The 8 Best D Batteries

Editor's Notes

November 05, 2019:

Originally introduced in 1898, frequently referred to as D cells and given the classification R20 by the International Electrotechnical Commission, D batteries are dry-cell, barrel-shaped devices with their positive and negative poles located on opposite ends (the smooth side is negative). They typically have a rated voltage in the neighborhood of 1.2 volts to 1.5 volts and tend to be reserved for medium- to large-sized equipment with high current-drain ratings (their bulky size is prohibitive when it comes to use in smaller consumer electronics). Places you might have seen them include your adolescent boombox and that monstrous flashlight you keep stored in your earthquake kit.

In a category so congested by options with significant similarities, price might seem like an obvious primary consideration, but there are a few other things that you should keep an eye out for:

Rechargeable vs Disposable: The two major selling propositions for disposable batteries are cost – their price per unit is more affordable, and convenience – remembering to charge batteries and waiting for them to finish charging are both avoidable pains. However, with rechargeable options like the Bonai High Capacity and the Tenergy 90111 boasting lifespans of 1,000+ charge cycles, it's easy to see how much fiscal sense rechargeable batteries make in the long run. They might cost you three to five times more than disposable alternatives, but nothing close to 1,000 times. In fact, most rechargeable batteries should pay for themselves within the first one percent of their life.

If you are going to go with rechargeable, favor nickel-metal hydride options over nickel-cadmium alternatives, as they tend not to contain harmful chemicals and don't suffer from the dreaded "memory effect" that plagues nickel-cadmium options – causing them to lose some of their capacity every time they're put on a charger before they're fully drained.

Environmental Impact: Besides theoretically keeping some 999 batteries out of a landfill every time you opt for a rechargeable battery over a disposable, there is a couple more ways to think green while shopping this category. Firstly, look for batteries that are built without the use of dangerous elements such as cadmium, lead and mercury. It shouldn't be tough; most top companies have taken steps in this direction already. Secondly, look for devices that come in fully-recyclable packaging, such as the AmazonBasics LR20 and the Duracell CopperTop.

Extras: Though hardly a deal maker or breaker, the molded storage cases that come with the EBL 906-4D are a nice touch, and help give you a bit of peace of mind if you're concerned about damaged batteries leaking in your luggage, for example. Another checkmark in the yes column for the EBL 906-4D is the fact that it comes with a battery charger, while other choices like the Bonai High Capacity require that a charger be purchased separately – at additional cost.