The Best AGM Battery Chargers (Review) in 2021
| Best Choice |
|
NOCO Genius GenM3 Battery Charger | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Premium Pick |
|
Optima Digital Performance Battery Charger | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Best Value |
|
Black+Decker Automatic Battery Charger | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
- 1. NOCO Genius GenM3 Battery Charger
- 2. Black+Decker Automatic Battery Charger
- 3. Optima Digital Performance Battery Charger
- 4. NOCO Genius Battery Charger
- 5. Schumacher Fully Automatic Battery Charger
- 6. MOTOPOWER Automatic Battery Charger
- 7. Black+Decker Waterproof Battery Charger
- 8. MEEARO Smart Battery Charger
- 9. Battery Tender Junior Automatic Battery Charger
- Best AGM Battery Charger Buying Guide & FAQ
A dead or drained battery is never a good sign. If you have a car with a troublesome battery, changing it out can be expensive. Therefore, you should consider getting a powerful AGM battery charger to keep the battery running. Many chargers do much more than providing juice for the drained cells. They can maintain the battery’s life as well and even improve its performance. Here are the best AGM battery chargers to consider if you need a recharge.
The Best AGM Battery Charger
The Noco Genius GenM3 model features multiple bank ports, making it versatile and super effective. Although you can opt to get the lower priced options, they don’t feature nearly as many banks as the GenM3. With three total bank configurations, this AGM battery charger is capable of providing power for several batteries at once.
Its versatility doesn’t end there. It can also charge lead-acid batteries, wet batteries, gel batteries, and of course, AGM batteries. It’s also surprisingly strong and sturdy for its small size. One huge benefit is its waterproof design.
- Multiple banks
- Charges different types of batteries
- 12 amp
- Brand NOCO
- Model GenM3
- Weight 8.6 pounds
Sturdy and reliable
Strong amperage output
Waterproof
Large fuse holder
May develop issues over time
LED lights may not always work
Black+Decker is a company that understands power tools and batteries. Its AGM battery charger is certainly up to the task of providing juice to your drained battery. This model can maintain 12-volt and 6-volt AGM, gel, and wet batteries without an issue. It connects easily and securely to the terminals as well.
One of the best features is it includes an automatic shutoff when the battery is fully charged. This gives you the freedom to go about your day while the charger does its thing. You don’t have to worry about overcharging or overheating as much. It also includes built-in circuit protector guards.
- Built-in circuit protector guards
- Auto shutoff
- Mounting bracket included
- Brand Black+Decker
- Model BM3B
- Weight 1 pound
Works on AGM, gel, and wet batteries
Simple to connect
Lower priced yet powerful
Instructions can be difficult
LED lights can be confusing
The charging process can be lengthy
As our premium choice for AGM battery chargers, the Optima Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Charger is durable and reliable, though a bit pricey. It’s built to charge, condition, and maintain 12V AGM and flooded batteries. Plus, it features an easy-to-read LCD battery charging gauge and quick-set selection screen.
A great feature of this particular battery charger is its built-in charging clamp LED work light. You also get charging ports for your smartphone or any other device that requires a USB port to charge. You may find that the plastic casing isn’t the strongest and can break or buckle under pressure.
- USB charging ports
- LCD screen
- Integrated charging clamp LED light
- Brand Optima Digital
- Model 1200 12V
- Weight 7.75 pounds
Extends battery life
Quick charge
Easy to carry around
Weak plastic casing
Pricey
LCD screen may not always work
The NOCO Genius G7200 is an all-in-one battery charger that is equipped to handle car, boat, truck, RV, tractor, ATV, and other types of batteries with ease. It is capable of pumping out 230 amp hours and is built to keep the batteries fully charged and maintained all year long. However, you may notice the charger can get a bit hot if left on for a long period of time.
It works with all types of 12-volt and 24-volt lead-acid batteries, including wet, gel, and AGM batteries. Plus, its advanced technology is capable of shutting off the device when the battery is charged. It automatically monitors and maintains batteries so you don’t have to worry about overcharging them, though it may take a while to fully charge a drained battery.
- 230 amp hours
- Charges wet, gel, and AGM batteries
- Automatic shutoff
- Brand Noco
- Model G7200
- Weight 2.89 pounds
Lightweight
Easy to use
Sturdy
Recharger can get warm
Long charging time
Clamps are flimsy
The Schumacher Fully Automatic Battery Charger is as quick as Michael Schumacher himself, well at least when he was racing. It may be hefty, but the charger is powerful and features two modes for convenience and versatility—a 30-amp quick boost charge and a 100-amp jump start function.
One of the most beneficial parts of this charger is its built-in central screen. It includes large bold numbers for easier reading and lets you know exactly how far along the battery is being charged. It can be a bit cumbersome to haul around and the case feels flimsy and cheap.
