Best Car Audio Battery

Having a world-class sound system in our car is necessary for some of us.

Considering that we spend so much time in our vehicles, it makes sense that we would want an immersive listening experience.

However, installing an aftermarket system inside your car can put tremendous strain on the regular battery.

As such, you may have to replace it with a more powerful battery to ensure that your sound system can operate at peak efficiency.

Since car audio is hugely important to me, I want to show you some of the best batteries out there for your aftermarket system. If you’re still using the dedicated car audio battery that came with your vehicle, then you are in desperate need of an upgrade.

When looking for the correct battery, the most important thing to watch out for is the number of cold cranking amps (CCA) and the number of watts it can produce. You must find a unit that matches CCA to your speakers’ RMS wattage to ensure proper syncing of the two.

So, with that in mind, let’s consider expert input and look at what these batteries can do for you.

Top 5 Best Car Audio Battery For The Money

1. XS Power D3400

Starting us off is this auxiliary battery from XS Power. Technically speaking, this model’s design supplements the power provided by your current starter unit, but you can also repurpose it as a gear4wheels1-20nt for your original battery.

Specifications:

• CCA: 1000
• Reserve Capacity: 135 minutes
• Watts: 2500-3500
• Warranty: Three years
• Size: Group 34

However, if you plan on doing that, you will have to buy battery terminals to make it work. Also, the starting power is not going to be as much since this is considered a “deep cycle” model.

Nonetheless, this battery is perfect for car audio. It works well for systems that use up to 3500 watts, as it can produce up to 3,300 amps. So, if you are planning on going all out with your sound system, this battery will be able to handle it all.

Given that this battery’s design is for high output, you shouldn’t get it if you are just doing a minor upgrade. The size and cost of this battery are relatively steep when you compare it to a standard model, so I wouldn’t suggest going this route unless you need this much power.

Also, keep in mind that when doing a full upgrade of your vehicle’s sound system, you have to do the “Big 3” changes. That includes replacing the alternator and upgrading the connectors as well as the capacitors.

If you don’t do all of this, your system will overload your car and cause all kinds of problems.

Overall, this durable, high-performance battery uses absorbed glass mat technology to provide ample electricity to any sound system. It is reliable and built to take on all comers.

Pros

• Durable construction
• High-performance design
• Deep cycle battery
• Absorbed glass mat battery
• High amperage
• Sealed and spill proof
• Vibration resistant
• Mount in almost any position
• Ultra low internal resistance
• Amp hours: 65
• Three-year limited warranty

Cons

• More expensive than other models
• Heavier than other batteries

2. Kinetik HC2400

Next, I have another high-performance battery that can work well as an auxiliary or primary power unit for your car.

Specifications:

• CCA: 1700
• Reserve Capacity: 110 minutes
• Watts: 2400
• Warranty: Two years
• Size: Group 31

As with the XS Power unit above, you will need to purchase terminals if you want to use this as a gear4wheels1-20nt for your current starter battery.

Nonetheless, this model will provide more than enough electricity for most high-end sound systems.

I like this battery because it has a super low ESR rating, making it far more efficient.

With deep cycle models, you must have as little resistance as possible so that they can recover from discharging much faster.

The other thing that I appreciate about this unit is how it’s sealed, meaning you can mount it anywhere, and it won’t leak. It will also last much longer than traditional models.

This means that you can mount it anywhere and it won’t leak, and it will last much longer than traditional models.

Also, since it uses absorbed glass mat technology, it’s much more efficient than a regular lead-plate battery.

Finally, it has insulation against heat and is vibration resistant.

Another reason the battery works well in any mounting position is because you don’t have to worry about environmental damage.

Thus, this battery is an ideal choice for off-road vehicles since it can take a beating without stopping.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Deep cycle battery
• Absorbed glass mat technology
• Sealed and spillproof design
• Mounts in almost any position
• Ultra-low ESR rating
• Extra heat and level of vibration resistance
• Stores energy, so capacitor is unnecessary
• Two-year limited warranty

Cons

• Can be cumbersome
• Requires different parts to replace the current battery
• In rare cases, the unit may leak battery acid slightly

3. Optima Batteries YellowTop

As far as battery brands go, Optima is respected. These models are so incredible because of the design and shape of their cells.

