A dead battery is the fastest way to kill a riding day. A 4 wheeler asks a lot from a small battery, since it has to fire a high compression single or twin engine, survive constant trail vibration, and sit through long off season storage without going flat. The right battery cranks hard on a cold morning and keeps doing it season after season.
We looked at the batteries ATV and quad owners actually run on Hondas, Yamahas, Polaris, and Can-Am machines. Our picks below cover sealed AGM units that ship pre charged, true lithium options that shave serious weight, and a couple of value workhorses that simply refuse to quit. Match the group size and terminal layout to your machine and you will rarely think about the battery again.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Yuasa YTX20L-BS AGM Powersport Battery Best Overall 12V, 18Ah, 270 CCA, sealed AGM, factory activated |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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NOCO NLP20 Lithium Powersport Battery Best Lithium 12V lithium, 600A cranking, built-in BMS, YTX20 replacement |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Mighty Max YTX20L-BS Sealed AGM Battery Best Value 12V, 18Ah, 270 CCA, sealed AGM, maintenance free |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Antigravity ATX20-HD Lithium Battery Lightest Build 12V lithium, heavy duty BMS, re-start safe, YTX20 size |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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ExpertPower ETX20L Sealed AGM Battery Best for Storage 12V, 18Ah, sealed AGM, low self discharge, maintenance free |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Weize YTX20L-BS High Performance AGM Battery Best Cold Cranking 12V, 18Ah, 270 CCA, sealed AGM, factory activated |
8.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Chrome Battery YTX20L-BS Sealed AGM Battery Most Durable 12V, 18Ah, sealed AGM, vibration resistant, maintenance free |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Yuasa YTX20L-BS AGM Powersport Battery: Best Overall
Yuasa is the name most ATV mechanics reach for first, and the YTX20L-BS is the reason. It is a sealed AGM battery that arrives factory activated, so there is no fiddling with acid packs or guessing whether you filled each cell correctly. Drop it in, torque the terminals, and it cranks. With 270 cold cranking amps it spins over high compression utility quads like the Honda Foreman and Polaris Sportsman without hesitation, even when the temperature drops.
The honest weakness here is weight and size. This is a physically large, heavy battery, and it only suits machines designed around the YTX20L group. If your quad takes a smaller case you cannot force this one in. It also rewards owners who use a maintenance tender during the off season, since like any lead acid chemistry it will slowly self discharge if left sitting for months. Keep it topped up and it will outlast most of the cheaper batteries on this list.
- Sealed AGM design ships pre filled and charged, no acid handling
- 270 cold cranking amps for confident starts on big bore quads
- Advanced glass mat plates resist trail vibration and sulfation
Pros: OEM grade build trusted by major powersport brands; Strong cold cranking holds up in winter starts; Long service life when kept on a tender
Cons: Heavier than the lithium alternatives; Group size only fits machines that take a YTX20L case
2. NOCO NLP20 Lithium Powersport Battery: Best Lithium
If you want to drop pounds off your quad, the NOCO NLP20 is the upgrade that delivers. Swapping a heavy lead acid brick for this lithium unit takes noticeable weight off the machine, which sport riders feel immediately. The built in management system guards against overcharge, over discharge, and short circuits, and the included foam spacer kit lets it sit snugly in trays built for several different OEM group sizes. Its 600 amp cranking burst fires engines fast.
Lithium does come with caveats worth knowing. On very cold mornings the cells perform best after a short load to wake them up, so flicking the headlights on for a few seconds before cranking helps. You should also charge it with a charger that has a lithium mode, since an old style trickle charger can confuse the management board. Handle those two habits and the NLP20 rewards you with light weight and excellent storage retention.
- Lithium iron phosphate chemistry cuts weight dramatically
- Integrated battery management system protects against overcharge
- Foam spacers included to fit multiple OEM battery trays
Pros: Massive weight savings over lead acid; Strong burst cranking and fast recharge; Holds charge for months in storage
Cons: Needs a lithium aware charger for best results; Cold weather cranking requires a brief warm up draw
3. Mighty Max YTX20L-BS Sealed AGM Battery: Best Value
Mighty Max has become the go to value pick for ATV owners who want solid AGM performance without overthinking it. The YTX20L-BS matches the dimensions and 270 CCA rating of the premium units, so it slots straight into the most common large quad battery trays. It is sealed and maintenance free, meaning no spills, no acid checks, and a tolerance for the angles and vibration a 4 wheeler throws at it on rough trails.
