The Best Replacement Car Batteries To Get You Started
You don’t want to wait until the day your car doesn’t start to begin researching replacement car batteries. Eventually, your car’s battery will run out of charge and needing a replacement is part of your car’s maintenance. Generally, you will likely have to replace your car’s battery once or twice during its life, although there are products you can purchase to help maintain and extend your car’s battery life. But that’s not what this article is about—you’re likely here because you’re shopping for a replacement car battery.
There are two general types of automotive batteries: Lead-acid (regular) and Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM). Lead-acid batteries typically cost less than AGM batteries but won’t hold a charge for as long. AGM batteries, on the other hand, are designed to withstand routine draining and recharging cycles. Most modern vehicles with high-tech features such as start/stop systems now come from the factory with AGM batteries, which is why most of our recommendations on this list are AGM batteries. They may be more expensive, but they offer better long-term performance by withstanding deep discharges and are more likely to be recovered if they’ve been accidentally drained.
Batteries also come in different sizes and terminal types, so you’ll want to check your car’s manual to get the right one prior to purchasing. You may notice some of the battery models on our list are similar but with different top terminals—make sure you’re getting the one you need.
As you browse through our list, you’ll see that we’ll highlight a couple features for most of the batteries. One of them is cold cranking amps (CCA), which measures how well a battery can start your car in cold weather conditions. Another feature is reserve capacity, which is how long a battery can run if any parts of your car’s charging system fails.
For more information on the best replacement car batteries, refer to our table of contents.
Table of contents
- 1. Editor's Pick: Optima Batteries RedTop 35
- 2. Best for Cars with Lots of Accessories: Optima Batteries YellowTop D34/78
- 3. ACDelco 94RAGM Professional Automotive Battery
- 4. Optima Batteries RedTop 75/25
- 5. XS Power D3400 High Output Battery
- 6. Delphi MaxStart AGM Premium Automotive Battery
- 7. Kinetik 2400-Watt Battery
- 8. AutoCraft Platinum Battery
- 9. Odyssey Extreme Series Battery
- 10. AutoCraft Automotive Battery
- Recent Updates:
1. Editor's Pick: Optima Batteries RedTop 35
Optima is one of the most well-known brands within the segment, so it's little surprise 3 of its batteries end up on our list, even though 2 are essentially the same with different terminals. Our top recommendation is the company's RedTop 35 starting battery. It's a good balance of price and performance, boasting 720 cold cranking amps (CCA) and C20 capacity of 44 Ah, along with a reserve capacity of 90 minutes for constant performance. The battery itself measures 9.38" by 7.69" by 6.75" and weighs 31.7 pounds.
The RedTop 35 features SAE posts and its case is made of polypropylene.
Providing a strong starting burst, Optima claims this battery has more than 15 times the vibration resistance of a standard battery and is maintenance-free with up to 3 times longer life. It's spill proof and mountable in virtually any position.
Product features:
- 720 CCA
- C20 capacity: 44 Ah
- Strong starting burst
- Up to 3 times longer life
- Reserve capacity of 90 minutes for constant performance
- 15 times more vibration resistant
- Spill proof
- Mountable in virtually any position
- Maintenance-free
- Faster recharging
- Polypropylene case
- SAE posts
2. Best for Cars with Lots of Accessories: Optima Batteries YellowTop D34/78
If your car is packed with a lot of accessories, such as an aftermarket audio system, you'll want to invest into a high-performance battery. We have a few high-performance batteries on our list, but our recommended pick also comes from Optima and its YellowTop lineup. The 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 lbs and boasts dual SAE and GM posts. If you need different terminal types, make sure to check out the rest of Optima's YellowTop lineup.
Along with a polypropylene case like the RedTop 35, the YellowTop D34/78 has a reserve capacity of 120 minutes (versus 90 on the RedTop 35). This battery also claims to be 15 times more resistant to vibration for enhanced durability.
Offering deep-cycle and cranking power, the YellowTop also boasts faster charging and over 300 discharge/recharge cycles before it needs to be replaced. Like other Optima batteries, it has a spill proof design and can be mounted in virtually any position.
