Best Golf Cart Batteries Reviewed

Choosing High-Quality Golf Cart Battery

Battery Voltage

Battery Type

There are a few different golf cart battery types you can choose from. The flooded lead acid, or wet cell battery, is filled with water and requires maintenance. AGM lead acid batteries or gel lead acid batteries don’t require the same kind of maintenance. Most of the batteries in today’s golf carts are the latter options, but you could also upgrade to a lithium-ion battery instead.

Date Code & Battery Life Cycle

While you want cheap golf cart batteries, it’s not wise to gamble on a used model. Instead, you want a battery that was recently produced and will provide the maximum life cycle. You can find the date of manufacture on the side of the battery. For optimal results, choose a battery that isn’t more than six months old.

Capacity

To increase capacity, you might need to run batteries in parallel, but this doesn’t increase the voltage. For example, if you choose two of the best 6 volt golf cart batteries rated at 210 Ah and connect them in parallel, your overall capacity rises to 420 Ah, but the voltage remains the same.

Connections & Terminals

You can’t simply focus on the power and capability of a battery, but must also consider your golf cart battery charger. Check the terminals on the battery you've picked and purchase cables that are compatible. This ensures that your connections don't become overheated, and your battery works as it should.

Battery Weight

There are several benefits to having a heavy golf cart battery. First, it provides more stability for the cart. Secondly, it’s less likely to fall out. However, the downside to a heavy battery is that is the added weight might slow down the cart’s travel speed a little.

Battery Charger & Voltmeter

To ensure that the best golf cart batteries for the money continue to run as they should, you must have an adequate charger and voltmeter. After all, if the battery can’t receive the juice it needs to operate, it doesn’t matter how high-quality it is. Ensure that the charger and voltmeter you have provide the power you require.

Vibration Resistance

Driving on the golf course isn’t always smooth sailing. Sometimes, you are going to hit patches where the terrain gets bumpy. The best 8v golf cart batteries ensure that the vibration doesn’t cause damage, thanks to a durable construction. The less vibration the battery endures, the longer it can last.

Price & Warranty

You want to find the best price on golf cart batteries, but the cost can’t be everything. As the old saying goes – you get what you pay for. Golf cart batteries prices aren’t cheap, to begin with, but you might want to splurge a little more on a reputable brand that offers a reliable warranty.

1. TROJAN BATTERY T-105

What is the best 6V golf cart battery? We have to lean toward this Trojan battery model. It remains our top pick for the best golf cart batteries for several reasons. First, the lead-acid batteries remain one of the top choices from Trojan. They are engineered to provide outstanding performance and rugged durability. They also contain T2 technology for sustained power and increased energy.

The battery uses Trojan Grid Technology, which is a lead antimony alloy grid mixture that uses Alpha Plus Paste. This solution offers more adhesion to the grid frame, which reduces corrosion and reinforces the strength. Overall, you are looking at less downtime and fewer maintenance costs. The batteries also contain a Maxguard T2 Separator, which keeps the acid channels open for more extended periods to reduce the risk of stratification and enhance the electrochemical processing.

To get four high-quality golf cart batteries, the price is reasonable. Plus, the reviews are exceptional. The only aspect that seems to upset some customers is the short warranty term of just a year. Typically, this is standard across the board, but some manufacturers prefer to go above and beyond with a longer warranty term. If you want a complete solution to replace your 6V golf cart batteries, these might be the best 6 volt golf cart batteries for an RV as well.

2. Universal Power Group (35Ah)

As the runner up, we’ve chosen this set for the best 12V battery for a golf cart. If your rig requires 12 volt golf cart batteries, this option might be the best for you. Universal Power Group is known for making reliable batteries at rock bottom pricing. Plus, this particular set includes two batteries to make replacement easier than ever before.

These lead-acid golf cart batteries will require some maintenance. They are not sealed, so you need to check the water levels and top them off as needed. Plus, you have to be careful about how you handle them since they can leak. However, you might consider using these as the best golf cart batteries for an RV, making for the perfect solution while you are on the go.

