If you have a car then we are sure that you would have encountered a situation when your car battery dies out. In such a situation, you may need to tow your car to the garage or you might have to be dependent on any friend to jump-start your car. Sometimes, both of the things are not possible, and towing your car can be quite expensive. The easy solution to this is buying a car battery charger that can help you charge the car’s battery at home. This will save you a lot of money in an emergency.
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There are many car battery chargers available on the market and some of them are also very versatile models that can help you in jump-starting the car. Some models can also help you in inflating a flat tire. The number of options available on the shops is endless and this variety can also make it slightly difficult to choose the right model for you.
We do not want you to go through this gamble of choosing the right model of car battery charger so we came up with a list of top 10 best rated car battery charger according to different consumer reports that are presently available online. Go ahead and check out the reviews in the section below.
Best Buy Battery Charger For Car
Below is the list of the best car battery charger for the money. Check out the detailed review along with the advantages and the disadvantages of these car battery chargers to get a fair idea of the model that you are looking at.
1. DBPOWER 800A 18000mAh Portable Car Jump Starter
Our list starts with a product from DBPower and it is one of the most reliable brands available in the market. It can start your heavy pick-up trucks as well because the power of this starter can deal with the gas engines of 7.2 L and gas engines of 5.5 L. A single full charge can help you in jump starting your car 20 times. This means that you get freedom from frequently charging the battery of this equipment. It also has 2 USB ports that can charge your electrical devices.
Apart from the features listed above, it has a torch light, a strobe light and it can also function as a laptop charger. In case of emergency, when you are lost, you can also use the compass of this car battery charger to find your way. The device is also very compact and it has reverse connection protection as well. Other safety features include short circuit protection, overcharge protection, and over current protection. The display shows you the remaining battery percentage so that you can always be prepared to deal with a situation.
Pros
- This is a multi-utility tool with Jumper, charger, and a torch light.
- The brand offers a 3 year warranty on this starter.
- It has an integrated battery of 18000 mAh
Cons
- Nothing that we could notice.
2. Battery Tender Plus 12V Battery Charger
We have already talked about a bi-tech battery charger which comes with several features. If you are looking only for a simple battery charger then let us present you with this next product from Battery Tender. This is a simple automatic battery charger that is designed to charge the battery at the correct storage voltage. This charger saves the battery from any kind of battery damage because of the trickle charge effect. This car battery charger is also very efficient as the output amperage is 1.25 Amp.
The input power cord of this battery charger is 6 feet in length and the output cables have a length of 4.5 feet. This means that you will be able to run this through your garage very easily without needing any other extension. There are safety features included in the battery and it will protect your car battery in case of reverse polarity. The clamps are spark proof and there is also a temperature compensator integrated into the charger. With this car battery charger, you will be able to charge the battery of scooters, cars, motorcycles, lawnmowers, and even ATVs.
Pros
- Available at an affordable price.
- The charge comes with reverse polarity protection to ensure safety.
- The brand offers a 10 year long warranty on its product.
Cons
- Nothing that we could notice.
3. NOCO Boost Plus 12-Volt Car Battery Jump Starter
If your battery runs out of the charge then the easy solution to the problem is to jump start your car and leave the ignition on for a few minutes. The engine will automatically charge your car. So, the battery jumpers can prove to be quite helpful as battery chargers. If you are looking for something that can serve you during an emergency then this is the one to opt for. It can easily start 6 liters gas engines and 3 liters diesel engines when you plug it in. In addition to this, the technology used in manufacturing this car battery charger makes it very safe to use.
It comes with no spark technology and it also has reverse polarity protection for you there is also a USB port integrated into the system which can charge your phones and other electronic devices. NOCO also integrated a LED light with an intensity of 100 Lumens. This can work as an SOS light, Strobe, or a normal torch. You even get a small carrying case with this car battery charger.
Pros
- It comes with an integrated lithium battery to jump-start your engine.
- The brand offers a 1 year warranty on this car battery charger.
- It has a USB charging port and it also has a torch integrated into it.
