Best Car Audio Batteries Reviewed

If you have a high-powered stereo system, the last thing you want is to drain your car battery because of the aftermarket audio equipment. Instead, it's wise to invest in the best car audio battery.

Our car audio battery reviews will help you determine how many batteries you need and show you how it works. If you want the best car audio battery, keep reading.

Buyer’s Guide: High-Quality Car Audio Batteries

Battery Type

As you choose the best secondary battery for car audio, you must first consider the type. A deep cycle battery is durable and contains thick plates that increase the capacity charge. Wet cell batteries are spill-proof and maintenance-free. Valve-regulated lead-acid batteries contain safety valves to ensure safer operation. While lithium-ion batteries are the most expensive, they can hold a lot of energy, making it an ideal option for car electronics. 

Battery Size

Your car audio battery must physically fit the space you have set aside for it. You want to consider where you will place it and how to connect it. A few battery setups work best with particular manufacturers, making it easy to hook up.

Battery Reserve Capacity & Cold Cranking Amps

As you consider - what's the best battery for car audio – you must think about power. Look at the amperage, amp-hours, cold cranking amps, and reserve capacity. The larger the bank is, the longer you can use the power without recharging. You also want a battery that's rated for use at any temperature.

Maintenance

There are a few types of batteries that require ongoing maintenance. This upkeep can be annoying and make it harder to mount the battery. Instead, look for a maintenance-free battery that won't leak or spill. When you invest in an extra battery for a car audio system, you don't want to spend all of your time thinking about maintenance.

Handle or Loop

The options for the best battery for car audio and starting vary in size and weight. If you plan to install the battery yourself or want to be able to remove it, you want a handle or loop attached to the top. The batteries with the highest capacity are also heavier unless you purchase a lithium-ion battery. To make installation and maintenance a breeze, look for a handy loop attachment.

Easy to Mount

Traditional batteries can only be mounted in one way. That's because there is acid inside that will leak if the battery is tilted. With a maintenance-free, sealed battery, you can mount it in any position, which helps you accommodate your space better. Also, check that the battery comes with all of the hardware needed to complete the installation.

Vibration Resistance

As you turn up the tunes, there's going to be plenty of vibration in the vehicle. To ensure that the battery lasts as long as it should, you want a model that's vibration-resistant. Otherwise, all of that vibration could lead to premature wear of the battery, forcing you to need a new one sooner than expected.

Battery Life & Warranty

It's normal to want the best deep cycle battery for car audio at the lowest price. However, you can't simply focus on the price, but must look at the value. You want a battery from a reputable company that ensures longevity through a comprehensive warranty. A cheap car audio battery is poised to let you down and force you to spend more than necessary when you need another replacement.

1. XS Power D3400

This 12V AGM car audio battery is made from one of the top companies in the industry. It features 1,000 cranking amps and a 65 amp-hour rating for maximum capacity. Because the electrolyte is suspended in the fiberglass, the battery itself is spill-proof and completely sealed. This design provides maintenance-free operation and allows you to mount the battery in any position you desire. 

Furthermore, the construction is vibration-resistant, so you can jam out without worry. It also features an ultra-low internal resistance for maximum durability. At just 48 pounds, you won't have trouble installing this battery for your car audio system. However, there is no handle included, which would have been a nice addition.

Overall, this is the best pick if money isn't an issue. Some people won't want to invest this amount on a battery, but the performance is well worth the cost. Just look at the exceptional customer reviews. Plus, the company throws a three-year warranty on the battery, further ensuring that you won't deal with premature failure.

When you consider the amount of money you have already spent on your car audio system, it only makes sense to finish it off with the best battery on the market.

2. Optima Batteries 8014-045 D34/78 YellowTop

Optima Batteries also produces some of the top options on the market, but for slightly less money. This particular model is ideal for anyone looking to blow away the competition at the next sound event. The YellowTop battery features 750 cold cranking amps and only weighs 43.5 pounds. It also provides a reserve capacity of 120 minutes, so you will never lack performance when it matters the most.

Optima creates batteries that are fifteen times more durable than the standard battery, ensuring that excessive vibration won't affect it. Plus, the company uses a unique SpiralCell technology construction that makes it stronger. This special design also ensures you don't have to worry about maintenance and can mount your battery in any location. If you want the best battery terminals for car audio, you can count on the dual SEA/GM post type that is made to last.

