Best Battery Tester Reviews and Buying Guide
Introduction
Making ensuring your battery is in good operating order is one of the frequently disregarded areas of vehicle maintenance. The abrupt death of your car’s battery can really ruin your day. To test your battery and ensure it is in good condition before you get on the road, use a car battery tester.
It’s even better if you make it a practice to periodically inspect your car’s battery as well as the rest of its electrical system for any indications of weakness. In this post, we’ll examine the top automobile battery testers that are currently on the market, covering a variety of price points. Some testers are simpler to use than others, while others provide more detailed information and additional features like the ability to test the alternator in your automobile.
Our homes contain a wide variety of accessories and gadgets that operate on batteries. As a result, you can have several batteries lying around your house. Testing a battery to see how much charge is left in it is also crucial to making sure it is still functional. So, here are the top battery tests, chosen based on the following criteria:
Compatibility:
It is crucial to confirm that a battery tester supports the batteries you want to test before using it. While the majority of battery testers are designed to work with standard battery types including AA, AAA, C, D, 1.5V, 9V, and button batteries, certain testers may also be able to test 12V and 24V automotive batteries.
Dial Type:
You must read the tester’s dial while using one to determine how much charge is still present. The majority of battery tests employ an analog dial for the same purpose, which provides respectable accuracy and precision. However, some battery testers have digital dials that provide considerably more precise readings if you’re looking for something more durable.
Form Factor:
Check the battery tester’s form factor as well, particularly if you want to have one in your tool kit at all times. As a result, the dimensions of many battery tests are indicated on the box, and a smaller, lighter battery tester is always going to be more useful and practical.
Even though these are some of the most crucial factors, there are still many other things to take into account before choosing. As a result, all of the top battery tests listed here provide all of the necessary features and choices. By the time you reach the conclusion of this article, you will have access to a comprehensive Buying Guide and some of the most frequently asked questions about the best battery testers.
Best Battery Tester 2023
D-FantiX
VTECHOLOGY Battery Checker
Battery Storage Organizer
Battery Tester Checker by WeePro
Gardner Bender Analog 1.5 V Button Cell
Tenergy T-333 Universal
When it comes to testing tools and accessories for electronics, including a practical battery tester, D-FantiX is one of the most well-known and trusted brands.
The D-FantiX BT-168 battery tester is listed first because it is a fantastic all-around choice for people who are new to battery tests. The first thing to note about this battery is that it is compatible with AA, AAA, C, D, 1.5V, 9V, and button batteries.
This battery tester has an analog dial, which is standard for its price and level of accuracy and precision. Along with its excellent build quality, this battery tester also comes with a 30-day warranty, which is to be expected.
Vtechnology and its entry-level battery testers can be a wonderful choice for you if you only intend to use battery testers at home and don’t need something that is highly accurate.
The VT-168 battery tester from Vtechnology is included in position two because it is one of the least expensive solutions available for customers on a tight budget. It can test AA, AAA, C, D, 1.5V, 9V, and button batteries despite the price tag.
This battery tester employs an analog dial to display all of the readings because it is cheap and not the most accurate one available. In fact, the 30-day warranty that comes with this battery tester is fantastic because it is uncommon for inexpensive options.
As implied by the brand’s name, Battery Storage Organizer provides battery storage alternatives and typically includes a battery tester in the box, similar to the one shown above.
This Battery Storage Organizer battery tester is listed in third place because it not only enables battery testing but also allows you to store up to 180 batteries inside of it. In terms of battery testing, it works with button, AA, AAA, C, D, 1.5V, and 9V batteries.
Examining the battery tester more closely reveals that it has an analog dial, which is to be expected considering the pricing. The construction of both the storage box and the battery tester is pretty impressive, even though the warranty is only for 30 days.
If you’re looking for testing tools that are not only very economical but also very trustworthy, WeePro is one of your best options. This includes its battery tester.
When it comes to dependability and durability, the WeePro battery tester is the best choice offered here, especially if you’re looking for options that are more affordable. You can use this battery tester with AA, AAA, C, D, 1.5V, 9V, and button batteries in addition to checking AA, AAA, C, and button batteries.
When it comes to how this battery tester works, it uses an analog dial to display the amount of charge remaining in your batteries. But the finest feature of this battery tester is that it comes with a 10-year warranty, making it ideal for prolonged use.
For those of you looking to purchase electronics testing equipment that will last for many years, Gardner Bender is among your top selections; this is also true of their battery tester.
