Edited by: Jordan Fuller
Reviewed by: John MarshallLast Update:
The Rundown:
Best Overall: Trojan T-105 6 Volt
“With long life between charges, slower power discharge, and fast charge, the Trojan T-105 6 Volt is a cut above other lead-acid batteries. It’s relatively maintenance-free with 225 amperage.”
Best Lead Acid Battery Option: MightyMax 6-Volt
“Utilizing AGM technology, the MightyMax 6-Volt is one of best deep cycle batteries. It’s a lead-acid battery that’s maintenance-free with a rechargeable option, and resistant to shock or vibration delivering clean power to the golf cart.“
Best Value Option: Power Sonic 12 Volt
“With an exceptional 12-volt battery that can be mounted in any position on the cart, the Power Sonic 12 Volt offers the best value for your money. It resists shocks and vibration, is very lightweight and delivers long-lasting performance.”
For golf cart owners, there is a considerable amount of maintenance that the cart needs over time. The most important component of a cart is the battery packs.
All golfers want to reduce their time fixing the cart and instead, devote their energies to the golf course. Long-lasting, high-quality batteries that can hold their full charge for their cycle life and remain heavy-duty is an enormous time saver.
On our list of the best golf cart batteries, we will take a look at different types of batteries from a standard 6-volt battery to the more advanced flooded lead acid battery. Each battery on the list comes with a multi-year warranty and can be mounted in any position in an electric golf cart.
Featured Recommendations
Last updated on 2021-04-23. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown:
- Featured Recommendations
- Best Golf Cart Batteries in 2021
- What to Consider When Buying a Golf Cart Battery
- Questions & Answers
- When is the right time to replace my golf cart batteries?
- How do I clean my golf cart batteries?
- How long do batteries for golf cart last?
- Why is my battery draining so quickly?
- Is it okay to leave my golf cart plugged in?
- Is it okay to use car batteries to jumpstart a golf cart?
- How much does it cost to replace the batteries in a golf cart?
- How do I charge dead golf cart batteries?
- Why are batteries going bad?
- How do I test a golf cart battery?
- When is the right time to replace my golf cart batteries?
- Conclusion
Best Golf Cart Batteries in 2021
Here are our top picks for the best x for y:
- Best Overall Option: Trojan T-105 6 Volt
- Best Lead Acid Battery Option: MightyMax 6-Volt
- Strong Value Option: Power Sonic 12 Volt
- Best Deep Cycle Battery Option: WindyNation 12 Volt
- Best 12 Volt Value Option: Expert Power 12 Volt
- Best 6 Volt Option: VMAXTANKS 6 Volt
- Best Lightweight Battery Option: Universal Power Group AGM 12 Volt
Trojan T-105 6 Volt
Best overall: comfortable and highly affordable spiked shoe
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KEY FEATURES
- A 6-volt deep cycle battery with 225 amperage
- Relatively maintenance free with easy charging
- A cut above other lead acid batteries with long life between charges
- Thicker plate delivers less peak current for slower power discharge
Our choice for the best golf cart battery is the Trojan 6V T-105. This deep cycle battery is great for golf carts because it charges quickly and lasts for days before it needs to be recharged.
The T-105 is a 6-volt battery rated with 225 amperage capacity. Working best with a smart charger, these Trojan batteries will keep golf carts moving quickly around the course for a very long time.
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The battery measures 10.4 inches in length, 10.7 inches in height, and 7.1 inches wide. The weight of the T-105 is heavy, weighing roughly 70 pounds per battery. With six on a golf cart, you can expect a total weight of around 420 pounds, an average weight for a six-pack of batteries.
With the Trojan batteries being rechargeable, golfers will face a turnaround time depending on the power of the their charger. The company suggests you use a smart charger to cleanly recharge the battery and maintain a complete charge over a longer period of time.
Batteries like the T-105 do work better if they are not run all the way down to 0% power. Instead, recharging these batteries around 50% will allow them to have a longer life.
