Best Rechargeable Battery Chargers: Fast Speed and Intelligence

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 24, 2024
If you have rechargeable batteries in your devices, you'll definitely need a battery charger as it is the only solution to recharge ...Read more
PROS

This versatile charger is compatible with batteries of various sizes and chemistry.

CONS

The charging unit is rather bulky.

OUR VERDICT

The EBL Universal Battery Charger can easily deal with any type of rechargeable batteries. With multiple advantageous features, this device is one of the most practical chargers on the market.

detailed parameters
Compatible Battery Types

AA, AAA, C, D, 9V

NiMH, NiCd

Simultaneous Charging

4 batteries

Charging Current

up to 1000 mA

Power Supply

AC power outlet (100-240V)

Special Features
  • Charge / Discharge button
  • Intelligent protection
  • Smart LCD Display
  • Automatic cutoff
Warranty

1-year limited warranty 

PROS

An informative LCD display shows all important charging parameters and the actual battery status.

CONS

The display is sensitive to scratches.

OUR VERDICT

The Nitecore Rechargeable Battery Charger is a portable solution for recharging batteries not only at home but also on the go, thanks to the supplied car adapter.

detailed parameters
Compatible Battery Types

26650, 22650, 18650, 18490, 18350, 17670, 17500, 16340(RCR123), 14500, 10440, AA, AAA, AAAA, C

IMR, Li-ion, LiFePO4, NiMH, NiCd

Simultaneous Charging

4 batteries

Charging Current

up to 750 mA

Power Supply

AC power outlet (100-240V), 
Cigarette lighter socket

Special Features
  • Car charger included
  • Integrated LCD panel
  • Automatic detection of battery charge level
  • Refractory ABS materials housing
Warranty

5-year limited warranty 

PROS

An intuitive and friendly alert system will allow you to not only see but also hear when your batteries are fully charged.

CONS

The charger can be used with Energizer batteries only.

OUR VERDICT

The Energizer Pro Charger is a fast and efficient appliance capable of recharging your dying batteries in 3 hours.

detailed parameters
Compatible Battery Types

AA, AAA

NiMH

Simultaneous Charging

4 batteries

Charging Current

up to 500 mA

Power Supply

AC power outlet (100-240V)

Special Features
  • Sound and visual alerts
  • 4 rechargeable AA batteries included
Warranty

Lifetime limited warranty 

PROS

This simple yet high-quality charging unit comes with a set of 4 rechargeable AA batteries.

CONS

It takes about 8 hours to charge high-capacity batteries completely.

OUR VERDICT

This extremely easy-to-use charging device will help your electronics always be functional. An ideal choice to charge batteries for remotes.

detailed parameters
Compatible Battery Types

AA, AAA

NiMH

Simultaneous Charging

4 batteries

Charging Current

up to 360 mA

Power Supply

AC power outlet (100-240V)

Special Features
  • 4 rechargeable AA batteries included
Warranty

3-year limited warranty 

PROS

A built-in USB port makes it possible to charge mobile devices along with rechargeable cells.

CONS

The batteries can only be charged in pairs.

OUR VERDICT

Robust and portable design of the AmazonBasics Battery Charger ensures its long lifespan as well as makes it a perfect solution for trips.

detailed parameters
Compatible Battery Types

AA, AAA

NiMH

Simultaneous Charging

4 batteries

Charging Current

up to 600 mA,
500 mA (USB Output)

Power Supply

AC power outlet (100-240V)

Special Features
  • Slim travel-friendly design
  • USB Port for charging mobile devices
Warranty

1-year limited warranty 

For Any Type of Batteries

The EBL Universal Battery Charger will satisfy any user regardless of batteries in need of charging. A huge advantage of the model is its capability to work with batteries of various types and sizes. In particular, this charging unit is compatible with AA, AAA, C, D batteries (either NiMH or NiCd). Actually, it's a great benefit since various batteries have absolutely different requirements for charging. With the EBL Universal Battery Charger, there is nothing to worry about! You can charge up to four AA/AAA rechargeable batteries at a time or up to two 9V NiMH/NiCd ones. Thanks to the special circuit design, it's possible to mix and charge different types of batteries together.

