You’ve probably been there. Standing in that bright, blue-tinted aisle, staring at a wall of copper and silver packaging. Your TV remote is dead, or maybe your smoke detector is doing that annoying 2 AM chirp. You just need some juice. But then you see the prices. One pack is eight bucks. The one right next to it—same size, same number of batteries—is twelve. Why?
Walmart is basically the wild west of battery pricing. It’s not just about the brand; it’s about the pack size, the chemistry, and whether you're looking at a "Rollback" price that’s actually a deal. Honestly, if you aren't looking at the price-per-unit, you're probably overpaying.
The Real Numbers: How Much Are Batteries At Walmart Right Now?
Prices move around, but let’s look at the current 2026 landscape. For your standard AA batteries, which everyone uses for everything, a 24-pack of Duracell Coppertop usually sits around $22.49. That sounds like a lot, but it breaks down to about 94 cents per battery. Compare that to a smaller 8-pack of the same brand at $7.11, and you're paying roughly 89 cents each.
Wait. Did you catch that?
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Usually, buying "bulk" is cheaper. But at Walmart, sometimes the medium-sized packs are actually the better deal depending on the weekly sales. It's weird.
If you switch to the Energizer Max 24-pack, you’re looking at roughly $14.90. That’s a massive drop. We’re talking about 62 cents per battery. If you’re a die-hard Energizer fan, the 48-count pack is even better at about $29.98.
Then there’s the Great Value brand. This is Walmart’s house brand, and it is where the real price floor is. You can grab an 8-pack for just $2.97. That is 37 cents a pop.
Breaking Down the Sizes (Typical Pricing)
- AAA Batteries: These are usually priced almost identically to AAs, though occasionally a few cents cheaper. A 48-pack of Great Value AAAs is currently around $14.97.
- 9V Batteries: These are the expensive ones. A 2-pack of Duracell 9V is about $8.21. If you go with the Great Value 12-pack, you’re looking at $14.97 total, which is roughly $1.25 per battery. That is a huge saving.
- C and D Batteries: These big boys are becoming rarer. A 4-pack of Great Value C or D batteries will run you about $4.97.
Is Great Value Actually Good or Just Cheap?
This is the big question. Everyone worries that the store brand will leak and ruin their expensive electronics. Kinda valid, but mostly a myth these days.
Most of these batteries are made by the same massive manufacturers that make the name brands. In fact, expert testing and consumer reports often show that Great Value Alkaline batteries perform within 80-90% of the capacity of a Duracell or Energizer. For a remote control or a wall clock? You will never notice the difference.
However, if you’re using them for high-drain devices—think a professional camera flash or a high-powered RC car—the name brands like Energizer Ultimate Lithium (which can cost over $2.00 per battery) are worth the premium. They don't just last longer; they handle the "push" of energy better.
The Car Battery Situation
Walmart isn't just for the little guys. Their EverStart car batteries are legendary in the car world, mostly because they are incredibly cheap and surprisingly reliable.
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Currently, the EverStart Value line (usually the 12-volt lead-acid variety) starts at a flat $79.00 for many common group sizes like 24F, 35, or 65. That is significantly cheaper than the $150 to $200 you’d pay at an auto parts boutique.
The EverStart Maxx, which has a better warranty and more Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), usually runs closer to $130-$150. Still a bargain. Plus, if you bring in your old "core" battery, they give you the core charge back, which saves you another $12 to $15 on the spot.
The "Invisible" Savings: Subscriptions and Clearances
Walmart has been pushing their subscription model hard lately. If you set your batteries to "auto-ship" via their website, you can often knock another 5% to 10% off the price.
Also, keep an eye on the "Rollback" tags. These aren't just temporary sales; they are often price adjustments to compete with Amazon. Right now, you can find Rayovac High Energy AA 16-packs for $7.10 (marked down from $13.36). That is an insane 44 cents per battery for a brand-name alkaline.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Trip
- Check the bottom of the tag: Look for the "Price Per Unit" in the corner of the shelf tag. Don't look at the big number. Look at the cents-per-battery.
- Avoid the checkout lane packs: Those 2-packs and 4-packs near the register are priced for convenience, not value. You'll pay double per battery compared to the ones in the back of the store.
- Lithium for the cold: If you are buying batteries for an outdoor sensor or a flashlight you keep in your car during winter, buy the expensive Lithium ones. Alkaline batteries die fast in freezing temperatures.
- Recycle your old ones: Don't just toss them. Walmart often has a kiosk near the customer service desk for recycling, especially for those heavy lead-acid car batteries.
Basically, if you want the best deal, buy the Great Value 48-pack for everyday stuff and keep an eye out for Rayovac Rollbacks for a step up in quality. Your wallet—and your TV remote—will thank you.
To get the most out of your purchase, check the expiration date stamped on the battery itself before you leave the store; even the best deal isn't worth it if the batteries have been sitting in a warehouse since 2022.