Specifications:

• CCA: 750
• Reserve Capacity: 120 minutes
• Watts: 1400
• Warranty: 36 months
• Sizes: Group 34

While they are not quite as reliable as absorbed glass mat, they are almost as good, making them far superior to traditional lead plates.

Note that these models are not 100% sealed, so be careful about avoiding leaks.

I like this battery because it works well as a starter or a deep cycle model.

While it’s not as powerful as a unit that’s designated as a “starter,” it can work on most vehicles without any problems, and you don’t need to buy any extra terminals.

I also like that this model recharges fast and can be depleted repeatedly over and over again without damaging the internal components.

Additionally, it’s super well insulated against heat and vibration, making it ideal for most off-road vehicles.

Finally, this battery is perfect for bad weather because of its design, which is better than most other batteries on this list.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Deep cycle battery
• Spiral cell design for optimum performance
• Easily replaces your current starter
• Long-lasting design
• Spill and leak-resistant
• Insulated against vibration
• Low resistance model
• Works well in cold weather
• Mounts in almost any position
• Faster recharging and cycling times
• Three-year limited warranty

Cons

• In rare cases, the battery may arrive damaged or depleted
• Not as powerful as a starter for starting your vehicle

4. Kinetik HC600 BLU

I’ve already shown you one of the higher end models from Kinetik, but if you aren’t planning on getting a massive sound system for your vehicle, then you will probably want something like this instead.

Specifications:

• CCA: 600
• Reserve Capacity: n/a
• Watts: 600
• Warranty: One Year
• Sizes: Group 31

Rather than providing up to 2400 watts for your speakers and radio, this battery can only operate up to 600 watts.

Given the information above, know that you won’t necessarily have to go with a “Big Three” upgrade to ensure that your car can handle the extra power.

Overall, the performance of this battery is just as good as the other Kinetic unit, but it provides less energy. It’s entirely sealed to prevent leaks, it has an ultra-low ESR rating, and it has expert insulation against heat and vibration.

You can mount this battery practically anywhere without any problems. I also like that it uses absorbed glass mat technology since that is much more reliable and durable than lead plates.

Finally, this battery is much less expensive and lighter than the other units we’ve seen. So, if you just want a modest upgrade to your sound system, or you want a simple auxiliary battery to help share the load, this is a perfect addition to your vehicle.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Deep cycle battery
• Absorbed glass mat technology
• Sealed and spill-proof design
• Works as auxiliary or battery gear4wheels1-20nt
• Mountable in almost any position
• Ultra-low ESR rating
• Stronger energy density
• Excellent heat and vibration resistance
• Cost-effective model
• Two-year limited warranty

Cons

• Not designed for high-powered systems
• Must buy terminals to replace the current battery

5. Odyssey PC680

The Odyssey PC680 is an excellent battery for the budget-conscious consumer looking for something with a little bit of a wallop. This battery might not deliver all the power you expect from the higher-end models on the market, but what it lacks there it more than makes up for in other ways.

Specifications:

• CCA: 170
• Reserve Capacity: 24 minutes
• Watts: Up to 1380
• Warranty: Limited 2 year
• Size: 7.15 x 3 x 6.65 inches

The Odyssey PC680’s design offers long-lasting satisfaction. Boasting a good battery life cycle that can stretch up to 70% longer than most other deep-cycle batteries, you can expect it to be around for a while.

This battery also recharges faster than most other comparable models. You can expect a fast recharge within just a couple of hours.

In addition, this battery is easy to mount, and you can fit it into various battery locations. Its sealed, non-spillable design and rugged construction can handle just about anything you throw at it – in any condition. 

