Best Car Batteries for the Money

Below, we present the best car batteries for the money in seven different sizes: Group 24/24F, Group 35, Group 47 (H5), Group 48 (H6), Group 49 (H8), Group 51R, and Group 65. These numbers indicate size in the same way AA, AAA, C, and D indicate the size of batteries you’d use to power home electronics.

It’s important to note that batteries are also priced differently based on size. Larger-sized groups 48 and 65, for example, cost more because of the materials needed to make them, averaging $198 and $191, respectively. Smaller batteries like the 24/24F and 51R average $150 and $174, respectively.

In our list of select car batteries, we share ratings for:

• Overall Score
• CCA, or cold-cranking amps: how well the battery starts an engine during extreme cold weather
• Life: how the battery performs through repeated draining and recharging
• Reserve capacity: how long it can supply energy if the car’s charging system fails