The Best Car Battery Chargers For 2023

A dead car battery is just as bad as having no gas or a flat tire. It can make you late for work or leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere at the worst possible times.

The best solution for this age-old problem is having a good car battery charger ready to go at any moment. It’s much easier than waiting for someone to give you a jump start and gives you more time to sort out your car’s electrical problems or get your old battery replaced.

Battery chargers are also essential if you have a classic car, motorcycle, or ATV that you rarely use. Just hook up your charger to your battery while it’s in long-term storage and you’ll always be ready to go in no time.

Here’s a comprehensive list of the best car battery chargers in the market today.

1. Battery Tender Junior

The Battery Tender Junior is compact and portable making it very handy and easy to store in your vehicle or garage. It’s made by DelTran – the company that made the Battery Tender brand famous.

It’s better than a standard trickle charger because once you plug it in, it will charge your car battery to full capacity and keep it at that level indefinitely all on its own using its built-in float mode.

It has an LED indicator that will turn green to let you know that your battery is ready to go. You can connect it to your battery via a set of alligator clips or ring terminals which can be easily swapped out using the quick-connect cable.

Key Features:

• Trickle charge with float mode to keep your battery charged at all times
• Compact and portable
• Comes with two connection options alligator clips and ring terminals swappable via quick-connect cable
• Overcharge, spark and reverse polarity protection
• LED indicator
• Rated for 12 volts at 750mA
• AC powered
• 5-year warranty

Also read: Best Jump Starters

2. Schumacher SE-4022

The Schumacher SE-4022 is a professional battery charger that’s perfect for larger garages that maintain lots of batteries with different charge levels.

It has an amp selector that starts at 2 amps and goes all the way to 200 amps. The lower amp settings let you trickle charge or a quick charge a battery, while the highest amp setting can easily jump-start an almost dead battery to get the engine running right away.

It also features a voltmeter that lets you measure how much juice a battery currently has and how much charging time it needs.

Despite its large size and weight, you can still easily move it around your workshop with its large rubber wheels. It also comes with a built-in timer so you can avoid overcharging.

Key Features:

• Jump start, quick charge and trickle charge modes
• Rated output starts at 2 amps all the way to 200 amps
• Voltmeter
• Manual timer
• Compatible with 6v and 12v batteries
• AC powered

3. STANLEY J5C09 JUMPiT

The STANLEY JUMPiT 1000 is a portable and versatile travel companion that’s extremely useful for all kinds of roadside emergencies.

This battery-powered unit peaks at 1,000 amps and can instantly jump start your car in case your battery dies when the weather is cold or if you accidentally leave your lights on overnight. Another major feature is its 120 psi air compressor which can sufficiently pump up your tires in case you’re running low on pressure and you can’t get to a gas station right away.

It’s perfect for both camping and off-roading with its built-in USB charger and 12v DC outlet for your accessories. It even comes with a swiveling LED emergency light that’s useful for roadside repairs. To add to its versatility, it can be charged using AC power or your vehicle’s 12v DC outlet.

Key Features:

• Portable and battery-powered
• Relatively affordable
• 500 amp output that peaks at 1,000 amps
• 120 psi air compressor
• Built-in USB port and 12v DC accessory outlet
• Tire pressure gauge
• Reverse polarity alarm
• Battery charge indicator
• Chargeable via AC or 12v DC outlet
• Convenient carrying handle

4. Black+Decker BM3B

The BLACK+DECKER BM3B Battery Charger keeps your battery fully charged so that your vehicle is always ready to go even if it’s been in storage for a long while. Using the voltage switch, it can charge both 6v and 12v batteries which makes it great for classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles.

Its trickle charge mode slowly tops up your battery, then automatically switches to float mode to keep it fully charged at all times. It has standard overcharge and reverse polarity protection features which make it very easy to use. LED indicators also let you know when the battery is fully charged.

You can connect it to your battery using the included alligator clips and ring terminals, as well as directly to your car’s 12v DC outlet. It also features a durable housing with mounting holes.

Key Features:

• Trickle charge with float mode to keep your battery charged at all times
• 6v or 12v battery switch
• Charges your battery using either alligator clips, ring terminals or 12v DC plug
• LED indicators
• Compact and portable
• Durable housing
• AC powered
• Overcharge and reverse polarity protection
• Charges at 1.5 amps

5. NOCO Genius G750

The NOCO Genius G750 is an easy-to-use trickle charger that automatically switches to float mode to keep your battery fully charged at all times. It has one button that allows you to switch between three different modes – standby, 6v or 12v. You can tell what mode you’re in using the three LED indicators.

