Excellent rechargeable batteries that can replace alkaline cells.
Using Li-ion rather than NiMH, the Trust USB-C Rechargeable AA Batteries deliver a constant 1.5V, making them compatible with a wider range of devices, including high-power torches and smart locks. If you’ve devices that only work with alkaline batteries and you want a more eco-friendly option, then these are a good choice. For basic use, regular NiMH batteries are cheaper and offer higher capacities.
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Works with devices that require alkaline batteries -
Constant power output -
Easy to charge
Key Features
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USB-C charging
Charge via the integrated USB-C port. -
1.5V
Delivers the same output as standard alkaline batteries. -
Mid-range capacity
Holds 1700mAh of power – enough for most standard uses.
Introduction
Rechargeable batteries might be good for the environment, but standard NiMH rechargeable cells have one problem: they’re rated at 1.2V, whereas standard alkaline batteries have an output of 1.5V.
That can make some rechargeable batteries incompatible with some devices, such as smart locks, something the Lithium-Ion Trust USB-C Rechargeable AA Batteries overcome.
With an integrated USB port, these batteries can also be recharged without any specialist equipment. They are quite expensive, but if you need higher-voltage rechargeables, these are a good choice.
Design and Charging
- USB-C input
- Indicator light
Although the Trust USB-C Rechargeable AA Batteries look like standard AA batteries, there’s a clue that there’s something different: the USB-C port on the top. Via the integrated circuitry, this battery can be charged via a standard USB-C cable.
Internally, these batteries are Li-ion rather than the more standard NiMH that most rechargeable batteries use. So, what’s the difference?
The main one is that Li-ion batteries can deliver a constant 1.5V, similar to a standard alkaline battery; NiMH batteries are rated at 1.2V, though many start higher and the voltage drops as they discharge.
For devices that are sensitive to voltage, rechargeable batteries are a non-starter. For example, I’ve got a Yale Linus smart lock, which complains that the batteries are low if I use standard rechargeable AA cells.
On the flip side, the Li-ion cells here can’t be recharged in a regular battery charger. Don’t even try it, as a regular charger will damage the batteries and prevent them from working.
Charging, then, is limited to USB-C. With the dual-pack of batteries, Trust doesn’t provide any cables; buy the four-pack and you get a four-way USB-A-to-USB-C cable, so you can top up four batteries on the go.
A green light flashes to show that the batteries are charging and then turns solid green when they’re fully charged.
These batteries have a maximum capacity of 1700mAh, which makes them relatively low capacity compared to NiMH batteries, which go much higher, as with the Ansmann Digital AA HR6 2850mAh batteries.
Recharge cycles are also lower, with the Trust USB-C Rechargeable AA Batteries supporting up to 800 charge cycles. Most NiMH batteries will last for at least 1000 charge cycles, although there are some products that last for up to 1500 cycles.
Li-ion batteries don’t self-discharge at the same rate as NiMH batteries, so you can charge these ones and leave them in a drawer until you’re ready to use them.
Performance
- Constant 1.5V output
- Decent capacity
I couldn’t use my standard battery-drain test because the Trust USB-C Rechargeable AA Batteries aren’t compatible with my older battery tester. Instead, I used the XTAR VX4. Using this, I found that the batteries held 1834mAh, which is slightly above their rated capacity.
That’s good enough for most applications, although if you have a high-drain device, such as a remote control toy, that you’ll use in one go, a traditional set of NiMH batteries with a higher capacity may make more sense.
I found that the Trust USB-C Rechargeable AA Batteries worked perfectly in my smart lock, and I didn’t get the low-battery warnings I get with NiMH batteries.
Should you buy it?
You need high voltage rechargeables
Compatible with everything regular alkaline batteries are compatible with, these batteries are a good, rechargeable alternative.
You have more basic needs
For a lot of standard jobs, such as remote controls and game controllers, standard NiMH batteries are cheaper.
Final Thoughts
The Trust USB-C Rechargeable AA Batteries are a lot more expensive than NiMH batteries, so whether they’re right for you depends on your requirements.
For standard game controllers, remotes and the like, I’d be tempted to stick with regular NiMH rechargeable batteries and charge as required – my guide to the best rechargeable batteries can help. However, if you’ve got a specific requirement for high-voltage rechargeables, such as in a torch or smart lock, then these are great.
How we test
We test every rechargeable battery we review thoroughly over an extended period of time. We use standard tests to compare features properly. We’ll always tell you what we find. We never, ever, accept money to review a product.
Find out more about how we test in our ethics policy.
- We use an Ansmann Energy XC 3000 to drain batteries, so that we can test capacity in mAh. After the first run, we charge and discharge 50 times, measuring the capacity every ten runs.
- We measure the initial voltage of the batteries, checking that the starting voltage is at least 1.2V.
FAQs
Yes. A standard battery charger will damage these batteries.
They output a constant 1.5V, which is the same as standard alkaline batteries.
Test Data
| Trust USB-C Rechargeable AA Batteries | |
|---|---|
| Battery tested capacity | 1834 mAh |
Full Specs
| Trust USB-C Rechargeable AA Batteries Review | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | – |
| Battery | 1700 mAh |
| Size (Dimensions) | x x INCHES |
| Release Date | 2025 |
| First Reviewed Date | 02/12/2025 |
| Model Number | Trust USB-C Rechargeable AA Batteries |
| Battery type | Rechargeable |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion |
| Battery size | AA |