The Trojan T-105 has a shelf life of around 5-6 years, although with proper maintenance, they can last up to a decade.
Although lead acid batteries can be complicated, in theory, golfers will find that the T-105 is relatively maintenance free and deliver electric performance beyond the specifications outlined by Trojan. Simply put, these batteries are worth the price due to their superior performance.
The T-105 also comes in a six-pack that provides all six batteries at a lower per battery price. Buyers of either the single T-105 battery or the six-pack of batteries should be aware that there is a shipping charge attached to either purchase.
A wonderfully designed battery that lasts for long stretches on the golf course, the Trojan 6V T-105 is well worth your consideration.
MightyMax 6-Volt
Best Lead Acid Battery Option
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KEY FEATURES
- One of best deep cycle batteries utilizing AGM technology
- Full 1 year warranty with 30 day refund policy
- A lead acid battery that’s maintenance free with rechargeable option
- Resistant to shock or vibration delivering clean power to the golf cart
Another very impressive battery for golf carts is the MightyMax. This UL Certified battery is completely sealed making it one of the best maintenance free batteries on the market today.
The MightyMax battery measures 12 inches in length with a height of 8.75 inches and a width of 6.65 inches. The battery weighs just over 63 pounds, making it one of the lighter batteries on our list. The six-volt battery also has an amperage of 200.
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When looking for high-quality batteries for golf carts, it is wise to understand how price reflects value. We’re happy to report that not only does the MightyMax have an affordable price point, but the performance is unmatched by its competitors.
On the course, the power delivered by the MightyMax is consistent and strong enough for several rounds. Even if you like to put your foot to the floorboard, this battery won’t let you down, providing plenty of juice, even when dealing with elevation.
The best feature of the MightyMax is the AGM technology driving the battery. This spill proof, heavy duty battery has a high discharge rate for maximum power, wide operating temperatures without a dip in performance, a long service life that should last years, and a deep discharge recovery period to maintain capacity.
Although the battery does not have 20 hour rate listed, the 10-hour rate is 18.0 amps with 5.4 volts at 200Ah. The self discharge rate is 3% of capacity each month at roughly 70 degree Fahrenheit. That rate is incredibly low, showing that the battery can hold power for a very long time during the offseason.
However you prefer to orientate the battery, golf carts can handle the positioning to deliver a foundation for the MightyMax to cleanly deliver power, especially when the golfer has fully charged the battery with AGM technology.
One of the best batteries for holding a long charge, this battery’s performance won’t let you down. The MightyMax is also a spill proof battery, making it relatively safe for golfers that need a low maintenance battery for their golf cart.
Power Sonic 12 Volt
Strong Value Option
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KEY FEATURES
- Exceptional 12 volt battery can be mounted in any position on cart
- Resists shocks and vibration for consistent delivery of power to cart
- Very lightweight for increased speed with standard golf cart
- Although not a deep cycle battery, delivers long lasting performance
The Power Sonic 12 Volt Battery is among our top choices for golf cart batteries that provide great value for the money. This lightweight battery weighs less than 25 pounds, measuring 7.75 inches in length, with a height of 7 inches, and a width of 5.14 inches, making it an ideal alternative if you are looking to lessen the weight of your golf cart.
This AGM battery won’t spill, providing a very low maintenance experience for a lead acid battery that is sealed. The battery is also rechargeable and the turnaround time is minimal, making it a great option for golfers that want to get back on the course as soon as possible.
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Available to be mounted in various positions, the 12-volt battery resists shocks and vibrations. Once installed the battery rides smoothly and won’t cause a distraction with rattling or any other unnecessary noises.
The AGM technology design helps extend the life of the battery and reduce the problems of long term use. The battery also has full-sized terminals along the top for easy connection and quick charging. Batteries like this one offer low cost with relatively first-rate performance due to their physical structure and design.
A few negatives that can certainly annoy comes with the Power Sonic, the biggest being that the battery is not a deep cycle model. Unlike something such as a marine AGM battery GPL model, the Power Sonic is meant for portability with a quick install process.
