A flat car battery is many drivers’ nightmare since nobody wants to get stuck in the middle of the road or be late for important dates. The best car battery charger will get you rid of calling the expensive road assistance. Moreover, a properly loaded battery will save a car’s electrical system’s settings and fuel.
The descriptions below reveal the products with a reasonable price/quality ratio produced by reputable manufacturers. They engineered their products with the ability to feed and maintain batteries to ensure their full charge when the vehicles are not in use. Keep reading to learn more about the items not to miscalculate and choose the device specific to a conveyance.
Сar Battery Charger Reviews
Battery Tender Plus 022-0185G-DL-WH — Best Car Battery Charger
Why would I identify this unit as the best battery charger for a car? It is a 12-volt device with 1.25-amp efficiency that fits GEL, lead-acid, and IGM batteries, feeding them with the power without overcharging. The scope of use includes ATVs, SUVs, PWCs, boats, motorbikes, lawn mowers, and other small-engine equipment.
I liked the fully automatic process requiring no manual settings. The 4-step operation starts with the first powerful impulse once the device is on and ends with floating, meaning the ability to supply constant voltage without boiling out electrolyte. One can use the appliance safely thanks to its full protection from sparks and short circuits regardless of their principal origin.
Consider the slow process before buying the product since it is mostly designed to keep the battery full rather than feed it fast. It is the number one choice for those having time to wait or the necessity to store a vehicle without using it for long periods. Besides, it is an off-board model that doesn’t allow running a vehicle when it’s connected.
An amber status LED on the main panel shows the charging process while a green light indicates the maintaining mode. It has 2 mounting holes on the cabinet to hang it anywhere on the wall or to fix on the car, preventing it from slipping and scratching. The unit weighs 1.8 pounds and has 9 x 4.75 x 11 inches in size, coming with a 6-feet cord. The quick connectors, ring terminals, and detachable clamps are in the package.
Pros
- No starting troubles appear while using this product.
- The straightforward interface on the main panel.
- The item’s power consumption is small (below 10W).
Cons
- It cannot load a truck battery but only maintain it.
- The clamps are big, but their jaws lack isolation.
- It produces audible radio frequency (RF) noise during the operation if some radio items are nearby.
Battery Tender Junior 021-0123
It is one of the best car battery chargers among 4-stage appliances for low-capacity batteries up to 0.74A. It means that the unit is compatible with the batteries in scooters, watercraft, motorbikes, Ski Doo, and agricultural mini machinery with small motors. Nevertheless, it’s possible to hook it up to cars and SUVs for floating only. The device determines the battery’s condition and never runs beyond its power limits.
This smart model provides 100% protection from sparks because of reverse connections and other mistakes. It can be hooked up to a vehicle around the clock, keeping the batteries full all the time, providing their long lifespan. However, I’d recommend checking the device from time to time.
It weighs 1.8 pounds, having the dimensions of 8 x 4 x 9 inches. The cabinet seems durable since there was no harm done when I accidentally dropped it on the floor in my garage. Besides, the wires have moisture-resistant connectors.
A single indicator flashes and changes color to show the battery’s state. When it flashes red, it means something is getting wrong. Stable red confirms the charging process, flashing green notifies the charge between 80% and 100%, steady green notifies that the process is completed, and the device goes into floating. The eyelet connectors for permanent use and clamps for periodical feeding are attached. The clamps are nearly 15 inches apart with the opportunity to pull them further.
Pros
- The users can connect this appliance with accessories to create USB charging outputs and 12-volt cigarette lighter ports for hooking up various devices to a vehicle and top them off.
- The battery charger for a car is provided with a 12-feet power cord, while other similar devices’ cables are only half the size of it.
- The eyelet harness has large rings that should fit any bolts.
Cons
- The manufacturers neglected temperature compensation that is a problem for those living in extreme temperatures.
- The isolation from clamps comes off very often.
Battery Tender Plus 021-0128
This model could become the right option in searching for the best auto battery charger among 12-volt devices with 1.25A of output current and 4 stages of operation. The inline microprocessor provides the accurate amount of current to top off and maintain the battery but not to overpower it. It’s a versatile device, matching sealed, lead-acid, flooded, or maintenance-free batteries. All the processes go automatically that allows the user to dispense of the endless clicking of the buttons in order to set the necessary mode or choose the battery type.
