How to shortlist a battery chemistry

Start with the device, not the battery. What voltage range does it accept, what does it draw on average, what does it draw at peak, how long must it run, and how often will someone change or charge the cells? Those five answers eliminate most of the options on their own.

Carbon zinc is the low-cost answer for low-drain devices and in-box bundles. Alkaline lasts longer in the same slot for a higher price. Ni-MH is the workhorse rechargeable for anything that cycles often. A regulated 1.5V Type-C lithium cell costs the most and earns it back where the device is fussy about voltage or the user hates charger cradles.

Then compare complete programs rather than cells: the charger, the packaging, the warnings, how it ships and what documents your importer needs. A higher capacity number on the label does not survive contact with any of that.