Maximizing the performance and lifespan of RC models hinges on the choice of battery charger. Whether for racing or leisure, the right RC charger ensures batteries are optimally charged for peak performance.
Key Features
- Voltage and Current Adjustability: Precision is key; look for chargers that allow you to adjust voltage and current settings to match specific battery requirements, preventing overcharge and maximizing battery life. For instance, chargers with a range up to 8.4V for LiPo batteries and adjustable current from 0.1A to 10A offer flexibility for various charging needs.
- Compatibility and Versatility: A top-notch charger supports multiple battery types, such as LiPo, NiMH, or LiFe, accommodating a wide array of RC hobbies. Consider chargers that can handle at least four different battery types, ensuring broad compatibility.
- Safety Features: Overcharge protection, temperature monitoring, and short-circuit prevention are non-negotiable for safe charging. Chargers equipped with an auto-shutoff feature when the battery is full or temperature exceeds safe limits provide peace of mind during the charging process.
We will also discuss some important factors of RC battery chargers in your “Buying Guide” right after our selection of products so make sure you don’t miss that.
Best RC Battery Chargers Table
| RC Battery Chargers | Voltage | Current | Warranty | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenergy RC Battery Charger | -- | -- | -- | Check On Amazon |
| Tenergy Universal RC Battery Charger | 6 to 12 volts | 1 amp to 2 amp | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
| HTRC RC Battery Charger | 11-18V | 10 Amps | -- | Check On Amazon |
| Haisito RC Battery Charger | 3.7V-22.2V | -- | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
| Aorika RC Battery Charger | 3.6 to 9.6 volts | --- | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
| HobbyMate RC Car Battery Charger | 3.6 to 9.6 volts | 0.4 amp to 0.7 amp | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
| SUPULSE RC Battery Charger | 7.4 to 11.8 volts | 1 amp to 3 amp | 1.5 years | Check On Amazon |
Best RC Battery Chargers Reviews
1. Tenergy RC Battery Charger
Tenergy TB-6AB is a versatile battery charger that works with various types of batteries like NiMH, NiCd, LiPO, Li-ion and LiFePO4. This charger can connect to different types of connectors, making it compatible with most hobby battery packs. It can charge batteries fast with its powerful 50-watt capacity. It also keeps batteries safe with features like a temperature sensor and timer.
The TB-6AB charger works with different power sources like voltage (11-18 volts) and home electricity (100-240V, 50/60Hz). It can charge or discharge with a power of up to 50/5 watts and is suitable for Pb batteries in the range of 2-20V. It also supports battery data memory for up to 5 sets of information. It is designed to be convenient for users. It is easy to use and you can customize things like beeping sounds and low battery alerts. It is perfect for both hobbyists and professionals who want an easy way to charge their batteries.
Best Features:
- Versatile compatibility with various battery types.
- Adjustable parameters for customized charging.
- 11-18 volts
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Battery data memory up to 5 data
- Pb batteries in the range of 2-20V
- Charge/discharge power of max. 50/5 Watts
- Charge current up to 0.1 to 5.0A
- Discharge current up to 0.1 to 1.0A
- Safety features like temperature sensor and timer.
Pros:
- Portable and easy to use.
- Enhanced safety measures.
- Suitable for hobbyists and professionals.
Cons:
- Manual does not offer enough information
2. Tenergy Universal RC Battery Charger
Tenergy is quite a popular brand of high-performance products when it comes to battery chargers and other power-related products like the one stated here.
The Tenergy RC battery charger comes at the 1st position of this list since this can be a great pick for those who use heavy-duty batteries. You get a voltage range of 6 volts to 12 volts which is ideal for batteries made for heavy-duty usage.
There is also a pretty good current rating of 1 amp to 2 amp which results in decent charging speeds with the batteries that are compatible with this RC battery charger. Since Tenergy is quite popular and reputable, its RC battery charger includes a 1-year warranty.
Best Features:
- Rated voltage range of 6 volts to 12 volts
- Supports a current output of 1 amp to 2 amp
- Comes with a warranty period of 1 year
Pros:
- Decent charging speed
- Compatible with various high power batteries
- Standard warranty for reliability
Cons:
- Not ideal for smaller batteries
3. HTRC RC Battery Charger
In the world of RC hobbies, the C150 FAST BALANCE RC CHARGER stands out for its adaptability and dependability in the charging process. It’s designed with careful attention to detail, this charger boasts a plethora of features aimed at ensuring the safe and efficient charging of various battery types.
