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Duracell and Energizer are market leaders in the battery domain. Both offer great batteries made of suitable quality materials and durability.
Not sure which brand to go for? We pit them against each other to help you make an informed decision.
Battery Technology
The Duracell brand is known for three of its main technologies:
- Quantum
- DuraLock
- Ion Core
The Duracell quantum range features a high-density core power booster that packs more power than similar-sized batteries.
Duracell batteries also boast of the DuraLock Power Preserve Technology. DuraLock uses more active ingredients and a triple corrosion-resistant exterior that makes them last up to 10 years.
When it comes to rechargeable batteries, Duracell batteries use Ion Core Technology, which allows for a longer-lasting charge.
In comparison, Energizer batteries use:
- Power seal technology
- Recharge power plus
Power Seal Technology in the Max range allows the batteries to hold power for up to 10 years.
The Energizer rechargeable batteries are manufactured with Recharge Power Plus. This allows them to deliver longer-lasting power with every charge. Plus, Energizer rechargeables can be charged hundreds of times before you discard them.
Verdict: When it comes to technologies, it’s a draw. Both brands carry groundbreaking tech which makes them long-lasting options.
Market Dominance
Duracell was the first to become a known household brand in the 1960s and was publicly listed in 1989. Energizer can trace its conception back to the Eveready Battery Company, which started in 1986, but the Energizer brand was established in 1980.
Below is a table that gives an overview of both the Duracell and Energizer brands:
| Feature | Duracell | Energizer |
| Public Listing | 1989 | 2000 |
| Popular range | AA,AAA,C,D,9V,Miniature | 9V, Multi Cell, Lantern, AA, AAA, C,D, F,J,N |
| Prices | More costly than Energizer | Cheaper in cost per battery than Duracell |
| Market share | Approx 38% | Approx 38% |
Verdict: The Duracell brand has been around for longer and commands a bigger chunk of the market for both domestic and industrial use.
Battery Variants
Both brands carry similar battery variants for industrial and domestic use, with the same chemistry including:
- Lithium
- Silver-oxide
- Nickel metal hydride
- Zinc-air
However, the variants aren’t identical. We’ll feature a comparison of size C batteries today.
Size C Batteries
Size C batteries are standard thick cells that measure 50mm in length and 26.2 mm in diameter. They are larger than both AA and AAA standard sizes but are smaller than the D battery size.
These batteries are used to power various gadgets, like your camera, remote control, radio, motored toy or torch.
Both Duracell and Energizer produce a variety of primary and secondary C-size batteries for industrial and home devices.
Let’s compare Duracell vs. Energizer C batteries:
Duracell C Batteries:
Duracell makes the alkaline C with the following features:
- Single-use batteries
- Use DuraLock Technology
- Ideal for high drain devices like high powered toys, flashlights, shavers and digital cameras
- Manufactured to high standards for optimum battery performance
- Designed for professional use
- Long-lasting battery life
- Can be stored at temperatures between 5 degrees Celsius to +30 degrees celsius
- Can operate between -20 degrees Celsius and +54 degrees celsius
The Duracell brand also makes the Duracell Plus C LR14, Duracell Ultra C LR14, Industrial by Duracell (Procell) C LR14 and ID1400.
In the secondary category, the Duracell brand has a rechargeable C 3000 mAh. This battery has a NiMH chemistry (nickel-metal hydride) which can:
- Stay charged for up to 12 months when not in use
- Be charged up to 400 times
- Last up to 5 years in storage
Energizer C batteries:
The Energizer brand has the Max C, which has the following characteristics:
- Long-lasting alkaline chemistry with a lifespan of up to 10 years at a temperature of 21 degrees celsius
- Hold power for up to 10 years
- Made with Energizer PowerSeal technology
- Leakage protection
For secondary cells, Energizer is known for the Recharge C NiMH batteries (nickel-metal hydride) batteries that:
- Can be charged up to 1500 times
- Have a rated capacity of 2500 mAh at 21 degrees celsius
The table below will provide a technical overview of the C type batteries manufactured by both battery giants:
| Alkaline primary batteries | NiMH secondary batteries | ||
| Duracell | Energizer | Duracell | Energizer |
| 1.5 volts | 1.5 volts | 1.2 volts | 1.2 volts |
| Operating temperature: -20 to 54 degrees celsius | Operating temperature: -18 to 55 degrees celsius | Can be charged up to 400 times | Can be charged up to 1500 times |
| Typical weight 69g | Typical weight 66g | Rated capacity of 3000 mAh | Rated capacity of 2500 mAh at 21 degrees celsius |
| Shelf life up to 10 years | Shelf life up to 10 years at 21 degrees celsius | Stays charged up to 12 months when not in use | Stays charged up to 12 months when not in use |
Verdict: Both brands have long-lasting C batteries of similar voltage. However, in the reusable NiMh category, Energizer stands stronger with higher cycle life.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Duracell vs. Energizer Comparison
Which Is Safer on the Environment: Duracell or Energizer?
Both battery manufacturers support recycling efforts. Duracell supports Call2Recycle, a free battery and cell phone recycling program. Energizer contributes to the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation.
In addition, they’ve both stopped using mercury in battery manufacturing.
However, Energizer batteries have been known to leak faster than Duracell alkaline batteries after expiry.
Do Duracell Batteries Really Last Longer Than Energizer?
In a battery life test conducted using non-rechargeable C batteries from the two brands in a flashlight, Duracell outdid Energizer.
However, when a similar test was done using AA batteries in clocks, the Energizer AA batteries outlasted the Duracell AA batteries.
When comparing the battery life of the rechargeable AA batteries, another test showed that Duracell lasted 5 to 6.5 hours while Energizer could only keep going for 2 to 3.5 hours.
Bottom line: Duracell doesn’t always last longer than Energizer.
Watch this video for the results of another test.
Final Verdict: Duracell vs. Energizer Which Should You Choose?
When it comes down to the choice between Duracell and Energizer, there’s no outright winner. Both brands use the best technologies and aren’t significantly different in any other features.
Whether you want to go with Duracell or Energizer is a matter of preference. Whichever brand you go for, you’ll find it cheaper at HB Battery Specialists. We have a wide range of Energizer and Duracell batteries in stock, with great service to go with it.
You can choose from our alkaline, industrial Procell, Energizer Max, NiMh, Duracell Ultra, or Lithium batteries, among many other types.
Our featured cell, size C, is available in a household or industrial pack for both Duracell and Energizer.
Get your size C batteries today.
Dwayne C.
