Top 10 Best Replacement Car Batteries

Don’t get stuck unexpectedly on the sidelines. Buy a new car battery that will last a long time.

You don’t want to wait until the day your car starts researching car battery replacement. Eventually, your car battery will run out and need to be replaced is part of your car’s maintenance. Typically, you will likely need to replace your car’s battery once or twice during its life, although there are products you can purchase to help preserve and extend the life of your car’s battery. But this article is not about that — you are most likely here because you are buying a replacement car battery.

There are two main types of car batteries: lead-acid (conventional) and Absorbed Glass Mats (AGM). Lead-acid batteries usually cost less than AGM batteries, but will not last as long. On the other hand, AGM batteries are designed to withstand normal drain and recharge cycles. Most modern cars with high tech features like start/stop systems now come from the factory with AGM batteries, so most of our recommendations on this list are AGM batteries. They may be more expensive, but they provide better long-term performance, withstand deep discharges, and are more likely to recover if accidentally drained.

Batteries also come in a variety of sizes and terminal types, so you will need to check your vehicle’s manual before purchasing to get the correct one. You may notice that some of the battery models on our list are similar, but with different top terminals — make sure you get the exact one you want.

As you scroll through our list, you will see that we highlight several features for most batteries. One is a cold-cranking amplifier (CCA), which measures how well the battery can start your vehicle in cold weather. Another feature is reserve capacity, which is how long the battery can last if any part of your car’s charging system fails.

For more information on the best car battery replacement please refer to our table of contents.

 

1. Editor’s Pick: Optima Batteries RedTop 35

Optima is one of the most famous brands in this segment, so it’s no surprise that 3 of its batteries ended up on our list, although 2 are essentially the same with different terminals. Our top recommendation is the RedTop 35 starter battery. It is a good balance of price and performance, featuring 720 CCA and 44Ah C20 capacity and 90 minutes standby capacity for continuous operation. The battery itself measures 9.38 “by 7.69” by 6.75 “and weighs 31.7 pounds.

The RedTop 35 is equipped with SAE struts and its body is made of polypropylene.

Providing a strong starting surge, Optima claims that this battery is more than 15 times more vibration-resistant than a standard battery and is maintenance-free with up to 3 times longer life. It is spill-resistant and mounts in virtually any position.

 

2. Best suited for vehicles with many accessories: Optima Batteries YellowTop D34/78

If your vehicle is packed with a lot of accessories like an aftermarket audio system, you will want to invest in a high-performance battery. There are several high-performance batteries on our list, but our recommended pick also comes from Optima and its YellowTop line. YellowTop D34 / 78 offers 750 CCA and its C20 capacity is 55 Ah. Measuring 10 “by 6-7 / 8” by 7-13 / 16 “, this battery weighs 43.5 pounds and boasts two SAE and GM racks. If you need different terminal types, be sure to check out the rest of the YellowTop Optima lineup.

Along with a polypropylene body like the RedTop 35, the YellowTop D34 / 78 has a 120-minute reserve capacity (versus 90 on the RedTop 35). This battery also claims to be 15 times more vibration-resistant for increased durability.

Offering deep cycle and cranking power, YellowTop also boasts faster charging and over 300 discharge/recharge cycles before it needs to be replaced. Like other Optima batteries, it has a sealed design and can be installed in almost any position.

 

3. ACDelco 94RAGM professional car battery

From a popular brand, ACDelco is 94R professional AGM battery. This battery has a pressurized sealed valve system that is designed for safety and long life, helping to prevent dry out and acid damage to the terminals. The 94R has high cycling capabilities and is remarkably responsive to charge, which means it is great for cars with start/stop systems.

One of the standout features of this battery is the use of high-density negative paste, which improves performance and extends battery life. In addition, the extended alloy / silver-forged alloy life extends the life cycle and also contributes to improved battery performance. Precision ribbed housing, 100% pressure tested to avoid future leakage, adds strength, and rigidity.

ACDelco’s professional AGM automotive batteries come with a 36-month free replacement period.

 

4. Batteries Optima RedTop 75/25

Our third and final battery from Optima is the signature RedTop 75/25. It is very similar to the RedTop 35 with 720 CCA and 44Ah C20 capacity but has dual SAE / GM posts instead of just SAE posts found on the RedTop 35. This battery measures 9.38 “by 7.75” by 6.81 “and weighs 33.1 lbs.

You can excect the same performance as the RedTop 35, delivering a strong start-up surge and up to 3x battery life. It’s also 15 times more vibration-resistant and boasts a 90-minute power reserve for continuous operation. The RedTop 75/25 has a maintenance-free, spill-resistant design and can be mounted in virtually any position.

