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 grocery store, pharmacy, hardware store, or online retailer — most places that sell batteries stock them, and they typically cost between $3 and $8 per battery depending on the brand and where you shop.

The fastest option is usually a store you can walk into today: a supermarket, CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart will have them in the battery aisle or near the checkout. If you need one in the next day or two, Amazon and other online retailers offer fast shipping, though you may pay more for expedited delivery than you would for the battery itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Grocery stores, pharmacies, and hardware stores stock 23A batteries in their battery aisles and usually have multiple brands available.
  • Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart.com, and battery-specific sites often have lower per-unit prices, especially if you buy in bulk.
  • Costco and Sam's Club sell 23A batteries in multipacks at lower cost per battery, but you need a membership.
  • Dollar stores and convenience stores carry 23A batteries but typically charge more per unit than supermarkets or big-box retailers.
  • Check the battery's expiration date before buying — 23A batteries have a shelf life, and old stock may lose charge faster.

Physical stores where you can buy them today

Supermarkets like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and Albertsons stock 23A batteries in the battery aisle, usually near AA and AAA cells. Prices vary by location and brand, but expect to pay $4 to $7 for a single battery or $8 to $15 for a two-pack. Staff can tell you exactly where the batteries are if you ask at customer service.

Pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid carry 23A batteries, often in the health and wellness section near first-aid supplies or near the checkout counter. These stores tend to charge slightly more than supermarkets — typically $5 to $8 per battery — but they are open late and on Sundays in most areas.

Hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's stock 23A batteries in their electrical or tools section. Ace Hardware and True Value, which are smaller regional chains, also carry them. Prices are comparable to supermarkets, and staff can help you find the right battery if you are unsure which type you need.

Costco and Sam's Club sell 23A batteries in bulk multipacks — usually 12 to 24 batteries per pack — at the lowest per-battery cost, often $0.30 to $0.50 per battery. You need an active membership to shop at either store, and not all locations stock them in the same section, so call ahead or check their website.

Online retailers and bulk options

Amazon sells individual 23A batteries and multipacks from brands like Energizer, Duracell, and Amazon Basics. Prices range from $3 to $10 per battery depending on the brand and quantity, and Prime members often get free two-day shipping. Read the reviews before ordering — some sellers list old stock with shorter remaining shelf life.

Walmart.com offers 23A batteries with the option to pick them up at a local Walmart store within hours, or to have them shipped to your home. This is useful if you want to avoid paying shipping or if your local Walmart is out of stock. Prices are typically $4 to $7 per battery.

Battery specialty retailers like Batteries Plus Bulbs and Interstate Battery sell 23A cells online and at physical locations. These stores often have a wider range of brands and can advise you on which battery is best for your device. Prices are usually in line with supermarkets and pharmacies.

eBay has many sellers offering 23A batteries, often in bulk. Prices can be very low, but shipping times vary widely and some sellers are based overseas. Check the seller's rating and shipping time before ordering.

Dollar stores and convenience stores

Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and Family Dollar stock 23A batteries, but prices are often higher than at supermarkets — typically $1.25 to $2 per battery at Dollar Tree and $2 to $4 at Dollar General. These stores are convenient if you need a battery quickly and do not have time to visit a supermarket, but you will pay a premium.

Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Circle K carry 23A batteries near the register, usually at prices of $5 to $8 per battery. These are the most expensive option per unit, but they are open 24 hours and are useful in an emergency.

What to check before you buy

Make sure the battery you are buying is actually a 23A and not a different type. The packaging will say "23A," "A23," "MN21," or "LRV08" — these are all the same battery. Do not confuse it with a 2032 or 2025 coin cell, which are smaller and have different voltage.

Check the expiration date on the package. 23A batteries typically have a shelf life of 3 to 5 years from the manufacturing date. Batteries sold at supermarkets and pharmacies are usually fresh, but online sellers and discount stores sometimes have older stock. If the expiration date is less than a year away, the battery may not hold a full charge.

Compare the price per battery if you are buying a multipack. A pack of two might cost $10, which is $5 per battery, while a single battery costs $6. The multipack is the better deal, but only if you will use both batteries.

Brand options and price differences

Energizer and Duracell are the most common brands and cost $5 to $8 per battery at most retailers. Both are reliable and widely available. Energizer batteries often last slightly longer in high-drain devices, but the difference is small for low-power uses like remote controls.

Amazon Basics and Walmart's Great Value brand are cheaper — typically $3 to $5 per battery — and work well for most uses. These are private-label batteries made by larger manufacturers and are a good choice if you want to save money.

Panasonic, Kodak, and Murata also make 23A batteries, and you may find them at specialty retailers or online. These brands are usually priced between budget and premium options.

For most uses — remote controls, key fobs, garage door openers — any brand will work fine. Save money by buying a budget brand. If the device is critical and you want maximum reliability, Energizer or Duracell are the safer choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a 23A battery in place of a 2032 or 2025 battery?

No. A 23A is a cylindrical battery about the size of a small pill, while a 2032 or 2025 is a flat coin cell. They have different shapes, voltages, and connectors. Using the wrong battery can damage the device or cause it not to work at all. Check your device's manual or the battery compartment to see which type you need.

How long does a 23A battery last?

A 23A battery typically lasts 12 to 24 months in a remote control or key fob, depending on how often you use the device. In devices that are used constantly, it may last only a few months. In devices used rarely, it can last several years. The battery's age when you buy it also matters — an old battery will not last as long as a fresh one.

Are rechargeable 23A batteries available?

Rechargeable 23A batteries exist but are rare and harder to find than disposable ones. Most retailers stock only single-use alkaline 23A batteries. If you want a rechargeable option, check specialty battery retailers or online sites, but be aware that rechargeable 23A cells are more expensive and may not work in all devices.

What should I do with old 23A batteries?

Take old 23A batteries to a battery recycling program. Many supermarkets, Best Buy, and Home Depot have battery recycling bins near the customer service desk. Some communities also have hazardous waste collection days. Do not throw batteries in the trash — they contain chemicals that can harm the environment.

Is it cheaper to buy 23A batteries online or in a store?

Online bulk purchases are usually cheaper per battery, especially at Amazon or Costco, but you pay for shipping unless you have Prime or a membership. A single battery from a supermarket or pharmacy is more expensive per unit but costs less overall if you only need one. For multipacks, compare the total price including shipping before ordering online.