Best Lithium Battery Chargers & Which One You Should Get

What Battery Charger Should I Get For My Lithium Battery?

Lithium batteries are taking over the battery world.

A majority of the new gadgets that are rechargeable use lithium batteries, because they are lighter, last longer, and can be recharged quickly.

Many, including Jesse and me, are making the switch from lead-acid batteries to lithium in our RV. They’re also popular upgrades to boats, solar banks, golf carts, even motorcycles.

Of course, not everything has gone fully lithium, 12 volt starting batteries in vehicles are still mostly lead-acid, but most deep cycle battery applications can benefit from a lead-acid to lithium switch.

Related Product: Monitor your deep-cycle lithium batteries on your phone with the ANCEL BM300 Pro (click to view on Amazon)

This article is going to be about battery chargers specifically for lithium batteries. If you haven’t bought a battery yet, you can check my post on the best lithium batteries for RV use.

First, it’s important to know that there are different types of lithium batteries.

• Lithium-ion (Li-ion): Commonly used in smartphones, laptops, and tablets due to high energy density and compact size.
• Lithium-polymer (LiPo): Also popular in smaller gadgets for similar reasons.
• LiFePO4: Preferred for larger applications like electric vehicles and solar energy storage due to safety and longer lifespan.

I am going to focus on battery chargers for the LiFePO4 type. Note that many of these can also be used to charge other types of batteries like AGM, GEL and flooded-lead acid.

If you want to know what amp rating your lithium battery requires, check out the “Lithium Battery Charger Amp Ratings” section below.

Summary (links to Amazon)

• Best Overall – Victron Energy Blue Smart Charger – Best for charging any type of 12 volt battery. Built-in Bluetooth for smartphone monitoring.
• Smallest – NOCO Genius 1 – Tiny but mighty. This lithium compatible 1 amp smart charger is the most compact, but it has the slowest charging speed.
• Medium Size – Battery Tender Automatic Battery Charger – A 4 amp smart battery charger that can handle 12/6 volt AGM or standard lead-acid, and 12 volt lithium batteries.
• Budget-Friendly – Nexpeak NC202 Battery Charger – Great for general or occasional use, not recommend for daily charging applications.
• 12/24V Charger – RCGCBC Smart Charger – Can charge 12 & 24 volt batteries from standard to lithium. Another basic option for general use.
• Lithium Only – LiTime Lithium Battery Charger – Dedicated LiFePO4 battery charger with a fast 20 amp current.
• 40A Lithium Fast Charger – Power Queen Lithium Battery Charger – Perfect for charging 12 volt high capacity batteries and battery banks quickly and safely.
• High Power On-Board – Sterling Power ProCharge Ultra – A little more stationary, but this battery charging power house can handle almost any kind of battery with lots of amp options available.

A Closer Look

Victron Energy Blue Smart Battery Charger

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Features Summary

• 12V 30A battery charger.
• Bluetooth Connectivity – Allows monitoring and control via a smartphone app.
• Adaptive Charging – Four-stage charging with temperature compensation for optimal battery care.
• Compatible with Multiple Battery Types – Suitable for lead-acid, GEL, AGM, and lithium batteries.
• Power Supply Function – Can also be used as a power supply for 12V systems.
• High Efficiency – Energy-efficient design reduces power consumption.
• Built-in Safety Features – Includes protection against overheating, reverse polarity, and short circuits.
• Durable Design – Rugged, waterproof casing rated for harsh environments.
• Silent Operation – No cooling fan means quieter operation.
• LED Indicators – Provide clear status updates on charging stages and modes.

Buy This If You

• Need a versatile charger for multiple battery types.
• Want to monitor and control charging via Bluetooth.
• Require a durable and weatherproof charger for outdoor use.
• Value energy efficiency and safety features.
• Appreciate quiet operation without a cooling fan.
• Want a charger that can charge a dead lithium battery (override BMS low voltage protection).

Don’t Buy This If You

• Prefer a simpler, non-Bluetooth charger.
• Need a charger with higher amperage than 30A.
• Are looking for a budget-friendly option without extra features.
• Need a charger for a non-12V system.
• Require a fan-cooled charger for additional cooling in hot environments.
• Need a 6 volt battery charger.

