Looking for the best AGM battery for car audio can be a daunting task but thanks to this review and buying guide, you are that much closer to getting that car audio battery. Your options improved with brands such as XS Power, Kinetik, and Stinger.
While there are endless car audio batteries flooding the market, you need to go for the best AGM batteries for your car audio. A car audio battery using the Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) technology is smarter because durability is assured.
This technology revolutionizes the battery world by creating more surface area that can hold enough electrolytes on the cells for their entire lifespan.
Unlike most batteries that use gel or liquid electrolytes between the plates, absorbent glass mats made of boron silicate are used. Most batteries using this technology are recombinant, meaning that the recombination of oxygen and hydrogen happens inside the battery.
All that means is that the AGM battery you’ll be buying is sealed and can therefore be mounted in any position without the constant fear of leaks.
Let’s have a look at some of the best AGM batteries the market has to offer:
Best AGM Battery for Car Audio
XS Power D3400
XS Power is quite known for its audio batteries made for cars and resonates more with enthusiasts about versatility and top-notch performance. This high-output battery can be used for various applications, such as an RV or boat, but most prefer it for the car’s audio systems.
The XS D3400 uses Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) to provide the power cell with the highest possible energy density from an acid electrolyte. It can power high-performing engines with a max output of 3300 Amps and 1,000 cranking Amps.
It is reinforced with an ABS plastic case and has a discharge capacity of 65 amp-hours which is great because it stores energy so you won’t need a capacitor. The Advanced Battery Systems (ABS) plastic casing is essential as it creates resistance to extreme heat as well as vibrations.
Additionally, it has a leak-proof design that allows you to mount it either in a glove compartment, under a seat, etc., without any fear of leaks. This is the best audio battery for any system between 2500 – 3500W.
The D3400 is a good option for use as an upgrade to your car's audio system or as a replacement for your old one. It is. However, an expensive option, and the weight as well is something to be considered as it is heavier than most batteries. These are not really setbacks because sometimes you need to pay extra for prime quality, and the XS D3400 does deliver.
Pros
- The 12-volt deep-cycling design allows you to use it as a replacement or an extra source of power
- AGM design and ABS plastic casting make battery durable
- It can be used with BCI Group 34 vehicles
- Resist vibrations and extreme heat
- Ultra-low internal resistance
- Leak-proof design
- Can power high-performance audio systems
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Price
- Heavy; 46 pounds
View price on Amazon
Universal UB121000-45978
The Universal battery is a good performer surpassing lead-acid batteries in almost every way. With the AGM technology, this Universal battery has better performance and better and quicker recharging, minimizing the maintenance required.
It is a fairly easy battery as you plug it in and play. As soon as it’s done charging, you need to connect it, which is about it. For a complete charge, charging at 10 Amps will take you approximately 12 hours. The good news is that you don’t require to charge it frequently thanks to its low monthly self-discharge.
It is a spill-proof battery allowing you to mount it anywhere without the fear of dangerous spills. This Universal battery is a great choice because it resists vibrations and shock and is reliable under extreme heat, making it a good contender.
The main drawback of the Universal UB121000-45978 is its weight. Its approximate weight is 64 pounds, creating a bit of a pickle when mounting it. For this reason, it doesn’t make for the ideal car audio battery choice.
Pros
- Spill-proof
- Reliable in extreme heat
- Shock and vibration resistant
- Low maintenance and efficient
- Great deep-cycling batteries
Cons
- Large and heavy at 64 pounds
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Kinetik HC600
The Kinetik HC600 AGM battery is a great affordable, maintenance-free, and 100% sealed option. It is best used for 600W audio systems and has been specifically designed as an additional battery for high-performance audio systems. However, most people use it as an additional source of power.
Just because this battery is a cheaper option doesn’t mean it slacks off. It is a performer and can withstand extreme heat and vibrations. It saves your battery and, at the same time, enhances your audio systems, and generally, this can be a good replacement for your normal car battery.
The Kinetik HC600 has a non-spill design allowing you to mount it in any position without any spill fears. It also has been made with durable construction, which adds to the peace of mind that you can mount it anyhow, and the battery won’t incur any damages.
It has an ultra-low Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) and tightly packed cells to allow for higher voltage experienced under load conditions. Additionally, it contains more plates important for superior energy density, which make the battery your go-to if you have a modest-sized system.
