What is NOCO?
Before we set out on our first full-time RVing adventure, I wanted to make sure we had a portable jump starter that could start our Dodge 2500 diesel truck. We needed something more heavy-duty than the standard, that’s when I first came across the NOCO brand.
I was really impressed by their portable jump starter, and after a few more years, I got a NOCO Genius5 battery charger to keep the various types of RV batteries we were testing and using charged up.
Both of the NOCO products I own are still working great, and I’ve been impressed with the versatility and quality of their products.
While you can find all the information you need about NOCO chargers on their website, I wanted to make this post to compare their chargers and help others get the information they need to make a good decision about what to get for themselves.
Automatic Detection
I’ve seen some contradicting information online about automatic battery type detection. NOCO chargers do not automatically detect battery type. The “automatic” functionality refers to the charging process once the mode is selected. Users must manually select the appropriate battery type (lead-acid or lithium) and voltage (6V or 12V) before charging begins. This information has been confirmed directly with NOCO customer service.
Every NOCO Charger Comparison Table
| Model | Charge Current | Charge Speed | Battery Capacity | Waterproof Rating | Connection | Batteries Charged (at a time) | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | NOCO GENIUS1 | 1 amp | Slow | 30Ah | IP60 | Clamp | 1 | Amazon |
 | NOCO GENIUS2 | 2 amp | Slow | 40Ah | IP65 | Clamp | 1 | Amazon |
 | NOCO GENIUS2D | 2 amp | Slow | 40Ah | IP65 | Direct | 1 | Amazon |
 | NOCO GENIUS2x2 | 4 amp (2A per) | Slow | 40Ah | IP60 | Clamp | 2 | Amazon |
 | NOCO GENIUS2x4 | 8 amp (2A per) | Slow | 40Ah | IP60 | Clamp | 4 | Amazon |
 | NOCO GENIUS5 | 5 amp | Moderate | 120Ah | IP65 | Clamp | 1 | Amazon |
 | NOCO GENIUS5x1 | 5 amp | Moderate | 120Ah | IP68 | Clamp | 1 | Amazon |
 | NOCO GENIUS5x2 | 10 amp (5A per) | Moderate | 120Ah | IP68 | Clamp | 2 | Amazon |
 | NOCO GENIUS5x3 | 15 amp (5A per) | Moderate | 120Ah | IP68 | Clamp | 3 | Amazon |
 | NOCO GENIUS10 | 10 amp | Fast | 230Ah | IP65 | Clamp | 1 | Amazon |
 | NOCO GENIUS10x1 | 10 amp | Fast | 230Ah | IP68 | Clamp | 1 | Amazon |
 | NOCO GENIUS10x2 | 20 amp (10A per) | Fast | 230Ah | IP68 | Clamp | 2 | Amazon |
 | NOCO GENIUS10x3 | 30 amp (10A per) | Fast | 230Ah | IP68 | Clamp | 3 | Amazon |
 | NOCO GENIUS10x4 | 40 amp (10A per) | Fast | 230Ah | IP68 | Clamp | 4 | Amazon |
 | NOCO GENIUSPRO25 | 25 amp | Very Fast | 1,000Ah | IP20 | Clamp + More | 1 | Amazon |
 | NOCO GENIUSPRO50 | 50 amp | Super Fast | 2,000Ah | IP20 | Clamp + More | 1 | Amazon |
A Closer Look
Charge Current & Speed
The charging current, measured in amperes (A), is the specification that determines how quickly a NOCO charger can recharge a battery. Higher amperage models deliver faster charging times, but the actual charging duration depends on multiple factors.
Larger batteries with higher amp-hour (Ah) ratings require more time to charge completely. For example, a deep-cycle RV battery will require significantly longer charging time than a standard automotive starting battery.
A simple way to estimate charge time is:
Charge Time (hours) = (Charger Output (A) ÷ Battery Capacity (Ah)) × 1.2
(The 1.2 factor accounts for energy lost as heat and inefficiencies.)
NOCO Genius chargers use a multi-stage charging algorithm that automatically adjusts current output based on the battery’s state of charge and condition. This means the charger may not always operate at its maximum rated amperage, as it prioritizes battery health and longevity.
Max battery capacity
Each NOCO charger is designed to efficiently charge batteries up to a specified maximum capacity. This rating indicates the largest battery size the charger can effectively maintain without excessive charging times.
Using a charger with insufficient amperage for your battery capacity will result in extremely long charging times and potentially incomplete charging.
