Whether you’re topping up a battery between weekend drives, recovering from a flat in your driveway, or preparing for roadside emergencies, the right battery charger makes all the difference. In 2025, there are plenty of great options on the market – but not all chargers are built for the same purpose.
In this guide, we review the top-rated battery chargers available in Australia today, highlight what to look for when choosing one, and explain why some are better suited for the garage while others, like Boost N’ Inflate, are made to go with you anywhere.
Wondering which type suits your situation best? Read our Battery Charger vs Jump Starter Guide.
What to Look for in a Car Battery Charger
Voltage Compatibility
Most Australian passenger vehicles use 12V batteries. Make sure any charger you buy matches that. Some chargers also support 6V or 24V systems, but unless you're charging trucks or motorcycles, 12V is your focus.
Amp Rating
-
2A trickle chargers: Best for slow maintenance or long-term charging
-
6A–10A smart chargers: Great for regular use or top-ups
-
50A+ engine start modes: High current bursts to jumpstart a flat battery
Smart Features
-
Auto shutoff when full
-
Reverse polarity protection (prevents damage if clamps are swapped)
-
Battery reconditioning or desulfation modes
-
Multi-stage charging
Portability
Some chargers are built for bench use in a garage. Others are compact, portable, and designed to live in your glovebox or boot – ready when things go wrong.
Charging Modes
Look for chargers that offer:
-
Standard charging
-
Maintenance/topping up
-
Engine start mode (if you ever need a jump)
-
Recondition/deep cycle recovery (for deeply discharged batteries)
Not sure what those stages mean? Here’s What a 7-Stage Battery Charger Actually Does.
Top 5 Car Battery Chargers for 2025
1. Projecta Pro-Charge 12V 10A Smart Charger
Great for regular car owners who want a solid, dependable charger in the garage.
Why it stands out:
-
Reliable build quality
-
Clear LCD display with charging status
-
Includes temperature compensation for better results year-round
Best for: People who want a garage-based charger for weekly top-ups or battery maintenance.
Pros:
-
Very user-friendly
-
Multi-stage charging
-
Long leads and strong clamps
Cons:
-
Not designed for on-the-go use
If your battery is already weak, start with our Low Battery Diagnosis Guide.
2. CTEK MXS 5.0 Smart Charger
One of the most trusted names in battery maintenance, perfect for vehicles that sit unused for long stretches.
Why it stands out:
-
8-stage smart charging with automatic voltage detection
-
Works on standard lead-acid and AGM batteries
Best for: Owners of vintage, stored, or secondary vehicles that aren’t driven often.
Pros:
-
Extremely safe and durable
-
Can be left connected for long periods
Cons:
-
Lower current (5A), so not ideal for rapid charging
3. NOCO Genius 10AU
A modern, versatile charger that works across cars, bikes, and even marine batteries.
Why it stands out:
-
Compact design with broad compatibility (12V, AGM, lithium)
-
Can detect and attempt to revive deeply discharged batteries
Best for: Drivers who want a single charger for multiple vehicles and battery types.
Pros:
-
Rugged IP65 water resistance
-
High-tech safety features
-
Lithium battery compatible
Cons:
-
Slight learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
4. Repco 7-Stage 8A Battery Charger
A solid choice from a trusted local retailer, ideal for everyday drivers who want a balance of features and price.
Why it stands out:
-
Easy to use, good mid-range specs
-
Readily available in-store across Australia
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who still want smart charging features.
Pros:
-
7-stage charging
-
Automatic float and maintenance mode
Cons:
-
Plastic build feels less premium
-
Fewer advanced features compared to top-tier models
5. Boost N’ Inflate (4-in-1 Jump Starter, Tyre Inflator, Power Bank & Light)
While not a traditional wall-powered charger, Boost N’ Inflate earns its place here because it solves multiple problems at once.
Why it stands out:
-
Instantly jump-starts your car with internal battery
-
Also inflates tyres and charges USB devices
-
Doesn’t require a wall outlet to work
Best for: Drivers who want an all-in-one emergency tool that lives in the glovebox or boot.
Pros:
-
Portable and ready anywhere
-
Great for roadside emergencies
-
No installation or setup needed
Cons:
-
Not designed for slow maintenance or full recharge cycles
Boost N’ Inflate – Portable Jump Starter & Inflator
Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on how you drive and how often:
Need/Use Case |
Best Option |
---|---|
Garage-based top-ups | Projecta or Repco |
Long-term battery maintenance | CTEK MXS 5.0 |
Versatility across vehicle types | NOCO Genius 10AU |
Emergency jump-start, anywhere |
See our Step-by-Step Charging Guide for everyday use, or How to Jump Start a Car Without Jumper Cables if you’re in an emergency.
Final Word: Charge Smart, Stay Ready
Every car owner should have access to some form of battery backup. For some, that’s a full-featured smart charger that lives in the garage. For others, it’s a glovebox-ready jump starter that kicks into action when they need it most.
The Boost N’ Inflate covers more than just battery charging – it handles flat tyres, flat batteries, and flat phones. It won’t replace a trickle charger, but in real-life emergencies? It might be the most useful tool you own.