Some of us still use 18650 batteries for gadgets like flashlights, laptops, vehicles, cameras, power tools and more! An 18650 battery charger is a fantastic way to reuse these batteries as opposed to buying new. All you have to do is plug in the batteries and let the device charge away! Once finished, they’ll be good as new!
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Best Universal Battery Charger
Table of Contents
1. Keenstone Smart Universal Charger
This 18650 battery charger has universal compatibility. It is high quality and has built-in intelligent circuit protection to keep your batteries safely charged. It has an LCD display that will monitor all four of the slots and display information about the voltage, current, and time for each battery. To view these, you simply need to press the button.
This charger has 4 slots. Each slot will automatically meet the needs of your battery. The charger is able to detect the power status and select the correct voltage required. When complete, the charger stops charging automatically. It also has over-discharge, short circuit, and reverse polarity protection.
+ Universal compatibility
+ 4 charging ports
+ Lots of safety features
– Connectors occasionally get stuck
2. Eastshine Universal Battery Charger
This charger is built with fire retardant materials to ensure safety. It has intelligent circuits though it is recommended you check your battery for any damage before charging. It is a universal charger for batteries and has 2 bays for recharging.
This charger will automatically detect your battery status and ensure the correct charge mode is selected for it. It has an LCD display that will show you each cell voltage as well as time and charging current. It will automatically cut off power once your battery reaches full charge or overtime.
+ Intelligent circuits
+ LCD display
+ Automatic power cut-off
– 2 bays
3. Victagen Universal Smart Charger
This charger from Victagen is universal, compatible with many types of batteries. As a bonus, 2 18650 are included. This is a smart charger capable of identifying the input power and adjusting the charge current automatically. You can charge different battery types at the same time with this charger.
This charger has an automatic charge stop which will keep it from charging a battery if the wrong input voltage is detected or if it short circuits or is defective. It also recognizes non rechargeable batteries and will not activate a charge on them to ensure your safety. It has reverse polarity protection as well as over-charge protection.
+ Smart charger
+ Over-charge protection
+ Charge different batteries at the same time
– 2 bays
4. Powxs LCD 18650 Battery Charger
This charger is compatible with a few different types of batteries, but is not as universally compatible as other models. Batteries can be fully charged in 3 hours with this charger, making it an efficient option especially for the price. It also automatically turns to trickle charging to prevent overheating, over-current, and over-voltage.
It has an LCD display which will highlight information for you about the charging status of your battery in real time. When it is completely charged, the battery icon will not blink and remain solid. When it is charging, the battery icon will continuously flash. This way, you always know when to take off your batteries.
+ 3 hour charge time
+ Battery icon
+ Budget friendly
– Not as universal as other options
5. Nitecore i2 Intellicharge Charger
This Nitecore charger is capable of recharging NiMH and NiCd batteries and is able to detect which kind is being inserted. The LED indicator will tell you the charging status of your batteries and is capable of charging 2 batteries at the same time. Each slot is monitored independently and will identify each battery.
The LCD display has multiple colors to indicate the charging progress of your batteries. Depending on the battery status, the light will show yellow or blue. Able to automatically detect the battery status, this charger will ensure the correct voltage and charge mode is used.
+ Slots monitored independently
+ Color charging lights
+ Automatically detects battery status
– No listed safety features
What to Consider Before Purchasing an 18650 Battery Charger
Before buying your battery charger, here are a few considerations to make to ensure you find the best one.
Charging
You’ll want to see how long it takes to charge your batteries, especially if you use them frequently. You may even be able to set the charging speed on some models. Don’t opt for only super-fast chargers as overcharging can damage your batteries.
Bays
You need to determine how many bays you want. Most often you will find 2 or 4 bays though you can find other options that have more. The more bays, the more expensive the charger is likely going to be so make sure you buy what you need.
Safety
You want to ensure you and your batteries are safe when you use your charger. Features such as over-charge protection, venting, short-circuit protection, and reverse polarity protection are great features you should look out for.
Tips For Using Your 18650 Battery Charger
Here are some tips to keep in mind to ensure you and your batteries remain safe.
- Never leave your batteries unattended
- Ensure you don’t charge near flammable materials
- Check how fast your chargers complete a full charge and remove batteries when complete
- Don’t buy a cheap charge
Wrapping Up
Rechargeable batteries are environmentally friendly. As opposed to the batteries going to landfill, they can be used time and time again. The best 18650 charger of 2022 can certainly be found in the list above. So if you need 2 charging slots, 4, or 8 there’s definitely something for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
You don’t need to buy one specific charger for your batteries. However, you do need to ensure you buy a good and reliable one to suit your needs.
You should never leave your batteries on the charger. Over-charging can damage your batteries and even if your charge has protection against this, it’s always better to be safe.
You technically can charge your batteries with a mobile charger. You have to ensure you have proper wire connections in order to do it safely, though.