If you’re looking to purchase a new car battery, the number of options at your disposal can be overwhelming. Our team of experts has previously reviewed the best car batteries and found that Optima Batteries are some of the best you can buy. Optima battery reviews suggest the brand separates itself from competitors through its SpiralCell Technology.
Unique to Optima, SpiralCell Technology involves a series of spiral-wound cells made up of two pure lead plates coated in lead oxide. One coated plate is positive, while the other is negative. This technology makes Optima Batteries more vibration-resistant, have a higher starting power, recharge quicker, and enjoy a longer battery life than flat-plate batteries.
In this article:
- Best Optima Batteries
- Our Review Standards
- #1 Best Starting Battery: Optima Batteries RedTop
- #2 Best Marine Battery: Optima Batteries BlueTop
- #3 Best Dual-Purpose Battery: Optima Batteries YellowTop
- Optima Batteries Buyers Guide
- FAQ: Optima Battery Review
Best Optima Batteries
Our Review Standards
To find the three Optima Batteries in this review, our team searched Amazon and Advance Auto Parts for top products, looking at factors such as customer ratings, price, superlatives, and Prime shipping eligibility.
#1 Best Starting Battery: Optima Batteries RedTop
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The Optima Batteries RedTop is a 12-volt, 800 cold cranking amps (CCA) car battery with a 100-minute reserve capacity for consistent performance. This car battery can provide optimal starting power in various adverse weather conditions and cold climates. The manufacturer says in the product description that the battery is 15 times more vibration-resistant and offers faster recharging than traditional batteries.
RedTop weighs only 38.8 pounds, is maintenance-free and mountable in virtually any position, and features a spill-proof design. The RedTop features Optima’s SpiralCell Technology as standard across all Optima Batteries. This car battery is suitable for stock vehicles, off-road trucks, and even RVs.
Key Features
- SpiralCell Technology
- Reserve capacity of 100 minutes
- 12 volts and 800 CCA
What Customers Are Saying
The RedTop has over 1,140 Optima battery reviews on Amazon, with 87 percent of them being at least 4 stars. Only 9 percent of reviews give the RedTop 1 star. About 79 percent of Amazon customers award the Optima RedTop a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.
Many users are impressed with this battery’s cranking power, durability, long lifespan, and three-year warranty. Some negative Optima battery reviews mention difficulty activating the RedTop’s warranty, however.
Our Rating: 4.9 out of 5
#2 Best Marine Battery: Optima Batteries BlueTop
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Featuring a spill-proof and maintenance-free design, the Optima Batteries BlueTop is designed for boats and RVs. This battery weighs 43.5 pounds and features Optima’s SpiralCell Technology. The battery offers optimal starting power even in cold weather, and the manufacturer asserts in the product description that the Optima BlueTop is 15 times more resistant to vibration than traditional batteries.
The Optima Batteries BlueTop is a 12-volt lead-acid battery with 750 CCA, and the marine cranking amps of this battery are 870 amperes. The Optima BlueTop features a reserve capacity of 120 minutes and is mountable in almost any position. It performs best in RVs with creature comforts and boats with trolling motors and extensive electronic systems.
Key Features
- Reserve capacity of 120 minutes
- Marine cranking amps of 870 amperes
- 12 volts and 750 CCA
What Customers Are Saying
The BlueTop has just over 1,050 Optima battery reviews on Amazon where it generally receives high marks. Only 9 percent of reviewers give it just 1 star, while 87 percent rate the Optima BlueTop battery at least 4 stars. About 80 percent of Amazon customers rate this maintenance-free battery 5 out of 5 stars.
Some reviews note the high cranking power and deep cycle capabilities, while others highlight the spill-proof design. Many Optima battery reviews say the BlueTop is the only battery they trust and that this specific-model Optima will always be their top choice for new batteries. Some negative reviews claim the battery voltage drops from its original 12 volts regardless of whether you fully charge the battery or the charger you use.