The reviews on this battery are exceptional, but some recent customers suggest that the battery durability isn't what it once was. Even with the few minor complaints, it's still one of the most highly rated options on the market. Plus, the company provides a three-year warranty that ensures you aren't left hanging with a defective battery.

3. Kinetik HC600

If you need a cheaper option, you can't go wrong with this Kinetik battery. The 12V AGM battery offers plenty of performance for a basic car audio system. It will handle up to a 600-watt car audio system with ease and can replace your starting battery if needed. Because it stores energy, you won't need to invest in a capacitor, but might still wish to purchase the best battery isolator for car audio.

The leak-proof battery provides a non-hazardous design that can be mounted anywhere. There are no external vents on the battery, so you won't have to worry about spills. It will also fit in most locations because of its compact size. At just 11 pounds, you won't have difficulty getting it installed or replacing it. Plus, the company ensures maximum vibration protection, even though it's a low-line battery model.

Of course, this battery isn't meant for the highest-powered car stereo on the market, but it will handle your basic aftermarket equipment with ease. To further back up the claims, the company provides a one-year warranty on the battery. We recommend this option if you are working with a tight budget, but don't want to continue running your stereo equipment on the car battery.

4. Stinger SPV44

This 12V AGM dry cell battery will handle up to 1320 watts of stereo power with ease. Plus, it comes at a reasonable price so that you can use it for your car audio or a standard starting battery in a jam. The nominal capacity of this battery is 20 Ah with a cold cranking output of 550 amps. While this doesn't compete with some of the top choices, it's more than enough for most car stereo systems.

Plus, the leak-proof battery features a non-hazardous design, so you won't have to worry about spills. You can mount this sealed and maintenance-free battery in any position that suits your configuration. In fact, this battery comes with removable brass posts to help you fit it into any location. This battery is rated at more than three hundred full discharge cycles. With the energy storage, you don't need to purchase a capacitor, which further saves you money.

While the company does provide a one-year warranty, some customers have complained about the return policy. You might be responsible for the shipping charges if you were to receive a defective battery. However, the majority of reviews never discuss any premature failure, so this isn't a common occurrence.

5. Kinetik HC1200-BLU

If you don't need the most high-powered battery in the mix, this Kinetik might be a great option. It's a 12V AGM Battery with support for 1200 watts. You can use it to power your car audio system or as a standard battery replacement. The leak-proof design and lack of external vents make it simple to fit in any location without worrying about spills.

The battery features a 40 Ah rating and pumps out 1150 cranking amps. Because of its unique design, the battery also resists extreme conditions and vibrations. Inside the battery box, there is a special construction that equips the power cells with strong plates for more energy density and high voltage under load. Plus, this battery only weighs 28 pounds, so installation will be a breeze.

As with most of the cheaper options, this battery only features a one-year warranty. However, browsing through the reviews shows that durability isn't an issue. The only complaints seem to come from people trying to power too much with this battery. If you operate within its limits, you shouldn't face any trouble. We recommend this low-cost AGM battery if you are looking for a good mixture of value and car audio performance.

6. LiFePO4 Orient Power

If you want maximum power and cost isn't a concern, then you are looking for a lithium car audio battery. This option is rated at more than 8,000 life cycles, which is perfect for car audio power and more. You can maintain the battery with a solar charger for even more versatility. That's why many customers utilize this battery for RV, marine, and other off-grid applications. If you regularly play your car stereo while the vehicle is off, you will receive plenty of power with this battery.

Another significant benefit of using lithium batteries is the weight difference. This extremely capable design only weighs 22 pounds, which is far lighter than most. You will be able to mount the battery quickly and with minimal effort. However, it's difficult to compare this battery head-to-head with some of the others, since the reserve capacity and cold-cranking amp rating isn't clearly listed.

Looking through the customer reviews, we can see that most people are pleased with the performance. Of course, you are going to spend a little more to get a lithium battery, but it's designed to last far longer than other types. On the other hand, the company wasn't very generous by offering a one-year warranty. We wish this could have been a little longer to ensure satisfaction.