But that sacrifice comes with the benefit of the battery being incredibly lightweight and easy to install. You’ll just have to plug it in more often, with the battery providing roughly two rounds before needing a recharge.
The Power Sonic battery comes with a one-year warranty covering any defects from the factory, although you can purchase an extended warranty through Amazon to extend your level of protection.
Many golfers may want more power from their battery packs, but for a top-notch lead acid battery that is spill proof, the Sonic Power is an absolute delight.
WindyNation 12 Volt
Best Deep Cycle Battery Option
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KEY FEATURES
- Heavy battery, weighing 66 pounds, provides spill proof, prolonged power
- 110 Amp-hours at 20 hour rate with one year total warranty
- Long lasting battery with shelf life up to 12 years with proper maintenance
- First rate quality, heavy duty plates are designed to deliver deep and repetitive charges for long cycle life
From WindyNation comes a very dependable and durable 12-volt battery that’s a great option for golfers that want a big battery for their golf cart. Clocking in at 66 pounds, this heavy battery also covers a lot of ground, measuring at 13 inches in length, 6.8 inches in width, and 8.7 inches in height.
The WindyNation battery has a 99.995% pure virgin lead that allows the battery to produce an extremely low discharge rate and increases the overall maximum power storage. Since most batteries in this market use recycled lead, the pure unused lead is a real benefit and should contribute to a long life for the battery.
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If properly stored and maintained, the WindyNation battery should last up to 10-12 years, a life cycle well worth the price point. Also worth noting, the 10-hour rate of the battery is 100 Amp-hours, while the 20-hour rate is 110 Amp-hours.
As far as the terminal connection is designed, you can expect a hex bolt connection that locks to the terminal base, making it a quick, but labor intensive process to get the battery mounted to the golf cart. Also the max charge amperage is 30, an important number to know when you are choosing your charger.
One of the more interesting decisions to make with the WindyNation battery is that you can purchase these batteries in quantities up to five. By purchasing more, you can increase the power of your golf cart and extend its life on the course.
Also the battery strap is very strong and won’t break as you carry the battery. For a battery weighing over 66 pounds, you can rest assured that the strap won’t let you down while carrying the product to the cart.
Having multiple deep cycle batteries can really jumpstart a slowing golf cart and give it the boost you need to finish your round more quickly. Similar to the strength of a marine AGM battery GPL, the 12-volt power of the WindyNation battery is incredibly impressive for any golf cart.
Expert Power 12 Volt
Best 12 Volt Value Option
![ExpertPower 12v 33ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery [EXP1233 ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41veonTkiML.jpg)
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KEY FEATURES
- Incredibly durable battery that does not lose strength over time
- Exceptional battery with low price point that offers great value
- Lightweight for easy installation that helps increase speed in golf cart
- Spill proof lead acid battery delivers clean power for long stretches of time on course
Our choice for the best 12-volt option on a budget goes to the Expert Power 12 Volt Battery. Both small and inexpensive, the Expert Power delivers 12 volts with 33 amps in a lightweight, compact package.
The battery weighs just under 24 pounds and features a thin, but durable strap for carrying and installation. For lighter batteries like this one, having a strap that is large enough to get your hand around for lifting is important, and the gang at Expert Power has delivered a strong design for installation.
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Measuring around 7.5 inches in length, 5 inches wide, and 6 inches tall, the Expert Power is a marvelous option for golfers that want to reduce the weight of their cart and boost the speed. A quicker cart gets around the course faster, lowering the time it takes to play a round.
Sealed for safety, this lead acid battery is spill proof. All of the environmental, safety, and quality standards have been met by Expert Power with this battery to assure quality and performance.
The 10-hour rate for this battery is 33 amps, the terminal type is B2, and the connections are fastened by hex nuts.
The installation of the battery is very easy and once the battery is locked in place, it stays low maintenance over the life of the golf cart accessory. For batteries like this to be this simple to install is a huge plus when you are anxious to hit the course.
