Trickle chargers, also known as battery maintainers, are a handy device if you have problems with your car battery life, or when you want to finally get going long-garaged cars or recreational vehicles like boats, jet skis, etc. Sometimes you may think that it’s just enough to start the vehicle and hit the road or water, but before doing so, you need to double-check your battery condition.
When the vehicles are stored for a long time, their battery discharges so there are the trickle chargers to come and save your day as they keep your battery safe from discharging and maintain its power condition. So if you want to utilize this advanced tool to make your car battery last longer, be sure that you thoroughly inspect all the products online and choose a quality charger. The quality charger will benefit you greatly, so we prepared a list of the best trickle charger products you may find online.
- Features to Consider in Good Trickle Chargers
- Top 30 Best Trickle Chargers 2024
- 1. Mroinge MBC016 6V / 12V 1A Fully Automatic trickle Battery Charger
- 2. LST Trickle Battery Charger Automatic Maintainer 6V 12V
- 3. Trickle Charger RAVPower
- 4. Supernatto 12V Smart Compact Battery Trickle Charger Maintainer
- 5. LST 12V Battery Trickle Charger
- 6. LST 12V 5A Automatic Battery Charge
- 7. Foval Automatic Trickle Battery Charger 12V 1000mA Smart Battery Charger
- 8. 12V Automatic Battery Maintainer Tender Trickle Charger
- 9. Solar Battery Charger Car, 7.5W 12V Solar Trickle Charger for Car
- 10. BMK 12V 5A Smart Battery Charger
- 11. 12V to 14.8V Automatic Lead Acid Battery Charger/Maintainer, 1.2A Trickle Charger for car
- 12. Mroinge MBC020 12V/6V 2A Fully Automatic Trickle Battery Charger Maintainer
- 13. Sunway Solar Car Battery Trickle Charger
- 14. BLACK+DECKER BM3B
- 15. Schumacher SC1300 1.5A 6/12V DOE Battery Maintainer
- 16. Battery Tender 12 Volt Junior Automatic Battery Charger
- 17. POWOXI Solar Car Battery Trickle Charger
- 18. Heagstat Trickle Battery Charger 6V 12V
- 19. SUAOKI Smart Battery Charger/Portable Battery Maintainer Waterproof
- 20. SUAOKI 18V 12V 18W Solar Car Battery Charger Portable SunPower Solar Panel Trickle Charger
- 21. Automatic Battery Trickle Charger Maintainer
- 22. Sunway Solar 6W Car Battery Trickle Charger
- 23. Suuwer Automatic Trickle Battery Charger 6V and 12V
- 24. MOTOPOWER MP00207A 12V 2Amp Smart Automatic Battery Charger
- 25. Nature Power 7.5W Solar Power 12V Battery Trickle Charger
- 26. CTEK (56-158) MULTI US 3300 12 Volt Fully Automatic 4 Step Battery Charger
- 27. 5 Amp 12V Automotive Smart Battery Charger
- 28. Energizer ENC4A 4 Amp Battery Charger with LCD
- 29. Goal Zero Maintainer 10 Trickle Charger Solar Panel
- 30. AstroAI Trickle Battery Charger
- Guide to Buying the Best Trickle Chargers
- The Verdict
Features to Consider in Good Trickle Chargers
How do trickle chargers work?
There is some pretty serious engineering behind the whole trickle charging system. The trickle chargers use electricity to replenish batteries at the same rate as the self-discharge and the energy gets transferred in a “trickle,” which explains the name of this sort of battery chargers. The trickle charging process is specific because you’re basically charging a fully charged battery to stop the discharge process which takes place when the battery’s not active for longer periods of time. So if you want to keep your vehicle’s battery in operable condition, this sort of charging is crucial. Also, the trickle charging is not only beneficial in a sense that it’s keeping your battery full as this sort of charging has a great effect on the overall battery condition and functionality.
It’s crucial that you find a high-quality trickle charger product because the trickle charging process must be done under specific and secure conditions which prevent overheating that can lead to explosions. That is why you should choose only the trickle chargers which can perform float-charging. The float-charging is also a specific charging process which gets the battery under continuous float voltage and thus prevents the battery from overcharging that leads to sudden overheating.
What is a float voltage?
Float voltage is the voltage at which a battery gets maintained after being fully charged to keep the full capacity by compensating for inevitable self-discharge process. There are two possible ways for the voltage to be kept constant. The first way is to keep the voltage constant throughout the entire duration of the cell’s activity. Such a way of keeping the voltage constant is specific for automotive batteries. The other way to keep the voltage constant is to hold the float voltage activation for a particular phase of charging by the charger. This way of keeping the voltage constant presents how the trickle chargers operate.
