If you are tired of getting stuck on a road trip because your car battery has dried up or something, then it’s time for you to be surprised by the best portable car battery charger. With the help of these, you no longer must spend large amounts in getting all new batteries because the old one is going to be fully charged and functional in no time.
In addition to the unending features it comes in with, these portable car batteries have the easiest installation, and the types they come in are enough to please your eyes and facilitate you in your time of need.
So, you need not worry anymore because the portable car batteries are here to save your day.
Why Best Portable Car Battery Charger Needed
Now that you plan on getting the best note that it will be fair only when you choose from the best. There are so many things that you need to keep into consideration while looking out for the best portable car battery.
To make things easy for you, I have taken the liberty to highlight the products that meet a very specific standard that is viral in the current market. Also, the standards that are well preferred by many users are being discussed.
So, let’s get started with the best portable car battery that you could easily use in times of need.
Comparison Table of Top 13 Portable Car Battery Charger
Our 12 Picks of Best Portable Car Battery Charger
1. NOCO GENIUS5, 5-Amp Fully Automatic Smart Charger
I have always longed for a 6V and 12V battery charger, maintainer and desulfator that has temperature compensation and now it’s time that you meet the GENIUS5 that is known to be an all in one solution to your everyday battery issues.
What I love about this battery is that it offers precision charging and contains an integrated thermal sensor that not only detects temperature, but it also alters charging to eliminate overcharging in hot climates and undercharging in cold climates.
And guess what’s the best part about it? This portable car battery charger charges dead batteries as low as one volt.
In addition to this, it also has the all-new Force Mode that allows you to take control and to begin charging dead batteries down to zero volts manually.
This charger also allows you to restore your battery in that it automatically detects battery sulfation and stratification of acid to restore the performance of batteries that gets lost. This, in turn, strengthens the engine and gives your battery an extended life.
Speaking of the maintenance, it’s not just a trickle charger; in fact, there is an advanced battery maintainer that acts as a worry-free charger for everyday use and that too with zero overcharges.
The best part about this charger that I saw was that it has its compatibility with all types of vehicles and also it charges and maintains cars, motorcycles, lawnmowers, ATVs, tractors, trucks, SUVs, boats, classic cars, hot rods, and more – you name it.
On the downside, there is no water resistance for these portable chargers, but that is just one factor, and if you observe the rest of the features that this product has to offer, you will be amazed to go for it.
- Precision charger makes sure there isn’t any over/under-charging
- Is compatible with a wide assortment of vehicles
- Restores all type of battery perfectly to peak performance
- Comes with an elaborative instruction manual
- Can be damaged if exposed to water
- Will be damaged easily on impact
Bottom Line
I recommend the NOCO GENIUS5 to all users out there. My premium pick for you all, I think this model has the potential to go a long way and you should definitely give it a shot!
2. Schumacher SC1281 6/12V Fully Automatic Battery Charger
My experience with the Schumacher SC1281 has been great. I loved how a fully automatic battery charger is, and it surely was enough to give powerful supply to my SUV. Yeah, you heard it right. This supply is powerful enough to start SUVs, trucks, and large batteries.
This product proved fruitful in diagnosing electrical problems that I had with my vehicle. The product also includes a multi-stage charging and auto-voltage detection for added precision, safety, and battery life. The best part about this is the UL Safety Certifications.
In addition to this, I could easily control this portable product by a microprocessor, which automatically adjusts the amperage rate to charge & maintain. Also, through its multi-stage charging, I was able to experience the added precision, safety & battery life that the product offers.
Next up is the Battery and Alternator Tester that literally helped me up to my charge level and helped diagnose electrical problems and how I can miss the amazing LED display, indicators, and push-button controls.
The auto-voltage detection is also there that automatically detects 6- or 12-volts batteries. In addition to this, there is reverse hook-up protection, which means that the charger will not operate if clamps are reversed.This proves to be the downside that the reverse hook-up protection ensures that the charger will not operate if clamps are reversed. But on the brighter side, the charger charges standard, AGM, gel, and deep-cycle batteries.
- Has a sleek overall aesthetic appeal to it
- The reverse hook-up protection keeps the battery safe
- Uses multi-stage charging for optimal performance
- LED displays is easy to read off
- The clamp springs aren’t that sturdy
- Instruction manual isn’t that good or elaborative
Bottom-Line
I recommend the Schumacher SC1281 to all type of users out there who want the perfect blend of aesthetics and performance.
3. CTEK (40-206) MXS 5.0-12 Volt Battery Charger
Whenever I am looking for features of Simplicity, Practicality, Speed, Reliability, Recondition, Saving Battery? The CTEK battery charger and maintainer amazes me with the un-ending features.
