Powering your trolling motor is one of the most critical decisions for any angler. The right battery means more time on the water, reliable performance when you need it most, and the peace of mind to focus on the catch. With options ranging from traditional AGM to advanced lithium technology, selecting the perfect battery can seem daunting.
This guide simplifies your search by showcasing the top 10 batteries for trolling motors in 2025. We have evaluated key factors like capacity, weight, cycle life, and durability to help you find the ideal power source for your boat. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned pro, our roundup has a battery to match your fishing style and budget.
Our Recommended Trolling Motor Batteries
- Newport 12V50Ah Deep Cycle Heavy-Duty Marine Battery
- ECO-WORTHY 12V 20Ah Lithium Battery, 3000+ Deep Cycle
- TCBWORTH 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery, Rechargeable Deep Cycle
- Newport Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center
- Dakota Lithium – 12V 10Ah LiFeP04 Deep Cycle Battery
- Litime 12V 100Ah Trolling Motor LiFePO4 Battery (Group 31)
- Qty2: VMAX SLR125 AGM Sealed Deep Cycle 12V 125Ah Batteries
- Mighty Max Battery 12V 100AH Battery for Solar Wind DEEP Cycle
- ExpertPower 12V 100Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery
- Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery 12V 100Ah
Newport 12V50Ah Deep Cycle Heavy-Duty Marine Battery
For boaters seeking a reliable and easy-to-handle AGM battery, the Newport 12V50Ah is a strong contender. Its lightweight design, at just 32 pounds, makes transportation and installation a simple task, reducing the overall weight in your marine vessel. You get powerful performance without the heavy burden.
This battery is built with sealed AGM lead acid technology, ensuring a leak-proof and maintenance-free experience. It is specifically engineered to work seamlessly with trolling motors, providing the consistent power needed for long days on the water. The durable construction offers peace of mind, making it a trustworthy choice for various boating applications.
ECO-WORTHY 12V 20Ah Lithium Battery
If extreme portability and a long service life are your priorities, the ECO-WORTHY 12V 20Ah lithium battery is an excellent option. Weighing a mere 4.85 pounds, it is significantly lighter than any lead-acid equivalent, allowing for easy placement in kayaks, small boats, or for powering auxiliary devices. Its compact size offers installation flexibility that heavier batteries cannot match.
This LiFePO4 battery is rated for more than 3000 deep cycles, offering a lifespan that is many times longer than standard lead-acid batteries. A built-in Battery Management System (BMS) provides complete protection against common issues like overcharge, over-discharge, and short circuits. This makes it a safe and durable power source for trolling motors, fish finders, and other outdoor electronics.
TCBWORTH 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery
The TCBWORTH 12V 100Ah battery is designed as a perfect drop-in upgrade for those replacing older lead-acid batteries. It is built to the common BCI Group 31 size, ensuring compatibility with most standard battery boxes and applications. This means you can enjoy modern lithium benefits without any complicated modifications to your setup.
Weighing only 20.7 pounds, it provides a high energy density in a compact and lightweight package. The battery features a robust 100A BMS that protects against overcharging, over-discharging, and overheating. A key feature for anglers in colder climates is the low-temperature cut-off function, which helps safeguard the battery when charging in chilly conditions.
Newport Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center
This product is not a battery itself, but the Newport Smart Battery Box is an essential accessory for any serious angler. It serves as a central power hub, organizing and protecting your battery setup. With external battery ports, you can safely connect your trolling motor and other accessories without the need to open the box, adding a layer of convenience and safety.
The box is integrated with dual circuit breakers—a 10 Amp for smaller accessories and a 60 Amp for your trolling motor—to prevent electrical damage from power surges. It also includes a direct USB charger and a 12V accessory port, making it easy to power and charge your electronics like phones and GPS units directly from your battery.
