Around all newbie’s heads, a common question revolves- “why AGM batteries better?”. AGM batteries are mainly popular due to their low maintenance trouble. Along with this, their long-lasting service life makes them the top pick for the users. Though it’s slightly overpriced, it is worth the extra money.
AGM batteries are reliable even in the toughest weather. Any user can perform the charging process 5 times more rapidly than the conventional flooded technology. From their special construction to satisfying service- everything makes them a better choice.
Here you’ll know more beneficial sides of using AGM batteries instead of others. After knowing the prime comparisons of AGM batteries with other batteries, you’ll be convinced about it. AGM batteries become the winner in most of the discussing points. Why don’t you dive inside to know more about AGM batteries?
Are AGM batteries really better than others?
AGM batteries are slightly better according to some positive points. Yes, AGM battery is the battery on which you can rely without any doubt. If you have any confusion about its reliability, then keep scrolling down.
Extraordinary battery design
The extraordinary battery design of AGM batteries makes them a top pick. It comes with a design that doesn’t allow the acid of the battery to damage your vehicle. The risk of damaging any sensitive parts also becomes minimized for its suitable design. As the electrolyte is absorbed into fiberglass matting, the user can use it without splitting.
Highly reliable performance
In the case of performance, AGM batteries are superb. They last longer and perform better even at the last age. Most of the AGM batteries last two times longer than conventional lead-acid batteries.
Performs in the rough environment
Due to the presence of 99.99% pure lead, AGM batteries can perform in rough weather perfectly. It has a good record of standing up well even in the minus temperature. The liquid of the battery doesn’t get affected by the external temperature in general cases.
Outstanding construction
AGM batteries come with engineered sandwich construction. This design is highly resistant to incoming vibrations and performs smoothly by rejecting them. The performance of the battery is increasing day by day as the design is getting more improved.
Unlikely to build up sulfation
Sulfation is the common scenario of lead-acid battery which represents the accumulation of lead sulfate. It gathers as the crystal condition in the cells. This incident leads a battery to death rapidly. AGM batteries are more effective at preventing sulfation than other batteries.
Is an AGM battery better than a standard battery?
Yes, an AGM battery is better than a standard battery. For better understanding, here is a comparison chart attached below.
AGM battery | Standard battery |
AGM batteries have a durable build. For this reason, it’s usually used in the military and dedicated to automobile purposes. | Standard lead-acid batteries are less durable than AGM batteries. They are not suitable for the military as well as aviation applications. |
AGM batteries are free from regular maintenance. | You need to go with regular electrolyte servicing in case of a standard battery. |
The sandwich and spill-proof construction make AGM batteries safe for automobiles. | Standard batteries are less reliable as they can create a safety question. |
AGM batteries perform well in cold environments. The same performance can be found from an AGM battery in the hot and cold areas. | It’s not possible to get the same performance by a standard battery when the weather is varying. Sometimes, it may perform below the expectation level and trouble the user. |
The prime dissimilarity between the two discussing batteries is about their maintenance. Nobody wants to spend extra money as well as time behind their batteries. As the AGM battery is okay without regular liquid changing, people must prioritize it to purchase.
The other positive side of the AGM battery is its all-rounder performance. At any temperature and at any place, the battery will keep your vehicle running. You may face trouble with the regular lead-acid battery but not with an AGM battery.
However, both batteries are technically the same in the case of the basic chemistry inside them. There are lead plates inside both batteries and their electrolyte is almost similar. So, despite their huge distinctions, they have a few similarities too.
Which one is better – AGM vs Flooded Batteries?
Here also AGM battery wins. Let’s have a look at the following comparison chart.