The exterior of the Expert Power battery is incredibly strong and offers plenty of durability to aid in a long life for the product. The thick outer layer around the battery is resistant to shock, vibration, toxic chemicals and even heat.
If you are in the market for a smaller battery that packs a punch and will keep your golf cart on the course longer, then the Expert Power is a dynamic option. As the company touts, these batteries are “built to last” and after spending time with the Expert Power battery on the course, we have to agree.
VMAXTANKS 6 Volt
Best 6 Volt Option
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KEY FEATURES
- Cycle life of 8-10 years with proper maintenance and charging
- Lead tin alloy design offers additional layer of performance for better repeatable performance after charging
- Minimal maintenance with no need to add water over life of battery
- Heavy duty battery with fast recharge rating resulting in little down time
Our choice for the best 6 Volt option for golf cart batteries is the VMAXTANKS 6 Volt Battery. One of the heaviest batteries we’ve seen, the VMAXTANKS packs quite the punch, delivering incredibly long lasting power to the golf cart.
The battery takes after the company’s name and is shaped like a small tank. The frame of the battery is square, measuring over 11 inches tall with a length of 9.5 inches and a width of 7.3 inches. Batteries like this one are built for durability and the VMAXTANKS is completely successful in that regard.
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What’s really interesting about this battery is how it has been designed to hold its power over the years. The internal electrolyte suspension system uses AGM technology to contain the electrolyte. You won’t find any contaminants or silica gels with this first-rate battery.
After installation of the battery, you won’t have to add water or check the gravity of the internal electrolyte. The VMAXTANKS battery is self-sufficient and requires no maintenance for the life of the product.
If you are in the market for a quick charging battery, the VMAXTANKS also performed beautifully, returning the cart to fully charged mere hours after a long day on the links.
Another feature worth noting is the plate thickness on the battery. The thicker the plate, the longer the battery will last. On the VMAXTANKS, the plate is very thick and solid to discharge deeper, up to 80%, to maintain the life cycle.
You can expect to get 8-10 years out of this battery if you maintain the product as directed by the company. Although the price point may be higher than most on this list, the battery is marvelous at delivering consistent power to the golf cart, not to mention that it has an expected life of almost a decade.
The VMAXTANKS 6 Volt Battery is an absolute hammer of a AGM battery, providing strength and offering wonderful durability over the lifespan of this exceptional golf cart accessory.
Universal Power Group AGM 12 Volt
Best Lightweight Battery Option
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KEY FEATURES
- Incredibly lightweight AGM battery that provides day-long power for the course
- One of the best golf cart batteries for long life cycle with three days of use before charging
- AGM technology provides clean design with quick installation
- Most carts gain extra speed with the addition of the lightweight batteries
The Universal Power Group has delivered a strong battery with plenty of power for getting the golf cart around the course. Weighing less than 23 pounds, the AGM battery is shock and vibration resistant and holds a one year warranty over any defects.
The specs on the battery run like this; 12 volts with 35 amps at full power. Although that might not have the appearance of the best lead acid batteries on paper, this AGM model can hold its own after installation.
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The battery is a bit on the small side, clocking in with a length of 9.25 inches, a height of 9.25 inches, and a width of 6.63 inches. Since the weight is low, installation of the Universal Power Group battery is relatively quick and easy.
During our testing, with a full complement of these batteries, we could cover 36 holes before needing a recharge. Heavier and more expensive batteries will cover more ground before they need charging, but their weight is certainly a hindrance for many golfers looking to shed weight from their golf carts.
Since the battery is on the small side, the terminals for connection are tiny and resemble bolt-in tabs. With the undersized battery, you won’t need an expensive charger to recharge the lead acid battery.
If you are curious about lightening the load of your golf cart, these batteries can reduce the weight dramatically, increasing the speed of your cart. You’ll see an instant difference in your cart because you’ll be losing roughly 300 pounds from the total weight of the cart with the UPG batteries.
