If you are like most motorists, you probably don’t pay much attention to the battery beneath your vehicle’s hood. That makes good sense, as most batteries last for years with little effort from you.
Of course, if your vehicle’s power center runs out of juice, you may find yourself stranded somewhere you’d rather not be. In that case, drained or damaged batteries are impossible to ignore.
By periodically inspecting the battery in your vehicle, you can likely know when you need to purchase a replacement. With the thousands of car batteries on the market today, it can be tough to know which one is best for your driving style.
As you may suspect, not every power source is worth your time, money or effort. That’s where we come in. We have put together a list of the top 10 best car batteries available for purchase. Read on to see which batteries rank high on our list and which ones get a lower grade.
Product |
Image |
Price |
|---|---|---|
Optima 8014-045 YellowTop Deep Cycle Battery |
 |
|
Exide Edge FP-AGM Automotive Battery |
 |
|
Odyssey 34R-PC1500T Automotive Battery |
 |
|
Optima 8020-164 RedTop Battery |
 |
|
Bosch S6585B S6 Flat-Plate Battery |
 |
|
XS Power S680 S-Series Battery |
 |
|
Odyssey 65-PC1750T Automotive/LTV Battery |
 |
|
ACDelco 65AGM Professional Automotive Battery |
 |
|
Shuriken SK-BT120, 12-Volt Performance Battery |
 |
|
WPS Featherweight HJTZ5S-FP-IL Lithium Battery |
 |
The Top 10 Best Car Batteries
The first two batteries on our list are virtually tied in our assessment. That is, either could have been the standout or the runner-up. We broke the tie by looking at power output. Still, if you operate a smaller vehicle, you may find the second battery on our list to be better than the first.
The Best Car Battery
The Standout: Optima 8014-045 YellowTop Deep Cycle Battery
- 12-Volt, 750 Cold Cranking Amps, Size: 10" x 6 7/8" x 7 13/16" tall, Weight: 43.5 pounds, Dual SAE & GM Post
- Reserve capacity of 120 minutes for constant performance
- Optimal starting power even in bad weather. Case Material: Polypropylene.Internal Resistance: 0.0028
Highlights:
- 12-volt, 750 CCA
- 120-minute reserve capacity
- 5-pound, lightweight design
The Optima YellowTop is often the go-to battery for vehicle enthusiasts who love to outfit their machines with power-draining accessories. If you demand significant output from your car, truck, SUV, boat or other vehicles, Optima’s YellowTop is hard to beat.
In fact, this battery delivers exceptional power for audio, visual, lighting, camping, off-road and other upgrades. The YellowTop cranking amps are rated at 870 and CCA at 750. The amp-hour capacity is an impressive 55 hours with a reserve of two hours even after temperatures drop. Because the YellowTop has a marginal self-discharge rate, you can store it without worrying about power drain.
Meanwhile, the use of sealed cells eliminates the possibility of acid spillage, giving you the opportunity to mount this battery at whatever angle you choose. The three-year replacement warranty isn’t as long as some other batteries on our list, but it is adequate.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
|
|
|
QUALITY |
PRICE |
OUR RATING |
|---|---|---|
Expensive |
Runner-Up: Exide Edge FP-AGM Automotive Battery
- 850 CCA; 160 MIN RC at 25A
- Non-spillable AGM construction
- Greater capacity to better handle the heavy loads placed on today's batteries
Highlights:
- 770 CCA
- 120-minute reserve capacity
- Spill-proof, absorbed-glass construction
As mentioned before, the Exide Edge FP-AGM battery could have easily been the top battery in our survey. This one offers a compact design that is spill-proof.
Made with absorbed-glass construction, this battery is perfect for average-sized cars and boats. Meanwhile, the dual-purpose design offers the functionality to crank your engine and use it for deep-cycle applications as well, making it ideal for space-conscious consumers who would rather not carry two separate batteries in their vehicles.
Meanwhile, the cranking amps at 930 and CCA at 770 are some of the most impressive of any battery in our survey. A capacity rating of 72 amp hours and the reserve capacity of over two hours are equally ideal. You will appreciate this battery’s built-in carrying handle and non-prorated, four-year guarantee.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
|
|
|
QUALITY |
PRICE |
OUR RATING |
|---|---|---|
Moderate |
The Last of the Top Three: Odyssey 34R-PC1500T Automotive Battery
- Faster recharge
- Mounting flexibility
- Vibration resistance
Highlights:
- 850 CCA
- Long cycle life
- Good warranty protection
While we rank the Odyssey 34R-PC1500T battery third on our list, many consumers consider it to be the best automotive battery available today.
The cranking-amp rating of 1500 and CCA of 850 for this entry are easily the best on our list. They are also perfect for powering aftermarket upgrades on extreme vehicles. This battery features a capacity of 68 amp hours and a 135-minute reserve capacity as well, making it about average among the cells we reviewed. Still, the lead-plate design ensures this battery will last up to four times as long as others.