However, the concept of a float voltage cannot be equally applied to all sorts of battery chemistries. For example, lithium-ion cells need exceptionally cautious float-charging as they badly react to even the slightest overpowering, which means that they tend to explode or become dead if accidentally overcharged. Some batteries are less tolerant to overcharging and overheating than others, but overheating, in general, will shorten the battery life and leave permanent damage to the chemical system within the battery. So, before you buy a charger make sure that your vehicle has a battery that can be safely float charged.
Pro tips for battery storage and maintenance
A trickle charger is an immutable ally if you want to properly maintain your vehicle’s battery, but it’s of great importance that you take preliminary steps to ensure your battery’s longevity. So, if you don’t want to end up stranded in the middle of the road make sure that you carefully read the tips for battery storage and maintenance.
First, you should store your battery or vehicle in a cool location, which is protected from extreme temperatures and changes. A constant cool temperature is crucial for your vehicle’s battery as it enables the inner chemical structure to remain in a condition that allows it to remain operable.
Second, use a battery with the correct amperage that is needed for your vehicle. If you don’t know what’s the needed amperage for your vehicle, you can always consult your owner’s manual and see all the crucial information about the vehicle. If the amperage is incorrect, some seriously bad things can happen both to your vehicle and its battery.
Another thing you should do is to reduce the vibrations by tightening the battery’s hold-down clamps when in use. The vibrations may have negative effects on the battery’s proper functioning and unnoticeably make it useless. Also, you should see if you didn’t leave on your vehicle’s lights as it will cause the deep-discharging that is also known as “killing” your battery. This can happen accidentally to anyone, but be sure that you double-checked if you turned everything off before you left your vehicle.
It is also important that you never keep a battery dead for long periods of time as it can completely devastate the inner chemistry composition that allows for proper functioning of the battery. So try to keep your battery fully charged as often as possible and use a trickle charger to accomplish that.
Top 30 Best Trickle Chargers 2024
1. Mroinge MBC016 6V / 12V 1A Fully Automatic trickle Battery Charger
Editor’s Rating:
Mroinge trickle charger is designed to provide you with outstanding performance when it comes to charging all 6V and 12V lead-acid, flooded or sealed batteries. Also, this trickle charger comes with a complete 4-step charging program which helps you optimize your battery power but without overcharging. With Mroinge trickle charger, you will get a satisfying performance, enhanced by high-quality spark proof lead connection, reverse polarity protection, overcharging/over temperature protection, and short-circuit protection. All these features provide your trickle charger with outstanding security and let you expect a quality performance at any given time. Also, automatic charge cycle functionality can switch to float mode after fully charging the battery which stops the charger from releasing the excess power.
Pros
- The charger comes with options that help you use the charger with ease.
- This charger’s safety options will protect it and provide you with reliable performance.
- You won’t have to worry if the charger will release the excess power.
Cons
- Some users reported the lack of useful labels that point to the important options.
2. LST Trickle Battery Charger Automatic Maintainer 6V 12V
Editor’s Rating:
LST trickle charger is designed to maintain the 6V and 12V vehicle batteries that are prone to discharging after long non-active periods. The charger comes with a unique design that makes it very portable, lightweight and easy to use in all the occasions. Also, the charger is water and dust resistant, so you can expect the charger to provide you with reliable performance in all the weather conditions. This charger features high efficiency as it has a charge cycle function that automatically switches the charger to float mode after it fully charges the battery. It is also easy to read the information on the charger as it comes with LED indicators and 2 DC connectors that provide visual state-of-change feedback and diagnostic information.
Pros
- The unique charger design allows for convenient use.
- The charger is very portable and easy to use.
- LED indicators help you monitor the state of the charger.
Cons
- Some use3rs reported the charger’s LED indicators to be too small for some occasions.
3. Trickle Charger RAVPower
Editor’s Rating:
RavPower charger allows for 2 times faster charging than other 750 Ma chargers, so you can hit the road sooner. The charger comes with smart and safe features that allow for advanced use of the charger and optimum performance. You can protect your battery with secure circuits against all the dangerous occurrences like reverse polarity, short circuit, current and voltage surge. This charger is designed to be suitable for most vehicles as it can adapt to all kinds of 12V car batteries by using both ring and alligator connectors that feature high-quality production. Also, the charger comes with an intuitive interface that features comprehensive LED indicators that let you know when to unplug the charger.
Pros
- RavPower charger comes with a strong 12V output.
- Smart features allow for enhanced performance of the charger.
- Safety options will keep your charger durable and long lasting.
