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Batteries 101: Battery Comparison
Do single-use or rechargeable batteries best meet your portable power needs? Learn the basic differences and check out our Battery Chemistry Comparison Chart for a quick glance at which batteries can be recharged.
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What are the differences between battery types?

In simple terms, batteries come in two basic types: single-use and rechargeable.

Single-use batteries, also known as primary batteries, have one life cycle and must be replaced when drained. Examples include alkaline, carbon-zinc, lithium, silver-zinc and zinc air.

Rechargeable batteries, also known as secondary batteries, can be recharged and used repeatedly. Examples of rechargeable batteries include Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Lithium Ion (LiIon) and Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries.

Energizer® MAX®

  • Best for household electronics
  • Most popular long-lasting power source
  • Very good shelf-life — up to 7 years

Energizer® e2® Titanium Technology®

  • Best for high drain/high-tech devices
  • High performance battery for today’s most demanding devices
  • Very good shelf-life — up to 7 years

Energizer® e2® Lithium®

  • Best for heavy drain/high-tech devices
  • Excellent extreme temperature performance
  • Great shelf-life — 15 years
  • 33% lighter than alkaline systems

Energizer® Rechargeable

  • Best for frequent use/heavy drain devices
  • Recharges 100s of times
  • Limited shelf-life — loses 1% of deliverable energy per day

Battery Chemistry Comparison Chart

Single-use and rechargeable batteries are available in different chemistry compositions

Primary
(Single-Use)

Secondary
(Rechargeable)

LithiumNickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
AlkalineNickel Cadmium (NiCd)
Carbon ZincLithium Ion (Li Ion)
Silver Zinc
Zinc Air
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