We recommend batteries with an overall score of 80% or more.

The overall score for rechargeable batteries is made up of: endurance score (35%), consistency score (30%), self discharge score (30%) and capacity score (5%).

Batteries with good endurance can power an appliance for longer and be recharged more often.

How well a battery retains its initial capacity. For example, a 2500mAh battery should still have close to that capacity after 200 recharges. A low score means the battery loses a lot of capacity over multiple recharges.

Rechargeable batteries tend to lose some charge when left unused, but a good battery will lose only a little. The higher the score, the lower the self-discharge.

The difference between the battery's claimed and measured capacity. A score of 100% here means a battery's measured capacity exceeded its claimed capacity.

How long the battery takes to discharge in use over time.

Recommended retail price for the pack purchased.

We've included both AA and AAA battery sizes in this test.