So it’s time to replace your car battery. Finding an adequate replacement battery can be tough. There are so many different types of batteries on the market, with a lot of them being less effective than the others. When you’re looking for a battery, you want the one that’s going to recharge quickly and last a long time.
It can be difficult to find the perfect car battery, so we reviewed dozens of car batteries to find the best, highest quality, and most long-lasting car batteries based on their prices, Amazon ratings, and functionality. We narrowed our search down to 5 of the top-rated car batteries for your vehicle.
The ACDelco 48AGM Automotive BCI Group 48 Battery is a powerful, long-lasting deep cycle battery that won’t let you down when you need it most. It has become the go-to car battery for countless cars thanks to its impressive specs which include high-density negative paste and enhanced life alloy.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Car Batteries
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Car Battery Overall | ACDelco 48AGM Automotive BCI Group 48 Battery | 4.2 |
| Runner Up | Optima Batteries RedTop Starting Battery | 4.2 |
| Best Budget Car Battery | ACDelco ACDB24R Automotive Battery | 4.2 |
| Best Group 78 Car Battery | Delphi BU9078 MaxStart Automotive Battery | 4.1 |
| Best Truck Battery | ACDelco 78AGM Professional Battery | 4.2 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Car Battery Overall: ACDelco 48AGM Automotive BCI Group 48 Battery
When searching for a replacement car battery, you’ll want to track down one that’s powerful and reliable. The ACDelco 48AGM Automotive BCI Group 48 Battery is both of those things. We selected it as our #1 pick of car batteries on the market because it ticks all the boxes most car owners will be looking for from their car battery.
For starters, this car battery is known for its high cycling capabilities and long life expectancy. It’s all thanks to the fact that it not only features high-density negative paste, but also enhanced life alloy/silver calcium stamped alloy. The excellent acid circulation also deserves credit for boosting this car battery’s battery life. Another eye-catching feature of this option is its 100% leak- and spill-proof absorbed glass mat design, as well as its vent cap design which is crafted to prevent acid leakage.
Optimal conductivity and low resistance additional features the ACDelco 48AGM Automotive BCI Group 48 Battery offers. If you’re looking for yet another reason to choose this battery, it’s worth keeping in mind that it comes with a limited 36-month warranty.
ACDelco 48AGM Automotive BCI Group 48 Battery Key Features:
- High cycling capabilities
- Long life expectancy
- Leak- and spill-proof
- Limited 36-month warranty
Our Runner Up Pick: Optima Batteries RedTop Starting Battery
When it comes to car batteries, you want to make sure the one you buy is powerful enough for your vehicle. With the Optima Batteries Red Top Starting Battery, you don’t have to worry about that. It delivers optimal energy even in bad weather, so you won’t have to worry about bad weather stalling your car.
It’s designed to deliver a strong starting burst, meaning you won’t have any trouble starting your vehicle with it. It’s also 15 times more resistant to vibrations and rough terrains. With its spillproof design and ability to mount just about anywhere, it’s truly flexible.
It can be used in cars, trucks, and motorcycles, and it recharges quickly compared to other batteries. The reserve capacity is 90 minutes, meaning even when the battery is turned off, you get 90 minutes of continuous power.
Optima Batteries RedTop Starting Battery Key Features:
- Resistant to vibrations
- Can start in all weather conditions
- Reverve capacity of 90 minutes
- Spill proof
Best Budget Car Battery: ACDelco ACDB24R Automotive Battery
Looking for a reliable battery that won’t break the bank? You can’t look past the ACDelco ACDB24R Automotive Battery, which is an affordably-priced group 51 car battery. With it’s high power and durability, it uses a maintenance-free absorbed glass mat that prevents the acid from spilling or leaking. You’ll never have to perform any maintenance on this battery thanks to it.
In addition to that, this battery uses valve regulated-gas recombinant technology that increases the life cycle of the battery for most vehicles. The leak-proof pressurized valve system keeps the battery from drying out, and the terminals won’t be damaged by acid.
ACDelco ACDB24R Automotive Battery Key Features:
- Leak-proof pressurized valve
- Won’t dry out
- High cycling service
- Maintenance-free AGM
Best Group 78 Car Battery: Delphi BU9078 MaxStart Automotive Battery
If you’re after a formidable group 78 car battery, we can’t recommend the Delphi BU9078 MaxStart Automotive Battery enough. It’s one of the most feature-packed and powerful car batteries which we came across during our research.
It features 775 cold cranking amps (CCA) and 120 reverse capacity (R.C.), so you know that it will give your car the powerful support it needs from a car batter. The Delphi BU9078 MaxStart Automotive Battery also comes with 20x the vibration resistance you’ll find in conventional batteries. Speaking of resistance, this battery also offers excellent corrosion resistance.
Other enticing features you can look forward to include with this car battery include its optimized component compression and fortified posts, straps, and welds.
Delphi BU9078 MaxStart Automotive Battery Key Features:
- 775 cold cranking amps
- 120 reverse capacity
- Corrosion resistance
- Vibration resistance
Best Truck Battery: ACDelco 78AGM Professional Battery
This ACDelco 78AGM Professional Battery is one of the best for trucks. In fact, many reviewers state that it’s lasted them long past the listed date. It uses high density negative paste to increase the battery life substantially while also improving stability. There’s also enhanced alloy that makes this battery last longer than other comparable ones.
