If you walk up to your car and are ready for an exciting day ahead, there can be one instant buzzkiller: a dead car battery. This mess and hassle can be avoided with the use of a compact and affordable car battery maintainer. These devices keep your car battery healthy and charged so that you do not need to worry about the dead battery.
In today’s market, there are many options of the battery maintainer compared to even a few decades ago. So, the buyer can be confused regarding which one to choose from the lot. Therefore, we have made things simpler for you by listing some eminent features so that it makes your job easier.
- Charging Ports: The first thing you need to consider is the number of batteries that you want to maintain with the maintainer. If you are trying to charge for just one battery, then one charging port is enough but if you are trying to maintain two or more car batteries then you need to choose the maintainer accordingly.
- Ampere Supply: This dictates the amount of electric charge that will flow into the battery maintainer. You should go for that battery maintainer that will mid-range ampere supply as high or low supply can both be harmful and damaging.
- Charging Approach: Most battery maintainers follow a 4-step formula to maintain the charge of the battery. Therefore, while choosing the one for you, this feature must be kept in mind.
For more details on the features to consider for the best battery maintainer, we have mentioned the full description in the “Buying Guide” given below. In this guide, we have listed the best battery maintainers with their best features, their pros and cons. Read on to know all about them.
Best Battery Maintainers List
| Battery Maintainers | Input voltage | Output voltage | Weight | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOCO GENIUS1 Battery Maintainer | 120 V | 6V, 12V | 50 lbs | Check On Amazon |
| Black+Decker Battery Maintainers | 120 V | 12 V, 6 V | 1.25 lbs | Check On Amazon |
| FOVAL Battery Maintainer | 12 V | -- | 10.6 lbs | Check On Amazon |
| Motopower Battery Maintainers | 100-240V | 12 V | 11.7 oz | Check On Amazon |
| Nexpeak Battery Maintainers | 110 V | 12 V, 6 V | 15.8 oz | Check On Amazon |
| Noco Battery Maintainers | 120 V | 12 V, 6 V | 1.59 lbs | Check On Amazon |
| Bmk Bluemickey Battery Maintainers | 240 V | 14.7 V | 0.3 oz | Check On Amazon |
| Energizer Battery Maintainers | 120 V | 12 V | 0.9 lbs | Check On Amazon |
| Clore Automotive Battery Maintainer | 120 v | 12 V | 4.7 lbs | Check On Amazon |
Best Battery Maintainers Reviews
1. NOCO GENIUS1 Battery Maintainer
NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Car Battery Charger is a tool for keeping your car’s batteries in good shape. It works with both 6V and 12V batteries, like lead-acid and lithium-ion. It is designed with a wide range of vehicles. This charger can handle different types of power and temperatures. It uses 1A of power and works with voltages from 120V to 240V AC. It can also work in very cold (-4°F) to hot (104°F) weather. It works with a special technology called “pulse reconditioner” to make your batteries last longer and perform better. It works with both gas and diesel cars, which makes it useful for all car owners. And it is also smaller and more powerful (35% more) than the older model, the G750.
GENIUS1 charges batteries much faster than typical chargers. It comes with 3 years warranty. NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Car Battery Charger is all about being powerful, efficient, and easy to use.
Best Features:
- Input Voltage: 120 V
- Output Voltage: 12 V, 6 V
- Compact and Powerful
Pros:
- Efficiently charges and revives dead batteries.
- Versatile compatibility with various vehicle batteries.
- Fast charging reduces downtime.
- Compact design for easy storage.
- Suitable for all weather conditions.
- Prevents overcharging, extending battery life.
Cons:
- May be relatively expensive compared to basic chargers.
- Some users might prefer a higher charging current for larger batteries.
2. Black+Decker Battery Maintainer
These Black and Decker Trickle Charger and Battery Maintainer are compatible with 12- volt and 6-volt batteries. They can help with WET, GEL, and AGM batteries.