I got to have a hand on experience on a portable charger that charges batteries up to 110Ah. In addition to this, it also maintains larger batteries up to 160Ah. Isn’t that cool? It sure is the best one from the portable charger list that charges batteries up to this degree, and that’s the coolest thing about this one
The best part that I liked about this is the unique reconditioning mode, a built-in temperature sensing capability. This product is Polarity Protected that has Premium Input and Output Cable with Robust Strain Relief.
The other best feature is the multi-car garage kit that comes handy with this product. This product is not only a CTEK battery charger but also a maintainer. I was amazed to experience the unique reconditioning mode.
On the downside, the temperature sensing does not protect from heat or cold, and there is no water resistance too.
- Completely sealed units protect from any electrical surges
- Comes equipped with its own carry/storage bag
- The charger is small and easy to transport
- Recondition feature restores over-discharged batteries easily
- The alligator clips plastic covers are fragile
- Doesn’t feature a jump start settings
Bottom-Line
If you don’t mind the cons above, then the CTEK (40-206) is a pretty good pick. I’d recommend going for it!
4. Schumacher DSR131 ProSeries Battery Charger and Engine Starter
Next up is the Schumacher DSR131 ProSeries Battery Charger and Engine Starter. This product helped me charge standard, AGM, and Gel and deep-cycle batteries.
The feature I liked the most is the boost mode that quickly brings deeply discharged battery back to life. In addition to this, there is this Voltage and LED indicators, push-button controls that are cherry on top. These are the very additional features that provide you with ease and facilitation while handling the whole product.
The best part about these is the fact that this product brings in the discharged batteries of all sorts of cars to life, and that is done by the boost mode. The boost mode gives a current of 50 Ampere that is enough to prove to you its magic.
Lastly, the microprocessor controller is there to adjust the amperage rate automatically. This literally was a life savior that helped me to charge and maintain.
On the downside, there is no water resistance and thermal sensing, which is a con, but the rest of the features are enough to help you decide and get your hands dirty on this product.
- The LED display is easy to read off of
- Allows for automatic adjustment of amperage rate for optimal performance
- Suitable for all type of batteries
- Easy to move around
- The cord to wall is pretty short
- No cord storage when they’re not being used
Bottom-Line
The heavy-duty Schumacher DSR131 is a great model to consider if you’re planning on keeping one in the garage. If you don’t mind the cons, go for it!
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5. Battery Tender 5 Amp, 12V Battery Charger, Battery Maintainer
I have had the most amazing experience with the fully automatic battery charger for cars, trucks, SUVs, and more that is a smart automotive battery charger that works both functions, be it a battery tender or a charger or a battery maintainer.
This is the best part about this product that it works dual functions, and not only that, it is also available for the majority of the trendy vehicles. It is indeed a smart automotive battery charger that is a must-have for your garage and for you, of course!
This has a 5-ampere volt charger or maintainer, and the whole product is resistant to water due to factory-installed gasket.
I got amazed to know about its input voltage is 120VAC @ 60 Hz. In addition to this, the product is UL/CSA, CE, and BC approved. It also offers a 4-Step Fully Automatic Charging (Initialization, Bulk, Absorption, Float)
On the downside, it is not available for motorbikes, but the good part is, the product has got you all covered. Be it a car, truck, or an SUV. This vehicle is for all. Even if it has little features, but if you are considering buying something as your first shot, then this surely is the go-to option for you all.
- The frame is water-resistant due to gasket
- Very easy to install and get the hang of
- Small size makes it easy to store and travel with
- Can double as a maintainer as well
- The instruction manual isn’t informative or good
- The unit gives little information as to what’s going on inside
Bottom-Line
Small, compact, and easy to the use, the Battery Tender is a great model if you’re planning to bank on more portable type of models!
6. Optima Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Charger and Maintainer
I simply love the Optima Digital as it functions both as a battery charger and maintainer. The optima digital charges batteries that other chargers cannot.
I was amazed to see that the product has an integrated charging clamp LED work light that has nonslip grips, and the best part is that it Charges, conditions and maintains 12V AGM and flooded batteries.
For ease in operations, it has an LCD battery charging gauge and quick-set selections. In addition to this, there is a Charging port that is compatible with all sorts of smartphones, cameras, and tablets.
