9 volt battery prices are stupid

The main reason people buy 9V batteries are for smoke alarms. This has been the way of things for what, 40 years now?

In guitar and bass player circles, the 9 volt is used for pedal effects (a lot of BOSS pedals use a 9V directly under the footswitch), acoustic-electric guitars with a preamp and active basses.

Regardless of where you use the 9 volt battery, there's basically only one rule you need to follow so you don't get ripped off with these things.

Never buy them in a store.

Either get yourself some Amazon Basics 9V batteries, or industrial grade Duracell Procell or Energizer Industrial and call it a day.

Since I know people are going to ask, I'll answer this up front:

What is the difference between a regular 9 volt and industrial grade?

The answer is drain rate. Industrial grade doesn't last longer, but you will get a consistent drain rate. What that means is that every battery in an industrial pack will act the same from the beginning of useful life to end. With regular 9V batteries there may and probably will be inconsistent drain rates. One battery will last a long while, the next out of the pack may drain quicker and have a shorter life, and the next may be "so-so" with its drain rate.

Does that mean you should only buy industrial grade? Only if you feel it's worth it. I'm honestly okay with the Amazon Basics brand.

It should NOT cost 13 bucks for two 9V batteries at the grocery store...

...yet it does. You will spend $6.50 per 9V battery if fool enough to buy 9V batteries from a local grocery store.

The online price whittles that down to under $2 per 9V battery if going with the lowest price. Yes, that means it's literally 70% less buying packs of 9V batteries online instead of in-store, and you get a better, newer battery out of it, even if going with Amazon Basics.

How long do 9V batteries last unused in storage? Usually about 5 years.

Chances are likely however that the year printed on an industrial grade 9V is probably more accurate than that of a non-industrial. I can't prove that as I've never tested it, but it's most likely true.

Personally, for smoke alarms I would use industrial grade just to be on the safe side. For everything else, regular grade.

Published 2024 May 28