These are the best AA batteries in South Africa
Energizer Ultimate Lithium cells are the best-performing AA batteries that are also generally available in South Africa, but many alkaline cells offer an excellent compromise for low-power applications.
MyBroadband tested a range of AA batteries available from local stores and found one that stood out above the rest.
We used a West Mountain Radio Computerized Battery Analyzer to perform discharge tests on various popular AA batteries.
For this test, we only considered readily available batteries that can be bought at local grocery stores and pharmacies.
We performed a low-current and high-current discharge test on each type of cell to determine not only its total capacity but also how it performs when more power is required.
AA cells typically have a nominal voltage of 1.5V, which means they should maintain a voltage of approximately 1.5V for most of their lifespan under normal loads.
The low-current test discharges the cells at a constant 0.1A rate and ends when the voltage reaches 0.5V, indicating that it is empty.
This provides a good indication of the total capacity of the battery for devices that draw little power, such as remote controls.
Many devices may consider a battery empty closer to the 1V point, but we allow the tests to continue all the way to 0.5V to ensure a comprehensive view of the cell’s performance.
We also performed a discharge test at a consistent 1A to determine how they perform when a lot of power is needed. This is more in line with the current draw from flashlights or motorised devices.
Due to a battery’s internal resistance, it is limited in the total current it can supply. When more current is demanded from a battery than it can supply, the voltage will drop.
As a general rule, batteries will have less usable capacity at a high draw than at a low draw.
Battery drain test results
The Energizer Ultimate Lithium battery stood out among the rest in both tests. It performed significantly better than the alkaline batteries in the 1A test, with around three times the total capacity.
In the slower drain test, it reached almost double the capacity of some alkaline batteries. It also maintained a much higher voltage throughout both tests, which is useful for voltage-sensitive devices.
We also compared pricing by examining the least expensive pack of four cells available from local grocery stores and pharmacies.
This may vary significantly when purchasing in bulk or taking advantage of special offers, but it should provide a general idea of what you can expect to pay for these batteries.
Unfortunately, the Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries are significantly more expensive than the common alkaline options, which makes them a poor choice for general use.
If you have devices that need maximum performance, they will outperform an alkaline cell in all standard use cases. Otherwise, a reputable brand’s cheapest alkaline cells will generally offer good value for money.
| Battery | Price/Battery | 0.1A Capacity (mWh) | 1A Capacity (mWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energizer Ultimate Lithium | R67.25 | 4941 | 3625 |
| Duracell Optimum | R32.25 | 3263 | 1106 |
| Duracell Plus | R15.00 | 3049 | 1014 |
| Energizer Max | R16.00 | 2642 | 1122 |
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