If you're looking for the most comprehensive review of AGM batteries on the Internet – you've found it.
It's not hard to see why you're interested. AGM batteries are all the rage. They can handle even the most challenging conditions and last far longer than regular lead-acid batteries.
Whether you're looking for a battery to keep your solar panel charged or upgrading the battery in your truck, we've got you covered.
Check out our list of the top AGM batteries on the market, and then read our buyer's tips to find out exactly what you need!
Best AGM Battery for Your Car/Truck
While many AGM batteries are used for non-automotive purposes, there are tons of perks to using an AGM battery in your vehicle. From a longer shelf life to a smoother start on cold days, AGM batteries outperform their lead-acid counterparts in just about every category. Why wouldn't you want that in your car or truck?
1. Odyssey 34/78-PC1500DT
- Cold Crank Amp (CCA): 850
- 3-4 year full replacement
- 3-10 year service life
- 70% longer cycle life, up to 400 cycles
- Recharges in 4-6 hours
- Non-spillable, vibration-resistant
When it comes to finding the best AGM battery for your car or truck, the Odyssey 34/78-PC1500DT battery was a clear choice.
It comes with a 3 to 4-year warranty, and unlike other brands, the warranty isn't pro-rata. That means if your battery quits after two years, you get the entire battery replaced without spending a dime! Other companies, like Wal-Mart, offer warranties that diminish in value over time.
For example, if it's a 3-year warranty and the battery dies after 2-years, you only get a third of the replacement cost! Not what you thought when you were getting a warranty, right?
But it's not like you'll need that warranty with this Odyssey AGM battery. It can easily last over ten years, making it last 70 percent longer than a traditional automotive battery. That's good because the Odyssey AGM battery isn't cheap.
But when you consider that it will last significantly longer than a lead-acid battery, it becomes the better deal. However, a great value and a great warranty aren't the only things you get with this phenomenal battery.
You also get a battery that can withstand extreme temperatures. In fact, as long as it stays under 113 degrees Fahrenheit or over -40 degrees, you'll be good to go! There're not many places in the United States that this battery can't handle.
With 850 cold-cranking amps, it won't struggle to turn over large motors on cold mornings either! It doesn't matter what you drive. This battery has more than enough juice to handle it.
Finally, with both top and side posts, this battery will fit into just about any vehicle. You'll need to make sure that the battery bay is big enough, but connecting the terminals won't be an issue!
Pros
- Up to 10+ year service life
- Works in extreme temperatures (between -40 and 113 Fahrenheit)
- 850 cold-cranking amps for easy starting
- 3-4-year warranty – not pro-rata!
- Has both top and side posts
Cons
- Expensive up-front cost
2. XS Power D3400
- Pure Virgin Lead Design (99.999%)
- Ultra-Thin Lead Plate Design
- Lead-Tin AGM Technology
- Sealed Non-Spillable Design
- Cranking Amps: 1000
The XS Power D3400 battery is a top of the line performance battery. Whether you're building a racecar, an off-roading monster, or an unbeatable daily driver, this battery has more than enough juice to get the job done.
It pushes out 1,000 cranking amps at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is more than enough power to start anything you're driving. It comes with a comprehensive 3-year warranty, giving you peace of mind that you're getting a battery that will last.
But like most AGM batteries, it's not surprising to see XS Power D3400 batteries that can last over ten years. Their lightweight makes them phenomenal choices for race cars, and their spill-proof design makes the perfect for vehicles that you'll be taking off the pavement.
With both top and side posts, these batteries are easy to hook up to just about anything. And since the battery is small, it fits almost every car or truck.
Like the Odyssey AGM battery, the most notable drawback to the XS Power D3400 is the up-front price. While they make up the cost by lasting significantly longer than traditional lead-acid batteries, if you don't have the extra money upfront to drop on a battery, it doesn't matter.
