If you use flashlights frequently, you know that having suitable batteries for these electronic devices is not just enough. Besides, you should invest in a charger that can adequately charge your 18650 batteries. No wonder, 18650 battery chargers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, most of them aren’t up to par, and a few are downright dangerous.
You can get chargers that don’t overcharge or overheat your battery. Sadly, not all of them have these features, and if something goes wrong, you could damage the battery or hurt yourself.
Poor quality chargers take a long time to recharge your batteries. Moreover, they can shorten the lifespan of your battery and seriously reduce its performance. If you want to ensure safety and get the best performance, you need the right charger.
So, are you looking to get the most out of your 18650 batteries? I have tested tons of different models and selected some best 18650 battery chargers based on their performance, safety, price-to-quality ratio, and user reviews. Just so that I can tell you exactly what works and what doesn’t. Our top picks will keep your batteries safe while still getting maximum juice out of them every time.
Table could not be displayed.Top 5 Recommendations for the Best 18650 battery Charger
1. Keenstone Smart Universal Charger
No products found.
Keenstone Smart Universal 18650 Battery Charger is a portable, lightweight battery charger that works with different types of batteries. Besides advanced charging technology, it’s got multiple protections to keep your batteries safe. It’s easy to carry around when you’re on the go or traveling. Generally speaking, it is a universal battery charger that combines power, efficiency, and safety.
Features
Multiple Charging Options
Keenstone is a multi-bay charger that can charge multiple batteries at once. In addition to compatibility with different Li-ion battery types, the charger features four independent bays for simultaneously using different kinds of batteries. In this charger, two batteries can be charged at a rate of 500mA or 1000mA, while charging in the other two slots is limited to 500mA.
LCD Display
With this smart charger, you can monitor each slot separately. The LCD screen will show voltage (V), current (mA), and time (h) for each battery when it’s charging. It is a very practical and safe way for you to charge your battery!
Auto Charging Mechanism
As soon as the charger detects the battery type and capacity, it automatically selects the appropriate voltage and charging mode (CC, CV, dV/dt). Furthermore, it protects against reverse polarity, so you don’t have to worry about charging your batteries wrong.
Multiple Safety Features
With this charger, you will never have to worry about undercharging or overcharging your batteries again! Keenstone smart universal charger offers multiple safety features like protection from reverse polarity, short circuit, overcharge or discharge, etc.
Specifications
- Size: 7.24 x 6.34 x 1.73 inches
- Weight: 14 ounces
- Input: AC 100-240V 50/60Hz 600mA (maximum); A DC voltage of 12-24V at 2000mA (maximum)
- Output Voltage: 1.5V to 4.2V with 500mA*4 / 1000mA*4
- Output Current: 0.5AX4/1AX4
- Compatibility Types: 1.2V, 3.2V, and 3.7V Li-ion, IMRI, INR, LifeP04, NiMH, and NiCd batteries
- Supported Battery sizes: 10340 to 32650, AA, AAA, AAAA, C, and D
Pros
- It supports a wide variety of batteries
- Built-in intelligent circuit protection including multiple safety features
- Practical LCD Display
- 4-Bay charger with multi charge feature
- Simultaneous charging with different output setup
Cons
- You cannot use it to charge non-rechargeable batteries
2. EBL Universal Speedy Battery Charger
No products found.
Generally, EBL is famous for producing two specific products. These are batteries and battery chargers. This company has a wide range of battery chargers and similar products, from them, EBL 18650 battery charger is a powerful one. Anyway, this 2-bay charger can charge 3.7V rechargeable batteries very smoothly.
Features
Lightweight and Compact Design
As this 18650 battery charger comes with a 2-bay feature, the design is also compact. Additionally, its extreme lightweightness attracts customers too. Overall, this gadget can be ultra-fit for your batteries.
Smooth Charging For Various Batteries
The EBL charger is a universal charger that can charge li-ion batteries comfortably. You can charge either using a single bay or two bays at once. In both conditions, you are tension-free because of its smooth charge flow.
Digital LED Display Indicator
You will find a smart LED indicator below the front side. When you put batteries on bays to charge them, the indicator will show red light. After completing the charging process and the batteries are fully charged, the indicator will become green.
