Best Car Batteries for 2021

Batteries for cars, trucks, and SUVs typically last 3 to 5 years, but they gradually deteriorate and lose charging capacity until there’s not enough juice to start the engine. There are lots of reasons why batteries degrade, vibration from rough roads or loose hardware, a malfunctioning charging system, how often a car is driven and even extreme temperatures and humidity can play havoc with them. Batteries in vehicles that are solely used for short trips may not have the chance to fully recharge, and as many office-commuting drivers learned in 2020, batteries in vehicles parked for extended periods will naturally discharge.

Vehicle owners should periodically check their battery’s condition. After three years, it’s best to test it annually at the least. An overall inspection of the battery and its connectors is recommended at every oil change. If a car battery test proves deterioration, or if your vehicle’s lights or electronic devices are showing signs of age such as appearing dim, it may be time for a replacement.

The surest sign of trouble is that your car is slow or hard to start. The battery is powering the starter, which must crank the engine against the compression in the pistons, which requires lots of power, particularly in vehicles with diesel engines. Worn batteries may recover temporarily with a jump start, but a battery that needs more than one jump start in under a month of regular driving is used up.

Don’t take any risks. The modest cost of replacing the battery is well worth avoiding the stress caused by a roadside or parking lot breakdown. Car and truck batteries are either conventional lead-acid or the more advanced AGM design commonly seen in vehicles that are equipped with engine stop-start systems. If you are unsure of the size, amp hour rating or cold cranking amps needed for your vehicle, check the existing battery’s label or consult your manufacturer owner’s manual. In this article you’ll find six of the best car batteries to keep you charging down the road.

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Best Overall

Optima Batteries 8020-164 35 RedTop Starting Battery

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

The Optima 35 RedTop is the go-to battery for everything from commuter cars and pickup to classic hot rods and off-road machines thanks to its high power and reserve capacity, quick starting ability and leak proof lead acid design. It withstands heavy use and is vibration resistant even in harsh conditions, and it can tolerate being stored for lengthy periods of time. Optima’s SpiralCell technology achieves clean, strong power and consists of individual spiral-wound cells comprised of two positive and negative 99.99% lead plates that are precisely coated in lead oxide.

This 12-volt battery offers 720 cold-cranking amps and weighs in at 31.7 pounds. Despite it being labeled a starting battery, the Optima RedTop does feature a 90-minute reserve capacity for constant performance. The RedTop has a good reputation for quality, but there are a few consumer complaints about this battery lasting just over a year before needing to be replaced. If you are looking for a battery to power a vehicle with multiple electronic accessories such as a DVD player, powered sliding doors, or inverters or winches, or if you have a more specialized vehicle like a race car, an Optima YellowTop may be a better solution.

Pros & Cons

Maintenance-free
Spillproof
Vibration resistant

Some buyers report replacement needed after a year
Heavy
Pricier than some more traditional batteries

Best for Extreme Temperatures

Odyssey 34/78-PC1500DT

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Batteries drain faster in cold weather, and when it comes to extreme temperature tolerance, especially in northern climes, the Odyssey Extreme Series 34/78 – PC1500 battery is the best bang for the buck. It can operate at temperatures ranging from -40°C to 45°C (-40°F to 104°F). The battery’s plates are made of pure virgin lead, which means Odyssey can pack in more plates for more surface area. That equates to more power. The company states that this battery has twice the overall power and three times the life of conventional batteries, and claims it has the highest recharge efficiency of any sealed battery on the market.

Odyssey batteries have been designed to keep up with today’s new electronics-loaded vehicles. The Extreme Series 34/78-PC1500DT model features 850 CCA for strong starting power, even in cold temperatures. However, it weighs a whopping 51.5 pounds. If weight is a concern, either for installation or just carrying more pound around in your car, you may want to keep reading down the list. The Odyssey 34/78-PC1500DT is best used for vehicles that require top terminals, only because some consumer complaints advise that the included side terminals tend to break quicker over time.

Pros & Cons

Operates in extreme temperatures
Extreme deep cycling capability
70% longer cycle life compared to conventional deep cycle batteries

Side terminals reported to break
Even by car battery standards, it’s heavier than an anvil
Expensive

Best for Hybrid Vehicles

ACDelco Gold B24R Hybrid Vehicle AGM BCI Group 51 Battery

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

The ACDelco Gold B24R Hybrid battery features an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) design which allows for the high cycling capabilities that hybrid vehicles need for optimum performance. They are, after all, constantly shutting off and restarting their engines. According to the manufacturer, this battery’s valve-regulated gas recombinant technology provides up to three-times the cycle life of conventional auto batteries in traditional vehicle applications. As an added bonus, its leak-proof pressurized valve system prevents acid and dry-out damage to the terminals. This particular battery, the Advantage AGM series, is specially designed to fit most Toyota Prius models.