These maintained feature ring terminals, battery clamps, 12V/DC outlet and battery charger/ maintainer. This can easily be connected to O-ring terminals and battery clips. The auto-shut-off feature stops delivering charge to the battery when topped off or is fully charged. It switches to float mode monitoring. Moreover, the in-built circuit protection prevents short-circuit, reverse polarity, or overcharging. It is certified by ETL for safety and performance.
The built-in mounting system enables easy placement. It also compensates AC low voltage which enables maximum performance while used with an extension cord.
Best Features:
- Input Voltage: 120 V
- Output Voltage: 12 V, 6 V
- Colour: Multi
- Weight: 1.25 lbs
Pros:
- Can be easily attached.
- Compatible with all 6-volt and 12-volt batteries.
- Auto-shut-off safety feature.
- In-built mounting system.
Cons:
- People did not like the customer service.
3. FOVAL Battery Maintainer
Foval Automatic Trickle Battery Charger 12V 1000mA is the best tool for charging batteries. It makes sure your power needs are met accurately. This smart charger has a special 4-step program designed to protect and improve your battery’s life. It protects your battery from issues like wrong connections, short circuits, too much power, and high voltage.
This charger is very versatile because it comes with connectors that you can attach and detach. It can work with many types of 12V batteries, including those in cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and boats. It has special charging technology, called ISM.
Moreover, it offers a 2-year warranty, solidifying its reputation for quality and reliability. It is lightweight and easy-to-carry design makes it a perfect companion for your active, on-the-move lifestyle.
Best Features:
- Input Voltage: 120 V
- Output Voltage: 12 V, 6 V
- Compatibility with various 12V batteries.
- 2-year warranty for reliability.
- Highly-rated on Amazon.
Pros:
- Ensures battery longevity and peak performance.
- Provides robust protection against potential hazards.
- Versatile, suitable for a range of vehicles.
- Smart technology optimizes charging.
- User-friendly with quick connectivity.
- Warranty for peace of mind.
- Proven high customer satisfaction.
Cons:
- May not support other voltage types.
- Some users may find it relatively expensive compared to basic chargers.
- Not suitable for larger vehicles with higher voltage requirements.
4. Motopower Battery Maintainer
This 800mA all-weather device is a battery desulfator, trickle charger, battery maintainer and battery charger. It is ideal for maintaining and charging 12-volt lead-acid, sealed or flooded free of maintenance batteries.
This device automatically detects all kinds of battery sulfation problems. With the pulse current technology, it can desulfate all kinds of batteries effectively. It also enhances the performance of the battery without any operation manually while charging it. There is zero battery drain when it is connected to the battery, no output in standby mode and is spark proof when having lead connection. It is certified by ETL for safety features which prevent reverse polarity, over-charging and short circuit.
It has an easy operation and increases the lifespan of the battery. The brand also provides a 2-year warranty.
Best Features:
- Input Voltage: 100-240V
- Output Voltage: 12 V
- Colour: Black
- Weight: 11.7 oz
Pros:
- Resistant to all weather.
- Certified by ETL.
- Enhances battery performance.
- Easy operation.
Cons:
- Some buyers felt that it is not appropriate for regular use.
5. Nexpeak Battery Maintainer
This 6 ampere battery charger can repair and change all 12-volt and 24-volt lead-acid deep-cycle, marine and automotive batteries. They are compatible with all the SLA, GEL and AGM batteries.
This is a high-efficiency pulse repair maintainer which detects acid stratification and battery sulfation and can restore the lost battery performance for extended battery life and restoration of battery performance. This device has 8 charging protection smart control, under-charging in winter seasons and temperature compensation in hotter climates, cooling system, reverse protection, fireproof material, short circuit, overvoltage and overcurrent. It can also act as a trickle charger with added protection that enables safety charging at any time.
This maintainer does not need any complicated setup. It is a versatile tool which can be beneficial for your garage.
Best Features:
- Input Voltage: 110 V
- Output Voltage: 12 V, 6 V
- Colour: Black and Red
- Weight: 15.8 oz
Pros:
- High-efficiency pulse repair.
