In the world of consumer tech, brand names like Panasonic, Sony, Duracell, and Energizer often dominate the conversation. Whether it’s for cameras, remotes, game controllers, or flashlights, these are the names most people trust when it comes to batteries.

But an unexpected contender is hiding in plain sight at IKEA: LADDA rechargeable batteries. LADDA is IKEA’s house brand for NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries. Available in convenient AA and AAA sizes and sold in economical four-packs, IKEA offers both 2450mAh and 1900mAh AA options, alongside a 750mAh AAA version.

At first glance, they seem like just another budget-friendly IKEA product. But among photographers and tech enthusiasts, LADDA batteries are quietly celebrated for delivering high-end performance at a fraction of the usual cost. But here’s the twist: the LADDA batteries, specifically the 2450mAh AA variants are widely believed to be rebranded Eneloop Pros, which are high-performance Japanese batteries that normally cost twice as much.

How I Discovered LADDA

I first stumbled upon IKEA LADDA batteries in the early 2010s, back when I had just gotten my first DSLR and was deep-diving into the world of photography tech.

Back then, I was using my good ol' Nikon, and eventually got myself a speedlight/camera flash, which required four AA batteries to run. Keen to avoid constantly burning through disposable alkaline batteries, I began researching rechargeable alternatives.

That’s when I came across a few old-school, photography-centric forums and blogs, many of which swore by LADDA batteries. Some even went the extra mile, running technical tests like measuring recycle time, capacity under load, and voltage retention over months. 

At first, I was sceptical. And that’s mostly because of my earlier experience with IKEA's ALKALISK batteries. I still remember those yellow alkaline AAA cells I bought for my MP3 player back in the day. Not only did they underperform, but one of them leaked and ruined my device It turns out, I wasn't alone. A little sleuthing on Reddit confirmed that others had similar frustrations with ALKALISK. So understandably, I wasn't rushing back to IKEA for batteries.

But the more I read, the more intrigued I became.

IKEA LADDA vs Eneloop batteries


What really caught my attention during my research was the theory that IKEA's LADDA batteries were rebranded Eneloop Pros—and there's a fascinating backstory to that.

Eneloop was originally developed by Sanyo and launched in 2005. It was a game changer. Unlike older rechargeable batteries, Eneloops could hold their charge for months and survive hundreds of charging cycles, making them ideal for high-drain devices like cameras and flashes. Enthusiasts loved them for their reliability, low self-discharge rate, and consistency under load.

When Panasonic acquired Sanyo in 2009, they inherited the Eneloop technology. Manufacturing continued in Japan, and the premium versions, like Eneloop Pro, quickly became the gold standard for rechargeable AA batteries.

This is where things get interesting: IKEA's LADDAs (specifically the 2450mAh AA version) are believed to be produced in the same Japanese factory as Eneloop Pros. Battery testers and enthusiasts who've taken them apart, run capacity tests, and compared them side-by-side have found near-identical performance, which further supports this theory.

While LADDA remains a well-known secret in the battery tech and photography communities, it's still relatively unknown to the general public. Which is surprising, given how consistently well it performs for the price. 

While IKEA eventually discontinued the ALKALISK line by 2021, LADDA appears to be a long-term offering. This decision aligned with IKEA's broader commitment to sustainability, leading them to remove all non-rechargeable alkaline batteries from their global product range to encourage the adoption of reusable alternatives. 

Where to Buy LADDA Batteries in Malaysia

Back in the day, getting your hands on IKEA LADDA batteries in Malaysia wasn’t straightforward. IKEA stores were few and far between, and e-commerce hadn’t taken off yet. You had to make a trip to a physical IKEA store and hope they were in stock. Even though LADDA had a solid reputation among niche communities, it was hard to get them consistently.

Fast forward to today, and the situation has improved dramatically.

You can now conveniently purchase LADDA batteries (Rechargeable battery, HR06 AA 1.2V, 2450mAh) at RM45 for a pack of 4 through various channels:

In my experience, the resellers offer far better delivery experience (much faster than IKEA). However, 
do note those on Shopee or Lazada are typically unauthorised resellers—likely individuals who stock up from IKEA and sell them at a slight markup for the convenience of faster delivery. If you prefer peace of mind, it’s always best to go straight to IKEA.

Not All Batteries Are Created Equal

One thing I learned early on: not all batteries are made for the same job. It's not just about AA vs AAA or rechargeable vs disposable, it's also about choosing the right type based on how the device consumes power.

For example, a “low-drain” battery is best suited for gadgets that require a small, steady amount of power over time. Think wall clocks, remote controls, or analog watches. These batteries prioritise long shelf life and low self-discharge, so they retain charge well even when unused for months.

On the other hand, high-drain devices like speedlights, wireless mice, game controllers, and digital cameras need batteries that can deliver a burst of power quickly and consistently. That’s where high-performance rechargeable batteries like LADDA or Eneloop Pro shine. They can handle frequent recharges and are built to deliver stable output under heavy use.

If you use the wrong type of battery, such as putting a low drain cell into a camera flash, you may see poor performance, slow recycle times, or even early battery failure. Matching the battery to the device is an often overlooked but important step in getting the best experience. It's a small but important detail that makes a big difference in real-world usage.

Final Verdict: Are LADDA Batteries Worth It?

Absolutely. If you need affordable, high-performance rechargeable AA/AAA batteries, IKEA LADDA is a no-brainer. Whether they’re truly rebranded Eneloop Pros or just a fantastic alternative, they deliver top-tier performance at half the price.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. That said, this post is based entirely on my own research, experience, and personal use. The battery recommendations shared here are what have worked best for me, and hopefully, they'll work well for you too. Use this guide as a starting point, do your own testing where possible, and choose what suits your needs best — whether it's for your camera flash, clock, or game controller.