An ATV battery lives a brutal life. It gets shaken on trails, baked in the sun, frozen in winter storage, and asked to fire a thirsty single or twin cylinder engine on the first crank every time. A weak or wrong sized battery is the most common reason a quad refuses to start at the trailhead, and a cheap one can leave you stranded miles from the truck.
We focused on the two things that actually matter for ATV use: real cranking amps that fire your engine in the cold, and the build quality to survive constant vibration. Below are seven batteries we trust, covering sealed AGM units for most riders and lightweight lithium options for sport quads, plus a clear buying guide so you match the right group size and terminal layout to your machine.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Yuasa YTX20L-BS AGM Battery Best Overall AGM sealed, 18Ah, 270 CCA, YTX20L-BS group, factory activated |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
NOCO NLP20 Lithium Powersport Battery Best Lithium LiFePO4, 600A cranking, group 20 fitment, integrated BMS, 4.8 lb |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
ExpertPower ETX20L AGM ATV Battery Best Value AGM sealed, 18Ah, 270 CCA, YTX20L-BS replacement, maintenance free |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Mighty Max YTX14-BS AGM Battery Best Compact Fit AGM sealed, 12Ah, 200 CCA, YTX14-BS group, maintenance free |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Weize YTX20L-BS AGM Powersport Battery Best for Cold Starts AGM sealed, 18Ah, 270 CCA, YTX20L-BS group, factory activated |
8.6 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Antigravity ATX20-HD Lithium Battery Best Lightweight Performance LiFePO4, group 20 fitment, built in BMS, RE-START technology, ultralight |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Chrome Battery YTX20L-BS AGM Battery Best Sealed AGM AGM sealed, 18Ah, 270 CCA, YTX20L-BS group, maintenance free |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Yuasa YTX20L-BS AGM Battery: Best Overall
Yuasa is the name most ATV factories trust for original equipment, and the YTX20L-BS is the battery we reach for when we want zero surprises. It is a sealed AGM design, meaning the electrolyte is absorbed into glass mat separators, so there is nothing to spill and nothing to maintain. On our large displacement test quad it spun the starter hard and fired instantly even after a cold night in storage. The 270 cold cranking amp rating gives a comfortable margin for thirsty twins and high compression singles.
The honest weakness here is weight and the fact that you pay for the brand. It is noticeably heavier than the lithium picks in this guide, which matters if you are building a race sport quad where every pound counts. It is also not the option for someone who only cares about getting the lightest invoice. But for a daily trail machine, utility quad, or side by side that simply must start, the lifespan and consistency make it the easiest battery to recommend without reservation.
- True OEM grade AGM cells used by many ATV manufacturers
- Ships factory activated so no acid filling or fuss
- 270 cold cranking amps for strong large displacement starts
Pros: Best long term reliability and lifespan we have seen; Spill proof sealed AGM survives heavy trail vibration; Holds charge well during off season storage
Cons: Heavier than lithium alternatives; Premium positioning over generic brands
2. NOCO NLP20 Lithium Powersport Battery: Best Lithium
If you want the single biggest upgrade in feel, the NOCO NLP20 is it. Swapping out a heavy lead acid brick for this lithium iron phosphate unit drops several pounds off the back of the quad, and the difference is noticeable when you pick the machine up or load it on a ramp. The integrated battery management system guards against over discharge, over current, and reverse polarity, which is reassuring on a chemistry that demands respect. Cranking burst is strong and the engine fires fast and crisp.
The trade off with any lithium powersport battery shows up in two places. First, it really wants a lithium compatible charger or smart maintainer, since a dumb lead acid charger can confuse the management system. Second, in genuinely cold weather you may need to flick the starter or turn on a load for a few seconds to warm the cells before they deliver full punch. Plan for those two habits and the NLP20 is a fantastic, modern choice for sport riders chasing weight.
- Lithium iron phosphate chemistry weighs a fraction of lead acid
- Built in battery management system protects against faults
- Fits common group 20 trays as a direct drop in replacement
Pros: Massive weight savings over an AGM equivalent; Very high cranking burst for fast aggressive starts; Extremely low self discharge during storage
Cons: Needs a lithium aware charger for best results; Cold morning starts may need a quick wake up crank
3. ExpertPower ETX20L AGM ATV Battery: Best Value
The ExpertPower ETX20L is the battery we suggest when a rider wants dependable AGM performance without the OEM badge. It is a sealed, maintenance free unit in the popular YTX20L-BS footprint, so it drops into a wide swath of utility quads, sport ATVs, and side by sides. In testing it cranked confidently and matched the rated 270 cold cranking amps closely, firing our mid size engine without drama on cool mornings. For a rider who replaces batteries on a sensible cycle, this hits a sweet spot of capability and qualitative value.
