Best Car Audio Batteries: Top Picks for Powering Your Stereo
Run your stereo system worry-free with a dedicated car audio battery
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When you’re sitting in your car with the radio playing, the last thing you want is to be stuck with a dead battery. If you have a powerful aftermarket audio system, it can drain your battery much faster and affect the performance of your vehicle's other equipment. The good news is you can avoid this problem by getting a car battery that is dedicated to powering your stereo. This buying guide highlights the best batteries for car audio use to help you stay fully powered.
XS Power D3400 12V High Output Battery
Kinetik HC600 BLU AGM Power Cell
DieHard Advanced Gold AGM Battery
Benefits of a Car Audio Battery
- Won't strain your main battery. The OEM battery in your car is made to power everything that comes in your vehicle from the factory. However, there isn't much extra power for an upgraded stereo. A second battery will allow items such as power windows and a high-powered radio to run at the same time without a reduction in performance.
- Listen to music while parked. If you enjoy hanging out in your car and listening to music, an extra battery could help you avoid draining the main cell. Just using the power from your regular battery only gives you an hour or so of use, depending on how powerful your audio system is.
- They’re less expensive than a capacitor. An alternative method of powering your aftermarket stereo systems is using a capacitor. This helps use bursts of power when needed. However, they are more expensive and can sometimes even take up more space.
Types of Car Audio Batteries
Lead-Acid Battery
Wet lead-acid batteries are also known as flooded lead-acid batteries. They are very common and a very cheap audio battery option. These unsealed batteries require regular topping off with distilled water to prevent battery damage. One of the main reasons this older technology is becoming less popular is because in order to top it off, the battery must be unsealed and can lead to spillage.
Gel-Cell Battery
Instead of water, this type of battery tender uses an electrolyte gel. The significant advantages that gel cell batteries have over lead-acid ones are that they do not require any maintenance and they are sealed. The sealed battery, along with the vibration resistance of the gel, makes it incredibly unlikely to spill.
AGM Battery
An absorbed glass battery is a newer cell technology that is the best of both worlds compared to the other types of batteries. Like a gel battery, AGMs are sealed and require no maintenance. However, they still use lead-acid inside the tender, which helps keep costs lower. They also have a power advantage over wet lead-acid batteries, and the sealed construction allows them to be used on their side without risking spillage.
Top Brands
Universal Power Group
Universal Power Group is a global company headquartered in Coppell, Texas. It started producing electronic components in 1968. The company currently owns ProTechnikigues for medical and government batteries, Kinetic batteries for consumer markets, and has research centers in California and the Netherlands. It sells great affordable car audio batteries like the UPG DEEP Cycle Battery and the Kinetik BLU.
Optima
Optima battery has been producing automotive technology for 40 years. The company was the first to introduce maintenance-free batteries for commercial use and AGM automotive batteries. Today, Optima continues to innovate with its battery technology and produces the popular Optima YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery.
XS Power
Headquartered in East Tennessee, XS Power has been producing car batteries since 2005. The company makes 12V, 14V, and 16V batteries for consumers and even allows you to order custom cells to fit your needs. The XSP batteries are the most common choice for competition car audio thanks to its high energy density.
Car Audio Battery Pricing
- Under $150: There are a few different ways to make a battery for car amps less expensive. Some of these models have lower power outputs, some do not include protective features, and others are unsealed battery cells.
- Over $150: The best car battery for subwoofers and stereo systems will be in this price range. They feature the highest power outputs, closed-cell batteries, and products with vibration and heat protection.
Key Features
Power
The most important thing to know before investing in a new battery for your car audio system is whether or not it has enough power. It's no use to invest in an extra battery if it can't handle your setup. The amperage, cold-cranking amps, and amp-hours are just a few of the different ratings that have to do with a battery's output.
Battery Life
There are two things to consider for battery life: how long a single charge will last and how long the battery itself will last. The larger the battery bank is, the longer you can use the charged power and not have to worry about running out. The overall longevity of a battery has to do with how often you use it, how it's charged, and even the temperatures it encounters.
Protection
The best way to elongate the life of your battery is by making sure you invest in a power cell that is protected from its environment. Shock and vibration protection is critical. Staying inside your car isn't always a gentle home for a battery, and you need to prevent any damage that could occur from road vibrations or accidents. Heat proofing is also a huge factor—if a cell is exposed to prolonged high temps, it can shorten its lifespan.