My Thoughts

Victron Energy specializes in all things battery, they make reliable batteries, chargers, converters, and more.

The Victron Energy Blue Smart Battery Charger is one of their best products for people looking a 12 volt charger that can do it all.

30 amps is a great all around size, and the 12 volt rating should cover most of your battery needs.

NOCO Genius 1 Smart Battery Charger

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Features Summary

• 1A fully automatic battery charger and maintainer.
• Compatible with Multiple Battery Types – Works with 6V and 12V lead-acid, GEL, AGM, and 12V lithium batteries.
• Integrated Thermal Sensor – Adjusts charging based on ambient temperature for optimal performance.
• Compact Design – Small and lightweight, ideal for easy storage and portability.
• Multi-Functionality – Charges, maintains, and desulfates batteries.
• Reverse Polarity Protection – Safeguards against incorrect connections.
• Automatic Voltage Detection – Identifies battery voltage and adjusts charging accordingly.
• One-Button Operation – Simple and intuitive control for ease of use.
• Advanced Diagnostics – Provides detailed battery diagnostics for health and status.
• Energy Efficient – Designed to use minimal power while delivering effective charging.

Buy This If You

• Need a compact and portable charger for various battery types.
• Want a smart charger with temperature compensation.
• Prefer a simple, one-button operation for ease of use.
• Require a charger that also desulfates and maintains batteries.
• Appreciate automatic voltage detection for safer charging.
• Want a charger that can charge dead lithium batteries (override BMS low voltage detection)

Don’t Buy This If You

• Need a charger with higher amperage for faster charging.
• Require a charger specifically for larger, high-capacity batteries.
• Prefer a charger with Bluetooth or advanced app connectivity.
• Need a charger that can power other devices or systems as well.
• Need a 6 volt battery charger.

My Thoughts

Check out our lithium battery charging tests on the NOCO Genius 5 in our product review here.

Large LiFePO4 battery chargers are fantastic for people who want to charge batteries fast, but there are also options for those who have time.

The NOCO Genius 1 is a very smart and versatile trickle charger. It can charge all the common types of batteries, including 6 volt and Lithium.

It’s going to charge them very slowly, but it will do it correctly and safely, which is a must-have when looking at any type of lithium compatible battery charger.

Since it’s so small there have been reports of it getting warm when charging large 12 volt lithium batteries.

NOCO makes larger smart chargers with higher amp ratings. You can get 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 amp sizes. The most popular size for general battery users being the NOCO Genius 10 (click to view on Amazon)

Battery Tender Automatic Battery Charger & Maintainer

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Features Summary

• 4A battery charger and maintainer
• Dual Voltage Compatibility – Supports both 6V and 12V batteries (does not support 6 volt lithium).
• Multi-Battery Type Support – Compatible with lead-acid, AGM, GEL, and lithium batteries.
• Automatic Detection – Automatically detects and switches between 6V and 12V based on the battery.
• Charge Modes – Users can manually select the battery type for optimized charging.
• Advanced Safety Features – Includes reverse polarity protection, short circuit protection, and spark-proof connections.
• Compact Design – Lightweight and portable, ideal for various applications.
• LED Indicators – Provides visual feedback on the charging status and battery condition.
• Microprocessor Controlled – Ensures efficient and accurate charging cycles.
• Float Mode – Maintains battery at full charge without overcharging, ideal for long-term maintenance.

Buy This If You

• Need a charger that supports both 6V and 12V lead-acid or 12 volt lithium batteries.
• Want to manually select charging modes for different battery types.
• Prefer a charger with strong safety features and automatic voltage detection.
• Value a compact and portable design for easy transport and storage.
• Require a charger that includes a float mode for long-term battery maintenance.

Don’t Buy This If You

• Need a charger with higher amperage for faster charging of large batteries.
• Prefer a charger with Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity.
• Are looking for a charger without the need for manual mode selection.
• Require a charger for more industrial or heavy-duty applications.
• Want a charger with an LCD display instead of LED indicators.
• Need a 6 volt battery charger.
• Want a charger that can charge dead lithium batteries (override BMS low voltage detection)

My Thoughts

Battery Tender has been around for a long time. I’m glad they’ve started making smart chargers with 12 volt lithium battery charge compatibility.

