Naturally, there are many incidents that prompt people into active search for the best car battery reviews. Probably, the last one you used died sooner than you expected. And you are left feeling like you didn’t get enough value for your money. On the other hand, continued and noticeable weak performance of your existing battery could be a strong signal for new purchase.
And then when there is a sudden death of the current battery you have been using, you’ll have no option but start looking for the best budget car batteries that are affordable.
Hey, let me ask you. Who would want their scheduled appointment disrupted on the last minute as a result of weak or dead battery?
I bet you wouldn’t want to experience that kind of thing. Perhaps, you already how it feels the last time it happened to you. Through this car battery buying guide, we’ll bring the best models under a single page. Practically, this will save you time and money while helping you to make informed purchase decision at the same time. Below the following paragraphs, you’ll find some of the best car battery brands in 2024. And it doesn’t matter the type of car you drive.
You are definitely going to find you want here without wasting time from one page to the other. Regardless of your current budget, there is always something good within your reach.
But let’s look at some first things first.
Types of Car Battery
If you are already aware of the key types and the one that suits your car, please read one. However, among all the people intending to buy car battery at this time, some still have questions like this.
What is the best type of car battery? So it is important to clarify things a little bit.
- Deep Cycle Battery – This is a type of car battery that is designed to provide power for a long period of time while discharging. In practical terms this type often discharges at a higher rate than most of its counterparts. But the level of energy provided serve for a long time before needing recharge.
- Lead Acid Batteries – This is a sealed, low maintenance battery that doesn’t require regular addition of water in order to get it working in full capacity. And because it doesn’t need maintenance in most cases, replacement is usually what is required when it starts performing poorly. Both Absorption Glass Matt (AGM) and Gel Cell batteries belong to this category. Unlike the one mentioned above, they provide short bursts of power at a higher rate.
- Flooded Battery – Flooded or wet cell batteries works with liquids like acid, water and lead. Most of this car battery type can be found to be less expensive than others. However, they may require regular maintenance because it doesn’t provide higher power surge within short periods.
- Lithium ion battery – In modern car making technology space, this is what is being used. But for older models, it doesn’t apply compatibly well. The interesting thing is that stores and provides even more significant amount of power and it doesn’t heavy weight like others.
Best Car Battery Brand Comparison 2024
By reading through these car battery reviews below and identifying some specific features, you’ll be able to make comparison of competing models and brands in the marketplace. Even when two models are from the same brand, you’ll be able to understand what makes one practically different from the other. While you are going through the car battery comparison, try paying attention to issues of compatibility and specific use cases.
Optima Batteries 8020-164 35 RedTop Starting Battery
What would a track record of 120 years in battery tell you about a particular brand?
In simple terms, this is a reassuring proof of expertise in the business. Consequently, if you have a track record like this one, it becomes so obvious that understand that this won’t be possible without successive introduction of quality products in the market. All of these can be depicted in the way that Optima 8020-164 battery was built from design to the functional features.
To avoid last minute disappointment in any form, you’ll definitely want a strong battery that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
One of the key differentiations you’ll notice in many stores is that there are some models in red top while other are in yellow. The key point to note here is that the red top one is mainly for starting engines. But the yellow one serves multiple purposes of starting and deep cycling.
Thinking about life span, this model has been proven to last twice longer than traditional batteries.
The compact design and strong design protects the battery against corrosion. Moreover, you can make use of this almost in rough road terrains as well as smooth ones. For this product, the case material is made of polypropylene.
When you buy Optima Batteries 8020-164, it comes with 12V capacity and 720amps. The reserve capacity can serve up to 90 minutes. Weigh is about 13.7 pounds while dimension size is about 9.38 x 7.69 x 6.75 inches. Stipulated use cases include stock vehicles, selected heavy equipment and diesel vehicles.
Pros
- Spill free compact design
- Impressively fast recharge
- Very good replacement battery
- 3 years warranty
Cons
- Not suitable for deep cycling demands
- Temperature drops sometimes without warning
Odyssey PC680 Battery
Unlike the Optima model reviewed above, 680 Cold Cranking Amps is what you get on Odyssey PC680. For many people that are particularly interested in this brand, one of the key questions that often popup is this.
How long do Odyssey battery last?
The manufacturer claims 4 – 10 years full functional service life. However, what is obtainable in terms of warranty is 3 years only. Another thing you’ll get when you buy Odyssey PC680 car battery online or offline is 400 cycles at 80% depth of discharge. This model is also known to provide high voltage for long service time.
