In the past 20 years, marine batteries powering electronics, outboards, and trolling motors have come a long way. Gone are trolling motors’ cranking and deep-cycle lead acid batteries: With a plethora of options ranging from AGMs to lithium and, of course, still lead acids, today’s batteries are the best we’ve ever had at our disposal.
But with new battery technology—especially with lithium options—comes a lot of misinformation, which can complicate finding the best battery for your setup and budget. Fortunately, we’ve exhaustively tested the batteries you’ll read about here in various scenarios, which includes recording their usage and data, monitoring battery behavior across days of use, and taking them for a spin in different watercraft. We’ve also interviewed some of the engineers developing today’s batteries.
It’s all in the name of giving you an array of reliable, trustworthy options. Additionally, this piece will also share a ton of hands-on experience and information on not only each battery but also their respective companies.
OUR PICKS FOR BEST MARINE / TROLLING MOTOR BATTERIES
- BEST OVERALL — MillerTech Lithium 12V 135 Ah Dual Purpose Battery
- BEST LITHIUM OPTIONS — Dakota Lithium / MillerTech Lithium
- MOST RELIABLE — LiTime 12V 100Ah Bluetooth Trolling Motor Lithium Battery
- BEST BUDGET LITHIUM MARINE BATTERY — Goldenmate Lithium 12V 100Ah Orion 1000
- BEST TROLLING MOTOR BATTERY — Millertech 36V 50AH Sport Series Lithium Battery
- BEST KAYAK FISHING BATTERY — Millertech 12V 40AH Sport Series Lithium Battery / Norsk Guardian 14.8V 30Ah Lithium Battery
- BEST ELECTRONICS BATTERY — Powerhouse Lithium 16V 80Ah / Precision Power Lithium 12V 100Ah
- BEST BUDGET LEAD ACID MARINE BATTERY — Everstart Marine 29DC
Best Selection of Lithium Marine Battery Options
DAKOTA LITHIUM 12V 100AH
Of all the lithium options out there, we have the most experience with Dakota Lithium. One of our editors has used the 12V 100AH batteries, and charged them with both the Dakota Lithium 10A charger and the Minn Kota MK550PCL LiFePO4 compatible charger. Our team in Minnesota has run multiple configurations of Dakota Lithiums on the ice, in boats and in kayaks.
What we all love is how well these batteries manage their power and how consistent they are. We’ve tested them in several extremes, from fishing hard on days exceeding 100 degrees to conditions when the temperature plunges below freezing. One editor even got four trips from one charge—and just plugging these batteries into their Dakota 12V charger always wakes them up easily.
The best part is that simply charging them after every use is enough to ensure you never dip below 75% on either the trolling motor batteries or electronics battery, and they’re typically charged and ready to rock in less than an hour. It’s pretty incredible how well they hold up and provide clean, consistent power.
Dakota Lithium has provided stable lithium power longer than a lot of other brands, and its batteries are some of the most well-proven in a wide range of applications. It also offers some of the most robust options to fit any fishing scenario or need. Even the smaller batteries are solid choices for kayak fishing and ice fishing applications, as we’ve used them a bunch in both situations.
PROS
- Longtime proven platform
- Tons of options
- Great chargers
- Great warranty
CONS
- Smack dab in the middle of high-end pricing
Most Reliable
LiTIME 12V 100AH BLUETOOTH TROLLING MOTOR LITHIUM BATTERY
LiTime 12V 100Ah Bluetooth Trolling Motor Lithium Battery stands out for its reliability and power efficiency. One of our editors used LiTime’s 12V 1280Wh lithium battery for a variety of applications ranging from marine setups to off-grid systems and was thoroughly impressed every time. Our team has tested LiTime batteries across multiple scenarios—on boats, in RVs, and during camping trips—and they’ve consistently delivered excellent performance.
What we’ve appreciated most is how well these batteries manage power, especially in demanding conditions. Whether it’s the heat of a summer day on the water or freezing temperatures while camping, LiTime’s batteries have handled it all.
