Best Marine Battery Chargers – 2021 Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

| Last Updated July 7, 2021

A great marine battery can only do so much without the help of an exceptional marine battery charger.

Investing in a high-quality charger is a good idea for any angler who fishes offshore.

In this article, we’ve put together a list of the best chargers available today, and we’ll also walk through the ins and outs of what makes up a great pick.

Comparison of the Best Marine Battery Chargers

PRODUCTDETAILS
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Minn Kota Precision On-Board Charger

  • Includes great special features
  • Sturdy and durable construction
  • Our favorite overall pick on our list
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ProMariner 43021 ProSport 20+ Generation 3

  • Very user-friendly
  • A great value for the price
  • Conditioning stage for maintenance
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Schumacher SC1300

  • Very compact and lightweight
  • Our top pick for those on a budget
  • Multi-stage charging with maintenance included
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Minn Kota On-Board Digital Charger

  • Convenient digital design
  • LED displays charging progress
  • The best 3-bank battery charger on our list
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NOCO Genius GEN4

  • Easy to install
  • Very quick and efficient
  • Our favorite 4-Bank marine battery charger
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NOCO Genius GENM2

  • High-quality, durable construction
  • Our favorite onboard marine battery charger
  • Great for working with different styles of battery
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Optima Digital 1200

  • Easy to read LED screen
  • Recovers fully dead batteries
  • The best deep cycle marine battery charger on our list
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What Size of Marine Battery Charger Do I Need?

There are several different marine battery charger sizes, and the one you choose will typically depend on a variety of factors. First of all, you should consider where you will be storing your charger. If it will be placed in a garage with more room, you don’t need to worry about picking out a compact shape versus if it is to be stored on your actual watercraft. Secondly, you can also choose how many banks you’d like. Depending on how many batteries you have, a three or four bank charger can be super convenient.

How to Choose a Marine Battery Charger

If you’re in the market for a new marine battery charger, you should be looking for a set of qualities guaranteed to make your life a little bit easier. Keep the following considerations in mind. 

Durability and Longevity

An awesome marine battery charger should last through hundreds of charges with ease. You can guarantee a durable charger by taking a close look at the materials that it is crafted with. It should feel well-made and heavy-duty, able to take the hit of a couple of bumps and bruises here and there. 

Special Features

Some marine battery chargers have some awesome special features you should keep an eye out for. Many now include a maintenance cycle, which keeps batteries running properly for longer. Another great feature is an LED display screen which depicts the charging status of each battery.

Quick to Charge

It’s no fun to have to wait around for your batteries to charge. Many marine chargers are pretty quick and can have your batteries ready to go in a relatively short amount of time. Keep an eye out for the charging time.

Easy to Use

Lastly, your marine battery charger should be user-friendly. Although special features are great, they should be easy to operate and uncomplicated. 

Review of the Best Marine Battery Chargers

There are some exceptional marine battery chargers to choose from. We’ve compiled a list of some of our absolute favorites. Take a look!

Best Overall:
Minn Kota Precision On-Board Charger

Minn Kota Precision Digital Chrgr MK 330 PC 3 bank x 10 amps

PROS

  • Totally sealed
  • Very durable construction
  • Battery equalization cleans and maintains your batteries
  • Customizable charging stations for different battery types
  • Voltage compensation keeps the charge consistent no matter the circumstances

CONS

  • Super-heavy
  • Battery leads are a little short
  • A little tough to change between different charging styles

What Recent Buyers Report

Boaters who purchased the Minn Kota Charger were pretty thrilled with this product’s precision charging and customizability. Among many things, buyers appreciated the very durable construction and awesome special features included, like voltage compensation and battery equalization. There were a few complaints about the weight and length of battery leads, but for the most part, the response was overwhelmingly positive.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This Minn Kota is, in our opinion, the gold standard when it comes to on-board marine chargers. Aside from a few very minor flaws, this charger provides great power and some excellent features that add to the convenience of the overall product. We love the sturdy, intentionally-constructed design and the fact that the whole system is customizable.

Who Will Use This Most

This charger would be a great fit for an angler who uses multiple styles of batteries. Something fairly unique about the Minn Kota Precision Charger is that each battery bank is customizable— the user can switch between AGM, flooded, and gel with just a couple button presses.

Bottom Line

Overall, there’s no doubt why the Minn Kota Precision Charger earned the top spot on our list. With great special features, excellent power capacity, and durable construction, this charger could make an awesome addition to your boat.

Runner-up:
ProMariner 43021 ProSport 20+ Generation 3

ProMariner Gen 3 ProSport 20 Amp 12/24/36 Volt 3 Bank Waterproof Marine Battery Charger 43021

PROS

  • Compact size
  • Exceptional value
  • Charges fairly quickly
  • Easy to use and install
  • Strengthens batteries through conditioning stage

CONS

  • No internal fan
  • Cables should be longer
  • No charging gauge for individual batteries

What Recent Buyers Report

Those who went for the ProSport Charger were very excited by the value of this product, considering the very low price it is offered at. Among other compliments, buyers were happy with the easy-to-use design and quick charging, though they wished the cables had a bit more length and some other convenience features were included.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This charger has a spot on our list because of its overall value and performance. Budget chargers can be few and far between and it’s even tougher to find ones that function effectively. The ProSport Charger is a great option because it has a battery strengthening stage, charges quickly, and is compact.