Among the best sealed lead batteries, this one promises 100% full recharge within 4 – 6 hours. There is also an emphasis on spill free protection design. Do you make frequent travel on rough roads? The vibration resistant capacity of this battery is what you need.
Depending on where you choose to buy this car battery, it is one of best selling models under $300. So if you have this price range in mind, you may not need to read further.
Please note that reserve capacity on this one is just about 24 minutes. In the case that the reserve capacity is a top consideration for you, consider going for some other brands or models that provides up to 90 minutes. A simple search for the best car battery brands could be the best place to start. On the other hand, you may want to go directly to Amazon or manufacturer website directly.
The weight is about 15.4 pounds which makes it a bit heavier than other competing models in the same category like Optima Batteries 8003-151, Mighty Max Battery ML35 12V and Kinetic HC800 BLU. When you buy this one, you can install and start using immediately.
If you have any intention of using this for compatible motorcycle, please check if the ‘L’ brackets that may be required are available at the point of purchase.
Pros
- Comparatively more affordable
- Vibration resistant
- Good for rough roads
Cons
- Varying life spans
- Hard to reach 12V after few recharges
ACDelco 94RAGM Professional AGM Car Battery
One of the key things that help to extend car battery life is increased acid circulation. With ACDelco 94RAGM Professional AGM, this works really well by making the battery to stay cool while performing at its full capacity. While reading down this list of the best car battery reviews, another thing worth noting about this model is the vent cap that was built for prevention of acid leakage.
Probably, you already know the consequences of acid leakage with regard to overall battery life. Higher in the order of its unique and impressive features is the 800 cold cranking amps. In this regard, ACDelco 94RAGM cannot be compared with competing models that offers under 600 cold cranking amps.
Whether you have sport cars, SUVs or heavy duties in mind, this car battery works really in diverse automobile contexts. Assuming you intend to buy car battery on Amazon, take note of the browsing tool that will help you decide based on the make, model and year of your vehicle.
Like many others in the same category, voltage is pegged precisely at 12V.
While ACDelco 94RAGM seems really identical to DelphiBU909 94R AGM with same voltage and everything, the later is practically more expensive.
Pros
- Spill prevention vent cap design
- Extended life span with silver calcium stamped alloy
Cons
- Heavier than competing models
Mighty Max Battery ML35-12 – 12V 35AH U1 Deep Cycle
This is another old brand in the field. Mighty Max has an interesting array of best budget car batteries that work well with different vehicle make, models and brands. For people that have been driving a lot in recent years, you are very likely to have come across one of their batteries.
Based on our research findings for this post, Mighty Max battery ml35-12 – 12v 35ah u1 deep cycle agm battery has been proven to work in many different contexts.
For example, you can use this battery to power cars, solar generators, boats and some selected automotive tools.
From the name alone, you may be able to tell that this battery is based on Absorbent Glass Matt (AGM) technology. Also included in the making is heavy duty calcium alloy which contributes to outstanding durability. People that are specifically looking for sealed lead acid battery under $100 will find this one to be very appealing. To understand the space where you may need to put this battery, the size dimension is 7.68 x 5.16 x 7.13 inches.
Interestingly, as a sealed acid battery, there is low or zero maintenance required on this product. Both in high and low temperatures, you should expect long lasting performance.
In comparison to some others that have are heavier at 50+ pounds and above, this one is just about 23.15 lbs. But what you get is only one year warranty.
Guaranteed Amp hour is 35Ah.
Before clicking away from this car battery buying guide, please note that there is no connector required on mighty max battery ml35-12 – 12v 35ah u1 deep cycle agm battery. Instead, everything is handled with nuts and bolts. Even though this battery works for appliances like microwave and small fridges, you may consider getting more than one.
Pros
- Exceptional light weight
- Diverse use cases
- Easy to install
- No maintenance cost
Cons
- Could stop holding a charge within one year
Exide Edge FP-AGM24F Flat Plate AGM Battery
Here is another great brand that may not need much introduction when it comes to manufacturing of quality car battery. Based on what I found while doing research for this post, it became convincingly evident that this battery is most suitable for heavy duty vehicle. But this is not a way of saying at the same time that it doesn’t work for other vehicle types as well.
For any price range you may have in mind, you are certainly going to find an Exide car battery that is within your current budget.
Even though this one seems practically expensive in comparison to others, Exide Edge FP-AGM24F offers really impressive performance in terms of power capacity and life span.
The exact CCA on this model is 710. But the obtainable reserve capacity stands at 120 minutes. And this is obviously more than what is obtainable from most of the other car batteries reviewed here. Amperage on this battery is about 60Ah. Depending on the type of vehicle you want to use it for, this battery was built to carry amazing load with regard to all the electrical functions in your car.
