Best Optima Batteries Reviews

Optima has been making high-quality, long-lasting batteries for years now. I have had the chance to rate some of them.

The brand is an experienced one, with it having several different lines of products. They make the yellow top, red top, and blue top batteries, designed for totally different functionality.

Here in this article, I will be focusing on the brand itself and how good its products are in real-life scenarios.

You will also find the best optima batteries review, pricing, and warranty, making this article a summed-up guide covering Optima completely.

In A Hurry? Here’s My Top 3 Picks…

IMAGE	PRODUCT	EDITOR'S RATING	PRICE
TOP PICK FOR REDTOP	Optima Batteries 8020-164 35 RedTop Starting Battery	9.7	CHECK ON AMAZON
TOP PICK FOR YELLOWTOP	Optima Batteries 8014-045 D34/78 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery	9.7	CHECK ON AMAZON
TOP PICK FOR BLUETOP	Optima OPT8016-103 BlueTop Starting Battery	9.7	CHECK ON AMAZON

Are Optima Batteries Any Good?

This is perhaps the most important thing to answer. The batteries are better than most other manufacturer’s offerings on the market.

If you are looking for a battery that will last you years without any issues, nothing can defeat Optima in that regard.

The brand’s Spiralcell and Pureflow technologies make them tougher and more durable than any other battery available to buy.

Who Makes Optima Batteries?

Optima batteries are solely manufactured by Johnson Controls, which is the largest battery manufacturer in the world.

Whether it be the brand’s RedTop, YellowTop, or BlueTop batteries, they are manufactured by Johnson Controls.

The company owned Optima a few years back. The batteries are made in Mexico, Monterrey, to be exact.

3 Types Of Optima Batteries: How Are They Different?

As I have stated above, Optima makes various sorts of batteries.

So let’s dive into the differences between them and which purposes they are made for!

1. RedTop Batteries

Perhaps the most popular lineup out of all three is the RedTop one.

These batteries have been bought, tested, and used by millions of people and, guess what; there is almost nothing that can even come close to compete with it.

This high-performance AGM battery is perfect for people looking for the ultimate starting battery.

The ignition power is more than enough to give you a solid and reliable startup every single time.

The RedTop battery is also one of the strongest batteries on the market. It is up to three times better and fifteen times more vibration resistant than what the competition offers.

As a result, you can take your vehicle anywhere; you won’t have to worry about this battery failing on you.

The Redtop battery can be mounted in any position. Thanks to its spill-proof design, you won’t ever have to think about accidentally spilling the electrolyte ever again.

Combine that with the fact that this battery does not require any maintenance means that it is one of the most convenient batteries available to buy right now.

2. BlueTop Batteries

If you have a vehicle that needs power that the RedTop cannot provide, this BlueTop one is up for the job.

It is every bit as durable as the previous one and is perfect for use in heavy-duty vehicles such as RVs and boats.

The BlueTop has been designed to withstand extensive usage and several deep cycles.

It can also be recharged quicker, meaning you can go on a long cruise on the land or the sea without having to worry about the battery dying on you.

RVs and boats are sources of transportation that require constant maintenance.

Well, you won’t have to worry about keeping the battery in shape if you choose this Optima battery to be installed in your vehicle.

You get all the same goodies found in the RedTop in this battery too.

It can be mounted in any position, completely leakproof, and is fifteen times more resistant to vibration than other batteries available to buy.

Now, why is this important?

Heavy-duty vehicles tend to vibrate more. They are also more susceptible to bumps on the road. So you need something that will last through thick and thin easily.

Well, the BlueTop has you completely covered.

3. YellowTop Batteries

If you are one to fill your vehicle with loads of accessories that suck up a lot of power, the YellowTop battery is the one to handle them all.

This high-performance AGM battery is a rare piece of equipment because it is a dual-use battery.

It can not only be used as a starting battery but can also handle any other power-hungry electronic you can throw at it.