Safety Controlled Model
It is easy to guess that you obviously want to buy a charger that ensures safe charging. In the first place, the EBL battery charger uses MCU Control Technology. That means you are provided with such a model that continuously checks for ideal current and voltage levels. In other words, a constant effort is being made to solve your security issues.
Specifications
- Size: 4.75 x 3.25 x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 3.98 ounces
- Input: DC 1.0A
- Output: 4.2V DC 450mA
- Compatibility Types: Perfect for lithium-ion and IMR INR ICR batteries
- Supported Battery sizes: 10440 to 18650, RCR123A, and CR2
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and compact design
- Small-sized but durable structure
- MCU Control Technology with multi-protection
- You can charge using a USB adapter, car charger, power bank, etc.
- Battery charge rate of 90%
Cons
- Standard for indoor use only
3. WISSBLUE LCD Screen Fast Charger
No products found.
WISSBLUE is a company with many competitive battery chargers. So, you don’t need to think about the quality of their products. They always try to build quality products to keep their position high in the market. And, here is one of those quality battery chargers.
Features
Lightweight Design
The WISSBLUE 18650 charger comes with a lightweight design compared to others. Though the charger does not weigh much, you can charge various lengths of batteries ranging from 29 mm to 65 mm. So, the product is very convenient and easy to carry. And if you are a travel enthusiast, this product might interest you the most.
Fast Charging Speed
Whether you charge one battery or four batteries, the battery charger will give you the maximum speed possible for charging. The first thing to remember is that this charger is made for increased portability to charge several batteries without affecting the charging speed. And this is the reason why you will find this WISSBLUE charger as one of the best portability providers on the market.
Basic Level Protection
You will get, as usual, essential protection in the charger. However, don’t think that it will hamper usability. In any way, this basic level of security is enough to run a battery charger safely.
LCD Screen Monitor
An LCD monitor is given to show the battery levels and power. As a result, you will not find any issue knowing the charging status of different batteries.
Specifications
- Size: 6.26 x 4.21 x 1.54 inches
- Weight: 7.8 ounces
- Input: 5V – 2A Max
- Output Voltage: 3.7V/1.2V
- Output Current: 0.5A to 2A
- Compatibility Types: Li-Ion /Ni-MH Ni-Cd
Pros
- Extremely lightweight design
- Equipped with simple basic functions
- Great value for the price
- 2A fast charging supported
- The LCD screen provides a lot of information
Cons
- It does not have any unique feature
4. POWXS LCD Rechargeable Universal Charger
No products found.
Do you want advanced options in your battery charger? Then, the POWXS Universal Smart Charger is the best fit for you. This battery charger can charge various rechargeable batteries with 3.7 voltage.
Features
2-Bay Design
The Powxs charger comes with two individual slots for charging your batteries. This product is ideal for fast charging two batteries. In addition to that, you will have the flexibility to charge freely using the USB input. Not to mention, you can use a car charger or a computer to get a better result.
Auto-Off Feature
When your Powxs power is fully charged, it will automatically be turned off. Similarly, after charging your batteries, this charger will turn off itself automatically. For this reason, among the best smart battery chargers, the Powxs is regarded highly.
Multiple Protection Systems
The Powxs has provided multiple protection technologies for this charger. Here, the 18650 charger is very effective in protecting against reverse polarity. Besides, you will get full control of the MCU system along with the battery charger.
Widely Compatible
Good to know, besides charging 18650 batteries, Powxs also supports a wide range of other batteries. Actually, the charger is very good at maintaining a balanced charging process. Don’t forget, you can charge two different batteries in the two slots at the same time.
Specifications
- Size: 5.63 x 3.31 x 1.38 inches
- Weight: 5.4 ounces
- Input: 5V/2A
- Output Current: 1000mA for 3.7V rechargeable batteries and 400mA for Ni-MH or Ni-CD batteries
- Compatibility Types: 3.7V Li-ion, NiMH, and NiCd batteries
- Supported Battery sizes: 14500 to 18650, AA and AAA
Pros
- Fast charging allowed
- Priced reasonably
- Provides multiple protection technologies
- A special feature of Auto-Off mode
- Compatible with many kinds of rechargeable batteries
Cons
- Power loss reduces the efficiency
5. MiBOXER 4-Bay Fast Battery Charger
No products found.