Other Considerations
- Size: The size of your new audio battery is going to determine where it can fit and how it connects to your car. It might be difficult to fit some bulkier batteries into a vehicle with limited space. Some battery setups are better for certain manufacturers, and buying one made for your type of car can make hooking everything up much easier.
- Price: While you want to make sure power and compatibility are a match, the price of a car audio battery is essential, too. You don't want to overpay for a battery that is more powerful than you need, and you also don't want to go too cheap and end up with a poor product.
- Maintenance: Some types of batteries require annual maintenance. While the upkeep itself is a pain, it also makes it harder to mount your battery because it isn’t completely sealed. Maintenance-free batteries are much easier to use.
Best Car Audio Battery Reviews & Recommendations 2020
If you're looking for a high-performance car battery for audio use, the best option is made by XS. This battery is strong enough to replace your regular car battery but is perfect as a second battery for car audio—it is best suited for audio systems between 2500W and 3500W. XS also gives its customers a three-year warranty.
This car battery upgrade is perfect for powering even the most extensive audio systems because of its superior power. This audio battery manages to produce 1,000 cold-cranking amps with a maximum output of 3,300 amps. The XS battery has a closed-cell design, so there is no need to worry about spilling or maintenance. It also uses AGM technology and ABS plastic to help make it ultra-low resistant. It can withstand extreme heat, vibrations, and can be mounted anywhere.
While this is a great high output car battery, it might not be perfect for your situation. The biggest drawback to the XS is its price, which is almost double most other batteries. In addition, it could be overpowering for some small setups, and the battery itself is very heavy.
If you're in the market for a cheap car audio battery, it is impossible to beat this offering from Kinetik. While high-performance batteries can cost hundreds of dollars, this smaller model is perfect if your audio system doesn't need all that power. This battery is ideal for systems that are under 600W.
As stated above, this is an excellent choice for shoppers on a budget, but that doesn't mean this a cheaply made product. This deep cycle car audio battery has a premium design for a fraction of the price. The Kinetik battery can improve audio quality thanks to its high-current power output and tightly packed cells. This audio power cell is the lightest on the list, is entirely spill-proof, uses AGM technology, and is highly resistant to vibrations and heat.
You won't be able to find a music battery for car radios at a better price, but that doesn't mean this power cell is the best. This battery has the least amount of power of all the options on this list, so bigger audio systems might not be compatible. In addition, this the only battery on the list that needs extra equipment to replace your original battery, and the product only has a one-year warranty.
Shoppers who care more about durability than power production will want to check out the DieHard Advanced Gold power cell. This DieHard model gives you 850 cold-cranking amps and 92 amp-hours. Its relatively high output and long-lasting battery life make this one of the best batteries for sound systems.
DieHard focussed a lot on the design process in making this battery on improving battery life. This cell has double the life cycle of an average battery as well as advanced heat resistance, which makes it the best battery for longevity. This AGM battery for car audio also uses special safeguards to give it 20 times more vibration protection. In addition to its durability, this battery is maintenance-free, spill-proof, and comes with a three-year warranty.
Despite being one of the best car batteries for audio systems, the DieHard has a few downsides. This battery does not produce as much power as the XS system, so larger car stereos may not be compatible. Due to all the added protection, this battery is also the heaviest and most difficult to fit in your car.
Optima’s yellow top battery is excellent for a variety of uses—particularly your car’s audio. It’s specifically built to handle large electrical loads, so if you are also powering other accessories, you won’t have to lose performance for your audio system. It uses spiral cell technology to maintain a high quality.
This car audio battery has 15 times the vibration resistance of a normal battery. It can also be mounted in nearly any position, and has extremely fast recharging. It carries a reserve capacity of 120 minutes so you don’t have to worry about suddenly running out of power.
Another good use of this car battery is for seasonal vehicles. If you have a certain vehicle you leave in your garage during the summer or winter months, then this battery is ideal for it. It has a very low self-discharge rate, so you won’t have to worry about continual charging during the off months.
However, this battery does not have the best warranty attached to it when purchasing online. Therefore, if there is an issue, you may struggle to get a replacement or your money back.
