Which batteries last longer - Energizer or Duracell? Here's a look at the battery life, safety, environmental impact and price of rechargeable and alkaline batteries manufactured by Duracell and Energizer.
Comparison chart
 | Duracell | Energizer |
|---|---|---|
| Last longer than the other in | Everything else | Clocks |
| Market share | About 29% | About 25% |
| Manufactured in | USA, Belgium, China | USA, Singapore, Indonesia, China |
| Manufacturer | Duracell is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, who acquired it from P&G. | Energizer Holdings, Inc. |
| Website | www.duracell.com | www.energizer.com |
Battery Life
Rechargeable AA batteries
When comparing rechargeable AA batteries, Gizmodo found that Duracell lasted longer (5 to 6.5 hours) than Energizer batteries (2 to 3.5 hours). Both companies batteries are NiMH (nickel metal hydride); the Duracells are 2000 mAh and the Energizer batteries are 2200 mAh. mAh stands for milliampere-hours, which is a unit of electric charge. Higher is usually better but the battery life findings were contrary to the listed mAh ratings of the batteries.
Non-rechargeable AA and C batteries
In another experiment, C batteries from Duracell and Energizer were compared for continuous use with a Flashlight. Duracell was found to outperform Energizer. Anecdotal evidence from the author suggests that Energizer AA batteries lasted longer (up to three times) than Duracell AA batteries when used in clocks.
Consumer Reports testing
This video from Consumer Reports reveals some interesting findings not just about Duracell and Energizer but their specific variants, as well as their comparison with Walgreens-branded batteries.
Tests with different brands and different ambient conditions
In a Canton State University of New York test, Energizer and Duracell batteries of various brands were tested under varying ambient conditions. The results were mixed and are presented below.
Price
Given that the differences between most AA batteries are not very significant, it is often easiest to buy whichever batteries are cheaper. In general, Duracell batteries are costlier than Energizer. However, prices may vary depending upon the retailer and any promotional offers. Their current prices on Amazon are:
Market share
Duracell has about 29% market share and Energizer about 25%.[1] Overall sales for Duracell batteries are around $2.5 billion. [2]
Safety and Environmental impact
While alkaline batteries can be thrown away with regular trash, lithium batteries must be disposed of specially. The environmentally friendly and "green" way of living is to use rechargeable batteries whenever possible.
Both companies claim to support programs that promote battery recycling. Duracell funds Call2Recycle, a free battery and cellphone recycling program. Energizer supports the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation. During the 1990s, Energizer removed Mercury and Cadmium from all household batteries (AAA, AA, C, D and 9V), introducing the first zero-added mercury battery in the United States.
Anecdotal evidence suggests there are some leakage problems and safety issues with both brands. A YouTube video suggests that Energizer batteries leak acid after they expire - even if they are unopened, whereas Duracell batteries do not. The following comments from Internet discussion boards are not based on any scientific research and are, therefore, questionable.
I've had a number of Energizers leak goo, but never with the Duracells.[3]
I read too many horror stories about Energizer to not [sic] get it. (I did however never experience a failure with Energizer)[4]
Duracells leak more, even brand new, still in the package.[5]
Varieties
Duracell offers batteries under the Procell, CopperTop and Ultra brands. The technical specifications of Procell and CopperTop are identical. A comparison from Duracell's website is presented below.
Lithium vs. Alkaline Batteries
Although lithium batteries cost more than alkaline batteries, they are a better buy because of the following reasons:
- Leakage resistance: Lithium batteries are much less likely to leak than alkaline batteries. It is not pleasant when a AA battery leaks — the discharge is toxic and it damages the device that the battery was plugged into.
- Lifespan: The shelf life of a lithium battery when unused is 10-15 years versus 5-8 years for alkaline batteries. When in use, lithium batteries last 5-6 times longer than alkaline batteries. So lithium batteries are a better choice for high-drain situations.
- Voltage performance: As alkaline batteries run out, their output voltage declines. On the other hand, lithium batteries maintain their full voltage until the end of their life.
Choosing Batteries for an External Camera Flash
References
About the Author
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Comments: Duracell vs Energizer
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