Who Will Use This Most

This charger is a great option for those anglers looking to get the best bang for their buck. This is our value pick because it comes at a very reasonable price point without compromising performance. In addition, the size of this charger is pretty convenient for those with smaller boats.

Bottom Line

Overall, we’re proud to include the ProSport charger on our list. Although it is missing some features included in higher-end models, this little charger is not to be overlooked. It is handy, convenient to use, and performs well when it counts.

Best for the Money:
Schumacher SC1300

Schumacher SE-1-12S 1.5A 6/12V Fully Automatic Battery Maintainer

PROS

  • Very easy to install
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Charging stages include maintenance
  • Knows when to stop charging a battery
  • Really great value for a reasonable price

CONS

  • Noisy buzzing sound
  • No mounting bracket
  • Trickle charge— takes quite a bit of time to charge up a battery fully

What Recent Buyers Report

Those who purchased the Schumacher SC1300 battery charger had positive things to say about several aspects of this setup, including the advanced multi-stage charging system, compact and lightweight construction and the super reasonable price. Some did wish there were mounting brackets built-in and that it was a little quieter.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This product stands out to us for several reasons, mainly because it is a high-quality charger that comes at a very reasonable price. One thing to note about this product is that it is a “trickle” charger, meaning it charges a battery over a longer period of time. This isn’t necessarily a good or bad thing, just something to keep in mind.

Who Will Use This Most

This charger is a great option for those anglers who want to get the most bang for their buck. Battery chargers don’t come cheap, so it is rare to find a high-quality product with great special features at a reasonable price. This charger doesn’t skimp on any of the advanced attributes that a much more expensive charger would include.

Bottom Line

Although this charger’s design and function aren’t going to be well-suited for everyone’s preference, for those who want a trickle charger with some great special features, this is an awesome pick.

Best 3 Bank Marine Battery Charger:
Minn Kota On-Board Digital Charger

Minn Kota Johnson Outdoors MinnKota MK 330D On-Board Battery Charger (Black) (1823305)

PROS

  • Monitors battery temperatures
  • Digital design is very convenient
  • Clearly displays charging process
  • Durable, high-quality construction
  • Maintains batteries in addition to charging

CONS

  • Awkwardly tall
  • A little difficult to use
  • Mounting tabs are inconvenient for some

What Recent Buyers Report

The recent response to the Minn Kota on-board digital charger has been overwhelmingly positive. Buyers were really pleased with the clear and concise nature of the digital system that clearly displays each battery’s charging process separately. It has three banks for ultimate usability. Some wished it was a little more user-friendly and easier to mount, but complaints overall were minimal

Why it Stands Out to Us

As you can probably tell from our list, we’re pretty big fans of Minn Kota and the products they release. This digital charger is a great example of the excellence the company tries to pursue. This is a very high-tech charger with lots of great special features, which is why it earns a spot on our favorites list.

Who Will Use This Most

Although this is a very effective charger, it isn’t the easiest to use. Some users had some difficulty switching through settings, and for that reason, this charger might be a better fit for an angler who is a little more technologically adept.

Bottom Line

The Minn Kota charger, although not the easiest piece of equipment to use, is highly valuable for many reasons. It is high-tech and durable, effective, and overall, a great product that can assist an array of anglers.

Best 4 Bank Marine Battery Charger:
NOCO Genius GEN4

NOCO Genius GEN4, 4-Bank, 40-Amp (10-Amp Per Bank) Fully-Automatic Smart Marine Charger, 12V Onboard Battery Charger and Battery Maintainer

PROS

  • Quick charging time
  • Very user-friendly design
  • Lots of built-in safety features
  • Durable, long-lasting construction
  • Charges a versatile range of batteries

CONS

  • Bulky and awkward
  • No charging indicator lights
  • Not made to use with an extension cord

What Recent Buyers Report

The majority of buyers of the NOCO Genius charger were satisfied with its performance on the water and off. Several users praised its easy-to-install design and overall usability and appreciated that it was quick to charge. However, some did wish that it included charging indicator lights to give a better idea of how much time was left when in the middle of a charge.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We’re big fans of the NOCO Genius charger for several different reasons. Firstly, we appreciated the safety features the company took the time to add. It is 100 percent waterproof, ignition protected and also has a firewall that protects against unsafe, abnormal conditions. In addition, this is a versatile charger that can handle a wide range of batteries.