The large green LED in the middle of the charger pulses during charging and stays solid once it’s fully charged. Simply keep it plugged in and it will continuously keep your battery topped up for long very periods, which is ideal if your vehicle is in storage. It also has overcharge, spark and reverse polarity protection which makes it very safe to use.

Also Read: Best Jump Starters

It’s compatible with both 6v and 12v batteries so you can use it on cars, motorcycles, ATVs and other recreational vehicles.

The included alligator clips can be easily connected using the quick-connect cable. Additional accessories like a 10-ft extension cord, ring terminal connectors, and a 12v DC plug can also be purchased separately.

Key Features:

• Trickle charge with float mode to keep your battery charged at all times
• LED indicator pulses during charging and stays solid when the battery is fully charged
• Mode selector button lets you switch to standby, 6v or 12v mode
• Overcharge, spark and reverse polarity protection
• Includes alligator clips with quick-connect cable
• Additional quick-connect accessories sold separately
• Charging unit plugs directly into a wall socket
• Charges at 750 mA
• 5-year warranty

6. Battery Tender Plus

The Deltran Battery Tender Plus is more powerful than Deltran’s bestselling Battery Tender Junior. It’s rated for 12v at 1.25 amps compared to the smaller model’s 750 mA. The higher amp rating lets you charge your batteries faster.

This smart trickle charger automatically switches to float mode to keep your battery fully charged for long periods without overcharging. It also automatically adjusts charging rates based on the ambient temperature which makes your battery last longer.

Its design has been continually upgraded over 20 years since its introduction, and now comes with an industry-leading 10-year warranty.

Like the Battery Tender Junior, it comes with two connection options – alligator clips and ring terminals that can be easily swapped with the quick-connect cable.

Key Features:

• Trickle charge with float mode to keep your battery charged at all times
• LED indicator
• Compact and portable
• Comes with quick-connect, cable alligator clips and ring terminals
• Spark and reverse polarity protection
• 12-volt charger rated at 1.25 amps
• AC powered
• 10-year warranty

7. Black+Decker BC6BDW 

The BLACK+DECKER BC6BDW is a compact battery charger that can produce up to 6 amps – resulting in quicker charging times. Once a battery is fully charged, it will automatically switch to float mode to keep your battery fully charged without risking any damage to it.

The durable waterproof housing is IP67 rated which ensures that its internal electronics are protected from moisture and dust, so it’s ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. It also comes with a built-in metal clip and a magnetic back making attachment to any vehicle or work surface convenient.

It comes with two connection options which allow you to charge your battery using standard alligator clips or via your car’s 12v DC accessory outlet.

It has LED indicators to let you know whether it’s still charging, if the battery is already fully charged, or if there’s a malfunction. It also has advanced spark, overcharge and reverse polarity protection.

Key Features:

• Waterproof 12v battery charger rated up to 6 amps
• IP67 rated housing keeps moisture, dust, and oil away from internal electronics
• Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
• Compact and easy to carry
• Built-in metal hook and magnetic back for quick attachment to vehicles and work surfaces
• Intelligent automatic charging system with float mode for long-term charging and storage
• 3 LED indicators to let you know if it’s charging, fully charged, or if an error has occurred
• Comes with two connection options – alligator clips and 12v DC plug
• Compatible with 12v batteries
• 1-year warranty

8. Energizer ENC2A

The Energizer ENC2A packs a relatively high 2-amp rating considering its very compact size.

This smart trickle charger automatically adjusts its charging rate based on how much charge your battery has left. This protects the battery from unnecessary damage and prolongs its useful life. Once the battery is fully charged, the charger switches to float mode and keeps the battery optimally charged for long periods.

It’s compatible with 6v and 12v batteries making it suitable for cars, trucks, motorcycles, motorhomes, and other recreational vehicles.

The Energizer ENC2A also comes with a quick-connect cable that allows you to swap between the included alligator clips or the more permanent ring terminal battery connectors.

Key Features:

• Smart trickle charger with float mode that keeps your battery fully charged at all times
• Compatible with 6v and 12v batteries
• Quick-connect cable with two battery connection options: alligator clips and ring terminals
• Battery voltage selector
• LED indicator lights for either 6v or 12v modes, and connection errors
• Compact and portable housing
• AC powered
• 5-year warranty

9. NOCO Genius G3500

The NOCO Genius G3500 is an extremely versatile battery charger that is not only compatible with standard 6v and 12v batteries, but also with 12v lithium-ion batteries.