Cons
- Nothing as such
4. Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry Jump Starter
At number 4, we have an offering from Clore Automotive and this is also a premium car battery charger available in the market. This also has a battery integrated into it and the voltage capacity of this appliance is 12 volt. It has a peak amp of 1700 on a full charge. It also offers 425 cranking amp. The heavy-duty battery is coupled with heavy duty AQG cables. There is also an integrated automatic charger in this jump starter.
Overall, it is a basic car battery charger that comes with a battery to jump start your vehicle. The battery charger is also installed in this unit that can charge the battery of this equipment. The battery is cut-off once it is fully charged so you do not have to worry about leaving it connected for the whole night to the power source. If you are looking for a basic and affordable car battery charger that can double up as a jump starter, this will be the perfect module for you.
Pros
- This comes with an inbuilt battery that can easily jump start your vehicle.
- The clamps are of industrial-grade quality and they do not spark when you connect them.
- Clore Automotive offers 1 year warranty on this car battery charger.
Cons
- It doesn’t have an integrated torch.
5. Schumacher SC1308 6/12V Automatic Battery Charger
The next on our list is a premium battery charger from Schumacher. The best part about this module is that it can be used as an engine starter and it also has an advanced diagnostic testing module. If you own a big SUV then also you will not have any trouble using this battery charger because it has 100 Amp Engine Starter. The unit also detects the voltage automatically to differentiate between 6 volt and 12 volt batteries. Apart from these features, this unit also has a float-mode monitoring controlled by a microprocessor. The system is capable of charging and maintaining the battery.
It is one of the premium models that you will find in the market. Even the cords of the clamps can be stored inside the unit which reduces the risk of the damage to this car battery charger. It also has an LCD screen on it to show you the status of the battery while you are charging it. Overall, it is one of the best models that you can find in the market.
Pros
- Microprocessor controlled unit for automatic charging and monitoring.
- It also has safety features to protect the battery as well as the car battery charger from any kind of damage.
- It has multiple features like auto voltage detection, float mode monitoring, reverse hook-up protection and diagnostic system.
Cons
- This model is slightly expensive than the other ones.
6. Optima Digital 400 12V Maintainer and Battery Charger
At number 6, we have an option from Optima and this is also a reliable car battery charger that you can buy. It can even work as a battery maintainer for the times when you are not using your car for a long time. The built-in health mode protects your battery and it also monitors the health of the battery. The LCD screen on this car battery charger shows you the status in real-time. The charger can work with your car, motorcycle, or marine automobiles. The connections are going to be spark free and this works in automatic mode.
It is designed to offer to maximize battery life. Lastly, the brand offers a hook stand with this car battery charger so that you can hang it to the wall. If you are looking for something that can also work as a jump starter then you can buy the Optima Digital 1200 that comes with an integrated battery and USB Charging Port.
Pros
- It comes with 3 year long warranty to protect you from a manufacturing defect.
- It works as a battery charger as well as a battery maintainer.
- This is very efficient in recovering the completely discharged battery as well.
Cons
- Some people didn’t like the customer support.
7. CTEK (56-353) MULTI US 7002 12-Volt Battery Charger
If you are looking for an affordable car battery charger then you can also consider this one from CTEK. This is a simple car battery charger which is a universal fit. The package includes the clamps and the charging unit. The machine works automatically and it can automatically charge your battery overnight. There isa status display LED for you which will let you know about the charging status as well. You can use this one for any type of battery and it will charge it very efficiently.
The unit also has a maintenance pulse charging system that can improve battery life and help you deliver a superb performance. Overall, the design of this charging system is very compact so you can even carry it in your glove box. The automatic features protect the battery from any kind of damage.
Pros
- This is one of the simplest yet practical car battery chargers available in the market.
- This car battery charger can recondition the battery and increase the battery life by up to 3 times.
- It works in 8 step mode to ensure proper charging for your car battery.
Cons
- Nothing that we could notice.
8. POTEK Car Jump Starter with 150 Air compressor
If you are running out of luck then you can encounter a drained battery and a flat tire at the same time. The fact is that a lot of people face such a situation when they come back to their truck with a flat tire. We have a car battery charger that can save you from all this embarrassment. This car battery charger is more like a jump starter with an integrated air compressor. The battery can be charged easily and it can then be used in any kind of emergency. It also has a USB port that can charge your phone, iPad, and other electrical devices.