If you need compact but a little more power than the smallest lithium battery charger in this review, the 4 amp Battery Tender is a fantastic option.

It will still charge large batteries slowly in comparison to higher amperage chargers, but it’s dependable with all the necessary safety features built-in.

Nexpeak NC202 Battery Charger

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Main Features

• 12 volt 10 amp (24 volt 5 amp) fully automatic charger and maintainer.
• Wide Compatibility – Works with 6V and 12V lead-acid, AGM, GEL, and 12 volt lithium batteries.
• Advanced Temperature Compensation – Adjusts charging based on ambient temperature for optimal battery health.
• Intelligent Microprocessor – Uses multi-stage charging for efficient and safe charging cycles.
• LCD Display – Offers clear and real-time information on charging status and battery diagnostics.
• Automatic Voltage Detection – Automatically detects and adjusts to the correct voltage (6V or 12V).
• Safety Features – Includes protections against reverse polarity, overcharging, overheating, and short circuits.
• Compact and Portable Design – Lightweight, easy to carry and store.
• Desulfation Mode – Revives and restores old or deeply discharged batteries.
• One-Click Mode Selection – Simplified operation with easy mode selection for different battery types.

Buy This If You

• Need a versatile charger for various battery types and voltages.
• Want a compact charger with a clear LCD display for real-time monitoring.
• Prefer a charger with advanced safety features and desulfation capability.
• Value automatic temperature compensation for charging in varying climates.
• Appreciate an easy-to-use charger with one-click mode selection.

Don’t Buy This If You

• Need a charger with higher amperage for faster charging.
• Require a charger with Bluetooth connectivity or app control.
• Prefer a simpler charger without an LCD display.
• Need a charger that can also act as a power supply.
• Want a heavy duty daily charger.
• Need a 6 volt battery charger.
• Want a charger that can charge dead lithium batteries (override BMS low voltage detection).

My Thoughts

If the big names aren’t what you’re looking for there are plenty of lesser known smart battery chargers available that have a lot of fantastic features.

The Nexpeak is another “do it all” smart battery charger that’s a great 10 amp size for general battery charging.

I recommend this for people looking to charge batteries occasionally. I don’t recommend this if you need to charge batteries daily or a large power bank with multiple batteries.

RCGCBC Smart Charger

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Main Features

• 10-20A Smart Battery Charger – Designed for fast charging and maintenance of 12V & 24V batteries.
• Wide Battery Compatibility – Supports lithium, lead-acid, AGM, GEL, and more.
• Advanced LCD Display – Provides real-time information on charging status, voltage, and battery health.
• Multi-Stage Charging – Ensures optimal charging with multiple stages for different battery types.
• Temperature Compensation – Automatically adjusts charging based on ambient temperature for better performance.
• Automatic Voltage Detection – Identifies the correct voltage and adjusts charging accordingly.
• Multiple Safety Features – Includes protections against reverse polarity, short circuit, overcharging, and overheating.
• Desulfation Mode – Revives and restores old or deeply discharged batteries.
• Memory Function – Remembers the last settings used for ease of use in future charges.
• Durable and Compact Design – Built for portability and longevity, suitable for various environments.

Buy This If You

• Need a powerful charger for fast charging of 12 or 24 volt batteries.
• Want a charger with an advanced LCD display for detailed monitoring.
• Prefer a device with multi-stage charging and desulfation capabilities.
• Value automatic voltage detection and temperature compensation.
• Want a charger that can charge dead lithium batteries (override BMS low voltage detection)

Don’t Buy This If You

• Prefer a simpler charger without an LCD display.
• Require a charger with Bluetooth or app connectivity.
• Are looking for a charger specifically for 6V batteries.
• Want a more budget-friendly option without advanced features.
• Want a heavy duty daily charger.

My Thoughts

The RCGCBC 20 amp smart battery charger has the capacity to charge 12-24 volt batteries at a medium pace. It can handle higher power 24 volt battery systems as well as 12 volt batteries of all kinds.