The G3500 is rated for up to 3.5 amps which is quite high given its compact size. The higher amp rating allows it to charge batteries much quicker than other small battery chargers and maintainers.

Aside from the advanced battery charging features, the NOCO G3500 is designed with a battery desulfator that restores the charging capacity of old and neglected batteries.

It also has a very rugged housing that features a rubberized base to keep it from slipping around. The housing also boasts an IP65 rating making it water-resistant and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Connecting the NOCO G3500 to your battery is very easy with its quick-connect cable. You can swap between the included alligator clips or the ring terminal battery connectors. NOCO also sells additional connectors such as a CAN Bus plug that makes it compatible and easy to use on more modern vehicles.

Key Features:

• Compatible with standard 6v and 12v batteries, as well as 12v lithium-ion batteries
• Rated output of 3.5 amps for quicker battery charging
• IP65 rated housing makes it water-resistant
• Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
• Rubberized outer shell for extra durability
• Desulfator mode restores battery capacity
• Quick-connect cable with included alligator clips and ring terminals
• Optional connection accessories such as CAN bus connector
• Designed for CAN bus and start-stop equipped vehicles
• Overcharge, spark and reverse polarity protection
• Battery diagnostic mode detects damaged or bad batteries
• LED indicators show battery charge level
• 5-year warranty

10. Schumacher SC1305

The Schumacher SC1305 is a versatile battery charger that can maintain your battery’s charge levels and also jump start your car whenever necessary.

This automatic battery charger has a mode selector button that lets you switch between different amp ratings. The 50 amp mode lets you jump start your engine while the 10 amp boost mode lets you quickly charge up a dead battery safely.

In addition, it has a battery maintainer mode that provides between 2 to 6 amps so you can slowly recharge your batteries and keep it fully charged for long periods. It has smart features that automatically adjusts the charging rate based on the battery’s charge level.

It also has an LED indicator to let you know if it’s connected to a bad battery or if the battery cables are not connected properly.

Key Features:

• Comes with 3 modes: 2 and 6 amp battery maintainer, 10 amp boost, and 50 amp engine start
• Mode selector button
• Charge mode automatically switches to float mode for long term battery storage
• Microprocessor controlled automatically adjusts charging rate
• LED indicator for bad batteries and reverse polarity
• Comes with alligator clips
• Compatible with 12v batteries
• Heavy-duty steel case with carrying handle
• 2-year warranty

11. GOOLOO 1500A

The GOOLOO 1500A is a portable battery-powered jump pack that can be used to give your car a jump start in case your vehicle’s battery goes dead while on the road.

It’s a very compact unit that looks more like a power bank than a jump pack. It has 2 USB ports so you can use it as a portable power bank for all your mobile devices.

It comes with a set of alligator clips that you can hook up to your car battery in case you need to jump start your vehicle. It also has a reverse polarity warning that lets you know if the alligator clips are not properly connected.

It has a DC output plug that you can use to power DC-powered accessories like air compressors or mini-fridges.

This handy car accessory also has a built-in LED light with three different modes. You can use it as a standard work light, a flashing strobe light, or as an SOS signal light.

Charging the GOOLOO 1500A is very easy. Just plug it into a regular USB charger and you’ll be ready to go. It has a battery charge indicator to let you know how much energy you have left.

Key Features:

• Compact battery-powered jump pack
• USB ports for charging mobile devices
• Convenient charging via USB
• Built-in LED flashlight with multiple modes
• Reverse polarity sensor and protection
• DC output plug rated for 15v at 10 amps
• Comes with alligator clips, USB charging cable, USB Type-C cable and carrying case

12. MOTOPOWER MP00205A

The MOTOPOWER MP00205A is a compact battery maintainer that’s rated for 12v at 800 mA. It’s affordable and ideal for keeping your battery at full charge during long term storage.

This smart charger automatically switches to float mode so you don’t have to worry about monitoring the charge level or overcharging your battery. It also features spark and reverse polarity protection which makes it very easy to use.

It has a quick-connect cable so you can easily swap between the included battery connectors. You can use it with alligator clips or a more permanent set of ring terminals.

It also has several LED indicators to let you know what charge mode it’s currently using.

Key Features:

• Microprocessor-controlled battery charger rated for 12v at 800 mA
• Automatically switches to float mode for long-term battery storage
• Overcharge, spark and reverse polarity protection
• LED indicators show the current charge mode
• Comes with quick-connect cable and two sets of connectors – alligator clips and ring terminals
• Small and portable housing
• 2-year warranty

13. Potek Smart Battery Charger

The Potek Smart Battery Charger can recharge severely depleted batteries with its highest charge rate setting.