Cons
- Some users reported the alligator clips to be hard to connect to the car battery
4. Supernatto 12V Smart Compact Battery Trickle Charger Maintainer
Editor’s Rating:
Supernatto battery charger is made to be compatible with plug type A which is mostly used in North America, Central America and Japan. The trickle charger comes with functions that allow it to function impeccably even in the harshest winter conditions. Also, the charger is designed to be perfectly compatible with all types of 12V batteries like conventional, sealed, AGM, and Gel type of batteries. This charger comes with an automatic voltage detection function that is activated according to the voltage situation inside the battery. Also, this battery charger comes with other automatic functions that let the charger automatically maintain the battery, according to the instructions you gave it.
Pros
- This charger features a series of automatic functions that greatly increase its functionality.
- The charger is easy to use.
- Automatic voltage detection option lets the charger do even more charging tasks without your assistance.
Cons
- Some users found it hard to properly set all the automatic options.
5. LST 12V Battery Trickle Charger
Editor’s Rating:
This trickle charger is meant to provide you with great performance when it comes to charging 12 volts lead-acid, flooded or sealed maintenance free batteries. LST charger is ultra-portable and is best used if you need to charge virtually any sort of vehicle battery. Also, this charger comes with a large set of automatic options that greatly increase the overall efficacy of the charger. When the vehicle battery is fully charged, this charger immediately switches to float mode so to keep any excessive power at stake. Also, the charger comes with easy-to-read LED indicators which allow for easier information read-out from the charger.
Pros
- This charger comes with advanced options that greatly increase its efficacy.
- LST charger is compatible with all the vehicle batteries.
- Float mode helps you save the power and battery’s longevity.
Cons
- The charger connectors were reported to be a bit hard to attach to the vehicle’s battery.
6. LST 12V 5A Automatic Battery Charge
Editor’s Rating:
The charger comes with an intelligent charging mode that features 7-stage automatic charging processes that altogether benefit your vehicle battery and provide it with optimum performance once you hit the road. Also, the battery capacity and diagnostics information are very helpful when you want to monitor the battery’s state closely. The charger features a wide application as it can charge all the most common types of fully drained 12V vehicle batteries. Also, this battery charger features multi-protection options that ensure ultimate safety against all the damaging occurrences like a short circuit, overload, reversed polarity, etc. The trickle charger comes with a customized design that is ultra-portable, compact and lightweight, with the mounting holes.
Pros
- This charger features automatic options that greatly increase its efficacy.
- Portable design makes this charger even more convenient for use.
- The diagnostics provided by this charger can be exceptionally helpful when you need a deeper insight into the batterystate
Cons
- Some users reported problems with the trickle charger and vehicle battery compatibility.
7. Foval Automatic Trickle Battery Charger 12V 1000mA Smart Battery Charger
Editor’s Rating:
With the Foval automatic trickle charger, you will be able to use the charger with no worries about any potentially dangerous failures concerning the charger’s functionality and performance. The charger is designed to be your first choice if you need to charge any sort of lead-acid, flooded or sealed maintenance free batteries. The Foval charger is small in size and features a portable design that makes it easy for you to carry, or store it wherever you want. Also, the charger comes with a set of comprehensive LED indicators that provide easy-to-read visual feedback which allows you to monitor the state of charge. The trickle charger also automatically switches to float mode once the battery is fully charged.
Pros
- The charger comes with a set of automatic options which significantly increase the charger’s efficacy.
- LED indicators allow for a comprehensive visual presentation of the state of charge.
- The trickle charger automatically switches to float mode, so it can save power and prevent battery overcharge.
Cons
- The charger is not suitable for long term storage applications.
8. 12V Automatic Battery Maintainer Tender Trickle Charger
Editor’s Rating:
KeyLine automatic charger is designed to be fully compatible with virtually all types of common transport and recreational vehicles. You can use this charger for all the vehicles you have as it’s meant to be as versatile as it gets. Also, this charger comes with automatic overcharge protection and desulfation that prolong your vehicle’s battery life up to 4 times. Your vehicle’s battery needs to be fully charged constantly as it’s the only way to prolong its lifespan and secure its functionality from unexpected failures. This charger is easy to use as it requires no settings, buttons, or switches. The only thing you need to do to set this charger up is to connect the leads and plug it in.
Pros
- The charger is compatible with all the common transport vehicle types.
- Overcharge protection allows for a longer lifespan of your vehicle’s battery.
- KeyLine charger is easy to use.
Cons
- Some users reported minor problems with the charger’s connectors.