Conversely, using a higher-amperage charger than necessary is acceptable and may reduce charging time, though the smallest models work well for maintenance charging of larger batteries.
Waterproof Rating
NOCO chargers feature varying levels of environmental protection, indicated by their IP (Ingress Protection) ratings.
- IP60: Complete dust protection but no water resistance. Suitable for indoor use in clean environments.
- IP65: Full dust protection and resistance to low-pressure water jets from any direction. These units can withstand light rain and splashes, making them appropriate for garage and workshop environments.
- IP68: The highest protection level, offering complete dust protection and water immersion resistance. These models are designed for marine environments, exposed outdoor locations, and applications where the charger may be subject to temporary submersion.
The environmental rating should match the operating conditions where the charger will be used. For marine applications or outdoor installations, the IP68-rated models provide essential protection against the elements.
Multi-Battery Charging Capabilities
NOCO offers single-bank and multi-bank charging options. Single bank chargers like the Genius 1, 2, 5, and 10 can charge one battery at a time. Unless the batteries are wired together in series or parallel.
Multi-bank chargers like the Genius 2X2, 2X4, 10X2, and 10X4 models feature multiple charging banks, enabling simultaneous charging of 2 or 4 batteries. Each bank functions independently, allowing different battery types to be charged concurrently.
Multi-bank chargers are particularly valuable for applications with multiple battery systems, such as boats with separate starting, house, and thruster batteries, or RVs with engine and coach battery banks.
Core Features Across All NOCO Genius Models
NOCO Genius chargers share advanced features that make them some of the most reliable and versatile battery chargers available. Whether you’re using a Genius 1 or a high-powered Genius Pro model, these chargers incorporate smart technology to optimize battery health and performance.
Key Features
- Multi-Chemistry Compatibility – Compatible with 6V and 12V lead-acid batteries (including AGM, Gel, and Flooded types) and lithium-ion (LiFePO4) batteries.
- Thermal Compensation – Automatically adjusts charging parameters based on ambient temperature to prevent overcharging in hot conditions and undercharging in cold environments.
- Battery Recovery Mode – Includes desulfation technology that can help restore capacity to lead-acid batteries suffering from sulfation buildup.
- Force Mode – Allows manual activation of the charging process for severely discharged batteries (as low as 0V) that would normally be below the detection threshold.
- Multi-Stage Smart Charging – Utilizes a sophisticated 7-stage charging process that optimizes each phase of charging from initial bulk charging through absorption and maintenance.
- Maintenance Mode – Automatically switches to a trickle charging mode after reaching full charge, maintaining battery readiness without overcharging.
- Safety Features – Incorporates spark-proof technology and reverse polarity protection to prevent damage from incorrect connections.
- Energy Efficiency – Designed for minimal power consumption during operation and standby modes.
These features make NOCO Genius chargers an excellent choice for both everyday and professional users, providing safe, automatic, and efficient charging across a wide range of battery types and sizes.
Specialized Features in Select Models
While the core features are present across the entire lineup, certain models offer enhanced capabilities for specific applications.
Key Features
- Multi-Bank Charging Systems (Genius 2X2, 2X4, 10X2, 10X4) – These models can charge multiple batteries simultaneously with each bank operating independently, perfect for boats or RVs with separate battery systems.
- Weatherproof Onboard Series (Genius Onboard 5, 10, 20) – Featuring complete IP68 waterproof construction, these chargers are designed for permanent installation in demanding conditions and can be wired directly into electrical systems for automatic charging.
- Professional-Grade Charging (Genius Pro 25, 50) – With high-current charging options up to 50A and support for multiple voltage systems, these heavy-duty units are built specifically for commercial workshops and industrial applications.
- Enhanced Recovery Capabilities (Genius 5 and 10) – These models excel at restoring severely discharged batteries, offering specialized charging profiles that can bring deeply discharged and heavily sulfated batteries back to life.
To Wrap it Up
NOCO Genius chargers represent a comprehensive range of smart charging solutions suitable for virtually any battery maintenance requirement.
Their advanced multi-stage charging technology, coupled with specialized features for different applications, provides optimal charging performance while extending battery life.
By matching the charger’s amperage rating to your battery capacity, considering environmental protection requirements, and evaluating the need for multi-bank charging, you can select the NOCO model that works best for your specific battery charging needs.
All models incorporate essential safety features and smart charging algorithms that make them significantly more effective than conventional battery chargers.