The most noticeable feature I came across is that this product can charge batteries that cannot be charged with other products. Yeah, you heard that right. Also, the most interesting part is that it Charges faster than competitive chargers with up to two times the output
This product also helped me recover deeply discharged batteries and helped in extend battery life. It’s very easy to read, bright, backlit LCD gauge that displays battery charging, fill rate, mode settings and fault messages, this charger offers one of the best user interfaces.
Now speaking of the features, the product includes Maximizing battery life and performance with OPTIMA Batteries’ built-in battery health mode, Hybrid LED battery charging gauge with LCD display, hook it and tilt it with the dual-purpose stand design or hang it with included wall organizer bracket
Coming to the benefits of Optima Chargers, they have Microprocessor-controlled charging. Intelligent and efficient technology charging.
Advanced safety features including no spark, reverse polarity, diagnosis of several battery faults, and failures to prevent overcharging. It also recovers deeply discharged batteries and extends battery life and maintains battery performance by inhibiting and breaking up sulfation in your battery.
On the downside, I couldn’t enjoy the heat resistance and thermal sensing feature that is usually available for other products.
- Has a USB charging port which can be used for electronics
- Features quick-set selections for easy operation
- Micro-processor tech charges batteries faster
- Recovers deeply discharged batteries and extends battery life
- Doesn’t come with any storage bag
- The screw placement is very thin
Bottom-Line
I recommend the Optima Digital to all type of users out there who are looking for something reliable and easy to operate!
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7. Associated Equipment US20 6/12 Volt Value Battery Charger
This is the ideal battery charger for the small shop or do-it-yourself user that features a continuous rating at 6/12 volts with cranking assist. I personally love the manufacturer boost rating, and the fact that this product comes with a timer is simply wow.
The fan-cooling mechanism is amazing. It prevents overheating and significantly extends the life of the charger.
The best part you will find about this product is that it’s convenient to handle with grip and quality steel foot, which is there for long-lasting use. Also, it is listed for the US and Canada.
This product stays safe in all sorts of weather. So, you need not worry if it’s too hot or too cold.
It is an ideal battery charger for the small shop or do-it-yourself user. Also, there is the fan cooling mechanism prevents over-heating and significantly extends the life of the charger
On the downside, there is no ETL Certification and water resistance, but other features are enough to please the users.
- Ergonomic handle design makes maneuvering easy
- Can be operated in all type of weather
- Very easy to use and get the hang of
- Doesn’t overheat due to the fanning mechanism
- Doesn’t really add any presentation value
- Storing when not in use is a little challenging
Bottom-Line
The Associated Equipment is a solid heavy-duty manual that I would recommend to all users out there, especially professionals!
8. Clore Automotive PL2320 6/12V Battery Charger/Maintainer-20 Amp
Combining fully automatic operation and the ability to charge multiple battery types properly, the Pro-Logix is the charger to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s professional technicians.
I love how it is intelligent, beneficial, safe, and versatile – one charger does it all, from fast charging and battery repair to battery maintenance and long-term storage charging.
Plus, with the ability to properly charge virtually any lead-acid battery type, it is the only charger you will need. Flooded, AGM, gel cell, spiral wound, marine, and deep cycle batteries all can be charged right with this battery charger
This battery chargers’ charges and maintains 6- and 12-volt batteries. Then we have a fully automatic operation with the advanced multi-phase charging process.
In addition to this, they have a power supply mode that provides stable power to maintain system voltage for use in a wide variety of applications.
Combining fully automatic operation and the ability to charge multiple battery types properly, the PRO-LOGIX PL2320 is the perfect charger to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s professional technicians.
On the downside, there is no water resistance, but there are more features that need your utmost consideration.
- Can be used for a wide variety of batteries and applications
- Multi-phase charging ensures battery longevity
- Has a simple interface that makes application easy
- Cables wrap around and clamp nicely to the bottom
- The instruction manual is really bad
- No ETL Certification
Bottom line
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics, I would highly suggest going with this model!
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9. Battery Minder 1510: 12 Volt-1.5 Amp Battery Charger, Battery Maintainer
Are you looking for an extended battery life with sensors and capacity to facilitate four batteries at a time?
Then you are at the right stop. Certified Efficiency means that not only is this unit FCC Certified as meeting or exceeding the requirements set forth for electronics products by this commission.
This product has a multi-Talented Performance, which means that if you’re looking for versatility, look no further!
The Battery Minder can be used for charging, maintaining, or recovering batteries. The unit uses automatic full-time high frequency (not high voltage) that is ideal for helping you recover weak batteries.
The best part is that this product works with a Variety of Battery Types-Flooded, sealed, maintenance-free, starter, deep cycle, Optima brand sealed AGM, and marine batteries — the Battery Minder handles them all. This unit can even maintain up to 4 batteries at one time when connected in parallel.