Lightweight batteries for golf carts are not all built the same, but this one from the Universal Power Group is a real discovery. While you might not think of a golf cart battery in terms of being “fun,” these batteries do provide plenty of enjoyment after installation.
For golfers that want no hassle with their golf cart batteries, the Universal Power Group AGM 12-volt offers a lightweight option for a low, affordable price.
What to Consider When Buying a Golf Cart Battery
Charger
The charger for the golf battery should match the cart’s voltage. If your cart is rated at 48V, then the battery charger should also be 48V. The best golf cart batteries won’t properly reach their extended battery life without this fit of voltage and charger.
If you do not match the two components then you can expect that the battery will begin to suffer from sulfation buildup. This problem can cause the battery to corrode and suffer from poor performance and eventually need to be replaced.
Weight
The weight of a battery does present a dual-edged sword for new golf carts. Heavy batteries for golf carts do stabilize the wheelbase for a smoother driving experience, but the more weight you are carrying in the cart, the slower the cart will become on the golf course.
While there might not be much you can do to reduce the weight of the batteries, keeping how the weight affects performance in mind when shopping will allow you to find the best batteries for your golf cart.
Maintenance
While some batteries suggest that their battery is maintenance free, that is not always the case. To maximize battery life, you need to make sure that you constantly check and maintain the terminals and case.
Cleaning the battery’s terminals, replacing bad cables, and maintaining consistent charging cycles with frequent use are absolutely essential to keeping the battery’s health at a high level.
Another worthwhile maintenance tip is to make sure that you regularly apply silicone paste to the battery terminals to reduce oxidation and maintain a high standard of health for long lasting performance.
Used or Unused
It is no secret that new batteries can be expensive, so some golfers like to cut corners by purchasing used golf cart batteries. Unfortunately each used battery is in a state of degradation and could cost you even more money down the line.
While buying a new battery might not be ideal for your budget, it does offer the longest life cycle and a multi-year warranty that can provide a replacement for free if the battery goes bad. Also, new batteries offer up a lifespan of up to 10 years, providing a cost benefit the long the battery stays powerful.
Battery Type
Gel Lead Acid Batteries
This gel battery utilizes a thickening solution to seal the battery and keep the electrolytes frozen. A durable and incredibly tough battery, these models are made to withstand the punishment of heavy terrain. Even if the case cracks, you can expect dynamic performance from this battery.
Sealed Lead Acid Battery
Resistant to vibrations, this best battery is sophisticated with technological proficiency that sets it apart from other batteries. These sealed lead acid batteries offer maintenance free, spill-proof guarantees that offer long service life fueled by the AGM technology.
Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries
This battery uses lead plates and is based on sulphuric acid to power the golf cart. With extreme versatility, the battery has become very popular and commonly used by the most commonly used electric golf carts on the market.
Voltage
The voltage of a golf cart battery is either 36 or 48 voltage and that also corresponds with an equal amperage capacity. Keep in mind that most golf carts utilize batteries at this voltage and amperage.
Golf cart batteries are available in either 12-, 8-, or 6-volt battery type. Staying with any of these three options will allow the golf cart to run smoothly and safely without danger.
When it comes time to replace the original batteries, the same combination of battery type is important to consider to allow the cart to run as it had previously on the course.
Voltage & Battery Configuration
Voltage, known as V for short, and the current running through the battery, known as amperage, or A. The voltage is more crucial than the amperage for a new golf cart.
The higher the voltage, the faster the golf cart will go in open areas. Since there is a 48V configuration and a 36V configuration, it is easy to understand that the higher the voltage the more maximum speed you can expect from your battery for golf cart.
If you want your golf cart to ride longer with less speed, then amperage is far more important than the battery’s voltage rating.
Questions & Answers
When is the right time to replace my golf cart batteries?
Once a golf cart battery begins to show a failure to hold a complete charge, then you should consider the battery to be at the end of its life cycle. Batteries that are maintenance free and offer a long life that will power your golf cart for a significant amount of time are primary replacement options.
On the golf course, having batteries that you can trust and believe will carry you throughout the round from hole to hole safely and swiftly is vital to keeping a round under four hours.
