BATTERY BRANDS RANKED FROM WORST TO BEST

With so many battery brands lining store shelves, it's easy to walk past them without a second thought. Back in the day, AA batteries were practically a household essential --- powering everything from cameras and remote controls to children's toys and more. While many devices today use built-in rechargeable batteries, AA batteries still have their place. Most TV remotes still rely on them, and while modern cameras usually come with their own batteries, accessories like external flashes still depend on AA batteries.

So, every once in a while, we all have to figure out which batteries are worth buying. For everyday items like remote controls, nearly any brand on sale will get the job done. But when it comes to gadgets that demand more power --- like Xbox Series X controllers or camera flashes --- battery quality starts to matter a lot more. And then there's the safety factor. The last thing you want is a cheap battery overheating or, worse, catching fire in your home.