Having your own golf cart instead of renting one at the course can save you thousands of dollars per year. Ownership comes with responsibility, though. Part of that responsibility is making sure you have a battery that’s in top shape.
There’s nothing worse than having your golf cart battery die on you in the middle of a round. Thankfully, we’ve compiled a thorough list of reliable golf cart batteries.
Here are the 9 best options if you happen to be in the market for a new one. For those that just need a quick recommendation, here a side-by-side comparison of our top 3 choices:
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- Passes all strict mil-spec requirements, which gives golfers peace of mind by knowing they’re getting a quality product
- Each battery has a 5-year warranty, which is by far the best one out there
- Works with most standard golf cart battery chargers
- Holds a single charge for a lengthy amount of time
- Cost is somewhat high, even for a long-life golf cart battery
- Made with Grade-A cells for maximum power and steady performance
- Proven to last for at least 4,000 cycles
- Comes with a Battery Management System (BMS) that protects against temperature damage or any kind of shortages
- Much lighter than its lead-acid counterparts
- Much more cost-effective than lead-acid batteries
- Since it’s much lighter in weight, it could move around more in your golf cart
- A couple of folks have had issues with the warranty
- Delivers lots of power and performance at a competitive price
- This is a flooded lead-acid battery, which is the most popular choice for solar electric use
- Comes in a 2-pack, so you already have a replacement ready to store
- Long battery life with lots of cycles
- It takes at least 5 to 10 days for delivery, which is a long time to wait if your golf cart is dead
- Requires lots of regular maintenance like adding water and keeping the terminals clean
What to Look for in a Good Golf Cart Battery
If you’re not sure what to look for when buying a new golf cart battery, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s consider some essential qualities when deciding which new battery to purchase.
- Know Your Voltage: Take out the old battery to make sure you get an equal replacement. Make sure you get the correct number of volts. Most golf carts take 6V, 8V, or 12-voltage batteries.
- Consider the Amps: Each battery has an amp rating that is measured in amperage per hour. More amps equal more power, so you want to make sure that you get a battery that at least meets the minimum amp requirement.
- Measure, Measure, Measure: You need a battery that’s not only the correct voltage and amps but one that’ll fit in your golf cart’s allotted space.
- Weight: This one is a balancing act. A heavy golf cart battery will fit more securely, but one that’s too heavy will limit your speed on the golf course.
- Never Buy Used: This is a bit of a no-brainer. You never know just how many charges a used golf cart battery has left in it. They’re not worth the hassle, even at a steep discount.
- Battery Type: Though lithium-ion batteries are a hot topic these days and becoming more popular, most golf carts still use lead batteries. You need to make sure which of the lead-acid batteries your cart takes. The available options are flooded lead-acid batteries, gel lead-acid batteries, and AGM lead-acid batteries.
The Top 9 Golf Cart Batteries
1. Lifeline GPL-U1T 12 Volt Deep Cycle Battery (Best 12 Volt Battery)
Pros
- Passes all strict mil-spec requirements, which gives golfers peace of mind by knowing they’re getting a quality product
- Each battery has a 5-year warranty, which is by far the best one out there
- It lasts longer than any other deep-cycle lead battery on the market
- Works with most standard golf cart battery chargers
- It gives off minimal vibration, even when on rugged terrains on the golf course
- Holds a single charge for a lengthy amount of time
Cons
- The cost is somewhat high, even for a long-life golf cart battery
If your golf cart takes a 12-volt battery, this is the best choice for you! This quality battery is made by Lifeline specifically for deep-cycle applications and is approved by the US Coast Guard. Each Lifeline battery is made in the USA and comes with a 5-year warranty, which is the best in the industry.
2. LOSSIGY 100Ah 12 Volt Deep Cycle Lithium Iron Battery (Best Lithium Battery)
Pros
- Made with Grade-A cells for maximum power and steady performance
- Proven to last for at least 4,000 cycles
- It comes with a Battery Management System (BMS) that protects against temperature damage or any kind of shortages
- Meets the highest level of safety standards and has a UL Testing Certificate
- Easy to connect to other batteries if needed
- The battery comes with 2 copper cables, 4 stud terminals, and an instruction booklet
- Much lighter than its lead-acid counterparts
- Much more cost-effective than lead-acid batteries
Cons
- Since it’s much lighter in weight, it could move around more in your golf cart
- A couple of folks have had issues with the warranty
As far as lithium batteries go, this one from Lossigy is hard to beat! If you’re looking for consistent performance and plenty of power, this 12V option may be the perfect fit for your golf cart. It comes with a 5-year warranty, and each battery typically has a 10-year lifespan.
3. Trojan T-875 8V 170Ah FLA Deep Cycle Battery (Best 8 Volt Battery)
Pros
- Trojan is a dependable brand that has stood the test of time by making some of the best batteries in the industry
- Delivers lots of power and performance at a price that isn’t too shabby
- This is a flooded lead-acid battery, which is the most popular choice for solar electric use
- It comes in a 2-pack, so you already have a replacement ready to store
- Long battery life with lots of cycles
Cons
- It takes at least 5 to 10 days for delivery, which is a long time to wait if your golf cart is dead
- Can’t be shipped through standard means like UPS, USPS, or FedEx
- Requires lots of regular maintenance like adding water and keeping the terminals clean
Trojan makes its 2nd appearance on our list with its 8-volt battery. Of all the 8-volt batteries on the market, this is considered one of the best because it’s the ideal size for most golf carts. Trojan has been making durable, reliable deep-cycle batteries since 1925.