Offering just 325 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), the ACDelco Gold B24R needs to be stored in more regulated temperatures. If you take your hybrid car for frequent short distance drives or plan to store it for a long period of time, ACDelco recommends that you test the battery every 2 months to make sure it maintains a voltage of 12.4 or higher to ensure a longer life. The purchase includes a 24-month warranty, which may come in handy as a few buyers do sometimes report a short lifespan.

Pros & Cons

Best for hybrid vehicles
AGM technology
3-times the cycle life of conventional auto batteries

Limited vehicle fitment
Only 325 cold cranking amps
Packs in more charging cycles, but doesn’t last as long as some regular batteries

Best Budget Battery

Megavolt Lead Acid Flooded Car Battery

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

The Megavolt lead acid car battery features a high discharge rate, a wide range of high and low operating temperatures and deep discharge recovery. It’s the most popular battery choice for the car owner who’s on a budget and is one of the lowest-priced, but still reliable, batteries on the market. The rechargeable battery weighs 29 pounds, lighter than many competing lead-acid batteries, and can be mounted in any position. For a lead-acid design, it resists shocks and vibration fairly well, and offers long-lasting performance.

A handful of consumers who purchased this battery did complain of a short battery life. It’s possible that these reports came from defective batteries, or that the batteries were improperly installed or that the vehicles had a parasitic power draw. The Megavolt doesn’t come with a warranty, unfortunately.

Pros & Cons

Low price
Maintenance free
Mount in almost any position

No warranty
May have shorter life than competitors
Complaints about shipping damage

Best Battery for Motorsports and Powersports

Antigravity Batteries ATX30-HD

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Antigravity Batteries’ heavy-duty ATX30 Lithium Ion Battery boasts an unusual combination of traits, it’s the most powerful lightweight and compact battery on the market. Rated for an electrifying 970 cranking amps and 48-amp hours, it weighs just 7.81 pounds. It offers twice the capacity of competitor lithium batteries of the same size and twice the life cycle of lead acid batteries. Folks who own specialized vehicles such as heavily accessorized touring motorcycles, racing and street performance vehicles, and even experimental aircraft, are well-served by the Antigravity battery. Car terminal adapters are sold separately.

The ATX30-HD model features a lighted voltage indicator test button that simplifies checking the battery’s charge level. It also offers a full battery management system (BMS) which protects the battery from over-charge and discharge. The BMS paired with thermal protections makes this the safest battery with the longest life cycle possible. Its compact size measures 5 inches wide, 6.5 inches long and 6.8 inches tall. This unusually compact unit may require custom mounting hardware, but the battery can be mounted in any orientation for maximum space-saving in motorsports or custom vehicle applications.

Pros & Cons

Lightweight and compact, but very powerful
Mountable in any position
Long life

May need custom mount
Car terminal adapters sold separately
High price

Best High-Performance

‎XS Power D3400 XS Series

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

If you’re serious about the performance of your vehicle or need to power an extensive audio system, the XS Power D3400 battery comes out on top in regards to power output and reserves. Using the highest energy density chemistry known in AGM batteries, this 12-volt battery is capable of a jolting 4,000 watts, which will power even A$AP Rocky’s speakers. It offers a striking 1,000 cranking amps at 32°F, and up to a 135-minute reserve capacity. The XS Power company employs accredited labs to be doubly sure their batteries are a product that customers can count on.

The D3400 XS Series does weigh in rather heavy at 48 pounds, but can be mounted in almost any position. It features top M6 terminal bolts and does not come with battery posts, however, cables from the existing battery are easily removed and mounted directly to the battery. If your application demands it, battery posts can be purchased separately.

Pros & Cons

High power output
Massive reserve capacity
Mount in almost any position

Battery posts not included
Heavy
Expensive

Best-selling Automotive Batteries on Amazon

METHODOLOGY

Forbes Wheels surveyed batteries for passenger cars, SUVs and trucks that are commonly available to consumers in the U.S. We considered a broad range of user end-ratings, expert reviews and personal experiences in our selection. Each battery that made the list was rated on amperage, power reserve capacity, reliability, ease of installation and overall value.

How do I know if I need a new car battery?

If the battery charge warning light illuminates on your dashboard, or if the starter motor turns the engine over slowly, chances are good that it’s getting near time to replace your battery. In older vehicles, dim incandescent headlights when the car is idling indicates a weak battery. Or, if your vehicle’s headlights seem dim at night, rev the engine while in park or neutral. If the headlights get brighter as the engine revs, the vehicle’s battery is likely failing. If you fit a new battery and find that it soon goes dead, you may need a new alternator, the device with charges the battery while the engine is running.

What type of battery do I need? How many cranking amps do I need?

When choosing the right battery for your vehicle, the battery type, group size, terminal configuration, and cold cranking amps (CCA) or amp-hour (Ah) rating must be considered. The group size is based off of your vehicle’s model and engine type and takes the orientation of the battery terminal and the exterior measurements of the battery case into account. All batteries are assigned a group number that is visible on the side or top of the case. Make sure that the group size number on the new battery matches your existing vehicle battery and that the CCA or Ah match the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. Installing an incorrect battery could cause damage to the vehicle’s electrical system, for example, if the terminal locations create a short circuit with nearby components. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual if you are uncertain about which battery to buy.