Dakota Lithium – 12V 10Ah LiFeP04 Deep Cycle Battery
Dakota Lithium is a well-respected name in the industry, and this 12V 10Ah model is built for longevity and reliability. Backed by an impressive 11-year warranty, it is clear the manufacturer stands behind the quality and durability of this product. This battery is engineered to deliver over 2,000 cycles, far exceeding the typical lifespan of a lead-acid battery.
Ideal for smaller applications like ice fishing, kayaks, and fish finders, this compact battery includes a smart Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS manages cell balance and provides protection against low voltage, high voltage, short circuits, and temperature extremes. This results in higher performance and a significantly longer functional life for your investment.
Litime 12V 100Ah Trolling Motor LiFePO4 Battery
The Litime 12V 100Ah battery is a marine-grade power source designed with safety and performance as top priorities. It meets the ABYC E-13 standard, featuring extra BMS protection against dust, water, and salt spray, making it well-suited for the harsh marine environment. This focus on durability ensures reliable operation for 12V to 36V trolling motor systems.
Weighing just 22.16 pounds, it offers a substantial weight saving over traditional batteries, which can improve your boat’s handling and efficiency. The smart low-temperature protection is a critical feature; it automatically stops charging below 32°F to prevent damage, extending the battery’s overall lifespan and ensuring year-round reliability for dedicated anglers.
Qty2: VMAX SLR125 AGM Sealed Deep Cycle 12V 125Ah Batteries
This two-pack of VMAX SLR125 batteries is an ideal solution for anglers who need extended runtime for larger boats or multi-bank trolling motor setups. Each battery offers a substantial 125Ah capacity, providing a deep power reserve that can support long fishing trips without needing a recharge. Together, they can be configured to power 24V or 36V systems.
As sealed AGM batteries, they are completely maintenance-free and spill-proof, allowing for safe installation in any orientation. They are known for a long float service life span of 8 to 10 years, representing a dependable and robust power solution for serious marine use, solar arrays, and wind turbine applications.
Mighty Max Battery 12V 100AH Battery
The Mighty Max ML100-12 is a UL Certified sealed lead acid (SLA) battery that offers a dependable and affordable power option. Its Group 27 size makes it a versatile choice for various applications, including trolling motors, solar power systems, and inverters. As an AGM battery, it is spill-proof and requires no maintenance, which is a significant advantage for busy boaters.
This battery is characterized by a high discharge rate, good performance across a wide range of operating temperatures, and a deep discharge recovery capability. It provides a reliable and proven technology for those who prefer a traditional battery solution without the higher initial cost of lithium alternatives.
ExpertPower 12V 100Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery
ExpertPower brings over three decades of industry experience to this high-performance 100Ah lithium battery. Built with state-of-the-art Grade A+ prismatic cells, it is designed to be lighter, safer, and more efficient than batteries using older cylindrical cell technology. This battery is capable of 4000 to 7000 cycles and has a 10-year expected lifetime.
A key feature is the proprietary Battery Management System (BMS) with built-in Bluetooth. This allows you to easily monitor the battery’s status, including charge level and BMS data, directly from your smartphone. The BMS provides comprehensive protection, and the battery supports expansion for larger power systems, making it a professional-grade choice for RVs, campers, and serious marine use.
Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery 12V 100Ah
Renogy is a trusted brand in the off-grid power community, and their 12V 100Ah AGM battery carries that reputation for quality. This deep cycle battery is engineered for reliable performance in a wide range of applications, from powering trolling motors to serving as a backbone for solar energy systems. Its sealed AGM construction ensures safe, maintenance-free operation.
The battery is built to handle repeated deep discharges and offers a stable power output, which is crucial for the consistent operation of a trolling motor throughout the day. Renogy’s focus on durability and performance makes this battery a solid and cost-effective choice for boaters who prefer the proven technology of AGM over lithium.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Trolling Motor Battery
Choosing the right battery for your trolling motor isn’t just about picking the one with the biggest number. It’s about matching the battery’s capabilities to your specific fishing style and boat setup. I’ve spent a lot of time on the water, and getting this decision wrong can cut a perfect day short. Let’s break down the key factors you need to consider to find one of the 10 best batteries for trolling motors for your needs.