This unit features a 13.3-volt floating voltage and 14.6-volt absorption one that is within the normal range. It is engineered with temperature-compensated tech to fit any weather conditions. All safety features to prevent injuries and damage are onboard. The appliance is packed with a 6-feet cord, a quick-disconnect harness, O-ring terminals, and standard clamps.
The device is made of powder-coated aluminum, weighting 2.75 pounds, and having 4.875 x 3.25 x 2.875 inches in size. It is designed with a couple of LEDs. Note that if both red and green lights are flashing, it means the unit cannot work because of a bad electrical connection or sulfated battery.
Pros
- The Plus model means it tops off the battery 50% faster than other similar devices.
- If the battery has issues, being not full in 72 hours, the save timer turns off the device.
- A vented casing prevents the item from heating.
Cons
- The car battery charger cannot top off the ones below 3V.
- Sometimes, the unit starts operating only after getting a vehicle’s jump-start (it should be reconnected then).
Black & Decker BM3B
The Black and Decker car battery charger is remarkable for its ability to toggle between 12V and 6V to feed and float a wider range of motor and water vehicles with WET, AGM, and GEL types that have no less than 2V of initial voltage. Its average float voltage is 13.2V, but it fluctuates, depending on the battery’s condition. However, it still defines the safe maximum to avoid overloads. Consider selecting the necessary voltage manually to ensure the unit’s correct operation. The appliance produces 1.5A of current, meaning the vehicles’ batteries with higher capacity will take up to 24 hours to become full.
The red LED light is on in the case of reverse connection, and a large green light blinks to show that it works. It starts glowing steadily when the battery is full. Smaller green sun-shaped light shows the process, a green indicator next to it notifies that it is full, and a red switcher on the right of the front panel serves to choose voltage.
The unit is pretty compact with 5 x 3 x 8.9 inches in size, weighing just 1.25 pounds. The appliance has a polished exterior and features top-quality cords that are durable enough to stay intact when it passes through the closed car’s doors. It comes with fully isolated clamps and O-ring terminals for long-period connections. A cigarette-lighter adapter is in the pack. Note that the car battery charger works through a cigarette lighter if the keys are not in the ignition.
Pros
- A manufacturer designed a quick-connect harness with rubber caps against dust and moisture.
- AC low-voltage compensation provides the highest possible performance despite the use of an extension cord.
Cons
- In theory, the automotive battery charger is suitable to be installed inside the engine compartment due to a pair of mounting holes. However, its plastic housing can hardly resist high engine temperatures (its bottom gets rather warm).
- It takes efforts to hook up quick connectors to each other.
Noco Genius1
It’s a 1-amp, 12-volt, and 6-volt car battery charger with the ability to ensure full spark protection because of various external trouble and correct processes based on the temperature outside. So, one can safely use it regardless of the climate. Moreover, this appliance could become the best car battery charger for a dead battery since it recovers fully drained batteries below 1V, unlike its many competitors. This smart item is also capable of desulfation to provide the battery’s long life and a strong motor start.
The appliance operates in 4 modes, meaning the necessity to press the right button manually to choose the right option. It has dedicated buttons with labeled indicators for 12-volt AGM and 12-volt lithium batteries, and another button for other types of 12-volt batteries. A single button is designed for all 6-volt batteries (it lacks the separate 6V AGM mode). Note that this model cannot repair and supply 12-volt batteries.
A single indicator in the center changes its light from red to green depending on the status. Ren color means errors, blinking green shows the process, and steady green indicates 100% of charge and float mode’s start.
This model deserves to be rated as the best automotive battery charger thanks to its robust construction. The cabinet is impact-resistant, moisture-proof, and not exposed to sunlight. The clamps’ jaws have teeth for a tighter connection. This product’s dimensions are 3.43 x 4.02 x 6.73 inches, and its weight is 15.2 ounces only.
Pros
- Despite its low amperage, the device copes with a 30-Amp-Hour battery twice faster than many other products.
- All the indicators are very bright and clearly visible even in the darkness.
- The steel terminals inside the quick-connect harness are protected with a rubber cover from water and dust.
Cons
- It would be great to see multi-tier indicators in this model to get a clearer idea of the status.
- Only expensive NOCO’s accessories fit this device.