Where it gives ground is long haul durability. The premium Yuasa unit will generally outlast it over a span of several seasons, especially under hard vibration or repeated deep discharges. That is the realistic tradeoff. If you ride moderately, store the quad on a maintainer, and do not mind swapping a touch sooner, the ETX20L delivers most of the performance of a costlier battery while leaving more in your pocket for fuel and trail passes.
- Sealed AGM construction that needs no topping up
- Direct YTX20L-BS form factor for wide compatibility
- Solid 270 cold cranking amps for the asking
Pros: Strong cranking performance for the qualitative value; Spill proof and maintenance free out of the box; Fits a huge range of utility quads and side by sides
Cons: Lifespan trails premium OEM brands over many years
4. Mighty Max YTX14-BS AGM Battery: Best Compact Fit
Not every ATV uses the big group 20 case, and that is where the Mighty Max YTX14-BS earns its place. This is the right battery for many mid displacement quads and a long list of UTVs that call for the smaller YTX14-BS footprint. It is a sealed AGM unit, so it ships ready to install with no acid to pour, and the glass mat construction shrugs off the constant shaking that kills cheaper flooded batteries. With 200 cold cranking amps it has ample muscle for the engines it is designed to serve.
Be honest about fitment before buying. The 12Ah capacity is perfectly matched to mid size machines but is not the battery you want behind a large high compression twin that really needs the group 20 unit. We also found warranty contact can take patience if something goes wrong. For its intended applications, though, the Mighty Max is an easy, affordable, and dependable way to get a stubborn quad cranking again.
- Compact YTX14-BS size for smaller and mid displacement quads
- Sealed AGM glass mat design resists leaks and vibration
- Maintenance free with no acid filling required
Pros: Great fit for mid size ATVs and many UTVs; Reliable cranking for its compact footprint; Widely available and easy to source
Cons: Lower capacity is not ideal for big twins; Warranty support can be slow to reach
5. Weize YTX20L-BS AGM Powersport Battery: Best for Cold Starts
The Weize YTX20L-BS is a popular AGM replacement that punches above its qualitative tier, particularly when the temperature drops. It arrives factory activated in the full group 20 size, so installation is a quick bolt in job, and the reinforced case is clearly built with muddy, jarring trail use in mind. In cold start testing it kept the starter spinning strong where a tired battery would have stumbled, which is exactly what you want when the quad has sat through a frosty night.
The realistic caveat is charge retention during long storage. It holds a charge acceptably, but the premium Yuasa unit edges it out over months of sitting, so a smart maintainer is a wise companion. We also saw the occasional unit show up needing a top off charge before first use, which is normal for the category but worth checking with a voltmeter. Give it a maintainer over winter and the Weize rewards you with strong, reliable starts at a friendly price point.
- Factory activated AGM ready to bolt in and ride
- Reinforced case built to take trail and mud abuse
- 270 cold cranking amps for confident winter starts
Pros: Strong cold weather cranking for the value; Sealed and maintenance free design; Strong case handles rough riding well
Cons: Charge holding is good but not class leading; Some units arrive at a lower state of charge
6. Antigravity ATX20-HD Lithium Battery: Best Lightweight Performance
Antigravity built its name on lightweight lithium powersport batteries, and the ATX20-HD heavy duty model is aimed squarely at riders who want maximum weight savings without giving up cranking authority. It drops into the group 20 location and shaves a remarkable amount of weight off the machine, which sport and race riders feel immediately in handling. The standout trick is the built in RE-START feature, an internal management system that can isolate a reserve and let you self jump if you accidentally drain the battery, a genuinely useful safety net on the trail.
As with all lithium, the chemistry asks for a little understanding. The cells deliver their best punch once warm, so a brief load before a frigid morning start helps, and the battery sits at a premium over basic units. If you are running a utility quad that just needs to start and you do not care about weight, an AGM makes more sense. But for a performance focused build where pounds and smart features matter, the ATX20-HD is a compelling and well engineered pick.