One of the most notable features is the battery’s Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, which facilitates monitoring battery status in real time and manages its discharge with ease. The low-temp cut-off protection is another standout feature, ensuring the battery performs safely in temperatures as low as -20℃. Whether you’re running a trolling motor in the middle of a lake or using it for off-grid power, it’s reassuring to know the battery is protected in extreme conditions.
PROS
- Compact, lightweight design
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for real-time monitoring
- Wide application for marine, RV, and off-grid systems
- Impressive battery life (4,000+ cycles)
- Upgraded LiTime BMS protects from moisture and harsh marine salt-spray applications
CONS
- Higher initial cost compared to lead-acid batteries
- Limited to 12V systems (for higher voltage systems, multiple batteries needed)
Best Dual Cranking and Electronics Battery / Best Service
MILLERTECH LITHIUM 12V DUAL PURPOSE 135Ah
Millertech is one of the more impressive lithium battery options out there. With more than 15 options for anglers and boaters, it has a battery to fit every application a fisherman may need. Prices usually range from $329 to $1,499, covering a lot of bases in batteries that will last five to 10 years, sometimes much longer depending on usage.
We spent a lot of time testing these batteries in a variety of situations like powering electronics, starting an outboard, and running a trolling motor. The battery management system (BMS) is very well designed, and the batteries hardly ever seemed to drain down. Perhaps most impressively, the Millertech Dual Purpose 12V 135Ah lithium battery had more than 50% juice left after several trips without charging it.
The battery is rated at 1,500 cold cranking amps, which is not really a thing in lithium power but is more than enough to crank your outboard and power your graphs all day long. Keep in mind that you might not want to get this as a cranking battery if you have an engine where it voids the warranty, like Yamaha; however, you can with something like a Mercury outboard.
We’ve also tested the 24V 80Ah battery as a single battery for a 24-volt trolling motor, which is also super impressive. The batteries are extremely well made, manage power terrifically, and charge fast.
Millertech reassures us that it will handle any issue swiftly—because what you really pay for in this battery are the quality components, build, and service, plus a hassle-free warranty. This is where Millertech really shines. Sure, it’s making batteries to last a long time, but the team also stands behind them with a no-hassle, long-term warranty paired with quick, immediate service.
When we spoke to owner Lester Miller, he had this to say: “All of the top lithium-battery makers are using the best cells. Can I make a battery better than the other guys? Probably not if we are all using the best-available stuff. But what I can do is make sure if you have a problem, I take care of it. And if you dial our phone for support, someone answers immediately. If you spend a lot of money on a lithium battery, someone better pick up the phone when you call and need them. That’s what we’re focused on. Building the best, smartest batteries possible that fit the actual needs of anglers, and then being there if they need us or just have a question about the best way to maintain their battery.”
Full disclosure: We know a lot about lithium power thanks in large part to learning from owners like Miller and the engineers at these companies, and this is one of the best batteries we have tested thus far. Read the full spec sheet here.
PROS
- Great warranty
- Great builds and expertise
- Best-in-class service
- Lots of professional anglers use these
CONS
- Price at the upper end but not most expensive
Best Kayak Fishing Batteries
NORSK GUARDIAN 14.8V 30Ah LITHIUM BATTERY
What absolutely stands out about this compact battery from Norsk is the high-visibility charge display and dual IPX8-rated waterproof USB-A and USB-C ports. It’s a true game changer. I run a Humminbird Explore 9 fishfinder unit on my kayak with the Guardian 14.8V 30Ah battery without any problems. In fact, this battery was built for forward facing sonar. And it can also charge other gear that requires a USB port.
Delivering 444 watt-hours of clean, stable energy, this compact battery eliminates screen dimming and data glitches while providing extended runtime and lightweight portability. To ensure the highest level of reliability in harsh environments, the unit features a high-viz charge display and dual IPX8-rated waterproof USB-A and USB-C ports.
