AAA Batteries

While we may have grown accustomed to internal lithium ion batteries in many of the modern devices we use in our day-to-day lives, there are still a large number of electronics that rely on traditional single cell AAA batteries. Whether you prefer the disposable variety or would rather invest in a rechargeable option, there are plenty of choices when considering AAA batteries for your home or office.

Common devices that use AAA batteries

Despite the fact that many electronic devices now incorporate their own internal batteries, odds are that there are still a handful of products in your home that rely on traditional single cell AAA batteries. Some of the most common devices include television remote controls, wireless accessories and PC peripherals, doorbells, toys, and more.

AAA batteries are slimmer and subsequently have less capacity than their AA cousin, which makes them most ideal for smaller/thinner devices that don’t tend to draw a lot of energy at a constant rate, such as remote controls.

Types of AAA batteries

The standard size of an AAA battery is 10.5mm in diameter and 44.5mm in length. While the shape of an AAA battery is static, the batteries themselves can be comprised of different materials, which can affect their lifespan. For example, alkaline AAA batteries tend to be more economical, but have a shorter lifespan in comparison to lithium AAA batteries, which can typically hold more energy, but also tend to come in at a higher price point.

Of course the overall life of a battery will depend on the amount of energy drawn from an electronic device, but all batteries will also eventually lose energy over time, with or without use. You can check the manufacturer’s expiration date for a (generally conservative) estimate on life expectancy.

Disposable AAA batteries vs. rechargeable AAA batteries

There are two primary types of AAA batteries—disposable and rechargeable—each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

Disposable AAA batteries essentially come with a single charge. Once their energy is consumed, it cannot be replenished, and the battery must be safely disposed of. Disposable AAA batteries typically involve a lower up-front cost, but inevitably must be replaced over time. However, having a sufficient supply of disposable AAA batteries on hand means never worrying about being stuck without power for your devices. Disposable AAA batteries also tend to hold their charge longer when not in use in comparison to rechargeable AAA batteries.

Conversely, rechargeable AAA batteries (including AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries and AAA lithium rechargeable batteries) allow for their energy to be replenished, and can often be recharged many times over before the end of their lifespan. Rechargeable AAA batteries will typically cost more (including the up-front investment of a charging device), however over time that cost is easily offset, often after only a few recharges. One potential downside is that if your rechargeable AAA batteries run out of energy, you may have to wait for them to recharge before using your electronic devices if you don’t have a spare replacement on hand.