The fastest places to buy a 23A 12V battery

A 23A 12V battery (also called an A23, MN21, or LRV08) is a small cylindrical cell used in remote controls, car key fobs, garage door openers, and some medical alert devices. You can buy one at a pharmacy, hardware store, supermarket, or online retailer — most stock them in the same aisle as other batteries, usually near the checkout or in the health and beauty section.

The fastest option depends on whether you need it today or can wait for shipping. If you need it within hours, a local pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens, a grocery store, or a hardware chain like Home Depot or Lowe's will have stock. If you can wait one to three days, Amazon, Walmart.com, or Target.com often have lower per-unit prices, especially if you buy a multi-pack.

Key Takeaways

  • Pharmacies, supermarkets, and hardware stores carry 23A batteries in the battery aisle or near checkout, and you can walk out with one the same day.
  • A single 23A battery at a brick-and-mortar store typically costs between $3 and $6, while a multi-pack online costs $0.50 to $1.50 per battery.
  • Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy stock 23A batteries online with next-day or two-day delivery on many orders.
  • Specialty electronics retailers and online battery shops often have the lowest per-unit cost if you buy in bulk or subscribe to regular shipments.
  • Check the expiration date on the package — 23A batteries have a shelf life of five to ten years and may be old stock at some retailers.

Local stores where you can buy one today

Walk into any CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid and ask for a 23A battery at the pharmacy counter or in the battery section. Most locations stock them year-round. Expect to pay $4 to $6 for a single battery. The trade-off is convenience: you leave with it when ready and do not pay shipping.

Supermarkets like Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, and Publix carry 23A batteries in the health and beauty aisle or near the checkout. Prices are similar to pharmacies. Some supermarkets also stock them in the electronics or household section near other small batteries.

Hardware stores — Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, and True Value — stock 23A batteries in the electrical aisle. Prices are usually $3 to $5 per battery. Best Buy also carries them in the accessories section near the checkout.

Dollar stores and discount chains like Dollar General and Family Dollar sometimes stock 23A batteries, though selection is less reliable. Call ahead if you are in a hurry, because not every location carries them in every week.

Online retailers with fast shipping

Amazon sells 23A batteries in single packs and multi-packs. A single battery runs $2 to $4, while a 10-pack costs $5 to $8 total. Prime members often get next-day or two-day delivery at no extra cost. Non-Prime orders ship in three to five business days.

Walmart.com and Target.com both offer 23A batteries with same-day pickup at many locations if you order before the cutoff time (usually 2 p.m.). Online prices are typically $2 to $3 per battery in a multi-pack. Shipping to home takes two to three days for standard orders.

Best Buy's website stocks 23A batteries and offers same-day pickup at most stores. Prices are $3 to $5 per battery. eBay sellers also list 23A batteries, often in bulk, with shipping times that vary by seller.

Specialty battery retailers and bulk options

Online battery shops like Battery Plus, Interstate Battery, and Batteries.com focus on batteries and often have lower per-unit prices than general retailers, especially on multi-packs. A 10-pack of 23A batteries costs $5 to $7, bringing the per-battery cost down to $0.50 to $0.70. Shipping is usually $5 to $10, so bulk buying makes sense if you use these batteries regularly.

Some online retailers offer subscription or auto-ship options where you receive batteries on a schedule and get a small discount. This works well if you use 23A batteries in multiple devices and want to avoid running out.

Costco and Sam's Club carry 23A batteries in bulk packs if you have a membership. Prices per battery are often the lowest available, but you must buy a larger quantity upfront — typically 20 to 30 batteries per pack.

What to check before you buy

Look at the expiration or manufacturing date on the package. 23A batteries have a shelf life of five to ten years, but old stock at some retailers may be close to expiration. A battery manufactured more than three years ago will still work, but it may lose charge faster than a newer one.

Confirm the exact model number on your device before buying. Most devices use a standard 23A, but some older or specialized equipment may need an A23, MN21, or LRV08 — these are all the same battery with different brand names. If you are unsure, take a photo of the battery compartment or the device manual to the store.

Compare the price per battery, not the package price. A single battery for $5 is more expensive than a 10-pack for $7, even though the total looks cheaper. Divide the package price by the number of batteries to find the real cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery if the store is out of 23A?

No — 23A batteries are not interchangeable with other sizes. A23, MN21, and LRV08 are the same battery sold under different brand names, so those work. But CR2032, LR44, or 9V batteries will not fit and may damage your device. If the store is out, order online or try another location.

Is there a big price difference between brands?

Not really. Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, and store brands all perform similarly in 23A batteries. The main difference is price — store brands cost 20 to 30 percent less and work just as well. Buy whatever is in stock and cheapest unless your device manual specifies a brand.

How long does a 23A battery last in a remote control?

A 23A battery typically lasts one to three years in a remote control, depending on how often you use it. Garage door openers and car key fobs drain them faster — usually six months to two years. Medical alert devices vary widely based on the model.

Can I buy 23A batteries at gas stations?

Some gas stations and convenience stores carry 23A batteries, but selection is spotty. Prices are usually higher than pharmacies or supermarkets — $5 to $7 per battery. Call ahead or check their website before making a trip.

What is the difference between a 23A and a 12V battery?

A 23A battery is a 12V battery — the names refer to the same thing. "23A" is the size designation (a small cylindrical cell), and "12V" is the voltage it produces. You will see both names used interchangeably on packaging and in product listings.