The 30Ah battery incorporates Bluetooth connectivity pairs seamlessly with the Norsk Guardian App, offering anglers real-time smartphone access to data such as voltage, temperature, and current draw. Additionally, a proprietary Deep Sleep Mode from Norsk protects the battery’s health by fully disconnecting power during storage to eliminate self-discharge.
Lastly, this battery comes with its very own battery charger, completely side stepping the headache some anglers run into when looking for the proper charger that handles lithium batteries.
PROS
- Handles 2,000 charge cycles
- Four-year warranty
- IP67 waterproof
- Power management button
- Deep sleep mode
- 14.8V optimized output
CONS
- Priced at the upper end for kayak batteries
MILLERTECH 12V 40AH SPORTS SERIES LITHIUM BATTERY
The Millertech 12V 40Ah Sport Series is another high-performance LiFePO4 battery from the company designed for regular and rugged on-the-water use, deploying a steady 12.8V output and 40ah capacity. It’s a favorite for kayak anglers to power electronics; on my kayak, I use the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv unit without any loss of power for days at a time. To connect the wiring from the battery to the unit, I employ a Connect-Ease wiring kit to help easily hookup and disconnect the unit while traveling off the water. Unlike traditional lead-acid batteries, the Millertech 12V 40Ah Sport Series maintains a flat discharge curve, ensuring your equipment receives consistent power without voltage drops.
A primary highlight of this battery model is its integrated Bluetooth connectivity, which syncs with the Millertech smartphone app to provide real-time monitoring stats such as charge, voltage, and current draw. To ensure a long life for the battery, the internal Battery Management System (BMS) from Millertech includes essential low-temperature charging protection.
This battery is housed in a custom-molded case with a marine-grade stainless steel breather vent to manage internal pressure while keeping moisture out. Safety and durability are central to the Sport Series design, evidenced by its 5,000 plus cycle life and an industry-leading 10-year warranty. To charge the battery, I use a Battery Tender 10 Amp auto battery charger and maintainer that handles both lithium and standard batteries.
PROS
- Internal Battery Management System (BMS) to prevent damage from charging in freezing temps
- Millertech offers a 10-year warranty, with shipping costs covered
- The cycle life is up to 5,000 cycles
CONS
- Priced on the higher end for kayak batteries
Best Electronics Dedicated Battery
PRECISION POWER LITHIUM 12V 100AH
A relative newcomer to the marine battery market, the Precision Power was tested for years behind the scenes, with a network of anglers putting the battery through every possible scenario. That firsthand feedback then helped perfect the control board and algorithms prior to the lithium battery’s release.
Additionally, the company’s engineer arguably has some of the industry’s most extensive knowledge and background in lithium power. They are moving slowly and cautiously to understand how lithium power is needed in fishing boats and what issues anglers constantly face with power in boats to best address these concerns with the best batteries on the market.
All of this is to ensure fishermen feel confident they are getting a well-made, solid battery at its price. These batteries also have a slick display panel for the status of the battery, plus an app. Additionally, they’re IP66 rated for waterproof build: The death knell of lithium power is water, so keeping the cells dry is paramount. Where most folks run into trouble is charging a really cold battery, and the heat builds up condensation inside the battery.
The batteries have a five-year full warranty and a 10-year limited warranty. Customer service is what the company prides itself on, working at all hours of the night to make sure anglers are good to go the next morning for an early tournament. They are also developing other options so the lineup will continue to expand after perfecting this first battery for marine electronics—their bread and butter knowledge base.
PROS
- Very good engineering (longtime lithium power engineer)
- Lots of application testing
- Outstanding support
CONS
- Newer company
- Five-year full warranty, compared to 10 for others
Most Powerful Electronics Battery / Best Bluetooth App
POWERHOUSE LITHIUM 16V 80AH
The voltage is probably what stands out the most, as it should. It’s a great differentiator that sets this marine battery apart from others—which was the first of the 16V lithium multi-cell marine battery options to hit the market. And you don’t have to worry about it blowing up your graphs, as plenty of guys have been powering Livescope boxes with jimmy-rigged cordless drill 16-volt batteries. Today’s modern electronics are power hogs that want more than 12 volts anyway, and increased power means a cleaner image—especially on live imaging and forward-facing technologies.
