What Is A Battery Balancer And Who Needs One?
Battery balancers might not be something you think about every day, but if you rely on multiple batteries wired in series for your RV, boat, or solar system, they’re one of the most useful tools you can have.
Note that a battery balancer is not needed for parallel-wired batteries. In a parallel setup, all the batteries share the same voltage, so their voltages naturally stay equal.
Battery balancers are specifically designed for series-wired batteries, where the voltages of individual batteries can become unbalanced over time
What Does a Battery Balancer Do?
When you connect two or more batteries together in a series to get more voltage (like 24V or 48V systems), they’re supposed to work as a team.
The problem is, over time, one battery will usually start to carry more of the load than the others. It can drain faster, charge slower, and get weaker overall. This imbalance shortens the life of your battery bank and hurts its performance.
A battery balancer is a small device you attach to your battery bank. Once installed, it monitors the voltage of each battery and moves energy between them to even things out.
For example, if one battery is sitting at 12.8V and another is at 12.4V, the balancer will transfer energy from the stronger battery to the weaker one. Once both batteries are balanced at the same voltage, the balancer stops.
Think of it like making sure each person in a group is carrying an equal load. No battery gets overworked.
Who Should Use a Battery Balancer?
- RV Owners – RV electrical systems operate on 12-volt setups. If you prefer 6-volt batteries, you’ll need to wire at least two in series to meet the requirements for RV compatibility.
- Boaters – Marine systems depend on reliable power sources. Proper battery balancing helps extend battery life, ensuring dependable performance during long trips.
- Off-Grid – Off-grid systems relying on energy sources like solar often require large, high-voltage battery banks. Connecting batteries in series is a common way to achieve the necessary voltage for these setups.
- Solar Setups – Solar energy systems depend on well-maintained battery banks to store power effectively. A balanced configuration is critical for stable energy storage and output.
Top Battery Balancers Reviewed
Victron Battery Balancer
Key Features
- Balances 24V Systems – Designed to equalize voltage across two 12V batteries wired in series to create a 24V system.
- Automatic Operation – Continuously monitors and balances batteries without user intervention.
- High Efficiency – Works with minimal energy loss, ensuring efficient balancing.
- Wide Voltage Range – Operates on systems ranging from 24V up to 48V setups.
- Compact & Lightweight – Small, easy-to-install design that fits neatly into battery banks.
- LED Status Indicators – Visual notifications for when balancing is active and battery conditions.
- Low Power Consumption – Uses only 0.7W in standby mode to conserve energy.
- Adjustable Activation Point – Customizable voltage settings to fit your specific battery requirements.
- Durable Design – Built to withstand rugged off-grid, marine, and RV environments.
My Thoughts
The Victron Battery Balancer is a simple but essential tool for anyone running a 24V system with lead-acid or AGM batteries.
By automatically adjusting the voltage between batteries, it prevents overcharging or undercharging, which extends battery life and improves efficiency.
What sets Victron apart is their reputation for producing reliable, long-lasting electrical products. This balancer is compact, energy-efficient, and built to handle rugged environments, making it ideal for RVs, boats, and solar setups.
Just keep in mind it’s not designed for lithium batteries, and it won’t offer advanced features like Bluetooth monitoring.
Buy This If You:
- Run 24V Systems – Ideal for configurations where two 12V batteries are wired in series to create a 24V power bank.
- Use Lead-Acid or AGM Batteries – Ensures equal voltage between batteries, reducing wear and extending lifespan.
- Want Automatic Balancing – Set it and forget it; the balancer continuously works to keep your batteries in sync.
- Rely on Off-Grid Power – Ideal for solar-powered systems, RVs, boats, or backup power banks.
- Need a Reliable Brand – Victron is known for its high-quality, durable electrical products.
Don’t Buy This If You:
- Use Only Parallel Wired Batteries – Battery balancers are not needed for parallel connections since voltage stays naturally equal.
- Only Run 12V Systems – A battery balancer is specifically for series-connected setups (like 24V or 48V).
- Have Lithium Batteries – While the balancer works for lead-acid and AGM batteries, it’s not optimized for lithium systems.
- Want Bluetooth Features – This model lacks app connectivity or advanced monitoring.
ECO-WORTHY Battery Balancer
Key Features
- Designed for 24/36/48 Volt Systems – Balances up to 4x 12V or 8x 6V batteries in a series to maintain equal voltage.
- Automatic Equalization – Continuously balances batteries during charging and discharging.
- Low Power Consumption – Efficiently operates without draining battery capacity.
- Wide Compatibility – Works with lead-acid, AGM, gel, and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries.
- Moderate Balancing Current – Provides a balancing current up to 5A to quickly equalize voltage.
- LED Indicators – Real-time LED status for balancing activity and battery conditions.
- Over-Voltage Protection – Prevents overcharging and safeguards battery health.
- Durable and Compact – Compact design built with robust materials for off-grid environments.