Our Rating: 4.7 out of 5
#3 Best Dual-Purpose Battery: Optima Batteries YellowTop
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The Optima Batteries YellowTop is one of the few true dual-purpose batteries available. This car battery features premium cranking power with unparalleled cycling capabilities, all within a 43.5-pound body. The Optima YellowTop is 12-volt and 750 CCA, with a reserve capacity of 120 minutes for uninterrupted performance. The manufacturer claims in the product description that this battery lasts three times longer than traditional batteries.
The YellowTop works best with accessory-loaded vehicles (which are common these days), trucks with winches, vehicles with high-demand audio systems, and commercial vehicles. This battery features a leak-proof design and is incredibly vibration-resistant. The YellowTop offers quick recharging and over 300 discharge and recharge cycles.
Key Features
- Over 300 discharge and recharge cycles
120-minute reserve capacity
12 volts and 750 CCA
What Customers Are Saying
The Optima Batteries YellowTop has just shy of a thousand reviews on Amazon, but these reviews are generally positive. Only 9 percent of reviewers give the Optima YellowTop battery just 1 star. Meanwhile, 80 percent of customers give this battery a perfect 5 stars, with an additional 6 percent awarding it 4 stars.
Positive Optima battery reviews often mention the YellowTop’s starting power, long battery life, and leak-proof design, ensuring no acid build-up. Some customers also note that the battery works for the winch on their truck. Negative Optima battery reviews tend to mention that you’ll likely need an AGM battery charger to avoid issues when you start up your engine with the YellowTop.
Our Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Optima Batteries Buyers Guide
Although Optima Batteries is one of the automotive industry’s premier battery companies, you may be left unimpressed if you don’t purchase the model that works best for your needs. Our team of experts has listed below a couple of factors that we believe are worth considering before purchasing.
Group Size
The Battery Council International (BCI) assigns battery group sizes based on a vehicle’s make, model, and engine type. Below is a list of the most common battery group sizes, with their respective length, width, and height (in that order) in inches.
- Group 24: 10.3 x 6.8 x 8.9
- Group 27: 12.1 x 6.8 x 8.9
- Group 31: 13.0 x 6.8 x 9.4
- Group 34: 10.3 x 6.8 x 7.9
- Group 35: 9.1 x 6.9 x 8.9
- Group 51/51R: 9.4 x 5.1 x 8.8
- Group 65: 12.1 x 7.5 x 7.6
- Group 78: 10.3 x 7.1 x 7.7
Intended Use
Whether you’re looking for a car battery or a battery to power your new boat, Optima Batteries has you covered. However, buying a battery designed for a boat and mounting it in your car may not yield the same results. Below is a brief look at the different Optima Batteries we’ve already explored.
- Optima RedTop: This battery is best for stock vehicles and diesel vehicles, specifically where starting is the primary function.
- Optima BlueTop: This battery is best for trolling motors, boats, RVs, and marine applications with numerous electronic accessories.
- Optima YellowTop: This battery is best for vehicles with high electrical loads or vehicles with an extensive list of factory electronics. Additionally, this battery works for vehicles without alternators.
FAQ: Optima Battery Review
Are Optima batteries any good?
Yes, Optima Batteries are considered to be excellent choices. Optima Batteries are AGM lead-acid batteries. AGM stands for “Absorbed Glass Mat,” meaning the mat absorbs the electrolyte inside the battery. This type of battery doesn’t allow leaks.
Do Optima Batteries last longer?
Optima Batteries tend to last longer than most other battery brands. Lab testing and real-world application show that Optima Batteries will last up to twice as long as traditional flooded batteries.
How many years do Optima batteries last?
According to Optima Batteries, multiple factors influence how long the brand’s batteries last. One determining factor in the lifespan of an Optima battery is where you live. In Phoenix, you may get only two years of battery life, while your battery could last up to eight years in a more moderate climate such as San Diego.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