Our own Terry Brown runs the PowerHouse lithium battery system in his boat, and raves about how clear and bright his graphs are while fishing all day without any interference or stepping down while the motor is in use. He paired it with a PowerHouse Lithium Run and Gun 16V Charger so he can charge his batteries both on and off the water.
PowerHouse Lithium offers good warranties that include full replacement for the first seven years; at seven to 10 years, it’s either repair or replacement, whichever is necessary. The company also offers the only additional extended offer beyond 10 years: At 11-15 years, you can still get a 30% discount on buying your replacement if you are the original owner, as a thank-you for customer loyalty.
The company’s service is also some of the fastest and most preventative in the industry. Its app constantly checks for potential problems with the battery. That means it will report a slight degradation in any cell—so you can file a claim and get a replacement quickly, well before your battery dies. You don’t even have to send the battery back for verification, just simply submit the app screenshot of the cell in question and PowerHouse will ship your replacement, sometimes even the same day if the timing’s right.
This is another solid brand doing some unique things with lithium marine power.
PROS
- Unique 16V option for cleaner electronics
- Very good customer service
- App has preventative monitoring for issues
- Bonus discounts past 10-year warranty
CONS
- Price
Best Trolling Motor Battery
MILLERTECH 36V 50AH SPORT SERIES LITHIUM BATTERY WITH BLUETOOTH
The Millertech 36V 50AH Sport Series is a high-performance lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery specifically engineered to replace heavy lead-acid 36V trolling motor systems. At our office, we have a Ranger bass boat rigged with two of these in parallel for the troller, and then a separate Millertech 12V battery for everything else.
Instead of wiring three 12V batteries in series, this single Millertech battery simplifies your trolling motor setup and reduces weight by estimates of 70 percent. The battery weighs just 33 pounds. Plus, the battery provides real-time monitoring via a smartphone Millertech app. You can monitor voltage, state of charge as a percentage, real-time power draw, and remaining capacity directly from your hand.
Another bonus: Unlike some lithium batteries that are glued shut, Millertech uses a custom-molded, recloseable case that actually allows the company to repair specific internal components rather than requiring a full replacement if something fails on the battery.
You can easily get a full day of heavy use with just a single battery, but we’re able to get two or three days of all-day use with our setup of two parallel batteries before charging up again. Anglers should not have concerns fishing in heavy current all day with this battery, especially being able to monitor its stats in real time.
PROS
- Battery includes internal Battery Management System (BMS) to prevent damage from charging in freezing temps
- Millertech offers a 10-year warranty with shipping costs covered under warranty claims
- The cycle life is 3,000 to 5,000 cycles
CONS
- Price is higher, but not the most expensive
Reliable 36V and 12V options
IMPULSE LITHIUM
One of our reviewers switched to all lithium batteries a few years ago. Currently, he runs the 12.8-volt, 160-amp hour Impulse Lithium as both a cranking battery and to run all five of his graphs. He also runs two 36.8-volt, 40-amp hour Platinum Series Impulse Lithium batteries for his Ghost trolling motor. He charges all of his Impulse Lithium batteries using the Power-Pole Charge.
Notably, by using these Impulse Lithiums, he went not only from five lead acid batteries to three lithiums, but also from 300 pounds to 91 pounds in his battery compartment.
He had been testing these batteries for a while. The 12.8V 160Ah Impulse Lithium battery will run five graphs, plus Humminbird 360 and Active Target 2 modules, all day for several days before needing to charge. It also has plenty of continuous cranking amps to fire a Mercury 250 PRO XS 4-stroke without fail. They charge quickly and hold a charge well with a good lithium charger.
Impulse Lithium also offers a full, 10-year (non-prorated) warranty on their batteries. Read our full review on Impulse Lithium 12.8V and 36.4V batteries.