9. Solar Battery Charger Car, 7.5W 12V Solar Trickle Charger for Car
Editor’s Rating:
This solar car battery trickle charge is designed to be applied to the built-in blocking diode structure, so it can prevent the reverse discharging with ease. When the light is strong enough, the blue indicator light starts flashing so you know that the charging process has begun. The 12v solar rechargeable battery is known to adopt the monocrystalline silicon solar cell which provides you with a great 20 percent high photoelectric conversion rate. It’s also very easy to install this battery charger as the only thing you need to is to insert it in 12v cigar lighter and connect it to the battery with the alligator clip.
Pros
- Advanced renewable energy source design allows for a completely new battery charging experience.
- The battery charger features an immense conversion rate that supplies your battery with enough power.
- It’s easy to install this battery charger
Cons
- The charger’s power depends upon the weather conditions, which can sometimes reduce its performance.
10. BMK 12V 5A Smart Battery Charger
Editor’s Rating:
The BMK battery charger is designed to be fully compatible with all the common transport vehicle types as it has a powerful electric output which can quickly charge and optimize the battery’s performance when it’s needed. The battery charger is made of high-quality ABS plastic which is waterproof and provides the charger with multiple protection features that keep your battery safe from short circuit, overload, or reversed polarities. This 12V charger is operated with 4 stages automatic charging process by MCU controller and it can indicate the electricity quantity and monitor the entire charging process. The charger stops automatically when the battery is fully charged and the LED indicator is designed to provide you with in-detail information about the charging status.
Pros
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Cons
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11. 12V to 14.8V Automatic Lead Acid Battery Charger/Maintainer, 1.2A Trickle Charger for car
Editor’s Rating:
This trickle charger is designed to efficiently charge all types of 12V lead-acid batteries that include flooded or sealed batteries. With this charger, you will be able to maintain your vehicle’s battery and make it able to hit the road anytime. Also, this battery charger is fully automatic which means that you don’t need any manual operation to activate the charger’s options, it’s enough for you to only plug the charger and leave it to do its business. The microprocessor controlled program allows for all the automatic functions and features. Also, you won’t need to worry about sudden functionality failures as the charger comes with a set of security options that keep it safe from short circuits and reversed polarities.
Pros
- The charger efficiently charges all the standard 12V vehicle batteries.
- The automatic options make it easier to control the device.
- You won’t need to worry about the sudden functionality failures caused by short circuits and reversed polarities.
Cons
- Some users reported minor problems with the compatibility of the connectors.
12. Mroinge MBC020 12V/6V 2A Fully Automatic Trickle Battery Charger Maintainer
Editor’s Rating:
Mroinge offers a high-end quality trickle charger which encompasses all the crucial functionality features along with additional options which make it easier to use the device. With no sparks and with short circuit and reversed polarity protection, this device provides you with optimum security and reliability in its performance. Also, the charger is water-resistant and has protection against the extreme temperatures which means that you can use it all the weather conditions. The charger is perfect for charging 6V and 12V lead-acid, flooded, sealed, or maintenance-free batteries. Also, this charger comes with intuitive LED user interface which allows you to easily read the information about the charger state.
Pros
- Mroinge trickle charger is designed to give you secure and reliable performance.
- This charger is water-resistant and heat-resistant which adds up to its durability.
- Intuitive LED interface allows you to easily monitor the state of the charger.
Cons
- Some users reported minor problems with the charger’s cable length.
13. Sunway Solar Car Battery Trickle Charger
Editor’s Rating:
Sunway sun-powered trickle charger is covered with a durable ABS plastic which means that this device is well-protected. A stronger plastic housing allows for optimum performance of the charger as it doesn’t let exterior factors affect the functionality of the charger. Also, the charger is very simple to use as the solar battery charger panel can be mounted easily to the windshield or dash and you can also conveniently plug it into the car’s 12 colt cigarette lighter. This charger comes with a set of protection options like a built-in diode that prevents reverse charging. There is also a blinking LED charge indicator that allows you to easily monitor the status of the charger.
Pros
- This charger provides you with an eco-friendly vehicle battery charging.
- It’s easy to set up the device in your car.
- A blinking LED indicator lets you easily monitor if the charger is active or not.
Cons
- The functionality of the charger is dependent upon the weather conditions which can affect the overall quality of its performance.
14. BLACK+DECKER BM3B
Editor’s Rating:
We are certain that a lot of prospective buyers will be delighted to find that Black & Decker is in the market for battery chargers. After all, with such a diverse reach into the tech industry, some may already have a whole collection of household gadgets exclusively from Black & Decker. But of course, consistency with brand names is for rookies. What we are really interested in is whether the BM3B is any good.