The charger is built with a durable plastic shell for safety and longevity, while its compact design adds to its appeal. With a powerful 150W circuit, it can handle various battery types, including LiPo, LiFe, NiCd, NiMh, Pb, and high-power LiHV batteries. It’s also equipped with a smart cooling fan and heat emission hole to prevent overheating, ensuring consistent performance. It offers protection against reverse polarity, short circuits, over-charging, overheating, and over-current situations, safeguarding both the charger and the batteries.
Best Features:
- Built-in smart cooling fan for heat dissipation
- Multiple protection features for safety
- Adjustable digital DC Power
- Individual-cell-voltage balancing
- Terminal voltage control for precise charging
- Multi-extra functions including resistance check and smart battery support
Pros:
- Wide compatibility with various battery types
- High power output enables fast and efficient charging
- User-friendly interface with LED display for easy monitoring
- Compact and visually appealing design
Cons:
- Audible alerts and fan noise may be too loud for some users
4. Haisito RC Battery Charger
OmniCharge Pro is an advanced battery charger that works with various types of batteries like LiPo, Li-ion, LiFe, LiHV, NiCd, NiMH, PB and Smart Batteries. This charger is strong with a power of 150W and can charge at 10A. It is perfect for both hobbyists and professionals because it can handle a lot of different tasks. It is made to work with batteries from 1S to 6S and it can handle voltages between 3.7V and 22.8V. This means it is compatible with a lot of different devices and uses. The discharge feature gives you more flexibility. It helps you improve and control how your battery performs.
It includes a power cord, cable, balance board and a bag for safety that all you need for charging. The charger comes with an octopus cable with connectors like TAMIYA, TAMIYA mini, JST, T Plug, EC3, TRX and Deans. It’s a high-tech charger that combines power, flexibility, and safety in one cool package. Whether you’re into RC cars, drones or gadgets, this charger is the best for keeping your batteries in good shape.
Best Features:
- LiPo, Li-ion, LiFe, LiHV, NiCd, NiMH, PB, and Smart Batteries.
- Powerful with a 150W maximum power output and 10A peak charging current.
- Accommodates batteries from 1S to 6S, covering a voltage range of 3.7V to 22.8V.
- Discharge function for battery optimization.
- Comprehensive package with AC power cord, DC cable, balance board, and safety features.
- Octopus multi-charging harness with versatile connectors.
Pros:
- Versatile for hobbyists and professionals.
- Efficient charging for a variety of devices.
- Safety features enhance protection.
- Easy-to-use with included accessories.
- Wide compatibility with different connectors.
Cons:
- It cannot charge Tamiya mini due to reversed polarity on plug
5. Aorika RC Battery Charger
Just as you would guess from its name, Aorika is a brand of batteries and their chargers that generally offer decent performance.
Aorika RC battery charger comes at the 6th position of this listicle as it is a fairly compatible RC battery charger. In other words, thanks to its given voltage range of 2 volts to 20 volts, you can expect this RC battery charger to work with most batteries.
To ensure that its RC battery charger stays functional for a long time, it includes safety features like an auto charging stop as well as a 1-year warranty for peace of mind. Unfortunately, despite offering decent charging speeds, this RC battery charger does not mention any current rating.
Best Features:
- Rated voltage range of 2 volts to 20 volts
- Comes with a warranty period of 1 year
Pros:
- Smart charging features for safety
- Decent charging speeds
- Compatible with both small and large batteries
Cons:
- Does not mention a current rating
6. HobbyMate RC Battery Charger
When compared with most other brands of RC batteries and RC battery chargers, Hobbymate and its offerings are much more affordable.
If you are on a tight budget and want a high value for money RC battery charger, then the Hobbymate one can be a viable option thanks to its fairly low price tag. Even at the given price tag, you get a voltage rating of 3.6 volts to 9.6 volts with it for decent compatibility.
In fact, unlike what you would expect from a budget offering, this one offers a fairly decent build quality along with a 1-year warranty. When talking about its performance numbers, it falls a bit behind due to the limited current output of 0.4 amp to 0.7 amp.
