Duracell vs. Amazon Basics: Which Battery Is Better?

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Duracell batteries have the reputation of being one of the best quality batteries on the market due to their longevity and recharge-ability. However, Amazon Basics products are often of decent quality and still offer a much better deal on various product categories.

In this review, you’ll find out how Amazon Basics batteries compare to Duracell batteries, whether they’re worth the money, whether you should opt for the cheaper alternative, and what it’ll cost you in the long run.

Duracell vs. Amazon Basics: Side-By-Side Comparison

FeaturesDuracellAmazon BasicsDurabilityVery durableComparable to Duracell for the priceTechnologyAlkaline, Li-Lon, and NiMH, and Power BoostAlkaline, Li-Lon, NiMHRecharging Ability400 recharges or moreUp to 1,000 chargesAvailabilityRetail storesOnly on AmazonPrice Point$37.95 for 48-count alkaline on Amazon$16.49 for 48-count alkaline on Amazon

Best Value

Amazon Basics 48 Pack AA Alkaline Batteries

$16.49

• 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

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Duracell vs. Amazon Basics: What’s the Difference?

It’s well known that Duracell is a trusted brand in the battery industry. However, what can you expect from a much cheaper alternative, Amazon Basics? Read on to learn the differences between these two brands in key categories.

Durability and Quality

The main difference between Duracell and Amazon Basics batteries is their durability. For example, durability can determine how many batteries you need per month to power a device or how long would one battery last.

Duracell is a brand that is best known for its durability, especially through its commercials where a Duracell rabbit always beats the competition and leaves a big gap in durability. Since Duracell is a company that specializes in the manufacture of batteries, it offers some of the longest-lasting batteries on the market thanks to its Power Boost ingredients.

With these ingredients, Duracell allows users to recharge their batteries as their batteries are made from high-quality ingredients. These batteries are also a combination of Long-Life Ion Core technology and NiMH technology.

Amazon Basics batteries are generally less known, as Amazon Basics doesn’t specialize in batteries alone. However, Amazon Basics batteries are manufactured by Fujitsu for Amazon. Although Amazon Basics batteries are durable, they aren’t made with the technology that battery giants like Duracell rely on to provide a long lifespan.

Therefore, Amazon Basics batteries are of good quality, but cannot match the durability and quality of Duracell batteries. Certain Duracell batteries can last 5-10 years and can be recharged at least 400 times. On the other hand, Amazon Basics batteries can be recharged up to 1,000 times, but they do not have the longevity of Duracell batteries.

Technology

Duracell is a pioneer in the battery industry and is a leader because they not only rely on existing technologies such as Li-Ion battery types but also develop their own innovations such as Power Boost. Therefore, Duracell manages to deliver more power than the competition in some battery types, which differentiates them from its competitors.

Some Duracell batteries feature NiMH technology, which is combined with ingredients that allow the batteries to be recycled so you can recharge them and use them for years to come. Amazon Basics batteries are mostly based on alkaline technology. Because of this, Amazon Basics batteries are much cheaper and the shelf life is almost comparable to Duracell batteries. The only downside is that the longevity doesn’t come close to Duracell batteries.

Recharging Ability

Duracell batteries are known for their recharge-ability. Duracell claims that certain types of batteries can be recharged 400 times or more and last about 5-10 years. They will also remain charged for one year when not in use.

Of course not all Duracell batteries are rechargeable. Some Duracell batteries still use alkaline technology, which isn’t rechargeable. However, Duracell batteries based on lithium-ion and NiMH technology are rechargeable. So if you’re looking for rechargeable batteries, you should pay attention to that.

