AAA Battery Evaluation : Eneloop vs. Tenergy

This article was first published in late 2017 and subsequently lost in the website crash. I was unable to retrieve it, I had to rebuild it from my notes and scattered bits and pieces. This article is the result.

Comparison/Evaluation of Rechargeable AAA Batteries – Eneloop vs. Tenergy

Panasonic BK-4MCCA4BA Eneloop AAA

• Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride)
• 800mAh
• 2100 Cycle
• 1.306v (average)
• Cost (based on Amazon best price): $2.45 each
• (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0…KIKX0DER&psc=1)

Tenergy Premium AAA

• Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride)
• 1000mAh
• 1000 cycle
• 1.260v (average)
• Cost (based on Amazon best price): $1.33 each
  (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0…VN1Q26HU&psc=1)
• Optional Cost (with charger based on Amazon best price): $1.00 each
  (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0…?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Basic Comparison from product specs and after opening the package:· 

• Eneloop claims more recharging cycles (2100 cycles vs. 1000 cycles)
• Tenergy claims 25% more storage capacity (1000mAh vs. 800mAh)
• Enloop shows more out of the package charge (1.306v vs. 1.260v)

Charging:

• I used the same smart charger for both brands. Same charging cycle at the same time. Alternated the batteries in the charger trays. Used “refresh” cycle to drain and charge the batteries equally. Allowed to sit 1-hour after charging cycle:
• Eneloop 1.4695v (average)
• Tenergy 1.4195v (average)

Discharge:

• I used a 3-battery tactical flashlight. Each flashlight is the same brand/model. Each flashlight was purchased at the same time. Test lasted 11 hours. Every 2 hours brightness was checked (subjective based on my visual assessment) and then the battery pack was switched to the other flashlight.
• Remaining voltage –
  • Eneloop .924v (average)
  • Tenergy 1.027v (average)

Outcome Narrative:

Total cost of purchase:

Tenergy is the clear winner by a 85% – 245% margin in price alone.
Tenergy is the clear winner is cost per mAh rating, over 2 to 3 times more cost effective.
Conclusion: The Tenergy battery is significantly less expensive than Eneloop in every purchase aspect.

Total cost of usage:

Tenergy is 6% – 35% more cost effective is actual usage. (total cost of ownership)
Conclusion: The Tenergy battery is more cost effective.

Performance:

Tenergy is 38% more efficient in actual usage.
Tenergy provides 11% more residual voltage.
Conclusion: The Tenergy battery is a better performing battery despite it lower initial and post-charge rating.

Overall Conclusion:

Tenergy is the clear winner in the head-to-head AAA battery category.
The only category where Eneloop is the clear winner is the number of charge cycles.

Assuming that Enelopp’s claim of 2100 charge cycles is correct, but factoring in Tenergy’s 25% better charge capacity, you can buy 2 Tenergy batteries for 1 Eneloop. And you get 19% more charge cycles from the Tengery batteries overall, and you save 20%!