Pros
- Light at 48 pounds
- 1,000 cranking amps at 32 degrees Fahrenheit
- Great for performance applications
- Great for off-road applications
- 3-year warranty
- Has both top and side posts
Cons
- Expensive battery option
Best AGM Batteries for ATVs/Motorcycles
While AGM batteries are optional upgrades for regular vehicles, they're necessities for ATVs and motorcycles. With the entire car jostling with each twist and turn of the road or trail, the battery is going to bounce around a bit.
This is a significant concern for lead-acid batteries, as the acid inside will jostle around and ruin the battery. But with AGM batteries, this isn't a concern. But not all AGM batteries are created equal, which is why we took the time to find the best ones available!
1. ACDelco ATX14BS
- 12V 12AH, 200 CCA
- 6.00 x 3.44 x 5.75 in
- Rechargeable, spill-proof
- Shock and vibration resistant
- 1-Year Warranty
Most people's ATVs and motorcycles spend quite a bit of time in the winter in storage. But when you go to start them back up, you want to be able to head out and hit the road or trails without having to worry about the battery.
The ACDelco ATX14BS gives you that peace of mind. The AGM battery allows them to easily hold their charge between uses, whether that's a few days or a few months.
While most AGM batteries can give you that peace of mind, ACDelco batteries have a few distinct advantages. First, it's considered OEM for GM manufactured vehicles. What that means is that GM vehicles typically come with an ACDelco battery to begin with.
They build their vehicles to work with ACDelco batteries, so you know that there won't be any hiccups when you install it. Even better, it fits a wide assortment of vehicles and has an impressive 290 cold-cranking amps. This is more than enough to get your bike or ATV started after a long hiatus.
The most significant drawback to an ACDelco AGM battery is that it only comes with a 12-month warranty. While their batteries typically last far longer than this, the peace of mind that comes with an extended warranty simply isn't there.
However, its warranty is for unlimited miles, so it doesn't matter how much you drive it within those first 12-months. Finally, while the ACDelco ATX14BS fits a ton of different bikes and ATVs, it's impossible to manufacture a completely universal battery.
You should always ensure fitment before you buy it. The dimensions for this battery are 6.7 x 6.7 x 6.3 inches.
Pros
- 290 cold-cranking amps
- Fits wide assortment of vehicles
- OEM for GM vehicles
- Holds charge between uses
- Light at 10.7 pounds
Cons
- Does not fit all motorcycles and ATVs
- 12-month warranty
2. Deka Sports Power ETX-30L
- No vent tube, no leaks
- Maintenance-free
- Long battery life
- Performs in extreme temperatures
If you're looking for the most powerful motorcycle or ATV battery available, look no further. The Deka Sports Power ETX-30L has 400 cold-cranking amps at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it more than powerful enough to start even the most massive off-road vehicles or motorcycle in even the most severe conditions.
Like many other AGM batteries, this Deka battery can operate efficiently at extreme temperatures, making it an ideal option for harsh climates.
However, the added power that the Deka Sports Power ETX-30L battery provides comes with a tradeoff. Weight. At 21 pounds, this battery is almost twice the weight of other AGM batteries for motorcycles and ATVs.
It also is more massive than some other AGM batteries, and it only fits a minimal range of vehicles. And just like the ACDelco battery, it only comes with a 12-month warranty. However, it should last far longer, but there is no guarantee.
You should always ensure fitment before you buy it. The dimensions for this battery are 6.63 x 6.88 x 5.19 inches.
Pros
- 400 cold-cranking amps
- Extremely long-lasting
Cons
- Heavy at 21 pounds
- Limited fitment
- 12-month warranty
Best AGM Battery for Your RV/Trailer
When you're headed out for a camping trip, you'll likely want to bring along a battery to keep all your toys and equipment charged. You'll want a versatile battery that can handle whatever you can throw at it and can easily be charged at the end of a long day's work.
These batteries can do all that and then some, quickly earning their spots on this list.
1. Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery
- Trusted Renogy AGM batteries, safe and stable
- 230,000+ sold
- Performs in extreme temperatures
- 1100A discharge, powers most appliances
- Low self-discharge rate
It's not the most massive battery available, but it's plenty large enough for most applications. It provides long-lasting power, even when it's not hooked up to an alternator or charger. It can provide up to 100Ah for 10 hours, but if that's still not enough, Renogy offers another Deep Cycle AGM battery that provides up to 200Ah for 20 hours.