AGM battery | Flooded battery |
AGM batteries require no watering service. | The periodic inspection of a flooded battery is mandatory. |
The extreme climate isn’t an issue for an AGM battery. | A flooded battery can’t cope with the extreme climate. |
AGM batteries have a great life period but can be ruined if it’s discharged under 50% regularly. | Flooded batteries don’t come with a long-lasting promise. But, it’s possible to make it last long with proper maintenance. |
No free liquid, minimum gassing. | Free liquids inside the battery increase the risk of splitting away. |
AGM batteries are good for low maintenance requirements. Regular inspection isn’t mandatory because the battery is designed with special tolerance. But, a flooded battery requires some extra care as well as money.
When the talk is about longevity, the AGM battery must win. But, if the AGM battery is discharged roughly every time, then your battery has a dark future. After a while, the flooded battery will keep performing better due to rough discharging.
It’s difficult to distinguish between the AGM and the flooded battery visually. They look similar until you read their corresponding label. Though their cell technology and performance isn’t the same, they have similarity in this case.
AGM Batteries vs. Gel Batteries – the real comparison
Are both AGM and gel batteries the same as they require zero maintenance? No, they’re completely different in many ways.
AGM battery | Gel battery |
AGM batteries are made of thin glass fibers. | A special type of silica gel is used for gel batteries. |
It loses power slowly. | It loses power rapidly. |
When the discharging is under 50%, the AGM battery can’t use acid properly. | When the discharging is under 50%, the gel battery uses acid more accurately than the AGM battery. |
AGM batteries provide bigger bursts of amps in case of necessity. | Gel batteries can’t provide the bigger bursts of amps like the AGM batteries. |
When the talk is about using the reserved acid in low charge, the gel battery wins. But, the residual facts favor the AGM battery. AGM batteries don’t lose power as fast as gel batteries.
For innovative construction, AGM batteries are usable in vast applications. Gel batteries are not high-performance batteries like AGM batteries. Moreover, they aren’t capable of producing high amperes in case of an emergency.
AGM batteries, as well as gel batteries, are included in the class of VRLA battery group. Both batteries are maintenance-free. The user can spend years after years with these batteries without applying water. You must confess this enchanting similarity between the two batteries.
Does AGM battery work better than lithium?
Without any doubt, an AGM battery performs better than a lithium battery. Their prime comparisons also tell the same thing.
AGM battery | Lithium battery |
You can get great electrical reliability from an AGM battery. | Lithium-ion batteries aren’t trustworthy in the case of electrical applications. |
AGM batteries are technically improved to perform nicely below the freezing temperature. | Lithium-ion batteries can’t be run even when the temperature is near to the freezing temperature. |
You don’t need to spend your extra time on its maintenance. | You don’t need to spend your extra time here also for its maintenance. But, charging a lithium-ion battery is essential for its longevity. |
AGM batteries are sensitive to depth discharge. | Lithium batteries don’t face severe issues while going through the depth discharge. |
The AGM battery comes with industry-leading technology. You can’t rely on an alternative in case of electrical purposes where AGM batteries are available. They can keep their work running in the cold environment perfectly. However, an AGM battery can extremely be damaged if it’s facing depth discharging regularly.
You can’t avoid AGM batteries when it’s a large project. Using the lithium-ion battery must not be a good idea both commercially and chemically. You don’t need to take care of the AGM battery regularly. But, though lower maintenance is required for the lithium-ion battery, you shouldn’t follow.
Both AGM and lithium-ion batteries come in sealed condition. They have the minimum risk of splitting the acid out. That’s not the matter of how their electrolyte is sealed inside the battery. The matter is they follow similar reserving technology. So, in the ocean of dissimilarity, they have at least one similarity.
Is an AGM battery better than a lead-acid?
AGM batteries are better than lead-acid batteries. Here are some prime comparisons between the two batteries.
AGM battery | Lead-acid battery |
AGM batteries come with a complex working principle. | Lead-acid batteries have a simple, old working principle. |
AGM batteries require zero maintenance. | Lead-acid batteries require checking the potential status and repairing. |
In case of unnecessary shocks, AGM batteries are highly resistant. | Except for stationary applications, lead-acid batteries aren’t durable. |
AGM batteries charge faster than lead-acid batteries. | Lead-acid batteries charge 5 times slower than AGM batteries. |
AGM batteries work with the absorbed glass mat material. This mat material comes with sufficient electrolytes which help to occur the chemical reactions. On the flip side, lead-acid batteries follow the old model as they’re constructed with the liquid solution.