7. Optima Batteries 8025-160

We couldn't talk about the best alternatives to a battery capacitor for car audio without coming back to another Optima option. This RedTop battery is slightly less powerful than the YellowTop discussed earlier, but better on the pocketbook. It's a 12V AGM battery that produces 720 cold-cranking amps and 90 minutes of reserve capacity. That's more than enough for most small car audio systems. Plus, it weighs less than forty pounds, so installation is simple.

As with the higher-end Optima batteries, this model still comes with fifteen times more durability than a conventional battery. It also includes the unique Spiral Cell technology for maximum performance. You won't need to perform any maintenance, and there will be no spills with this completely sealed battery. The best part is that you could easily swap this battery for your starting equipment in a jam.

Overall, Optima remains one of the top leaders to purchase from, even with some recent durability concerns. The company maintains high reviews on every battery offered and also gives customers a three-year warranty for peace of mind. We recommend this option if you are looking to power up a small audio system, want a reliable brand, but don't want to spend a crazy amount of cash.

8. ExpertPower EXP1290

A small, compact battery for your car audio system shouldn't cost you much. This ExpertPower battery is low-cost and features a space-saving design. It's a sealed lead-acid battery, so you still don't have to think about leaks, spills, or maintenance. With the high-impact resistant case, you get maximum protection against heat, chemicals, vibration, and shocks.

ExpertPower creates this battery with the acid located between the plates. This ensures immobilization with the fine fiberglass mat. Along with the valve-regulated design, you are guaranteed a safe operation when powering your car stereo equipment.

Plus, installation is a breeze, considering the weight of this battery. The biggest downside to this battery is the power rating. The company doesn't list the reserve capacity or CCA, but reviewers suggest that neither is very high. With this in mind, this battery should only be used for small audio systems that don't require a lot of power.

As a budget-minded battery, you couldn't ask for better reviews. Customers who understand this is a basic option are quite pleased. Plus, the company offers a one-year warranty for further support. If you need a minimal amount of power, we think this battery might be the best way to complete your installation on a budget.

9. Odyssey 34-PC1500T

To finish out the list, we have one more option, this time from Odyssey. This company is also respected as a leader and always has high customer reviews. With this model, you gain 850 cold-cranking amps and a 135-minute reserve capacity, so you will never be without power again. Odyssey batteries are rated at a three to ten-year life cycle. With this level of durability, you will actually spend less than if you purchase a cheap battery every couple of years.

Furthermore, you can count on a faster recharge time. Expect to receive a full charge in less than six hours with the right equipment, even when the battery is completely drained. The AGM battery features the same spill-proof and leak-proof construction as the other models, so you can mount it anywhere. Plus, it's made to withstand many vibrations so that you can crank up your tunes even louder.

While this battery does start to jump up in price slightly, the investment is far worth the cost. The reviews can't say enough good about this battery, and consumers are covered by a three-year replacement warranty. Many other companies pro-rate the warranty, but not Odyssey. If it fails prematurely, you get a new battery.

Installing Automotive Audio Batteries

Do you know how to wire multiple batteries for car audio?

Sometimes, you will need to upgrade your alternator when you add a second battery. Once you've determined that your vehicle is ready, here are some installation tips for the car audio dual battery setup.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What Optima battery is best for car audio?

To find the best Optima battery for car audio, you must evaluate your individual needs. For most people, the YellowTop lineup provides precisely what's needed to adequately power up the car audio system.

How much does car safety depend on the battery?

The car battery is filled with acid and other dangerous materials that pose a safety hazard if not used properly. That's why you want to ensure that you purchase the appropriate battery for your setup and use it correctly.

How many watts is good for a car stereo?

Your second battery for car audio must match the power requirement of your system. For example, if you are running a 1500 watt system, then the battery must be capable of handling that power rating. XSPower has a car audio battery calculator that helps you determine what your system requires.

How much should a car audio battery typically cost?

You can find cheap batteries at around $50, but these might not provide the reliability you need. The average car audio battery should cost about $100 to $200, with prices going higher based on the required capability. 

Conclusion

What is the best battery for car audio systems? It depends on your needs, but we prefer the XS Power D3400 for most applications. Even though the price is higher than most, this battery provides reliable power, guaranteeing the best sound as you drive.