by Duracell and Energizer are two of the most popular battery brands in the world, and they often compete head to head on store shelves. While many consumers have their preferences and both batteries use different marketing tactics, many tests have shown that the differences between these brands might be much less than you think.
Rechargeable Batteries
There are few differences between Duracell and Energizer in terms of market share, consumer opinion, and even performance. However, some battery types exhibit distinct advantages.
According to many tests, Duracell’s AA rechargeable batteries last longer than Energizer’s. This is surprising because Energizer has a higher mAh rating, which implies that the battery should last longer. These tests found that, on average, Duracell’s batteries will last about five to six hours before dying, but Energizer only lasts about three to four hours.
At the same time, the Energizer AA rechargeable batteries will not discharge quite as quickly as Duracell’s batteries. Energizer’s batteries will typically last about two months longer in storage than Duracell without requiring a recharge.
Non-Rechargeable Batteries
Non-rechargeable batteries have a similar story. Most of the batteries are nearly the same, but there are noticeable differences when it comes to the AA and C batteries. According to major tests, Duracell’s C batteries lasted close to two hours longer in a flashlight than Energizer’s batteries.
The opposite is true for AA batteries. Energizer will last about two to three hours longer during most applications. The difference is much more pronounced with electronics like clocks that are meant to last a long time. In this case, Energizer batteries tend to last several weeks longer than Duracell.
Price
Another appreciable difference is price. This has nothing to do with performance, but it will sway buying decisions. In most cases, Duracell batteries cost more. While this may be justified with C and rechargeable AA batteries since they last longer, it makes more sense to buy Energizer batteries in most circumstances since they last just as long as Duracell batteries. If Duracell batteries are on sale, it would be better to buy them.
Environmental and Safety Issues
While there are few differences between these brands in terms of performance, there are some major differences when it comes to safety issues. Both of these brands have recycling programs that allow consumers to recycle the batteries in a way that is better for the environment.
If you just throw the batteries into the trash, Energizer has less of an environmental impact. They are one of the first battery companies to remove mercury and cadmium from household batteries, and they have fewer toxic and dangerous metals than Duracell.
At the same time, Duracell is the better battery when it comes to safety. Both batteries can leak acid if the surface is punctured or if the batteries expire. Energizer batteries tend to leak several days to weeks after expiring. Duracell batteries can be expired for months before having this issue.
Conclusion
While there are some appreciable differences here and there, these two popular brands are roughly the same when you compare them side-to-side. Duracell is better when it comes to safety, rechargeable AA batteries, and non-rechargeable C batteries. Energizer is better when it comes to environmental impact and non-rechargeable AA batteries. Taking these few instances out of the equation, these brands are almost identical.
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