You can easily take care of the AGM batteries as they require minimum maintenance. But, for a longer lifespan, it’s mandatory to maintain lead-acid batteries regularly. AGM batteries are versatile and suitable for any heavy automobile operation. But, it’s impossible to use lead-acid batteries in heavy vehicles.
Like the standard battery, lead-acid batteries also follow the simple chemistry. The basic chemical reactions are the same and the output is similar. However, the result varies when the relevant factors are changed in AGM batteries.
Which one should you choose – AGM vs flooded?
The war between the AGM and flooded battery favors the AGM battery. Here you know about some core reasons to go for the AGM option.
AGM battery | Flooded battery |
These types of batteries are good for heavy automobile or aircraft purposes. | These types of batteries are compatible with backup power applications. |
As there is no free liquid in AGM batteries, they require watering periodically. | Flooded batteries require regular watering as the density of the electrolyte needs to be maintained. |
Overcharging as well as undercharging affects the battery life extremely in the case of an AGM battery. | Flooded batteries also can’t be overcharged and undercharged. But, they don’t get bad as fast as the AGM battery in this circumstance. |
In rough weather like extreme cold, AGM batteries can work without any problem. | Extreme weather like cold environments highly resists the flooded battery’s performance. |
In the case of flooded batteries, the battery acid bonds to the lead plate when the battery is connected. AGM batteries have a powerful construction to provide powerful bursts of starting amps. You can’t rely on the electrolytes of the flooded batteries as like the AGM batteries.
There is trouble watering flooded batteries regularly but you don’t need any extra care about the AGM batteries. However, overcharging AGM batteries leads to death faster than flooded batteries. AGM batteries can cope with north pole areas easily. Their electrolytes don’t get coagulated easily like the flooded batteries.
Both AGM and flooded batteries have a low self-discharge rate. Though AGM batteries last longer as they discharge a little bit slowly, that’s near to the flooded batteries. AGM batteries are sealed batteries that are opposite to the flooded batteries. Therefore, they have almost no similarities.
The real comparison between AGM vs EFB
The comparison between AGM vs EFB may confuse you. They both are great and have specific purposes to be used. Let’s know their prime comparisons for better understanding.
AGM battery | EFB battery |
AGM batteries are suitable for upper mid ranges and premium cars. | EFB batteries are suitable for compact cars. |
It takes part in the recovery of braking energy. | It doesn’t take part in the recovery of braking energy. |
AGM batteries last more than 6 years if cared for properly. | EFB batteries last up to 6 years. |
AGM batteries don’t have as large a capacity output as the EFB battery. | The total average capacity output of EFM batteries is 50% greater than AGM batteries. |
You can’t use AGM batteries instead of EMF batteries. All the premium vehicles depend upon the AGM batteries. As EFB batteries can’t recover the braking energy, it’s not suitable for all kinds of automobiles.
AGM batteries can perform perfectly if it’s a matter of low temperature. On the other hand, EFM batteries can perform perfectly in high temperatures. However, both batteries don’t have the same output capacity.
Both batteries have an almost similar lifespan. Approximately, you can use the batteries for up to 6 years. If AGM batteries are properly cared for, they can last longer than EFB batteries. The lifespan can be increased by following routine maintenance.
What about AGM battery vs deep cycle?
AGM battery | Deep cycle battery |
AGM batteries come with a glass matt separator. | Deep cycle batteries come with thicker active plates. |
AGM batteries require 14.6-14.8 volts to be discharged from the full state. | Deep cycle batteries require a recharging voltage of 2.43 to 2.45 volts. |
AGM batteries can last up to 6 years. | Deep cycle batteries also last up to 6 years. But, they can’t last long if they don’t get proper maintenance. |
Deep cycle batteries last up to 3000 discharge/charge cycles. But, an AGM battery can last up to 500 cycles maximum. The cycle numbers may vary depending on the battery voltage.
