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Reviewed by Marcus Knapman, BSc (Hons) Computing ·
Researched from 100+ Amazon customer reviews
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C batteries are the forgotten middle child of the battery world — too big for most remotes, too small for torches that really matter. Yet when you need them, nothing else will do. The Duracell Plus C batteries make some bold claims: 10-year storage life, leak protection, and a heritage that stretches back to the Apollo 11 mission. At £9.69 for six batteries, they're not the cheapest option on the shelf, but Duracell's reputation suggests you might be paying for peace of mind. I've dug into the specs and customer feedback to see whether these orange powerhouses justify their premium over supermarket alternatives.
Duracell loves mentioning that their batteries powered the 1969 Apollo 11 mission — the first batteries on the moon, apparently. It's a nice bit of marketing, but what does that mean for your radio or baby monitor in 2024? The underlying technology has moved on considerably since then, but the focus on reliability in extreme conditions does translate to better performance in everyday scenarios.
The current Plus range uses what Duracell calls their "Duralock Power Preserve" technology, which keeps unused batteries fresh for up to 10 years when stored at room temperature. That's genuinely useful for C batteries, which tend to sit in drawers waiting for the occasional emergency.
The top closure design is where Duracell has made real improvements over cheaper alternatives. After reading through customer feedback across multiple retailers, the leak protection seems to hold up well compared to budget brands. Several buyers mention leaving these in devices for months without issues, though I'd still recommend removing them from anything you won't use regularly.
The 1.5V alkaline chemistry is standard stuff, but Duracell's quality control appears more consistent than store brands. Voltage drop-off tends to be more gradual, which means devices keep working longer before that annoying "low battery" warning kicks in.
The 100% recyclable, plastic-free packaging is a nice touch that doesn't add to the price. The cardboard construction feels robust enough for storage, though it's not as moisture-resistant as plastic blister packs. For most people buying these for home use, that won't matter. If you're stocking a boat or caravan where humidity is a concern, you might want additional protection.
At £9.69 for six batteries, you're paying about £1.62 per cell. That's roughly double what supermarket own-brand C batteries cost, but the performance gap is noticeable in high-drain devices. Based on the manufacturer's IEC test data, these should last significantly longer than cheaper alternatives in devices like radios or motorised toys.
The 100% life guarantee (compared to 2021 IEC battery test averages) sounds impressive, though the small print acknowledges that real-world results vary depending on your device and usage patterns. Still, it's backing up the premium price with actual performance claims.
Customer feedback consistently highlights longer life in medium-drain devices compared to budget alternatives. Several reviews mention these lasting 6-12 months in DAB radios or baby monitors where cheaper batteries failed after 2-3 months. The gradual power decline also means less chance of devices suddenly cutting out mid-use.
However, they're not miracle workers. In very high-drain applications, the performance advantage over quality competitors narrows considerably. You're paying for consistency and reliability rather than revolutionary technology.
These are solid, reliable C batteries that justify their premium for devices you depend on. If you're powering emergency radios, baby monitors, or anything where sudden failure would be annoying, the extra cost makes sense. For occasional-use toys or devices, cheaper alternatives will do the job fine.
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