Even better, these batteries hold their charges between uses. In fact, at 77 degrees Fahrenheit, it loses less than 3 percent of its charge per month. Even if you keep it in the garage for your yearly camping trip, it'll have over two-thirds of its charge before you head out!
With such a powerful battery, you can use it for just about any application. But if you're looking for something a little bigger, you can always wire these batteries in series to double your power output.
For such a large and powerful battery, the Renogy Deep Cycle AGM battery is affordable and cheaper than most batteries of the same size. The only real drawback to this battery is its weight. It weighs 66 pounds, which is slightly larger than other similarly sized batteries.
And if you decide to upgrade to the larger 200Ah/20HR battery, one weighs a whopping 129 pounds. While they might be convenient to have for their ability to power a wide array of products, their immense weight can make it a bit of a struggle to get it where you need it.
Finally, the Renogy Deep Cycle AGM battery comes with a two-year warranty, double what many other brands offer on their AGM batteries. However, using this warranty can be tricky since most shipping companies won't let you freight a battery. If something does come up and Renogy wants the old battery back to honor the warranty, you might be out of luck.
Pros
- Long-lasting between charges
- Long-lasting during use (100Ah/10HR)
- Extremely powerful AGM battery
- Works on a wide range of applications
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Heavy at 66 pounds
- Affordably priced for such a large battery
2. Universal UB121000
- 12V 100AH rechargeable battery
- Spill-proof, maintenance-free
- Operates in any position, resists shock
- Works in high and low temperatures
The Universal battery brand has established itself as one of the top AGM battery brands on the market. Their batteries are affordably priced, long-lasting, and powerful.
The UB121000 is just as powerful as the previously mentioned Renogy deep cycle battery and can provide the same 100Ah/100HR output. But the Universal battery is the cheaper of the two options.
It still works on a wide array of applications, and while it's technically slightly lighter, we don't think you'll notice the two-pound difference.
The two most significant drawbacks and differences between the two brands is the service life and the warranty. While the Universal battery warranty is only 12 months, it's almost impossible to use warranties on batteries anyway.
They almost always want you to send the battery back, and since you can't ship batteries through traditional commercial methods, it's virtually impossible for a regular consumer to do.
Finally, the service life for this Universal battery is only 3 to 5 years. While some consumers state that they can get 7+ years out of this battery, it's printed right on the battery that you should replace it before the five-year mark.
This limited service life all but eliminates any potential savings over the Renogy deep cycle battery over its entire service life.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Long-lasting during use (100Ah/10HR)
- Powerful AGM battery
- Works on a wide range of applications
Cons
- 12-month warranty
- Service life is only 3 to 5 years
- Heavy at 64 pounds
Best AGM Battery for Non-Automotive Purposes
While AGM batteries provide a slew of advantages for automotive and off-roading applications, sometimes you need an AGM battery for non-automotive reasons. Whether you're looking to charge solar panels or power some LED's, AGM batteries provide a clear-cut advantage over traditional lead-acid batteries.
Weize
- Sealed Lead Acid Battery
- Left Positive (+) Right Negative (-)
- For 24V when two used in series
- Used in scooters and power chairs
Who says that AGM batteries have to be expensive? Certainly not, Weize! This Weize battery is half the cost of other AGM batteries, and you still get all the perks that AGM batteries come with.
While it is significantly smaller than other AGM batteries, it's still an excellent choice for powering small tools and equipment. Even better, since it is so affordable, you can quickly get two or more and hook them up in series-parallel to transform your 12-volt battery into a 24 volt one.
This gives you the option to power 24-volt devices like wheelchairs without having to worry about frying the battery or electronics. Since the battery only weighs 23 pounds, you don't have to worry about weighing down devices or lugging around insanely heavy batteries to get the job done either.
While we view a 1-year warranty as a con to other AGM batteries, due to the extremely low price of the Weize AGM battery, the fact that it comes with a comprehensive 1-year warranty is fantastic.
