Best Car Battery

Most Reliable

Optima RedTop

A great replacement for your OEM battery with outstanding power output and durability.

4/5

RealTruck Advance Auto Parts Amazon

Best Lead-Acid

DieHard Platinum

A lead-acid battery with an exceptionally long warranty period.

4/5

Advance Auto Parts

Durable Design

ACDelco Gold

A high-quality AGM battery with a thoughtful design and a number of features.

4/5

Amazon

Longest-Lasting

DieHard Gold

An affordable automotive battery with one of the best grid designs in the industry.

4/5

Advance Auto Parts

Budget Pick

Value Battery

A quality and reliable car battery at a fair price.

4/5

Advance Auto Parts

New car batteries can cost at least $150, and the best car batteries often run even higher. Many cars will need a battery replacement at some point. Learning about battery maintenance, battery replacement, and the types of car batteries can save time, stress, and money.

In the hopes of helping customers find affordable car batteries that stand the test of time, our review team researched some of the most popular options on the market. Whether you need a car battery that performs in cold weather or extreme temperatures, we’ve analyzed a range of high-quality batteries. This guide also offers some tips for battery maintenance and replacement. We did all the research so you don’t have to.

To select the car batteries featured in this buyers guide, our team first combed through dozens of resources such as DIY mechanic and auto enthusiast forums, manufacturer and auto battery-specific websites, instruction manuals from manufacturers, and reviews from online retailers. We pay particularly close attention to quality reviews and recommendations that highlight the quality of warranties, customer service support, build quality, materials, and overall reliability.

We also factored in the quantity and quality of online retailer reviews from websites such as Amazon, RealTruck, Advance Auto Parts, and more. We looked at factors such as standout customer reviews, prices, meaningful superlatives, and discount shipping eligibility.

Why You Can Trust Us

Since 2020, we have published over 200 auto product reviews in an effort to make shopping for auto products easier. Our team of writers, editors, researchers, and product experts collaborates to thoroughly vet top products. We try to perform in-house testing on real vehicles whenever possible before making our recommendations.

When testing is not feasible, however, our aim is to make your life easier by doing all the online research for you and presenting that research in the form of easy-to-read product comparisons and buyers guides, rather than outright recommendations. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

There is no one best car battery for every vehicle. When looking for a new car battery, you should look for a replacement with specs similar to your old battery. The important details to match are:

• Battery type
• Group size
• Cranking amps (CA)
• Cold-cranking amps (CCA)
• Reserve capacity (RC)

Battery Type

There are a number of different car battery technologies out there. Standard lead-acid (SLA) and absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries are the most common. Lithium-ion batteries are also becoming more common for cars.

• Standard flooded lead acid: This is the most common type of car battery. The battery contains liquid battery acid and will require more maintenance than an AGM or lithium-ion battery. This type of battery is most common in older vehicles (pre-1980).

• Absorbed glass mat: An absorbed glass mat battery is highly vibration-resistant, non-spillable, and maintenance-free. Battery acid is absorbed in fiberglass mats, which prevents leakage or spillage. This type of battery offers a superior lifespan to standard flooded batteries and can handle large power demands. It is the most common type of car battery in modern vehicles.

• Lithium-ion: Lithium-ion batteries can be much smaller and lighter than AGM and SLA batteries. They offer a very fast charging rate and are maintenance-free. This type of battery tends to outlast AGM batteries.

Choose a battery type that matches your existing battery. AGM batteries are the most common type of car battery. If you replace an AGM battery with an SLA battery, your car may not start or function properly.

Group Size

Your car battery rests in a specifically sized battery box. If your replacement battery is too small, it won’t be properly secured. If it is too big, it won’t fit in your vehicle. In addition to battery dimensions (length, width, and height), terminal location is also critical to proper fit.

Fortunately, you won’t need to get out the measuring tape to match battery dimensions. All batteries should have their group size listed somewhere on the label. This is typically a two-digit number. You can also check your owner’s manual, which may list the group size, or try searching Google for your group size based on your vehicle’s make, model, and year.

Below are some common group sizes:

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

CCAs refer to a battery’s ability to turn a cold engine. The higher the CCA, the more powerful the battery. As with group size, your current battery’s CCA should be listed somewhere on the battery label.

Each car is engineered with the factory battery CCAs in mind, which is why it’s a good idea to match the CCA of your current battery – rather than attempt to “upgrade” your battery to one with more CCAs, as this can lead to decreased battery life.

Reserve Capacity (RC)

Reserve capacity refers to a battery’s ability to keep essential car accessories powered after a vehicle’s alternator fails. With more and more cars using computers and battery power for essential systems, RC has become an important battery feature.

As with CCA, try to match your new battery’s RC with the original battery. If you choose a new battery with a lower RC, it could fail to properly power your car’s critical systems.

Warranty

Once you’ve found batteries that match the specifications of the one you are replacing, consider batteries with longer warranties. These are guarantees that you won’t have to shell out for a replacement within the warranty period.

Most car batteries come with at least a one-year warranty, but some offer warranties up to three or four years long.