If you look at the construction, the two batteries have separate principles. AGM batteries don’t have any active plates. They work with the glass matt separator. The electrolytes stay safer in this system than in any conventional process.
If the talk is about the lifespan, the deep cycle battery has a similar lifespan as the AGM battery. Both batteries require maintenance for getting expected service. But, the AGM battery is easy to maintain and hassle-free.
Let’s talk about AGM batteries vs regular batteries
Regular batteries are constructed with zinc and manganese. They have some distinctions as well as similarities.
AGM battery | Regular battery |
The required recharging voltage of the AGM battery is 2.43-2.45 volts. | Regular AA batteries contain 1.5 volts at their initial phase. |
AGM batteries can serve up to 6 years without major complexity. | You can store regular batteries for up to a maximum of 5 years. |
AGM batteries are 13 inches in length. | Regular AA batteries are usually 49.2-50.5 mm in length. |
Regular batteries and AGM batteries are completely different in every aspect. They have different sizes, lifespans, and required voltage. You can’t use one as the alternative to another in any case.
AGM batteries are costly and come with special builds. You can easily distinguish between the batteries by observing their external construction. Usually, AGM batteries have a sturdy build to protect them from any external obstructions.
The only similarity is in their base chemistry. They both use electrolytes made of sulfuric acid and water. Except for their chemical reactions, they’re completely different.
Is an AGM battery better than a marine battery?
An AGM battery is better than a marine battery. Despite the high pricing of AGM batteries, people rely on them most often.
AGM battery | Marine battery |
AGM battery is a special type of Absorbed Glass Mat battery. | The marine battery comes in three popular forms. AGM battery is one of the popular forms of marine battery. |
An AGM battery easily lasts up to 6 years. | Marine batteries last between 2 to 5 years maximum. |
AGM batteries cost around $200. | The price of the marine battery varies depending on the type. It’s not as expensive as the AGM battery. |
AGM batteries come with absorbed glass technology for protecting electrolytes. On the flip side, marine batteries have a sturdy build with more elevated plates.
AGM batteries have a longer lifespan than marine batteries. Though AGM batteries are slightly expensive, people can spend extra money for long-lasting service. If the AGM battery is charged properly, it also may get damaged before the expected lifetime.
They don’t face short circuits easily while running on rough surfaces. Both batteries can perform well in tough weather. However, AGM batteries are experimented with to perform well in the minus temperature.
FAQ
Now, you’ll get introduced to some common questions related to the discussing topic.
Is an AGM battery worth the extra money?
Though an AGM battery is costly, it’s undoubtedly value for money. They can hold the charge for a long time. The users stay risk-free while using an AGM battery. They never face any performance issues. Moreover, it’s easy to maintain and so, an AGM battery is worth the extra money.
Do AGM batteries last longer?
AGM batteries last longer than typical lead-acid batteries- that’s correct. They come with a low self-discharge rate. Therefore, they don’t require recharging as fast as other batteries. Their total lifespan is approximately 7 years whereas a lead-acid battery can serve 5 years hardly.
Conclusion
AGM batteries are the only option you can trust for dedicated purposes. Despite its high pricing, it’s one of the most selling batteries. You must understand now “why AGM batteries are better”. From their construction to liquid technology- you can’t dislike any of their characteristics.
After going through the comparison charts, you can’t but rely on the AGM battery. AGM batteries can perform and use their electrolyte properly in any weather. Natural calamities can’t even stop them from running your vehicle precisely.
Other batteries are indeed pro in specific sections, but the AGM battery is averagely better. AGM batteries come with low internal resistance and fast charging capability. Besides, its water retention feature makes it highly preferable. If you’re looking for the best battery for your vehicle, why don’t you get an AGM battery?