Where to find 23A 12V batteries in your area

A 23A 12V battery is a small cylindrical cell used in remote controls, wireless doorbells, car key fobs, and some alarm system sensors. You can buy them at hardware stores, drugstores, supermarkets, online retailers, and specialty battery shops. The most common places are Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, CVS, Walgreens, Amazon, and eBay. Most of these stock them year-round because they are a standard item.

Prices vary by retailer and brand. A single battery typically costs between $3 and $8, though buying a multi-pack usually brings the per-unit cost down. Alkaline versions (the most common type) are cheaper than lithium or rechargeable variants. If you need the battery today, a local drugstore or hardware store is faster than waiting for shipping. If you buy regularly, ordering online in bulk saves money.

Key Takeaways

  • Hardware stores, drugstores, and supermarkets stock 23A batteries in the checkout area or battery aisle, usually in single packs or multi-packs.
  • Amazon, Walmart.com, and eBay carry multiple brands and pack sizes, often at lower per-unit cost than buying one at a time in a store.
  • Alkaline 23A batteries are the cheapest option and work in most devices; lithium and rechargeable versions cost more but last longer in high-drain uses.
  • Specialty battery shops and electronics retailers like Best Buy stock them but may charge more than general retailers.
  • Check the device manual or the old battery itself to confirm you need a 23A before you buy, because similar-looking batteries have different voltage or capacity.

Hardware and home improvement stores

Home Depot, Lowe's, and Ace Hardware all carry 23A batteries in their battery sections, usually near the checkout or in the electrical aisle. Home Depot stocks Duracell, Energizer, and house-brand alkaline 23A cells. Lowe's carries similar brands. Ace Hardware often has a wider range of specialty battery types, including lithium and rechargeable options. You can walk in and buy a single battery or a pack of two or four.

Many of these stores let you check stock online before you go. Home Depot and Lowe's have store locators on their websites where you can search by zip code and see whether the battery is in stock at your nearest location. Ace Hardware's website also shows local inventory. If the store is out of stock, you can order online for pickup the same day or next day at many locations.

Drugstores and supermarkets

CVS, Walgreens, and most supermarket chains stock 23A batteries near the checkout counter or in the health and beauty section. These are convenient if you need a battery right now and do not want to drive to a hardware store. Prices are usually higher than at hardware stores—expect to pay $5 to $8 for a single battery—but the selection is adequate for everyday use.

Supermarkets like Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods also carry them, typically in the pharmacy or household supplies aisle. Stock varies by location, so call ahead if you need a specific brand or pack size. These retailers rarely have specialty batteries like lithium or rechargeable; they stock alkaline only.

Online retailers

Amazon carries dozens of brands and pack sizes, from single batteries to bulk boxes of 50. Prices are often lower than in-store, especially for multi-packs. Shipping is usually fast if you have Prime membership. Walmart.com, eBay, and Best Buy's website also stock 23A batteries with various shipping options. Read the product description carefully to confirm the voltage (12V) and chemistry (alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable) match what your device needs.

When ordering online, check the seller's return policy in case the battery does not work in your device. Some sellers offer fast shipping (next day or two-day), while others take longer. If you need the battery urgently, compare shipping times before you buy. Bulk purchases from Amazon or Walmart often have the lowest per-unit cost if you use these batteries regularly.

Specialty battery shops and electronics retailers

Independent battery shops, if one exists in your area, usually stock a wider range of 23A batteries than chain stores—including rechargeable, lithium, and high-capacity alkaline versions. They can also advise you on which type works best for your device. Best Buy stocks 23A batteries in the accessories section, though prices are typically higher than at hardware stores or online.

Electronics repair shops sometimes sell batteries as well. These are useful if you are already having a device repaired and want to buy a replacement battery at the same time. Call ahead to confirm they have 23A in stock, because smaller shops may not carry every size.

What to check before you buy

Confirm the voltage and size on the device or the old battery before you purchase. A 23A battery is 12 volts, but similar-looking batteries like the A23, A27, and 27A have different voltages or capacities and will not work. Check the device manual or look at the label on the old battery to be certain. Some devices are picky about battery chemistry—a remote control usually works fine with any alkaline 23A, but a hearing aid or medical device may require a specific type.

If you buy in bulk, store unused batteries in a cool, dry place. Alkaline batteries last several years if stored properly. Rechargeable 23A batteries are more expensive upfront but save money over time if you use them frequently. Lithium 23A batteries cost more but last longer in high-drain devices like wireless doorbells that run constantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 23A battery the same as an A23 battery?

No. A 23A is 12 volts, while an A23 is 12 volts but has a different capacity and physical design. They look similar but are not interchangeable. Always check your device manual or the old battery label to confirm which one you need.

Can I use a rechargeable 23A battery instead of alkaline?

Yes, if your device supports it. Rechargeable 23A batteries are usually 12 volts like alkaline ones, but they have lower capacity and may not last as long per charge. Check the device manual to see if rechargeable batteries are recommended. Some devices work fine with them; others do not.

Why is the same battery more expensive at some stores than others?

Drugstores and convenience retailers mark up batteries higher than hardware stores and online sellers because they expect customers to buy on impulse without price-shopping. Buying in bulk online almost always costs less per battery than buying one at a time in a store.

Do I need to buy the brand name battery or will a generic work?

Generic and house-brand alkaline 23A batteries work fine in most devices. Duracell and Energizer are more expensive but may last slightly longer. For remote controls and doorbells, the brand does not matter much. For medical devices or high-drain uses, check the device manual to see if a specific type is required.

What should I do with old 23A batteries?

Take them to a battery recycling program. Home Depot, Best Buy, and most Lowe's locations accept used batteries for free recycling. Some drugstores and municipal hazardous waste facilities also accept them. Do not throw them in the trash.