Batteries of various types, primarily lithium-ion batteries, which have been intensively developed in the recent decade, are the most promising devices for application in local power grids and ultimate users. However, some problems, such as the fire risk of these batteries, are yet to be solved, and these devices still remain expensive. The cheapest alternatives to them are the long-known and tried and tested lead–acid batteries. This study analyzes literature data on various batteries for identifying their characteristics, assesses the current state of the market for and application prospects of batteries. It is shown that, in the current conditions, lead–acid batteries used in stationary energy-storage systems prove themselves as undoubtedly competitive and often have advantages over lithium-ion counterparts due to their low cost and tried and tested operation and disposal technologies, and will remain such for the next several decades. © 2023, Allerton Press, Inc.