Alkaline vs Lithium AA Batteries: Which to Choose?

If you’ve ever been shopping for batteries, you may be wondering why some AA batteries cost more than others. You’re not alone. The two main types you’ll usually see are alkaline and lithium AA batteries. Both the same size, both promising long life, but with very different characteristics once they’re inside your device.

So how do you know which one to choose? Whether you’re powering a remote control, a gaming controller, or a high-drain camera flash, this guide breaks down the differences in plain English. We’ll explain what makes each battery type tick, where each performs best, and how to make your money go further.

At Maplin, we stock a wide range of Maplin Alkaline AA batteries (ideal for everyday use) and Energizer Lithium AA batteries (built for extra performance and endurance). Let’s see how they compare.

Both alkaline and lithium AA batteries are disposable “primary” batteries — meaning they’re designed to be used once and then recycled, not recharged. But the chemistry inside them is quite different.

• Use zinc and manganese dioxide as their main ingredients.

• Contain a potassium hydroxide electrolyte, which gives them their name “alkaline.”

• Deliver a steady 1.5 V of power.

• Are inexpensive, reliable, and widely available.

• Perfect for low- to medium-drain household electronics.

• Use a lithium iron disulfide (Li-FeS₂) chemistry.

• Have a slightly higher nominal voltage of around 1.7 V, which stays consistent for longer.

• Are lighter, more powerful, and more resilient in extreme conditions.

• Cost more per battery, but often last several times longer.

• Best suited for high-drain or outdoor devices.

So while both look identical on the outside, their internal chemistry affects performance, lifespan, and cost quite dramatically.

To make things simple, here’s how alkaline and lithium AA batteries differ in everyday terms:

Feature Alkaline AA Lithium AA

As you can see, the right choice depends less on which battery is “better” and more on what you’re using it for.

One of the first things people notice is the price difference. Lithium AA batteries can cost up to three or four times more than alkaline ones. But price isn’t the whole story, especially when you consider runtime and replacement frequency.

In many cases, lithium AAs last up to eight times longer than standard alkalines in high-drain devices. That means fewer battery swaps, less waste, and potentially better value over time.

For instance:

• A set of Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAs might power a digital camera through hundreds or thousands of shots before running out.

• The same camera using alkalines could need new batteries much sooner, especially when using the flash.

However, if your device only sips power (like a TV remote or wall clock), the extra capacity of lithiums would go unused — meaning you’d spend more without gaining any benefit.

So lithium isn’t always “better,” but it is better suited to certain jobs.

Temperature plays a surprisingly big role in how batteries behave.

• Alkaline batteries work best at room temperature. When it’s very cold, their chemical reaction slows down, meaning less current output and shorter runtime.

• Lithium batteries handle both hot and cold conditions far better. They’ll keep delivering power even at sub-zero temperatures — a big reason why they’re popular for outdoor gear, trail cameras, and winter photography.

If you live or work in environments where the temperature fluctuates, lithium AA batteries are more reliable.

Even unused batteries slowly lose charge over time — a process known as self-discharge.

• Maplin Alkaline AAs typically last around 5 to 7 years in storage.

• Energizer Lithium AAs can last up to 20 years, retaining nearly all of their original capacity.

That makes lithium batteries ideal for emergency kits, smoke alarms, and rarely used devices, where you want to install batteries and forget about them for years without worry.

Lithium AA batteries are lighter — often by about 30%. This may not matter in your TV remote, but it’s noticeable in portable gear like:

• Headlamps

• Hiking GPS units

• Wireless microphones

• Handheld gaming devices

When every gram counts (for instance, on long trips or photography expeditions), lithium batteries help reduce overall weight without compromising power.

Battery leaks can ruin electronics, so this factor is worth noting.

• Alkaline batteries are generally safe, but leaks can occur — particularly if they’re left inside a device after being fully drained.

• Lithium batteries are less prone to leakage, even after heavy use.

If you’re powering a device that you don’t use often (like a torch stored in a drawer), lithium is a safer bet because it’s less likely to leak or corrode over time.

Here’s where it really matters: matching the battery to the device. Below are some common household and professional gadgets, with recommendations on whether to go alkaline or lithium.

These are the “slow and steady” devices — they draw very little power and are used intermittently.