If you need to replace a dead battery, you can take it to an auto mechanic for diagnosis. A mechanic will have the tools to diagnose and quickly change your car battery. Labor costs for battery replacement can range from about $37 to $47, according to RepairPal. That said, those costs don’t account for the type of battery you’re purchasing. 

If you’d prefer to change your own car battery, this is possible for a layperson, though it can be an involved procedure. Specifics may vary from vehicle to vehicle, as battery positioning is not the same for every car. Search for guide videos specific to your vehicle’s make and model or start with our general guide on how to disconnect a car battery.

Whichever type of car you have, there are some tips to keep in mind when performing an at-home car battery replacement.

• Put safety first. Modern AGM and lithium-ion batteries are mostly safe to handle, but SLA batteries can slosh highly corrosive acid that will damage your skin and eyes. Wear proper safety equipment including goggles, long sleeves, and gloves when handling a car battery. It’s also a good idea to keep some baking soda handy, as it can be used to neutralize any spilled battery acid.

• Keep your car’s memory alive. Modern vehicles are highly dependent on computers to operate major and minor systems. When you disconnect your car battery, it can turn off the computer, effectively resetting the onboard computer. This can cause some systems to work improperly until they are reset. Some cars will reset automatically after a few weeks, while others may require hours of diagnostic fiddling to restore. You can prevent this hassle by using a power supply cable to keep your computer powered while you replace the battery.

• Be gentle. Don’t attempt to smash or roughly shove your battery into place. The same goes when attaching the terminal clamps. If your terminal clamps are too tight, use a terminal spreader to widen battery terminals rather than banging on your battery to force them down.

• Recycle. Car battery recycling must be done at specific locations. Check your city website to find guidelines on hazardous waste disposal. Many offer dropoff or pickup services. You can also recycle old batteries at certain stores. Advance Auto Parts and AutoZone both offer battery recycling services. These stores also offer free battery testing.

How Much Should Car Batteries Cost?

Newer car batteries that have higher CCAs and use advanced technology are going to cost more than replacement batteries for older vehicles. While more expensive, these batteries also tend to last much longer, so can be cheaper in the long run.

In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $500 for a new car battery. SLA batteries are usually the least expensive, followed by AGM batteries. If you choose a lithium battery, you might pay upward of $1,000.

Depending on the CCA, RC, and group size, the same model battery can vary in price up to $100.

Why Do Car Batteries Go Bad? 

Car batteries fail due to multiple factors ranging from neglect to old age. Below are a few examples of what causes batteries to die.

• Temperature: Climate is probably the greatest opponent your car battery will face. Even the best car batteries can struggle to crank in extreme temperatures, so more temperate climates typically mean a battery lasts longer. 
• Minimal Use: Having a car sit idle for a few weeks or months will usually result in a dead battery. That’s because it is not utilizing enough of the car’s charging system, which depends on the car running, to recharge. 
• Vibrations: If a car battery is not properly secured in the engine bay, vibrations from the vehicle can cause it to deteriorate and shorten battery life. 
• Corrosion: Corrosion occurs as chemicals naturally escape from the car battery and mix with air and water in the engine bay. As corrosion accumulates, it can weaken the connection of the battery terminals. 

If your car battery failed within two to three years of purchase, check the parts store’s replacement warranty, they may offer a free replacement. For details on how long car batteries last, check out our informational guide.

1. Most Reliable: Optima RedTop
2. Best Lead-Acid: DieHard Platinum
3. Durable Design: ACDelco Gold
4. Longest-Lasting: DieHard Gold
5. Budget Pick: Value Battery

Optima RedTop

RealTruck

Advance Auto Parts

Amazon

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Reserve capacity of 100 minutes
• 12.0 volts and 800.0 cold cranking amps (CCA)
• SpiralCell Technology

Cons

• Not designed for deep cycle use

Summary

The Optima RedTop is a maintenance-free choice that can be a smart choice for SUVs, RVs, pick-up trucks, and street cars due to its extreme resistance to battery failure. If you're tired of constantly having to jump-start your battery, then this might be the solution you've been waiting for. The battery is spill-proof and can be mounted in virtually any position. Optima is known for its high-quality batteries, and the always-reliable RedTop is no exception. What differentiates this battery from the competition is Optima’s SpiralCell Technology. Inside every Optima battery are a number of spiral-wound cells composed of one positive lead plate and one negative lead plate. This design of car battery allows it to be 15 times more vibration-resistant than standard batteries.

Key Features

• Warranty: Three years
• Battery type: AGM

What Customers Are Saying

Advance Auto Parts Review Score: 4.4 out of 5 based on over 2,000 ratings

According to customer reviews, the Optima RedTop is an excellent replacement battery for Mazda vehicles. Many report getting several reliable years of use from this battery. In some cases, there are reports of the battery failing after a year, and experiences with Optima customer service are mixed.

This battery comes with a three-year warranty, and some reviewers reported no issues getting a replacement while others claim they had a lot of difficulties contacting Optima support.