Where it gives a little ground is consistency and refinement. These batteries frequently arrive at a partial state of charge, so the smart move is to put it on a charger overnight before the first ride to get full cranking power and protect the plates. The internal plate quality is good but not quite the OEM grade of a Yuasa, which can show up as a slightly shorter lifespan if it is abused or left discharged. For the value, though, it punches well above its weight.
- Sealed lead acid AGM that resists spills and leaks
- 270 CCA suits a wide range of mid to large quads
- Backed by a multi year manufacturer warranty
Pros: Strong everyday value for the cranking it delivers; Maintenance free, no watering required; Wide fitment across popular ATV models
Cons: Often ships needing a full top up charge before first use; Plate quality not quite at OEM Yuasa level
4. Antigravity ATX20-HD Lithium Battery: Lightest Build
Antigravity built its reputation on lightweight lithium powersport batteries, and the ATX20-HD is the heavy duty version aimed squarely at riders who push their machines hard. The cells and casing are engineered to shrug off the constant pounding a 4 wheeler delivers, and the management system includes restart protection that reserves enough charge to fire the engine even if you accidentally leave accessories on. It drops into a standard YTX20 tray, so the swap is straightforward.
This is a battery for owners who value performance and weight over saving money, and that is the honest catch. It sits at the premium end and gets the most from the matching Antigravity lithium charger, which is another consideration if you do not already own a lithium capable unit. For sport quad riders chasing every advantage and reliable cold storage retention, the weight and durability justify the spend.
- Heavy duty lithium cells tuned for high vibration powersport use
- Restart safe management protects against a full drain
- Drop in YTX20 footprint for easy swaps
Pros: Extremely light for its cranking output; Rugged build aimed at off road abuse; Excellent self discharge resistance in storage
Cons: Premium positioning, not the value choice; Best paired with the brand lithium charger
5. ExpertPower ETX20L Sealed AGM Battery: Best for Storage
The ExpertPower ETX20L is a quietly capable sealed AGM battery that earns its place for owners whose quads sit for stretches between rides. Its AGM construction gives it a lower self discharge rate than older flooded designs, so a machine parked through the slow season is more likely to fire up when you return to it. Being fully sealed, it mounts at any angle, which matters on quads with awkward battery boxes, and it drops straight into YTX20L sized trays.
It is not the absolute strongest cranker on this list, sitting a small step below the premium AGM units in raw cold cranking output, so on a very high compression big bore engine in deep cold you may notice it works a little harder. Like all lead acid batteries it also dislikes being left flat, and a deep discharge will trim its lifespan. Keep it on a tender during long storage and it returns excellent value and reliable starts.
- Low self discharge AGM holds charge well between rides
- Fully sealed and rated for any mounting orientation
- Direct fit replacement for common YTX20L applications
Pros: Good charge retention for seasonal machines; Solid value for an AGM unit; Mounts in any position without leaking
Cons: Cranking amps a touch below the top AGM picks; Lifespan shortens if left deeply discharged
6. Weize YTX20L-BS High Performance AGM Battery: Best Cold Cranking
Weize has carved out a loyal following among ATV owners who want dependable cold cranking without a premium badge. The YTX20L-BS arrives factory activated, so it is ready to bolt in and ride with no acid filling. With a 270 CCA rating and calcium alloy plates that cut down on gassing and water loss, it spins over cold engines confidently and slots into the same large quad trays as the name brand units.
The trade off with a value brand is consistency. Most owners report strong, long lasting performance, but quality control can vary from one unit to the next, so register the warranty and test cranking voltage early. The included terminal hardware is also fairly basic, and many riders swap in better bolts for a cleaner connection. None of that undercuts the core appeal, which is solid cold cranking at a genuinely friendly value.