I simply love the dependable Protection that is there for your safety, the well-being of your battery, and your own peace of mind; this charger system is equipped with built-in reverse polarity, short circuit protection, and over-temperature protection.
Then we have the AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR – Installed temperature compensation precisely adjusts battery voltage based on temperature sensor readings.
This ensures your battery will always be properly charged and maintained no matter what conditions it is subject to. Reverse polarity short-circuits and over-temperature protection.
FOUR BATTERIES AT A TIME!! Yeah, you heard it right. The product maintains up to four batteries at a time when connected in parallel.
- Can attend to 4 batteries at one given time
- Easy to store and travel with
- Automatically adjusts battery voltage based on temperature
- Comes with a great length of charging cord
- Isn’t suitable for cycle charging
- Doesn’t last long on foreign voltage
Bottom-Line
If you’re looking for an easy to use model that’ll get the job done, then the BatteryMINDer 1510 is a great choice to go with!
10. STANLEY BC15BS Fully Automatic 15 Amp 12V Bench Battery Charger/Maintainer
The 15-amp bench battery charger maintains and charges any AGM, GEL, or WET automotive or marine 12V battery. Its fully automatic high-frequency charging delivers 3 stage charging, automatically switching from fast charge, to top-off, to trickle charge.
You can now easily get back on the road in minutes with the STANLEY BC15BS 15-amp bench battery charger with a 40-amp engine start. This products’ battery needs maintenance, so you just connect the battery charger clamps to the battery terminal and press charge.
The bench battery charger automatically does the rest for optimum performance. Fully automatic high-frequency charging delivers 3 stage charging, automatically switching from fast charge, to top-off, to trickle charge.
You can now charge and maintain any AGM, GEL, or WET automotive or marine 12V battery. It’s equipped with a digital LCD screen that displays charging status and battery status with easy to understand icons.
It also features a patented alternator check to evaluate the battery voltage under load to indicate if the alternator is maintaining the battery level.
This battery charger eliminates the need to manually input settings like battery type and size and charges up to 40 percent faster than other conventional chargers.
Speaking of the battery reconditioning feature, it helps extend battery life; a 40-amp engine start helps start your vehicle in about 90 seconds. It is also equipped with reverse polarity protection; LCD screen displays charging status and battery status with easy to understand icons.
On the downside, there is no resistance to heat, and thermal sensing is available.
- Comes equipped with reverse polarity protection
- LCD screen display makes it easy to get note of charging status
- Features automatic charge operation
- Gears up battery for performance in under 90 seconds
- The fan is very susceptible to damage
- The overall frame isn’t that sturdy
Bottom-Line
If the cons don’t concern you, then the STANLEY BC15BS is a good pick to go with!
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11. MOTOPOWER MP00205A 12V 800mA Fully Automatic Battery Charger/Maintainer
The most Compact, Smart & Durable product, which can charge all types of 12V lead-acid batteries, including flooded or sealed maintenance free batteries (AGM & gel cell).
It’s the best smart charger for automotive, motorcycle, marine, RV, Powersport, lawn garden, children toys, etc. It is also fully automatic, so there is no need for any manual operation.
I like the microprocessor-controlled program that will monitor the whole charging progress and automatically stop when the battery is fully charged.
Then it will monitor the battery voltage and maintain the battery with a float charging current. The product also has zero output in standby mode without connecting with the battery to save energy.
Speaking of Multi-level Safety Protection & Battery Rescue, there is this Microprocessor Controlled program, so there is no worry about overcharge, short circuit and reverse polarity. Spark-free technology applied.
Featured Constant Pulse Current Maintenance function helps the battery avoid excessive charge and discharge. It will extend battery life and recover batteries more effectively.
On the downside, there is no heat resistance or thermal sensing.
- Allows for automatic charging for long-term use
- Prevents all type of overcharging or short circuit
- Has a compact and durable frame
- Current Maintenance function helps the battery avoid excessive charge
- The lead for attaching to battery is a little short
- Plugs are a little too tight; hard to deal with
Bottom-Line
The MOTOPOWER MP00205A is a compact and easy to use model that packs a lot in its little frame. If you don’t mind the cons mentioned above, then I’d recommend that you go for it!
12. Foval Automatic Trickle Battery Charger 12V 1000mA Smart Battery Charger
Are you looking for Safety with ETL Listed? Then you are at the right stop. Providing you with Spark proof during lead connection, reverse polarity protected and includes an 8-foot output cord.
