Listeners short of sockets
If a charger cannot occupy its own wall socket, a USB-input model is worth considering when you have a suitable USB power source. Panasonic’s BQ-CC87 is one example with individually controlled slots.
Who these chargers suit
Listeners preparing batteries at short notice
If you can spare a mains socket, compare the stated charging time for the cells you intend to use. Energizer UK’s Recharge Pro charges two or four AA/AAA NiMH cells, but its stated four-hour full-charge time varies by battery.
Occasional CD-player users
If you prepare only a small set of cells at a time, a one- or two-cell USB charger may provide enough slots without choosing a larger model. ANSMANN specifies its Basic II for one or two AA/AAA NiMH cells.
What matters when choosing a charger
Confirm the CD player’s battery requirements before comparing chargers. Then decide whether preserving a socket, preparing cells quickly or charging a small set occasionally is your main concern.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping a socket free | Check the USB input requirement and whether you already have a suitable power source; confirm which cable and adapter are included. | If I cannot leave a wall socket occupied while preparing batteries, I need a charger I can power from a suitable USB source. Around 46% of consumers put socket access first. |
| Preparation time | Match the number of AA charging slots to your set, and compare stated times only for the specified cell capacity and conditions. | When I need cells ready for a planned listening session, the wait matters more to me than keeping a socket free. Around 36% of consumers prioritise preparation time. |
| Occasional use | Check whether the charger accepts the number of AA NiMH cells you need to prepare at once. | If I listen only occasionally, I want a small charging setup that accommodates my player’s required set. Around 18% of consumers put that simpler arrangement first. |
Buying mistakes to avoid
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Assuming every AA cell can be recharged
AA describes a cell’s size, not its chemistry. Energizer’s NiMH charger instructions say to charge only nickel-metal-hydride rechargeable batteries, not alkaline or lithium AA cells.
Use AA NiMH rechargeable cells with a charger specified for them, and keep disposable cells out of it.
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Assuming USB input includes a UK plug
A USB-input charger still needs a suitable power source. Panasonic states that a USB power adapter is not included with its BQ-CC87.
Check the charger’s input requirement, the cable and adapter supplied, and the output of the USB source you intend to use.
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Buying before checking the CD player
The charger cannot establish which batteries a particular CD player accepts. The player’s battery arrangement and required cell count determine whether an AA NiMH setup is appropriate.
Check the exact player model and its manual for cell size, chemistry, number of cells and guidance on externally charged AA NiMH batteries.
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Treating a stated charge time as a deadline
Manufacturer charging times depend on the specified batteries and conditions. Panasonic notes battery condition and temperature; Energizer UK says charging time varies by NiMH battery.
If timing matters, prepare a spare set ahead of use and compare time claims using the stated cell capacity and conditions.
Charger brands to consider
Panasonic eneloop
Its AA/AAA NiMH range includes mains and USB-input chargers, making the power connection a useful distinction when sockets are limited.
- Panasonic specifies DC 5 V USB input and individual charging of one to four AA/AAA eneloop or eneloop pro cells for the BQ-CC87.
- Panasonic says a USB power adapter is not included with the BQ-CC87; check that your intended power source meets its requirements.
Energizer
The UK Recharge Pro is a mains-charger option for someone willing to occupy a socket to prepare two or four cells.
- Energizer UK specifies charging for two or four AA/AAA NiMH cells and states a four-hour full-charge time.
- Energizer UK says that time varies by battery, and a mains charger does not preserve a wall socket while in use.
ANSMANN
Its specified USB-input AA/AAA NiMH options include models with different cell capacities.
- ANSMANN specifies the 5 V DC Basic II for one or two cells and the USB-input Comfort Smart for one to four cells.
- Choose the slot count for the player’s required cells and any spare set, rather than assuming the smaller charger will handle both at once.
Joybuy mains-charger options
These charger bundles are options if you can spare a wall socket while preparing AA NiMH cells. If preserving that socket is the priority, use the USB-input checks above instead; confirm the CD player’s battery requirements before choosing either route.
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Energizer Pro Charger (UK) with 4 × AA 2000mAh batteries
Consider this bundle if you can use a UK mains socket and want four AA rechargeable batteries supplied with the charger.
It will occupy a wall socket while charging. Confirm that the CD player accepts externally charged AA NiMH cells and check how many it requires.
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Duracell 4-Hour Charger with 4 × AA 2500mAh and 4 × AAA 900mAh
This bundle may suit you if you can spare a mains socket and also want the included AA and AAA rechargeable batteries.
The AA cells are specified as 2500mAh and the AAA cells as 900mAh. Check the CD player’s required battery type and count; the charger does not free a wall socket.
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Duracell 45 Minute Charger CEF27 with 2 × AA and 2 × AAA
Consider this bundle if you can use a mains outlet and want two AA batteries supplied alongside two AAA batteries.
The 45 Minute name should not be read as a full-charge promise for every cell. Check the charger’s plug configuration for your intended outlet and confirm the player’s AA battery requirements.
Questions about charging AA cells
Can ordinary alkaline AA batteries go into an AA NiMH charger?
No. Energizer’s NiMH charger instructions say to charge only nickel-metal-hydride rechargeable batteries and to remove alkaline or lithium batteries detected by the charger. Check the chemistry printed on each cell before charging it.
Can a USB AA charger avoid using a separate wall socket?
Yes, if you can power the charger from another suitable USB source. Panasonic lists options including a laptop USB port and power bank for its BQ-CC87, but says a USB power adapter is not included. Check the source against the charger’s stated input requirement.
Where can I take worn-out rechargeable AA batteries in the UK?
Take them to a battery collection point rather than putting them in household rubbish. UK government guidance says most waste batteries can be taken to a local supermarket or another large shop nearby; check the collection arrangements at the location you plan to use.