When you need a larger battery to handle the powering of equipment rather than devices, you will need to consider how a deep cycle battery can be used to suit your needs.
The biggest difficulty in buying the best deep cycle battery is really knowing where to start. We are not all battery experts and there are things to consider about the specifics of how the battery will be used. To help you sort through all of the details that need to be taken into account, we have developed some tips and information to get you closer to making the right selection.
Things to Think About
What will you be using the deep cycle battery for? These batteries are most commonly used for providing power to equipment like golf cars, boats, RVs and even solar panels. The machine you need to power will determine the type of battery that you need.
The Types of Deep Cycle Batteries
The types of batteries include a true deep cycle and an RV or marine deep cycle. These are best used in different situations.
- The True Deep Cycle Battery is generally used for domestic purposes like providing the power in an RV for appliances. This type is also best used for solar panels and storing energy because it can deal with more recharging cycles.
- The RV or Marine Deep Cycle Battery is a hybrid made up of features of a cranking battery and a true deep cycle. This is best used for getting boats started and even for running the lights and electrics when it is anchored. Although this is a reliable choice it sacrifices some of the qualities of the styles it has become a hybrid of and its lifetime is much shorter.
One Extra Note
In our list of the top ten deep cycle batteries, we have supplied information on each item’s amperage rate. Essentially this is a control test on how long the battery took to drain to zero from a full charge. The test has a lot of complicated details but basically the higher the number of amperage hours (Ah) the longer the battery will last.
Top 10 Deep Cycle Batteries Overview Chart
| Picture | Name | Amperage Hours | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Vmaxtanks Vmaxslr125 AGM Deep Cycle 12v 125ah SLA rechargeable Battery | 125 | $$$$ | 4.8 |
 | 2. ML35-12 - 12V 35AH U1 Deep Cycle AGM - Mighty Max Battery | 35 | $$ | 4.7 |
 | 3. ExpertPower EXP12180 12 Volt 18 Ah Rechargeable Battery | 18 | $ | 4.7 |
 | 4. UPG 85980/D5722 Sealed Lead Acid Battery | 35 | $$ | 4.5 |
 | 5. Odyssey PC680-P Battery | 16 | $$$ | 4.6 |
 | 6. Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M BlueTop Starting and Deep Cycle Marine Battery | 30 | $$$ | 4.5 |
 | 7. 35AH 12V DC Deep Cycle SLA Solar Energy Storage Battery | 35 | $$ | 4.4 |
 | 8. Battery Tender BTL35A480C Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery | 30 | $$$$ | 4.3 |
 | 9. SEALED - LARGE BATTERY | 35 | $$ | 4.3 |
 | 10. UPG UB1280I Sealed Lead Acid Batteries | 8 | $ | 4.0 |
Features of Good Deep Cycle Batteries
The best deep cycle battery is the one that has all of the great features of this kind of battery working in the most efficient way possible. This type of battery is used for powering electrical equipment for longer periods of time so the best one is the one that can provide the most power and has the most extended lifetime.
- Recharging. Unlike a starter battery, a deep cycle battery can be recharged which is what makes it best for usage with solar panels. The sun charges the battery during the day and the energy can be released all through the night. Being able to recharge many times and also release the energy slowly over time is key to the effectiveness of using the deep cycle battery in this way.
- Bonus Feature. As a starter battery is often used as a comparison it is important to note that a deep cycle battery can be used to start a car if necessary but a starter battery cannot be used in the same way as a deep cycle is used. This added benefit and versatility is something you should look for in the best deep cycle battery.
3 Best Deep Cycle Battery Reviews
1. Vmaxtanks Vmaxslr125
This battery in particular is great for use with solar panels and solar energy. A few of these batteries are all it would take to power a small cabin completely without even fully discharging the amount of power that has been stored.
Whether you use solar power for a few lights and a clock or use it for a radio or communication system, this battery can get the job done without too much maintenance or adjusting from the user.
This Vmaxtanks Vmaxslr125 generally comes with a charge of 50%, which will allow you to test and use it right away. It also comes with a built-in handle that makes it easy to move around.
Though this battery is more expensive than lead acid ones, it is much more reliable and well worth the money spent to save on time and energy costs over the years. This is one purchase you will never regret making and you will almost certainly think about getting more.
2. Mighty Max ML35-12
Whether the Mighty Max ML35-12 is being used to power a boat, a scooter, or even camping equipment, it always acts as a reliable source of power. This battery is great for use in outdoor conditions and for powering outdoor equipment.
This model of battery is designed to be able to empty completely of power and be recharged without damage occurring. This is almost never necessary, depending on what you are powering, as it would take a lot to drain the Mighty Max ML35-12.
3. ExpertPower EXP12180
Thanks to the fact that this is a deep cycle battery, it can be emptied completely and recharged many times over the life of the unit. This can even mean that it lasts for years, which will save money in the long run.
This makes the ExpertPower EXP12180 perfect for pairing with solar use and even for powering small appliances. When the battery is fully charged you can expect hours or days of electricity running through your devices depending on how much power they need. This would be great for use with one larger piece of equipment like a fridge or many smaller electrical items.
