Batteries are everywhere, powering our phones, console controllers, remote controls, and toys. The thought of running out of juice is a fear we all share. To avoid such a situation, it’s always a good idea to have your battery arsenal stocked with reliable, long-lasting brands.
With a wealth of battery options available in retail stores, which one should you choose? Among the top contenders, we have Amazon Basics and Duracell. Both are alkaline batteries with relatively similar internal structures. These batteries come in various sizes, like AA and AAA, but they also vary in quality.
While it’s a close battle, several differences exist between Amazon Basics and Duracell. Let’s take a deep dive into the specs to determine which battery reigns supreme.
Key Points
- Amazon Basics batteries offer better value for money than Duracell batteries, although their longevity and reliability are not as good.
- Duracell batteries are available in most retail stores, whereas Amazon Basics batteries are only available on Amazon.
- Duracell uses North American alkaline technology for its AA batteries, whereas Amazon Basics uses Japanese alkaline technology.
Amazon Basics vs Duracell: Full Comparison
Before we go deep into the specifics, let’s take a quick look at the overall ratings for Amazon Basics and Duracell. According to various tests, both batteries have an impressive shelf life of more than ten years for their alkaline variants. The rechargeable versions can supposedly store up to 96% capacity after one year of no use.
Because these batteries come in different sizes and formats, we can’t compare their performance within a single metric. For instance, Duracell industrial AA battery has a capacity of 3,125 mAh, while the standard version only has 2,500 mAh. Because we are taking a general brand comparison, let’s focus on the core features of both batteries.
About Amazon Basics Batteries
Amazon Basics batteries are a relatively new entrant in the consumer battery market. These products are manufactured by third-party companies and marketed under Amazon Basics, a private-label brand created by the online retail behemoth.
These batteries come in various capacities and sizes, making them suitable for regular and professional applications. Amazon Basics also has rechargeable batteries, which have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Like Duracell, Amazon Basics batteries are also available in lithium-ion varieties. Even though they are significantly cheaper than their Duracell counterparts, Amazon Basics batteries still offer decent performance and reliability.
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: 16-pack of pre-charged AA rechargeable NiMH batteries (2,000 mAh) for professional or everyday use
- RECHARGEABLE: Can be recharged up to 1000 times with minimal power loss; provides consistent discharge performance (requires separate battery charger)
- EVERYDAY COMPATIBILITY: Works with any device that uses AA batteries, like remote controls, flashlights, clocks and more
- LOW SELF DISCHARGE: Maintains 80% capacity for 2 years; ideal to power household appliances or to use while traveling
- EASY TO USE & STORE: Has a shelf-life up to 5 years for everyday or emergency use; arrives pre-charged and ready to use
About Duracell Batteries
Duracell is a well-known and trusted brand in the battery industry, with a wide range of alkaline batteries for all sorts of devices. Duracell batteries are often seen as the “gold standard,” with their reliable performance backed up by years of research and development. Their industrial line has been certified safe to use in medical equipment, while their standard line is adequate for everyday use.
The company has become synonymous with rechargeable batteries, having developed a wide range of NiMH and NiCd batteries to suit various needs. Duracell has an exclusive line of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries designed to give you more power and charge capacity.
Thanks to POWER BOOST ingredients incorporated into the cell structure, Duracell batteries provide a consistent power output over extended periods of use. This is also why they are often chosen in professional applications that require reliable and long-lasting energy sources.
- 4 Alkaline AA4 batteries
- Rechargeable
- Recommended for game console controllers
Amazon Basics vs. Duracell: Side-by-Side Comparison
The following table compares the core features of both Amazon Basics and Duracell batteries to help you decide which one is right for your needs.
| Duracell | Amazon Basics | |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf Life | AA: 12 years AAA: 10 years 9V: 10 years | Rechargeable performance: Up to 5 years Rechargeable standard: Up to 5 years Alakaline standard: Up to 10 years Alkaline industrial: up to 5 years |
| Type of Technology Used | North American alkaline battery technology | Japanese alkaline battery technology |
| Performance | Reliable | Decent |
| Availability | Amazon and other retailers | Amazon only |
| Pricing | Higher | Lower |
| Rechargeable Options | Available | Available |
Amazon Basics vs. Duracell: What’s the Difference?
The search for the perfect battery can be tricky, but Duracell and Amazon Basics offer users a viable range of choices. As you can see from the comparison above, both brands have their strengths and weaknesses.
The following section takes a more detailed look at the differences between Amazon Basics and Duracell batteries to help you make an informed decision.
Price
Perhaps the most significant difference between Amazon Basics and Duracell batteries is their respective prices. Amazon Basics batteries are generally cheaper than their Duracell counterparts, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
For instance, a 48-pack of AA alkaline Duracell batteries costs around $37.95 on Amazon, while the same pack from Amazon Basics is available for just over $16.49. We understand that Amazon is a large company and can leverage its buying power to offer better prices, but the gap is quite significant.
So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Amazon Basics is the way to go.