- 30-amp quick boost charge and a 100-amp jump start function
- Integrated screen
- Carrying handle
- Brand Schumacher
- Model SC1281
- Weight 13 pounds
Strong and sturdy
Easy to set up
Charges quickly
Cumbersome and bulky
A bit hefty, at 13 pounds
Clamps could be stronger
Motopower’s battery charger is compact and lightweight yet comes with incredible charging power. The little device comes with up to 12 volts and is capable of detecting and warning you when your battery is low. It’s also constructed out of a strong and durable plastic with top-grade fire-resistance material.
It’s simple to set up and monitor and gives you the freedom to leave it be to do its job. Plus, it has a built-in safety feature and seven charging stages. The lead cables could be a little longer, and it may not work that quickly or efficiently on larger vehicles.
- Monitors battery levels
- Built-in safety protections
- LED indicator
- Brand Motopower
- Model MP00205B
- Weight 12 ounces
Compact
Ultra lightweight
Simple to connect
No screen
Lead cables are short
Not a quick charge
Black+Decker makes our list again for another one of its automatic battery chargers—this time for its bright orange, compact and lightweight deep cycle battery charger. The small device works great in the elements and won’t overheat if left charging for hours. However, it doesn’t put out that much power, so charging a battery may take a substantial amount of time.
One benefit we found particularly great is its built-in circuit protector that prevents overcharging, reverse polarity, and short-circuiting. It can also be plugged into a power socket or connected to a vehicle’s cigarette lighter. Another downside is the cables are made of plastic and not rubber, making them feel cheap and prone to damage.
- 6 amp charger
- Automatic high frequency charging
- IP67 rating
- Reverse polarity protection
- Brand Black+Decker
- Model BC6BDW
- Weight 3 pounds
Lightweight
Compact
Bright and easy to see
The cables are plastic
May take a while to charge
Feels flimsy
This is a versatile 5 amp battery charger and maintainer for batteries that is able to juice up AGM, gel, wet, and calcium type batteries. It delivers fully automatic high frequency charging with three stages as a fast charger, top-off charger, and trickle charger, though you may find the instructions can be a bit confusing at first.
It includes built-in circuit protection, which we always find beneficial. This protects against overcharging, over-current, open-circuits, reverse polarity, sparks, and overheating. The device also comes with an LCD screen, though it is a little small. A few downsides are the cables are short and the wires are thin and can tear more easily.
- Fully automatic high frequency charging
- Three stage charging
- 5 amp charger
- LCD screen
- Brand MEEARO
- Model 4.5
- Weight 1.5 pounds
Compact
Brightly colored
Easy to read screen
Thin wires
Instructions can be confusing
Short cables
It may not look like much, but the Battery Tender 12 Volt Junior Automatic Battery Charger packs a punch. It includes a four-step charging program to get your battery back in working order. It starts with an initialization mode that moves to bulk, charge, and lastly a float mode. This ensures the battery power is optimized and it remains in peak performance.
Another big benefit of the Battery Tender model is its two-color LED indicator light. While there is no screen, the lights let you know if the battery is getting a charge. You will be out of luck if you plan on leaving it to charge outside in the rain. It is not waterproof or water-resistant. It’s also not the strongest and should be handled with care.
- Smart microcontroller technology
- Checks for correct connection before charging
- Quick disconnect harness
- Brand Battery Tender
- Model 021-0123
- Weight 1.8 pounds
Fast charge
Simple to connect
Compact and easy to carry around
Not waterproof or water-resistant
Not that durable
Cord feels flimsy
Best AGM Battery Charger Buying Guide & FAQ
A dead battery is never a good sign. There could be a number of reasons the power is gone but dealing with one doesn’t have to be stressful or difficult. Battery chargers are around for a reason and using one is simple.
Whether you need to charge your car, boat, ATV, or lawn mower battery, doing so should be a breeze. However, the biggest issue may be how long it takes to fully charge the battery again. We’ve put together a list of the things you need to know if you need a new AGM battery charger.
Do You Need an AGM Battery Charger?
Though it may seem obvious, the main reason you would even need a battery charger is to charge a dead battery. However, there are plenty of other benefits of the technological devices. You never know how a battery will react, so having a charger on hand is always a good idea.
They allow you to check the power level of your battery as well. Knowing how much energy is flowing through the battery lets you know how much juice is being used. The majority of the time, you may think the battery is dead with no chance of being revived, but a battery charger is able to read the battery to inform you if it is truly drained of all power.
Benefits
- The best AGM battery charger will let you forgo replacing the battery altogether. By using the attached cables, you can charge the battery without pulling it free from the vehicle.
- A battery charger can save you time by not having to take the battery to a mechanic or professional shop.
- Using an AGM battery charger on your battery is more efficient and safer for the battery in general. AGM batteries need to be charged slowly with low current.
The Most Common Types of AGM Battery Chargers
Believe it or not, there are multiple types of AGM battery chargers. It isn’t just a device used to charge your battery. You will find three different types of battery chargers and they all work in various ways to make sure your battery is functioning correctly.
