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Best Rechargeable AA & AAA Batteries: Esperanza vs Eneloop Pro vs Regular - Worth the Extra Cost?

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  • #1 18726129
    lukasz94762
    Level 5  
    Posts: 97
    Help: 3
    Rate: 12
    Hello, I am looking for good batteries for several years. For PLN 40 I found a set of 4x AA and 4x AAA from Esperanza. I suppose it is better to buy eneloopy, but I would like to make sure whether it is worth adding another 40 zlotys to better batteries. Which eneloopy would be better to buy? Pro or regular? Thank you.
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  • #2 18726142
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
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  • #3 18726231
    lukasz94762
    Level 5  
    Posts: 97
    Help: 3
    Rate: 12
    Awyrdonyt wrote:
    Eneloop or any others with low self-discharge can stay in a drawer for a long time. Regular NiMH needs to be recharged monthly.
    I use GP recyko + and they are reasonably good. I have been using them for 3 years, so the course of 15 years expected by my friend is still a long way off. I also have a professional black variant and let's say that the camera lasts a bit longer than on standard batteries. In size R03 the Fujitsu is quite nice. In this case, I use the equipment sporadically and so far (2 years) the batteries have not failed.
    Like all NiMHs, Eneloop does not like deep discharge. Then there are problems with them - they self-discharge quickly.

    Okay, but the entries in the auctions that the batteries have a low level of self-discharge are somehow checked? Esperanza is supposed to be low, but I don't know how many% it is true
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  • #6 18726534
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
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  • #7 18726586
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #8 18727726
    lukasz94762
    Level 5  
    Posts: 97
    Help: 3
    Rate: 12
    Ok thanks everyone for the advice. I will buy eneloopy. I do not close, if someone else could add something, I would ask.
  • #9 19361099
    kocureq
    Level 10  
    Posts: 38
    Rate: 4
    I have a lot of AA batteries at home. They differ greatly in size - some are like "regular" AA sticks, some are a bit larger, and some are so large that I can barely press them in half of the devices and then it is difficult to remove them or close the flap. I understand that manufacturers do this to increase the capacity and write more mAh on the package than the competition, but at home I would rather change the batteries comfortably every 3 weeks than bother with them every 3.5 weeks.

    Can you recommend any AA battery model that is sure to hold "normal" AA dimensions and is worth buying? I used to think that it would be the case with the GP, but for the GP model there are different dimensions and a different declared capacity and I lost confidence in this brand a bit.
  • #10 19361141
    jajacek120
    Level 19  
    Posts: 210
    Help: 32
    Rate: 58
    I have been using Enelopy AA for 10 years. 4 sets of 4 are really irreplaceable.
    I recommend.
  • #11 19361577
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #12 20905950
    j570
    Level 15  
    Posts: 132
    Help: 1
    Rate: 76
    I have a dozen AA Eneloop Sanyo cells. Plain white ones. They are about 12 years old. I use them all the time, maybe moderately intensively. Today I took 1 rechargeable battery out of the box, which had been sitting there for at least 2 months since the last charge, and measured its capacity by discharging with 165mA. The final voltage was 1V, and the capacity was 1700mAh. The declared capacity on the rechargeable is 1900mAh.
    I charge them with a current of 300mA maximum (usually 200mA) with a Newell C8 charger, and before that with a BC-900.
    Not to be outdone.
    I add that freshly charged show about 1840mAh.
  • #13 20906034
    78db78
    Level 43  
    Posts: 10338
    Help: 1774
    Rate: 3172
    Fujitsu no longer produces rechargeable batteries, eneloops only white 1900 or ladda 1900.
  • #14 20912720
    LEDówki
    Level 43  
    Posts: 9346
    Help: 1304
    Rate: 2524
    White eneloop - medium internal resistance, high number of discharge cycles.
    Black eneloop - low internal resistance, fewer discharge cycles. Lower resistance means higher current, so better for cameras or automatic wrist or arm blood pressure monitors.
    Orange-green eneloop - high internal resistance, high number of discharge cycles. Very good for mice, keyboards, cordless phone handsets (no range problems like mobile phones).
    There were also series in other colours, but intended for less demanding applications than white or black.
    Recyko makes similar batteries. The white ones quite long-lasting, quite strong, quite capacious. Black with less resistance and green with a little more internal resistance than white. It is worth noting the self-discharge current or rather the rate of self-discharge (loss of capacity). Now, batteries can sit for several years without discharging. There is no need to keep an eye on them to make sure they do not break down from being discharged too deeply during storage.
    I will also mention NiMH batteries in the R14, R20 sizes. These also have a lower self-discharge rate, although not as low as Eneloop (Panasonic today) or REcyko (GP).