- 8 protection features.
- Alternatively acts as a trickle charger.
- Does not require any complicated setup.
Cons:
- Some people felt that the display and the battery output do not match.
6. Noco Battery Maintainer
This battery maintainer is more powerful and compact in size than its contemporaries. It is an universal charging solution which can alternatively be used as a battery desulfator, float charger, trickle charger, battery maintainer, and battery charger.
This battery maintainer is particularly designed for 12-volt and 6-volt sealed deep-cycle, powersport, RV, marine, lead-acid automobile batteries, which also include lithium-ion, maintenance-free, VRLA, SLA, AGM, gel and flooded batteries. It also features a digital thermal sensor that senses the ambient temperature and changes the charge to prevent over-charging in warm climates and under-charging in cooler climates.
Further, it can charge the battery which is as low as 1-volt, and recharge dead batteries by bringing them to 0-volts. Additional features like acid stratification and battery sulfation detection to slow pulse reconditioner recognition technologies help to maintain the batteries and extend their lifespan.
This is a fully-automatic battery maintainer. It is compatible with all kinds of diesel and petrol engines and several vehicles.
Best Features:
- Input Voltage: 120 V
- Output Voltage: 6V and 12V
- Colour: Black
- Weight: 1.59 lbs
Pros:
- Powerful and compact in size.
- Versatile tool.
- Features a digital thermal sensor.
- Fully-automatic.
Cons:
- Some users do not recommend it as a trickle charger.
7. Bmk Bluemickey Battery Maintainer
This is a 5A battery maintainer with the input voltage of 100-240V and output voltage of 12V. It is suitable for all kinds of batteries ranging from 15-100 Ah. They also work with the batteries more than 100 Ah but they just need extra time.
It has a 4-stage charging operation for the battery by the controller. The percentage markings of 25%/ 50%/ 75%/ 100% to monitor the charging process and indicate the electricity quantity. The auto-shut-off feature restricts the battery from overcharging. The LED indicator can effectively show the different charge settings. With the improved 72 hours safety protection feature, this product saves marginal batteries from overcharging. The ABS construction protects polarity reverse, overload, OC/ OV/ short circuit. Further, the high reliability and stable performance avoids overcharge and discharge of the batteries.
This can also operate as a vulcanization functioner and is lightweight which increases portability. Alternatively, it can be used as a trickle charger.
Best Features:
- Input Voltage: 240 V
- Output Voltage: 14.7 V
- Colour: Black
- Weight: 0.3 oz
Pros:
- Charges all batteries from 15-100 Ah.
- 4-stage charging operation.
- ABS construction.
- Stable performance.
Cons:
- Some people had issues with the packaging.
8. Energizer Battery Maintainer
This is a 2 ampere automatic battery charger which can switch between the float mode and charging mode monitoring.
These battery chargers or maintainers feature a 7-step high-frequency technology designed for charging which provides enhanced charge to the batteries. They are highly compatible for 6-volt and 12-volt automotive, lead-acid batteries. Also, these battery maintainers enable easy connectivity with the included O-ring terminals and battery clips.
The battery maintainer is approved by ETL. The brand offers a 5-year replace and repair warranty with technical and specialised customer support.
Best Features:
- Input Voltage: 120 V
- Output Voltage: 12 V
- Colour: Black
- Weight: 0.9 lbs
Pros:
- Compatible with 2 ampere batteries.
- High frequency 7-step technology.
- 5-year warranty.
- Certified by ETL.
Cons:
- Buyers faced problems with the design of the maintainer.
9. Clore Automotive Battery Maintainer
Clore Automotive PL2320 is a user-friendly, smart battery charger designed for effortless use. It’s a versatile charger that works with many types of car batteries, keeping them in good shape. No matter what vehicle you have, this charger helps your battery work its best.