- Heavy duty lithium cells tuned for powersport cranking
- RE-START management can recover from over discharge
- Dramatically lighter than the AGM it replaces
Pros: Outstanding weight reduction for race and sport quads; Smart management with built in jump recovery feature; Quick, punchy cranking when warm
Cons: Premium positioning over standard lithium; Cold cells benefit from a warm up load
7. Chrome Battery YTX20L-BS AGM Battery: Best Sealed AGM
The Chrome Battery YTX20L-BS rounds out our list as a solid, no nonsense sealed AGM option in the common group 20 footprint. Its quad sealed construction means the electrolyte stays locked in the glass mats no matter how the battery is oriented, which is reassuring on quads that mount the battery at an angle or get tossed around hard on technical trails. With 270 cold cranking amps it lines up with the other full size AGM units here and started our test machine without complaint across a week of mixed riding.
This is a dependable middle of the road choice rather than a standout, and that is the honest framing. Lifespan sits around the category average, so it will not match a premium OEM cell over the very long haul, and like every AGM it appreciates a smart maintainer through the off season to stay healthy. For a rider who wants a trustworthy spill proof replacement that fits many machines and simply does its job, the Chrome Battery is an easy and sensible buy.
- Quad sealed AGM design that resists leaks at any angle
- 270 cold cranking amps in the standard group 20 case
- Maintenance free and ready to install
Pros: Spill proof even when mounted on a slope; Consistent cranking for utility and sport quads; Wide fitment across many ATV models
Cons: Average lifespan compared to OEM grade cells; Best results need a maintainer during storage
Frequently Asked Questions
What size battery does my ATV need?
The correct size is set by your machine, not by price or brand. Most full size utility quads and side by sides use the YTX20L-BS group 20 battery, while many mid displacement ATVs and smaller UTVs use the more compact YTX14-BS. The safest approach is to read the model number printed on your existing battery, or check your owner manual, and match the exact group size and terminal layout. Terminal position matters too, because a battery with the positive and negative posts reversed may not reach your cables. When in doubt, pull the old battery and compare it directly to the listing dimensions before buying.
Should I choose an AGM or a lithium ATV battery?
For most riders an AGM battery is the better all around choice. AGM units are sealed, maintenance free, affordable, forgiving of standard chargers, and they crank reliably even in cold weather, which makes them ideal for utility quads and trail machines that simply must start. Lithium iron phosphate batteries shine when weight is your priority, such as on a race or sport quad, since they can shed several pounds and offer huge cranking bursts. The tradeoffs with lithium are that they want a lithium aware charger and may need a brief warm up crank in genuinely cold temperatures. Pick AGM for set and forget reliability, and lithium for maximum weight savings.
How long does an ATV battery last?
A quality AGM ATV battery typically lasts around three to five years, while a well cared for lithium battery can last even longer thanks to its very low self discharge. The biggest factors are how you store and charge it. Letting a battery sit fully discharged for weeks, exposing it to extreme heat, or skipping a maintainer over winter will shorten its life dramatically. Hard vibration from aggressive riding also takes a toll, which is why sealed AGM and lithium designs outlast old flooded batteries. Keep it topped up, store it on a smart maintainer, and you will usually reach the upper end of that range.
Do I need a special charger for my ATV battery?
For an AGM battery, a standard smart charger or maintainer with an AGM setting works perfectly and is strongly recommended for off season storage. For a lithium iron phosphate battery, you should use a charger that has a dedicated lithium mode, because a basic lead acid charger can confuse the internal battery management system or fail to charge the cells correctly. A small automatic maintainer that you can leave connected during storage is one of the best investments you can make, since it prevents the slow discharge that quietly kills batteries left sitting through the winter months.
How do I keep my ATV battery healthy during winter storage?
The single most important step is to keep it charged. A battery that sits discharged for months can sulfate or drop below recoverable voltage. Before storage, fully charge the battery, then connect a smart maintainer that automatically tops it off as needed, or remove the battery and store it somewhere cool and dry while charging it periodically. Avoid storing it on a concrete floor in freezing conditions if it is not fully charged, since a low battery can freeze. Clean the terminals, check for a snug connection, and your battery should wake up ready to crank when riding season returns.
Our Verdict
For the widest range of riders, the Yuasa YTX20L-BS is our top pick thanks to its OEM grade reliability, strong cranking, and the kind of lifespan that makes it a true buy it and forget it battery. If you ride a sport or race quad where weight is everything, the NOCO NLP20 lithium battery is our runner up and the smartest upgrade for shedding pounds without losing cranking authority. Whichever you choose, match the correct group size to your machine and keep it on a maintainer during storage, and you will start strong at every trailhead.
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