Verdict
Higher capacity than the original, the Paleblue Voyager AA USB-C Li-ion rechargeables now offer similar capacity to NiMH batteries; only they’re compatible with a wider range of devices. One minor compatibility issue aside, these are a brilliant eco-friendly alternative to traditional alkaline batteries.
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Easy to charge
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High capacity
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Compatible with a wide range of devices
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Electrical interference may cause a problem with a small number of products
Key Features
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Review Price:
£19.99
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Integrated charging
Plug a USB-C cable in to recharge.
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Compatible with most devices
Similar discharge curve to regular alkaline batteries increases compatibility.
Introduction
A revamped Li-ion rechargeable, the Paleblue Voyager AA USB-C are designed to mimic alkaline batteries, but are designed to last for more than 1000 uses. Improved charging and higher capacity makes these genuinely more useful than the previous version, but the price may put some off, especially where there are more basic needs.
Design and charging
- Integrated USB-C port
- Charges via provided USB-C cable
Following on from the Paleblue AA USB-C, the new Paleblue Voyager AA USB-C are a slightly revamped version with more capacity. As with their predecessor, these batteries are Li-ion, rather than the more common NiMH that you tend to see with rechargeables.
Li-ion batteries hold their charge for longer than NiMH, making them good for situations where there’s low-drain, such as remotes or clocks. Secondly, Li-ion batteries maintain a higher voltage, so they work in devices that typically require alkaline batteries, such as smart locks.
In fact, for these batteries, Paleblue has tweaked the voltage discharge curve to closely mimic that of alkaline batteries, improving compatibility.
You can’t use the Paleblue Voyager AA USB-C with a standard battery charger. If you want a charger, you can use a Li-ion-compatible one, but it’s easier to just use the integrated USB-C port.
Paleblue provides a four-way charging cable, with USB-C at both ends (the old version was USB-A at the charger end.
Just plug the batteries in and wait until the green light turns solid.
That does add a certain degree of convenience compared to the XTAR AA 1.5V 3960mWh Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, which requires a charger. Paleblue says that these batteries can be charged to 80% in 94m and to full in 126m.
The only real downside of these batteries is the price. Available in a four-pack only, the Paleblue Voyager AA USB-C is more expensive than an equivalent pack of NiMH AA batteries. However, they’re a lot more cost effective than buying alkaline batteries, as each Paleblue Voyager AA USB-C will last for 1000+ charge cycles. Each set also comes with a handy case.
Performance
- High capacity
- Can emit some electrical interference
I used an XTAR XV4 battery tester, which is compatible with Li-ion batteries. Using the drain test, I found that the Paleblue Voyager AA USB-C had a tested capacity of 2252mAh, which is much better than the vast majority of NiMH batteries: the Duracell Rechargeable AA 2500mAh managed 2698mAh, for example.
However, it’s important to point out that this is a simple constant drain test. In the real world where batteries would sit idle for periods, the charge-holding Paleblue Voyager AA USB-C are likely to do better than NiMH cells.
As a more direct comparison, the Paleblue Voyager AA USB-C had more capacity than the previous generation (1828mAh), but lagged slightly behind the XTAR AA 1.5V 3960mWh Rechargeable Li-ion Battery (2583mAh). In XTAR’s case, its batteries don’t have integrated USB-C charging, so there’s more room inside the battery at the expense of simple charging.
I found that the Paleblue Voyager AA USB-C worked in most appliances. Adding them to my smart lock, which usually complains about NiMH batteries, they worked perfectly.
I add one small caveat: the electronics inside the Paleblue Voyager AA USB-C do create a small amount of electrical interference that may interfere with some devices. For example, the Paleblue Voyager AAA USB-C stopped my radio controlled alarm from setting the time automatically.
Should you buy it?
You want a simple alternative to alkaline batteries
Compatible with most devices (thanks to the 1.5V), these batteries are an eco-friendly alternative to disposables.
You need high-capacity, cheaper options
For more basic needs, standard NiMH batteries will do the job and you may see slightly higher capacities.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a genuine, flexible alternative to alkaline batteries, the Paleblue Voyager AA USB-C are a brilliant choice. Decent capacity, compatibility with most devices and simple integrated charging make these a winner. If higher capacity is required at a lower cost, then check out my guide to the best rechargeable batteries.
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.
- Capacity and voltage tested with an XTAR VX4.
- Used in real-life appliances to check compatibility.
FAQs
These batteries have a discharge curve that’s similar to an alkaline battery, so they’re compatible with more devices.
Yes, but only one that’s compatible with Li-ion batteries. A NiMH charger will damage these batteries.
Test Data
Full Specs
| Paleblue Voyager AA USB-C Review | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | – |
| Battery | 2200 mAh |
| Size (Dimensions) | x x INCHES |
| Release Date | 2026 |
| First Reviewed Date | 15/09/2026 |
| Model Number | Paleblue Voyager AA USB-C |
| Battery type | Rechargeable |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion |
| Battery size | AA |
| UK RRP | £19.99 |
| USA RRP | TBC |