According some of the past users that have bought this product before, trickle charging is better in most cases. To make your purchase decision easier, clicking from here to Amazon will give you opportunity to use to tool on their website to confirm compatibility regarding the make, model and year of your ca.
When the battery is exposed to hot weather, you’ll have nothing to worry about as this has been proven to deliver the same optimum performance level.
Pros
- Long lasting reserve capacity
- Easy installation in sufficient spaces
- Higher cold cranking power
Cons
- Very much expensive
Optima Batteries 8040-218 D35 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery
If you have any reason to be specifically interested in 12 volt car battery with 620 cold cranking Amps, this an affordable option. Looking at the current price, putting this Optima dual purpose battery in the mid range models won’t be a mistake. Unlike the one reviewed above, 98 minutes reserve capacity is what you get on this one.
Driving one of today’s modern cars can be fun. But when you take into account the energy hungry accessories that come with them, long lasting battery becomes really important.
That is where this Optima 8040-218 D35 come in to provide high satisfying long term performance.
Whatever the term traditional batteries mean to you, the manufacturer stated that this one can really lasts longer than them. In addition to this, it is said to be highly resistant to vibrations. These factors mentioned above contribute to the long life span that this Optima car battery is known for.
Without any input or involvement of an expert, you can be able to mount this in any position of choice. The weight is around 34.4 lbs which is a bit lower than DelphiBU9078DT and Kinetic HC600 and many others.
From the statistics I have seen, this one seem to have a higher position among the best car batteries in 2019. Please note that compatibility with your car is dependent on the amperage of the car itself. Besides, there are some other important factors you need to take into account.
In case there is any need to transport by boat, there won’t be a need for any special material. As a dual purpose batter, you may be able to use this for solar generators as well. Just be sure about the exact amperage requirements on both ends.
Pros
- Multiple use cases
- Comparatively affordable
- Proven long life span
- Strong battery terminals
Cons
- Not so good value for the money
DieHard 38217 Group Advanced Gold AGM Battery
One interesting unique thing I found about this battery is the name DieHard and the reserve capacity which is longer than what is obtainable from other competing models. Specifically in this regard, the stipulated reserve capacity is about 100 minutes. This means you can get long lasting performance before needing a recharge.
According to the manufacturer, you should expect to get up 20X more vibration protection during usage. The cold cranking capacity which stands at 770 seems to be a bit higher than what you get from many other car batteries in the market. In those instances where you have to use this battery for sophisticated equipment installations, the spill proof design ensures you don’t have to worry about acid damage.
With the 850 CCA rating, you don’t have to worry about usage in all weather conditions. Regarding BEM code for battery management, please note that you won’t find it in this one.
If you are intending to use this with power inverter, make sure there is a match in terms of voltage. For this product, what you get is 12 volts.
For the purpose of clarification, take note of the fact that the warranty is serviced by Amazon. That’s one benefit of buying from a globally trusted brand. The exact warranty offer is 2 years. However, we were able to find some past users who confirmed that the life span can be from 3 – 8 years.
Probably within this period, you must have gotten commensurate value for your money. Even though DieHard 38217 AGM may not be the best car battery in the market, it is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Relatively cheaper
- Satisfactory performance in high temperature environment
- Protection guaranteed design
Cons
- Hard to fit for many vehicle types
Car Battery Buying Guide
Besides knowing the types of car batteries in the market, there are some other relevant factors that need to be taking into account. In the end, this will help you make the best choice. Moreover, reading the best car battery reviews like this one could set you up for asking the right questions when it matters most.
Battery Freshness – For so many interesting reasons, some batteries manufactured for a long time could be coming to market when you do not expect. The point here is that you should endeavor to check the freshness based on manufacturing date. Another thing worthy of note is that even batteries packed for a long time can be losing strength.
Right Fit – Both in terms of size and power capacity, whenever you are intending to buy car battery online or offline, try to confirm how it will fit your car. On the top of Amazon product page, you’ll find a simple tool to help you In this regard.
Power Requirement – Starting your car is definitely going to require certain level power availability from a battery. But beyond starting out, take into account all the electronics and accessories you may be using in your car. This is one key area where one battery often differs from the other.
Conclusion
Before clicking away from this page, understand that the best car batteries do not make it to the higher ranks for nothing. Within online shopping platforms like Amazon, it is very easy to find the real information either directly or through an API.
As you have seen in this buyer guide, it is not just a list of batteries that matter. Understanding the core differences is also very important. And here you can find all the top rated car battery brands represented here. Don’t forget to test everything within the warranty duration.