I discovered the last word battery charger, and energy customers will love its flagship function

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I’ve labored onerous over the previous few years to maneuver away from disposable alkaline batteries and substitute them with rechargeable equivalents. After all, there are some nice manufacturers of rechargeable AAA, AA, C, and D cell batteries out there that can final you for years. 

And I’ve discovered that the easiest way to handle these batteries is to cost them utilizing a good charger. Too many chargers pile within the amps, which in flip bakes the battery and dramatically shortens its lifespan. There’s much more to charging a battery than simply pushing energy into it as quick as attainable.

Also: The finest rechargeable batteries you should buy

In my seek for respectable and inexpensive battery chargers, I’ve come throughout one that’s full of superior options, making it not solely a terrific charger but in addition a invaluable workshop and diagnostic instrument. If you are in search of a battery charger that does all of it, the Xtar VX2 Pro is a superb choice to think about.

The VX2 Pro is a two-slot battery charger that may take all kinds of cell varieties and sizes. You can pop in AA, AAA, C, D, 18650, 21700, and extra, and the unit will robotically detect the battery’s chemistry, providing a wide selection of features that can assist you get essentially the most out of your battery.

The massive LCD display is shiny and clear, displaying all the mandatory details about the unit’s batteries. The buttons let you flip via the completely different options, and I discovered that this was a kind of bits of tech the place I benefited from studying the guide.

The charger incorporates a USB-C port for charging and features a 20W charger and cable. It additionally comes with a helpful storage bag to maintain every part collectively when not in use.

Also: This is the one energy financial institution I’ll ever want for work journey (and all of the devices it might cost)

At essentially the most fundamental stage, you will have charging, which brings the battery to full capability within the most secure method attainable. It will robotically detect the battery chemistry and decide the optimum energy to ship to the battery, or you possibly can override this setting to customise the cost. I discover that low-current prices — this unit does all the way down to 0.25A — are a good way to delay battery life if you happen to’re not in a rush to recharge the cells. 

Charging is what most individuals can be utilizing, however there’s much more to this unit.

In addition to charging, it might additionally discharge the battery all the way down to its cut-off voltage, permitting you to measure the cell’s capability and full a full recharge cycle. 

There’s additionally a grading mode that permits you to take a look at the battery’s capability beneath real-world charging circumstances. I discover this extraordinarily helpful for figuring out worn batteries, matching battery capacities when utilizing a number of batteries in a tool and guaranteeing they’re balanced, and likewise for verifying producers’ battery capability claims (you would be stunned what number of make over-inflated claims). 

Also: 10 DIY devices I by no means pass over of my toolkit (and why every one earns its spot)

There’s additionally a storage mode function that prices cells to the optimum voltage for storage, lowering self-discharge, slowing getting older, and increasing battery life. This is nice if in case you have stuff that goes into storage for prolonged durations (issues like seasonal decorations that use batteries).

There’s additionally a refresh perform for NiMH batteries to assist remove the cost “memory” they’ll develop over time, thereby regaining the power to be charged totally. I’ve recovered many a battery from the recycling pile utilizing this function (for instance, I saved a number of dozen batteries that have been inside photo voltaic backyard lights). 

The two slots work independently, permitting you to have two completely different batteries present process two separate procedures, which is a pleasant function. 

With quite a few rechargeable batteries out there at this time that may be charged immediately utilizing USB-C, you could marvel in regards to the utility of a standalone charger. If all you will have are USB-C rechargeable batteries, you most likely do not want a standalone charger. 

Also: The solely charging adapter I ever journey with beats competing fashions with a hidden superpower

However, if in case you have different forms of batteries or are a fixer who must restore them, a charger like this is useful. I’ve additionally used mine to repair a USB-C rechargeable battery that refused to cost utilizing USB-C as a result of it had gone too chilly in some unspecified time in the future. 

For me, there’s loads of worth in a charger just like the VX2 Pro.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

The Xtar VX2 Pro Battery Analyzer and Charger is among the most feature-packed battery chargers I’ve used. Not solely does it excel at charging batteries, nevertheless it’s additionally a terrific diagnostic and restore instrument. I will need to have refreshed and rejuvenated a few dozen batteries over the previous few weeks, and a handful of these would not cost in my different charger.

Priced at $33, this unit may be very competitively priced, contemplating the options it gives. It’s undoubtedly discovered an area on my workbench (and individuals who know me know simply how restricted that’s!).