And we are delighted to report that Black & Decker lives up to their reputation yet again. To start with, their battery charger is applicable on a wide range of vehicles including classic cars, motorcycles, RVs, specialty vehicles, ATVs, personal watercraft, lawn mowers – just about anything that runs on a 6 – 12-volt battery system. While you may not need it to charge up all of those things, it is nice to know that you can anyway.
What’s more, it does not mindlessly charge a battery even after it is full. It has an integrated circuit that prevents overcharging, short-circuiting, and reverse polarity. Its clever design, coupled with its high usability make it one of the highlights in the modern range of battery charges. Most people would want one.
Pros
- Suitable for many vehicle types
- Protects from overcharging, short-circuiting, and reverse polarity
- Great usability
- Reliable design and construction
Cons
- Has issues with durability
- Poor quality LED lights
15. Schumacher SC1300 1.5A 6/12V DOE Battery Maintainer
Editor’s Rating:
Schumacher battery charger and maintainer is designed to easily charge 6V and 12V batteries, which means that the charger is versatile. With this charger, you will be able to successfully charge any type of vehicle battery. Also, multi-stage charging options are featured along with an auto-voltage detection for added precision, safety and improved charger longevity. For easier control of the charger, there are LED indicators that allow for a precise read-out of the information about the state of the charger. Also, the reverse hook-up protection ensures that the charger will not operate in case its clamps are reversed.
Pros
- This charger allows for versatile use.
- Multi-stage and auto-voltage detection features improve the charger’s performance and longevity.
- LED indicators allow for a better overview of the charger state.
Cons
- Charger connectors may sometimes be a bit hard to adjust to different types of vehicle batteries.
16. Battery Tender 12 Volt Junior Automatic Battery Charger
Editor’s Rating:
This trickle charger is equipped with high-end security options that include protection against short circuits and reversed polarities. Also, this charger has a complete 4-step charging program which gradually activates different charging options according to the charging status. Certainly, the most important charging option is the float mode as it enables the charger to stop charging the battery once it’s full. With this charger, you will be able to charge all 12V lead-acid, flooded or sealed maintenance free batteries, which means that the charger provides you with versatility. Also, for a better overview of the charging status, there are solids state two-color LED indicators that show you if the charging has begun, or if the battery is fully charged.
Pros
- This charger has all the most important charging options that will provide you with optimum performance.
- It’s perfectly safe to use the charger because of its advanced safety features.
- LED indicators make it easier for you to monitor the charging status.
Cons
- The charger comes with a cable that some users found too short.
17. POWOXI Solar Car Battery Trickle Charger
Editor’s Rating:
Unlike some other sun-powered trickle charger models, POWOXI charger has an option to charge your vehicle’s battery even in the cloudy weather conditions. Thanks to its amorphous solar panel you will be provided with powerful charging in all the weather conditions. Also, to prevent a battery reverse discharge, there’s a built-in barrier diode that prevents back discharge. The charger has a strong ABS plastic body which ensures its longevity and optimum performance. With the POWOXI charger, you will be able to charge all the standard types of transportation and recreational vehicle batteries. This eco-friendly battery charging solution will prove as very useful because of its durability and smart engineering that stands behind its functionality.
Pros
- This is an environmentally-friendly solution for charging your car battery.
- POWOXI charger provides you with impeccable functionality.
- The charger works in all the weather conditions.
Cons
- Some users reported minor problems with attaching the solar charger to their car’s windshield.
18. Heagstat Trickle Battery Charger 6V 12V
Editor’s Rating:
Heagstat trickle charger allows you to switch between the charging modes, depending on the voltage of the battery you need to charge. This charger is perfect for charging all lead-acid, flooded, sealed maintenance free batteries which means that you can properly maintain all types of standard transport and recreational vehicle battery types. Also, Heagstat charger comes with protection features that eliminate sparks and risks of reverse polarity, overcharging and short-circuits. With this charger, you will also be able to identify a bad battery as the charger can monitor the battery state and provide you with useful insights. Also, the charger comes with an intuitive LED indicator system which allows you to monitor the charging status easily with comprehensive visual feedback.
Pros
- A simple design of this charger allows for ultra-portability and superior charging performance.
- Safety features on this charger help you use the device with no worries about the possible failures.
- Smart charging options help you use the charger with ease.
Cons
- The charger’s cable is too short.
19. SUAOKI Smart Battery Charger/Portable Battery Maintainer Waterproof
Editor’s Rating:
SUAOKI trickle charger is designed to be multi-functional and multi-protected as it features a set of safety options that allow you to count on the device’s reliable performance. This charger is able to diagnose and fix battery issues and also there are repair options that enable you to repair the damaged batteries. Also, the dual-rate modes feature 7A fast charging mode and a 3.5A slow mode which can both benefit you according to which charging method suits your situation the best. SUAOKI charger is compatible with all the types of standard transportation and recreational vehicle batteries, so you can use the charger to maintain multiple vehicle batteries if needed. The main feature on this charger is its high-quality display which provides you with numerous information about the charging status.
