| Best Choice |
|
XS Power D3400 AGM Car Audio Battery | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Best Value |
|
Kinetik HC600 Car Audio Battery | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Premium Pick |
|
Odyssey Automotive and LTV Battery | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
- 1. XS Power D3400 AGM Car Audio Battery
- 2. Kinetik HC600 Car Audio Battery
- 3. Odyssey Automotive and LTV Battery
- 4. Optima Batteries YellowTop Car Audio Battery
- 5. Optima Batteries RedTop Starting Battery
- 6. Stinger SPV69C Car Audio Battery
- 7. Mighty Max Battery Viper VP-600
- 8. Kinetik HC1200-BLU Black Lead Acid Battery
- 9. Gravity Audio 1000A Car Battery
- 10. XS Power XP750 Special Edition 600W Battery
When you have a powerful audio system in your vehicle, it can start to run down your battery very quickly. This is why it is worthwhile looking into getting a dedicated car audio battery that can power your accessories without you having to worry about a loss of performance to your equipment or your car. Many people go for a deep cycle battery to power their vehicle’s audio system.
But before you make an investment that is as important as this one, you should take the time to make sure that you choose the right car battery. We are here to help with our product guide that talks you through the best products currently available as well as their key features.
The Best Car Audio Batteries
Renowned for the high level of power that it provides and its long-lasting nature, this product is premium in quality. Once you have it installed in your vehicle, you can rest assured that it is tightly sealed and spill proof. Also, it is vibration-resistant for the times when you find yourself on bumpier ground.
The internal resistance is ultra-low, and you have the option of mounting it in pretty much any position you like in your vehicle. The stylish design is indicative of its sheer quality.
- Absorbed Glass Mat
- Sealed and spill proof
- Vibration-resistant
- Ultra-low internal resistance
- Brand XS Power
- Model D3400
- Weight 48 pounds
Powerful
Long-lasting
Sealed
No battery posts
Pricey
Occasional damaged packages
The Kinetik HC600 Car Audio Battery is essentially a no-brainer from a value standpoint. Whether you use it as a replacement for your regular vehicle battery or you want it as an additional battery to power your high-performance sound system, this is the kind of battery that will do everything you need and more. The sealed non-spillable design allows you to mount the battery in most positions without worrying about it leaking. The cells are tightly packed together to provide higher voltage under load, while the heat and vibration resistance are both high quality.
- Perfect for 600-watt car audio sound systems
- Resists extreme heat and vibrations
- Fits in almost any battery location
- Tightly packed cells
- Brand Kinetik
- Model HC600
- Weight 11.8 pounds
Small
Lightweight
Short lifespan
Terminals aren’t the best
Designed to last between three and 10 years (which is up to 70-percent longer than a conventional deep cycle battery), this car battery represents a solid investment. It is designed to provide a higher stable voltage for a more sustained period of time.
Thanks to its non-spillable design, you can mount it in a range of different locations around your car. It is vibration resistant to protect against standard mechanical shaking and high-impact shock alike.
- Fast recharge time
- High starting power
- Long service life between 3 and 10 years
- Flexible mounting options
- Brand Odyssey
- Model 34-PC1500T
- Weight 49.5 pounds
Long lifespan
Quick recharge
Hefty
May not fit in all vehicles
Designed for accessory-heavy vehicles, it has a high level of cranking power and cycling capacity. The battery promises to be maintenance-free and also offers up to three times longer life than other similar products.
This is the kind of battery that is trusted by professionals and auto-lovers alike. The battery is entirely spill proof and you can mount it in a range of different positions. It offers a high level of vibration resistance and a highly quick recharge. However, it may arrive damaged as some say the boxes were bent or torn.
- Reserve capacity of 120 minutes
- Optimal starting power in all weather
- 15x more resistant to vibration for durability
- 300+ discharge/recharge cycles
- Brand Optima Batteries
- Model OPT8014-045
- Weight 43.5 pounds
Long-lasting
Works in extreme temperatures
Designed for car audio equipment
Expensive
May arrive damaged
Like its predecessor the YellowTop battery, this RedTop from Optima is a great selection for providing power to your vehicle’s audio system. It’s a 12-volt battery with 800 cold cranking amps with a reserve capacity of 100 minutes. All of this together makes it one of the best batteries for boosting and improving your music.
Aside from it also being a great starter battery for a small SUV or compact car, it’s designed to start easily and efficiently no matter if it’s extremely cold or hot outside.