- Five-year shelf life
- Single-use alkaline batteries
- Perfect for remotes, flashlights, and toys
- Long-lasting
- Batteries deliver more power with Power Boost Technology
- Ten-year shelf life
- 48-count value pack of 1.5-volt AA alkaline batteries
- Single-use alkaline batteries
- Good for devices like clocks, toys, and flashlights
- Easy-open packaging
Durability and Reliability
Duracell batteries are often seen as the more reliable option, and for a good reason. The company’s patented POWER BOOST ingredients allow their batteries to keep going for longer and perform better in extreme conditions. Duracell batteries are available as Optimum, Lithium Coin, and Coppertop.
Amazon Basics batteries don’t slouch either, and many of them are capable of performance similar to Duracell. But, we can’t say that you can expect the same level of quality and reliability because the performance depends mainly on the battery’s manufacturer. While Amazon has stringent quality control measures, it is difficult to vouch for the third-party brands that make and supply these batteries.
Looking at the shelf life of both brands, Duracell seems to have the upper hand here. The alkaline standard AA pack from Duracell has a shelf life of 12 years, while Amazon Basics alkaline, standard batteries have a shelf life of 10 years. If the shelf life of the batteries is a concern for you, Duracell is probably the way to go.
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Technology Used
Another contentious point of comparison between Duracell and Amazon Basics batteries is the technology used.
Duracell has a wide range of products available, such as Optimum Alkaline, Lithium Coin, and Coppertop nickel-manganese dioxide batteries. The company also manufactures specialty batteries like hearing aid cells, rechargeable batteries, and photo batteries.
Amazon Basics, on the other hand, has fewer options available than Duracell. While they offer regular alkaline cells and rechargeable batteries, they don’t have many specialty batteries in their portfolio.
Duracell alkaline batteries use North American technology, while Amazon Basics batteries feature Japanese alkaline technology. The latter is known for its superior performance and reliability, although there isn’t much difference in the overall quality between these two technologies.
Availability
How accessible are Duracell and Amazon Basics batteries? Duracell is widely available in most stores, including Walmart, Target, and Costco. You can also purchase these batteries online from Amazon and other retailers. The Duracell store on Amazon has all you need, with a vast selection of batteries at great prices.
Amazon Basics batteries are exclusively available on Amazon’s website. That said, they have a vast selection of batteries with many great deals throughout the year. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get even better discounts on your purchase.
The limited availability of Amazon Basics batteries might be a concern for some shoppers, but if you’re comfortable buying from Amazon, the selection and deals are unbeatable.
Rechargeability
Duracell and Amazon Basics offer rechargeable variants of their batteries. Both use NiMH technology, which is known for its high efficiency and durability. While you’ll recharge a Duracell battery up to 400 times in its lifetime, the Amazon Basics rechargeable will last up to 500 cycles for the performance variant and more than 1,000 cycles for the standard variant.
Duracell’s rechargeable batteries have an advantage when it comes to capacity, offering up to 2500mAh for AA cells, compared to Amazon Basics’ 2,400mAh for the performance variant and 2,000mAh for the standard one.
That said, you can’t make too much out of this difference, as the actual performance and longevity depend on various factors like usage and temperature.
Amazon Basics vs. Duracell: 8 Must-Know Facts
- Duracell’s alkaline standard AA pack has a shelf life of 12 years, while Amazon Basics’ alkaline AA pack has a shelf life of 10 years.
- Duracell uses North American technology, while Amazon Basics batteries feature Japanese alkaline technology.
- Duracell is widely available in stores and online retailers; however, Amazon Basics batteries are exclusively available on Amazon’s website.
- Both Duracell and Amazon Basics offer rechargeable variants of their batteries, which use NiMH technology.
- Duracell’s rechargeable batteries have a slightly higher capacity than Amazon Basics’, offering up to 2500mAh for AA cells compared to 2400mAh/2000mAh for the respective Amazon Basics variants.
- Duracell offers a wide selection of specialty batteries like hearing aid cells, rechargeable batteries, and photo batteries, while Amazon Basics only has a few specialty batteries in its portfolio.
- Amazon Basics batteries are often more affordable than Duracell’s, with some deals offering packs of 48 AA cells for less than $20.
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: 16-pack of pre-charged AA rechargeable NiMH batteries (2,000 mAh) for professional or everyday use
- RECHARGEABLE: Can be recharged up to 1000 times with minimal power loss; provides consistent discharge performance (requires separate battery charger)
- EVERYDAY COMPATIBILITY: Works with any device that uses AA batteries, like remote controls, flashlights, clocks and more
- LOW SELF DISCHARGE: Maintains 80% capacity for 2 years; ideal to power household appliances or to use while traveling
- EASY TO USE & STORE: Has a shelf-life up to 5 years for everyday or emergency use; arrives pre-charged and ready to use
- 4 Alkaline AA4 batteries
- Rechargeable
- Recommended for game console controllers
Amazon Basics vs. Duracell: Which One is Better?
The choice between Amazon Basics and Duracell will ultimately depend on your needs and budget. From the above comparison, it’s clear that Amazon Basics batteries offer better value for money and may be a great option if you’re looking for an affordable but reliable product. However, their performance may not be as good as Duracell’s, especially in extreme temperatures.
Duracell batteries are a great option if you’re looking for reliable power and performance, but the higher cost might be prohibitive. Moreover, their limited availability outside Amazon may be a downside for some shoppers.
Amazon Basics and Duracell offer solid products that are sure to meet your needs. The most important thing is choosing the right battery type for your device, budget, and usage habits. That way, you’ll surely get the most out of your purchase.