My Thoughts
The Eco-Worthy Battery Balancer is a solid choice for anyone running a 24V, 36V, or 48V battery bank, especially in off-grid solar systems. Its ability to handle both lead-acid and lithium batteries makes it versatile, and the 5A balancing current ensures your batteries stay equalized quickly and efficiently.
What sets this balancer apart is its strong focus on 48V systems, which is ideal for larger setups requiring high voltage. It’s compact, reliable, and works automatically, saving you time and extending the life of your batteries.
While it’s missing app features, its performance and compatibility with LiFePO4 batteries make it an excellent investment for 48V energy storage solutions.
Buy This If You:
- Run a 48V System – Ideal for setups where four 12V or 6V batteries are wired in series for high-voltage applications. Also works with 24 and 36 volt systems.
- Use Lithium Batteries – Fully compatible with LiFePO4 batteries, ensuring safe and efficient balancing.
- Rely on Off-Grid Power – Great for solar setups or backup power systems.
- Want Automatic Operation – Works on its own without constant monitoring.
Don’t Buy This If You:
- Have a 12V System – This balancer is designed specifically for 24/36/48 volt battery banks.
- Use Only Parallel Batteries – Balancing is unnecessary in parallel setups since voltage remains the same.
- Prefer App Monitoring – This model has no Bluetooth or smartphone integration for remote tracking.
- Installed Near Living Space – Some users have reported a high-pitched noise emitted when balancer is working.
- Require Rapid Balancing – 5A balancing current may be slower compared to high power models.
LiTime Battery Balancer
Key Features
- Versatile Voltage Range – Compatible with 24V, 36V, and 48V battery banks, making it suitable for various setups.
- Automatic Voltage Balancing – Keeps battery voltages equal during charge and discharge cycles.
- Wide Compatibility – Works with lead-acid, AGM, gel, and lithium-ion (LiFePO4) batteries.
- Dual Balancing Current – Offers up to 10A of balancing current for rapid and efficient voltage equalization.
- LED Status Indicators – Provides real-time feedback on battery conditions and balancing activity.
- Energy-Efficient Design – Operates with minimal power consumption to conserve battery capacity.
- Over-Voltage and Short Circuit Protection – Safeguards batteries and the equalizer itself from damage.
- Durable Build – Designed for long-lasting performance in demanding environments.
My Thoughts
The LiTime Battery Balancer is an excellent choice for users who need a flexible and high-capacity equalizer for multi-voltage systems, but are ok with only using 12 volt batteries. 6 volt batteries are not compatible with this balancer.
Its ability to handle 10A balancing currents makes it a standout option for large battery banks, ensuring rapid equalization and improved performance across lead-acid and lithium batteries.
What makes this equalizer appealing is its versatility—you can use it for 24, 36, and 48 volt systems, making it ideal for users who may scale up their systems over time.
While it lacks app features, it delivers excellent performance and safety for serious energy storage setups, especially ones using LiTime Batteries (click here to see our review of the 12 volt LiTime LiFePO4 Smart battery).
Buy This If You:
- Have a Multi-Voltage System – Great for setups requiring flexibility between 24V, 36V and 48V configurations.
- Use Lithium Batteries – Fully supports LiFePO4 and other lithium-based batteries, ensuring safe balancing.
- Need High Balancing Current – The 10A capacity makes it ideal for larger battery banks or faster balancing.
- Want Enhanced Protection – Features like over-voltage and short circuit protection add peace of mind.
Don’t Buy This If You:
- Only Use 12V Systems – While compatible, its full potential is best realized in higher voltage setups.
- Use Only Parallel Batteries – Balancing is unnecessary in parallel setups since voltage remains the same.
- Like Bluetooth Features – This model lacks app-based monitoring and advanced connectivity options.
- Have 6 Volt Batteries – Made to be used with 12 volt batteries only, not 6 volt battery compatible.
iSunergy Battery Balancer
Key Features
- Optimized for 48V Systems – Balances 48V battery banks consisting of 4x 12V batteries in series.
- Parallel Compatible – Connect balancers in parallel to reach 96 volts or higher.
- Automatic Balancing – Monitors and adjusts voltage imbalances automatically during use.
- High Balancing Current – Capable of up to 6A balancing current for efficient equalization.
- Wide Compatibility – Works with lead-acid, AGM, gel, and lithium-ion (LiFePO4) batteries.
- LED Indicators – Clear status lights show when balancing is active and battery conditions.
- Low Energy Consumption – Operates efficiently without significant battery drain.
- Built-In Protection – Includes over-voltage, over-current, and short circuit protections for safe operation.
My Thoughts
The iSunergy Battery Balancer 48V is a reliable choice for maintaining balance in 48V battery systems. It’s easy to use, energy-efficient, and offers compatibility with both lead-acid and lithium batteries.
The 6A balancing current is adequate for most applications, though it may not be the fastest option for large battery banks.
What makes this model stand out is its built-in safety features and easy setup. While it lacks advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity, it delivers solid performance for battery bank users looking for an affordable and effective way to keep their 48V systems running smoothly.