- No O-ring terminals are not included in the package.
Foval BC01B-1
The Foval product is among the top-rated 12-volt automobile chargers with 1A of output current due to its protection against sparks, short circuits, and its compatibility with all motor and marine vehicles, including equipment with back-up generator systems. The appliance should be used in the ambient temperature range of 14 – 1220F.
Although the device cannot recognize the outside temperature, it tracks the charge based on an infinite sequential algorithm, meaning the ability to adapt to the inner processes in order to provide 100% correct feeding. The appliance works in 3 stages, providing a battery with a constant current, constant voltage, and floating. It’s possible to understand whether the device is on (green light), and completed charge or floating mode’s start (yellow indicator). Note that if a red light twinkles, it means errors.
The unit’s size is 3.9 x 2.4 x 1.2 inches, and its weight is 10.6 ounces. It comes with an 8.5-feet power cable, quick-disconnect harness, eyelet terminals, and standard alligator clips. I should point out that the clamps lack isolation and look flimsy.
Pros
- The power consumption in a stand-by mode is low (0.5W).
- It can be integrated with budget aftermarket accessories.
Cons
- The car battery pack charger cannot provide more than 13V.
- The connectors could have higher quality, providing a better seal.
Motopower MP00205A
The 12-volt smart car battery charger is powerful enough (8A of the output current) to handle even high-capacity batteries of different chemistries in a relatively short time. The multi-level safety system is not subject to overloads, short circuits, and other troubles.
Besides, it works as a desulfator, making any compatible battery serve longer. As a result, it provides the optimal performance automatically without losing the voltage when it changes to power save mode (floating). In this way, the unit’s stages of operation include desulfation.
The device gives a maximum of 14.4V while topping off and keeps stable 13.6V in the maintaining mode. It also features a timer to stop feeding and start floating accurately when the voltage reaches its limits. This product fits both motor and watercraft. It can even be connected to a solar panel when the latter goes through a controller (direct connection is impossible).
This MOTOPOWER product is straightforward to use, having no manually pressed buttons and switches. A single green LED indicator flashes when the unit charges and stays steady in the maintenance mode. It weighs 11.7 ounces, having 4.1 x 2 x 1.5 inches in size. High-quality clamps, terminals for permanent maintenance, and quick-disconnect harness are attached.
Pros
- The device is compatible with EFB batteries that are lead-acid ones.
- It doesn’t consume energy if it’s left connected to a battery.
- The unit matches international eco-standards.
Cons
- The DC cable is 5 feet, and the AC power cord is 2.08 feet only.
- It is not moisture, splash, and water-resistant.
- No holes in the cabinet make the unit hot during the operation.
Schumacher SC1281
The energy-efficient Schumacher car battery charger is capable of feeding fully drained STD/AGM/GEL batteries due to its 30-amp boost capability and calibrating the amp range depending on their charge level. While some devices can top off and maintain only specific vehicles’ battery types, being capable of just feeding others, the SC1281 can both load and maintain all means of transport. The appliance also tops off 6-volt batteries and recognizes them automatically. It can feed 2 batteries connected in parallel. Still, it requires doubling the amperage that slows down the process.
It automatically detects and removes sulfation issues for averagely 8 – 10 hours. During this period, the screen displays “SUL,” and the red light glows showing the bad battery. The “F02” means error and failed desulfation.
The product’s size is 11.00 x 10.00 x 8.00 inches, and its weight is 12.65 pounds. It is made of robust plastic and has a display to set the necessary rate (6V/12V, 30A boost, 100A engine start) and type. Two separate indicators beneath show reversed clamps and a bad battery. Once the Schumacher electric 12-volt car battery charger is hooked up, the initial voltage is visible on the display.
Pros
- The fan inside the device cools it efficiently.
- A convenient handle is helpful to carry the assembly around.
- There is a separate setup for the Glass Mat battery.
Cons
- The hooks to wrap the cords should be longer for proper cable management.
- The display requires too many manual operations. For example, the only way to know how much life the battery needs is to switch from a 30A boost setting to a 100A engine start, and then to the 6V/12V setup.
Noco Genius10
This smart product is packed with tons of options for safe, fast, and convenient use. The manufacturer supplied it with the multi-level safety system to prevent sparks and other accidents, the ability to automatically adjust operation depending on the ambient temperature, and compatibility with all the motor and marine types.
