The Best Battery Testers
When a battery runs out of charge, most folks don't hesitate to throw it in the garbage. But what if there was more life left in that battery, and we threw it away before it was truly spent? The only way to know this is by testing the battery. A battery tester is a great way to get more bang for your buck and check if the problem is the battery or the device. This can save you money and also help the environment by reducing your amount of waste.
What to Look For
In our search for the best battery testers, we used three main questions to guide us: Does it have an accurate gauge that gives a fast reading? Is it compatible with a wide range of battery types? Is the price fair for the durability and quality? Our favorite came from D-FantiX, since their affordable battery checker gives fast, accurate readings on just about every household battery type. But for those that prefer analog readers, we recommend Gardner Bender’s tried-and-true option. For more of our in-depth reviews, read on.
D-FantiX Battery Tester, Universal Battery Checker
Affordable and accurate
The funny thing about this battery tester is that it requires no battery to work. It has an analog display needle that’s simply activated by testing the battery in question. This battery tester is great for at-home use due to its small size, and it’s easy to take with you on the go in case you need to test batteries elsewhere. Get the most out of your batteries when you put them to this test with this device and know when it is actually time to get a new one.
Pros:
- This battery tester will give you all the readings on 9V, AA, AAA, C, D, and 1.5V batteries, so most household batteries are covered.
- Interestingly enough, this tester does not require batteries to work. Instead, it powers itself via the battery being tested.
- The needle basically reacts instantly, letting you test multiple batteries quickly.
Cons:
- The arm on the side doesn’t have a strong spring to hold batteries, so you have to push it in yourself.
Dlyfull LCD Display Universal Battery Checker
Simplicity at its finest
While some battery testers come equipped with test leads, this battery tester has built-in slots for the respective battery sizes. We also love how handy and compact it is. The LCD screen provides quick results that are easy to read and will let you know whether the battery is in poor, weak, or good condition. Able to test a wide range of different battery sizes, this device is powered by a single AAA battery, which comes included with your purchase.
Pros:
- The LCD screen is clear and easy to read, especially for those with less-than-perfect vision.
- The smaller, compact size saves space in your drawer. Those of us with already-cluttered kitchens will definitely appreciate that.
Cons:
- This battery tester requires a battery to use.
Gardner Bender GBT-500A Leads Battery Tester
You can't beat the classics
When there’s a chance to go old-school and use something that’s analog, it’s a fresh feeling. That is definitely the case with this battery tester. Without the reliance upon batteries for a digital test, this analog battery tester provides results that are quick and easy to read. Simply use the testing leads with the positive and negative ends of the battery in question, and you’ll find out whether the battery is completely dead in no time. The simple knob on the battery tester allows you to specify which battery type you’re testing and works for a wide variety of battery types.
Pros:
- We found this to be one of the most accurate testers on the market.
- It’s an incredibly affordable price for a device that could potentially last a lifetime.
- Though it might look complicated, this battery tester is very user-friendly. Anyone can learn how to use it without much effort.
Cons:
- The test leads feel a bit flimsy, so you should handle them with care.
Tenergy T-333 Universal Battery Tester
Easy breezy
You probably have better things to do than waste a bunch of time testing batteries. That’s why we love the efficiency of this battery tester from Tenergy. All you have to do is place the battery in its designated spot and read the LCD screen to determine the health of your battery. This provides a great way to test those batteries in question, and also to test rechargeable batteries to ensure you’re not overcharging them. It also allows you to test nearly any household battery size you can think of, and only requires one AAA battery to work.
Pros:
- You can also use it to test rechargeable batteries, which sets it apart from some of the competitors.
- The screen is crisp and clear, so you’ll be able to read the result accurately.
Cons:
- The tester’s threshold for “good” is pretty low.
Battery Organizer Storage Case with Removable Battery Tester
Load up for the long run
Digging through junk drawers to find the right battery is not our idea of fun. Instead, use a storage case like this one that comes in a set with a battery tester to ensure your batteries are in tip-top shape. This set will help you save space that messy batteries would otherwise be taking up. It holds up to 180 batteries of a variety of sizes. Best of all, the included battery tester is analog, so it doesn’t require any power.
Pros:
- As a two-in-one solution, this set allows you to test and organize your batteries in the same place.
- The storage case is compact and easy to take on the go, so if you need a battery tester for your job sites, this is a great pick.
Cons:
- We wish more space was allotted for AA and AAA batteries rather than having so many slots for D batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are battery testers accurate?
This really depends upon the battery tester itself. Some can provide highly accurate readings, while others do not. Be sure to read the information and reviews before making your purchase.
How does a battery tester work?
A battery tester tests the charge present in the cells of the battery and/or its voltage output.
Do battery testers need batteries?
Analog battery testers do not need batteries while digital/LCD battery testers usually do.
How long should batteries last?
The life of a battery depends on how much you are using it. If the battery is in a TV remote that you use on a daily basis, it won’t last as long as a battery in an alarm clock that you only use on the weekends.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.