- Reserve capacity of 100 minutes
- 12-volt battery
- 800 cold cranking amps
- Brand Optima
- Model 8004-003
- Weight 38.8 pounds
Starts quickly and efficiently in cold weather
Versatile
Easy to install
Expensive
Lengthy charge time
Not long-lasting
Stinger makes our list a couple of times, and this 12V battery is certainly one capable of powering your music. The battery is entirely sealed and is also maintenance-free. It can even function as a replacement for the regular battery in your vehicle if necessary, but it makes a better additional source of power for your audio system.
The battery also contains no hazardous material, and is 100 percent sealed. The design is leak-proof, so you can rest assured that it is non-hazardous. Plus, you can expect it to last around 300 full discharge cycles.
- Sealed absorbed glass mat (AGM) design
- Usable as a replacement for vehicle’s regular battery or an extra source of power
- Leak-proof and non-hazardous design
- Good for over 300 discharge cycles
- Brand Stinger
- Model SPP1200
- Weight 35.5 pounds
Solid design
Powerful and reliable
Versatile
On the higher-priced side
Not strong enough to power some model vehicles
A versatile car audio battery with a fun name, the Mighty Max Viper is capable of providing 600 watts of power to your stereo system. It can also be used as a backup battery for your car, but its strong suit is powering your speakers. It also contains 18Ah and 12 volts to last you quite a long time. Not to mention, it’s a lower-priced choice for listening pleasure.
The design is leak-proof, which means that it is suitable to be placed in a number of locations. It is also 100 percent sealed and maintenance-free, so you don’t have to worry about its safety. It’s constructed with AGM technology for maximum performance and efficiency to really blast some tunes.
- Sealed absorbed glass mat (AGM) design
- Leak-proof design with removable brass battery posts
- AGM technology
- Brand Mighty Max
- Model SPV44
- Weight 11.9 pounds
Powerful
Versatile
Lower-priced option
May not last all that long
Slow charge
Providing 1200W of max support, this battery uses advanced AGM technology and is a great option for the price. The battery life is relatively high, so you don’t have to worry about recharging it too often. In terms of the size, it is relatively compact, so you should have no trouble fitting it in various places around your vehicle, even if you don’t have a huge amount of space to work with.
- 12-volt battery
- 1200W of maximum support
- Uses advanced AGM technology
- Brand Kinetik
- Model HC1200-BLU
- Weight 27.9 pounds
Compact
Easy install
Great backup battery
Higher price
This stylish battery provides 1000 amps of power and has a Digital Blue Voltage Display. Check to see the power of your car’s audio system to ensure that this is going to be sufficient to give the power that you require. The battery posts are chrome-plated, while the case is in black chrome. Many people are buying it for the appearance just as much as the performance which you get from it.
- Digital blue voltage display
- Chrome plated battery posts
- Black chrome case
- Brand Gravity
- Model GR-1000BC
Easy to read screen
Unique and cool look
Pricey
Housing feels flimsy
If your car stereo system runs with 1500 watts of power or less, this battery is an ideal option for powering everything. The number of amp hours is 20, which ensures plenty of usage time. Leak-proof and non-hazardous, the quality and performance level of the battery has been highly recommended by a number of different customers.
- Sealed absorbed glass mat (AGM) design
- 20 hours of amp power
- Up to 1500W of power at its peak
- Brand XS Power
- Weight 15.5 pounds
Best Car Audio Battery Buying Guide
In the following section, we will look at some of the main things that you should look out for when you are buying a car battery for your sound system. Next, we will go into more detail about the benefits of a car stereo battery ahead of the other methods you could use to power your vehicle’s audio. And we will then weigh up Redtop and Yellowtop batteries to decide which one is best. Finally, we have our frequently asked question (FAQ) section, which is there to answer some common queries which you may still be having.
What to Look for When Buying a Car Audio Battery
Before you rush out to get the car battery which you think is ideal for your vehicle, you should stop to make sure that this is actually the case. After all, you don’t want to shell out such a large sum of money, only to find that it doesn’t meet your needs. So, here are a few things to look for.
- Size
First thing’s first; you should check the size of the battery to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle. It needs to fit the specific make and model of the vehicle you own. Check out the product description and manufacturer specifications for more information. If you have a specific place in mind where you want to mount the battery, now is the time to start measuring. You don’t want to have to go through the effort of sending back the battery after choosing the wrong size.