Pros
- This charger allows for a better overview of the charging status thanks to its superior user interface.
- SUAOKI trickle charger is safe from unexpected failures as it features a set of high-end security options.
- The charger is compatible with all the common transport and recreational vehicle batteries.
Cons
- Some users with a little experience may have problems to understand the information provided by the charger.
20. SUAOKI 18V 12V 18W Solar Car Battery Charger Portable SunPower Solar Panel Trickle Charger
Editor’s Rating:
This sun-powered battery maintainer is designed to help you charge your vehicle’s battery without jeopardizing the environment. The charger is big in size so it can aggregate as much solar power as possible which means that it can save the energy for later and be functional even when it’s cloudy outside. SUAOKI charger has an output voltage of 18V and 18 watts of energy, so it will easily charge the vehicle battery to its fullest. Also, with a built-in blocking diode, you will be able to prevent your batteries from discharging backward during the night which means that the reliable and optimum performance is ensured. The charger can be connected via a cigarette lighter plug with no need to open the car hood which provides you with convenience.
Pros
- This solar trickle charger is big in size which means that it can gather more energy from the sun.
- The safety features on this charger allow for more reliable performance.
- SUAOKI charger is fully functional even when the weather conditions are bad.
Cons
- Although the charger’s big size may benefit you, it can be sometimes hard to install it in certain vehicles.
21. Automatic Battery Trickle Charger Maintainer
Editor’s Rating:
NDDI offers a trickle charger that allows you to switch between the charging modes according to the type of vehicle battery you need to charge. The charger can efficiently charge and maintain both 6V and 12V batteries which means that it offers you a versatile use. All the transport and recreational vehicle batteries are compatible with this charger so you can use it on multiple types of vehicles. Also, the charger is designed to provide you with useful insights into the charging status. The durability is additionally improved, thanks to the insulation clip terminals that ensure devices longevity. This smart battery trickle charger features 6 protection options which altogether keep it safe from short circuits, reversed polarity and other dangerous occurrences that can show as fatal for the charger.
Pros
- This charger is well-equipped with safety options that ensure the safe use of the device.
- The charger is durable.
- The very construction of the charger’s parts additionally improves the quality of the device.
Cons
- Some users reported that the charger cable is too short.
22. Sunway Solar 6W Car Battery Trickle Charger
Editor’s Rating:
Sunway sun-powered trickle charger is designed to keep your 12V batteries fully charged and managed. The solar panel is easy to install as you don’t need much effort to efficiently install it on the windshield or dash and conveniently plug it into a 12V cigarette lighter. The panel is best set up by using the suction cups that strongly hold the solar panel. Also, the solar panel is covered with ultra clear PV glass which proved as notably efficient. The durable ABS housing provides the charger with increased durability and stable functionality. The Sunway charger is designed to be an eco-friendly solution that provides you with an optimum charging performance.
Pros
- Big solar panel allows for improved performance of the charger.
- ABS housing provides the charger with durability.
- This charger is an environmentally friendly battery charging solution.
Cons
- There’s a slight difference in performance quality when the weather is bad.
23. Suuwer Automatic Trickle Battery Charger 6V and 12V
Editor’s Rating:
Suuwer offers a trickle charger which is designed to easily charger all the common types of vehicle batteries (6V and 12V batteries). The charger comes with an included large battery clip and O-ring terminals which are meant to make it easier for you to connect the charger to a motorcycle or a car battery. The length of the charger features impressive 12 feet which significantly improves the overall portability of the device. This charger is designed to be a smart battery maintainer which comes with a set of automatic options that provide you with convenient use of the charger. Also, the smart circuits are engineered with a multi-level protection system, designed to secure the charger from sudden functionality failures.
Pros
- This charger is designed to be versatile.
- Suuwer charger is ultra-portable.
- Multi-level protection system efficiently protects the device.
Cons
- The lack of a user interface can make the charger hard to use.
24. MOTOPOWER MP00207A 12V 2Amp Smart Automatic Battery Charger
Editor’s Rating:
MOTOPOWER charger is designed to be fully automatic which means that it needs no manual user assistance to operate. To set up the charger, the only thing you need to do is to plug and leave it do charging and battery maintaining job. The charger comes with a microprocessor controlled 4-stage charge which is carefully engineered to let the charger provide you with optimum performance and perfectly safe use. Multi-level safety barrier prevents unsafe and abnormal conditions that can lead to a charger becoming dysfunctional. Also, for a better overview of the charging status, the charger comes with 4 LED indicators that show if the charger is actively charging the battery, or it’s finished with charging.