Meanwhile, the battery’s modern design allows you to mount it in virtually any direction you choose, but don’t turn this one upside down. The full replacement warranty offered for four years is ideal for cautious buyers.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
|
|
|
QUALITY |
PRICE |
OUR RATING |
|---|---|---|
Expensive |
Optima 8020-164 RedTop Battery
- 12-Volt, 720 Cold Cranking Amps, Size: 9.38 x 7.69 x 6.75-Inches Weight: 31.7 pounds, SAE Posts
- Reserve capacity of 90 minutes for constant performance
- Optimal starting power even in bad weather. Case material is Polypropylene
Highlights:
- 720 CCA
- Compact size
- Vibration resistant
The Optima RedTop is a popular battery for vehicle owners.
The patented Spiralcell technology gives you 910 cranking amps and an enviable 720 CCA. Meanwhile, the 44-hour capacity and 90-minute reserve capacity are both remarkable. If you aren’t a hands-on sort of person, you will likely appreciate the maintenance-free, spill-proof design of the RedTop.
When you purchase this battery, you take advantage of its free three-year replacement warranty. You should not, however, need to use it, as this battery offers a long lifespan of approximately a decade. For start and stop usage, this battery is hard to beat.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
|
|
|
QUALITY |
PRICE |
OUR RATING |
|---|---|---|
Moderate |
Optima Batteries 8040-218 D35
- 12-Volt, 650 Cold Cranking Amps, Size: 9 5/16" x 6 13/16" x 7 5/8" tall, Weight: 36.4 pounds, SAE Post,.300+...
- 98 minutes reserve capacity for constant performance
- Optimal starting power even in bad weather; the positive or red terminal is located to the right
Highlights:
- 720 CCA
- Fast recharge times
- Includes enrollment in a roadside assistance program
If peace of mind is important to you, you will like the Bosch S6585B S6 Flat-Plate battery. When you buy this one, you are automatically enrolled in a free roadside assistance program. You may not need to use it, though, as this Bosch battery delivers reliable, maintenance-free performance.
Its spill-proof design also allows you to mount this battery in essentially any position. Cranking amps rated at 860 and CCA at 720 give you the power boost you need to take your vehicle virtually anywhere. Meanwhile, the lead-plate construction gives you enough power to haul heavy loads.
You can also plan for a long life with this Bosch power source. Buy this battery and get a free prorated four-year replacement warranty.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
|
|
|
QUALITY |
PRICE |
OUR RATING |
|---|---|---|
Moderate |
ACDelco ACDB24R
- Note: Refer a user manual before use
- Durable design protects against the worst enemy of a truck battery – road vibration (compared to standard flooded...
- Calcium alloy is optimized to produce a fine grain, corrosion-resistant grid, maximize cycle life and minimizes water...
Highlights:
- 12-volt, 320 cranking amps
- High-performance start-up output
- Appropriate for V8 engines
For racers, the XS Power S680 S-Series battery is a good option.
This lightweight power cell features an absorbed-mat glass design that resists spills. While its cranking-amp rating of 320 is about the lowest of any battery on our list, this one still has enough power to crank a small-block V8 engine.
This battery may be more appealing if you have a dynamic sound system or extensive video equipment in your vehicle. With the S-Series, you get 28 minutes of reserve capacity and a limited warranty for three years.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
|
|
|
QUALITY |
PRICE |
OUR RATING |
|---|---|---|
Moderate |
Odyssey 65-PC1750T Automotive/LTV Batter
- Cold Crank Amp (CCA)- 950
- Better warranty: Limited 3 and 4 year full replacement warranty - not pro rata
- Includes SAE Automotive terminals
Highlights:
- 950 CCA
- Long service life
- Ideal for low-temperature usage
The Odyssey 65-PC1750T offers dual-purpose functionality. When you purchase this battery, you get both a battery for starting and one designed for heavy charge/discharge cycling. The obvious benefit of investing in this power source is its extreme-temperature functionality.
In fact, this battery works even in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit or as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The cranking amps rated at 1750 and 950 CCA are impressive, as is the 70 amp-hour capacity.
This Odyssey battery features a no-spill, lead-plate design and comes with a four-year replacement warranty. Still, its price tag may give you a serious case of sticker shock.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
|
|
|
QUALITY |
PRICE |
OUR RATING |
|---|---|---|
Expensive |
DieHard 38188
- 20X more vibration protection safeguards battery performance over time, 2X the cycle life extends the performance and...
- BCI Gp 34R, CCA 775, RC 120 minutes, 55 AH rating
- Spill proof design provides added protection for sophisticated electronic equipment
Highlights:
- Modern design
- Long service life
- Three-year free replacement
The ACDelco 650AGM battery offers an absorbed-glass mat design in a large format. This battery is optimal for heavy-use vehicles, including police cars, ambulances, and other start-and-stop vehicles.
