Aqueous batteries (ABs) are considered a promising alternative to organic-based batteries due to their safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits. However, their large-scale application is hindered by limited energy density and insufficient lifespan. This review discusses the challenges in ABs, focusing on material design and practical applications. The key issues include the narrow electrochemical stability window of water, which limits the operating voltage and energy density of ABs. Different AB systems face unique challenges, but their potential interactions can be exploited to improve performance. Recent advances in ABs have focused on enhancing the output voltage and lifespan through strategies such as overpotential control, electrode design, and the use of advanced materials. The review also highlights the importance of balancing the capacity between cathode and anode to maximize the electrochemical stability window (ESW). Additionally, the development of new redox couples and the use of protective layers on electrodes have been explored to suppress side reactions and improve the performance of ABs. The review emphasizes the need for integrated strategies to address the challenges in ABs and to develop next-generation reliable ABs for large-scale energy storage. The review also discusses the challenges of dendrite growth, corrosion, and passivation in ABs, and proposes strategies to mitigate these issues. The review concludes that further research is needed to overcome the challenges in ABs and to develop advanced materials that can enhance their performance and commercial viability.Aqueous batteries (ABs) are considered a promising alternative to organic-based batteries due to their safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits. However, their large-scale application is hindered by limited energy density and insufficient lifespan. This review discusses the challenges in ABs, focusing on material design and practical applications. The key issues include the narrow electrochemical stability window of water, which limits the operating voltage and energy density of ABs. Different AB systems face unique challenges, but their potential interactions can be exploited to improve performance. Recent advances in ABs have focused on enhancing the output voltage and lifespan through strategies such as overpotential control, electrode design, and the use of advanced materials. The review also highlights the importance of balancing the capacity between cathode and anode to maximize the electrochemical stability window (ESW). Additionally, the development of new redox couples and the use of protective layers on electrodes have been explored to suppress side reactions and improve the performance of ABs. The review emphasizes the need for integrated strategies to address the challenges in ABs and to develop next-generation reliable ABs for large-scale energy storage. The review also discusses the challenges of dendrite growth, corrosion, and passivation in ABs, and proposes strategies to mitigate these issues. The review concludes that further research is needed to overcome the challenges in ABs and to develop advanced materials that can enhance their performance and commercial viability.