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Duracell Procell alkaline 9V batteries vs. Duracell Coppertop? A tough call, that's for sure.
Both batteries are wildly coveted and popular among consumers and professionals alike.
People tend to place the two top-rated 9V batteries as equal, so picking one over the other is a tall order.
If you’ve been following the lively give and take on online forums, you may be surprised to find out that they aren't quite identical.
So, if you run back and forth between the two, below is a detailed comparison.
We’ll explore how they match up in terms of:
- Application
- Battery voltage
- Performance and capacity
- Pricing
Duracell Procell 9V Batteries vs.
Duracell Coppertop 9v Batteries
There’s a reason Duracell Procell and Duracell Coppertop 9Vs are in high demand.
Both are Duracell and alkaline, meaning they have the same long-lasting technology. This also means they have a better life cycle and shelf life than zinc carbon batteries.
They’re not quite like Lithium specialty batteries designed for most devices. Instead, they are ideal for small portable devices due to their small size.
These Duracell alkaline batteries do come at a higher cost (compared to Lithium batteries for example), but this is with an added benefit otherwise known as low internal resistance. Simply put, this means Alkalines are less prone to battery discharge, which contributes to longer shelf life.
But at the end of the day, which one do you settle on?
We’ve broken down the criteria to help you reach the final decision. Start from there and then draw your conclusions.
Application and Labelling
Want to pin down which one suits your purpose better between the Procell or the Coppertop? Application is a big one to consider. Passing your decision through the application filter will help discriminate between the two.
In technical terms, both battery types can power all-purpose devices such as smoke detectors.
But there’s an important distinction—the Duracell Procell is more of a professional-grade battery.
It’s mostly used in manufacturing, healthcare, and education industries. Companies, manufacturers, and institutions typically acquire them in bulk packages directly from the manufacturer.
In contrast, the Duracell Coppertop 9V is a standard go-to battery for all-purpose devices, marketed to the average consumer.
The Procell is a good fit for those looking to power their mid-to-low drain devices. The Coppertop is what you reach for when looking to stock up for your household items.
The two are designed to cover different uses (although there is some overlap). The table below will help you pick up on these at a glance.
| Duracell Procell 9v Application | Duracell Coppertop 9V Application |
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Shelf Life
Shelf life is a comparison that’s also worth looking at.
So, how long do Duracell Procell 9V batteries last? Their reported shelf life is four years, which is slightly inferior to the Duracell Coppertop, where the manufacturer guarantees a 5-year shelf life.
Yet, you should note that because it is sold at regular retailers, the Coppertop is more likely to spend a fair amount of time on the shelves.
Some reviewers complain that some of the batteries they buy go long into the second or the third shelf life year. And the last thing you want is your battery to reach cut-off voltage when you need it the most.
Yet, this is not the case with the Procell. This alkaline battery is less likely to sit on store shelves as it’s aimed for industrial use where the distribution systems are different.
Capacity vs. Price
Any battery-related debate sooner or later must revolve around performance. What you’re looking for in the product is long-lasting power. For most people, getting their money’s worth is top of mind.
That said, keep your eyes peeled, cause we’re about to give you some serious evaluation.
Opinions are divided in a discussion on the Procell and the Coppertop cell performance.
A Procell alkaline battery comes with a higher initial charge; charging 9.7V, compared to 9.4V measured in the Coppertop.
On the flip side, a test conducted by Right Battery concluded in favour of the Coppertop 9V battery when it comes to performance.
Their multimeter readings measured higher usable capacity in the Coppertop battery (311 mAh) compared to its Duracell Procell counterpart (245 mAh).
And while the standard Duracell Coppertop might have a slightly longer service life, the Procell is catching up. Back in 2019, the Procell engineers updated the battery make-up to improve longevity and performance.
Now down to our last point—the price. Duracell Coppertop batteries are sold in small packages and are available in the retail market.
Procells are distributed for industrial use and as such are economically packaged in bulk. This results in lower prices.
“I've used Rayovac Industrial Plus (now Ultra Pro), Energizer Industrial and Duracell ProCells in the medical field for over 10 years and have found them equal to their consumer counterparts.
We pay a lot less for them than the consumer versions.”
-A reviewer on Candlepowerforums.com
However, you can get both Duracell Procell and Duracell Coppertop alkaline batteries in bulk packs for more affordable prices when you buy from our HBPlus Battery Specialists online store.
PC1604 Procell General Purpose 9V Bulk Box of 12
Duracell Coppertop 9V Battery Bulk box of 12
FAQs
Is Duracell Procell a Good Battery?
You can expect a high-grade service from Duracell Procell alkaline 9V batteries. They’re manufactured to rigid specifications. Because they’re designed to meet the high standards of professional users, they're made with durability in mind.
The expiration month and year are stamped on each cell, making it easy to confirm battery freshness at every moment. And here’s the best part: Duracell warrants a 7-year freshness guarantee on it.
Add economical bulk packaging to and you go even further in reducing your costs.
- The batteries are functional at temperature extremes of -20° C to 54° C.
- You can expect a minimum 4-year shelf life from this battery.
- The Procell alkaline battery is made according to strict ANSI and IEC standards which guarantees quality, safety, and reliability.
Is Procell a Duracell?
Procell is sometimes mistaken for its own standalone brand. However, the Duracell Procell batteries emerged to the market as a re-branded version of Industrial by Duracell.
Like its predecessor, it also marketed to professional businesses only.
When Should I Replace My 9v Battery?
It’s best to replace your battery before it’s past the point of turning back. It will go flat and virtually unusable when it drops below 60% of its capacity. For 9V batteries, this threshold is 5.4V.
The Final Verdict
Both Duracell Procell batteries and Duracell Coppertop 9Vs are a reliable source delivering long-lasting power to your devices.
Now that you understand it’s way beyond the usual ‘same product, different packaging’ narrative, you get a fair shake at reaching an informed decision.
Before making a decision, ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I powering household products or professional devices?
- Does my business or household depend on batteries or do I need them on an ad hoc basis?
- What would I rather compromise on; performance or pricing?
If you’re looking for the highest quality batteries at reasonable prices, Hollyhock HB Plus Battery Specialists is where your search ends. We’re Australia's largest volume distributor of Duracell and Duracell Procell batteries.
Our streamlined operations at Carrum Downs warehouse in Victoria is the secret behind our business efficiency. It’s also the secret behind our competitive costs.
