By using a new separator, Sanyo claim the batteries retain about 70 to 85% of their capacity after one year when stored at 22 °C. Eneloop cells are marketed as "ready-to-use" or "pre-charged" rechargeables. Aside from the longer shelf life, they are otherwise similar to normal NiMH batteries of equivalent capacity and can be charged in typical NiMH chargers.

Low self-discharge NiMH batteries are good for photography and other high energy requirement applications. Due to the low self-discharge, they are also suitable for long-term intermittent or low-current uses; they might last up to a year between charges, much better than ordinary NiMH batteries. They can therefore also be used for electrical clocks, remote controls, toys, PC mouses, etc.