A recent trip to the dumpster netted me a couple of old laptops (from around 2012). The batteries are completely flat and will not take a charge. I plan on using them as beater computers around the house, so battery life doesn’t really matter but would be nice to have. The cheapest no-name batteries available for them are about $15 each. A used OEM battery with about 75% health is a dollar more.
For those who bought the cheapest aftermarket battery, was it worth it? Were the batteries surprisingly good or am I better off with a used but original one?
I bought a no name brand battery for my laptop once off of ebay. Had zero problems with it. The battery life was like 1 year instead of 2 or something but otherwise it performed the same. Just make sure you pick a reputable seller or something with a lot of positive ratings.
Generally every aftermarket battery iv bought has been like this. Shorter stated lifespan, but perfectly functional and frequently lasts just as long as OEM.
Just go with a private company that specializes in the manufacture of the laptop in question and spend a bit more.
Rare to get a crap battery unless your trying to save every cent possible.