To find the best D batteries our evaluation focused on shelf life, rechargeable vs. disposable, number of batteries per pack, charge retention, and packaging.
After researching and testing for 24 hours, our top pick goes to the AmazonBasics D Cell Batteries. It offers a super long-lasting charge, impressive 5-year shelf life, comes in a 12-pack, and uses frustration-free packaging to get your devices up and running in no time. Keep reading to learn about the AmazonBasics D Cell Batteries and six others that made the cut.
Top 6 Best D Batteries Compared
#1 AmazonBasics D Cell Batteries
Award: Top Pick
WHY WE LIKE IT: These D cell batteries offer an excellent charge and come in a 12-pack. It is a great choice to power all kinds of devices, including boom boxes, flashlights, and RC cars.
- Best quality
- 5-year shelf life
- 12-pack for convenience
- Not rechargeable
- Wasteful on low drain devices
Thanks to its air and liquid-tight seal and single crimp design, these batteries do not leak, even in hot and humid weather. It also holds a charge for 5 years, making it easy to stow away and use in the case of an on-the-road emergency when a weather radio or flashlight is needed.
Aside from the AmazonBasics name, we really enjoyed its frustration-free packaging. It comes in a small cardboard box, not tight, plastic-sealed casing that requires a pair of scissors to cut through. With inpatient toddlers looking to race their brand new RC trucks, every second counts. For those devices that take Cs, check out the best C batteries list.
#2 Duracell PC1300 1.5V D12 Procell Alkaline Batteries
Award: Honorable Mention
WHY WE LIKE IT: These alkaline batteries offer long-lasting power and a whopping 10-year shelf life, double the shelf life of our #1 pick. It is a great choice for powering power-heavy devices such as larger flashlights, radios, and children’s toys.
- 10 year shelf life
- Long-lasting power
- Good for many devices
- Cannot be recharged
Each battery carries 1.5 volts, which makes it more than enough for high drainage items that need a larger electrical current than A and C batteries to pass through. Plus, with these batteries coming in a 12 pack, it could easily take several months to a year before its time to purchase another set.
What we enjoyed about these D batteries is their ability to operate in extreme temperatures as low as -4˚F and as high as 129˚F. With a 10-year shelf life, these can be stored away and used out in the Australian outback or blistering cold Sierra Nevada with no problems. No added mercury also means it is entirely safe to dispose of. We also have a list of the best rechargable aa batteries for your other needs.
#3 Energizer Max D Batteries
Award: Best Battery Shelf Life
WHY WE LIKE IT: These alkaline batteries offer great value, coming in 8-pack with a long 10-Year shelf life, tied for first on our list to the Duracell PC1300.
- 10-year shelf life
- Long-lasting power
- Leak-free guarantee
- Some users reported low battery life
- So-so value
These batteries could be used to power items such as flash units, radios, and remote control trucks. With a 10-year shelf time, these can be put away and used for emergencies, especially useful if you are a frequent traveler or outdoor enthusiast.
What we like about these batteries is its proprietary PowerSeal technology, which prevents batteries from leaking up to two years after they are fully consumed. Energizer even offers a “No Leak” guarantee by providing to replace your device if it is damaged from corrosion. Bonus points for trying to assure the customer of its performance. Whether you use the best adult toys or flashlights, we need good batteries to make sure they work right.
#4 EBL D Size Batteries
Award: Best D Batteries Rechargeable
WHY WE LIKE IT: These 4-pack D cell batteries are rechargeable, with 10,000 mAh of capacity. It is an excellent choice for heavy users who prefer to save money on purchasing batteries.
- 10,000 mAh rechargeable
- No memory effect
- Precharged up to 20% of capacity
- Only 4 per pack
- Some users reported lower mAh than advertised
- 6-7 hours to charge
What we like the most about these rechargeable D batteries is its ability to run up to 1,200 rechargeable cycles before disposing. This translates to a cost of mere pennies for each recharge, offering incredible savings versus non-rechargeable D cell batteries. Each battery is also pre-charged up to 20% of capacity, allowing you to use it immediately.
Each battery is rated at 10,000 mAh, which is good for a roughly 6 to 7-hour charge from zero. As a tip, keep your other rechargeable batteries fully charged so that you do not have to wait to use them. Thanks to its no memory effect, it can be recharged repeatedly without losing capacity. The best toys and games need the best batteries.
