USB-rechargeable batteries still make sense in 2026

It's 2026, and disposable alkaline batteries no longer make financial or ecological sense. Paleblue offers USB-rechargeable lithium-ion cells as direct replacements for AA, AAA, C, D and 9V batteries, removing the need for a dedicated NiMH charger. Each kit includes the batteries, a 4-way charging cable and a plastic storage box.

The cable uses a USB-A plug to charge four cells at once; LEDs on the batteries glow while charging and extinguish when they are ready. The cells match the size, voltage and power of the alkalines they replace. The AA cells tested have a 2,550mAh capacity and recharge rapidly — about two hours for AAs and roughly an hour for AAAs — versus older NiMH cells that could take up to a day.

Paleblue claims about 1,000 recharge cycles, so the batteries should last for years in ordinary use. Packs are priced around $30 for a 4-pack of AAs, $55 for an 8-pack and $80 for a 12-pack; an 8-pack of mixed AAs and AAAs is $90, and a super-bundle of AAs, AAAs, 9V and D cells is $200.

usb rechargeable, lithium ion, aa batteries, aaa batteries, 9v batteries, c cells, d cells, nimh charger, recharge cycles, charging cable