Top 10 Best Car Batteries That Give You Maximum Performance

Can’t get your car to start? Perhaps the time all car owners dread has finally come- your battery finally reached the end of its life, and it needs replacement, fast. You might be feeling stumped and betrayed, seeing as you’ve been taking care of your car like a baby. Sadly, this was bound to happen sooner or later.

Here’s the good thing- there are dozens, if not hundreds, of great replacements that deliver the same, if not better, performance as your car’s original battery. From high performance, high durability, fast recharging, and several other amazing features, you can definitely find a car battery that fits your needs.

I’d love to help! I took the time to sort through the many different automotive batteries out there to find the best ones that give you the best performance and quality so you can get the best value for your money.

Read on to find out the top 10 best car batteries, and help yourself with the comprehensive buyers guide I’ve provided at the end of this article. Don’t read and drive!

The 10 Best Car Batteries Ranked

1.  Odyssey 65-PC1750T Automotive and LTV Battery

This brand produces a variety of top-notch products that car owners and enthusiasts all over the world swear by, and one of my favorites is their Odyssey 65-PC1750T automotive battery- it’s one of the most long-lasting, fast recharging, and high performing batteries out there. Its cycle life lasts for 3 to 10 years and runs up to 400 cycles at 80% depth of discharge, making it infinitely better than other deep cycle batteries.

Featuring a spill-proof and easy mounting design, this battery offers great vibration resistance against high impact shock and mechanical vibration, can produce a high stable voltage over a long period of time and has a topnotch deep cycling ability. What you get is a reliable battery with massive starting power and fast recharge efficiency.

You can get it installed by a professional, and once that’s done, the battery pretty much takes care of itself throughout its long life. And, even if problems arise, you can always rely on the amazing 3-4 year warranty to get you by.

Specs:             12V 65A 950CCA

Ave. size:        15x11x10in

2.  XS Power D3400 XS Series 12V 3,300 Amp AGM High Output Battery with M6 Terminal Bolt

If you are looking for the best battery for all-around performance, look no further- XS Power offers the most excellent AGM battery in the market. Whether you need a car battery for everyday driving or heavy-duty use, this one meets NASCAR standards, so you know you’re in good hands.

This 12V battery is engineered and designed in such a way that it’s completely sealed and spill-proof, so it can be mounted in almost any position. It’s also valve regulated and features an ultra-low internal and vibration resistance.

The battery’s manufacturers promise the highest energy density among all other similar batteries, and they surely don’t fail to deliver- XS Power’s battery will not only meet but exceed your expectations.

Specs:             12V 1000CA 65Ah 4000W

Ave. size:        12x10x9in

3.  Odyssey PC680 Battery

Another outstanding option for a cattery with exceptional power is Amazon’s bestseller- the Odyssey PC680 battery. With a service lifespan of 3 to 10 years, this battery lasts 70% longer than conventional deep cycle batteries, giving you the best value for your money.

This battery is made of pure virgin lead plates, making for 15% more plate surface area, which enables the battery to produce up to 400 cycles at 80% depth of discharge. I’m talking about high stable voltage for longer periods of time!

The best part? It only takes 4 hours for the battery to recharge completely, giving it the highest recharge efficiency out of all other sealed lead batteries. It also features a non-spillable design for mounting flexibility, and can resist high impact shock and mechanical vibration, making it perfect for Powersports operations.

Other amazing features of the Odyssey PC680 Battery include high conductivity, corrosion-resistant tin-plated brass terminals, high integrity terminal seal, a sealed design resulting in gases recycled internally during operation or charging, a safety relief valve per cell and robust intercell connections to prevent vibration damage.

Specs:             12V 170CCA 18A 520PHCA

Ave. size:        7x3x7in

4.  ExpertPower 12v 33ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery [EXP12330]

This battery by Expert Power demands to be included in this list- it’s one of the most trusted and highest reviewed options for sealed lead-acid batteries on Amazon, making it Amazon’s Choice. As a lead-acid battery engineered with AGM technology and featuring a 10 hour deep cycled and a wide temperature range, it’s a great option for those looking for quality and performance.