Pros
- MOTORPOWER charger features a high-quality design accompanied with well-engineered protection options.
- The charger is easy to use as it’s fully automatic.
- LED indicators add up to the overall convenience of use.
Cons
- Some users may encounter minor problems with the charger’s cable length.
25. Nature Power 7.5W Solar Power 12V Battery Trickle Charger
Editor’s Rating:
This high-quality solar charger comes with an amorphous solar panel that is designed to produce up to 7.5-Watt/580mAh of power which is just enough to efficiently charge all the common vehicle battery types. With a built-in blocking diode, this solar charger has a great protection feature that stops the batteries from draining due to reverse current. Also, 11 ft. long cable allows you to easily position the charger wherever you think it’s the most suitable to receive the sunlight. This sun-powered charger is a great way to keep your vehicle’s batteries fully charged during the storage. Since there is no AC power required for the charger to operate properly, you will be able to utilize an eco-friendly battery charging solution and protect the environment.
Pros
- This solar charger comes with a well-designed panel that allows for convenient placement of the charger wherever you find itthe most suitable.
- The built-in blocking diode stops all the unexpected failures like short-circuits and reversed polarities.
- This charger is an eco-friendly solution.
Cons
- There’s a notable difference in performance when the weather conditions become worsened.
26. CTEK (56-158) MULTI US 3300 12 Volt Fully Automatic 4 Step Battery Charger
Editor’s Rating:
CTEK offers a trickle charger that features a unique 4-step charging system with a patented program which tests the battery condition and according to the test results charges the battery with a proper amount of power. Also, the charger features a well-designed safety system which allows for a secure performance of the charger. CTEK charger is protected from short-circuits and reversed polarities, so the durability of the device is ensured. Also, this charger is water and dust resistant which means that you can use it in various weather and working conditions with no worries if they affect the overall performance of the device.
Pros
- A unique 4 step charging system provides you with optimum charging performance.
- The charger is well-protected against the system failures and harsh weather conditions.
- The device is easy to use.
Cons
- There’s a notable difference in performance when the weather conditions become worsened.
27. 5 Amp 12V Automotive Smart Battery Charger
Editor’s Rating:
This 5 amp battery charger is meant to successfully charge all types of AGM, GEL, SLA, WET, etc. types of batteries which means that you can charge any common type of transportation and recreational vehicle battery. Also, the fully automatic high-frequency charging delivers a 3-stage charging that automatically switches from a fast charge mode to a top-off mode, and finally to a float mode once the battery is fully charged. The LCD screen on the device shows the charging status and battery status, so you can know what’s the charge voltage and current, inside temperature, or if the battery’s full or not.
Pros
- This battery charger is designed to be a handy device with excellent charging options.
- The charger provides you with versatile use.
- Well-designed LCD screen helps you monitor the charging status.
Cons
- Some users reported minor problems with the charger’s connectors.
28. Energizer ENC4A 4 Amp Battery Charger with LCD
Editor’s Rating:
This vehicle battery charger and maintainer is designed to provide you with an outstanding charging performance that allows for efficient battery charging for any common type of vehicle batteries. With a built-in LCD display, this charger lets you easily monitor the state of charging. Also, the charger features an automatic voltage detection that easily detects if your battery is 6 or 12 Volt. After the charger successfully detects your battery type, it automatically adjusts the amperage rate to charge and maintain the battery. Also, this charger features an impressive 9 step smart battery charging system which is meant to improve the charger’s performance to its fullest potential.
Pros
- This charger features a well-engineered system that ensures great performance.
- The built-in LCD display enables you to monitor the charging status.
- The charger automatically detects your battery type.
Cons
- Some users reported some minor problems with the charger’s connectors.
29. Goal Zero Maintainer 10 Trickle Charger Solar Panel
Editor’s Rating:
Magic trickle charger is easy to install as the only thing you need to do is to simply peel and stick it to the surface. Also, a molded-in score line serves to firmly position the charger against the surface. This charger is equipped with a built-in diode which stops the battery from discharging during the night. The solar panel features a design that allows it to accumulate more solar power which is stored afterward and usable during the night and cloudy weather. This solar trickle charger is both handy and eco-friendly battery charging option backed up by the advanced engineering and innovative charging systems.
Pros
- This sun-powered charger features a solar panel design that allows for better sun energy accumulation.
- The charger is easy to install and use afterward.