One of the most trustworthy and long-lasting solutions available is the Gardner Bender GBT-500 battery testers, which also has excellent accuracy. Its built-in testing probes, which let you test AA, AAA, C, D, 1.5V, 9V, button batteries, and more, make this feasible.
It has three dials, so even though they are analog, they are considerably more exact and accurate than other dials. When it comes to this battery tester’s best feature, you’ll be happy to know that it has a 10-year warranty, making it perfect for long-term use.
If you’re looking for solutions with plenty of features, you might also take a look at Tenergy and its electronic testing tools. This is a very young company, and its battery tester has all the most recent features.
The least expensive option on this list, the Tenergy T-333 battery tester has excellent accuracy. To make this possible, Tenergy chose to use a digital dial in place of an analog one in this battery tester, which is impressive considering the price.
This battery tester’s ability to support various kinds other than the standard battery types including AA, AAA, C, D, 1.5V, 9V, and button batteries is another fantastic feature. It also comes with a one-year warranty, which is far better than the warranties offered by other battery testers in the same price range.
Battery Tester Buyer’s Guide
It can be difficult to choose just one amazing battery tester when there are so many excellent ones available. We realize how difficult it may be, which is why we created this thorough buyer’s guide to help you learn everything you need to know to choose the best battery testers for your car.
Why You Want Your Own Battery Tester
The fact that businesses like AutoZone will test your battery for free is a typical defense against purchasing your own battery tester. Even though that is wholly accurate, you still ought to purchase your own battery tester.
Here, we’ll explain why that is the case by outlining three reasons for you to get a battery tester.
Added Convenience
There’s a strong possibility that the reason you need to test your car’s battery is that you can’t get it to start. The last thing you want to do is remove your battery from your car and carry it to the store only to discover that the issue is not with the battery.
You can check the battery in your car without leaving the comfort of your house if you have a battery tester of your own. These tests are so compact and lightweight that you can even check the batteries in your car while you’re on the go!
Higher Accuracy
Although convenience is a big selling factor for owning a battery tester, it is not the main justification for doing so. That is, doing a job yourself is the only way to guarantee that it is done correctly.
While this may seem a little over the top or paranoid, the truth is that auto parts shops are much more likely to label your battery as defective even if it isn’t. This is necessary since no battery tester can determine whether a battery has to be replaced if it hasn’t received a complete charge.
The issue with part retailers is that they won’t tell you this and are quick to suggest a replacement because charging a battery takes time. However, if you perform the task yourself and use a high-quality tester, you can decide for yourself when it’s time to replace your battery. You might even get another year or two out of your battery before the tester pays for itself.
No Conflict of Interest
You might be curious as to why a parts store would advise replacing your battery even if you didn’t require a new one. The first thing to consider when checking a battery is how long it takes to charge it.
Second, the parts store where you are would dearly love to sell you a new battery. If you can keep your battery charged and running, the parts store loses money; if you require a new battery, they get to tear you apart and sell you the parts!
If you don’t know what you’re searching for, it’s a really simple sale. Because even if you just need to charge the battery, the battery tester they employ will indicate that you need to replace it. When that occurs, you end up purchasing a battery that you don’t actually need, and the part store makes some money off of you.
How You Get Accurate Results
The best tools available are only as good as the person utilizing them, just like everything else in life. For this reason, we wanted to take the time to list a few steps you should follow to ensure your battery tester produces reliable results. Here are a few frequent mistakes individuals make when checking the battery in their car.
Disconnecting the Battery
Just to be clear, this step isn’t always required. The option to test the battery while it is connected to the vehicle is available with some battery testers. In actuality, the charging and starting system can only be tested if it is still connected.
The majority of simple testers, however, require you to disconnect the battery in order to receive reliable results, even though certain battery testers can check the battery while it’s still connected. That’s because you’re simply attempting to test the battery, and the findings may be tainted if there is a parasitic draw or another issue elsewhere in the car.
When in doubt, detach the battery to be safe and obtain the most precise readings.
Charging the Battery
When your car won’t start, the first thing you should do is connect the battery tester and diagnose the problem. But before testing your battery again, put it on a charger if the tester reads less than 12.6 volts when you connect it.
This is due to the fact that as the battery’s voltage rises, the cold-cranking amps will as well, which could alter the test’s outcomes. If there is no voltage for your battery tester to deal with, it cannot determine whether the battery is functioning as it should!
Checking the CCA
This is not an issue with any of the battery testers on the list, but far too many people believe that a voltmeter is sufficient for battery testing. Not at all.
