Today I’d like to share an interesting battery comparison test — the XTAR 1.5V LR 3000mAh USB-C lithium batteries versus my long-term favorite, the IKEA LADDA AA 2450mAh Ni-MH batteries.

In this review, I will test their endurance and output performance using a digital music mixer and multi-color LED lights.

Specifications Comparison

Brand	XTAR	IKEA
Type	Lithium-ion	Ni-MH
Capacity	3000mAh	2450mAh
Nominal Voltage	1.5V linear output	1.2V
Charging Port	Built-in USB-C	None
Cycle Life	1200+	500
Weight(g)	20.5	30
Features	Built-in protection circuit against over-discharge	Low self-discharge, minimal memory effect

According to the table above, the XTAR battery clearly outperforms in terms of capacity, output voltage, and cycle life.

Its 1.5V linear output is particularly important for devices sensitive to voltage drop, providing more stable and consistent performance similar to that of alkaline batteries.

Unboxing and First Look

XTAR 1.5V AA LR 3000mAh USB-C

The XTAR batteries come in a pack of four with a portable storage case. Each battery has a USB-C charging port built into its side. The package includes a 4-in-1 USB-C charging cable — one standard USB plug that splits into four USB-C connectors, allowing all four batteries to charge simultaneously.

XTAR officially states that the battery can be charged using a standard phone charger or a laptop USB output, taking about three hours for a full charge.

IKEA LADDA AA 2450mAh Ni-MH

The LADDA batteries come in a simple package. The four batteries are marked “Ready to use” and do not require charging.

Open-Circuit Voltage Test

To evaluate the initial output performance, I measured the open-circuit voltage (the voltage with no load) using a multimeter. This value gives a clear idea of the battery’s charge status and stored energy before use.

Here are the results:

XTAR: 1.58V open-circuit voltage, dropping slightly to about 1.5V under load.

IKEA: 1.34V open-circuit voltage, dropping to about 1.2V under load.

As a Lithium-ion battery, the XTAR’s higher open-circuit voltage means:

• Higher Output Voltage: Delivers a voltage closer to 1.5V, providing stable and sufficient power for voltage-sensitive devices such as high-brightness LED lamps, digital mixers, or power tools.

• Stable Performance: Smaller voltage drop under load indicates lower internal resistance and more consistent discharge.

• Practical Advantage: In multi-cell configurations, a higher individual voltage significantly improves total supply voltage and ensures ideal output performance.

Real-World Usage Test

1. Endurance in Digital Music Mixer

To test practical endurance, I powered a Zoom LiveTrack L6 digital mixer (which uses four AA batteries) and recorded its performance during rehearsals and live sessions.

Compared to the IKEA LADDA, the XTAR batteries lasted two to three additional 45-minute sessions, with stable operation throughout and no low-voltage issues that often occur with Ni-MH batteries.

2. Output and Endurance in Multi-color LED Lights

To visually compare discharge performance, I used three sets of batteries to power identical LED string lights:

• Left: Alkaline

• Middle: IKEA LADDA AA 2450mAh Ni-MH

• Right: XTAR AA LR 3000mAh USB-C lithium

Initial Brightness

XTAR ＞ LADDA ＞ Alkaline

After 13 minutes

Alkaline: Only green and red lights remained; blue was almost gone.

IKEA LADDA: Green and red lights visible, faint blue light remaining.

XTAR: Blue light still strong, indicating substantial remaining power.

After 35 minutes

Alkaline: Nearly exhausted.

IKEA LADDA: Noticeable reduction in blue light.

XTAR: Continues solid, bright blue output.

XTAR maintained more stable voltage and brightness for a significantly longer time — ideal for high-drain or voltage-sensitive devices.

Conclusion

Through all the tests, the XTAR AA LR 3000mAh USB-C lithium batteries outperformed the IKEA LADDA AA 2450mAh Ni-MH in nearly every aspect:

• Higher voltage (1.5V vs 1.2V) — broader device compatibility

• Larger capacity (3000mAh vs 2450mAh) — longer runtime

• Longer cycle life (1200+ vs 500 cycles) — more durable

• Built-in protection circuit — enhanced safety

Although the XTAR batteries come at a slightly higher price, their performance, safety, and longevity make them a worthwhile investment, especially for devices that require stable, long-term power, such as musical instruments, digital equipment, and high-brightness LED lighting.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the XTAR batteries — they’ve completely reshaped my expectations for rechargeable AA battery performance.