What truly sets the PL2320 apart is its advanced multi-phase charging system. It embraces batteries of all sizes and types, adapting seamlessly to their unique requirements. This charger has a special gentle start mode for very weak batteries and a mode to revive old, struggling ones. If you’re storing your vehicle for a while, this charger’s maintenance mode keeps your battery in perfect shape.
A simple selection of battery type and charge rate sets it into action, with no complexities to baffle users.
Best Features:
- Input voltage: 120 v
- Output voltage: 12 v
- Colour: Gray
- Weight: 4.7 lbs
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Compatible with a wide range of vehicles
- Enhanced safety
- Extends battery life
- Durable
Cons:
- Not for advanced users
- Relatively high price
- Not for non-lead-acid batteries
Features To Consider Before Selecting a Battery Maintainer
When people think about selecting the battery maintainer, they think that one product suits all the vehicles and that there are not many things to consider when looking for a battery maintainer. Until some years back, this would have held true due to the limited options available in the market but not in today’s market. In the following sections, we have listed some of the important factors to consider while buying a battery maintainer.
1. Charging Ports
There needs to be at least one charging port , but if you are looking for a product applicable for more than one battery, then the battery maintainer needs more capacity. Firstly, you need to check the quantity that will make sure that there is capability to handle the needs of the buyer. Secondly, you need to look at the circuit to ensure that the stations are independently wired individually. This consideration helps to stop batteries from being simultaneously charged and restrict the electric overlap, to pull power from each other.
2. Ampere Supply
Ampere is the measurement of the current, which indicates how strong the electric flow into the battery. Most of the battery maintainers work around two amperes. Now, high electric flow might sound better for most products but for the battery maintainer, one should go for the mid-range electric flow. If the ampere supply is too high, then the battery might get an overcharge while if it is too low, there might not be any maintenance on the battery. Battery maintainers need the right kind of electric supply to the battery.
3. Approach For Charging
Most of the battery maintainers in the market today have a 4-step charging approach. The first step is the initialization process where the maintainer starts and needs to be connected to the battery. Then, the microprocessor recognises the required charge which then moves to step two which is bulk charge.
When the maintainer receives the full 80% of the battery, it moves to the third step, that is absorption. When the voltage flow is steady, the system brings down the ampere. The last stage is the float mode. In this stage, the ampere only applies when the battery needs to be maintained which prevents overcharging of the battery.
4. Safeguards
One more eminent feature to consider is the safeguards of the battery maintainers. There are several safety features which are there in the newer options after experiencing the drawbacks of the maintainer. You should look out for safety features like short-circuit protection and overcharging issues. There are several other additional safety features like ampere and voltage limits, that provide protection against reverse polarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Yes, you can keep the battery maintainer on as most of these products stop giving the charge once the battery is fully charged. Actually, the consistency of the battery is improved if it is turned on continuously
Ans: Well, they are mostly similar but the battery maintainer is a better and enhanced product than the battery maintainer. The trickle chargers allow a small charge to the batteries while the battery maintainer will adjust the flow of electrical current and return current or shut it down when necessary.
Ans: No, the battery maintainer cannot bring the dead battery back to life but it can save a battery from dying if it is low on charge.
Ans: Yes, the battery maintainer can increase the lifespan of your battery by consistently charging it and preventing the damage caused due to the draining of charge of the battery.
Ans: Yes, you can turn the engine of the car on with the battery maintainer connected but make sure that you do not keep it going for too long.
Final Word
With this guide at your disposal, choosing the correct battery maintainer will be quite easy for you. We have tried to solve all your questions regarding this topic but if you still have doubts, you can write to us in the comments section below.
- If you are here for the suggestions, we have listed our top three favourites. The first pick from the list is NOCO Battery Maintainers. This is a compact and powerful tool that is versatile and features a digital thermal sensor.
- The second recommendation from the list is BLACK+DECKER Battery Maintainers. This can be easily attached and has an in-built mounting system for secure and easy placement
- The third and final choice from the list is MOTOPOWER Battery Maintainers. It is resistant to all kinds of water. It is certified by ETL.
