. Avoid if you rely heavily on high-drain electronics and want maximum runtime without recharge. Pro tip from community: Watch for multi-pack deals on eBay or Best Buy sales to maximize value while stocking up for years.
