Rechargeable battery or non-rechargeable battery? Which is better for you?

With battery-operated devices, you have the choice between conventional batteries or rechargeable batteries. But which is actually better? There is no general answer to this question. In our guide, you can find out how rechargeable batteries and conventional batteries differ, what advantages and disadvantages they have and for which application which power storage device is better suited.

What is the difference between conventional batteries and rechargeable batteries?

Power storage devices in the widely used AAA or AA format are available as rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries. Interestingly, the term "battery" is technically incorrect. In fact, a single battery is a so-called primary cell, which only forms a battery when combined with other primary cells of the same size and capacity. In the case of power storage devices commonly referred to as rechargeable batteries, we speak of secondary cells, which together form a battery pack.

Probably the biggest difference: While secondary cells or rechargeable batteries are rechargeable, this is generally not possible with primary cells or batteries. The reason for this is the different mode of operation.

As soon as one or more batteries supply a consumer such as an LED headlamp or a flashlight with power, current flows from the negative to the positive pole of the cell. This continues until all the electrons have moved from one pole to the other. An electrochemical redox reaction is responsible for the flow of electrons in every battery. This process is irreversible and continues until the capacity of the battery is exhausted.

In contrast to the primary cell, this flow of electrons is reversible in a secondary cell or rechargeable battery. This means that the chemical reaction, which also leads to electron migration in a rechargeable battery, is reversible when current is supplied. To do this, the rechargeable batteries, battery packs or power banks simply need to be inserted into a suitable charger or connected to a power source with a charging cable.

Conventional Battery or rechargeable battery? The advantages and disadvantages at a glance

Although standard batteries and rechargeable batteries look identical on the outside, they differ from each other in important ways. Batteries, for example in AA or AAA format, generally deliver a higher voltage than rechargeable batteries of the same size.

For this reason, rechargeable batteries are not recommended, especially for devices that require a voltage of 1.5 volts, as they usually only operate at 1.2 volts. These include remote controls, devices for measuring blood pressure and older analog cameras. There are also other advantages and disadvantages that speak for or against the use of rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries.

Advantages of non-rechargeable batteries:

They are largely insensitive to heat and cold.
They can be stored for a long time and have a low self-discharge rate.
They are also available in very small designs with a high energy density, e.g. as button cells.
No expensive accessories, such as a charger, are required for their use.

Disadvantages of non-rechargeable batteries:

Batteries cannot be recharged.
They are considerably more expensive than rechargeable batteries, especially in the long term.
The energy required for production exceeds the maximum possible energy output of a primary cell by a hundredfold.

Non rechargeable flashlights Flashlights with aa batteries Flashlights with aaa batteries

Non rechergable headlamps

Advantages of rechargeable batteries:

The use of rechargeable batteries results in lower long-term costs thanks to their rechargeability.
They are suitable for devices with a continuously high power consumption.
They have a longer service life and a much better environmental footprint as a result.

Disadvantages of rechargeable batteries:

Rechargeable batteries have a higher initial cost, which is only amortized over time.
They are dependent on an external power source, such as a socket.
There are additional costs for necessary accessories, e.g. a charger.
Rechargeable batteries self-discharge more quickly.

Rechargeable flashlights Flashlights with rechargeable 18650 batteries

Rechargeable headlamps Rechargeable Camping Lights Rechargeable Work Lights

5 golden rules for the correct handling of rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries

Batteries must always be ready for use when they are needed. For example, in the event of a power failure or if the fuse in the power box has blown. With a battery box or a power bank from Ledlenser, you are ideally equipped in such a situation. However, the following points should be noted:

Batteries gradually discharge themselves, with primary cells having an advantage. Conventional alkaline batteries lose around 6 percent of their charge per year, while lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries can lose between 4-5 percent per month.
Rechargeable batteries should neither be completely discharged for storage nor connected to the mains for long periods of time.
Defective batteries should never be disposed of with household waste.
If it is necessary to change the batteries every month, as is the case with regularly used headlamps, for example, it is much cheaper to use rechargeable batteries.
Batteries should always be stored in a dry place and not too cold or too hot. To protect your batteries from shocks and pressure, a stable, waterproof and dustproof battery box is ideal, e.g. the Batterybox7 Pro.