It's important to mention that the model comes with multiple protections against electrical issues. It automatically cuts off charging current when detecting improper input voltage, short circuit, or non-rechargeable batteries.

Smart and Practical

As you might know, nickel cadmium batteries (NiCd) need to be discharged completely before recharging as the frequent partial discharging leads to the “memory effect” which makes full charge no longer available. NiMH batteries are basically considered to be more tolerant to this issue, however, it's better to provide their complete discharge as well, since such approach ensures longer service life. For this purpose, the EBL Universal Battery Charger has the discharge function. To activate this mode, just press a special button. Another very useful feature is that the model comes with a large and clear display allowing you to get all data about the recharging process.

If You Bought New NiMH Batteries

To get the most out of your NiMH rechargeable battery cells, you need to completely discharge and recharge them again 4–6 times. These simple actions will allow you to maximize batteries' performance. The number of discharge/charge cycles varies depending on the manufacturing process.

Renewable Energy for Your Home

By installing solar panels for your home power system, you can drastically save on your electricity bills. Don't miss the opportunity to select the right solar module for your needs.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $18.29
Stock In stock
ASIN B073ZD7XVV

A Wide Range of Capabilities

There are good chances that the Nitecore Digicharger D4 will surprise you with its multiple advantageous features. Despite its relatively compact design, the device is capable of charging different types of batteries during one session. The smart charger is compatible with IMR, Li-ion, LiFePO4, as well as with NiMH and NiCd rechargeable batteries. Wide compatibility makes the Nitecore Digicharger D4 exceptionally versatile and practical. The device comes with special charging slots that allow you to juice up batteries of many types, sizes, and technologies applied during their production. In total, 4 independent slots are available to users.

Special Features

The model comes with a user-friendly LCD display that provides all important data about the charging process in each of the four slots: charging status, time, voltage and current readings. This smart charger automatically detects a battery type and adjusts the output current and voltage to ensure "gentle" and safe charging. Two buttons on the side allow selecting certain battery types and specific charging parameters. A car adapter is a convenient addition to the appliance — you'll be able to charge your rechargeable batteries right on the go.

How to Extend Li-Ion Battery Life

Li-Ion batteries don't have a memory effect, therefore, these batteries can be recharged at any time, you don't need to wait until they are completely discharged. Many manufacturers evaluate the battery life based on the counting of complete discharge cycles. High-quality lithium-ion cells typically deliver 400–600 cycles. To prolong lithium-based batteries, you need to recharge them as often as possible, a partial discharge reduces stress and prolongs the battery life. Optimally, once the power level reaches to 10–20 percent, the Li-Ion battery should be recharged. It can prolong the battery life to 1000–1100 cycles.

Run All Your Electronics

If you're hunting a solution to power any electronic devices right in your car, you definitely need a car inverter.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $39.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00LZONPF2

Simple Yet Practical

Probably, all of us are familiar with the products manufactured by Energizer, a company specializing in producing various types of battery cells. The Energizer Pro Charger is an excellent solution to bring back to life AA and AAA rechargeable batteries. Basically, the appliance is designed for charging Energizer batteries, some products of other manufacturers can be incompatible with the charging unit since they don't fit the size of the charging slots. The charger comes with four AA batteries, so, by buying the Energizer Pro Charger, you get a ready-to-use product.

Indication and Charging

Audio and visual alerts significantly contribute to the battery charger convenience of use. Three LEDs on the front panel inform the owner of the current battery charge level. The red light indicates that the charging has started, the yellow light shows that recharging is 50% complete. Upon completion of the charging process, the green LED will light up and you will hear a beep.

Thanks to the relatively high output current, it takes about three hours to charge the standard rechargeable batteries completely. With high-capacity batteries (about 2000 - 2400 mAh), the charger will need 4-5 hours to accomplish the recharging process. The appliance features built-in protection against overcharging, it cuts off current when batteries are completely charged. Additionally, in the case of bad battery detection, the device produces a repetitive audible beep.

