Where to find 23A batteries in stores and online
You can buy a 23A battery at most drugstores, supermarkets, hardware stores, and big-box retailers. The easiest places to check first are CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, and Home Depot — all stock them in the battery aisle or near the checkout counter. If you need one right away, a local pharmacy or grocery store is usually faster than waiting for shipping.
Online retailers carry them too. Amazon, eBay, and Newegg all sell 23A batteries, often in bulk packs that cost less per battery than buying singles. Battery-specific sites like Batteries Plus Bulbs and Interstate Battery also ship them, though you'll pay for delivery unless you order a larger quantity.
Specialty stores sometimes have them as well — camera shops, car audio installers, and security system dealers stock 23A batteries because they're used in key fobs, garage door openers, and small electronics. If you're already at one of those locations for another reason, it's worth asking.
Key Takeaways
- CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, and Home Depot all carry 23A batteries in their battery aisles and usually have them in stock.
- Online options like Amazon and battery-specific retailers often sell 23A batteries in multipacks at a lower per-unit cost than single batteries.
- A 23A battery typically costs between $3 and $8 for a single unit, depending on the brand and retailer.
- Specialty stores like camera shops and security system dealers carry 23A batteries because they're common in key fobs and garage door openers.
- If you need a battery the same day, a local drugstore or supermarket is faster than ordering online.
Price differences between retailers and brands
A single 23A battery from a drugstore or supermarket usually costs $4 to $8, depending on the brand. Name brands like Duracell and Energizer are typically at the higher end. Store brands (CVS brand, Walmart brand, Target brand) are usually $1 to $2 cheaper per battery.
Buying in bulk online changes the math significantly. A pack of four or eight batteries from Amazon or a battery retailer often costs less per unit than a single battery at a drugstore. If you use these batteries regularly or want to keep spares on hand, ordering a multipack saves money even after shipping.
Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club sell 23A batteries in larger packs at lower per-unit prices, but you need a membership. If you're already a member, this is usually the cheapest option.
What to check before you buy
Make sure you're actually buying a 23A and not a similar-looking battery. The 23A is also called an A23, MN21, or LRV08 depending on the manufacturer — these names all refer to the same battery. Check the package or the battery itself to confirm the number.
Look at the expiration date on the package. Batteries don't go bad quickly, but a battery that's been sitting on a shelf for years will have less charge than a fresh one. Most retailers rotate stock regularly, so this is rarely a problem, but it's worth a quick glance.
If you're buying online, check the seller's return policy. Some retailers accept returns on batteries, others don't. If a battery arrives dead or defective, you want to know you can send it back.
When to buy in bulk versus buying single batteries
Buy a single battery if you need one today and don't use 23A batteries often. A drugstore or supermarket is your fastest option, and you won't waste money on batteries you won't use.
Buy in bulk if you use 23A batteries regularly — for example, if you have multiple key fobs, garage door openers, or other devices that use them. A multipack from Amazon or a battery retailer costs less per battery and means you always have a spare. Bulk buying also makes sense if you're stocking a business or office that goes through these batteries.
Warehouse clubs are worth it only if you're already a member and you use these batteries often enough to justify the trip.
What devices use 23A batteries
The 23A battery is small and powerful, so it shows up in a lot of everyday devices. Car key fobs, garage door openers, and remote controls are the most common. You'll also find them in some security system sensors, laser pointers, and small flashlights.
Some older cameras and light meters use 23A batteries too, though fewer devices do now. If you're not sure whether your device takes a 23A, check the manual or look inside the battery compartment — the size and shape are distinctive, and the battery itself is usually labeled.
Alternatives if you can't find a 23A battery
If a store is out of stock or you can't find one locally, you have a few options. Order online from Amazon or a battery retailer — most ship within a few days. Call ahead to other drugstores or supermarkets in your area to see who has them in stock before you drive around.
If you need the battery urgently and can't wait for shipping, some devices that use 23A batteries can run on other power sources temporarily. A garage door opener, for example, usually has a backup battery or a manual release. A key fob might still work if you use the physical key. This isn't a permanent fix, but it can buy you time to order a replacement.
Don't try to substitute a different battery size. A 23A is not interchangeable with AA, AAA, or other common batteries, and forcing the wrong battery into a device can damage it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 23A battery the same as an A23 battery?
Yes. A23, 23A, MN21, and LRV08 are all names for the same battery. Different manufacturers use different naming systems, but they're all the same size and voltage. Check the package to make sure, but if you see any of these numbers, it's the right battery.
Can I use a 23A battery in a device that calls for an A23?
Yes, they're the same battery. Manufacturers sometimes list the battery as A23 and sometimes as 23A, but the physical battery is identical. As long as the device manual or battery compartment says A23 or 23A, either label means the same thing.
How long does a 23A battery last?
A 23A battery typically lasts between one and three years in regular use, depending on how often the device draws power. A key fob that's used daily might need a new battery every year or two. A garage door opener remote used a few times a week can go longer. The device manual usually gives an estimate.
Are rechargeable 23A batteries available?
Rechargeable 23A batteries exist but are rare and harder to find than disposable ones. Most retailers stock only disposable 23A batteries. If you want rechargeable options, you may need to order online from a specialty battery retailer, and you'll also need a charger designed for that battery type.
What's the difference between a 23A and a 12V battery?
A 23A battery is 12 volts, so there's no difference — they're the same thing. The "23A" refers to the physical size and shape, while "12V" refers to the voltage. Both names describe the same battery, just from different angles.