Until now, this is the best model that we came across. It is not only going to save the day in case of a drained battery but also inflating the car tire, motorcycle tire, or even balls. The only downside is that the LED is of low power but otherwise, it has a lot of utility for anyone who buys this car jumper starter kit from POTEK.
Pros
- This has an air compressor and a jump starter integrated into it.
- It also has a USB outlet to charge your devices. There is also a LED torch here.
- The appliance also has a Reverse Polarity Indicator.
Cons
- No warranty information available.
9. Pulsetech Xtreme Auto Charger
Here is another car battery charger and this one is from Pulse Tech. it is designed to charge 12 volt lead acid batteries. You can use this unit for charging the battery or even maintaining the car battery. It features a variable float charge system that eventually improves the health of the battery and it increases the life of the battery. The safety system integrated into this car battery charger ensures that the battery never gets overcharged. It also offers a spark-less user experience that is safe.
If you are looking for a portable charging system that can help you charge the battery using the AC system, this will prove the best purchase for you. It is durable and it going to last for a long time before you even think about replacing it. Go ahead and check out more details about this system and we are sure that you will love this car battery charger.
Pros
- This is an easy to use system that offers spark-less operations.
- This can also be used as a battery maintainer.
- The system is available at an affordable price and it is also quite portable.
Cons
- You need to use it with a surge protection system.
10. Cen-Tech 12 Volt Automatic Battery Charger
Is your having a 125 Ah battery? Are you looking for something affordable? Have a look at this last listing and we are sure that you are going to love it. It is the most affordable option in our list and it can be used to charge and maintain the 12 volt batteries. It features a floating circuit that can maintain a full charge. There is also an overcharge protection system in this and this system can shut off the charging unit when the battery reaches 100%.
There are no settings required to use this machine. You just need to connect it and turn on the power supply. You can use it for charging 5 Ah to 125 Ah batteries. This means that you will be able to use it with ATVs, Bikes, and even cars. Lastly, the cable length of this car battery charger is 53 inches.
Pros
- This is one of the cheapest options that you will find in the market.
- It helps you in maintaining a full charge on your battery without overcharging it.
- The safety feature includes an auto shut system along with the thermal overload protection.
Cons
- Nothing that we could notice.
How To Choose The Best Car Battery Charger
Buying a car battery charger is not as easy as it may sound. Multiple factors are going to impact your choice. To begin with, you need to understand if you just need a normal battery charger, or are you looking for something that can also maintain the battery of the car. There are also some differences between the battery chargers and jump starters. Let us help you in buying the car battery charger by sharing a short buying guide about this. Here are the points that you must consider while purchasing a car battery charger.
→ 1. Type of Battery Charger
You can start by looking at the type of battery charger you want. This includes a choice between the automatic and manual car battery charger. The automatic ones are a lot better as they can easily prevent overcharging of the battery.You can also check the kind of charging mechanism the car battery charger has. There can be a difference in the power source as well. Some of the car battery chargers may come with an internal battery that can double up as a jump starter. Also, ensure that the car battery charger is compatible with the type of battery that is installed in your car. This may differ from a standard battery to a deep cycle battery.
→ 2. Specifications
You must also look at the specifications of the car battery charger. Check for the voltage and the amperage of the car battery charger. This will define the power rating. There are some of the car battery chargers that come with a variable amperage. You will be able to change the amperage between 6 Amps to 20 Amps. Higher the amperage, the quicker the charging will be. It should be noted that high specs would bump up the price of the car battery charger. There has to be a trade-off between the two things.
→ 3. Safety Standards
Safety is of top priority. A faulty car battery charger may cause a fire as well. In such a case, you would want to ensure that you are buying something safe to use. To begin with, check if the battery charger has a reverse polarity alarm. It should also be having an overcharge protection system. Apart from this, buy the ones that have a float mode and battery testers included in them. Lastly, ensure that the clamps of the battery charge have spark proof clamps.