It uses a vent cap design to keep acid from leaking, even when driving through rough terrain. The robust envelop separator has a puncture-resistant back, that keeps the battery acid flowing and ensures it never shorts. This improved circulation keeps the battery from overheating and extends its life.
ACDelco 78AGM Professional Battery Key Features:
- High density negative paste
- Vent cap design
- Robust envelope separator
- Battery stays cool
Who Should Buy a Car Battery
People usually buy new car batteries to upgrade their existing one, whether that’s because it’s not performing as well they’d hope or because it completely dies. In certain cases, OEM batteries are not as powerful as batteries you can purchase from manufacturers, and replacing it could lead to better performance in your vehicle.
Some car batteries aren’t able to handle being used in extreme temperatures. This is another instance where you might want to replace the battery for something more durable.
Important Features to Consider
A car battery should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a car battery:
- Size. The very first thing you need to consider is whether the battery will fit in your vehicle at all. There’s a number called group size attributed to every battery that identifies the height, length, and width the battery. It’s as easy as getting the same size as the OEM battery. If you have any trouble finding the measurements, contact your vehicle manufacturer.
- Power. Your replacement battery needs to be powerful enough to start the engine of your car. Make sure your replacement battery is powerful enough to start the car and meet the other electrical needs. It should also have a large enough reserve capacity to run all of the electrical components with the engine off.
- Durability. Depending on the terrain you’ll be driving, you might need a very durable and rigid battery. If you’re going to be off-roading, make sure to get a battery that can withstand those types of vibrations. You can get batteries with vibration-proof materials that are spill proof.
- Extra Features. Consider features like warranty and service life when purchasing your battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a car battery work?
The average car battery uses lead-acid chemical reactions to get the energy flowing. These are known as “SLI” batteries, which stands for “starting, lighting, and ignition.” Rather than providing a lot of power all the time, they give the car a jolt of energy to power all of the electronics. When everything is running, the power is kept stable by the alternator.
How often do you need a new car battery?
Batteries can last quite long when they’re taken care of, usually surviving for five years or more. However, even though it works. it’s not working as efficiently as it would if it were new. Most batteries become worn down in just three years of everyday use. After three years, you should consider replacing your battery. After five years, it’s definitely time for a replacement, as your battery is now unreliable.
How do you know if a car battery is no good?
There are a few signs you can look out for if you’re worried about your battery. The biggest thing is whether or not your engine starts smoothly. If your engine is cranking but not starting, it’s probably your battery failing. Aside from your car not starting at all, another thing to note is that if you’ve had to jump your car a lot recently, the battery is probably failing.
How much do new car batteries cost?
On average, you can expect to spend between $60 and $120 for a battery. Premium batteries will cost more than this. For example, valve-regulated lead-acid batteries can cost up to $250.
Other Car Batteries We Reviewed
We looked at 10 other car batteries. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best car batteries list, they’re the best of the best and each is still a great option for your vehicle. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Truck Batteries
This truck battery is resistant to extreme conditions and vibrations. It’s designed to reduce water loss, which prolongs the battery life.
Key Features:
- Resistant to extreme conditions
- Very durable, withstands vibrations
- Heavy duty internal connectors
Cost: $130
EverStart Maxx Lead Acid Automotive Battery
With easy to access positive and negative terminals, this battery is very easy to install. It delivers reliable power in all environments too.
Key Features:
- Easy to access terminals
- Reliable power
- Easy to install
Cost: $118
Interstate Batteries Sealed Lead Acid Battery
This batteries sealed AGM design prevents leakage and spills, increasing it’s life cycle. It’s also leak proof and delivers stable power.
Key Features:
- Sealed lead acid
- Spill and leak proof
- Delivers adequate power
Cost: $80
OPTIMA YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery
With deep cycle and cranking power, this battery can be used in all types of weather. It’s spill proof and vibration resistant too.
Key Features:
- Deep cycle technology
- Spill proof
- 15x more vibration resistant than others
Car Batteries
AutoCraft Automotive Battery 650A
The AutoCraft battery requires zero maintenance and is easy to install. It delivers reliable power all season long and is easy to mount.
Key Features:
- No maintenance
- Reliable power
- Secure mounting
Cost: $75
With PowerFrame grid technology, this battery is guaranteed to last. It’s durable and corrosion-resistant as well.
Key Features:
- PowerFrame grid technology is corrosion-resistant
- 70% better electrical flow than comparable grids
- Exceeds vehicle power requirements
Cost: $160
AutoCraft Platinum AGM Battery
This platinum battery has double the life of standard batteries. It’s made to support vehicles that require a lot of electricity.
Key Features:
- Non-spillable design
- Excels in high temperatures
- Vibration resistance
Cost: $200
DieHard Advanced Gold AGM Battery
The 20x vibration protection is perfect for trucks that drive on rough terrain. It also features a spill proof design and eliminates electrical shorts.
Key Features:
- 20x the vibration protection
- Full-frame positive and negative plates
- Spill proof design
Cost: $186
EverStart Plus Lead Acid Automotive Battery
This batteries easy to install design makes it a very convenient replacement. It uses lead acid to generate power as well as cold-cranking amps to start in the coldest weather.
Key Features:
- Lead acid
- Cold-cranking amps
- Easy installation
Cost: $75
ValuePower Lead Acid Automotive Battery
For a budget battery, it packs quite a punch. It has more starting power than required by industry standards and is guaranteed to perform all season.
Key Features:
- Starting power that’s more than industry standards
- All-season performance
- Easy connection
Cost: $50