At 1380 Watts, it can also run some sound systems out there, but it might struggle for those that need a lot of power. In that case, the Odyssey PC680 is perfect for adding just a little bit of boost to put your existing system over the edge.

Pros

• Long life
• Lightweight
• With 2 yr warranty
• Longer voltage stability

Cons

• No returnable policy

6. Mighty Max Battery Viper VP-600

The Mighty Max Viper VP-600, at first glance, looks like a strange addition to this list. It does not boast specs anywhere near the other options, honestly. However, this suitable battery meets many audio needs, depending on your choice and search.

Specifications:

• CCA: N/A
• Reserve Capacity: N/A
• Watts: 600
• Warranty: 1 year
• Size: 7.20 in x 2.99 in x 6.50 in

Let’s be clear: this battery does not replace your vehicle’s existing battery, whether that’s a factory battery or something you put in later. Instead, this battery is perfect for situations where you want to boost the power feeding into your amp.

Because it is leak-free and mountable anywhere, you can put the Mighty Max where you need it to go, in any space that will hold it. This makes it the perfect way to customize your system and get it looking and running just how you want it.

For a battery with this low of a price, the 600 Watts of power it delivers is certainly worth having, and you can count on the Mighty Max to pull all but the most energy-greedy of amps on the market today.

It’s solid and durable and can stay at maximum performance even under harsh road or weather conditions. What’s more, it is worry- and maintenance-free. Once you get it set up how you want it, you can practically forget it’s even there; there is no need to worry about leaks or spills.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Versatile
• Can withstand high temperatures
• And vibrations

Cons

• Cannot handle more than 600 watts

Car Audio Battery FAQs

1. How many CCAs do I need for car audio?

A: CCA is a standard rating that refers to the battery’s ability to run despite cold temperatures. To help you decide on this, a handy rule to follow in determining your car audio’s power draw. Then, find a battery with a CCA rating of at least triple this amount.

It may sound like an exaggeration to some. However, keep in mind that it’s much better to have an excess reservoir of battery power than to have a high-demanding amp system that your battery can’t accommodate.

2. Which is better yellow or red-top battery?

A: Whenever you’re looking for a battery for your car’s audio, you may find that the most common options you have are yellow-top and redtop. Often, you use a redtop battery for a wide variety of car electronics applications, ranging from ignition to lighting.

A redtop battery would probably do just fine if your car uses low-power speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofers. However, if your car’s electronics are heavily modified, which means you’ve installed numerous lights and speakers, a yellow-top battery would be better.

The reason behind this is that yellow-top batteries design is for deep-cycle consumption. While a redtop battery would probably give you more cranking amps, you wouldn’t need this in your car audio. Instead, you need better reserve capacity, something only a yellow-top battery could offer.

3. Do I need two batteries for car audio?

A: If you’re asking whether or not you should have a separate battery for your car audio, then the answer is yes. This case is valid if your car is heavily modified or you want to keep the music on while the engine is off. One battery will supply your car’s basic electronics; the separate battery will power your speakers and amplifier.

On the other hand, if your question is whether or not car audio needs two batteries, not including the battery of the car’s electronics, then that depends on your car’s audio system.

You only need two batteries for your car audio when you have prominent speakers installed that draw ample power from the battery. There wouldn’t be too much demand for energy on a single battery, preventing it from draining rather quickly.

4. Are AGM batteries good for car audio?

A: If you have looked around for a car audio battery, you probably came across AGM batteries. They are generally more expensive than maintenance-free batteries, but they would be better for your car audio.

AGM batteries are capable of withstanding multiple drains. What’s more, you can recharge them quicker than their maintenance-free counterparts, making them a better option for deep-cycle usage.

While AGM batteries will probably cost you more, you can rest easy knowing that their electrical features are adequate for your sound system. Simply put, this is a quality battery.

5. Do subwoofers drain car batteries?

A: Subwoofers operate at the lowest frequency range and often demand a lot of power from a battery. Because of this, your car battery will eventually drain, no matter what type of subwoofer you install.