Product features:
- 750 CCA
- C20 capacity: 55 Ah
- Up to 3 times longer life
- Reserve capacity of 120 minutes for constant performance
- 15 times more vibration resistant
- Deep-cycle and cranking power
- Spill proof
- Mountable in virtually any position
- Faster recharging
- Polypropylene case
- Over 300 discharge/recharge cycles
- Dual SAE/GM posts
3. ACDelco 94RAGM Professional Automotive Battery
From popular brand ACDelco is the company's 94R Professional AGM battery. This battery features a leak-proof pressurized valve system that is engineered for safety and long life, helping prevent dry-out and acid damage to the terminals. The 94R has high cycling capabilities and is remarkably charge-receptive, which means they're great for vehicles with start/stop systems.
One standout feature on this battery is its use of high density negative paste, which improves performance and increases battery life. In addition, enhanced life alloy/Silver Calcium stamped alloy increases life cycle and also contributes to improved battery performance. A precision manufactured ribbed case, which has been 100% pressure tested to help avoid future leaks, adds strength and rigidity.
ACDelco's Professional Automotive AGM batteries come with a 36-month free replacement period. AC Delco's parent company Clarios manufactures other battery brands including DieHard, Varta, and Optima.
Product features:
- Leak-proof pressurized valve system
- High cycling capabilities, remarkably charge-receptive
- Great for vehicles with start/stop systems
- High density negative paste
- Enhanced life alloy/Silver Calcium stamped alloy
- 100% pressure tested, precision manufactured ribbed case
4. Optima Batteries RedTop 75/25
Our third and final battery from Optima is the company's RedTop 75/25. It's very similar to the RedTop 35 with 720 CCA and C20 capacity of 44 Ah, but it features dual SAE/GM posts instead of just the 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 expect the same performance as the RedTop 35, providing a strong starting burst and up to 3 times the battery life. It is also 15 times more vibration resistant and boasts a reserve capacity of 90 minutes for constant performance. The RedTop 75/25 has a maintenance-free, spill proof design and can be mounted in virtually any position.
If you need GM posts on your battery, go with the RedTop 75/25.
Product features:
- 720 CCA
- C20 capacity: 44 Ah
- Strong starting burst
- Up to 3 times longer life
- Reserve capacity of 90 minutes for constant performance
- 15 times more vibration resistant
- Spill proof
- Mountable in virtually any position
- Maintenance-free
- Faster recharging
- Polypropylene case
- Dual SAE/GM posts
5. XS Power D3400 High Output Battery
Another high-performance replacement car battery option comes from XS Power with the D3400. Boasting capacity of 65 Ah, 3,300 max amps, and 1,000 cranking amps (not CCA), this battery is spill proof, sealed, valve regulated, and vibration resistant. It's designed for heavy-duty applications with ultra low internal resistance and is ideal for vehicles with stereo systems 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 choice for competition car audio enthusiasts. So if you're in need of a strong battery that will last, take a look at XS Power.
Product features:
- 65 Ah
- 3,000 max amps
- 1,000 cranking amps
- Ultra low internal resistance
- Spill proof, sealed, valve regulated, and vibration resistant
- Ideal for competition car audio
6. Delphi MaxStart AGM Premium Automotive Battery
Delphi is an OEM manufacturer that supplies parts for many new vehicles, so while they're a huge company, they're not a big presence in the aftermarket. They make their full line of AGM batteries in their own factories, largely in North America, and offers a 36-month free replacement guarantee on the MaxStart AGM line.
As an AGM car battery, you get many benefits over a lead-acid battery, including longevity and vibration resistance, faster charging, and up to twice the life of a conventional battery, which makes the cost of an AGM make a lot more sense.
The battery has mediocre 71% positive reviews, mostly related to shipping damage, and Delphi receives a mediocre C rating for satisfaction. We recommend contacting the company directly through the US-based toll-free number on their website.
Pros | OEM quality, three-year guarantee |
Cons | Expensive, complaints about customer service |
7. Kinetik 2400-Watt Battery
If your car is packing some serious audio equipment and you've experienced issues with dimming headlights, you'll want to invest into a battery from Kinetik. This company specializes in high-performance batteries, mainly aimed at car audio enthusiasts. But that also means they'll provide more than enough juice for a conventional vehicle. Just one quick glance at the user reviews for this product proves it resolves many users' issues with dimming headlights.