How do I clean my golf cart batteries?
The best way to clean golf cart batteries is with warm water and baking soda. You’ll want to focus on the connections and keep those clean since they are responsible for delivering power to the rest of the cart.
If you are seeing a considerable amount of corrosion on the connections, then you immediately work to remove that from the battery. With an old toothbrush, take the water and baking soda and scrub the corrosion away to preserve the life of the batteries.
How long do batteries for golf cart last?
Golf cart batteries typically have a shelf life of five years. A great way to track the start date of using your battery is finding a contrasting color marker and placing the date somewhere on the battery.
Of course, this timeline of five years of service life only exists if the golf cart battery experiences little trouble along the way holding the complete charge and you use a high-quality battery charger. The best batteries on the market today should last five to six years with relative ease.
Why is my battery draining so quickly?
There can be several reasons why the batteries are draining quickly. Some are simple fixes, while other reasons are self-inflicted, such as driving the cart too hard, too often. Other problems include a malfunctioning voltage regulator, loose contacts in the terminals, dead cells inside the batteries, a charging failure, and persistent cold weather.
Any of these issues can cause a battery to drain incredibly quickly. Making sure that the battery is properly maintained can reduce the time it takes to replace and condition new batteries.
Is it okay to leave my golf cart plugged in?
No, it is not advisable to leave the golf cart plugged in over a long period of time. By removing the charger from the battery after it has been fully charged, you maintain a baseline that keeps the battery fresh and able to hold a full charge over the life cycle of the battery.
Leaving the charger on the battery can cause damage to the internal components forcing it to lose its charging ability and forcing you to purchase costly replacements.
Is it okay to use car batteries to jumpstart a golf cart?
While you can use a car battery to jumpstart a golf cart, it is preferable to use a battery charger instead. Since batteries for golf carts are different from car batteries, it is wise to use the proper charger with the matching voltage to give the battery a full charge.
How much does it cost to replace the batteries in a golf cart?
Golf cart batteries cost a few hundred dollars on average. With an expected shelf life around five years, golfers should expect to spend around $2400-4000 every ten years for replacement batteries.
If you have trouble with a lesser brand of battery, finding heavy-duty golf cart batteries, even if they cost a bit more money, can save time and maintenance moving forward. These major and minor inconveniences are important things to consider when looking at the total battery life of a replacement.
How do I charge dead golf cart batteries?
Before you charge the battery you want to make sure that there isn’t any corrosion on the terminals and that there are no leaks. When examining the battery, make sure to wear proper safety goggles and gloves at all times.
Taking a charger, you connect the battery correctly matching the positive and negative terminals to the clamps and leave the two devices attached for at least 8 to 10 hours.
Why are batteries going bad?
There could be a number of reasons why the battery is losing energy more quickly than expected. One of the biggest reasons that a battery goes bad is that acid is leaking from the interior of the case.
The battery will lose power very quickly and fail to make the standard seven miles on a full charge. Another side effect that will signal a bad battery is the fact it takes twice as long to charge, giving golfers a signal that the product needs replacement.
How do I test a golf cart battery?
At room temperature, a golf cart battery can properly be tested with the help of a load tester. Before you begin, always wear proper safety gear before testing with thick gloves and eyewear a requirement to protect yourself.
After you put on your safety gear, take your load tester and place the clamps on the terminals. Then turn on the tester with an amperage that is between 300-350 amps. You want the voltage to maintain its strength during the test and not fall more than 1-2 volts at the time of testing.
Conclusion
The bet golf cart batteries offer versatility along with long battery life, a multi-year warranty, and an extended life cycle. Wonderfully long lasting, the wide variety of cart batteries on our list cover any type of battery to use with your golf cart.
For example, a maintenance free deep-cycle battery is perfect for golfers looking to make sure all their bases are covered. On the golf course, any of the best golf cart batteries can provide the speed necessary to the golf ball to shorten the round and the stamina to keep up that pace over the course of an entire round.