Topic summary

✨ The discussion centers around the comparison of rechargeable AA and AAA batteries, specifically evaluating Esperanza batteries against Eneloop Pro and regular Eneloop models. Users highlight the advantages of Eneloop batteries, particularly their low self-discharge rates, longevity, and reliability compared to other brands like GP and Varta. The Eneloop Pro is noted for its higher load capacity but fewer charge cycles compared to the standard Eneloop. Users recommend purchasing Eneloop batteries from IKEA and emphasize the importance of battery dimensions for compatibility with devices. Overall, the consensus leans towards investing in Eneloop batteries for better performance and durability.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Eneloop white offers ~2000 cycles vs Pro ~500; "Pro versions can deliver a larger load but withstand a smaller number of charging cycles" — choose Pro for high‑drain, white for longevity. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18726586]

Why it matters: If you’re deciding whether to pay extra for Eneloop Pro vs regular (or budget sets like Esperanza), this FAQ helps you pick the right AA/AAA for cameras, remotes, toys, and tools.

Quick Facts

Is it worth paying extra for Eneloops over cheap packs like Esperanza?

Often yes if you value predictable performance. "You are basically buying blind" with many budget packs. One user found Varta 2400 weaker than Eneloop. They also reported EverActive R20 meeting capacity and holding a charge for a month. Paying more for proven cells reduces surprises. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18726534]

Eneloop Pro vs regular: which should I buy?

For high‑drain gear, choose Eneloop Pro. For longest lifespan, choose white Eneloop. "Pro versions can deliver a larger load but withstand a smaller number of charging cycles." Expect about 500 cycles for Pro and about 2000 for white. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18726586]

Do low self‑discharge NiMH really hold charge for months?

Yes. Low self‑discharge cells can stay ready in a drawer for a long time. Regular NiMH need monthly recharging to stay usable. "Eneloop or any others with low self‑discharge can stay in a drawer for a long time." Use LSD cells for infrequently used devices. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18726142]

How long do Eneloops last in real use over years?

A 12‑year‑old white Eneloop delivered ~1700 mAh after two months of storage. Freshly charged, it measured ~1840 mAh. The user charged gently at 200–300 mA and discharged at 165 mA to 1.0 V. That shows strong long‑term durability with mild charging. [Elektroda, j570, post #20905950]

Are IKEA Ladda really the same as Eneloop Pro?

A contributor states IKEA Ladda are Eneloop Pro. This makes Ladda a popular budget route to high‑drain performance. Compare local availability and prices before deciding. [Elektroda, kosmo21, post #18726274]

What charge current should I use for AA Eneloops?

Aim for a gentle charge when longevity matters. One user reports 200–300 mA per AA with excellent capacity retention. Smart chargers like the BC‑900 or Newell C8 make that easy to set. This conservative current aligns with long‑term results shared in the thread. [Elektroda, j570, post #20905950]

What happens if I deep‑discharge NiMH cells?

Deep discharge accelerates problems. "Like all NiMHs, Eneloop does not like deep discharge. Then there are problems with them — they self‑discharge quickly." Recharge before they get that low, and avoid storing them empty. This helps preserve capacity and shelf readiness. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18726142]

Are GP ReCyko+ a good alternative to Eneloop?

Yes. A user has run GP ReCyko+ for three years and calls them "reasonably good." The black professional variant gave longer camera runtime than standard cells. Fujitsu AAA also worked well in sporadic duty for two years without failures. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18726142]

How do Varta or EverActive perform in practice?

Reportedly, Varta 2400 AAs were weak compared with Eneloop. The same user said EverActive R20s were fine, meeting stated capacity and not discharging within a month. They also found some GP and Panasonic cells underwhelming in performance. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18726534]

Do AA batteries differ in size, and how do I avoid tight fits?

Yes, dimensions vary, and some cells run large. Oversized AAs can be hard to insert or remove, or prevent closing the door. If fit matters, choose models described as "normal" AA rather than chasing tiny capacity bumps. This avoids daily‑use frustration. [Elektroda, kocureq, post #19361099]

Did Panasonic’s takeover affect Eneloop quality?

One user says their Eneloops have been "unbreakable" in a camera for years. The same post mentions reading that post‑2014 Panasonic production could be lower quality. Treat that as a cautionary note, not a definitive downgrade. [Elektroda, Maverick73, post #19361577]

Which Eneloop color should I pick for my device?

Match cell resistance to the load. White: medium resistance, long cycle life. Black (Pro): low resistance, higher current for cameras or BP monitors. Orange/green: higher resistance, ideal for mice, keyboards, and cordless phones. Modern LSD cells can sit for years. [Elektroda, LEDówki, post #20912720]

Are Fujitsu rechargeable batteries still made?

A poster notes Fujitsu no longer produces rechargeable cells. They highlight white Eneloop 1900 mAh and IKEA Ladda 1900 mAh as current options to consider. Availability can vary by market and store. [Elektroda, 78db78, post #20906034]

Best AAA (R03) picks for remotes and small devices?

A user reports Fujitsu AAA as "quite nice." In sporadic use for two years, they did not fail. That makes them a safe choice for remotes, keyboards, and small gadgets that don’t draw high current. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18726142]
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