That’s why if you have multiple subwoofers inside your vehicle, it’s always a good measure to install a separate battery to power your car audio.

Car Audio Battery Buyer’s Guide

1. How does a car audio battery work?

A: A car audio battery is a good investment for showing off your system and having a good audio experience, but you must understand how they work and when (and when not) to use them. Most people think that if they have an extensive, robust system, they automatically need a bigger battery, but the real question is whether you will be running it with your engine on or off.

If you are running it with the machine on, then a second battery doesn’t do you much good – all it does is put an extra load on the alternator.

If, however, you want to crank your sound while the engine is off, then your battery needs to be taken into account.

2. What factors do I consider before making a car audio battery purchase?

A: To ensure your car audio battery purchase is worth it, you’ll want to look at several factors.

Be mindful of how much you’re spending; you are on the right track if your stereo is cheaper than a capacitor.

It’s better to get a quality stereo system right away instead of using this alternative method. Even if capacitors give much-needed bursts of power, they consume so much space.

Next, look for a battery that won’t drain right away, even when listening to music when you are parked.

Remember that regular batteries will give you a maximum of one hour, but a good car audio battery designed to last makes a big difference.

3. What are the various car audio batteries from which I can choose my next purchase?

A: Below are the types of car audio batteries, complete with information on function and advantages.

AGM Battery

This article cites this battery many times. This car audio battery, also known as absorbed glass, utilizes up-to-date cell technology unparalleled compared to older types.

AGM batteries require no maintenance, for one, making it a primary choice, alongside its being sealed and functioning like a gel battery.

However, keep in mind that many still employ lead-acid to minimize costs.

On top of these advantages, AGM batteries hold a considerable advantage over lead-acid batteries.

Their sealed construction paves the way for more usage, sans the dangers of being spilled.

Lead-Acid Battery

Car owners who look for cheap audio battery options purchase these commonly chosen batteries also known as flooded lead-acid batteries.

These batteries work through constant topping off distilled water.

Distilled water prohibits the battery from being damaged while remaining unsealed.

However, this battery and its older technology have slowly lost their popularity from the old days because they often result in spillage.

Gel-Cell Battery

Finally, gel-cel batteries complete this list of car audio batteries. These batteries utilize water instead of electrolyte gel.

Because these batteries use electrolyte gel, its users can enjoy many benefits. For one, these also require minimal maintenance and remain sealed.

The gel’s vibration resistance also bodes well with the sealed battery, ensuring that spill does not happen.

4. How many watts is suitable for a car stereo?

A: There are a lot of factors to take into account when it comes to audio equipment. Generally speaking, though, most high-end car stereos run between 200 and 500 Watts. However, there are a lot of factors that can affect your sound.

Impedance, for example, can make a difference when it comes to subwoofers. A 500-watt stereo with high sensitivity will end up sounding better than a 1,000 watt stereo with a lower sensitivity range.

All in all, it depends on the entire system that you put together.

5. Where should I put a second battery for a car stereo?

A: If you are using a pair of batteries, make sure that the batteries have the same manufacturer and specifications. Typically, one battery will go right where the original battery went, and the other will be in the trunk.

6. Lastly, what other considerations do I make concerning my use of car audio batteries?

A: Consider three primary factors: maintenance, price, and size.

Having hassle-free maintenance saves you from wasting resources, effort, and time. In that case, consider prioritizing maintenance-free batteries for your next purchase.

After all, maintaining upkeep is challenging, with some batteries requiring maintenance every year. Note that mount batteries not entirely sealed might be challenging to do.

Next, price matters. Overpaying is unnecessary. Just make sure you get the power you need. Check compatibility with your car, too.

At the same time, don’t be too cheap that you end up bringing home a defective car audio battery, which might not last a long time anyway and might end up disappointing you.

Finally, consider proper sizing. How the battery fits and connects to your car is crucial. 

If you can, check with your car manufacturer and buy one that matches your vehicle perfectly.