Best Car Battery in United States: Top Brands & Where to Buy

From coast-to-coast commutes, blazing summers in the Southwest, polar vortices in the Midwest, and stop‑and‑go traffic in every big city, U.S. driving is tough on batteries. This guide breaks down how to choose the right type and BCI group size, realistic price ranges (USD), the best national brands, and exactly where to buy—plus quick links to compare AGM, EFB, and must‑have tools like a smart battery maintainer.

Table of Contents

• Quick Picks (By Use Case)
• Car Battery Types in United States Comparison
• Car Battery Size & Fitment (United States)
• Best Car Battery Brands in United States
• Where to Buy Car Battery in United States
• Buying Guide & Tips (United States)
• Car Battery United States FAQs

Quick Picks (By Use Case)

• Daily commuter (gas cars, no start/stop): Quality Flooded or EFB. Compare Group 35 and Group 24F. ~$130–$250 installed (varies by market).
• Vehicles with idle start/stop: Choose EFB (value) or AGM (premium). Browse EFB options or AGM. ~$200–$450.
• Cold‑weather regions (Upper Midwest/Northeast/Rockies): AGM with higher CCA. See high‑CCA AGM. Add a heater pad for extreme lows.
• Short‑trip city driving: AGM is resilient to partial‑state‑of‑charge. Keep a smart maintainer to top off monthly.
• Trucks/SUVs, towing & overlanding: AGM starting battery or dual setup (starter + deep‑cycle). Compare 12V AGM deep‑cycle and a DC‑DC charger.
• Audio/performance builds: AGM with higher RC/Ah and tight voltage stability; consider secondary trunk battery. Check high‑reserve AGM.
• Hybrids/EV 12‑V accessory batteries: Use OEM‑specified AGM/EFB form factors; verify BCI group and registration requirements. See aux AGM.

Car Battery Types in United States Comparison

Car Battery Size & Fitment Size United States

Best Car Battery Brands in United States

• Odyssey (EnerSys): U.S.‑made premium AGM known for very high CCA and reserve; excellent for trucks, off‑road, and performance. ~$280–$450.
• Interstate: Widely distributed through independent shops and retailers; solid warranties and strong nationwide coverage. ~$160–$300.
• DieHard: Sold primarily at Advance Auto Parts & some online; AGM Gold/Platinum lines are popular for modern vehicles. ~$180–$380.
• Duralast: AutoZone’s house brand with good availability; Gold/Platinum AGM offer higher CCA and warranty. ~$150–$350.
• ACDelco: GM‑spec fitments (including H5/H6/H7/H8) and many imports; dependable OEM replacement choice. ~$170–$320.
• NAPA: Extensive network and professional‑grade options; strong support for domestic trucks and fleets. ~$170–$320.
• OPTIMA: Spiral‑cell AGM (RedTop/YellowTop) valued for vibration resistance and winch/audio builds. ~$250–$420.
• EverStart (Walmart): Competitive pricing with good warranties and nationwide returns. ~$120–$220 (flooded), ~$180–$300 (AGM).
• Exide: Broad catalog, good value on EFB/AGM across popular group sizes. ~$160–$300.

Where to Buy Car Battery in United States

Get it installed the same day at national chains (many offer free testing/installation), or order online for pick‑up. Here are reliable U.S. options with real store details you can use:

• AutoZone – Los Angeles, CA (Store #5920)
• 4900 Huntington Dr S, Los Angeles, CA 90032
• Contact: (323) 225‑6901
• Hours: Mon–Sun 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

• Advance Auto Parts – Chicago, IL (Store #6944)
• 5001 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60644
• Contact: (773) 287‑2186
• Hours: Typically Mon–Sat 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM; Sun 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (check store page for current hours)

• Walmart Auto Care Center – Orlando, FL (Store #1220)
• 2500 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32811
• Contact: (407) 523‑8088
• Hours: Open daily, Auto Care typically until 7:00 PM

• NAPA Auto Parts – Denver, CO
• 3250 E 43rd Ave, Denver, CO 80216
• Contact: (303) 295‑2585
• Hours: Vary by location; see store page

• Costco Tire & Battery (Seattle, WA Warehouse)
• 4401 4th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
• Contact: (206) 403‑2004
• Hours: Tire Center usually matches warehouse hours (e.g., Mon–Fri 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM; Sat 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM). Appointment recommended.

Buying Car Battery in United States Guide and Tips

• Match the BCI group size and terminals: Use your owner’s manual or a fitment tool. Group sizes above cover most U.S. vehicles.
• Climate matters: For freezing winters, prioritize higher CCA and AGM construction; for desert heat, look for robust heat‑tolerant designs and proper under‑hood airflow.
• Start/Stop systems need EFB/AGM: Replacing EFB/AGM with a cheaper flooded unit can shorten battery life and cause system faults.
• Reserve Capacity (RC) & Ah: Higher RC keeps electronics alive during long idles and audio use. Performance builds should favor higher RC/Ah AGM models.
• Registration/coding: Many German and newer U.S. vehicles require battery registration after replacement to calibrate charging. Ask the shop or use a compatible scan tool.
• Charging & maintenance: Short trips? Use a smart maintainer monthly. For seasonal vehicles, keep a maintainer connected.
• Installation costs: Many chains install free with purchase; some vehicles (trunk‑mount, coded systems) add labor. Expect $0–$80 for typical installs.
• Core charge & recycling: Bring your old battery back to reclaim the core charge and keep lead out of landfills. Most retailers accept old batteries regardless of where you bought them.
• Warranty reality: Look for clear “free replacement” terms (often 2–3 years) and nationwide support so you can swap anywhere in the U.S.

Car Battery United States FAQs

How do I pick the right battery type—Flooded, EFB, or AGM?
Choose based on your vehicle’s technology and use. If your car has idle start/stop, use EFB or AGM. For premium, cold‑proof performance or lots of short trips, AGM is worth it.

Which BCI group size fits my car?
Check your owner’s manual, the old battery’s label, or a retailer fitment tool. Common U.S. sizes include 24F, 35, 48/H6, 94R/H7, 49/H8, and 65.

How much does it typically cost to replace and install a car battery in United States?
Most U.S. drivers spend $130–$250 for a quality flooded battery installed, and $200–$450 for AGM/EFB. Luxury vehicles or trunk‑mounted batteries can be higher.

What’s the typical car battery warranty in United States?
Many brands offer 2–3 years free replacement (some add prorated coverage afterward). Nationwide retailers let you warranty‑swap while traveling.

How are car batteries recycled in United States?
Retailers charge a refundable core. Return your old battery to recoup it. Stores and municipal programs send batteries to EPA‑regulated recyclers; lead and plastic are reused.

Can I upgrade from flooded to AGM?
Usually yes—if the group size and terminals match and the charging system supports it. Some cars need battery registration after the upgrade.

Do hybrids/EVs have a 12‑V battery?
Yes. Hybrids and EVs still use a 12‑V battery to power accessories and control systems; many are AGM and smaller form factors—check the exact spec.

What specs should I prioritize for cold climates?
Higher CCA and AGM construction. Consider an insulated battery blanket if you regularly see sub‑zero temperatures.

Bottom line:
Match your BCI group and vehicle tech, pick EFB/AGM for start/stop or harsh climates, and buy from a retailer that can test, install, and honor warranty anywhere you travel. Use the quick links above to compare AGM, EFB, and maintainers for long battery life.