It’s also valve regulated, and resistant to high impact shock, vibration, harsh chemicals, and heat, and is guaranteed to get your system running in no time at all. Plus, it’s easy to install, and maintenance-free!

Specs:             12V 33Ah 33A

Ave. size:        7x5x6in

5.  Delphi BU9078DT MaxStart AGM Premium Automotive Battery, Group Size 78DT (Dual Terminal)

One of the fastest recharging batteries I’ve found is Delphi’s MaxStart premium automotive battery- it’s an AGM technology battery featuring a perfect OEM AGM fit replacement, so you can expect a better, safer, and more connected life cycle from your battery.

With this one, you get an improved cycle life, more power to match your system’s demands, and an assurance that your car starts without fail each time, every time. It’s also 20x more resistant to vibration and lasts twice as long as other conventional batteries.

This dual terminal battery has an optimized component compression and is designed with fortified posts, straps, and welds, to improve its corrosion resistance and handling of its manifold venting system.

Specs:             12V 775CCA 12RC

Ave. size:        10x7x6in

6.  ACDelco ACDB24R Advantage AGM Automotive BCI Group 51 Battery

Do you need a battery with reliable starting power to get your car moving each and every time? ACDelco’s battery gives you just that. It’s made with AGM technology and has a high cycling capacity for even performance all throughout.

Like any decent and good quality car battery, the ACDelco battery is 100% spillproof, so you can mount it any way you want.

The brand promises to deliver the best fit, form, and function, giving you the highest quality and value for your money. So, if you want a perfect fit, easy handling, and no-hassle installation, this one may be the perfect battery for you.

Specs:             12V

Ave. size:        18x11x10in

7.  Kinetik HC2400-REV 2400 Watt 12V Car Battery

A great alternative for lead-based batteries that delivers just as much power and performance is Kinetik’s 12V lithium metal power cell. It’s also designed with AGM technology and packed with more plates, so you’re getting that high energy density you need for optimum performance.

Like the previous batteries I mentioned, this one also has a non-spillable design and can be mounted in any position, and features superior heat and vibration resistance- but, the true highlight of Kinetik batteries is their ultra-low equivalent series resistance.

This is one of the best audio cells that deliver more current than power cells twice its size. In fact, car owners and enthusiasts love it for cranking up their booming systems without the issue of dimming headlights and whatnot.

Specs:             12V 24000W

Ave. size:        13x7x8in

8.  Northstar Pure Lead Automotive Group 65 Battery NSB-AGM65

Here’s another reliable option for automotive batteries engineered with the latest AGM technology- Northstar’s pure lead automotive battery is a state-of-the-art 12V lead battery designed to start your car quickly and smoothly each time, every time.

With a 900x cycle at 50% depth of discharge, this a high performance, long-lasting battery that delivers exceptional CCA ratings and reserve capacity. It’s essentially maintenance-free, eliminating the need for water level checks and terminal cleaning.

This battery is made with advanced technology in top-notch manufacturing plants right in the USA as a testament to its quality and durability.

Specs:             12V

Ave. size:        12x7x7in

9.  Mighty Max ML35-12 Gel 12 Volt 35AH Rechargeable Gel Type Battery

Mighty Max offers a great value option for gel type batteries such as the ML35-12 rechargeable battery. It’s a true deep cycle battery that is spill-proof, can be mounted in any position, and is resistant to shock and vibration.

What you get is a battery that performs well in both high and low temperatures, is durable, and lasts for a long time.

It’s already factory activated and requires no maintenance- no need for acid packs, nor adding water during the battery’s life cycle. Although you can always add electrolytes to extend its life and improve performance, even without that, this is a decent and long-lasting battery.

It’s safe to use, recycles and processes gases internally and can be used for a variety of purposes and applications.