- Maintainer
The name does exactly what it claims. This charger is designed to maintain the battery charge. While it won’t fully charge the battery or restore dead cells, the maintainer will ensure the battery doesn’t lose its charge while connected.
While technically it doesn’t charge the battery, it is still considered a charger, as it maintains the charge of the battery. They work best for anyone who needs to make sure their battery doesn’t die when they need it. You could leave the battery maintainer on the vehicle while you’re at work and the battery’s charge should hold all day. Do note, though, that a battery that is losing power will eventually lose its charge at some point.
- Charger
This is what people will generally go for when it comes to finding a great battery charger. In basic terms, it does what it says. These types of battery chargers restore and rejuvenate life back into batteries drained of power.
They are the most common type of battery chargers and are equipped to handle several types of batteries, from an AGM battery to a gel battery to any other type you can think of. They will do the job and get you back on the road. They will have the correct amperage and voltage required to restore the juice back into your dead battery.
- Restorer
One of the least common types of battery chargers, a restorer breaks down contaminants built up in the battery’s cells that can block the battery from getting power. Batteries that are blocked are unable to function properly and therefore will lose their charge or not work at all. Restorers clear the cell blockage so the battery can get more power. A restorer is typically found in heavy duty garages, mechanic shops, and workshops. They are also the most expensive type of battery charger you can find.
Features to Look for in AGM Battery Chargers
You should be aware of a few things before you purchase your AGM battery charger. Not all are created equally, so you should focus on specific features instead. Here are a couple things you should look for before making a purchase.
- Discharge Rating
One of the main features you should pay close attention to is the discharge rating of the battery charger. Each one will come with its own rating and they aren’t all the same. The rating will be denoted in ampere hours.
Ampere hours measure the amount of current a battery can provide in just one hour. If we do some simple mathematics, a 100 aH battery is able to provide up to 100 amperes of current in a single hour.
- Safety
Battery chargers use electricity and can be dangerous when in use. The best battery chargers are equipped with their own safety features to protect you, the battery, and the charger.
Many will come with an automatic discharge feature that controls the amount of juice that flows from the charger to the battery. Once it reaches a certain amount or fully charges the battery, the charger should shut off so you don’t use too much electricity or risk overcharging your battery.
Tips for Buying and Using AGM Battery Chargers
Knowing how to take care of your battery charger can save you time, effort, and money in the long run. There are several things you should understand about them before connecting one to your battery.
A battery charger can be difficult to understand at first, so you should take a moment to familiarize yourself with the device before using it. We’ve compiled a list of the most noteworthy tips you should be aware of when you purchase and use your battery charger.
- To get the best charge out of your charger, you should always clean the cables before each use. Dirt or dust can build up under the metal and reduce the amount of charge you get.
- You will notice some white powder collecting on your battery terminals. Do not be alarmed as it is just dried sulfuric acid. Don’t touch it as it can burn your skin. Consider using gloves or a wire brush to get rid of the acid safely.
- Always make sure you connect the correct cable to the correct terminal. Know which cable is the positive charge and the negative charge before connecting them to the battery. A “+” sign stands for positive and is red, while a “-” sign stands for negative and is black.
Related Posts: Best Battery Maintainers, Battery Trays and Car Battery Testers
Best AGM Battery Charger FAQ
You no doubt have a few questions about your battery charger, so we’ve got a few answers that will help you understand them a bit better. Whether you need to familiarize yourself with what AGM stands for or need to know how long to charge the battery, we’ve got you covered. By the end, you will be an expert on AGM battery chargers and can get to charging your batteries in no time.
Q: What does AGM mean?
A: AGM means absorbed glass mat, and it’s a specific type of lead-acid battery. It absorbs the sulfuric acid with a very fine fiberglass mat and makes the battery spill-proof. They typically have a much lower internal resistance and are capable of delivering high currents on demand.
Q: How long does the battery need to charge before it’s full?
A: It can be difficult to determine the exact time it will take to fully charge the battery. However, the lower the battery charge, the longer it will recharge. Generally, the standard charging time of AGM batteries is between a couple of hours and up to 12 hours. You should monitor the battery’s temperature from time to time as well. If it exceeds 125 degrees Fahrenheit, stop charging it immediately.
Q: Can you charge a regular battery with an AGM charger?
A: AGM batteries are designed to provide a slow and low charge for your battery. Therefore, using a regular charger for an AGM battery is not possible. If you attempt to do so, you may overcharge the AGM cells and potentially damage the battery.
Our Top Pick
Our choice for the overall best AGM battery charger goes to the NOCO Genius GenM3 Battery Charger. The powerful device features multiple bank ports to charge a few batteries at once. It’s versatile and can charge lead-acid batteries, wet batteries, gel batteries, along with AGM batteries. You won’t be complaining about its construction either, as it’s also strong and sturdy. Plus, it’s waterproof.