Examples:

• TV remotes

• Clocks

• Wireless keyboards and mice

• Thermostats

• LED candles

• Radios and alarm clocks

Best choice: Maplin Alkaline AA Batteries

Why: They deliver stable, affordable performance for long periods without needing the premium endurance of lithium.

Devices that draw moderate current or are used regularly but not intensively can work well with either type.

Examples:

• Portable speakers

• Toys and game controllers

• Flashlights

• Bathroom scales

Best choice: Start with alkaline if you replace batteries infrequently. If you notice they’re running out quickly, upgrade to lithium next time for longer life.

These devices pull a lot of current when in use, causing alkaline batteries to deplete quickly.

Examples:

• Digital cameras and camera flashes

• Professional audio equipment

• High-power LED torches

• Wireless security cameras

• Smart home hubs with constant activity

Best choice: Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries

Why: Lithium batteries maintain higher voltage under heavy load, giving consistent performance even as they drain — ideal for devices that can’t afford a sudden drop in power.

For gear exposed to heat, cold, or moisture, lithium batteries are much more dependable.

Examples:

• Trail cameras

• GPS trackers

• Outdoor lights and sensors

• Remote weather stations

• Camping or hiking torches

Best choice: Energizer Lithium AAs

Why: They’re designed to handle extreme conditions, from freezing winters to scorching summers.

If you need batteries that will still work after sitting unused for years, lithium wins hands-down.

Examples:

• Emergency torches

• Disaster kits

• Smoke alarms (where compatible)

• Backup radios

Best choice: Energizer Lithium AAs

Why: Their long shelf life means you can “fit and forget” — they’ll still perform years later.

One of the clearest demonstrations of the difference between the two types is in photography equipment.

A camera flash or speedlight draws a large burst of current to charge its capacitor.

• With alkaline batteries, the recycle time (how long before you can flash again) gets longer as the batteries deplete.

• With lithium batteries, the recycle time stays fast and consistent, even as they near the end of their life.

That’s why professional photographers often choose Energizer Lithium AAs for reliability during shoots — no waiting around between shots and no surprise “battery low” warnings halfway through a session.

From an environmental perspective, both alkaline and lithium batteries are recyclable, though collection facilities may differ.

• Made mostly of common metals such as zinc and manganese, which are relatively benign.

• Can often be recycled at local collection points (Maplin encourages responsible disposal).

• Contain more specialized materials, including lithium and iron compounds.

• Should always be recycled through designated battery collection schemes due to their energy density.

Even though lithium batteries cost more, their longer life can actually mean less waste overall, since you use and dispose of fewer batteries over time.

Some readers might wonder, “What about rechargeable AAs?”

Rechargeable NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) batteries are a third category worth mentioning. They’re ideal for frequently used devices — but they do self-discharge over time, so they’re not great for long-term storage or emergencies.

If you’re using a device daily and have access to a charger, rechargeables can be a great eco-friendly option. For everything else, it’s a matter of matching alkaline vs lithium to the job at hand.

Here are a few easy tips to maximise battery life and safety:

1. Use batteries in matching pairs.
   Mixing old and new cells or different brands can cause uneven discharge and leakage.

2. Remove batteries from devices you’re not using.
   This prevents slow discharge and protects against leaks.

3. Store in a cool, dry place.
   Avoid humidity and extreme heat — batteries last longer at room temperature.

4. Check expiry dates.
   Alkaline batteries generally have a “best before” date printed on them; don’t use expired cells in sensitive electronics.

5. Recycle responsibly.
   Most supermarkets, DIY stores, and recycling centres accept used batteries — or drop them off at your local Maplin store.

Let’s recap:

Device Type Recommended Battery Reason

When it comes to alkaline vs lithium AA batteries, the “right” choice depends on how and where you use them.

• Choose Alkaline (Maplin) when:

  • You want great value for money.

  • You’re powering everyday gadgets with modest power needs.

  • You replace batteries infrequently.

• Choose Lithium (Energizer) when:

  • You rely on performance, endurance, and reliability.

  • You use high-drain or outdoor devices.

  • You need batteries that can handle extreme conditions or long storage.

By matching the battery chemistry to the task, you’ll get the best combination of performance, longevity, and value — all while keeping your devices running smoothly.

You can find both Maplin Alkaline AA batteries and Energizer Lithium AA batteries available now at Maplin, ready to power everything from your remote control to your next adventure.