The best thing about the YellowTop is its deep cycling capability. Regular batteries cannot handle many drains and are recharged consistently.

This one, on the other hand, is designed to do that.

If you want numbers, then this beast can handle more than 300 complete recharge and discharge cycles. That is seriously impressive.

Compared with offerings from other companies, you are getting up to 3 times better service life and fifteen times better resistance to vibration.

In addition, the battery is leakproof and can be mounted in any position possible.

If you have a tractor or a forklift, then the YellowTop battery is the one best suited to handle all your heavy-duty work.

What Are The Top Rated Optima Automotive Batteries?

As promised, I will be looking at some of the top batteries from each lineup from the brand.

I will also be listing the pros and cons of each product, so you can choose which battery is best suited for you.

So, without any further ado, let’s get started!

1. 3 Popular RedTop Optima Batteries

1-1. Optima Batteries 8020-164 35 RedTop Starting Battery

Taking up the first spot out of three highly-rated RedTop batteries is this 820-164 35 Battery. With over 1400 five-star ratings, it is one of the best options out there.

The 35 RedTop has been designed to give you high cranking power in all sorts of weather and driving conditions.

If you take your car off-roading frequently, then this one is suited for you. The brand’s very own SpiralCell technology is unique and completely different than other AGM batteries.

The spiral winding of the lead-based plates allows it to handle the harshest of conditions. The battery also has a higher reserve capacity.

As a result, it can handle loads at maximum power for quite some time before discharges completely.

It also means that the battery will have a sufficient charge even after being on the shelf for quite some time.

Although Optima have made a remarkable product, they must increase the quality control to ensure that these failing batteries never reach the hands of consumers.

1-2. Optima Batteries 8004-003 34/78 Starting Battery

With close to 1000 ratings, arriving in second place is the 8004-003 Battery. This product has been designed to ensure you get all the power you want.

Let’s take a deeper look into what makes it so good. You can judge a battery by the reserve capacity it provides.

Well, how do a hundred minutes under constant load sound to you?

Yes, that’s right. This Optima battery has been designed to give you constant performance for at least a hundred minutes when used completely.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I find this very impressive. It can work without any hiccups in all sorts of weather conditions.

So whether you live in an area where the sun shines bright or where it does not at all, you can rest assured that the 800 CCA provided by this battery will give you a reliable startup every single time.

Optima have made an excellent battery. It will keep you company for a long time, as long as you don’t receive a defective one.

1-3. Optima Batteries OPT8022-091 RedTop Starting Battery

Finally, the third-best battery out of the bunch is the 8022-091. This battery has been designed to replace Group 75/25 ones.

Compared to other manufacturers on the market, you are getting a product that delivers the strongest starting burst out of the bunch.

This means that you will get a reliable startup every single time. The battery has been designed to take all sorts of beatings.

It is 15 times more vibration-resistant than what the competition offers.

Whether you take your car off-road or frequently travel on highways with potholes, this battery will not fail on you.

It will also last three times longer, meaning you will be happy and content with it for a long time.

With this battery being maintenance-free and able to be mounted in any position possible, it is one of the most convenient options available for you to buy.

It is also spillproof, thanks to its completely sealed design.

Optima has designed this battery to make sure it will keep your car running for long amounts of time.

But the fact that some units have to be hooked up to a charger at all times is unacceptable.

2. 3 Popular YellowTop Optima Batteries

2-1. Optima Batteries 8014-045 D34/78 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery

As I stated before, the Optima YellowTop battery line is one of the very few in the world that provides dual-purpose batteries.

These batteries are designed for starting as well as cycling. Leading the pack is this 8014-045, which has some pretty great offerings.

Let’s talk numbers!

This battery can provide you with 750 CCA, guaranteeing a proper startup every single time.

Plus, the 120 minutes of reserve capacity means that you are getting a product that is exceptionally solid at powering up all your electronics.