4. VMAXTANKS 6 Volt AGM Battery for Golf Carts (Best 6 Volt Battery)
Pros
- Reasonable cost for a deep cycle battery
- After installation, there is no maintenance necessary and no need to add water
- VMAX used an electrolyte suspension system to completely absorb and contain the electrolyte
- VMAX doesn’t use any harmful contaminants when making this battery
- Made with a heavy-duty lead tin for increased durability and performance
- VMAX Golf has specialized in making the best golf cart batteries in the world for quite some time
- The long lifespan of this battery means that you won’t need a replacement very often
Cons
- Not as much power as its higher voltage counterparts
- Some folks don’t prefer AGM batteries
If your golf cart takes a 6-volt lead acid battery, this is the best option in the business. It’s rated at 225 amp-hours, which is considered heavy-duty for a 6-volt battery. Cart owners will appreciate that the Float Service Life Span of this battery is 8 to 10 years.
5. Universal Power Group 12 Volt 35 AH Battery (Budget Pick for 12-Volt Battery)
Pros
- One of the lowest-cost 12-volt batteries available
- Requires no maintenance and is designed to be spill-free
- Versatile mounting position for a better fit on your golf cart
- Made to give off very little vibration, regardless of the terrain
- It fits into a wide array of golf carts
- Great for golfers who only play a handful of times per month
Cons
- Won’t last as long as deep-cycle golf cart batteries
- Not a great fit if you use your golf cart daily or even multiple times a week
For one of the most cost-effective 12-volt golf cart batteries, check out this beauty from Universal Power Group. This was actually made for John Deere riding lawnmowers but fits several different golf carts as well. The price of this battery is very reasonable, and it comes with an industry-standard 1-year warranty.
6. OGRPHY 2 Pack 12V 100Ah Lithium Battery (Longest Battery Life)
Pros
- It has a built-in Battery Management System to protect against overcharging, overloading, short-circuiting, and overheating
- Much less weight than a traditional lead acid battery and double the power
- Made with Grade A battery cells, which is even more efficient than automotive batteries
- It will last for up to 10 years or 5,000 cycles, which is almost unheard of in the industry
- Specifically designed for golf carts and other outdoor applications
- Each battery undergoes a thorough test at the warehouse before being sent to customers
- It comes with a 5-year quality warranty for added peace of mind
- The customer service team responds within 24 hours to quickly solve any problems
- The company specializes in finding solutions that are more friendly to the environment
Cons
- A few folks have received bad batteries in their shipment, but replacements were sent in a timely manner
- Some have questioned the actual amp hour rating of this battery
- Can be costly to ship back to the manufacturer if it doesn’t fit in your golf cart correctly
If your golf cart will take lithium-ion batteries, you’ll love how long this one from OGRPHY will last. This deep-cycle battery has been proven to run up to 5,000 cycles before needing a replacement. This might be the ticket if you want to get away from a standard acid battery.
7. JavaEnergy 100Ah Lithium Battery with 100A BMS
Pros
- Comes with a 5-year warranty that covers any quality issues
- Loses power at a much slower rate than other brands on the market
- This battery is waterproof, which saves the customer from a whole host of headaches
- Will provide up to 10 years of service life
- Has a great combination of being lightweight and more energy efficient than lead batteries
- Has a built-in Battery Management System to protect against overcurrents, overcharges, and over-discharges
- The company has over 50 professional engineers on staff, and they donate 20% of battery sales to finding solutions that are easier on the environment
- Protected in both high temps and low temps
- Golfers love how easy these batteries are to install
- The company has a friendly customer service team that’s always quick to respond to any quality issues
Cons
- A small number of customers have experienced reliability issues with this battery
- Won’t hold up for as many cycles as some other lithium-ion batteries in the industry
JavaEnergy is another solid brand choice if you’re looking for a cost-effective lithium battery for your golf cart. This one is currently on sale, so take advantage of that while you can. This deep-cycle battery has been proven to last for up to 4,000 cycles, so you won’t need to replace it very often.
8. ExpertPower 12 Volt Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery
Pros
- A highly trusted brand that’s been reviewed and tested a ton of times
- Easy to install, even for golfers who might not be too handy with tools
- Designed to hold up well in harsh conditions, which comes in handy in a variety of volatile climates
- Uses Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) technology
- An excellent choice for folks who play golf quite often
- Made with only quality materials
- Resistant to heat, chemicals, shock, and vibration
Cons
- Some have received batteries that were made over a year before
- It cannot be returned, so make sure it will fit your golf cart before ordering
Here’s another 12-volt deep cycle battery that’s a fantastic choice for golf cart owners. ExpertPower makes high-quality batteries at a price that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. This option only weighs 21.61 pounds, so that it won’t weigh your golf cart down too much.
9. Trojan 4X T-105 6V Deep Cycle Battery
Pros
- Shipped on a pallet to limit the chance of damage during delivery
- Quick lead times to most destinations, which is almost unheard of in today’s age
- Trojan is a very respected battery manufacturer, which gives folks peace of mind
- It can last for up to 750 cycles, which is considered a high battery life span
- Some golfers have gotten as many as 200 rounds of golf in with these batteries
- If you have a standard charger, this battery should fit perfectly into it
Cons
- Though it has a high level of durability, the upfront cost is quite expensive
- It uses outdated technology compared to newer models that are now available
If your golf cart takes a 6-volt battery, this is the best choice on the market. Trojan has a stellar reputation in the industry, and they warranty each battery that they produce for at least 12 months. The T-105 model actually comes with an 18-month warranty on defects and workmanship.