- With this charger, you’re equipped with advanced and eco-friendly battery charging solution.
Cons
- The charger may not be compatible with all the vehicle types.
30. AstroAI Trickle Battery Charger
Editor’s Rating:
This trickle charger is mainly designed to be easy to use, so you may find many useful features like LED lights that indicate the different charging modes. Also, there are 8.5 long wires that allow for enhanced portability of the charger. The charger is suitable to charge all the common types of vehicle batteries which means that it is useful if you have different types of vehicles as you can charge them all with AstroAI trickle charger. This charger features a 4-stage charging process which automatically sets the charging intensity according to the battery state. All the charger options are microprocessor controlled and feature a switch mode that is fully automatic and can easily identify the level of charge on any type of battery and maintain a level of maximum charge.
Pros
- AstroAi trickle charger is designed to be easy to use.
- 4-stage charging process ensures an excellent charging performance.
- The charger is safe to use.
Cons
- Some users reported minor problems with the charger’s cable length.
Guide to Buying the Best Trickle Chargers
All of the 30 trickle chargers featured in this review are among the highest-quality products you will be able to find online. The most important thing about these trickle chargers is that they are worth the money you invested in them as they provide you with crucial benefits that will help you keep your battery life longer. If you are new to the trickle chargers, these are the main features you should focus on before buying any sort of this product.
Portability
The portability proves as one of the key features as it allows you to better use the space you have and position the things in a way that suits your needs the best. The trickle charger should have a cable that is long enough so you can move the charger around the place easily. Also, if you want to use the sun-powered trickle chargers, it’s important that you find the charger models which allow you to place the charger on the sunniest spot and connect it to the car battery with ease.
Safety features
Every product that has to do something with electricity must come with a large set of well-engineered safety options that will reduce the risk of bad case scenarios involving electricity to the minimum. Therefore, you should especially pay attention to the way the particular trickle chargers avoid the fatal occurrences that may completely devastate both the vehicle and its battery.
The standard trickle charger structure usually features a minimum of 3 stages charging process that allows for a gradual implementation of the electrical power to the battery, so the overheating and overcharging can be prevented. The float charging feature is among the most important trickle charger traits you should look for as it prevents the battery from being overcharged.
Compatibility
The majority of vehicle batteries are either 6V or 12V batteries, so it’s crucial that you make sure that you chose a trickle charger that can charge each type. Most of the chargers have a dual charging option that allows you to switch between the charging modes according to the voltage that is needed for your vehicle’s battery. If you apply the wrong voltage on your vehicle’s battery, then you risk doing permanent damage to your vehicle and its battery.
Faster vs. Slower Charging
Don’t get easily tricked by the trickle charger ads that will emphasize the fact that their charger can charge your vehicle battery faster than others. The reason why charging a car better slowly is better than charging it quickly has to do something with the science behind the lead acid battery technology. Generally, when you apply a higher charging amperage, you will speed up the chemical reaction needed for trickle charging, but applying excess charge amperage can generate a great deal of heat. This means that your vehicle battery can get damaged by sudden overheating caused by a fast charging mechanism.
Also, overheating may lead to battery explosion which is the most dangerous scenario you can get yourself into. Have in mind that the main quality of trickle chargers is the capability of detecting the charge level automatically by adjusting the amperage which doesn’t imply the fast conclusion of such a process. It’s better to be patient and wait for the battery to charge properly than to hurry and risk some dangerous consequences.
Easy to use
The simple use of the trickle charger is among the crucial traits you should look for before buying a new charger. It would be best to find a trickle charger that is fully automated and needs no user assistance to operate. In this review, you will find the fully automated trickle charger products that feature a smart detection of the battery amperage followed by the automatic adjustment of powering intensity. It is also important that you look for the chargers that automatically enter a float charging mode, because it enables the charger to stop charging the battery once it’s charged fully, thus preventing the battery from overheating.
Another feature that makes the use of the trickle charger more convenient is the user interface which presents you the information about the charging status. It would be best that you find a charger which has a comprehensive user interface because you will be enabled to monitor the charging status easily and decide whether you will unplug the charger or leave it.
The Verdict
This thorough review was intended to provide you with some useful insights into the main features you should focus on before buying a trickle charger. It’s of great importance that you find a product which is safe to use and which also comes with a set of protection features that will ensure both the charger’s and your vehicle’s battery longevity.
Also, the charger should be easy to install and use afterward, so the best case scenario would be if you find a charger that is fully automated, but also well-engineered and programmed. On the market, you may find some eco-friendly battery charging solutions which may provide you with a decent performance, so you can check the ones we included in the review to see if such products can suit your needs.