This product is perfect for all lead-acid, flooded, or sealed maintenance-free batteries (AGM and gel cell). Also, a Complete 4-step charging program (Initialization, Bulk Charge, Absorption Mode, Float Mode) is an added feature for this product, which I literally love.
Speaking of the dimensions, the product has a small size and suitable for most Vehicles which means that it adapts to all kinds of 12V battery for automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, RVs, boats, airplanes, golf carts, back-up generator systems lawn mower, etc.
This product has the intuitive LED indicators provide visual state-of-charge feedback and diagnostic information, even when in maintenance mode.
Lastly, It will charge and maintain your battery so that it is ready to go when you are! It’s lightweight, fully automatic and easy to use
On the downside, there is no water and heat resistance.
- Reverse Hook-up Protection
- ntuitive LED indicators provide visual state-of-charge feedback
- Perfect for all lead-acid, flooded or sealed maintenance free batteries
- Can be used for all type of vehicle batteries
- No water resistance
- No heat resistance
Bottom-Line
The Foval Automatic Trickle Battery Charger is an easy to use model that will make your life easier. I highly advocate for its use!
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Things to consider when buying the best portable car battery charger
For many things are being discussed above with each product and its type.
Here are a few things that you should keep in mind and watch out for when choosing a model for yourself!
Resistance
Usually, chargers come with resistance features where it’s resistant to heat, oil, punctures, and what not.
But make sure that you don’t pay all your attention to this one feature and leave the rest of the main ones. This is one of the deciding features but should not be focused on too much that you neglect the rest.
Weight
The lighter the charger, the easier it is to carry it. Yeah, you heard it right, weight plays a vital role in deciding as to which product is good for you.
Composition
Next up is the type of material of which the charger is composed of. You need to be careful of the fact that you got to place the weight of a whole body on to it. For that purpose, be sure that the charger in use is stronger to carry your burden and make sure that it doesn’t wear off easily.
Durability
Durability is a feature that depicts how long a product is going to last. This feature is also linked to the material used in making the portable charger. The stronger the charger, the more it’s durable.
Temperature sensing
This one feature is the go-to option that acts as a major deciding feature. The fact that some of the chargers detect changes in temperature is a plus point.
Added features
Many of the customers pay attention to this one feature and long for it. The idea of having an added thing attached to your charger not only adds an extra feature but also facilitates you to carry on with the work with the utmost ease.
Voltage
The number of volts is another feature that helps you decide while buying a product.
Compatibility
How much compatible a product is to the vehicle is also important. Some chargers are compatible with all vehicles rest of them are compatible with selective vehicles, which include but are not confined to trucks, cars, SUVs, etc. So, it’s up to you as to what product you wish to get for your vehicle.
Ease in Installation
The ease in the installation is the foremost feature that needs utmost consideration. Usually, products come installed, but it all depends and varies from product to product.
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Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions by users. By going through them, you’ll be better acquainted with what a mechanics creeper has to offer!
1. What is a portable charger?
A charger that works /functions to charge your vehicles’ battery is termed as a portable charger.
2. What is the purpose of using a portable charger?
A portable charger is a charger that facilitates you to charge your vehicles’ battery in a short span of time.
3. Are there any things to look forward to while buying a portable charger?
There are many factors to look forward to while buying a portable charger. Most of them include but are not confined to resistance, composition, type of material, voltage, etc
4. How many volts are required to charge a battery?
The number of volts varies from product to product, and it all depends on the vehicle in use.
5. What is meant by thermal sensing?
Thermal sensing means that the product is sensitive to temperature, and it gives an indication when the temperature is too high or too low.
6. What is meant by a water resistance of a portable charger?
The water-resistance of a portable charger means that it will protect the product from water to avoid any sort of damage.
7. What material is preferred for a portable charger?
It’s usually lead material that is preferred for a portable charger, but this too varies from product to product.
8. What is the durability factor in a portable charger?
The more durable product means that the product has a greater shelf life.
9. What is the purpose of an additional garage kit?
Garage kit is a multipurpose kit that comes handy with few chargers, if not all.
10. What is meant by jump start?
A jump start is just another term used for the very purpose of starting the process of charging a vehicle’s battery.
Wrapping Up
A good portable charger will totally change your experience, and that too for the betterment. You just need to investigate some basic features before finalizing a product and that too after careful consideration, as discussed earlier.
You need not get worried about how to get to the hard spots to charge your vehicle because we have got you covered with the best portable charger that facilitates you in unimaginable ways.
If you already own any of the models mentioned above and have feedback, or would like to give general suggestions or recommendations, do let us know in the comment section below!