#5 Rayovac D Batteries
Award: Best Rayovac D Batteries
WHY WE LIKE IT: These alkaline D batteries come in a 12-pack and hold power for up to 10 years. They are a budget choice for anyone looking for quick power.
- 10-year shelf life
- Made in the U.S.A.
- 12-pack for convenience
- Some users reported shorter shelf life
- Leak-prone
These batteries are good to power all types of devices, including children’s toys, stereos, and large flashlights. They are also leak-free, with Rayovac promising each battery is tested twice before shipping to stores. Bonus points for its long 10-year shelf life, which makes this a perfect stowaway in case of emergencies.
Thanks to its 12-pack, each box contains enough batteries to power all of your household’s devices. It also arrives in simple, frustration-free packaging which does not need scissors to pry open. We like having quick access to batteries with our limited patience levels. Stuff like robot toys for kids still use D batteries too.
#6 ALLMAX All-Powerful Alkaline Batteries
Award: Best D Batteries Bulk
WHY WE LIKE IT: These alkaline batteries offer the most per pack (24) on our list and store power up to 7 years. It is a great option for people who run through batteries heavily, such as teachers with classroom toys or RC car hobbyists who “ride” several times a week.
- 7-year shelf life
- Safe on the environment
- Massive 24-pack box
- Flimsy box
- Some users reported not enough power
Another area where these batteries perform well is its assurance, as all batteries are made within one year of purchase. Many batteries may be out on the market for years, cutting into its shelf life. With this promise, Allmax inspires confidence each battery will work within the advertised time frame.
Thanks to no mercury, cadmium, or lead, which can contaminate soil and affect children and adults with excessive levels, it is entirely safe to use, even when disposed. With the highest number of batteries per pack (24), these can circulate in a classroom very quickly, so this is a neat fact. If you’re looking to house something like a car battery, take a look at the best battery box.
How We Decided
In determining the best D cell battery to buy, we looked into rechargeable vs. disposable batteries, shelf life, and the number of batteries per pack. Rechargeable batteries offer considerably higher value than disposables, with each charge costing pennies. However, they typically carry a lower mAh powering capacity, so you would be sacrificing power for the convenience of not purchasing new batteries.
Shelf life is a very important factor. Our minimum recommended shelf life is five years, with most batteries topping out at seven to 10 years. This is especially important when storing them to pull out in case of emergencies. You never know when a large flashlight is needed in the middle of the jungle. Number of batteries per pack is also a consideration to prevent having to return to the store constantly to purchase new batteries.
D Batteries Buying Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Shelf Life and Work in Extreme Temperatures
Our minimum recommended shelf life for each battery is five years. Many of our picks carry 10-year shelf lives. The longer the shelf life, the longer they are serviceable, regardless of their exposure to the elements. Some batteries, like the Duracell DC1300, can also operate in temperatures as low as -4˚F and as high as 129˚F, which increase reliability in scorching hot car trunks and outdoor emergencies. - Number per Pack
The higher the number of batteries per pack, the longer you can keep a single device charged throughout its service life. - Power or mAh
mAh means milliamp hours. The higher the number, the longer it will power your devices. Note, longevity depends on your device’s draw, or use of power. Look for D batteries with a minimum of 10,000 mAh. If your device draws a 100mA current, then the battery will last roughly 100 hours. - Rechargeable vs Single Use
Rechargeable batteries offer amazing cost savings over single use batteries. The EBL Rechargeable D batteries last up to 1,200 cycles at 10,000 mAh, which translates to pennies per charge. Note, rechargeable batteries typically run a lower mAh than single use batteries, so you are exchanging power for convenience. However, this should be negligible if you are powering lower drain devices.
D Batteries FAQs
Are all D cell batteries the same?
No, they are not. They vary in terms of shelf life. On average, batteries are good anywhere from 5 to 10 years, with most of the picks on our list owning a 7 to 10 year shelf life.
How do I recycle my used batteries?
It depends on the battery. Alkaline batteries can be disposed of in your waste basket. Lithium ion batteries should be taken to battery recycling facilities, as they contain hazardous materials that could leak.
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