In most applications you need batteries, from grown-ups vaping, to kitchen utensils, not to mention the continuous buying of batteries for kids’ toys. That it is an expensive thing to buy when you realize how often you must replace it, which causes a dent to your budget. Buying a battery charger is one of the best investments when you are someone who often uses batteries.
The 10 Best 18650 Battery Chargers
A 18650 battery is one of the best as it is a cost-effective and rechargeable option. Various devices like flashlights, remotes, cell phones, cameras, toys and other electronics use batteries. As an environmentally friendly option and slower draining rate, you will find it is a good option to use. We compiled a list of best battery chargers with different functions, capabilities, and amounts of batteries it takes. In addition, do we also list chargers that take much more than only 18650 batteries.
1. Universal Battery Charger, Eastshine S2
The Eastshine Universal Battery Charger is compatible with a large range of different sized and types batteries. You get a large range of 18650 chargers but few that charges over twenty types and makes of batteries. Another advantage is that it is compact while charging two batteries simultaneously. At a low price, you will struggle to find a better charger that also detects battery status and does speed charging too. Other features are over-charge protection, temperature monitoring, and auto switch-off after a full charge. You get a car power cord as well as wall power cord with the Eastshine charger. Buy now from Amazon
2. 4-Slots Intelligent Universal Battery Charger
The Intelligent charger charges 4 lithium batteries simultaneously. It offers wide compatibility with temperature adjustment. each battery charger individually to indicate the status of each battery during a charge. A great function is a charging and discharging circuit. The security protection of the charger is excellent to avoid over-current damage, over discharge or short circuits. The independently working charging channels mean you can charge just one or two batteries or different types of batteries too. When you buy the charger, you get everything you need including warranty card, user manual, and power cord. Buy now from Amazon
3. EBL Battery Charger
The EBL uses iQuick Technology that is time-saving for faster charging. In addition, you can choose to charge one or two batteries while the LED Smart Screen indicates the charging process. Suitable for travel it is portable and takes ant DC charging including in your car. It charges a range of Lithium-ion batteries like the 16340, 17550, 17670, 10440, 14500, 22650, 18490, 19650. In the Ni-MH Ni-CD range, it charges AAA, AA, and C 1.2 Volt batteries. Three charging modes are Trickle Charge, Constant Voltage, and Constant Current. While it charges it automatically detects overheating in preventing it from over-charge. Buy now from Amazon
4. Smart 18650 Battery Charger
The Smart 18650 might only charge one to two batteries but its very low price and top features make it a worthy purchase. It does not charge only 18650 batteries but a large range of other types. Its LED indicator tells you the status of the charge and works with a smart sensor to switch off after batteries are full. In addition, does it have over-current protection, and short circuit protection. It has a USB plug-in when you want to charge off a solar panel. It does come with a wall adapter as well. While it charges batteries individually, the slot with the first battery that is fully charged will automatically shut down, while the other still charges. Buy now from Amazon
5. Zanflare LCD Display Speedy Universal Battery Charger
The Zanflare with LCD Universal charger has tremendous features and charges a range of other battery types too. It is one of the only chargers that tells you the individual health of the batteries you insert and its power delivery capabilities too. It does it by measuring inside the battery cell to check its internal resistance. You do not have to wonder how long your charge will take as it tells you in minutes how long you must wait. Aside from a wall power adapter, you are getting a travel charger too. The three modes it operates on are Nor Test to use different discharge currents, fast test, and straightforward charge mode. Buy now from Amazon
6. Nitecore New i4 2020 Intellicharger
The Nitecore i4 is compatible with Ni-CD, Ni-MH, and Li-ion batteries. It is packed with intelligent features like independent battery charging slots. You can track the charging of each battery by checking the colored LED light indicators. You cannot overcharge a battery with time-out protection integrated. In your package you get your US power cord, but not a DC adapter. It is compatible with car chargers though for charging during traveling. Once you identify the voltage of the battery in the slot, it automatically charges the appropriate current and volt. Buy now from Amazon
7. Nitecore New i4 2020 Universal Smart Battery Charger
