Considering all of the remote controls, gadgets and toys consumers use every day, batteries are big sellers. Consumer Reports put a dozen double-A batteries to the test to see how long they last.
Tests included different types including lithium, nickel, oxyhydroxide and alkaline and different brands including Rayovac, Energizer, Duracell and store brands.
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To see how long they last, they loaded batteries into identical digital cameras and used them until the batteries died.
Walgreens Alkaline Supercell, the lowest-rated, took only 133 photos.
The top-rated Energizer Advanced Lithium took 809 photos. However, a four-pack costs nearly $11.
"Lithium batteries cost more, but they last longer, so you save in the long run," said Consumer Reports' Sarah Goralski.
Lithiums are best for digital cameras because they use a lot of energy.
For remote controls and things that use less power, Consumer Reports recommends alkalines. The Duracell Ultra Advanced were top-rated and cost about $7 for a four-pack.
For toys, testers say go with rechargeable batteries to save the most money.