The 10 Best 9V Batteries
This wiki has been updated 16 times since it was first published in August of 2019. Technology continues to advance, but the simple 9-volt battery is still an integral part of modern life. They’re commonly found in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as many handheld electronics and small toys, so it’s usually a good idea to keep a few at the ready. We've looked for both rechargeable and disposable models, so there are options for everyone, no matter the device or need. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Editor's Notes
January 06, 2021:
Our rankings didn’t change dramatically during this round of updates. Without many exciting developments in the breakneck fastlane of nine-volt battery technology, we left our list basically intact, although we did windup removing the Maxell 1-Pack in order to make room for the Tenery Non-Rechargeable.
While our previously ranked option from Maxell remains a serviceable, affordably priced model that will meet many users’ needs, we felt that our alternative pick from Tenergy deserved a seat at the table due to its decade-long shelf life and 1,2000-milliamp-hour capacity — which far exceeds much of the competition. We also appreciated that the manufacturer took time to design a slight housing with rounded edges, which should avoid any problems getting it to fit into a nine-volt battery compartment, which many users have reported with other brands.
August 16, 2019:
At this time, we have added most types of 9v battery, including standard alkaline options, although we’ve elected not to add any carbon zinc models (since alkaline batteries are generally a better bet when it comes to inexpensive disposables). Top choices come from the brands you’d expect, including ACDelco, Energizer, and Duracell. We especially like the long-lasting power of the Energizer Ultimate Lithium for smoke alarms, but the shape might make them hard to fit into some devices. As for rechargeable choices, the EBL NiMH or TalentCell Lithium Ion will work for many. The latter is incredibly portable and handy thanks to a micro USB port, which means you aren’t tied to any one specific charger. It has a higher upfront cost than some, but it should save you some cash over time.
Special Honors
Roost Smart 2.0 The Roost Smart 2.0 may be on the more expensive side, but it allows you to turn your existing smoke detector into a smart unit, so it’s worth the cost for many. Not only does it alert you if the alarm goes off, but it even lets you know when it’s running low on juice. getroost.com