- Battery Reserve Capacity
The reserve capacity of the battery indicates how long power will be provided while it is not being charged. Ideally, you should be looking for a figure of at least a couple of hours, especially if you plan on using the car’s audio without the engine running. If you are powering more accessories, you probably need a battery with a higher reserve capacity.
- Maintenance
Many of the batteries which we discussed above describe themselves as ‘maintenance-free’, which obviously makes your life a lot easier. Essentially, this means that you don’t have to add any liquid for it to continue working. The majority of these batteries are sealed, so you don’t have to worry about opening them up to conduct any work on them.
- Handle or Loop
This may seem like a little thing, but if the battery has a plastic handle or loop, this makes it so much easier to lift and carry around. Remember, they can be quite heavy and difficult to wield around easily. It also helps when you are trying to lower the battery into an engine compartment which is tightly packed together.
- Easy to Mount
You may be limited by the number of locations you can mount your car audio battery, particularly if you are driving a smaller vehicle. So, look out for spill-proof and sealed batteries which you can mount in a wide range of different places. This way, you don’t have to worry about battery fluid leaking out if you have positioned the battery in a more unorthodox position.
- Vibration Resistance
If you are driving a car with poor suspension or you plan on driving on rougher and bumpier surfaces, it is especially important that you choose a car which offers a decent degree of vibration resistance. Otherwise, there is a greater risk that the battery will become damaged in some way when you are driving along.
- Battery Life and Warranty
When you spend quite a lot of money on a product such as this one, you want a better idea of how long you can expect it to last. The amount of time that you use it for is obviously going to make a difference, but it is good to have a rough guideline which tells you how many years of use you can expect to get. All batteries have a limited shelf life, but some are obviously more limited than others. The warranty is another issue which is worth bearing in mind. The longer the warranty lasts, the longer you don’t have to worry about is going wrong without being able to get a replacement. A replacement warranty of around three years is usually a pretty good length of time.
- Customer Reviews
When it comes to specialized car parts like batteries, the customers who purchase these products are usually fairly knowledgeable, so you can get some good information from reading the customer reviews. Often, they include technical information and their own experiences while using the battery in their vehicle. And unlike other products, there are usually fewer reviews, so you don’t have to spend a long time scrolling through hundreds and hundreds of them. As always when you are reading reviews, make sure that you read the ones which cover the middle ground rather than only listening to the best and worst of the bunch.
- Price
Obviously, the price shouldn’t be the only factor to take into account when you are choosing, but many customers are looking for a cheap car audio battery. However, you don’t want to go for a low price if it is a complete sacrifice of quality. Otherwise, you are likely to need a replacement sooner, and the money you saved will probably end up going towards this.
Benefits of Using a Car Audio Battery
Before you settle on getting a car audio battery, you probably want to know some more about what benefits this will provide to your vehicle. Well, here are a few of the top plus points for you to bear in mind.
- Give Sufficient Power to Your Car’s Audio System
Pre-installed car batteries are only designed to power a car’s basic functions with not much left over. The remaining power of a factory-installed battery is not enough to power a sophisticated car audio system. When you don’t have enough power, this could lead to electrical issues around the vehicle such as a dimming of the headlights or a reduction in speed of the electric windows. Often, it will mean that the expensive audio system which you bought does not sound as good as it is supposed to. A second battery gives you plenty of reserve capacity to power the audio, and you can also place it close to the amplifier for improved performance.
- More Affordable Option
The other main option to power your car’s audio system is to get a capacitor, which is useful in providing sudden bursts of energy when needed. However, it is the significantly more expensive option, and some people debate whether or not getting one is worthwhile as they do a similar job to second batteries. Another battery will also take up a lot less space in your vehicle for the same amount of electricity storage.
- Usable for Other Purposes
When you add an additional battery to your car, you can also use it to solve other power issues around your vehicle. Since it is a permanent source, it is always there whenever you need it. So, if you have been having other issues around your car such as dimming headlights when you are playing your music, this no longer has to be a problem. Often, people get a second battery for their vehicle when they go out camping a lot and need a power source to charge all their accessories. If you don’t have a second battery, you are likely to run down your only source of power and end up with a flat battery when you try to drive away the next morning.
- Available in Different Sizes/Easily Installable
We have already talked about the importance of choosing a battery which is the right size for your car, but there are plenty of different options, so you are bound to find one that is right. Also, most of the batteries above can be mounted in a range of different locations, so you can make it fit around your other components. Work out the reserve capacity you need on your second battery based on how long you plan on playing your music in an average session.