The only real con to this Weize AGM battery is that its limited size comes with limited power output. But if you know what you're getting and don't need an extremely powerful battery, then this might be just what you need to get powered without breaking the bank!
Pros
- Easily powered in series-parallel for extra voltage
- Great for small tools and equipment
- Extremely small at 23 pounds
- 1-year warranty
- The universal battery that works for most applications
- Cheapest AGM battery that we reviewed
Cons
- A small battery provides limited power
Most Versatile AGM Battery
Getting the nod as our most versatile AGM battery is no easy task. Not only does the battery need to have a remarkable shelf life and the ability to power a wide array of applications, but it also needs to work on both regular and off-road vehicles.
After a ton of research and dozens of reviews, we narrowed our selection to one deserving battery. No matter what you're looking for, you can't go wrong with the Optima OPT8016.
Optima OPT8016
- 12V, 800 CCA, 50AH
- 10.06"x6.94"x7.88", 38.8 lbs, Dual Posts
- 100 min Reserve Capacity
- Spiralcell Technology, pure lead
- 3x longer life, maintenance-free
Technically the Optima OPT8016 is a marine battery. But with over 750 cold-cranking amps, this battery can handle anything you can throw at it, either on land or the open water. Optima enthusiasts will refer to the OPT8016 as the “blue-top,” but it's important to note that this “blue-top” has a gray base.
This gives it the capability to work in both starting and deep cycling. This gives it extra versatility that other “blue top” batteries simply don't have. Whether you're trying to start a massive marine engine or the engine on your Honda Accord, this battery can handle it.
You can mount it in just about any position and is extremely vibration resistant. Even better, it can handle more recharges than other marine batteries. An added perk to the Optima OPT8016 battery is that it has up to 120 minutes of reserve capacity.
Whether you forgot to turn the lights off on your vehicle or are trolling the open waters with tons of electronics, it's never been harder to kill your battery. For its size, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more powerful AGM battery.
Furthermore, Optima offers a two-year warranty from the date of purchase for all of its blue top batteries, and they make it easy to use.
The only real drawback to the Optima OPT8016 battery is that it only comes with a top post option. While this isn't a problem for most applications, occasionally, you'll come across a vehicle that only has battery terminals for side post batteries.
Either way, you should double-check fitment for both size and battery terminals before purchasing an Optima OPT8016 or any other battery.
Pros
- 750 cold-cranking amps
- Mounts in any position
- Great for both marine and automotive applications
- Up to 120 minutes of reserve capacity
- Extremely powerful small battery
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Only top post
4 Tips for Buyers!
Most AGM batteries aren't cheap, which is why you want to get it right the first time. As long as you do your research and get a battery that fits your application, you should be alright. But just to be safe, check out the five tips below to make sure you're getting exactly what you need!
Always opt for extra power!
Tim, The Tool Man, knew you always need more power. While he might've taken it a little too far, the last thing that you want is a battery that can't get the job done. Spend the little extra money to get a battery that has a little more power than you need.
Always get AGM over lead acid
Whether you think you need an AGM battery or not, AGM batteries save you money in the long run. Most AGM batteries last up to 70 percent longer than lead-acid batteries! Spend a little more now; save a ton down the road.
Always check the fine print on warranties
If you need to mail the battery back to redeem the warranty, you're almost always out of luck. Traditional mail carriers won't mail batteries, and the ones that do, don't take orders from consumers.
Cold-cranking amps matter
If you're looking to get a battery for your car, focus on the cold-cranking amps. The last thing you want is a car that won't start on a cold morning. Cold-cranking amps keep everything running smoothly.
The Final Verdict
Not every AGM battery works for every application. That's why it's essential to do your research before you drop a ton of money on a top of the line battery. While AGM batteries offer a ton of advantage over typical lead-acid batteries, it's also far easier to buy a battery that won't work for what you're trying to do.
But by doing just a little homework, you can get a battery that outperforms any battery that you've ever installed. Even better, you can save a little money in the long haul too!