This is another budget option, which means it might not hold up well to constant charging, especially high capacity batteries that require charging for a long time.

But for general use it’s a fantastic choice.

LiTime 12V 20A Lithium Battery Charger

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Main Features

• Specifically designed for charging 12V lithium (LiFePO4) batteries.
• 20A Charging Output – Provides a fast charging rate suitable for various lithium battery sizes, including 100Ah.
• Automatic Voltage Detection – Identifies the correct voltage and adapts the charging process accordingly.
• LED Indicators – Displays charging status, voltage, and other essential information clearly.
• Built-In Safety Features – Includes protections against reverse polarity, short circuit, overcharging, and overheating.
• Compact and Lightweight Design – Easy to transport and store, ideal for portable use.
• Multi-Stage Charging – Ensures safe and efficient charging, prolonging battery life.
• High Efficiency – Designed to maximize energy efficiency during charging.
• Quick Setup – Comes with M8 battery terminal eyelets and Anderson Connector for fast connect/disconnect.
• Simple Operation – User-friendly interface with plug-and-play functionality.

Buy This If You

• Need a reliable charger specifically for 12V lithium batteries.
• Prefer a compact, lightweight charger for easy transport.
• Want a charger with multi-stage charging for battery longevity.
• Value built-in safety features for secure charging.
• Appreciate a simple, easy-to-use charger with LED indicators.

Don’t Buy This If You

• Need a charger for lead-acid, AGM, or other non-lithium batteries.
• Require a charger with higher amperage for faster charging.
• Prefer a charger with advanced features like an LCD display or Bluetooth connectivity.
• Are looking for a multi-voltage charger that supports 6V batteries.
• Need a charger that can also maintain or desulfate batteries.

My Thoughts

We’ve reviewed and used a dedicated lithium battery charger that was very similar to this one.

If you’re an RVer or someone who uses 12 volt lithium batteries as a main power source, this type of battery charger is an excellent choice.

It can handle higher capacity batteries and battery banks, it’s built to last, and it does it’s one job really well.

Power Queen 40A Lithium Battery Charger

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Main Features

• High-powered charger with 40A output for fast charging.
• Advanced LCD Display – Provides detailed information on charging status, voltage, current, and battery health.
• Multi-Stage Charging – Offers multiple charging stages for efficient and safe battery maintenance.
• Temperature Compensation – Automatically adjusts charging based on ambient temperature to protect battery life.
• Comprehensive Safety Features – Includes reverse polarity protection, short circuit protection, overcharging, and overheating prevention.
• Durable and Rugged Design – Built to withstand tough environments and frequent use.
• Memory Function – Remembers the last settings used, making it easier to resume charging.
• High Efficiency – Designed to minimize energy waste while maximizing charging speed.

Buy This If You

• Need a powerful 40A charger for fast charging of large batteries.
• Prefer a charger with an advanced LCD display for detailed monitoring.
• Value automatic temperature compensation and multi-stage charging for battery care.
• Appreciate strong safety features and a durable design.
• Want a charger that can charge dead lithium batteries (override BMS low voltage detection)

Don’t Buy This If You

• Need a lower amperage charger for smaller batteries or slower charging.
• Are looking for a simpler, more basic charger without an LCD display.
• Require a charger with Bluetooth or app-based control.
• Only need to charge smaller, less demanding batteries.
• Want a more portable and lightweight charger for easy transport.

My Thoughts

When dealing with higher currents and more charging power, a small LCD display with real time information on things like voltage, current, and battery health is a fantastic feature.

Built for durability and lots of use. The Power Queen 40 amp battery charger may only be able to charge LiFePO4 batteries, but it’s going to do it right and can handle a lot of charging for a long time.