With cranking amps rated at 850 and CCA of 750, this battery is powerful and reliable. 140 minutes of reserve capacity give this battery the ability to crank massive engines. Of course, the professional-grade design of the 65AGM battery makes it inappropriate for many smaller vehicles.
Still, if you want a tough, reliable battery with available four-year warranty, this one may be right for you.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
|
|
|
QUALITY |
PRICE |
OUR RATING |
|---|---|---|
Moderate |
Odyssey PC680 Battery
- 170 CCA; Better warranty: Limited 2-year full replacement warranty, not pro rata; Longer service life: With 3-10 years...
- Longer cycle life: 70 percentage longer cycle life compared to conventional deep cycle batteries, up to 400 cycles at 80...
- Faster recharge: The highest recharge efficiency of any sealed lead battery on the market, capable of 100 percentage...
Highlights:
- 120 amp-hour rating
- Appropriate for extreme temperatures
- Vibration resistant
If you have outfitted your vehicle with a high-end audio system, you need the right power source to keep moving.
The Shuriken SK-BT120, a 12-volt professional battery is a good option. This power source provides a cranking amp rating of 2600. Its output is sufficient to handle audio upgrades that pull up to 2400 watts. The 120 amp-hour reserve capacity is impressive, as is the absorbed-glass mat design that’s spill-proof. If you need to mount your vehicle’s battery in a unique way, this one is a good option. That includes upside-down installation.
Meanwhile, this Shuriken battery is designed to resist vibration and control heat. While this battery is impressive for audio enthusiasts, its one-year limited warranty may leave you wanting more.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
|
|
|
QUALITY |
PRICE |
OUR RATING |
|---|---|---|
Expensive |
WPS Featherweight HJTZ5S-FP-IL Lithium Battery
No products found.No products found.
No products found.
Highlights:
- Lightweight design
- Increased cranking amps
- Affordable price tag
The last battery on our list is still a very good one. The WPS Featherweight HJTZ5S-FP-IL lithium battery is extremely light.
Therefore, this battery is an excellent option for racing enthusiasts. Even though this power source features a lightweight design, it offers decent output. Its sealed-valve design is maintenance free while also preventing spills and limiting corrosion. Impressively, you can almost fully charge this battery in just six minutes.
Meanwhile, a LED gauge is built in for easy reading and great looks. If you are concerned about environmental issues, you will likely appreciate the eco-friendly construction of this power cell.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
|
|
|
QUALITY |
PRICE |
OUR RATING |
|---|---|---|
Affordable |
How We Developed Our List
In our effort to give you the best information possible, we reviewed dozens of car batteries. We then narrowed our survey to include the ones we think are the best. While putting together an honest assessment of vehicle batteries, we specifically considered the following three things:
- Specifications – Batteries are often rated based on technical specifications. As such, we considered the ampere (amp) hours, cold-cranking amps (CCA) and reserve capacity for each battery we reviewed. We also considered how the battery was made and the type of technology it uses to power your automobile.
- Price – While expensive batteries may have the best features, they may also be out of reach for most buyers. Therefore, we considered each battery’s price tag carefully when compiling our rankings.
- Warranties – Nobody wants to purchase a new battery only to have it quickly fail. For that reason, we added a bit of extra weight to good warranties. That means if there was a tie on our list, the advantage went to the battery that best protects the consumer.
In modern society, most customers aren’t shy about sharing their buying experience online. Accordingly, we have read through hundreds of customer reviews.
While we have thrown out the ones that seem overly enthusiastic or particularly harsh, we tell you what buyers like and dislike about the batteries on our list. We also tell you whether a battery is affordable, moderately priced or expensive, and assign it a rating on a five-point scale.
Finally, we have not evaluated batteries with an eye toward exceptional power output. On the contrary, the cells we considered are intended for powering ordinary vehicles. If you want power for your modified vehicle, you may need to look for a high-output battery.
When your car’s battery is functioning properly, you probably don’t give it much thought.
Still, few things can stop you in your tracks faster than a dead or damaged battery. Periodically inspecting your vehicle’s battery is a good way to avoid a power outage. Also, investing in a jump starter may get you back on the road without having to wait for assistance.
Still, before your bad battery leaves you stranded, consider replacing it with a modern alternative.
We take our responsibility to give you the best possible information seriously. This best car battery list includes the top batteries on the market today. Of course, you may find a battery you love that didn’t make our survey. That’s OK. The purpose of this list is to give you easy-to-use information about some great vehicle power sources.
If you are in the market for a replacement car battery, use this survey as a reference or buy one of the batteries on it. Either way, you win and get the best car battery for your vehicle.
Featured image credit: CC0 Public Domain via Canva, with text, banner, and logo added.
Last update on 2023-04-15 at 07:41 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API