We Ranked 8 Major Battery Brands From Best To Worst

Choosing the right car battery can feel like a bit of a gamble. Will it last? Is it worth the price? To help you out, we’ve put together a list, ranking 8 major battery brands from best to worst.

In making our list, we gathered data from real user feedback, tests, and read through loads of reviews. We focused on what really matters: how reliable these batteries are, how powerful they are, and how easy they are to install and maintain.

Whether you’re just trying to get to work in the morning or getting ready for a long road trip, our rankings will help you pick a battery that won’t let you down.

Optima

Top of the heap is Optima Batteries. Known for their six-pack design and spiral-wound cells, these batteries stand out. Optima doesn’t come cheap—a starter battery for something like a 1996 Ford Ranger could set you back about $250. On the bright side, in return you get reliability and a solid warranty.

Optima’s lineup, including the RedTop for most vehicles and the YellowTop designed for tech-heavy cars, ensures there’s an Optima for nearly every need.

Available in most auto parts stores and online, these batteries pack a punch with features like spill-proof construction and resistance to vibration. The dual-post design also means they fit a variety of car models.

The RedTop batteries get even better. They’re known for excellent cold cranking amps and reserve capacity that ensures your car starts up the first time, every time. And if it doesn’t? Optima covers it with a three-year, full replacement warranty.

DieHard

After Sears handed off the brand to Advance Auto Parts in 2019, DieHard made a comeback with a nostalgic ad featuring the iconic John McClane from “Die Hard.”

This move not only revived the brand but also spotlighted its new home at Advance Auto Parts stores across the country. Despite the shift in retail scenery, the quality stayed consistent, thanks to their continued manufacture by Clarios.

What’s really cool about DieHard these days, besides their reliable lead-acid and AGM batteries, is their eco-friendly build. In 2022, DieHard snagged a “circular economy validation” from UL. Every new DieHard AGM battery is crafted using recycled materials from old batteries brought back to Advance or Carquest stores.

Odyssey

Odyssey batteries are the kind of product you turn to when you need something you can count on, no matter what. These batteries offer superior longevity in service, cycle, and shelf life compared to others on the market. They’re so confident in their product that they offer a four-year full replacement warranty—a year more than what you’d typically expect.

Their Extreme series lives up to its name, promising to fire up your engine in the harshest conditions, from colds of -40 degrees Fahrenheit to heat up to 140 degrees. It’s this capability that makes Odyssey a standout choice for those living in places where weather conditions test the limits of lesser batteries.

While the price tag is on the higher end, for those who need uncompromising performance, Odyssey proves to be worth every penny. Their dedication to quality with features like brass terminals and pure lead plates means these batteries are built to last much longer than the norm.

XS Power

XS Power offers batteries that pack more punch than you might ever need. Their sleek, light gray batteries with the coolest labeling I’ve ever seen on a car battery are designed for serious power users, especially those who deck out their rides with high-end audio and other electrical mods. The unique terminal setup is a hit for those meticulous about their vehicle’s tech setup.

They sidestep traditional lead-acid models, opting instead for AGM and lithium varieties, using fresh, non-recycled lead. This approach caters to their focus on high-demand environments like racing and competitive car audio scenes, where every decibel or second shaved off a lap time counts.

If you’re considering XS Power for your daily drive, just a heads-up: you might need to tweak the terminal posts to fit.

Antigravity Batteries

Antigravity Batteries are here to make things a bit greener with their lithium-ion batteries. While they’ve carved out their niche in motorsports with their lighter-than-usual batteries, they’re now dipping their toe into the passenger vehicle arena with a range of group sizes that include 47, 35, 94R, and 24.

What really makes Antigravity stand out is their RE-START Technology. Imagine being stuck with a dead battery and being able to jump-start your car with a push of a button on a keyfob—no hood popping necessary.

Plus, with a built-in reserve that keeps a jump handy even as the main charge drains, you’re covered in tricky situations. They even offer a Bluetooth tracker to keep tabs on your battery’s health from your smartphone.

Bosch

Bosch batteries strike a nice middle ground in our rankings. If you’re hunting for a reliable battery without breaking the bank, Bosch might just have what you need.

Their range is pretty impressive—from the budget-friendly S3 series that comes with a one-year warranty, all the way up to the S6 AGM batteries decked out with four years of full replacement coverage.

One cool feature is their higher-than-average cold cranking amps (CCA), which makes them a solid choice for cars loaded with power-hungry aftermarket accessories. Plus, Bosch offers a unique cherry on top for the S4 line and above—free roadside assistance while under warranty.

AC Delco

AC Delco is General Motors’ answer to vehicle-specific batteries, widely available through third-party retailers and directly from GM. These batteries come in several different sizes and power capacities to snugly fit GM vehicles, and they’re priced to compete. Standard warranties span from 18 to 48 months and reflect the tier of the battery you choose.

But the real draw? AC Delco batteries are designed by GM for GM. That means when you pop one of these into your Chevy or GMC, you’re investing in a piece that’s tailor-made to get the most out of your vehicle.

They come with integrated handles on most of their batteries, which may not seem like a big deal—until you’re swapping batteries in the dead of winter. That’s when you’ll be thankful for that little extra ease.

Motorcraft

If you have a Ford and want to keep it all ‘original equipment,’ Motorcraft batteries are your go-to. You can snag them at Ford dealerships and places like O’Reilly Auto Parts. One of the perks of sticking with Motorcraft is the certainty that you’re getting the right fit for your Ford, thanks to Ford’s precise knowledge of its vehicles. Plus, warranties are honored just about everywhere they’re sold, which takes the worry out of your purchase.

These batteries are churned out by Clarios, a big name in the battery biz, known for powering a hefty slice of the U.S. auto battery market. This pedigree means Motorcraft batteries come with a stamp of reliability and quality that’s tough to beat, especially for the Ford loyalists.

Interstate

Interstate batteries have been a staple on the market since a guy started selling them from his truck back in 1952. Now, they move about 19 million units annually and are pretty much everywhere—from your local auto shop to big retailers like Costco.

\They’re known for offering a massive variety of group sizes to fit just about any vehicle and have warranties that range from 18 months to 48 months for their premium AGMs.

But here’s the catch: consistency can be hit or miss. They source their batteries from various manufacturers, which means quality can vary depending on where and who made them. While Interstate batteries generally hold up as reliable, this lack of uniform production can be a bit of a wildcard.

EverStart

EverStart might catch your eye when you’re wallet-watching at Walmart. Their lead-acid batteries are easy on the budget, but some people have run into issues with reliability and their staying power. Despite this, they score decently in customer reviews on Walmart’s site and offer a broad selection of battery sizes.

If you’re in a pinch, the EverStart Value line is an okay option. It’s affordable, with prices under a hundred bucks for most sizes, though the cold cranking amps (650 CCA for a Group 65) and a modest one-year warranty might make you think twice if you’re looking for long-term dependability.

The EverStart Maxx steps it up a notch, offering the best bang for your buck within the brand. It comes with a three-year warranty. Easy returns—just bring in the old battery with a receipt if it dies—makes it a more attractive option.

However, while the Maxx provides decent value, especially with its convenience, there are better-performing batteries out there if your budget allows a little flexibility.