It has two ways of charging batteries. You can either select the Optimal mode so it can automatically detect which charging mode to use, or you can select the charge rate setting manually and set it to 2 amps, 6 amps or 10 amps.

Once the battery is fully charged, it will automatically switch to float mode to keep it topped up indefinitely until you’re ready to use it. It also has a desulfating mode that automatically restores the charge capacity of older batteries.

The large digital display tells you the current charging voltage and current it’s using, as well as the battery’s charge level. You can switch between different readouts using the Display Mode button.

Key Features:

• Smart charging mode automatically selects the right charge rate
• Manual charge rate option lets you switch between 2 amps, 6 amps, and 10 amps
• Desulfating mode restores charge capacity of older batteries
• Large LCD readout shows charging voltage, charging current and battery level
• Automatically switches to float mode for long-term battery maintenance
• Overcharge, spark and reverse polarity protection
• Built-in fan keeps the unit cool during charging

Also read: 11 Essential Car Maintenance Tips

14. BatteryMINDer 1510

The BatteryMINDer 1510 may look like a small and very basic unit but it is packed with a lot of features you can only find on much larger battery chargers.

Like a lot of other compact battery maintainers, it’s a smart charger that automatically switches to float mode once a battery is fully charged. Just keep it plugged in and it will regularly top up the battery until you’re ready to use it.

One unique feature for a charger of this size is the desulfating mode that restores the charging capacity of old and neglected batteries. It also has an ambient temperature sensor so it can adjust the charging rate to the most optimal level and protect your battery from unnecessary stress and damage.

It also has LED indicators that tell you what charge mode it’s currently using and if the battery connectors are reversed.

It comes with alligator clips and ring terminals which you can easily swap out using the quick-connect cable.

Key Features:

• Smart charger with float mode for long-term battery storage
• Ambient temperature sensor automatically selects the best charging rate
• Desulfating mode restores old batteries
• LED indicators show the current charge mode
• Reverse polarity and overcharging protection
• Rated for 12v at 1.5 amps
• Compatible with 90 to 240v input voltage
• Comes with quick-connect cable and two sets of connectors – alligator clips and ring terminals

How To Choose The Best Car Battery Charger

Car battery chargers come in all shapes and sizes. These essential car accessories are also made with different uses in mind.

The most common ones you’ll see on the market are battery maintainers or battery tenders. There’s a huge market for these types of battery chargers because batteries naturally lose their charge when they’re not being used, especially when they’re subjected to extreme temperatures.

You’ll often see battery maintainers hooked up to classic cars that only get driven occasionally. They’re also popular for recreational vehicles like motorcycles, ATVs, boats, jet skis and motorhomes that often get stored for long periods. A battery maintainer ensures that the battery is always fully charged and the vehicle is ready to go at any given time.

The issue with battery maintainers is that although they’re quite inexpensive, they usually have a much lower amp rating. This results in longer charging times which don’t make them very useful for unexpected emergencies.

If you’re car suddenly won’t start in the middle of winter, you’ll need a more powerful car battery charger with an engine start feature. These battery chargers are larger and offer a higher peak amp rating that can give your battery a quick boost so you can easily start your engine. However, you’ll still need to connect these more powerful battery chargers to an AC outlet, which makes them useless when you’re on the road.

If you’re worried about getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery, you need to pick up a portable battery-powered jump pack that can quickly jump start your car no matter where you are.

Also Read: Best Ceramic Coating For Cars

Jump packs are lifesavers if you have an unreliable car with electrical problems or an older battery that’s not able to hold a charge for very long.

You’ll also want to consider what type of batteries you’ll be using with your battery charger.

If you only have cars and trucks, a 12v battery charger is all that you’ll ever need. But 12v battery chargers and maintainers won’t work on 6v batteries used for RVs and old motorcycles. You’ll have to narrow down your choices to battery chargers that are compatible with both 6v and 12v batteries.

Most popular battery chargers are only designed to be used with standard lead-acid and sealed maintenance batteries. If you intend to use it with modern lithium-ion batteries, you’ll need to pick a compatible battery charger that specifically states its compatibility with lithium-ion batteries.

Conclusion

It’s very possible that you’ll need to purchase more than one car battery charger to make sure you’re always prepared for different types of battery-related emergencies.

With the help of this buying guide, you should be able to narrow down your choices based on your budget and current needs.