- Factory activated AGM ready to install out of the box
- 270 CCA delivers dependable cold starts
- Calcium alloy plates reduce gassing and water loss
Pros: Reliable cold cranking for the category; Ships charged and ready to ride; Strong value with broad model fitment
Cons: Quality control can vary unit to unit; Terminal hardware is basic
7. Chrome Battery YTX20L-BS Sealed AGM Battery: Most Durable
Chrome Battery rounds out the list with a sealed AGM unit built for owners who ride hard and want a battery that takes the abuse. The heavy duty plates are designed to resist the relentless vibration of off road use, a real factor on a 4 wheeler where a poorly built battery can shake itself apart over a season. It is fully sealed, maintenance free, and spill proof, so you can mount it in tight or angled battery boxes without worry.
As a lead acid AGM it carries the usual weight penalty against the lithium picks, so weight conscious sport riders may look elsewhere. It also tends to ship at less than full charge, so an overnight top up before the first ride pays off in cranking power and longevity. For trail and utility riders who prioritize durability and a no fuss install over shaving grams, it is a dependable choice that holds up to real punishment.
- Heavy duty AGM plates built to handle trail vibration
- Sealed and maintenance free for hassle free ownership
- Spill proof design mounts in nearly any orientation
Pros: Rugged construction stands up to rough riding; No maintenance or watering needed; Wide fitment across utility and sport quads
Cons: Heavier than lithium options; Benefits from a top up charge before first use
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which battery fits my 4 wheeler?
The most reliable method is to check your owner manual or the part number printed on your existing battery, then match the group size such as YTX20L-BS, YTX14-BS, or YTX9-BS. Group size determines the physical case dimensions and the terminal layout, and getting it right means the battery drops in and bolts up without modification. Also confirm the positive and negative terminal positions, since a battery that physically fits but has reversed terminals can cause cable strain. When in doubt, enter your make, model, and year into the seller fitment tool before buying.
Is a lithium battery worth it over a standard AGM for an ATV?
It depends on how you ride. Lithium batteries like the NOCO NLP20 and Antigravity ATX20-HD weigh far less, recharge faster, and hold their charge for months in storage, which sport quad riders and racers love. AGM lead acid batteries cost less, tolerate cheap chargers, and crank well in cold weather without any warm up trick. If weight and storage retention matter most to you and you own a lithium capable charger, lithium is worth it. If you want maximum value and simplicity, a quality AGM like the Yuasa YTX20L-BS is the safer pick.
What does CCA mean and how much do I need for a quad?
CCA stands for cold cranking amps, a rating of how much current a battery can deliver in cold conditions while still holding usable voltage. Higher CCA means stronger starting power on a cold morning or a high compression engine. Most large utility and sport quads are happy with a battery in the 270 CCA range, like the YTX20L-BS units on this list, while smaller displacement machines need less. Always meet or exceed the CCA your manufacturer specifies, since undersizing leads to slow, struggling cranks that wear the starter.
How long should a 4 wheeler battery last?
A well maintained AGM battery typically lasts three to five years, and a quality lithium unit can run longer, often five years or more, thanks to its low self discharge and stable chemistry. The biggest factor is care. Leaving a battery deeply discharged through a long off season is the fastest way to kill it, since lead acid plates sulfate and lose capacity. Using a maintenance tender during storage, keeping terminals clean and tight, and avoiding draining accessories with the engine off will all push your battery toward the longer end of its life.
Do I need a special charger for my ATV battery?
For AGM lead acid batteries, a standard smart powersport charger or a quality trickle charger with an AGM setting works perfectly and is strongly recommended for off season storage. For lithium batteries, you should use a charger with a dedicated lithium or LiFePO4 mode, because the charging voltage and the way the battery management system communicates differ from lead acid. Using a plain trickle charger on lithium can confuse the management board or fail to fully charge it. Many modern smart chargers handle both chemistries, which is convenient if you own mixed machines.
Our Verdict
For most riders the Yuasa YTX20L-BS is the battery to beat, pairing OEM grade build quality with strong 270 CCA cranking and a long, dependable service life that justifies its place at the top. If you want to shed weight and never worry about storage drain, the NOCO NLP20 lithium is our runner up and the smarter upgrade for sport quads, provided you pair it with a lithium aware charger. Match the group size to your machine, keep it on a tender between rides, and either pick will keep your 4 wheeler firing season after season.