If you are looking for one of the fastest battery chargers in the market, say hello to this MiBoxer 4-bay charger. With this super-fast charger, you will be able to charge your batteries at 3A power output, which is amazing! Isn’t it?
Features
Overheating Prevention Facility
Perhaps you can ignore all other positive features or reasons, but you will buy the Miboxer only for its overheating tech. Brilliantly, the Miboxer charger comes with PC fire retardant material. That’s the reason why you will get excellent heat dissipation in the product. In this case, the related electronic circuit amazingly reduces overheating.
4-Bay Design
Never worry about the charging slots, as the Miboxer battery charger has four different slots. Not only that, they can be used for charging different batteries at once. And, we are thankful that Miboxer offers the supporting capability of various batteries.
LCD Screen with Manual Setup
Let’s talk about the LCD screen now. The display monitor covers all parameters of the four batteries, as well as power supply and charging levels. On the positive side, you can manually set the charging current for your need. Besides, the user interface of the display screen is good enough to understand easily.
Smart Intelligence Feature
The charging technology will certainly amaze you. If your battery is short-circuited or reversed anytime, the charging process will be stopped immediately. Furthermore, the charger automatically turns off after full charging. What’s more? When using a damaged battery in any slot, the screen will show an error message and stop charging.
Specifications
- Size: 6.3 x 4.1 x 1.6 inches
- Weight: 15.8 ounces
- Input: AC 90V to 260V 50/60Hz 0.4A (Max); DC 12V 2A (5.5*2.1 mm)
- Output Voltage: 4.35V±1% / 4.20V±1% / 3.60V±1% /1.48V±1%
- Output Current: 1.5A*2 / 1.3A*3 / 1.0A*4
- Compatibility Types: Li-ion (4.20V, 4.35V), LiFePO4 (3.60V), Ni-MH/Ni-Cd (1.48V)
- Supported Battery sizes: 10340 to 26650, A, AA, AAA, AAAA, C, and SC
Pros
- It can handle the longest batteries because of its suitable length
- Up to 3A charging current
- Large LCD Display with manual control
- Overheating reduction technology
- A friendly interface makes the charger easy to use
- Can charge four different batteries simultaneously
Cons
- It does not contain a car cable in the package
- Comparatively high price
Frequently Asked Questions
What specs should I look for in my 18650 battery charger?
There are a number of specifications you will get in a battery charger. But, some are mandatory for a quality charger package. These specs include-
- Charger from a reputed brand
- Simultaneous charging of batteries with separate setup
- Easy interface with monitoring display
- Automatic shutdown after full charge
- Protection from overcharging and short circuits
- Overheating reduction feature
What type of charger should I buy? 2-Bay or 4-Bay?
Primarily, it depends on your personal choice. You can choose 2-bay if you don’t intend to charge your batteries a lot. In contrast, if you have many batteries and need to charge very often, you need to buy a 4-bay.
What current do I need to charge my 18650 battery?
You can charge using up to 1A current for normal charging. In the case of fast charging, you can use 2A or more. But, always remember that a higher current means higher temperature. And it can shorten the battery life.
Conclusion
You can be confused very easily after seeing numerous battery chargers on the market. In this article, we have listed some of the best 18650 battery chargers that are now available on the market. Moreover, we have tried to simplify the process for you.
Though all the chargers mentioned above are great products, you can choose according to your needs. If you need a powerful battery charger, buy an EBL charger. And, to get advanced functions in your charger, you can go for the Keenstone or Powxs. Lastly, check out the Miboxer charger to have the fastest output.
Resource:
- Battery Safety Basics: https://batteryuniversity.com/article/bu-304b-charging-lithium-ion
- Understanding Battery Types: https://www.explainthatstuff.com/batteries.html
- Electrical Fire Prevention Tips: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Safety-equipment/Batteries-and-chargers
-
Guide to Rechargeable Batteries and Charging: https://www.energystar.gov/products/battery_chargers