Specs:             12V 35Ah

Ave. size:        7x5x7in

10. Interstate Batteries DCM0035 Deep Cycle Battery

One of the best deep cycle batteries is Interstate’s DCM0035. Made with AGM technology and designed for deep cycle mobility, it works well for various operations and uses. This is one of the best performers for heavy demand mobility and guarantees a long lifespan even with deep discharge use.

Interstate batteries are professional-grade, high-quality products that pass a rigorous 7-point quality control testing. What you get are rechargeable, maintenance-free, and spill-proof batteries that are valve regulated and designed to manage pressure.

This is a good, affordable option for those looking for a sealed lead acid battery with good performance, durability, and recharge efficiency.

Specs:             12V 35Ah

Ave. size:        5x6x7in

Best Car Battery Buyers Guide

You’ve seen the best- have you taken your pick yet? If not, there’s no need to worry. Choosing the best battery for your car can be a difficult decision. All these brands are promising equally great things, but how do you decide which ones you need?

I want to help you make the right and informed decision, so if you need more information in choosing the right car battery for you, then read on further!

Let’s start with how to figure out whether you actually need to replace your battery right now:

When to replace your car battery

No matter how long-lasting your original and replacement batteries are, over time, they are still bound to meet the end of their life cycle. Let’s face it, batteries fail and die.

This can be due to a number of reasons, including poor maintenance (such as failing to add water or clean cables), bad driving habits, always leaving the lights on and cranking up the sound system, constant exposure to harsh temperature changes, faulty drains, factory defects, or just general wear and tear.

Even just an unusually cold winter can increase the draw from your starter motors and accessories, and reduce the battery’s overall capacity.

You’ll know if your battery is dead if these things happen:

• You can’t start the engine even though it cranks
• The car, its headlights, radio, and sound system won’t start
• The car fails to start consistently
• You’ve already had to jump the battery several times

If that’s the case, it’s time to get a replacement. Driving a car with a faulty battery compromises your safety, your car’s performance, and may leave you stuck in a ditch when the car unexpectedly stops and won’t restart.

But, what kind of battery do you need?

Types of car batteries

All car batteries are made for the same reason- to get your car started, powered up, and running. Having said that, there are actually different ways that these batteries are made, and the type of battery you use can affect how it performs, how long it lasts, and how much you have to spend for it.

Valve regulated lead-acid battery (VRLA)

One of the most common types of batteries for automobiles is lead type ones. These are completely sealed and spill-proof, making them easy to mount and eliminating the hassles of maintenance, such as having to pour water on your battery every now and then.

Most lead-acid batteries you’ll find are made with Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) technology, which produces the highest energy density among all other batteries, giving it you a high power burst in a short period of time.

There are also gel cell batteries available, but these work better for deep cycle operations. The only downside to VRLA batteries is that they cannot be serviced and therefore need to be replaced once they become faulty.

Lithium-ion battery (Li-ion)

Another type of automotive battery is the lithium-ion, which is one of the most lightweight and compact car battery options you’ll ever find. Plus, these batteries store way more power than conventional batteries, and have a high recharge efficiency.

However, the size and design of these batteries make them incompatible with most common cars, save for those modern electrical and hybrid vehicles, and a handful of newer car models specifically designed to fit smaller batteries.

Another downside to these batteries is their short lifespan, which can run you hundreds to thousands of dollars in regular replacement costs.

Starting, lighting, and ignition battery (SLI)

SLI batteries are widely used and commonly known car batteries suitable for most car types and models, both old and new. These batteries can give you high power in short bursts, enabling you to start your car, as well as power up your ignition, lights, sounds, and so on.

The problem with SLI batteries is that they need to be recharged frequently because of their shallow charge cycle, but other than that, these are pretty handy and decent car batteries.

Wet cell battery

The most affordable car batteries you can find are the wet cell or flooded types. These are designed to hold liquid hosting electrolytes that power up the battery (and, in turn, your car), and require regular maintenance to replace these electrolytes as they get used up over time. And, these batteries have a pretty short lifespan, so there’s that.