Best for Heavy-Use Devices

Duracell Rechargeable AA Batteries, 12 Count Pack, Double A Battery for Long-lasting Power, All-Purpose Pre-Charged Battery for Household and Business Devices

$37.00 ($3.08 / Count)

• Pre-charged
• Batteries last for 10 years or 400 recharges, whichever comes first
• NiMH battery type
• Will hold a charge for up to 1 year when not in use
• Ideal for heavy-use devices like video game controllers or baby monitors

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Most Amazon Basics batteries, on the other hand, are made with alkaline technology, which means that not all Amazon Basics batteries are rechargeable. However, just like Duracell, Amazon Basics makes and sells rechargeable batteries. They’re often colored green, which is how you can recognize them. Amazon claims you can recharge the batteries up to 1,000 times and that they will maintain 80% capacity for two years.

However, Amazon Basics rechargeable batteries are more expensive than their regular batteries. So, if you’re buying rechargeable batteries, we recommend you to compare the prices between Duracell and Amazon Basics rechargeable batteries.

To charge Duracell or Amazon Basics batteries, you can use any NiMH battery charger. Such chargers work with all brands as long as you have the rechargeable battery type.

Best Budget Rechargeable

Amazon Basics 24-Pack AA Rechargeable Batteries

$34.61

• Pre-charged
• Can be recharged up to 1,000 times with minimal power loss
• Batteries maintain 80% capacity for two years
• Compatible with any device that uses AA batteries
• NiMH battery cell composition

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Types and Availability

When it comes to battery types, Duracell makes AA, AAA, 9V, C, and D battery types. Amazon Basics makes and sells the same battery types as Duracell.

So when it comes to the types available, you’ll find the same battery types with both brands. However, you have to keep in mind that Duracell batteries are much more readily available since you can pick them up at retail stores, while Amazon Basics batteries are only sold through Amazon and have to be ordered online and then shipped to your home. Both Duracell and Amazon Basics offer these types of batteries in both alkaline (non-rechargeable) and rechargeable forms. The only difference is where you buy the batteries.

Price Point

There is no doubt that Duracell batteries cost much more than Amazon Basics. Duracell batteries are much more expensive than Amazon Basics batteries, but they’re worth the price because they’re better made and last longer.

Amazon Basics brand is much cheaper than Duracell batteries, and while they can match Duracell in terms of durability, they lack longevity. When you buy Amazon Basics batteries, you get more batteries in a pack than when you buy Duracell batteries.

There’s also a different price point for rechargeable batteries. You may save money by buying Amazon Basics rechargeables, but in the long run, you’re better off with Duracell rechargeables because they last much longer and the higher price pays off over time.

Duracell vs. Amazon Basics: 6 Must-Know Facts

• Duracell innovates the technology they use in their batteries, such as Power Boost, while Amazon Basics doesn’t innovate
• Both Duracell and Amazon Basics offer the same battery types
• Duracell batteries can be purchased at retail stores while Amazon Basics batteries can only be purchased through Amazon
• Both Amazon Basics and Duracell make rechargeable batteries
• Amazon Basics is much cheaper than Duracell batteries
• Amazon Basics can almost keep up in terms of durability, but not with Duracell

Dependable

Duracell Coppertop Alkaline Batteries AA – 48 pk

$37.89

• Five-year shelf life
• Single-use alkaline batteries
• Perfect for remotes, flashlights, and toys
• Long-lasting
• Batteries deliver more power with Power Boost Technology

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Duracell vs. Amazon Basics: Which One is Better? Which One Should You Use?

Amazon Basics batteries are well worth the low price, as they’re well made and can offer approximate durability for the price when compared to Duracell batteries. Since they’re much more affordable, we recommend relying on Amazon Basics for common devices like remote controls, flashlights, and others.

On the other hand, if you demand reliability and want a battery that will last longer and be durable, especially for outdoor devices where weather and temperature can affect batteries, we recommend choosing Duracell batteries. If you’re looking for rechargeable batteries, Duracell batteries are the better deal in our opinion, as they last much longer and maintain capacity better, making the higher price worth the investment.

Duracell is ultimately the better choice if they’re in the budget. However, the Amazon Basics are still good batteries to use for devices where you may not need the durability of higher-end batteries like Duracell.