Batteries & Power
Stay connected with cell phone chargers and cables
Travel-friendly portable chargers and power banks
Wireless charging pads, stands and mounts
Go beyond the grid with solar panels and power
Weather any storm with
surge protectors
surge protectors
Rechargeable batteries
Recycle your batteries
Choosing the right batteries for you
When choosing replacement batteries, start by identifying the battery category you need. Categories correspond with specific sizes, shapes and power levels. There are some common categories for home devices. Most headlamps and small flashlights take AAA batteries, while electronic toys like remote control cars often use AA batteries. Many large flashlights and camping lanterns take C batteries or D batteries, while smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors usually take 9V batteries. There are also button cell and specialty batteries for small electronic devices, like watches . Once you know the battery type you need, you can decide whether you’re going to buy single-use or rechargeable batteries. It’s common to find AAA and AA rechargeable batteries , which will power back up any time you plug them into the compatible charger, reducing waste and saving you money over time. Among single-use batteries, you have a choice between alkaline batteries , which are the more budget-friendly option, and lithium batteries . Often used in cameras , remotes or handheld tools, lithium batteries offer a longer lifespan, but if you travel, keep in mind that electronics with lithium batteries must be in your carry-on luggage , not in checked baggage.
Setting up a power station with batteries and power banks
To keep phones , tablets and other small USB-powered electronics charged on a trip or during a power outage, consider investing in a high-capacity battery called a power bank (also known as a power pack). You can charge your power bank in advance of a trip or disaster, and you can recharge it using solar panels or a vehicle power inverter . If you’re running equipment off an inverter , make sure you know what you’re doing, as you can damage your car’s battery through misuse. If you need your desktop or other device to stay on through a power fluctuation, you may also benefit from an uninterruptible power supply or battery backup. Using a battery backup can protect your device from both power outages and power surges. To keep power surges from damaging other home electronics, like your television , invest in surge protectors . While you’re thinking about your electronic power needs, did you know that you can actually replace phone and laptop batteries if your device is running out of charge too quickly? For the easiest battery replacement option, check out Best Buy’s cell phone services or computer services to get your new battery installed professionally.