What’s the difference between a starter battery vs. a deep cycle battery?

Starter batteries are designed to provide a quick and short burst of energy to start an engine efficiently. Once the engine is running, the alternator begins producing current to serve the vehicle's electrical demand while simultaneously recharging the battery. Traditionally, deep cycle batteries provide greater long-term energy delivery but far less instant on-demand power. This makes them preferable for golf carts, electric trolling motors for boats, off-grid energy storage, RVs and campers. There is, however, an emerging class of batteries that perform both as a starting battery and a deep cycle battery. A few manufacturers make models aimed at the marine market that feature two sets of terminals, one for the starting circuit and one for the trolling motor. That technology has moved into the automotive realm, many makers producing batteries with huge reserves of power and impressive cranking grunt on demand for starting a vehicle. Generally more expensive, buyers may have to do a bit of research to make sure this type of battery is compatible with their vehicle and find the model that fits.

Is a cheap car battery worth it? Are Expensive batteries really better?

Not all cheap batteries are bad, but generally speaking more expensive batteries will be of higher quality. Most cars and trucks use lead-acid wet cell batteries, which contain led plates separated by material layers that slow the flow of ions between the plates. Higher quality batteries will use rubber between these plates, but some cheaper batteries skimp and use PVC or other materials. The wiring may also be of lower quality in cheap batteries to save on production costs, these can then wear out faster and potentially leak. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries use a layer of fiberglass, as the name implies, to separate the plates and seal them off entirely. These batteries are tightly packaged inside and fully sealed internally, making them impact-resistant, safe, and leading to decreased charging time and increased output, but they cost more to make.

What is a cold cranking amps rating?

A vehicle battery’s cold cranking amp (CCA) rating is an industry standard that defines how well a battery can start a vehicle in cold temperatures. The battery’s CCA rating measures how much electrical power a battery can provide at zero degrees Fahrenheit for 30 seconds while maintaining 7.2 volts of power. A battery should have least one cold-cranking amp for every cubic inch of engine displacement or two cold-cranking amps per cubic inch of displacement for diesels. Never install a battery with a lesser CCA rating than what the vehicle manufacturer recommends because it could cause issues with the vehicle’s electrical system. However, installing a battery with a higher CCA rating will work, but may cause the battery to have a shorter life in hot climates. Note that CCA is not to be confused with cranking amps (CA) ratings, which are based on a less complex test that produces inflated or inaccurate numbers.

What are Amp hours?

The Amp-hours (Ah) rating is the specific measurement of a battery’s capacity that breaks down how long the battery can produce one amp of current per hour before it loses power. For example, a car with a battery rated at 50 Ah will provide a current of 1 amp for 50 hours, 50 amps for one hour, or a combination of amps and hours that will equal 50 amp-hours. Vehicle battery Ah ratings vary widely and could range anywhere between 50-500 Ah. When looking at deep cycle batteries, the amp hour rating will be labeled on the battery or sales packaging or paperwork. If you are unable to find a vehicle battery’s Ah rating, you may be looking at a starting battery, which does not provide continuous power in amp-hours. Knowing how many amp hours your vehicle requires for optimum performance is key. Since higher amp hours mean higher capacity, heavier-duty vehicles should utilize batteries with higher amp-hour ratings. If you are unsure of what amp hour rating is required for your use, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Don’t forget to include any vehicle modifications or add-ons that would increase power draw, like winches or upgraded audio systems. To do this, calculate the run time of your accessories by dividing the battery’s Amp hour rating by the amp draw each accessory. You may need to divide the accessory’s wattage by the voltage to get its amp hour rating.

What is a battery’s C rating?

Car batteries are subjected to constant current discharge. A C rating is a measurement of the rate of time that it takes to completely charge or discharge a battery. For example, a C1 rating means that the battery current will discharge its entire capacity in one hour–that is, if you leave the vehicle’s lights and accessories on while the vehicle is not running and being charged by an alternator. The charge capacity is defined as Ampere or Amp hours (Ah). Temperatures also impact how quickly a battery can charge or discharge. A battery with a higher C rating will deliver more energy for higher performance.

How can I make my vehicles battery last longer?

Extending the life of your vehicle’s battery is as simple as keeping up on regular maintenance checks and servicing. Servicing your car frequently will ensure that an inefficient engine, alternator, or other components are not straining the battery. Refrain from leaving your lights or accessories on while the vehicle is off as this will drain your battery a shorten its life. Starting and driving your car at least once per week, for a minimum of about ten minutes, will prevent the battery from becoming drained from sitting stagnant and will give it time to recharge. If you drive your vehicle off-road or over bumpy streets and dirt roads, check your battery connections as the extra vibrations can cause them to loosen. Lastly, keep your battery terminals and casing free of dirt, dust and debris to ensure a reliable connection.

Best Car and Truck Batteries for 2021

METHODOLOGY