Best Features:
- Rated voltage range of 3.6 volts to 9.6 volts
- Supports a current output of 0.4 amp to 0.7 amp
- Comes with a warranty period of 1 year
Pros:
- Highly affordable and budget-friendly
- Pretty high value for money
- Wide range of supported voltages
Cons:
- Not the fastest RC battery charger
7. SUPULSE RC Battery Charger
Despite being a bit on the premium side, SUPULSE and its RC batteries as well as RC battery chargers are known to offer high-performance numbers to the user.
SUPULSE RC battery charger is one of the most powerful options stated in this listicle. This is possible due to its excellent current rating of 1 amp to 6 amp which is designed for larger and heavy-duty batteries.
Similarly, you also get a matching voltage rating of 7.4 volts to 11.1 volts which is set keeping larger batteries in mind. As you would expect at the given price tag, this SUPULSE RC battery charger includes a 1-year warranty making it slightly more reliable than others.
Best Features:
- Rated voltage range of 7.4 volts to 11.1 volts
- Supports a current output of 10.8 amp
- Comes with a warranty period of 1 year
Pros:
- Better reliability than most RC battery chargers
- Quite a high current rating
- Compatible with most heavy-duty batteries
Cons:
- A bit on the expensive side
Buying Guide For The Best RC Battery Chargers
1. Voltage
When choosing the optimal RC battery charger, voltage compatibility stands as a critical factor. Various RC battery types necessitate specific voltage ranges for effective charging. For instance, LiPo batteries, commonly employed in RC vehicles and drones, typically require chargers capable of handling voltages ranging from 3.7V to 22.2V or even higher for multi-cell configurations. Conversely, NiMH batteries have distinct voltage requirements, usually ranging from 1.2V to 12V per cell.
2. Current
Charging current, quantified in amperes (amps), dictates the speed at which a battery can be charged. Chargers with higher current outputs can charge batteries more rapidly, but it’s crucial to align the charger’s current output with the battery’s recommended charging rate. Charging a battery at excessively high currents can result in overheating, diminished battery lifespan, or safety risks such as swelling or leakage.
3. Charging Capabilities
The charging capabilities of an RC battery charger pertain to its flexibility in charging various battery types and configurations. Some chargers are designed for specific battery types like LiPo, NiMH, or LiFe, while others offer multi-chemistry charging capabilities, enabling users to charge different batteries using the same charger.
4. Durability
The durability factor holds significant importance, especially among dedicated RC enthusiasts who frequently navigate various terrains during their RC activities. It is essential to look for features like efficient heat dissipation and built-in protections against overcharging, short circuits, and reverse polarity. These features not only ensure the longevity of both the charger and the batteries but also enhance safety.
5. Portability
A portable charger provides the convenience of charging batteries wherever you are, whether it is at a racing event, during camping trips, or outdoor RC escapades. It is useful for individuals who need to charge RC batteries while on the go or in remote areas without access to standard power outlets.
RC Battery Chargers – FAQs
Ans: RC batteries often have specific voltage and current requirements. Specialized RC chargers are designed to meet these requirements and provide a safe and efficient charging process for different types of RC batteries.
Ans: Consider the type of batteries you use, such as LiPo, NiMH, or LiFe, and choose a charger that supports those types. Also, check the charging current and voltage compatibility with your batteries. Some chargers offer additional features like balance charging, storage charging, and discharge functions.
Ans: It depends on the charger. Some chargers are designed to run on AC power (wall outlets), while others can be powered by DC sources (such as a car battery or a dedicated power supply). Make sure to check the specifications of your charger for compatible power sources.
Ans: Charging time varies based on the capacity of the battery and the charging current of the charger. Larger capacity batteries will generally take longer to charge. It’s recommended to follow the charging guidelines provided by the battery manufacturer.
Ans: Some chargers are designed to be versatile and support multiple battery types, while others are more specific. Always check the charger’s specifications to ensure compatibility with the type of batteries you intend to charge.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting the best RC battery charger for your needs, it’s essential to prioritize efficiency, reliability, and safety. After thorough evaluation, our top three recommendations stand out for their outstanding performance and features.
- The Tenergy RC Battery Charger impresses with its versatility, accommodating various battery types and sizes while ensuring a swift and balanced charging process. Its user-friendly interface makes it suitable for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike.
- For those seeking a budget-friendly yet efficient option, the Haisito RC Battery Charger delivers exceptional value. Its compact design doesn’t compromise on performance, offering reliable charging without breaking the bank.
- Lastly, the HTRC RC Battery Charger stands out for its advanced charging algorithms and comprehensive safety features, providing peace of mind during charging sessions.