Sterling Power ProCharge On-Board Charger

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Main Features

• High-capacity marine and RV battery charger with 50A output (20-60 amp options available).
• Wide Voltage Range – Supports both 12V and 24V systems, suitable for large battery banks.
• Multi-Stage Charging – Offers advanced 4-stage charging for optimal battery performance and longevity.
• Intelligent Power Sharing – Distributes power across multiple battery banks based on demand.
• Universal Input Voltage – Accepts a wide range of AC input voltages (80-270V), making it usable worldwide.
• Temperature Compensation – Ensures safe and efficient charging in different temperature conditions.
• Built-In Safety Features – Includes protections against reverse polarity, short circuits, overheating, and overcharging.
• LCD Display and LED Indicators – Provides real-time monitoring of charging status, voltage, and other critical parameters.
• Rugged and Durable Design – Built to withstand harsh marine and RV environments.
• Quiet Operation – Designed for silent operation with minimal fan noise.

Buy This If You

• Need a powerful charger for large marine, solar or RV battery banks.
• Require a charger that supports both 12V and 24V systems.
• Prefer a charger with multi-stage charging and intelligent power sharing.
• Value universal input voltage for use in various global locations.
• Appreciate detailed monitoring via LCD display and LED indicators.

Don’t Buy This If You

• Need a charger for smaller, lower-capacity batteries.
• Are looking for a more portable, lightweight charger.
• Prefer a charger with Bluetooth or app connectivity.
• Require a budget-friendly option for basic charging needs.
• Want a simple, easy-to-use charger without advanced features or displays.

My Thoughts

If you’ve built a decent size lithium battery bank with 3 or more batteries, I highly recommend a more advanced and beefed up battery charger like the Sterling Power ProCharge Ultra.

It’s the more premium option, especially the higher amperage versions like this one, but it will protect your power bank and keep the batteries healthy longer, making it more worth it than a risky lesser quality charger.

Of course, this is mostly for larger applications that require more power. One or two 12 volt lithium batteries can easily be maintained by smaller more basic options.

Lithium Battery Charger Amp Ratings

The amperage rating on any battery charger tells how much current the charger can output.

Higher amperage chargers are much faster at charging than lower ones, but they aren’t as budget friendly and they’re bigger and heavier.

You can technically charge any size of battery with any size of battery charger, the only thing that has to match is the battery type and voltage.

If your battery charger’s voltage is too low, it won’t charge the battery. If it’s too high it could potentially overcharge the battery, cause it to overheat, and damage it.

A quality  lithium battery should have a BMS (battery management system) built in with safety features like over voltage detection that’s supposed to stop the battery from getting damaged.

See Also: When To Charge A Deep Cycle Battery

If the BMS safety system engages and blocks the charger, your battery won’t charge and you put the BMS system at risk.

It’s also worth noting that most batteries have a max current they can safely allow. So it’s possible to get an unnecessarily large battery charger.

Most smart lithium chargers can sense the necessary current and work with the battery’s BMS to give it the right amount of charge.

In some cases a low quality high powered battery charger and a small lithium battery with a bad BMS system could result in dangerous overcharging, overheating, and possibly an explosion.

I’s better to make sure you’re using a charger that isn’t too powerful for the battery, or get a high quality one with features you can trust.

Lithium Charger Size Recommendation Chart

This chart is a basic recommendation based on the average recommended standard continuous charging for lithium batteries.

Always make sure your specific battery supports the amperage, this information can be found in the product manual.

Lithium batteries can be charged with lower amp chargers, but it can be taxing to the charger because of the extra long charge time.

Smaller smart chargers without fans can get hot which will shorten the life of the charger if it has to continuously charge for long periods of time.

That’s why it’s a good idea to follow the recommended amp rating based on the battery capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right amperage for my lithium battery charger?

As a general guideline, a charger with 10-20% of the battery’s amp-hour (Ah) rating is ideal.

For example, a 100Ah lithium battery would be well-served by a charger in the 10A to 20A range.

Lower amperage chargers will charge more slowly, while higher amperage chargers can charge more quickly but may not be necessary or safe for smaller batteries.

Is it possible for a 1 amp rated lithium battery charger to charge a 100 Ah lithium battery?

Yes, but it’s going to be very slow. You can estimate the charge time by diving the battery capacity by the chargers current rating.

So a 100Ah battery/1 amp charger would equal 100 hours of charge time.

While this is doable, I recommend getting a bigger charger if you will be charger larger batteries like the common 100 Ah.