Pros
- Vibration resistant
- Endure extreme heat
- A high performer with durable construction
- Mounted in any position
- Affordable
- Requires no capacitors
- Deep cycle battery
Cons
- Not suitable for high-powered systems
- Replacing your current battery will require the purchase of additional equipment
View price on Amazon
Stinger SPV69C
The Stinger SPV69C is 100% sealed, preventing any hazardous spills. It has an AGM design which, combined with the removable brass battery posts, allows installation of the battery in any factory battery position. It is a mid-range battery designed for varying audio systems, from moderate to high performance.
This Stinger is perfect for systems up to 1320W, with some ratings placing it at up to 2000W. Moreover, it has a rating of 660 cranking Amps and can manage discharge cycles of over 300. All this means you will not require a capacitor as it can store energy.
If you have ring-shaped terminals, the Stinger will be a good choice because it accepts ring terminals, so you need not worry. You can comfortably use this battery as a starter or power your audio system separately.
The Stinger APV69C is perfect for replacing Group Sizes 34/34M/78 and Group 51 vehicles. It weighs 46.53 lbs.
Pros
- Discharge cycles of over 300
- Compatible with ring-shaped terminals
- Mount in any position
- Spill-proof design
- No capacitor needed
- Corrosion-free construction material
Cons
- Not suitable with high-powered audio systems
View price on Amazon
Kinetik HC600-BLU
If you’re looking for a high-performance battery, this might be it for you. The Kinetik HC600-BLU uses AGM technology and a spill-proof design which make up for the small but highly powerful battery. It comes with cranking Amps of up to 600 as well as an 18Ah that makes this battery a great battery for audio systems under 600W.
The battery has durable housing with no external vents that allow for mounting the battery without the fear of leaks, making it a maintenance-free battery.
Additionally, the Kinetik Blu has a reinforced ABS plastic casing that can withstand extreme heat and vibrations. This essentially means that it can replace the original equipment manufacturer's battery with this battery.
It has a low ESR, and it comes with more plates for stronger energy density. The design of this Kinetik Blu battery is that it can be mounted in basically any factory battery location. A plus of buying the battery is that it comes as a pair meaning you get two batteries. Despite this, the Kinetik Blu is unsuitable for high-powered stereo audio systems.
Pros
- Reinforces durable plastic construction
- Leak proof design
- Mountable in any position
- Perfect for systems up to 600W
- Competitively priced
- Two batteries can be used to power moderately sized audio systems
Cons
- Not suitable for high-end audio systems
- For primary use of the battery, you require extra equipment
- It might require more room to fit the two batteries
View price on Amazon
DieHard 38188
The DieHard 38188 battery solves the dilemma for those who have been looking for a high-performance as well as maintenance-free battery. The DieHard battery is engineered with AGM technology and a leak-proof design to prevent dangerous leaks and allow the battery to mount in any position.
The cranking Amps are rated at 775 with a discharge capacity of 55Ah, allowing it quickly charge more electronics for a longer period. Its ability to withstand extreme heat is quite high, which in essence, prolongs the life span of the battery.
This DieHard battery comes highly optimized with full-frame positive and negative plates for avoiding shorts that rob the battery’s life. It has more than 20 more efficient vibration safeguards than conventional lead-acid batteries.
It’s a battery that can be used for a wide range of applications and is pocket friendly.
Pros
- Leak proof design
- Durable battery
- Pocket-friendly price
- Optimized full-frame +ve and -ve plates
Cons
- It is heavy
- Difficult to fit in some cars
View price on Amazon
Optima Batteries 8014-045 YellowTop
The Optima YellowTop is a great dual-purpose battery that might not look serious, but that means business as it is designed for heavy-load vehicles. It can be used to start your car and power your audio system.
It has a cold cranking amperage of up to 750, so if you’ve got a lot of electrical applications, you need not worry, as the battery’s performance will not be affected.
It has a reserve capacity of 120 minutes and has a deep cycle suitable for discharge cycles of up to 300. The low self-discharge rate is conducive to seasonal use and horrible weather.
At 43.5 pounds, it has a SpiralCell design, providing you and the environment a friendly power source.
You can use the Optima YellowTop battery as a replacement for your current battery or are looking for a bigger battery to meet the high power demands. The only drawback to this battery is that it is bulky, but if you have the space, then this would be the ideal car audio battery.
