Best AA batteries

Top pick: Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA — the longest-lasting AA you can buy, rated to work in extreme cold and heat, and it won't leak in devices you leave sitting for years. Best for smoke detectors, thermostats, remotes and anything you hate re-opening.

Who the others suit:

• Energizer MAX alkaline — the everyday workhorse for toys, remotes and clocks; cheap enough to keep a drawer full.
• Amazon Basics alkaline — fine for low-drain stuff where value matters more than shelf life.
• Paleblue USB-C rechargeables — for heavy users who'd rather plug batteries into a cable than buy packs; great in game controllers and mice.
• EBL rechargeable kit with charger — if you want a whole rechargeable setup in one box.

Skip pre-owned or open-box batteries: you can't know how much charge they've lost.