A small portable battery charger might be able to charge the battery, but 100 hours of charging will be taxing on it and potentially cause overheating and a shortened lifespan.

If I wire two 12 volt 100 Ah lithium batteries together in parallel does the recommended charge current increase?

Yes, if you properly wire batteries together in parallel the overall capacity will increase which means you can use a more powerful charger.

It’s important that the batteries are connected to the charger in a way that will evenly distribute the power when charging and discharging.

See Also: How To Wire Multiple 12V Or 6V Batteries To An RV

If I wire two 12 volt 100Ah lithium batteries together in series does the recommended charge current increase?

No, batteries that are wired together in series get an increase in voltage, not current. The two 12 volt batteries will become a 24 volt battery.

For this setup you will need a 24 volt battery charger can output 10-20 amps.

Why aren’t there very many 6 volt lithium batteries or chargers?

Lithium battery cells typically have a nominal voltage of around 3.2V to 3.7V, depending on the chemistry.

To create a 12V battery, manufacturers typically connect three or four cells in series.

For a 6V battery, fewer cells would be needed, but this results in lower energy capacity and less efficiency for many applications.

For that reason, it’s more practical and efficient to produce 12V and 24V LiFePO4 batteries.

What is a lithium battery charger, and how does it differ from other types of chargers?

A lithium battery charger is specifically designed to charge lithium-ion or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries.

Unlike chargers for lead-acid or AGM batteries, lithium battery chargers have precise voltage and current controls to safely charge lithium batteries without overcharging, which could damage the battery or create a safety hazard.

Can I use a regular lead-acid charger to charge a lithium battery?

It is generally not recommended to use a regular lead-acid charger for lithium batteries.

Lithium batteries require a specific charging profile with controlled voltage and current, which most lead-acid chargers do not provide. Using an incorrect charger can lead to overcharging, undercharging, or damage to the lithium battery.

See Also: What will happen if I charge a lithium battery with my RV?

What features should I look for in a lithium battery charger?

Key features to consider include:

• Voltage compatibility with your specific battery type (e.g., 12V, 24V).
• Amperage output that suits your battery’s capacity.
• Multi-stage charging for optimal battery maintenance.
• Safety features like reverse polarity protection, short circuit protection, and temperature compensation.
• Display options like LCD or LED indicators for monitoring.
• Automatic shut-off or float mode to prevent overcharging.

Why is temperature compensation important in a lithium battery charger?

Temperature compensation adjusts the charging voltage based on the ambient temperature. This is crucial for lithium batteries because their charging efficiency and safety are affected by temperature.

Charging at the wrong voltage in extreme temperatures can lead to reduced battery life or even safety issues.

How does a multi-stage charger benefit my lithium battery?

A multi-stage charger delivers a tailored charging process that includes phases like bulk, absorption, and float charging.

This ensures that the battery is charged efficiently without being overcharged, which helps maximize the battery’s lifespan and performance.

What does it mean when a charger has a desulfation mode, and is it relevant for lithium batteries?

Desulfation mode is designed to reverse the sulfation process in lead-acid batteries, where sulfate crystals build up on the battery plates.

This mode is not relevant for lithium batteries, as they do not suffer from sulfation. Chargers with desulfation mode may also support lithium batteries, but this feature is specific to lead-acid battery maintenance.

Can I leave a lithium battery connected to the charger indefinitely?

Lithium batteries prefer to be stored at a 40-70% state of charge instead of full.

Some lithium battery chargers have a float or maintenance mode that allows them to be connected indefinitely without overcharging the battery.

However, it’s important to ensure your charger has this feature before leaving it connected for long periods.

What is the lifespan of a lithium battery when using a proper charger?

With proper charging and maintenance, lithium batteries can last between 5 to 10 years or more.

Factors such as usage patterns, charging frequency, and operating temperature can affect the overall lifespan.

Is it safe to use a lithium battery charger in all weather conditions?

Many lithium battery chargers are designed to be weather-resistant or even waterproof, but not all.

If you need to use a charger in harsh or wet conditions, look for a model with appropriate weatherproofing ratings (such as IP ratings). Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe operation in different environments.

Please leave a comment if you have questions.