A Useful Tip

Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are typically more sensitive to charging conditions than their nickel-cadmium (NiCd) alternatives. Therefore, to prevent them from losing their ability to hold a charge, don't expose them to heat.

A Vital Part

To be able to quickly charge a dead car battery, it's important to have a jump starter in the trunk of your car.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $18.97
Stock In stock
ASIN B00IM3P8GS

Everything at Once

Similarly to Energizer Holdings, Inc., Duracell Inc. is a world-known company famous for its high-quality battery cells. However, the company is not limited to developing and producing only this type of products. In the company's portfolio, there are also simple-looking yet reliable battery chargers. The Duracell Kit CEF14 is one of such products. Externally, this rechargeable battery charger is not different from many other charging units, however, the manufacturer covers it with a 3-year warranty, this is clear evidence of the device's long-term reliability. Without a doubt, you will be able to enjoy the Duracell CEF14 for long!

Broad Capabilities

This rechargeable battery charger is intended for powering up AA and AAA batteries of various capacities. Note that it provides an output current of 360mA, therefore, it will take quite some time to charge high-capacity batteries. For AA batteries, estimated periods of charging is as follows:

  • 2300 mAh - 8 hours
  • 2050 mAh - 7 hours
  • 1800 mAh - 6 hours.

At the same time, charging an AAA battery with a capacity of 750 mAh will take about 5.5 hours. The manufacturer declares that the supplied batteries require about six hours to be charged completely. It's necessary to add that the charger is intended for charging batteries in pairs, not individually.

It's also worth mentioning that the Duracell Rechargeable Battery Charger has a trickle charge mode to maintain a fully charged state of the battery by charging it under no-load. By this, the charging unit prevents batteries from being overcharged. An essential feature!

A Useful Tip

Discharging a NiMH battery completely is not recommended. In fact, the voltage falling below 0.9V can result in a shorter battery's lifespan. If your charger can't detect a deeply discharged battery, you'll benefit from using a less intelligent charger with an output current of 100-150mA and charge the died battery for a short duration until it reaches a 0.9V voltage.

For Auto Owners

With a car battery charger, you'll be able to bring your dying car battery back to life!

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $16.90
Stock In stock
ASIN B000XSBVMU

Elaborate Design and Wide Range of Capabilities

The AmazonBasics Battery Charger is not only the right solution for home use, this is a perfect choice for those fond of traveling as well. Its thin housing enables you to take the appliance wherever you need, it won't take much space in your baggage. In addition, the retractable AC plug also makes the charger easy to store and transport. The charging unit is compatible with AA and AAA NiMH batteries of various capacities. By the way, the model is designed for operating at 100V–240V, you'll have no problems using the charger anywhere in the world. The Amazon Basics Battery Charger is undoubtedly the perfect solution to replenish a battery charge for any of your gadgets!

Good Performance and Additional Opportunities

As we've mentioned above, this battery recharger can be used with batteries of various capacities. To charge AAA batteries, it takes 3–3.5 hours for 1800–2000 mAh, 3.5–4 hours for 2100–2300 mAh, 4–4.5 hours for 2300–2500 mAh. To charge AAA alternatives, the charger requires 2–2.5 hours for 700-800 mAh, 3–3.5 hours for 900-1200 mAh. As you can see, the charging unit really does well! You won't wait too long for your batteries to be completely charged. Another distinctive feature is a USB port that allows charging mobile devices as well. It's particularly useful when no sufficient number of power outlets are available.

How to Keep Your Phone's Battery Healthy

Taking into account the capability of the device to charge smartphones and tablets, we feel it necessary to remind you about safety precautions. Make sure not to overheat the batteries. High temperature is the worst enemy of lithium-ion batteries, so, never expose the smartphone to direct sunlight. Likewise, don’t leave your gadgets near heating appliances. The maximum permissible ambient temperatures should be within the range of 40°F to 122°F.