The most common problem with car batteries is that they don’t work that well in extreme weather conditions.

Well, Optima have you covered. This battery will work in hot and cold weather conditions, and with the 750 CCA, the reliable startup will remain.

Whether you run high beam lights, heavy-duty A/V systems, or winches, this battery will handle them all with ease.

This battery can even be used seasonally. With a very low discharge rate, it will be ready to go even after months of sitting on the shelf.

Unless you receive a product that has a short lifespan, you will be more than happy with this battery. It will surely exceed your expectations.

2-2. Optima Batteries 8040-218 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery

Taking up the second spot is this 8040-218, which is another highly capable battery.

Designed for people who don’t need too much power and want to save a few dollars in the process, this battery is more than capable enough to handle your needs.

If you want to know how much weaker it exactly is, in numbers, then let me state them. Instead of 750 CCA, you are getting 620, which honestly is a more realistic number.

It is still good enough to work in extreme conditions. The 120-minute reserve capacity has also been downgraded to 98 minutes.

Now, that is still an excellent number. One hundred minutes on full load is more than enough for most people’s needs.

The battery does not compromise durability at all. It is just as durable, with the brand claiming the same 15 times better-vibrating resistance than the competition.

This battery will not fail on you, no matter the conditions. Whether you go off-roading or in cold areas, you will get reliable performance from this battery every single time.

If you are reading through this article, then you must be wondering that Optima really make bad batteries.

That is not true! Their quality control is, on the other hand, much lower than one would expect.

2-3. Optima Batteries 8012-021 YellowTop Battery

Taking up the third spot is this 8012-021 YellowTop Battery.

This one is similar to the first YellowTop battery in terms of performance. It is a D34 battery designed for power-hungry vehicles.

With its ability to handle over 300 discharge and recharge cycles, it is perfect for users who have filled their vehicles with aftermarket upgrades such as high beam lights and heavy-duty A/V players.

These electronics need a hefty power source, and there is nothing better for the job than this 8012-021 Battery.

This is a dual-purpose battery. It can be used for starting your vehicle and powering its electronics simultaneously.

It is just as good as the other YellowTops in terms of durability. It has excellent vibration resistance and can work flawlessly in any environment you want.

With support for fast recharging, you won’t ever have to worry about running out of juice. You will always have plenty of power on the road.

This is the first Optima battery in this article that does not fail before due time. And that is not necessarily a good thing.

The negative terminal wearing out is not a very good sign, and Optima must resolve this issue.

3. 3 Popular BlueTop Optima Batteries

3-1. Optima OPT8016-103 BlueTop Starting Battery

As I stated a few paragraphs back, Optima BlueTop batteries have been designed for the most heavy-duty vehicles that are available to buy on the market.

They are called marine batteries for a reason. Taking the first spot out of them all is this OPT8016-103 Battery.

With close to 1000 five-star ratings, this product is something that will surely impress you.

In order to ensure that you will get a reliable startup every single time, the brand has designed this battery with 750 CCA.

This high of a number guarantees that at temperatures as low as -18-degrees Celsius, you will get a reliable startup.

As for cranking amps, the 870 CCA is more than enough to give a solid startup every single time.

Being a marine battery, it can also be used for powering a boat too. It is designed for all sorts of power-hungry purposes.

This BlueTop battery is a great one. That is, if you don’t receive a battery that does not hold a charge.

3-2. Optima Batteries 8052-161 D31M BlueTop Starting And Deep Cycle Battery

If you are one of those people who live in exceptionally cold areas, then this deep cycle battery is the one you should take a look at.

The 8052-161 D31M BlueTop has been designed for use in the most extreme of conditions. You will surely love the way it performs.

This 12 V battery is able to output 900 CCA. This is the highest number out of any battery on this article.

You can be sure that no matter how freezing cold it gets, you will get a reliable startup.

With a reserve capacity of 155 minutes, this is another area where this battery takes the lead out of all the ones mentioned in this article.

