Hillary Samuels doesn't have to buy new batteries for her digital camera because it uses rechargeable ones.
But it's different with her kids' toys.
"I'm constantly replacing batteries," she said.
"I buy huge packs of them. They go in all their toys."
Consumer Reports tested 17 double-A batteries, both standard and pre-charged rechargeables. Prices range from $1.50 for two standard batteries all the way up to $9 for two rechargeables.
Testers evaluate battery performance using digital cameras -- the most common use of double-A batteries.
Testers zoom in and out and take five pictures with the flash on and then another five with the flash off. After a 10-minute rest, the test is repeated until the batteries die.
Among the best alkaline batteries tested is the Panasonic Evolta, which took nearly 240 pictures.
"Alkaline batteries have a long shelf life and they're less expensive than other types, but they don't perform as well," Jim Langehennig of Consumer Reports said.
"They're best used in devices that don't use a lot of power or aren't used that often."
But for things like toys that use bursts of energy or digital cameras, Consumer Reports says re-chargeable batteries are more cost effective -- even though you do have to pay more initially.
The highest-performing double-A rechargeables, the Sanyo Eneloop, took nearly
A charger with six batteries costs about $18.
And the Sony cycle energy rechargeables which also have very high performance. Like the Sanyo, they hold 85 per cent of their charge for a year when not in use.
When it comes to storing your batteries, you want to keep them in a cool, dry place, separate from one another and away from metal objects. And while some people think batteries will last longer if you store them in the fridge, Consumer Reports says that's not the case.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