If you need GM battery posts, go with Red 75/25.

 

5.XS Power D3400 High Output Battery

Another highly efficient car battery replacement option comes from XS Power with the D3400. With a capacity of 65 Ah, 3300 maximum amps, and 1000 cranking amps (not CCA), this battery is spill-resistant, sealed, valve regulated, and vibration resistant. It is designed for heavy-duty use with ultra-low internal resistance and is ideal for cars with stereos that require a lot of power.

XS Power claims to use the highest energy density chemistry known in AGM batteries, and the brand has quickly become the battery of choice for competitors’ car audio lovers. So if you want a strong battery that lasts for a long time, take a look at the XS Power.

 

6. Unbreakable Advanced Gold Battery

One brand you’ve probably heard of in this segment is DieHard. The company offers a wide range of replacement car batteries and we recommend its advanced gold range. There are several different models available depending on your vehicle, so make sure you select the correct model for your vehicle before purchasing. These batteries range from CCA and Ah, CCA 650 to CCA 850, and 50 Ah to 92 Ah.

Designed to withstand increased temperature conditions and increased accessory power requirements, these batteries are maintenance-free and spill-resistant. They can also be installed in almost any position. The heat-sealed and burglary-resistant design protects complex electronic equipment, while an advanced electronic suspension system works to protect the internal components of these batteries.

Unbreakable says these batteries have 20 times the vibration protection and provide twice the life cycle of conventional batteries. They are also backed by a free 3-year replacement warranty.

 

7. Kinetik 2400 W battery

If your car is packed with serious audio gear and you’re having trouble dimming your headlights, you’ll want to invest in a battery from Kinetik. This company specializes in high-performance batteries mainly for car audio enthusiasts. But that also means they will provide more than enough juice for a regular car. Just one quick glance at the user reviews of this product proves that it solves many of the user’s headlight dimming problems.

This particular battery is a spill-proof 2400 watt unit with a sealed design and can be installed in any position. Ultra-low ESR with more wafers provides higher energy density, while densely packed cells are good for higher load voltage. Superior heat and vibration resistance means this battery is built to last.

 

8. Independence of Platinum Dough

If you are in urgent need of a replacement car battery, we have two options on our list that you can purchase online and pick up locally. Advance Auto Parts carries the line of AutoCraft car batteries and 2 of them make our list. The first is an AGM platinum battery, engineered to provide up to twice the life of a standard flooded battery. AutoCraft AGM batteries use the so-called PowerFrame grid technology, which is a stronger and more durable positive grid technology. AutoCraft says PowerFrame offers up to 70% better electrical flow than other networking technologies. In addition, the load frame virtually eliminates premature failure and is 66% stronger and more corrosion resistant than other grating designs.

As a spill-proof battery, it can be installed anywhere in your vehicle, while the battery itself has a robust design that provides exceptional high-temperature climatic performance and reliable starting power in cold conditions. It also boasts a higher level of vibration resistance compared to standard flooded batteries.

The AutoCraft Platinum battery is rated for 60 Ah and 740 OC. It measures 10.25 “by 7.75” by 6.812 “and weighs 38.7 pounds.

 

9. Odyssey Extreme Series Battery

Another brand you really can’t go wrong with is Odyssey. These batteries are made in the USA and our recommendation is their extreme Series, namely 34R-PC1500. It is intended for general automotive and light truck use, becoming a popular option for SUV owners. This particular battery offers 68 Ah and 850 Os with 135 minutes of headroom.

Unlike the lead alloy used in other batteries, Odyssey battery plates are made from pure primary lead, which means it can pack more plates. More plates result in more plate surface area, providing more power. Odyssey says the 34R-PC1500 has twice the total capacity and 3 times the life of conventional batteries, with up to 400 cycles at 80% DOD.

This battery uses SAE terminals and is vibration resistant with flexible mounting options. The company provides a limited 3- and 4-year full replacement warranty.

 

10. The independence of the car battery

If you need an extremely affordable battery replacement quickly, there’s an entry-level AutoCraft car battery. Available from Advance Auto Parts, which means you can pick it up locally after purchasing it online, this is a pretty basic car battery offering 650 CCA. Aimed at providing starting power at an affordable price, this battery is maintenance-free and has “long” battery life.

Considering its price, this battery is mainly suitable for low maintenance vehicles and for car owners looking for something really cheap. If you need a battery just to get you working temporarily, this is the right way to go. Advance Auto Parts also provides a 90-day replacement if the battery is defective.

It is worth noting that AutoCraft has other battery models as well. So if you don’t want the performance of the AGM platinum battery that was previously on our list, and you want something more reliable than the standard battery, take a look at the company’s silver and gold options.