The battery can output power at a constant rate for more than 155 minutes. It is also completely maintenance-free.

This is possible, thanks to its completely sealed design. This also makes the battery leakproof. This allows it to be mounted in any position virtually possible.

Optima must really look into and solve these battery failing issues. This is repetitive behavior. Although the number of batteries having this problem is significantly less, it is still present.

3-3. Optima Batteries 8027-127 D27M BLUETOP Starting And Deep Cycle Marine Battery

Finally, arriving in the third and final place on this article is this 8027-127 D27M BlueTop Battery.

This battery has some pretty unique offerings, which you can find only in Optima batteries.

Starting off, the spiral cell design, which consists of pure lead, allows the battery to not only be more durable but also allows it to give you unmatched reliability.

This allows the battery to be fifteen times more vibration-resistant than what the competition is offering.

When compared to other marine batteries on the market, you are getting three times more recharges than them.

That is seriously impressive. This means that you won’t ever have to worry about running out of recharge cycles with this one.

This battery is perfect for use in a boat or an RV. These two vehicles are examples of the kind of load this bad boy can handle.

Additionally, this battery is also completely spillproof, thanks to its fully sealed design. It has completely maintenance-free.

Optima really let themselves down in terms of quality control after they shifted their manufacturing to Mexico.

They have to improve it. This is not a widespread problem because there are a lot of users that are satisfied with it.

Optima Batteries Warranty

Optima is great at warranty and replacements.

They provide a warranty of up to 24 months for the YellowTop and the BlueTop, in which you can get a free replacement if the product becomes faulty.

As for the RedTop, you are getting a 36-month warranty. This warranty is extremely handy in case you are one of those unfortunate buyers whose battery dies prematurely.

How To Charge An Optima Battery

It is always recommended to use a voltage-regulated charger for an Optima battery. The amperage limit does not affect the charging for some power sources.

Each lineup has its own requirements, and I will list some of them:

• The YellowTop can be charged using five methods. If you use an alternator, then you can set the voltage anywhere from 13.65V to 15V. The amperage limit does not affect it. If you use a battery charger, then you can set the voltage from 13.8 hours to 15V. The amperage must be set at 10 amperes maximum.
  This must be done for six to twelve hours. In the case of cyclic applications, the voltage should not exceed 14.7V. The current limit should not be set as long as the temperature of the battery remains before 125-degrees Fahrenheit.
  When the current drops below 1A, then you have to provide 3A for three hours, constantly. If you are looking to charge your YellowTop rapidly, then you can charge the battery at 15.6V.
  Just make sure that the temperature stays below 125-degrees Fahrenheit. A float charge can also be used with a setting between 13.2V and 13.8V with a 1A current.
• As for the BlueTop, it can be charged using four different ways. If you use an alternator, then the voltage must be between 13.3V and 15V. There should be no amperage limit.
  A regular battery charger must be set between 13.8V to 15V with ten amps as the maximum current. This should be done for six to twelve hours maximum.
  The rapid recharge method requires 15.6V with no current limit. You must keep the temperature in check. For the float charge, you can use the same settings as the YellowTop.
• The Optima RedTop also can be charged using three methods. The alternator method can be used with the voltage set between 13.3V and 15V.
  With a battery charger, on the other hand, you can set the voltage between 13.8V and 15V with a maximum of 10A for 12 hours.
  The voltage can be set at 15.6V with no current limit if the battery temperature remains below 125-degrees Fahrenheit. The RedTop can use the same settings as the previous two if you wish to float charge the battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How Much Do Optima Batteries Weigh?

Each Optima battery can have a different weight amount. You can expect the value to be anything from around 35 pounds to a maximumof 45 pounds.

This is the case for most batteries designed for a similar usage, Optima or not. This weight range is considered lightweight.

But don’t get fooled by it. The performance of these batteries is extraordinary.

