Brief Summary
This video is a comprehensive test of various AA batteries, including alkaline and lithium options, to determine their performance in different conditions. The tests include runtime, capacity, cold temperature performance, and ability to power high-drain devices. Additionally, the video examines the longevity of rechargeable batteries after years of use and debunks the myth about dead batteries bouncing higher than charged ones.
- Lithium batteries generally outperform alkaline batteries.
- The Thunderbolt Edge alkaline battery performed well in fan runtime tests.
- After 6 years of daily use, Eneloop rechargeable batteries maintained excellent performance.
- The myth about dead batteries bouncing higher is confirmed.
Introduction to Battery Testing
The video starts by posing the question of which AA battery is the best, comparing Energizer, Duracell, and lithium options. The tests include longevity comparisons between alkaline and lithium batteries, cold weather performance, and the condition of rechargeable batteries after six years of daily use. The presenter also addresses the myth of dead batteries bouncing higher than charged ones. The video will also test the performance of cheaper alternatives like the VAA brand.
Initial Battery Measurements
The presenter details the initial measurements of various battery brands, including VAA, Thunderbolt, EBL, and AC Delco. Key metrics include voltage, internal resistance (measured in milliohms), and weight (measured in grams). Lower internal resistance is desirable. VAA batteries weigh 23.12 grams and have a voltage of 1.61 volts with an internal resistance of 87 milliohms. Thunderbolt batteries are at 1.62 volts with 88 milliohms of resistance and weigh 23.7 grams. EBL batteries have a voltage of 1.61 volts, a high internal resistance of 97 milliohms, and are the lightest at 22.93 grams.
First Set of Battery Tests
The initial set of batteries, including Thunderbolt, EBL, and AC Delco, are tested for capacity. Thunderbolt lasted 7 hours and 10 minutes, EBL lasted 7 hours and 34 minutes, and AC Delco lasted 7 hours and 27 minutes. The capacity results show EBL at 2,248 mAh, AC Delco at 2,213 mAh, and Thunderbolt at 2,130 mAh.
Dead vs Charged Battery Bounce Test
A test is conducted to determine if a dead alkaline battery bounces higher than a charged one. A nearly dead Duracell battery (0.62 volts) is compared to a fully charged Duracell (1.67 volts). The dead battery bounces significantly higher (about 5 inches) compared to the charged battery (about 1 inch), confirming the myth.
Second Set of Battery Measurements
The presenter measures a second set of batteries, including Paramax, Thunderbolt Edge, Amazon Basics, and regular Energizer. The Paramax battery has a voltage of 1.6 volts and 97 milliohms of resistance, weighing 23.11 grams. The Thunderbolt Edge has a voltage of 1.6 volts and the best internal resistance so far at 68 milliohms, weighing 24.2 grams. Amazon Basics has a voltage of 1.61 volts and 87 milliohms of resistance, weighing 23.12 grams. The regular Energizer has a voltage of 1.61 volts and 94 milliohms of resistance, weighing 22.86 grams.
Second Set of Battery Tests
The second set of batteries is tested, with Power Max lasting 6 hours and 54 minutes, Thunderbolt Edge lasting longer than the Thunderbolt Magnum, Amazon Basics lasting 6 hours and 49 minutes, and Energizer lasting 6 hours and 51 minutes. The Thunderbolt Edge leads with a capacity of 2273 mAh.
Third Set of Battery Measurements
The presenter measures Duracell, Kirkland, Panasonic, and Energizer Max batteries. Duracell has an internal resistance of 59 milliohms. Kirkland has a voltage of 1.68 volts and an internal resistance of 61 milliohms, weighing 23.41 grams. Panasonic has a voltage of 1.6 volts and an internal resistance of 80 milliohms, weighing 23.61 grams. Energizer Max has a voltage of 1.63 volts and an internal resistance of 76 milliohms, weighing 23.9 grams.