Pros
- Reserve capacity of 120 minutes
- Leak-proof and maintenance free
- Vibration resistant
- Polypropylene casing for durability
- Electrical accessories can be used even when the car is parked
- It can be mounted in any position
- Great cranking power and quick recharging
Cons
- Bulky
View price on Amazon
Shuriken SK-BT35
The Shuriken SK BT53, like all other batteries on this list, uses AMG technology. Its casing is of reinforced ABS plastic, which can withstand extreme heat and vibrations and be mounted anywhere.
It can be used as a replacement for your current battery or as an additional power source for high-performance aftermarket systems. The Shuriken SK-BT35 battery is best used for audio systems with 800W and has a basic spill-free design. This means it can fit easily in most factory battery locations without worrying about hazardous spills.
This battery is quite small and lightweight and comes with very closely packed lead plates and an ultra-low ESR. It has cranking amps of up to 950, and the installation is quite easy, making it an ideal battery for most users with limited space.
Pros
- Mounted in any position
- Leak proof design
- Small and lightweight
- Affordable battery
- Extreme heat and vibration resistant
Cons
- Not suitable for audio systems over 800W
View Price on Amazon
Buyer’s Guide
When going to buy a car audio battery, there are some factors that you need to consider to get a long-lasting battery that will give you no trouble whatsoever.
Here are a few things to look out for:
Reserve Capacity and Cold Cranking Amps
The ability of the battery to power an audio system in low temperatures is referred to as the Cold Cranking Amps. The CCA on the battery should match the number of watts being produced.
You want to look for higher CCA numbers for higher power production that can withstand the load. The Cold Cranking Amps and Reserve Capacity should be top of the list of things to look for.
Size and Fitting
As we’ve seen in the different batteries, they come in different sizes. Therefore, you need to get a battery that will properly fit in the tray provided for the tray.
To know how to check the dimensions, check your user manual being precise about the dimensions and positioning of the terminals. The car audio battery works the same as your car battery, meaning that any looseness will result in vibrations that eventually damage the battery.
Age of the Battery
This is a tricky bit that many tend to overlook and, in return, get ‘mediocre’ products. Once a battery has been manufactured, it depreciates as it loses its power when not in use. When you’re going to buy your battery, make sure that it hasn’t been standing for more than six months.
In case you’re wondering how to know the fixed period when buying the product, look at the shipping code that you’ll find on the case. When buying the product online, the same applies.
After buying a new battery, make sure you recycle the old one since many retails help you dispose of older batteries.
Battery Care and Maintenance
Care and maintenance of your battery depends on what kind of battery you have, i.e. is it sealed or unsealed? No maintenance is required for sealed batteries, and they are replaced in case they get damaged.
On the other hand, water might be added occasionally for unsealed batteries until the batteries need replacement.
Price
When it comes to battery pricing, it depends on the two types of batteries: dry cells and wet cells. Dry cell units are more expensive than wet cell units because they are more durable.
Wet cell units, on the other hand, power stereo systems faster than dry cells, so eventually, the price will be determined by your preference between the two types.
Warranty
When buying any commodity, you need to look into getting the longest warranty available, and the same applies when shopping for a new audio battery. Usually, the free replacement tends to be between 24 months with a prorated guarantee of 84 months.
Improper installation and low water levels could easily make your warranty void.
FAQs
Below are responses to a few of the frequently asked questions.
What is a car battery made of?
Car batteries combine lead and acid formulations with 30% sulfuric acid and the remaining 70% water base.
What is the difference between a cycle and the lifespan of a battery?
The difference boils down to the discharge rate and recharges when in use. The lifespan is dependent on how deep the cells are cycled every time. If, for example, a battery discharges at 40% daily, it will last longer than one being cycled at, say, 70% so the lower the discharging percentage on a daily, the longer lifespan the battery will have.
What is the approximate lifespan of an audio car battery?
The approximate lifespan of most cars is approximately three years, but the standard AGM deep-cycle battery tends to outlive this mark as it has a lifespan of 6 – 8 years.
Conclusion
Getting the best AGM battery for your car audio is as important as getting your car battery. Performance, extreme heat withstanding, and so much more must be considered; for this reason, our top pick is the XS Power D3400, for it checks out on all points. Hopefully, this article takes you closer to getting your perfect audio car battery.
