Reviewed by Marcus Knapman, BSc (Hons) Computing ·
Researched from 100+ Amazon customer reviews
· How we review
At £10.06 for twelve AA batteries, the Duracell Plus pack isn't exactly cheap. That works out to about 84p per battery – roughly double what you'd pay for basic alkaline cells from the supermarket. The question is whether Duracell's Power Boost technology and premium positioning deliver enough extra performance to justify the price difference.
I've spent considerable time researching these batteries, reading through customer feedback and examining the technical specifications. The headline claims are certainly impressive: up to 100% extra life compared to standard alkaline batteries, plus that famous 10-year storage guarantee. But after digging into the real-world performance data, I found the picture is more nuanced than the marketing suggests.
Duracell's Power Boost Actives contain lithium and nickel additives that supposedly enhance performance. Reading through customer reviews, there's definitely evidence this isn't just marketing fluff. Users consistently report longer runtime in high-drain devices like digital cameras and gaming controllers compared to cheaper alternatives.
The spec sheet claims up to 100% extra life, but this figure comes from IEC testing in digital cameras – hardly representative of typical household use. In lower-drain applications like remote controls or wall clocks, the performance gap between these and basic alkaline batteries narrows considerably. You're paying premium prices for benefits you might not actually need.
The 10-year storage guarantee is genuinely useful if you buy batteries in bulk or keep emergency supplies. I found multiple customer reports of Duracell Plus batteries working perfectly after years in drawers, which can't be said for all alkaline cells.
The Superior Nylon Top closure is another standout feature. Battery leakage is a nightmare that's destroyed countless remote controls and toys, and Duracell's construction does seem to reduce this risk. Several Amazon reviewers specifically mentioned choosing these batteries after bad experiences with leaky alternatives.
The 0% plastic packaging is a welcome change from the usual blister packs that require scissors and leave you with cuts on your fingers. The cardboard packaging is fully recyclable, though this feels like something that should be standard rather than a selling point.
That said, these are still single-use alkaline batteries. If you're using high numbers of AAs regularly, rechargeable NiMH cells would be far more environmentally friendly in the long run, despite the higher upfront cost.
Customer feedback reveals some interesting patterns. These batteries excel in devices with irregular, high-drain usage patterns – think digital cameras, portable radios, or gaming accessories. The lithium and nickel additives seem to maintain voltage better under load.
However, in steady, low-drain applications, the performance advantage diminishes. Your TV remote won't run noticeably longer on Duracell Plus versus cheaper alternatives. The premium you're paying delivers the most value in specific use cases, not across the board.
At 84p per battery, these aren't impulse purchases. You can get decent alkaline AAs from supermarket brands for around 40p each, or even less in bulk. The question becomes whether the improved performance in high-drain devices and better leak resistance justify doubling your battery budget.
For most households, I'd say the answer depends on what you're powering. If you're running through batteries quickly in cameras or gaming controllers, the extra runtime per battery might actually save money overall. For general household use, you're probably overpaying for performance you won't notice.
Duracell Plus batteries deliver on their performance claims, but only in specific circumstances. Buy them if you need reliable power for high-drain devices or long-term storage. For general household use, cheaper alternatives will serve you just as well.
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