There's nothing special about the construction or design of this battery; it's a no-nonsense design that provides the power you need. Just look at the reviews, and you will see how other customers feel. The most significant difference between this and some others is that these batteries are rated for three to five years, where you might get more time out of another option. However, you can't beat the price, and the company also provides a one-year warranty for additional protection.

3. Universal Power Group 12 Volt

If you want the best 12 volt golf cart batteries, but need something with less maintenance, consider this AGM battery instead. It’s made from the same company and offers the price of refurbished golf cart batteries, even though this is a brand new model. With AGM golf cart batteries, you won’t have to check water levels, but there’s so much more. You can mount the battery in any position because leaks aren’t a concern.

Plus, this AGM battery resists shocks and vibrations, which is helpful if you will be traveling off of the course to look for your rogue ball. This particular battery only comes in a package of one, but you can purchase as many as you need to complete your 48 volt golf cart battery system. At this price, you can’t expect an overwhelming amount of starting power or lifespan, but it’s reliable enough to be a good value. The reviews prove that customers are happy with the operation.

As with the last set, this 12V battery also includes a one-year warranty. While this is the lowest in the industry, it’s difficult to ask for much more on a bare-bones AGM battery. It is rated at three to five years, so you should enjoy plenty of life out of the battery as long as you take care of it.

4. Mighty Max Battery ML35-12 - 12V

Another low-cost deep cycle golf cart battery comes from Mighty Max. This 12V AGM sealed battery is rechargeable and maintenance-free. Because of the design, you can enjoy the leak-proof design that allows you to mount it in any position. It will also resist vibration and shocks, allowing for more durability while traveling over rough terrain.

This battery features a high discharge rate, deep discharge recovery, can be used during extreme temperatures, and provides a long service life when compared with other budget-friendly options. You will only receive one battery with this product, but you can simply order as many as you need. The screws are included with your battery; simply reuse your harness and other mounting accessories to complete the installation.

Customers are genuinely pleased with the performance and lifespan. Plus, the company provides the standard one-year warranty but goes beyond that with a 30-day refund policy. If you aren’t satisfied with the battery during the first 30 days, you have the right to a full refund, no questions asked.

That additional guarantee shows that the company is confident that this model will suit your golf cart needs. Purchase the 12V batteries you need to complete your 36 volt golf cart battery configuration and save money in the process.

5. Renogy 12V

Renogy is a leader in producing high-quality deep cycle batteries for your golf cart, RV, marine applications, and more. This gel battery might cost a little more than other options, but the cost is far worth the expense. After all, this battery is rated at ten-year service life, ensuring you won't have to buy more batteries anytime soon. The heavy-duty lead-calcium grid ensures less corrosion and is what makes the battery last longer.

These batteries are also equipped with a PE compound separator construction that allows the gel to distribute evenly among the inner battery. It also contains a Triplex sealed construction to prevent leakage and keep the batteries airtight. The self-discharge rate is super low, making this a great battery during winter storage. There are also included explosion-proof safety valves that prevent the production of any destructive gases.

Looking at the customer reviews, you can see that this battery lives up to all of the hype. Plus, the company graciously provides a two-year warranty, which is a year longer than the standard term. This additional protection shows that the manufacturer is confident in the construction and lifespan. If money is no object, you can’t go wrong with this battery from Renogy.

6. VMAXTANKS 6 Volt

This option might not be the best price on 6 volt golf cart batteries, but the expense is worth what you spend. This 6 volt deep cycle golf cart battery provides a durable construction and a lifespan ranging from eight to ten years. This AGM battery contains a unique electrolyte suspension solution and a design that contains high porosity for complete absorption. There are no dangerous contaminants or silica gels used.

Plus, the inner part of the battery contains the VMAX heavy-duty lead tin alloy to provide more performance and additional life, even if you repeatedly discharge it. Thankfully, you don’t need to check the electrolyte levels or add water. In fact, there’s no need to worry about traditional battery maintenance at all. The 225 Ah battery is going to stand up to the test, even if you put it through a lot of stress.

