It’s okay to use cheap batteries – in some things...

There is a big price difference between some high end batteries and the no-name or store brands...

There is also a big difference in quality and performance. Consumer Reports has some advice on which batteries to use where. Go ahead and use the cheap ones in flashlight or your TV remote or computer mouse. Those gadgets will either work, or not work – and you’ll just need to replace cheap batteries more often.

For items like digital cameras, remote control toys or game controllers – skip the cheap batteries and opt for a better rated brand like Energizer Ultimate. When the voltage in that cheap battery drops, whatever it’s powering may continue working but not properly. You wouldn’t want to risk that priceless photo, expensive airborne toy or Call of Duty match to a bargain brand battery. The same goes for anything you really hope works in an emergency.