Third Set of Battery Tests
Duracell and Energizer Max both lasted 8 hours and 16 minutes, while Kirkland lasted 8 hours and 12 minutes, and Panasonic lasted 7 hours and 42 minutes. The Energizer Max has a capacity of 2459 mAh, slightly leading Duracell at 2456 mAh and Kirkland at 2439 mAh.
Fourth Set of Battery Measurements
The presenter measures Rayovac Fusion, Power One, Ever Ready Gold, and Procell batteries. Rayovac Fusion has a voltage of 1.6 volts and an internal resistance of 78 milliohms, weighing 23.11 grams. Power One has a voltage of 1.58 volts and an internal resistance of 71 milliohms, weighing 23.38 grams. Ever Ready Gold has a voltage of 1.58 volts and the highest internal resistance yet at 101 milliohms, weighing 23.35 grams. Procell has a voltage of 1.6 volts and an internal resistance of 75 milliohms, weighing 24.6 grams.
Fourth Set of Battery Tests
Rayovac Fusion lasted the longest at 8 hours and 24 minutes, Power One lasted 6 hours and 10 minutes, Ever Ready Gold lasted 7 hours and 53 minutes, and Procell lasted 7 hours and 25 minutes. Rayovac Fusion leads with a capacity of 2498 mAh.
Introduction to Lithium Battery Testing
The video transitions to testing lithium batteries, which are designed for single use and cannot be recharged. The presenter introduces Galvita, Beore, Allmax, and Power Owl lithium batteries.
Lithium Battery Measurements
The presenter details the measurements of various lithium battery brands, including Galvita, Beore, Allmax, Power Owl, NRT, Tipson, Vono, Energy Tech, NMAX, Bonai and Energizer lithium. Galvita is very light at 15.88 grams, with a voltage of 1.81 volts and an internal resistance of 274 milliohms.
Lithium Battery Tests
The lithium batteries are tested for runtime. Beore lasted 11 hours and 47 minutes, Allmax lasted 11 hours and 51 minutes, and Power Owl lasted 12 hours and 20 minutes. Blinkspower lasted the longest at 12 hours and 33 minutes. Blinkspower has the most energy capacity at 3,728 mAh.
High-Drain Device Test with Alkaline Batteries
The batteries are tested using a high-drain device tester set to 1.25 amps to see which delivers the highest voltage. Duracell leads at 1.36 volts, with Kirkland in second place at 1.28 volts. Energizer Max is also at 1.28 volts. Power One is struggling at 1.13 volts.
High-Drain Device Test with Lithium Batteries
Lithium cells are tested with a 1.25 amp load. The Tipson and Energy Tech batteries have the highest voltage at 1.43 volts. Several other brands perform well at 1.36 volts. Lithium batteries generally outperform alkaline batteries in this test.
Cold Temperature Performance Test
The batteries are tested for performance in a freezer set close to 0°F. Duracell, Kirkland, and Energizer Max are the best-performing alkaline batteries at 0.98 volts. Power Owl leads the lithium batteries at 1.21 volts. Most lithium cells perform better than alkaline cells in cold temperatures.
Fan Runtime Test
The batteries are tested for runtime using fans. The Thunderbolt Edge lasts the longest at 8 hours and 15 minutes, Rayovac Fusion lasts 8 hours and 7 minutes, and Energizer Max lasts 8 hours and 3 minutes.
Rechargeable Battery Longevity Test
Rechargeable AA batteries are tested after 6 years of daily use (approximately 2,200 charge/discharge cycles). Eneloop performs almost as good as new at 1,874 mAh. Amazon Basics silver has failed.
Rechargeable Battery High-Drain Test
Rechargeable batteries are tested for their ability to power a high-drain device after years of use. Eneloop performs well at 1.21 volts. Active Energy and VAA, which have been in use for about 5 years, have a voltage of 1.06 volts.
Overall Battery Performance Ranking
The presenter ranks the batteries based on average finish, excluding price. Blinkspower, a lithium cell, comes out on top. Factoring in price, Power Owl becomes the top choice. The presenter expresses a preference for lithium batteries over alkaline due to the risk of leakage.
