AA and AAA batteries are the most common battery sizes for consumers. There are so many different kinds of AA and AAA batteries such as lithium, nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, and alkaline. Each of these have their strengths and weaknesses for your electronic equipment.

This article will explain the pros and cons of the different battery types and try to explain ideal battery for different applications.

Let's review each battery type.

alkaline - If you don't use a lot of batteries and the electroincs that you use are not using a lot alkalines you can use them. They are affordable and readily available.

lithium - If you need batteries that last for years or are fantastic in extreme temperatures these should be your choice. No, they are not rechargeable but there are some applications where these are the best batteries for the job. If you need longevity these batteries outlast alkalines.

nickel metal hydride - These are rechargeable batteries! If you use your electronic equipment frequently over a short period of time spend a little more and get a higer mAh rating. Now available in a Ultra Low Self Discharge (ULSD) they are also know as as ready to use NiMH batteries. What this means is that off the shelf they are ready for your use. A great way to buy a battery in a pinch and add it to your power arsenal. These are a better choice for general purpose uses or equipment that you do not use frequently.The self discharge issue with nimh batteries is probably their biggest weakness and this new type of battery addresses this very nicely.

nickel cadmium - While not as popular as NiMH they do work well in high temperature or some commercial applications. Unfortunately, they are not as environmentally friendly.

lithium ion - These are not normally considered to be rechargeable and are oftenm used for button batteries. However, there are AA size rechargeable li-ion batteries which are typically 3.6 or 3.7 volts and require a dedicated charger.

crv3 batteries - this is a common lithium, lithium ion, and sometimes even NiMH AA battery equivalent that many manufacturers are trying to make available as a replacement for two AA batteries. They are approximately the size and shape of two AA batteries but they are one unit. They are available as non-rechargeable lithium at many stores. If you use them use them in their own chargers and do not mix them.

 

Based upon an article found on www.greenbatteries.com