Useful on Long Journeys

It's not a secret that there are different types of power outlets in the world. To handle this issue easily, take advantage of a travel adapter plug.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00TOVTZ7K

What is a Rechargeable Battery Charger

If you own many battery-operated devices, you probably have to buy and replace single-use alkaline batteries often. To avoid this routine issue, you can benefit from rechargeable batteries that can work for an extended period of time. By using them, you save your money and time! Of course, besides these batteries themselves, you need a rechargeable battery charger. The best of these chargers are described in this review.

You might find our review on best mobile power banks interesting, too.

What Features to Compare

Compatibility and Charging Ports
Compatibility with various types of rechargeable batteries is definitely one of the most important features you need to consider in advance. There are different battery standards that differ in size and shape (AA, AAA, C, and D are the main). Each of these types is typically used in particular devices, AA or AAA batteries, for example, are frequently used in remotes, while C or D cells are usually utilized in high-power devices. So, you need to decide what type of batteries you are going to charge. Depending on this, you will be able to select the charging unit which suits your needs best.
It's equally important to estimate how many charging ports you'd like to have. The more ports, the more batteries you will be able to charge simultaneously.

Technical Features
Likewise, it's reasonable to pay attention to various technical characteristics of your rechargeable battery charger. With independent charging slots, for example, it'll be possible to recharge cells individually and not in pairs. Some chargers automatically cut off current when batteries are full.
Another important benefit is selectable charging current. With this feature, you'll be able to adjust the recharging for any type of battery cells. There are chargers that allow selecting charging speed while others adjust the charging process automatically.

Specifics
Of course, charging units have additional peculiarities that contribute to practicality and ease of use. Appliances can include certain advanced safe-charging features, intuitive display, status LEDs, etc. Make up your mind as to what is the most important for you!

FAQ:

Q: What is the difference between AA, AAA, С, and D batteries?
A: 
The most important difference lies in how the batteries deliver voltage. The AA batteries deliver more current than the AAA alternatives, while D cell batteries provide more current than the C ones. Another difference between the batteries is their size. The AA batteries are a bit longer and wider than the AAA batteries, C cells are slightly larger than the AA batteries, and D cells are the largest. AA batteries are generally used in more powerful devices that require more current, whereas the AAA batteries are designed for use in small, mostly portable devices consuming much less power. С cells are typically used in medium-drain applications like toys and musical instruments, and the D batteries are utilized in high current drain applications, such as large flashlights and transmitters, safety systems, products with electric motors, etc.

Q: What makes a rechargeable battery charger an "intelligent charger"?
A: A battery charger is considered to be an intelligent or smart if it has a microprocessor to control the recharging process and prevent batteries from being overcharged. Basically, the chargers of this type collect necessary data from the battery and adjust the charge current and voltage based on that data. Some smart chargers come with temperature sensors, discharge and conditioning functions, and battery test features.

Q: What is trickle charge?
A: A trickle charge is a continuous, slow charge supplied to a battery to keep it in a fully charged condition. In other words, a trickle charge is the last stage in the charging process created to charge the batteries to the fullest and maintain this level. Basically, the purpose of a trickle charger is to keep the battery in good health.

Q: Can I mix batteries of different capacities and chemistry within one charging session?
A: 
It's best not to charge batteries of different types as well as different capacities simultaneously. Some batteries can be overcharged and larger ones not completely charged during the recharging process, which can lead to their shorter lifespan. Batteries with different chemistries like nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) also shouldn't be charged together.

Q: Is it possible to charge alkaline batteries?
A: It is not reasonable to charge alkaline batteries, after several cycles of recharging, the battery capacity drops significantly.

Sources:

1. Rechargeable battery, Wikipedia.

2. Battery charger, Wikipedia.

3. How to Buy Rechargeable Batteries, wikiHow.

4. Sarah Ingrams Battery chargers - what you need to know, Which?

5. Rechargeable Batteries — compared and explained in detail, Michael Bluejay's. March 2015.

6. T.D. Wood Batteries: How to Choose, Recreational Equipment. November 9, 2016.

7. How Long Should You Charge AA Batteries? Do It Yourself.

8. Battery Charging FAQ, Michael Bluejay's. January 2013

9. Kimberly Hawthorne Why Not Mix Two Types of AA Batteries? Sciencing.

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