First, you need to understand battery chemistry. The main players are Lithium-ion (LiFePO4) and Lead-Acid (including AGM). Lithium batteries are the new standard for a reason. They’re significantly lighter, last many more charge cycles, and provide consistent power from full to empty. While the upfront cost is higher, their longevity often makes them cheaper in the long run. AGM batteries are a reliable and more affordable choice, but they’re heavier and have a shorter overall lifespan. For most serious anglers, lithium is the way to go.
Next, you have to look at capacity, measured in Amp-hours (Ah). This is like the size of your fuel tank. A higher Ah rating means longer runtime. For a full day of serious fishing, especially in wind or current, I wouldn’t go below 100Ah for a 12V system. If you’re running a 24V or 36V motor, you’ll need two or three 12V batteries wired together, so planning your capacity is crucial. Think about your longest days on the water and choose a capacity that gives you a comfortable buffer.
Another critical spec is the Marine Cranking Amps (MCA) or, more relevantly for trolling motors, the Reserve Capacity (RC). RC indicates how many minutes the battery can run before dropping below a useable voltage. A higher RC is always better, as it means more sustained power for all-day trolling. Also, pay attention to the charge rate. Lithium batteries can accept a much faster charge than AGM, which means you can top them off quickly during a lunch break if you have a powerful enough charger.
Finally, consider the physical aspects. Weight is a major factor for boat stability and for your back when loading and unloading. Lithium’s light weight is a huge advantage. Also, check the battery’s dimensions to ensure it will fit in your designated battery box or compartment. Look for built-in features like a Battery Management System (BMS), which is essential for lithium batteries as it protects against overcharging, deep discharging, and short circuits, greatly enhancing safety and lifespan.
FAQ
What is the difference between a deep cycle and a starting battery?
A starting battery is designed to deliver a very large burst of power for a short time to crank an engine, then it gets immediately recharged by the alternator. A deep cycle battery, which is what you need for a trolling motor, is built to provide a steady, lower amount of power over a very long period and can be repeatedly discharged down to a low level and recharged. Using a starting battery for your trolling motor will kill it very quickly.
How long will a 100Ah trolling motor battery last?
There’s no single answer, as runtime depends entirely on your motor’s thrust and the speed you run it at. A rough estimate is to take the battery’s Amp-hour (Ah) rating and divide it by the amperage draw of your motor at a specific speed. For example, if your motor draws 10 amps at a steady trolling speed, a 100Ah battery would theoretically last about 10 hours. In reality, you should never fully drain a battery, so plan for a usable capacity of about 80-90% of the rated Ah for lithium and 50% for lead-acid.
Can I use a regular car battery for my trolling motor?
I strongly advise against it. A car battery is a starting battery, not a deep cycle battery. It isn’t designed for the long, slow discharge that a trolling motor requires. Using one will lead to extremely poor performance and will significantly shorten the battery’s life, leaving you stranded on the water. Always invest in a proper marine deep cycle battery.
Do I need a special charger for a lithium trolling motor battery?
Yes, you absolutely do. Lithium batteries require a charger with a specific charging profile designed for lithium chemistry. Using a charger meant for lead-acid batteries will not charge a lithium battery correctly and can be dangerous. A quality lithium charger will ensure a faster, more efficient charge and will help protect the battery’s internal BMS, extending its life. When looking at the 10 best batteries for trolling motors, note that many brands offer compatible chargers.
Is a lithium battery worth the extra cost?
From my experience, yes, if you fish frequently. The higher initial investment is justified by a much longer lifespan (often 5-10 times more charge cycles than AGM), drastically reduced weight, consistent power output until fully discharged, and the ability to charge much faster. For the casual angler who goes out a few times a year, a good AGM might be sufficient. But for anyone serious about their time on the water, lithium is a game-changer.