PROS
- Proven platform (lots of pros using these)
- Full 10-year warranty
- Good options
CONS
- Higher price
Best Budget Lithium Battery
GOLDENMATE LITHIUM 12V 100Ah
We took a chance on the Goldenmate battery, and have been very pleased with this battery thus far. It has a great digital read out on top as it charges. Its bluetooth app connects quickly and keeps you informed. When we charged it with a 10A 12V LiFePO4 charger, it charged quickly and the charger shut off correctly. And when we used it as our electronics battery, we fished four trips with it on one charge. So it has a good run time.
They use Grade A cells, and the warranty is five years for manufacturer defects. Goldenmate reports that you get 10 years, or 3,000 to 5,000 cycles. Even after that period, you will still get 75% to 80% of the battery’s rated capacity as it slowly degrades after 10 years. Service is also said to be “within 24 hours,” so expect it to be slower than more prominent brands.
Our team gives this battery a thumbs up. It was our most pleasant surprise in the group as a lesser-known brand.
PROS
- Good price for lithium power
- Battery performs well
- Great readout and info on battery app
CONS
- Service is “within 24 hours”
- Warranty is shorter than most at five years
Best Budget Lead Acid Battery
EVERSTART MARINE
One of our reviewers ran the Walmart Everstart Batteries for more than a decade without a problem, and still uses an Everstart Marine battery as a cranking battery because all it does is start the boat and run the livewells.
These are simple, no-nonsense lead acid batteries. They will degrade over time and not put out as much power in the latter years; however, they are easy to keep charged if left on a trickle charger or charged right after use. They come with a two-year, free-replacement warranty. We’ve even had them prorated when brought back in their third year, which is when they start to degrade.
This battery also has 845 MCA to start your outboard, although it’s made specifically for marine deep-cycle use.
PROS
- Price is great compared to lithium options
- Familiarity for users of lead acid batteries
- Can be charged by nearly all 12V chargers
CON
- Shorter lifespan than lithium
- Needs to be charged after every use to prevent early degradation
- Only comes with a two-year warranty
- Battery reduces in power during the day, unlike lithiums
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING MARINE BATTERIES
When it comes to marine batteries or trolling motor batteries, you have your typical 12-volt lead acid batteries, AGM (or Gel Mat) batteries, and lithium batteries (LiFe PO4). These can be used to start an outboard, run lights and pumps, power multiple electronics and fish finders, and run a 12, 24 or 36-volt trolling motor.
Key components include waterproof batteries. Those batteries need to provide ample energy and duration to power your various needs on the watercraft for many years to come. Obviously, there is a tradeoff between price and longevity. When it comes to technologies like lithium batteries, you pay more for service, support, and warranty, as well as improved information about your battery through bluetooth apps and on-battery displays.
The two main things you need to know before purchasing a marine battery are your budget and your power needs. You can estimate some of it, but you have to know how much power covers all your bases. A 12-volt lead acid battery that’s a 31 series will have a bit longer run time than a 24 series; likewise, a 12V 160Ah battery can run more electronics longer than a 12V 40Ah battery.
Start to game it out by asking yourself simple questions like:
- How many graphs do you have (for example, two in the front and two in the back)?
- How many add-on accessories do you have (Power-Poles, Livescope, Mega 360, etc.)?
- How many continuous cranking apps does your outboard recommend?
- How many volts does your trolling motor require?
- How will you be using your trolling motor (keeping in mind that cutting through grass all day or fighting current draws more power)?
When you have an idea of how much power you draw and for how long, you can figure out what setup you need. The best battery manufacturers will provide the best service to help you pick the exact right batteries for your personal setup, not just try to sell you the most expensive battery.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST THIS GUIDE
We only share information on equipment we have used to put together the best resource for anglers. There is not a single battery in this guide that we have not used and spent months testing. We want to make sure there is as much hands-on information in real-world applications for anglers to make the best decisions they can on how they spend their money.