Who Will Use This Most

The NOCO Genius charger is a great option for anglers with safety at the top of their priorities list. As mentioned above, this product has many features put in place to ensure that it keeps the user safe. Although this is quite a bulky charger, it is fairly lightweight, making it a good option for anglers with smaller boats.

Bottom Line

For anglers with safety on the brain, the NOCO Genius charger is hard to beat. Although it may lack in some convenient design features, this charger makes it up in its own way. It provides quick charging time, versatility in performance, and durable housing.

Best Onboard Marine Battery Charger:
NOCO Genius GENM2

NOCO Genius GENM2, 2-Bank, 8-Amp (4-Amp Per Bank) Fully-Automatic Smart Marine Charger, 12V Onboard Battery Charger and Battery Maintainer

PROS

  • Compact, low-profile design
  • Several built-in safety features
  • Compatible with several styles of batteries
  • Made with very durable, protective housing
  • Recovery stage for extra battery protection

CONS

  • Slow to charge
  • Mounting options aren’t great
  • No indicating lights to show charging status

What Recent Buyers Report

The NOCO Genius GENM2 was a pretty big hit among the users who went for it. Although some had some issues with the lack of design features that depict charging status, the majority of buyers were happy with the durable design and appreciated the multi-stage charging system.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This is the second NOCO Genius charger we’ve included on our list and for good reason. We love the functionalities of these lines and, as mentioned before, their attention to detail when it comes to safety. In addition, this charger is pretty small and compact, perfect for an onboard design.

Who Will Use This Most

This is an onboard-designed charger, so it is a great fit for those who want to keep their charging system close to them on their watercraft. This particular model is pretty low profile, so it won’t take up an exceedingly large amount of room. This is also a pretty versatile charger when it comes to handling battery styles, so it is a good pick for anglers who use more than one type of battery.

Bottom Line

Another exceptional option from NOCO, the Genius GENM2 has some awesome features that you shouldn’t miss out on. Although there could be some extra design elements for convenience, this product is simple and effective overall.

Best Deep Cycle Marine Battery Charger:
Optima Digital 1200

Optima Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Charger and Maintainer - 150-33508

PROS

  • Great shape and size for storage
  • Convenient, easy to read LED screen
  • Advanced multi-stage charge system
  • Built-in analyzer for high-tech information
  • Especially effective with deep cycle batteries

CONS

  • A little spendy
  • LED screen cover scratches easily
  • Charges only one battery at a time

What Recent Buyers Report

It’s tough to find a negative review of the Optima Digital 1200 charger. Those who purchased this product had great things to say about it’s easy to read LED screen and the functionalities of the multi-stage charge system. Some users thought the model could be improved by an additional battery bank.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This is a pretty high-tech little charger, and we appreciate many parts of its design, especially the analyzer which reads the temperature, charge status and more. We also appreciate the shape and size, which is great for storing on or off a boat.

Who Will Use This Most

This style of charger is a great fit for many, but it is especially effective when it comes to deep cycle batteries. Unfortunately, this product is on the spendier end of the scale, which doesn’t make it accessible for all, but for those who can spend a little more, this is an incredibly effective tool.

Bottom Line

For those who like a product with more high-tech capabilities, the Optima Digital 1200 charger is a great fit. Although it is a little expensive and can only be used with one battery at a time, the design and functionalities are reliable and effective.

Aspects to Consider Before Buying

Having some great battery chargers in your head, you may be ready to jump right into a purchase. But before you do that, you should still consider some aspects that may turn your decision one way or the other. 

Compatibility 

Although it may seem self-explanatory, you have to make sure that your charger is compatible with your batteries. There are many different types of marine batteries ranging from AGM to flooded to gel style batteries, and some are not compatible with certain types of marine chargers. 

Versatility

With the above point being made, you’ll also want to consider the versatility of your marine battery charger. If you have several different styles of batteries and you want to get a catch-all charger, that is something to keep in mind. There are many chargers on our list that can handle several different types of battery on one charger.

Size and Shape 

Where will you keep your battery charger? On your watercraft? In your home? Depending on where you plan to store your charger, you may want to cater to the size and shape of your storage place. This is especially important if you have a smaller boat. 

Conclusion

Now that you know the ins and outs to marine battery chargers, you should be one step closer to finding the perfect product for you. You have some great options on our list, but even if that’s not the direction you go in, keep durability and overall performance in mind. Happy fishing

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Marine Battery Charger Reviews

Below are all our buyer guides surrounding marine battery chargers. To make your experience a bit smoother, we have organized them in one place. Feel free to browse through a few and find exactly what you're looking for.
Thanks for reading. 

  • 3 Bank Marine Battery Chargers
  • Onboard Marine Battery Chargers


My name is Caleb and I am obsessed with hunting, fishing, and foraging. To be successful, you have to think like your prey. You have to get into the mind of your target - and understand Big Game Logic. If you have any questions, or just want chat about your latest hunting score or big catch, you can reach me at admin@biggamelogic.com. Read more about Big Game Logic.