When choosing a car battery, understanding how they differ based on brand is important to ensure you get what you want. Optima and Odyssey are two household names and give drivers lots of benefits.
Both Odyssey and Optima batteries are of the highest quality and toughness; they have sealed systems; they also resist stress and vibration. While the Odyssey batteries have slightly better specifications and are a bit more expensive.
However, they are still worth the extra cost because they provide great reserve capacities and cold cranking amps, which are good for cold starts.
What are Odyssey and Optima Batteries?
The Odyssey Batteries
Odyssey Batteries is a brand of high-performance batteries that are used in a variety of applications, like commercial, marine, power sports, and automotive. They are known for their durability and overall performance.
Odyssey Batteries are manufactured using several technologies to obtain high power, deep cycle capacity, and fast charge times.
These technologies include the Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) design and the Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) design. They also will withstand high temperatures and vibration, and require no maintenance.
Odyssey Batteries are commonly used in cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and many types of equipment. They are also used in industrial and military applications, including communication systems and backup power systems.
Odyssey Advantages
There are a lot of things that the Odyssey brand does well. Here are a few positives to consider:
- Long Life
- No Maintenance Versions
- Wide Temperature Range
- Good Reserve Capacity Rating
- Vibration Resistant
- Good Warranty
Odyssey Disadvantages
With all of the positives, it is easy to miss a couple of negatives. Here are a couple of negatives to consider:
- More Expensive
- Potentially Harder to Jumpstart
- Potentially Harder to Restore
The Optima Batteries
Optima Batteries is a brand of high-performance automotive and marine batteries. They are known for their patented Spiralcell design that provides clean long-lasting, powerful, and reliable power.
Optima Batteries are made to be maintenance-free, so they won’t have to be topped up with water or other fluids as they deteriorate.
Optima Batteries are used in numerous vehicles, including cars, trucks, boats, and off-road vehicles, as well as in many other applications, such as for renewable energy storage as well as for emergency backup power systems.
The company is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has been in business for more than 40 years.
Optima Advantages
There are so many things that the Optima brand does well. Here are just a few.
- Good Price Performance Ratio
- Reliable Power
- No Maintenance
- Good Warranty
- Wide Availability
Optima Disadvantages
With all of the advantages, do not forget to consider a couple of disadvantages.
- Shorter Life
- Takes Time to Charge
- Smaller Temperature Range
Who makes Odyssey and Optima Batteries?
Both Odyssey Batteries and Optima Batteries are manufactured by companies that specialize in providing stored energy solutions. Odyssey Batteries are manufactured by EnerSys. They are based in Reading, Pennsylvania, and have several manufacturing facilities globally.
EnerSys manufactures batteries under various brands, which apply to many battery products including: automotive, marine, power sports, and commercial uses.
Optima Batteries are manufactured by Clarios, a leader in advanced energy storage systems. Clarios, branded as Johnson Controls Power Solutions, has produced batteries for over 130 years.
They operate globally, with their headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Clarios also manufactures other brands of batteries for industrial, commercial, and automotive purposes in addition to Optima.
What are some product similarities between Odyssey and Optima Batteries?
Common similarities:
Patented Technology
Both battery manufacturers use proprietary, patented technology that provides unique advantages over competitors. The technology helps batteries function reliably for long periods.
Temperature Range
Both manufacturers utilize batteries with a temperature of at least 150°F, which is more than adequate for the average driver. Temperatures from 0°F-100°F are not a concern for batteries manufactured from Optima or Odyssey.
Warranty
Both Optima and Odyssey manufacturers offer a minimum of a 2-year full-replacement warranty on every manufactured product.
Lifespan
While both brands have different lifespans, ultimately, both have impressive lifespans. Either an Optima or Odyssey battery can be expected to function without issue for 6-10 years.
Which is better, Odyssey or Optima Batteries?
Both Odyssey and Optima are very well-respected battery brands known for high quality and reliable performance. The decision between the two ultimately will be based on both your unique needs and how the battery is intended to be used.
Odyssey Batteries are well-known for their deep cycling capacity, higher power output, and durable construction. They can be a good choice for extreme applications where reliability and longevity are most important – marine and commercial applications are prime examples. Odyssey batteries are also capable of dealing with high heat and vibration and require no maintenance.
Optima Batteries, on the other hand, are known for their unique Spiralcell design, which consistently provides a high-quality, clean power supply that is dependable and durable.
Optima batteries can be a good choice for high-performance applications, with speed and power taking priority, such as racing or off-road applications. Optima batteries will withstand extreme temperatures, vibration and don’t require maintenance.
Ultimately, Odyssey and Optima are both great choices for high-performance applications where one needs reliability. However, depending on how the battery is used, they have different characteristics and strengths.