That’s because a bad battery is still possible even if the voltage checks out. You check the voltage and the amperage when you connect a battery tester. Therefore, purchase a reliable battery tester and check the voltage and amperage.
What To Look For in a Battery Tester
It’s very likely that a set of batteries you’ve been using for a while no longer has any charge. However, you should think about testing the charge they still have before discarding them. You will need to utilize anything like the top battery tests mentioned above in order to accomplish this.
All of these battery testers have been mentioned along with their key features and available options to help you choose the best one. Additionally, in order for you to simply learn everything about battery testers, we have the following comprehensive shopping advice for the finest battery testers available:
Compatibility
It is crucial to confirm that your battery tester is completely compatible with the batteries you want to test before performing any other battery tester-related checks. The majority of battery testers on the market are typically designed to test domestic and popular battery kinds. This can apply to button batteries as well as battery kinds including AA, AAA, C, D, 1.5V, and 9V.
However, other battery testers, including 12V and 24V batteries, are available that might be made for testing car batteries. Depending on the batteries you want to test, each of these solutions is excellent and suited for the job.
Dial Type
You should test a battery after confirming that it is compatible with your battery tester. Additionally, the battery tester’s dial will indicate how much charge is still in the battery when it is inserted. However, as different battery testers can produce readings with varying accuracy and precision, not all of them have the same dial.
There are a few options that will offer a digital dial, while the majority of battery tests have an analog dial with good to average accuracy. These digital knobs provide incredibly accurate readings about the amount of charge remaining in your battery tester.
Form Factor
You might even want to have a battery tester in your toolbox so you can use it whenever necessary. However, this is only feasible if your battery tester is compact enough to always be maintained in your toolkit. In other words, it is very advised to check the form factor of your battery tester because a small, light tester will be quite useful. Since having lower dimensions is usually desired, many battery testers will list their weight and dimensions alongside them.
Warranty
It is vital to ensure that your battery tester continues to operate without any problems because it is designed to accurately display the amount of charge still in your batteries. As a result, it is always a good idea to examine the battery tester’s included warranty. While the majority of battery tests on the market come with a 30-day warranty, there are some other options that have a 1-year warranty. For your peace of mind, you may even locate a few battery testers with a 10-year warranty if you’re searching for something extremely dependable.
FAQ
What is a Car Battery Tester?
A tool used to check your battery’s condition is a car battery tester. If you’ve looked at our list of items, you’ve probably seen that although some testers are very simple, others will provide more data and information about the electrical system of your car. Whatever type you decide to purchase, it’s always a good idea to have a simple tester on hand so you can swap out your battery before it runs out completely.
More complex tests will perform a comprehensive job and can even check the alternator in your car for potential problems.
Why Do I Need a Car Battery Tester?
To regularly check the condition of your car’s battery, you want to buy a car battery tester. This will enable you to replace the battery in your car before it completely fails and is no longer able to hold a charge by letting you know exactly when it is on its way out. The majority of tests are reasonably priced, and they’re a small outlay to spare you the inconvenience of becoming stranded without warning.
How Long Should a Battery Last?
A conventional lead-acid battery should last between three and five years, although it’s not unheard of for them to last up to seven years depending on the circumstances! Regardless of the battery type, you select, they will last less time if you reside in a colder climate.
However, bear in mind that whereas a lead-acid battery normally lasts between three and five years, an AGM battery can last between six and eight years. AGM or gel batteries can survive up to 10 years in more temperate locations.
How do you test a battery using a battery tester?
You must first make sure the battery you wish to test is compatible with your battery testers before you can test a battery tester. Just open your battery tester at that point and place the battery inside. You must attach the external probes on your battery tester to the appropriate terminals if it has them. When this is finished, it will display how much charge is still in your battery tester.
Do I need to install batteries in my battery testers to use it?
The majority of battery testers that have an analog dial do not need batteries inside of them because the battery being tested is used to power the dial. However, depending on the type of battery tester you are using, you may need to use a AAA battery or a button cell to operate a digital checker with an integrated display.
How does a battery tester show the charge left in a given battery?
Most testers will test the voltage output of a certain battery and the current going out of it in order to show you how much charge is still in it. It will adjust the dial and indicate how much charge is still in a particular battery based on these data.
Conclusion
Any battery will eventually run out of juice, as you would expect. Because of this, checking the amount of charge in a good pair of batteries before throwing them away becomes essential. You can easily use one of the top battery tests that we already covered above for the same purpose. You can find the important features and characteristics of each of these top battery tests. Additionally, you may find a thorough buying guide and some frequently asked questions for the finest battery testers to aid you in your selection process.