Buy This If You:
- Have a 48V Battery Bank – Specifically designed for 48V setups using 12V batteries wired in series. A 24 volt option can be found here (click to view on Amazon).
- Use Lithium or Lead-Acid Batteries – Compatible with various battery chemistries, including LiFePO4.
- Need Moderate Balancing Current – The 6A current is sufficient for most standard battery banks.
- Want Easy Monitoring – LED indicators make it simple to check balancing status at a glance.
Don’t Buy This If You:
- Use Lower Voltage Systems – This equalizer is designed specifically for 48V systems and is not optimized for 12V or 24V setups.
- Use Only Parallel Batteries – Balancing is unnecessary in parallel setups since voltage remains the same.
- Want Bluetooth Connectivity – This model does not include app-based monitoring or controls.
- Require Rapid Balancing – While efficient, the 6A balancing current may be slower compared to high-end models.
Why Batteries Become Unbalanced
Batteries become unbalanced for a few reasons.
Some charge and discharge at different rates, so one might end up holding more energy than the rest.
Even if they’re from the same batch, slight differences in manufacturing can make them slightly uneven.
Over time, they lose capacity, and one will usually wear out faster than the others.
Signs You Need a Battery Balancer
If your battery bank isn’t balanced, there are a few signs to look for.
If you check the voltage on each battery and they don’t match, that’s a clear sign something’s off.
An unbalanced system also drains faster since the weaker batteries struggle to keep up.
If one battery is getting noticeably hotter than the rest, it’s probably working harder than it should.
How to Install a Battery Balancer
Installing a battery balancer is simple. Here’s a basic breakdown:
- Turn Off Power – Before working on your battery bank, make sure everything is powered off and disconnected.
- Identify Your Battery Bank Setup – Find out how your batteries are wired (series or series-parallel) and where the connections are.
- Connect the Balancer – Most balancers will have two wires that connect to the positive and negative terminals of each battery.
- Turn the System Back On – Once everything is connected, turn the system back on and let the balancer do its job.
Always check the instructions that come with your balancer for specific steps. If you’re unsure, a professional can install it for you.
See Also: 5 Best 12 Volt Lithium RV Batteries Reviewed + How To Charge
To Wrap it Up
Battery balancers are a small but powerful tool that can make a huge difference for anyone relying on multiple batteries.
When choosing a balancer or equalizer, consider your system’s voltage, battery type, and specific requirements like balancing speed. Pay special attention to the compatible voltages since not all battery balancers are 6 volt compatible.
Whether you’re running a 24V, 48V, or multi-voltage setup, battery balancers help extend battery life, ensure consistent power output, and protect your setup.
See Also: How To Wire Multiple 12V Or 6V Batteries To An RV/Battery Bank
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pros to a 24 or 48 volt system over a 12 volt one?
Higher voltage systems have a few key advantages over 12V setups.
They carry the same amount of power with lower current, which reduces energy loss as heat and makes the system more efficient, especially for longer wire runs in off-grid setups.
Since they use lower current, you can get away with thinner, less expensive wiring, cutting down on installation costs.
Inverters also tend to run more efficiently at higher voltages, meaning a 48V inverter, for example, converts DC to AC with less energy loss.
It also allows for higher wattage inverters without overloading the system.
Are Battery Balancers Worth It?
If you want to get the most out of your battery bank, then yes, a battery balancer is 100% worth it.
Without one, a battery in your system could wear out faster than the others. A proper battery bank uses batteries that are the same make, size, and age. If one wears out, you’ll need to replace them all.
A battery balancer keeps batteries healthy, extends their lifespan, and improves the performance of your electrical system.
What’s the difference between a battery balancer and a battery equalizer?
A battery balancer equalizes the voltage across batteries in a series-connected system by transferring energy from higher-voltage batteries to lower-voltage ones, ensuring they remain balanced.
A battery equalizer typically refers to a device used to balance charge levels across individual batteries in both series and parallel-connected systems.
Equalizers are often more focused on addressing charge imbalances during specific charging cycles, while balancers operate continuously to keep series-connected batteries level during all stages of use.
Can I use a battery balancer for parallel connected batteries?
No, battery balancers are unnecessary for parallel-connected batteries. In parallel setups, all batteries share the same voltage by design, so they naturally stay balanced.
Balancers are specifically designed for series-connected systems, where the voltage across individual batteries can become uneven.
For parallel systems, proper wiring, maintenance, and using batteries of the same type and age are usually enough to keep them working efficiently.
I have four 12 v, 100 ah batteries. The first two are connected in series to give me 24 v, 100 ah. The second two are also connected in series to give me 24 v, 100 ah. These two groups are then connected in parallel to give me 24 v, 200 ah. question: How do I hook a balancer to this arraignment? Can I use one balancer or do I need two balancers?
Hi James,
You’ll need to use two balancers, one on each pair of series connected batteries. The parallel wiring between the two sets can stay the same.