Rechargeable vs disposable batteries: which is better?

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Batteries are very much an integral part of our lifestyle. They’re convenient and easy to take anywhere. But using disposable batteries comes at a cost, to both the environment and our wallet.

Rechargeable batteries can help reduce the number of batteries we carry. But, often traditional brands can come with those big and bulky recharge stations – losing that convenience factor.

So, what are the real, hard benefits of each and how do you know what’s best for you?

What is a rechargeable battery and how do they work?

While most of you visiting this page already know this, let’s quickly recap for those exploring rechargeable batteries for the first time.

As the name suggests, a rechargeable battery is a battery that can be recharged through a power supply. While disposable batteries are single-use only, rechargeable batteries can be recharged multiple times.

When switching to rechargeable batteries, it’s important to understand both the considerations and benefits. Let’s take a look.

Disposable batteries vs rechargeable batteries: which is more cost effective?

While disposable batteries may appear to be the cheaper alternative upfront, you have to pay that amount each and every time. When you’re using a lot of batteries, that cost adds up over time! Especially as on average we use 345 million batteries each and every year.

In comparison, rechargeable batteries like USYNC can be recharged up to 1,200 times. And, when you couple that together with fast-charging options (giving you a recharged battery in an hour), it's worth the initial investment.

An average US household uses 90 disposable batteries a year. If one disposable battery costs $1 AUD, you are looking at spending $90 AUD a year, ongoing. Over 10 years, that’s $900 AUD.

Let’s look at a USYNC rechargeable battery as a comparison. While the upfront cost is $10 more, it will give over 1,200 charges over its 10-year lifespan.

Which type of battery is best for power and performance?

We have more news for you — disposable batteries are not the best option for high-consumption devices.

Research has found rechargeable batteries are really valuable for when you need a large amount of power for a short time. For instance, in remote control cars, computer mice, photography and video equipment. When using disposable batteries, these gadgets can go through many AA or AAA batteries.

Rechargeable batteries also offer more constant power than disposable batteries. This comes down to the batteries’ current being more sustainable, which in turn boosts performance.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries also perform better in cold weather than alkaline single-use or disposable batteries.

When it comes to reliability, are rechargeable batteries or disposable batteries better?

Every household has a kit of ready-to-go collection of batteries, especially for emergency equipment.

Disposable batteries were the default as they were considered reliable. But the more we delve, the more we realise this is actually not the case. Modern rechargeable batteries like USYNC have a larger capacity and can hold power for longer.

When not in use, disposable batteries tend to lose power over time relatively quickly. Over 12 months, disposable batteries can lose more than 50% of their power. On the other hand, rechargeable batteries lose less than 20%, making them the more reliable option.

What is better for the environment?

If you are still thinking disposable batteries are the way to go, let’s look at sustainability. While all batteries use resources, there are differing degrees when it comes to the amount of materials required, waste disposal and recycling capability.

Although there are recycling options for disposable batteries, the majority of their materials cannot be effectively recycled. Improper handling of battery waste can also be harmful for soil and pose health risks.

However, up to 95% of USYNC rechargeable battery materials can be recycled. This means less waste and toxic chemicals ending up in landfill. If the average US family is using 90 batteries per year, that means 900 batteries being recycled and avoiding landfill over a 10 year period.

What to consider when switching to rechargeable batteries

Rechargeable batteries are a better alternative for not only the environment, but your household budget. Giving you a more reliable and powerful option to single use, disposable batteries.

Looking to purchase rechargeable batteries? Here’s what to look for and consider:

How fast does the battery charge?
Not all brands are the same. While USYNC rechargeable batteries can be powered up in 1 hour, others take longer. Ideally, the faster the better.
What is the size of the charge station, and does it need custom attachments?
Look for rechargeable batteries like USYNC that use an everyday USB-C cable and avoid batteries that come with a custom and large charging attachments. This not only makes it easier to charge on the go but avoids needing additional space to set up your charging station. And if you lose the cord? You’re not left with dead batteries and no way to charge them.
What battery sizes do you need?
This is a very important consideration for emergency equipment, camping, or on-the-go use. Here, you want to avoid options that require different charging stations or attachments for each sized battery. The last thing you need in an emergency situation is carrying several charging packs just to keep you going! This is one of the big design considerations we had at USYNC, and why our batteries use USB-C charging and a simple battery attachment that works with all sizes.

Ready to explore rechargeable batteries? Check out the selection at USYNC and experience the benefits of switching to rechargeable batteries.

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