→ 4. Portability
You may take your car battery charger with you on road trips. This can prove to be helpful in case of any emergency. In such a scenario, you want the car battery charger to occupy less space in your car. Ensure that it is portable and it comes with a carrying case. If it is only a charger, we assure you that it will be very portable, but if it is also a jump starter, it may occupy a certain space in the car. Just look at the dimensions to get a fair idea about the portability.
→ 5. Display
You do not want to overcharge your battery. The best possible way to ensure that you are not overcharging the battery is to buy a car battery charger that has a display or an indicator. A battery charge with the indicatory will raise an alarm in case of reverse polarity. This will also help you in ensuring that you do not end up damaging your car’s battery. Some models have a display on them. The display can help you in reading the charge levels of the battery.
→ 6. Extra Features
You can look for the more versatile models that have extra features while buying a car battery charger. For example, you can look for something that is not only a battery charger but that is also a jump starter. Some of them have a USB Phone Charger and an air compressor integrated into them so that you can inflate the tires as well. It is better to consider the car battery charger which comes with this added utility.
→ 7. Price
The price of the car battery charger will vary based on the capacity of the car battery charger. The higher amperage will attract a premium. In addition to this, the models that are loaded with an air compressor or a battery will be a little more expensive than the plain vanilla car battery charger.
→ 8. Warranty
You must also look at the warranty policy applicable to a car battery charger. The norm is 12 months to 2 years but some models offer a longer warranty as well. The maximum that we came across was 10 years. You must only buy a car battery charger that comes with a warranty policy. This will help you in getting complete peace of mind while you are using the equipment.
Battery Charger Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does my car alternator cannot charge my car battery but an external car battery charger could?
A car alternator is designed to charge a battery with a low charge, but, it cannot charge a dead or fully drained battery. This is the sole reason for using an external car battery charger. An external car charger is designed in such a way that it could charge a dead or fully drained battery with ease.
- Should I charge my car battery at 2 amps or 10 amps?
We would recommend charging your car at 10 amps. One of the main reasons why we recommend using 10 amps charging is comparatively faster. In general, if you use a 2 amps charger it would take about 24-hours to fully charge a 48 amps dead battery. On the other hand, if you use 6 amps or 10 amps charger, it could charge your 48 amps car battery within comparatively less time.
- What reading should a fully charged lead-acid battery show?
When it comes to a lead-acid battery that was dead and charged using an external car battery charger if the battery is fully charged or close to full charge, then the reading should be near 13 volts or if it is close to fully charged, it should be between 11 and 13 volts.
- Are brand and warranty important when it comes to an external battery charger?
No, when it comes to car battery chargers, the brand is not important. If you check the market, you would find that majority of the external battery chargers are from brands that are not well-known to most people. Therefore, it is not the brands that you must consider, but the customer reviews. Now, about the warranty, you must not consider purchasing an external car battery charger without a warranty.
- Is it okay to leave an external car battery charger connected to the car battery overnight?
Yes, it is okay to do so, but only if the charger is 2 amps and not 6 amps or 12 amps. You must remember, in general, a 2 amps charger would take 24 hours to charge a 48 amps car battery. However, it takes 3 times less with a 6 amps charger and 5 times less with a 10 amps charger. Therefore, if you are using 6 amps or 10 amps battery, you shouldn’t leave the charger plugged in overnight.
- Trickle charging is better than other charging?
Yes, trickle charging is considered to be the best when compared to other types of charging. However, trickle charging is slow and it is best to prevent overcharging. Therefore, if you are a person who wants the car battery to be charged soon, then trickle charging would not be a wise choice for you.
- Is it important to disconnect the battery from the car system, while charging using an external car battery charger?
There are two cases, if you are using a trickle charger, you need not disconnect the car supply, but if you are using a full power regular charger, you must disconnect it from the car.
Bottom Line
We have covered everything about the car battery chargers. If you are not sure about the model even after looking at the reviews, then you can go through the detailed buying guide associated with the car battery chargers. This guide has all the details that can help you in shortlisting the car battery charger. You can even visit the Amazon page of these car battery chargers and this way you will be able to check out more details about the specific listing.
You can also check if the battery charger that you are buying has other uses as well. Spending a little extra to buy a car battery charger that has multiple purposes can be helpful in the future. Lastly, do share this page with your friends so that they can also invest in a good quality car battery charger.