The Nitecore Universal charges are a range of batteries including other Li-ion, Ni-CD, Ni-MH as well as LifeP04. Utilizing intelligent circuitry, it automatically selects the charging channel and optimal charging mode. The four slots are micro computerized and charges batteries independently while the LCD displays charging time, current, voltage and progress. As a fully automatic digital device, it automatically switches off when it detects a battery is fully charged. In addition, does it detect temperatures and prevents overheating and over-charge detection too. Unlike most other chargers are you getting 8 rechargeable batteries with your charger to make it an excellent purchase. Buy now from Amazon
8. EBL 18650 Lithium Rechargeable Batteries & Li-ion Charger
Usually, you need to buy chargers and rechargeable batteries separately. Obviously is this why the initial set-up is expensive. That is where the EBL is handy as you get the charger with its two batteries. While it has its own batteries, is it fully compatible with other lithium-ion batteries. It is simple to operate with a red LED light indicating that it is busy while green indicates the batteries are fully charged. It is one of the cheapest chargers with batteries on the market even though it only charges only two at a time. Buy now from Amazon
9. Foxnovo F08 8-Slots Li-ion Ni MH Ni-CD
If you use a lot of daily charges, or have a family constantly using batteries you cannot go wrong with the Foxnovo F08. It charges various batteries including Ni-CD, N-MH, and other Li-ion batteries. An LCD indicating the batteries’ percentage as you can charge each individually and does not need to fill it with batteries to use it. You get your charger ready to use with a US power adapter. Charge efficiency is improved with the use of negative voltage control. In addition, does it come with voltage alarms, short circuit, and opposite connection protection. Buy now from Amazon
10. Efest LUC V4 LCD Universal Charger
The Efest LUC 4 has three charging modes while four batteries charge simultaneously. Aside from the 18650, it charges 18500, 18350, 16650, 10440 and 26650 batteries. Aside from charging batteries is it capable of charging tablets and phones too. LED indicators tell you how far each battery is charged. This Universal charger is more expensive than most others, though take in mind that it is capable of more than 18650 battery charging. You do charge mobiles etc. via two USB ports after placing a charged battery in the second channel, making it an excellent buy. Buy now from Amazon
How to Choose a Battery Charger
When you are in the market for a battery charger you want to get value for money. Obviously, you look at the size of your family or if you use multiple devices that need a charge regularly. Some devices have twin channels, while most have a four-channel operation. In addition, do you have 8 ports too like the Foxnovo above.
Another suggestion is to decide whether you use only 18650 batteries or if some of your devices use different types of batteries too. Various new models could charge a wide range of batteries making it possible to buy any type of rechargeable battery.
Features to Consider
Since no two battery chargers are equal you need to consider important factors when you are looking for a reliable device to charge your 18650 batteries.
Amp
When you buy a 18650 battery, you know why you do it, it is because it is powerful. Therefore do you need a powerful charger to recharge it. The amp of the charger is important as it will indicate the speed of charge and strength. When you get a charger ranging between .5 and 0.1 amps you know it will handle 4 batteries well and a safe choice.
Safety Features
Its safety features are one of the most important as you want to avoid damage to electrical devices. You need a device that has heat and overcharging detection and prevention incorporated into it. An automatic switch-off is also important so that it switches off after batteries are full. Short circuit, reverse polarity, over-voltage are fire preventing features you want in your battery charger.
LED Indicators
You want to see the status of the batteries in the charger. Some will indicate in minutes how long it will take while other give you an indication of status.
Optional Features
Some chargers are fully portable with car chargers too, power bank functions and Bluetooth connectivity. Others like the Efest allow you to charge your mobile devices as well. These are features you can do without when you are simply looking for a good charger, but worth keeping in mind.
Conclusion
This guide for the best 18650 battery chargers includes a variety of options. It takes into regard different budgets, different channel options and even those that come with rechargeable batteries included. The best advice is not to look only at price, but to look for a high-quality charger with excellent safety features. When you follow our guide, you will be able to make an informed decision.