This Mighty Max battery is solid all around while staying at a very reasonable price. It’s a 12 volt 600 watt battery that is built to withstand high temperatures and vibrations. It can serve as your car audio battery on its own or functions as a reinforcement for your amplifiers.
This car audio battery is specifically designed to protect against leakages and spills, allowing you to mount it nearly anywhere without fear of something interfering with its functionality. This battery is very light, only weighing about 15 pounds. Another upside to this battery is it’s very versatile and can grow with your audio system. If your current need is just this smaller battery, then it’s perfect, but if you add on more and need additional power, you can easily add a second Mighty Max battery. They are designed to be versatile and serve as the support or the main source of power.
On the flip side of that, this light battery cannot handle more than 600 watts, so straining it could destroy the battery. If you already have a massive audio system you need powered, this one alone will not be able to handle it.
One of the best looking car audio batteries on the market is the Gravity Audio 1000A battery. It has chrome-plated posts and a black chrome case. It also features a stylish Digital Blue Voltage display and blue LED lighting. Its appearance is as popular as its functionality.
It provides 1000 amps of power, so it won’t power large car audio systems, but it is ideal for smaller ones. It can also function as a secondary or backup battery if needed.
It is much cheaper than others on the market, but with that cheaper price does come the reduced power and reduced quality. It can’t be handled too roughly or parts of it can break compared to other, more expensive batteries that are built hardier. There are also reported issues with the capacitor breaking. But, with careful installation and proper maintenance, it is an excellent and stylish battery.
The Stinger SPV69C Car Audio Battery is perfect for an additional source of power for your car audio system. It produces 1100 amps of power and 12 volts. It will not be able to handle large and powerful car audio systems, but it can easily handle small ones or additions that you install. It is recommended for systems of up to 2000 watts. The battery itself stores energy, so there is no need for a capacitor for the system.
It will last for 300 full discharge cycles, and has a sealed absorbed glass mat (AGM) design for safety. It is a maintenance-free battery, so you can drive easy and enjoy your music without worrying about it.
However, despite its small size and power capacity, it is on the heavier side. It is heavy for its power level and can’t handle too large of car audio systems
This battery from Odyssey is known for its long life. It lasts up to 10 years, which is 70 percent longer than traditional deep cycle batteries. It also has the highest recharge efficiency compared to other sealed lead batteries on the market. This car audio battery is able to fully recharge in only four to six hours. It also has versatile mounting options due to its safe seal AGM design, allowing you to put it where it is easiest for you without the fear of leaks or damage.
This battery can last 400 cycles at an 80 percent depth of charge. It is also extremely temperature- and vibration-tolerant. Built to be used in a variety of vehicle types, such as off-roaders, antiques, and your standard daily car, this Odyssey battery will last a long time and ultimately save you money.
However, be wary of the warranty for the battery. There are reported issues of the battery dying and the company not offering a replacement or a refund. Also, for such a steep price compared to others on the market, you would expect better from this manufacturer.
Tips
- The reverse capacity of a battery is helpful information for gauging the battery life. The number represents how long a fully charged battery will last while providing a certain amount of amps.
- If you are going to keep your car battery inside the vehicle's cabin, you should take extra safety precautions. Battery chemicals are toxic, and they can be a fire risk.
- Make sure you take the time to figure out how many watts your entire stereo setup takes. Every piece, including the speakers, draw some power, so it's not just the radio itself you need to consider.
FAQs
Q: How does a car audio battery work?
A: A battery for your car audio system works the same way as your regular car battery, but instead of being hooked up to all the vehicle's electrics, it only powers the radio.
Q: How many watts is good for a car stereo?
A: The average factory radio is less than 200W. However, don’t forget all the other devices such as the receiver, each speaker, and subwoofer. Each device needs at least 50W and some need up to 300W, so your wattage can add up fast.
Q: Where should I put a second battery for a car stereo?
A: You need to find a safe place for your battery. If there's no room in the engine compartment, other common places are the trunk, glove box, or under the passenger seat.
Final Thoughts
The best car audio battery you can find is the XS Power D3400 12V High Output Battery. This power cell has the highest power output, so it will be able to run even the largest of car stereos.
If you want an extra battery for a car audio system that won't break the bank, then Kinetik HC600 BLU AGM Power Cell is the best choice. While it’s significantly cheaper, this power cell is also spillproof and has excellent vibration protection.
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