Q2. How Long Do Optima Batteries Last?

This is where Optima shines. Thanks to the brand’s SpiralCell technology, you can expect their battery to last anywhere from four years to eight years.

This is very impressive. If you are one of the unlucky people whose battery has died before time, I assure you that it is a very rare scenario.

Average Lifespan Of RedTop Batteries

If you are looking for numbers for individual vehicles, then I have got you covered. The RedTop can be expected to last for about six years.

To be honest, that is a lot of time. You might notice the battery failing when it stops holding a charge. It may jumpstart but won’t charge anymore.

Average Lifespan Of YellowTop Batteries

YellowTop batteries are not rated to last that long. Because they are dual-purpose batteries, they have more wear levels than other batteries.

So, you can expect it to last for four years with heavy usage. But if you are a light user, then it may touch the eight-year mark.

Average Lifespan Of BlueTop Batteries

A BlueTop battery has a similar lifespan as a YellowTop one. The battery will last around four years with heavy usage and more than that if you don’t put too much load on it.

You will observe the battery failing when it stops holding a charge. But you won’t experience that for years.

Q3. Why Are Optima Batteries Expensive Compared To Other Brands?

There are two main reasons for Optima batteries being so good and so expensive.

With the brand using 99.99% pure lead and their very own SpiralCell technology, the battery provides unparalleled CCA and reserve capacity.

But all these gains come with a hefty price tag. Nevertheless, these batteries are worth the money.

Q4. Can I Jumpstart An Optima Battery?

No matter the technology Optima has fitted in its product, at the end of the day, it is still a battery.

Some core principles of a battery cannot be changed, such as its ability to be jumpstarted. It can be done if it has been drained completely.

The battery can also be jumpstarted when close to its end of life to give you enough juice to reach a nearby mechanic.

Q5. Are Optima Batteries Gel Or AGM?

Gel technology is a bit outdated at this point. Buying from a brand like Optima, you can expect top-of-the-line stuff from them.

Their batteries are neither gel nor flooded ones. Instead, Optima used their SpiralCell AGM design for the battery. So, in answer to your question, the battery is an AGM one.

Q6. How Do I Know If My Optima Battery Is Bad?

If the battery needs to be jump-charged every single time or does not hold a charge, then you have your answer.

But, if you want to take a look at it from the technical side, if the voltage is below 12V and it is anywhere between 25% and 75%, then it is time to change the battery.

Q7. Do I Need A Special Charger For Optima Batteries?

No, you don’t need a proprietary charger for use with Optima batteries. This is the case with some manufacturers, and it is something that really angers consumers.

Well, Optima is not like them. You can charge the battery with any regular charger. The charging speed may vary from the charger to charger.

Q8. Can I Overcharge An Optima Battery?

Not just Optima, most batteries on the market don’t have any mechanism to protect from overcharging.

To answer your question, yes, an Optima battery can be overcharged. The reserve capacity can be significantly reduced if you overcharge your battery constantly.

So, it must be remembered to disconnect the charger as soon as the battery reaches the recommended voltage level.

Q9. Which Is Better, Optima Or Odyssey?

Although Odyssey is a great battery brand, Optima outperforms it in every single manner. The SpiralCell technology truly does wonders for it.

You are getting a lot more CCA and more amperage than the odyssey. Plus, the three-year warranty is also better than the two-year one provided by Odyssey.

Conclusion

We have finally reached the end of this lengthy article.

If you were looking for the best optima batteries review, pricing, and warranty, there is close to nothing that can defeat this guide in terms of details and accuracy.

I hope that this article has been enough for you to confirm if Optima batteries are suitable for you.

I agree that their manufacturing has taken a hit after changing manufacturing locations, but you can still expect an exceptionally good battery from the brand.

Regardless, it is my hope that this article, with the included buying guide, contains enough information for you.

What I can tell you is that Optima is a solid brand that has been and is still loved by millions of people worldwide.