DieHard Platinum

Advance Auto Parts

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Increased lifespan for a lead-acid battery
• Exceptional four-year warranty

Cons

• Older battery type may not be compatible with new vehicles

Summary

The DieHard Platinum series is specifically designed for older vehicles that use standard flooded batteries. It’s built for medium power demands, though the new stamped grid design provides more starting power and an extended lifespan compared to typical lead-acid batteries. One thing that makes this battery stand out is the exceptionally long warranty. DieHard also sells an AGM model for this battery, though the warranty for that version is only three years. As we mentioned above, lead-acid batteries are most commonly used in older vehicles, so be sure to check your vehicle’s compatibility before racing to purchase this option.

Key Features

• Warranty: Four years
• Battery type: Flooded

What Customers Are Saying

While we couldn’t find many reviews online for the DieHard Platinum line specifically, there is a lot of customer feedback for other DieHard batteries, including the Gold series. Few users report issues with DieHard customer service, making the four-year warranty a fairly safe guarantee.

ACDelco Gold

Amazon

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Relatively inexpensive
• Batteries fully-tested before shipment
• Long-lasting

Cons

• Does not ship fully-charged

Summary

With the ACDelco Gold battery, electrolytes are absorbed through the fiberglass mat separator, eliminating acid stratification and preventing spillage and corrosion. Additionally, the electrical system is fully tested to prevent early battery failures. Coming in at just under $200, this battery is significantly less expensive than the rest of the competition when comparing quality and features. Ultimately, the ACDelco Gold’s valve-regulated cover design is what separates this car battery from its competitors. The design of the valve-regulated cover avoids penetration of external oxygen, which reduces the oxidation of negative plates. Additionally, this design reduces oxygen escape, which then supports oxygen recombination and reduces water consumption.

Key Features

• Warranty: Three years
• Battery type: AGM

What Customers Are Saying

Amazon Review Score: 4.5 out of 5 based on over 800 ratings

Customers report exceptional longevity with the ACDelco Gold, with some using this battery reliably for seven years. The affordable price tag has made this product one of the best-selling batteries on the market, and many people cite this as the reason they purchased the ACDelco Gold. Some note that the battery does not ship fully charged and recommend topping it off before installing it into your vehicle.

DieHard Gold

Advance Auto Parts

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Maintenance-free
• Long-lasting

Cons

• Flooded battery type may not be compatible with newer vehicles

Summary

Built not only to meet but also to exceed vehicle starting and reserve capacity power requirements, the DieHard Gold can be an excellent choice of car battery. This car battery offers enhanced reliability, as it is designed to have a 30 percent longer battery life than a standard flooded battery. Additionally, the battery is maintenance-free. The largest differentiating factor of DieHard Gold compared to its competitors is its Stamped Grid Technology. This grid pattern is optimized for full grid utilization, which provides enhanced electrical flow and better connectivity. Stamped Grid Technology is 30 percent more corrosion-resistant than other standard grid patterns, according to DieHard. It should also be noted that the manufacturing process uses 20 percent less energy than other manufacturing processes.

Key Features

• Warranty: Three years
• Battery type: Flooded

What Customers Are Saying

Advance Auto Parts Review Score: 4.7 out of 5 based on nearly 600 ratings

Across the different DieHard Gold sizes, this battery has an excellent reputation, with most reviewers on Advance Auto Parts rating the battery 5 out of 5 stars. In most cases, users report that the battery works, fits well in their battery block, and provides years of reliable power.

Value Battery

Advance Auto Parts

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Low cost
• Maintenance free

Cons

• Lower reserve capacity
• Only offers a 90-day replacement warranty

Summary

The Value Battery, available only at Advance Auto Parts has a lot to offer at a lower cost compared to other car batteries in this review. Coming in at just over $100 in price, this battery has a reserve capacity of 90.0 minutes and a cold-cranking amperage of 650.0 A, making it a competitor to other batteries on the market. Where this battery lacks is in warranty, with only a 90-day free replacement guarantee, while many other batteries offer two- or three-year warranties. However, for the price, the little maintenance required, and the reliability of this battery, it might be the right choice if you don’t put a lot of miles on your vehicle annually.

Key Features

• Warranty: 90-day free replacement

What Customers Are Saying

Advance Auto Parts Review Score: 4.5 out of 5 based on over 600 ratings

For the value, buyers seem fairly pleased with their purchase, highlighting that this battery works reliably, especially on vehicles that don’t get much use. Many customers recommended keeping this battery on a trickle charger as it ages to ensure you’re getting the most out of your purchase.

Some reviewers were disappointed that the battery failed after a few months of heavy use, and with the short-term warranty, it made it hard to justify purchasing this battery again.

When selecting a new car battery, keep in mind that you’ll want to find a battery size and type that matches the OEM battery, which can be located in your car owner’s manual. It’s important to note that Amazon uses the “confirmed fit” function to match your vehicle to a car battery that is compatible with your car. However, this function is not fool-proof, and we recommend following your owner’s manual recommendations for an aftermarket car battery.

*Data accurate at time of publication.