The higher price doesn't seem to discourage users, and the reviews remain high. The only thing we wish would have come with the more expensive model would be a longer warranty. Right now, the company only provides a one-year, which seems too minimalistic for the quality this battery is supposed to offer. Still, it doesn't appear that most people are struggling with the durability of this model.

7. Marine Lifeline GPL-8DL

Are you looking for the best batteries for 48V golf cart? Sometimes, you have to be willing to pay more to receive the top-shelf quality that is going to last. These 12V 255 Ah batteries were designed with marine applications in mind, but are also perfect for your golf cart. You can combine them to fit with your 48 volt golf cart battery wiring diagram for an easy installation.

These AGM deep cycle golf cart batteries won’t require any maintenance. There’s no reason to worry about golf cart battery water ever again when you use this sealed design. The included electrolyte solution remains intact and ready to provide reliable power. Plus, the design is leak-proof so that you can mount it in any position for complete versatility. 

There aren’t a ton of reviews on this particular model yet, but the manufacturer comes highly recommended, so there’s nothing to worry about. Of course, ordering several of these batteries will add to your bill quite quickly, but you often have to pay for reliability. Plus, the company does provide both a one-year replacement warranty and an additional five-year prorated warranty. If the battery fails prematurely, you will be covered. We recommend this option for anyone looking for the best of the best.

8. Universal Power Group UBGC2

To finish off our list, we have to look at one more option from the highly rated Universal Power Group. You've seen several of their batteries on the list, but this isn't like the other budget-friendly options listed above. This AGM battery offers a lot more capacity at 200 Ah. That adds slightly to the weight but provides the reliable performance you are desiring.

The AGM battery is spill-proof and won’t leak. Plus, you won’t have to worry about maintenance, so there’s never a need to check the water levels. With this design, you can also mount the battery in any position you see fit. Furthermore, it provides maximum protection against vibration and shocks, which is perfect if you plan to go on a golf ball hunt often.

Hook this up to your golf cart battery cables, and you will notice the difference. There aren’t a lot of customer reviews yet, but we expect good things. For the cost, we would have liked to see a longer warranty term, but can’t complain about the one-year guarantee that’s offered. Overall, you can expect three to five years of service life out of this battery, as long as you take care of it.

Installing Golf Cart Batteries

When the time comes for golf cart battery replacement, you can follow these easy steps.

Charging a Golf Cart Battery

Do you know how to charge golf cart batteries? It's not as difficult as you might think. Ideally, you want to use a trickle charger to keep the battery at optimal levels while you aren't using the golf cart, but what do you do once the battery is completely dead?

Your charger must match your battery voltage if you want to charge them one at a time. If you are using a 12V charger, but have 6V batteries, simply charge two at a time, with the positive connector on one and the negative on the other.

Here is some more golf cart battery charging tips that you will find helpful.

Golf Cart Battery Maintenance

Maintaining your golf cart battery isn’t complicated, but essential if you want it to have a long lifespan. Here are some steps to follow.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How long do golf cart batteries last?

You can get between four and ten years out of most golf cart batteries by merely maintaining it correctly.

When should I replace golf cart batteries?

Several signs indicate when it's time to replace the golf cart batteries. If they are taking longer to charge, not providing as much power, have a reduction in acceleration, fail a voltmeter test, or show signs of physical wear, it's time to invest in new batteries.

Can I jump my golf cart batteries with jumper cables?

If the golf cart batteries are completely dead, you can use jumper cables, but this isn’t a good long-term solution.

How can I determine the voltage requirement of my golf cart?

Lift up the golf cart seat to find the battery compartment. Count the number of battery locations; it is usually three, four or six holes. Multiply this by two to determine voltage. Then, multiply the voltage by the total number of golf cart batteries. For example, if there are three holes multiplied by two volts, you have a six volt battery. The six volt battery multiplied by six total batteries, means you are looking at a 36 volt golf cart battery diagram.

Conclusion