This appliance matches the batteries with 230-Amp-Hour capacity and weather conditions in the range of -4° to 104° F. It can work as a cigarette lighter car battery charger, but the user should acquire a relevant adapter separately. Interestingly, the clamps in the package come with the integrated 0.39-inch O-rings that can be unscrewed from them if necessary. The clamps hold perfectly and have copper-plated jaws for better conductivity.
This appliance is remarkable for well-structured indicators on the front panel. There are specific buttons to change modes and 4 charge-level lights to show 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the load. When maintenance is activated, only the last green indicator glows. Besides, 4 diagnostic icons to the left display high voltage, damages, reversed clamps, and standby mode. When 4 lights are on simultaneously, it means inappropriate temperature.
The unit has the rating IP65, meaning its full resistance to water. All its cords feature protection from exposure to oil, grease, UV, water, abrasives, etc. The item has 4.41 x 4.48 x 9.1 inches in size, weighing 3.33 pounds.
Pros
- It works with 6-volt AGM batteries and, at the same time, has the ability to supply 12-volt ones.
- The manufacturer has developed an accurate table on the official website to let the users know the charging times of all the vehicles’ batteries with different capacities.
Cons
- The AC cable length is 5.9 feet only.
- A current or voltage meter would be a great addition.
Noco Genius5
While choosing the battery packs for cars, consider GENIUS5 to top off and supply both motor vehicles and watercraft’s 6-volt and 12-volt batteries up to 120 Amp-Hours. The unit can be connected to powersport and agricultural machinery’s batteries. It recovers batteries, even if their initial voltage is equal to zero. Note that for this purpose, it’s necessary to manually activate the force mode by pushing a large button on the left to make all 4 indicators for battery types and voltages glow.
In this car battery charger review, I’d like to know that the appliance is engineered for lead-acid and lithium-ion with different chemistry (flooded, gel, MF, and AGM). It has an inline sensor to measure temperatures and therefore adjust the charging process. The device detects a wide range of issues, including the inappropriately chosen mode, unfit batteries, reversed alligator clips, thermal conditions, and standby mode. If a 12-volt battery is old or sulfated, still being in running order, the device will repair it.
The 1.5-pound device has 4.6 x 2.9 x 1.9 inches in size. The entire pack contains clamps with the integrated eyelets, 2 screws, mounting brackets, and a strap.
Pros
- The device restores batteries to full charge.
- Durable construction is water-resistant that provides safe use regardless of weather conditions.
Cons
- It doesn’t repair 6-volt batteries.
- It would be great to see a cigarette-lighter adapter in the package.
Buyer’s Guide
How to Choose the Best Car Battery Charger?
The following information reveals the choice concerns to ensure a perfect match between the appliance and the battery:
- The first step is to clarify the battery’s voltage, type, and its chemistry to make sure the charger is in line with them. For instance, heavy-duty 12-volt appliances are necessary for vans.
- Then, it’s critical to decide what kind of charge is needed. For example, all the items mentioned above are suitable for both feeding and maintenance.
- Consider the unit’s amperage that should be relevant to the cold cranking amperage ranking.
- Those who need to top off their vehicles’ batteries from flat, should bear in mind models that can handle zero battery’s voltage.
- If the vehicle is used in climates with extreme temperatures, thermal compensation becomes meaningful.
Types of Car Battery Chargers
- Simple trickle chargers are versatile and cheap. Of course, they use a safe low-charging rate but can overload the battery if the user leaves it connected for a long time. These items can be manual and automatic. The most advanced models turn off once they’ve reached a 100% status.
- Smart chargers or maintainers are fitted with microprocessors to control the process based on the feedback. They stop the feeding automatically when the battery gets enough power and maintain it to keep it full. They are the slowest devices that could take a day to the top of the battery. However, they are the safest ones since they exclude overloads.
- Some devices can desulfate and recover dead batteries. It means that they remove sulfate crystals from the plates, make them drop back into the acid, and dissipate. As a result, the battery serves longer and requires less time for charging.
My name is Brandon, and I’ve been interested in cars since I was a kid. I got a bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology and worked in a private car workshop. I have two cars that have been completely upgraded with my own hands. So I successfully put all my knowledge into practice.
Last update on 2023-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API