The Best Car Battery Chargers of 2024

The Schumacher SC1281 is a versatile charger, capable of both charging batteries over time and jumpstarting large car batteries in SUVs and trucks. The charger can handle both six-volt and 12-volt batteries, making it perfect for charging everything from motorcycles and small watercraft to boats and trucks. The charger is fully automatic, adjusting the amperage as needed, with integrated diagnostics to ensure your batteries get charging safely and with maximum efficiency.

Unlike most car-battery chargers, the Schumacher SC1281 gives you the emergency support you need. The integrated jumpstart feature has two modes, depending on your situation. The first is a 30-amp quick boost to get your battery over the hump. If the battery is committed to not starting, however, then the 100-amp jumpstart is powerful enough to start your car, such as an SUV or truck, or boat.

The CTEK 40-206 automatic battery charger is one of the highest-rated chargers on the market for 12-volt batteries. This charger features built-in temperature compensation, to adjust the charge rate to match the ambient temperature; a desulphation and reconditioning mode to restore battery life and power to aging batteries; and safe, convenient “set it and forget it” features to prevent overcharging when your battery is left unattended for extended periods.

The 40-206 also has a dedicated AGM mode, making it perfect for charging absorbent glass mat batteries. If you’re looking to charge a 12-volt battery for your vehicle or equipment, then it’s hard to go wrong with the CTEK.

If you own a Ford, this automatic “plug-and-play” charger and maintainer can extend the lifespan of your car or truck’s battery or get you safely back on the road in a hurry. The manufacturer calls it “one of the fastest, most efficient consumer chargers available,” and it’s versatile enough to handle any 12-volt lead-acid battery.

Specifically, it’s known to work great with the Ford Bronco (1970–77), F-150 (2009–21), Fiesta (2014–19), Focus (2013–19), Ford Mustang (2005–21), Ford Ranger (2019–20), and Super Duty (2005–20). There’s no special warranty included, but Ford offers a 30-day return policy if you hang on to your receipt.

The Ampeak smart battery charger is a great option for charging all kinds of 12-volt lead-acid batteries. This unit automatically selects the proper charging rate for your battery—from eight, 12, or 15 amps—allowing you to charge GEL, AGM, and STD lead-acid batteries. With its multi-stage precision and ongoing monitoring, there’s no worry about overcharging or undercharging the battery, regardless of the temperature.

The advanced LCD display sets this unit apart from similar chargers, giving you an easier and more immediate view of your battery’s status. Whether you’re charging a car, motorcycle, boat, ATV, or RV lead-acid battery, the Ampeak charger can handle it.

The NexPeak 10-amp car-battery charger is a go-to solution for charging both 12- and 24-volt lead-acid batteries. The NexPeak offers a seven-stage quick-charge feature for a faster charging speed. The unit also offers eight levels of protection for your batteries, including smart controls, temperature controls, reverse protection to prevent damage to the charger, a cooling system, fireproof materials, and overvoltage protection. In addition, the unit automatically attempts to repair the function of your battery, restoring life and power.

The LCD screen and simple installation make this charger an easy-to-use option for anyone looking to charge their car, motorcycle, or boat battery.

The Noco Genius 5 is a five-amp automatic smart charger, designed for five- and 12-volt batteries. Beyond simply charging your batteries, this product is a full-battery maintenance station. It features a charger maintainer to keep the battery at optimum power without overcharging. It also includes a desulfator to recover some of the battery performance that is inevitably lost over time. Finally, the Noco Genius 5 includes thermal sensors to adapt the charging rate to the ambient temperature, preventing overcharging in hot climates and undercharging in cold.

Genius 5 is universal. It works as a trickle charger, float charger, and more, making it compatible with numerous types of batteries—deep-cycle, lithium-ion, and more. This means that it can work with a wide variety of vehicles, from lawnmowers to ATVs and motorcycles to cars, SUVs, and trucks.

This Battery Tender 4-Amp Automatic Battery Charger and Maintainer is made to fully charge your vehicle before automatically switching to float mode in order to sustain correct levels of voltage. It’s easy to use, and makes it simple to transition battery types, such as from flooded to lithium-ion batteries. Overall, this portable and lightweight charger will keep your vehicles performing well.