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Do you have a box full of half-used batteries? And “half” is just a wild guess. Well, I don’t know about you, but most people have a bunch of batteries that might or might not be useful. So, the stash grows until we think that it is too big, and we just randomly dispose of some of them and start a new round. A battery tester can help you to avoid this mess.
Do You Really Need a Battery Tester?
Batteries are indispensable items in our everyday life, even though we usually don’t notice them. Just think about it: your remotes, phone, wireless mouse or/and keyboard, they are all powered by batteries. Actually, all wireless and cordless gadgets that you use, need batteries to operate. It’s the same with your camera or drone, radio and radio scanner, cordless drill, a variety of children’s toys, and so on. So, obviously, we use batteries every day. But do we need a battery tester?
Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but there are several benefits of having a battery tester. These devices are affordable and they will save you some money in the long run. This is how it goes.
You Can Save Money
We rarely fully exhaust our batteries before replacing them. Some devices need much more power than others. For example, toys such as a speaking doll or remote control car need a lot of energy. Once they start to falter we replace them to keep kids (and ourselves) happy. Instead of getting rid of these batteries or storing them away, you can use them to power low-drain devices such as TV and AC remotes or clocks. And how do you know is it worth it? A battery tester will tell you.
By the way, it is better for the environment. Batteries are serious pollutants, especially rechargeable ones.
Avoid Frustration Because Your Battery Is Almost Dead
Most batteries lose more or less of their charge over time. So, even if you have new batteries sitting in the drawer for a couple of months, they may not be fully charged. Also, when some device of yours malfunctions, a battery is a usual suspect. You replace it with a new one, but it still doesn’t work. Then you send your device to the repair service while the half-used battery ends up in that infamous box from the beginning of the article. You can even mix those batteries with new ones. So, it leads to disappointment and frustration when you try a new device only to find out that your battery isn’t up to the task. Or it’s dead.
Also, if the power goes out or in emergency situations, you’ll need reliable batteries for flashlights, radio, and other devices. A battery tester probably won’t make it to the top of your prepper list, but it will come in handy to choose good batteries.
The bottom line is pretty obvious:
- A battery tester allows you to use the full potential of batteries at their full potential.
- At any time you can check out the status of batteries and whether you should keep using them or get rid of them.
How to Choose
Well, it’s not rocket science, but you should consider a couple of things to be fully satisfied.
Ease of Use
While these devices are pretty easy to use, some of them may be a little bit awkward. For example, placing the battery into the testing position can be a hassle, especially if you want to test several batteries in succession.
Build, Size, and Weight
Even though battery testers are affordable, you don’t want it to get damaged from the slightest bumps. So, look for sturdy or protected materials and reputable manufacturers.
As for size and weight, it’s not a big deal, but if you prefer carrying it on business trips or vacations, compact, lighter devices are more convenient.
Compatibility and Versatility
This is where you’ll find a lot of differences between models. Some testers are compatible only with disposable batteries, while others can test both disposable and rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, there are different sizes and shapes of batteries. So, make the list of batteries that you commonly use and check out battery tester for compatibility.
Top Choices
We have compiled a list of reliable and popular battery tester models to help you narrow down your choice.
ZTS – Mini Multi-Battery Load Tester Mini-MBT
It is one of the best and most accurate battery testers. This compact, sleek, and easy-to-use tester needs about 2 seconds to test a battery. On the downside, it is a little bit pricey.
Most Important Features
- Very accurate patented Pulse Load Technology.
- Compact design.
- Requires 4 AAA batteries to operate.
- LED display with 5 bars indicating remaining capacity from 20 to 100%
- It can test more than 15 battery types.
Amprobe BAT-250 Battery Tester
Amprobe is a highly regarded manufacturer of electrical test tools for more than 60 years. BAT-250 tester is a sturdy, reliable, and accurate device.
Most Important Features
- Color-coded display with “good”, “low”, and “replace” indicators.
- It tests several types of standard and rechargeable batteries as well as 1.5V button type.
- It doesn’t need batteries to operate.
- Ergonomic design.
- It is compact.
Gardner Bender GBT-500A Analog Tester
This is another high-quality battery tester. It includes test leads and 9 different positions for button cells. You can use it to test pretty much all common battery types. It is best for button cells, though.
Most Important Features
- Color-coded display.
- Test leads.
- Very affordable.
- It requires no batteries.
Dlyfull Universal Battery Tester with LCD Display
Dlyfull Universal battery tester is one of the smallest and lightest testers out there. I like its compact and beautiful design. Apart from good looks, it is a very versatile battery tester. It comes with one AAA battery that powers the device.
Most Important Features
- It tests cylindrical, button, 9V, and even some special batteries.
- LCD display with 15 bars and poor, weak, and good indicators.
- Very compact.
- Easy to use and read.
Hapurs Universal Digital Battery Tester
It is simple and it works. Hapurs’ digital battery tester will test the voltage of a variety of battery types to tell you if they are any good. You will find the voltage range for different types of batteries on the backside of the device.
Most Important Features
- It tests many different types and sizes of batteries.
- Digital display indicates the voltage.
- It requires no battery to operate.
D-FantiX Battery Tester, Universal Battery Checker
D-FantiX is one of the most popular battery tester models. To be honest, it looks pretty much like most other testers. It has similar features. So, what’s the secret behind great ratings and popularity? The answer is simple: it is more accurate and reliable than most of the competition.
Most Important Features
- Color-coded display.
- It is versatile.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- It requires no battery.
The Battery Storage Organizer Case and Battery Tester
How about two-in-one? With this set, you can organize batteries and have them at your disposal. A digital tester will show you when they need to be replaced.
Most Important Features
- 2 in 1 battery tester and storage case.
- Digital display shows the voltage.
- It tests a wide variety of batteries.
- Organizer offers great stability and support.
- It fits 110 batteries overall.
Final Thoughts
Before you toss batteries, test them! While these battery testers aren’t fancy and complicated, they can help you save some money and avoid unpleasant surprises. Truth be told, most of them test the remaining voltage. Therefore, they are not absolutely accurate. But, reputable manufacturers do make them accurate enough to help you to use the full capacity of batteries.
Battery testers are simple, affordable, so if you use lots of batteries (and who doesn’t) it’s convenient to have one.