This particular battery is a 2400-watt unit featuring a spill proof, sealed design and can be mounted in any position. Ultra low ESR with more plates provide stronger energy density, while tightly packed cells are good for higher voltage under load. Superior heat and vibration resistance means this battery is built to last.
Product features:
- Ideal for car audio enthusiasts
- 2400-watt battery
- Spill proof, sealed design
- Ultra low ESR with more plates provide stronger energy density
- Tightly packed cells for higher voltage under load
- Superior heat and vibration resistance
- Mountable in any position
8. AutoCraft Platinum Battery
If you need a replacement car battery in a hurry, we have two options on our list that you can purchase online and pick up locally. Advance Auto Parts carries AutoCraft's lineup of car batteries and 2 of them land on our list. The first is the Platinum AGM battery, engineered to provide up to twice the life compared to a standard flooded battery. AutoCraft's AGM batteries use what it calls 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 grid technologies. In addition, PowerFrame virtually eliminates premature failure and is up to 66% more durable and more corrosion-resistant than other grid designs.
As a spill proof battery, it can be installed in any location on your vehicle, while the battery itself has a robust design that offers exceptional high temperature climate 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 at 60 Ah and 740 CCA. It measures 10.25" by 7.75" by 6.812" and weighs 38.7 lbs.
Product features:
- 60 Ah
- 740 CCA
- Engineered to provide up to twice the life compared to a standard flooded battery
- PowerFrame grid technology - offers up to 70% better electrical flow and is 66% more durable and more corrosion-resistant than other grid designs
- Spill proof
- Can be mounted in any location
- Robust design offers exceptional performance in extreme temperatures
- Higher level of vibration resistance
9. Odyssey Extreme Series Battery
Another brand you really can't go wrong with is Odyssey. These batteries are made in the U.S. and its Extreme Series is our recommendation, specifically the 34R-PC1500. It's designed for general automotive use and light trucks, ending up as a popular option for SUV owners. This particular battery offers 68 Ah and 850 CCA with 135 minutes of reserve capacity.
Unlike the lead alloy used in other batteries, Odyssey's battery plates are made of pure virgin lead, which means it can pack in more plates. More plates result in more plate surface area, providing more power. Odyssey says the 34R-PC1500 has twice the overall more power and 3 times the life of conventional batteries, with up to 400 cycles at 80% depth of discharge.
This battery uses SAE terminals and is resistant to vibration with flexible mounting options. The company provides a limited 3- and 4-year full replacement warranty.
Product features:
- 68 Ah
- 850 CCA
- 135 minutes of reserve capacity
- Ideal for light truck and SUV owners
- Battery plates are made of pure virgin lead
- Twice the overall power
- Three times the life of conventional batteries
- Up to 400 cycles at 80% depth of discharge
- Vibration resistant
- Flexible mounting
- Limited 3- and 4-year full replacement warranties
- Made in the U.S.
10. AutoCraft Automotive Battery
If you quickly need an extremely affordable replacement battery, there's AutoCraft's entry-level automotive battery. Available at Advance Auto Parts, which means you can pick it up locally after purchasing it online, this is a fairly basic car battery offering 650 CCA. Aimed at providing starting power at an affordable price, this battery is maintenance free and has a "durable" battery life span.
Given its price, this battery is mainly an option for low maintenance vehicles and for car owners looking for something really cheap. If you need a battery to just get you going temporarily, this is the way to go. Advance Auto Parts also provides a 90-day replacement if the battery is defective.
It's worth noting that AutoCraft has other battery models as well. So if you don't need the performance from the Platinum AGM battery earlier on our list and want something a bit more reliable than the standard battery, take a look at the company's Silver and Gold options.
Product features:
- 650 CCA
- Basic battery
- Extremely affordable
- "Durable" battery life span
- 90-day replacement if battery is defective
Recent Updates:
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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I have a 2010 camaro garage queen in alberta Canada . 35,000 changing the battery in the camaro this week noticed it was dragging a bit. The year is 2022 I could charge it up but I think its probably time. The batteries in the tires will need changing. Did the tires last year and should have changed them. I didnt all this technology. My first camaro was in 1976 I just Burnt the tires off that one. I remember when BF Goodrich came out I went back on warranty. One month old and all four were bald. Car cornered as hard as the 4 speed spun. Those were the days. I dont like low profile tires. My 79 vette p245 15 front p 295 60s in the rear. Gave it a rake.