- Power Your Audio While You Are Stationary
If you like to play your car’s audio system when you are parked up and the engine is not running, a second battery may well be a worthwhile investment. This way, you have hours of extra juice without having to worry about powering down your main battery. If you use the battery that your car came with, it may only be able to power your car’s audio with the engine off for around an hour or so.
Redtop or Yellowtop for Car Audio?
The choice between a Redtop or Yellowtop battery for your car audio needs is one which comes back to personal preferences and your audio need. Never mix the two unless you can connect them both separately. So, let’s discuss the advantages of disadvantages of the two varieties in more detail to help you make your mind up.
- Redtop
Redtop batteries are made for engine starting and can be used in automobiles or RVs. This AGM battery will offer a high burst of power to the ignition which ensures that start-up is reliable. On the plus side, it provides a fast recharging time, as well as a long lifespan. It is vibration resistant and will mount in a wide range of positions. It is also maintenance-free and spill-proof. You can expect the battery to start at any temperature. However, it is better in a vehicle without significant electrical loads.
- Yellowtop
Yellowtop batteries are made for cars which have been enhanced with a range of electrical features including amps, speakers, GPS systems etc. It offers you deep-cycle and cranking power and you can mount it in a range of positions. The design is vibration-resistant and almost maintenance-free. If you have a vehicle which needs audio and visual power exceeding 250 watts, this is a great option. On the downside, it is comparatively expensive.
Best Car Audio Battery FAQ:
An automotive audio battery works in the same way as a traditional car battery, but it is dedicated to powering your vehicle’s audio needs. Factory-installed batteries can power basic audio functions, but a high-end audio system requires extra juice to work effectively. Amplifiers are especially power-reliant and will not work at their optimum level without an extra source of power. If the car is spreading around its power too thinly, this will negatively impact some of the other electrical features around the vehicle such as the windows and headlights. A second battery allows you to double your stored power, so you can enjoy your audio system without negatively impacting the other features around your car. It gives you plenty of reserve amperage, particularly if you place the battery very close to the amplifier. Batteries come in a range of different sizes and power capacities, so you can choose the one which comfortably covers all the functions in your vehicle. Generally, installing a second car battery should be a relatively straightforward procedure. The most common location is in the trunk as you are unlikely to be able to put it in the engine without making some pretty serious modifications. Otherwise, you could put it under the load tray or in the passenger compartment. Essentially, you want to keep it from getting too hot, which could prove to be a problem for the battery. Depending on how much space you have available in the car, you may have to choose a battery which is physically similar to the original one which you already have. Often, they are wired into the vehicle, so your second battery can continue charging while you are driving. A high-amperage on/off switch then allows you to switch to the second battery when you are parked to stop the main one from draining. However, you need to remember to flick that switch to ensure that the right battery is being used at the right time!
The reserve capacity of a battery tells you how long the battery will last at a specified current draw. It is defined as the number of minutes which a fully-charged 12-volt car battery will continue providing 25 amperes at 10.5 volts while stored at 80 degrees Fahrenheit until the voltage decreases. If the vehicle is solely relying on battery power, this tells you how long you can continue running the battery until you need to recharge it.
Your car’s basic functioning relies heavily on the battery. A standard car battery should last for around six years, but this largely depends on how well you treat it. When the engine is off, your car will draw power directly from the battery, which will cause it to drain quicker. There are usually some obvious symptoms when it is time to replace your car battery. The most obvious is that the battery warning light will be illuminated! Another sign could be that the vehicle electronics suddenly stop working without any explanation. Since batteries are full of chemicals, you should make sure to dispose of the old ones in the proper manner.
Our Top Pick
XS Power D3400 AGM Car Audio Battery
Our number one pick for best car audio battery is this one from XS Power. It is spill-proof and sealed, so you can be confident in wherever you mount it. The valves are also regulated, and it is also vibration resistant for the times when you are driving along bumpy roads.
It has been extensively tested in all sorts of vehicles for a range of different purposes, so you can rest assured that it is will fulfill your car audio needs.
For all these reasons and more, it ranks at the top of our list of the best battery for a car audio system.
Sources:
- What is the difference between a normal lead-acid car battery and a deep cycle battery? – How Stuff Works
- Car Battery Replacement Service – Your Mechanic