Deep cycle battery

Finally, you’ve got deep cycle batteries, which are created for the express purpose of handling deep cycle applications, meaning, they are not only suitable for automotive vehicles, but for other battery-powered engines such as boats and golf carts. These are one of the most powerful batteries out there which can provide great power over a long period of time.

Factors to consider before buying

Aside from picking out the right battery type for your car, there are a few other factors that you need to take into account if you want to make sure that you are buying the right battery that meets your needs.

Fit

This one’s a no brainer- you can’t buy a battery that is too big or too small for your car- it either won’t work, or will cause you a mountain of problems later on, especially as the battery vibrates and rattles around due to the car’s motions. Aside from the right length, width, and height that perfectly matches your car’s battery tray, you also need to make sure that the terminals are located in the right place.

You can base on this basic size list to know if a battery is the right size for your car:

• 24/24F- Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota
• 34/78- Chrysler, SUVs, GM pickups, large ‘96-2000 sedans
• 35- Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and other Japanese cars
• 47/H5- Buick, Chevy, and Volkswagen
• 48/H6- Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, Jeep, Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Volvo
• 49/H8- Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Mercedes, and other Asian and European cars
• 51R- Honda, Mazda, Nissan, and other Japanese cars
• 65- Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury trucks and SUVs
• 75- midsize and compact GM cars, and some Chrysler cars

Power

When it comes to power requirements, it’s got to be the right voltage and wattage to power up your car, lights, and audio, but more importantly, the battery should have a high cranking amps (CA) and cold cranking amps (CCA), so your car can start no matter the weather and temperature.

Maintenance

Another thing you need to consider is the battery’s maintenance- one that requires regular maintenance is both a hassle and a pain in the wallet. Like I mentioned earlier, maintenance-free batteries like VRLA ones are great but need to be replaced once faulty. You may want to settle for low maintenance options if you want to avoid this problem.

Warranty

For your safety, peace of mind, and finances, don’t buy a battery that doesn’t come with a good coverage warranty. Aside from looking for a battery with great quality and durability, also look for a long term, full coverage warranty- there are many that offer free replacement and reimbursements.

Freshness

Like any other product you buy for yourself and your car, don’t go for stale- and yes, batteries do go “stale”. When car batteries are put in storage for long periods of time, they lose their strength, so you won’t get as much performance and cycle life out of them. Try to buy batteries manufactured within the last 6 months or less.

Taking care of your car battery

Whether it’s the old one you still have or the new one you just bought, car batteries need to be taken care of with a little maintenance, to ensure that they function at top performance and lasts for a long time.

This is true even if you have a maintenance-free battery- you still need to check on it regularly, clean the cables every now and then, and get it checked and tested by a professional every year once it hits the 2-year mark.

You need to protect your battery from corrosion, make sure that there are no leaks and damages, ensure that the electrolyte levels are still adequate, and of course, recharge your battery regularly to keep it functional.

Get yourself a battery charger (there are lots of good portable ones you can find online and in automotive supply stores), and a jumper cable. Drive your car regularly- and properly, and recharge the battery with an external charger whenever it’s about to be completely discharged.

And don’t ever disconnect the battery from the car whenever you’re planning to not use it for a while. Just don’t do it- ever.

Verdict: The best car battery is…

Odyssey 65-PC1750T Automotive and LTV Battery It’s by far the most long-lasting, fast recharging, and high performing battery you’ll ever find, with a cycle life of up to 10 years, massive starting power, great vibration resistance, and unparalleled deep cycling ability, all topped off with a 3 to 4-year warranty.

Trust me- you’ll love this battery as much as I do.

That’s it! I hope you were able to find what you’re looking for, and understand a little more about car batteries- what types of batteries there are, how to know when to replace them, how to choose the right battery for your car, and how to take care of your battery the right way.