Head to head · 2026
NOCO Genius5 vs Battery Tender Junior 800
Contender A
NOCO Genius5
Best OverallA 5-amp smart charger that handles lead-acid, AGM, and lithium, compensates for cold, and repairs mildly sulfated batteries — the one charger for the whole driveway.
~$70 typical price
Buy on AmazonContender B
Battery Tender Junior 800
Best ValueThe original maintainer: 0.8 amps, four-stage charging, switchable lead-acid/lithium — plug it into anything that sits and forget about it.
~$40 typical price
Buy on AmazonOur verdict
Charger versus maintainer. The Genius5 recharges a run-down battery overnight, compensates for cold, and repairs sulfation; the Battery Tender Junior keeps an already-healthy battery topped off for months at a fraction of the price. A daily driver that gets run down by short winter trips wants the NOCO. A second car, bike, or mower that just sits wants the Junior.
Pick the NOCO if…
- ✓The battery actually gets drained and needs charging
- ✓Outdoor-parked car in real cold
- ✓AGM or lithium battery, or a neglected one that needs repair
Pick the Battery Tender (Deltran) if…
- ✓The battery is healthy and the vehicle just sits
- ✓Motorcycle, boat, mower, classic
- ✓Cheapest thing that does the job
Spec by spec
| Spec | NOCO Genius5 | Battery Tender Junior 800 |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.1 / 10 | 8.6 / 10 |
| Charge rate | 5A | 0.8A (800mA) |
| Voltage | 6V / 12V | 12V |
| Chemistries | Lead-acid (wet, gel, AGM, EFB, maintenance-free) and 12V lithium | Lead-acid (flooded, AGM, gel) and lithium (LiFePO4), switchable |
| Battery size | Charges up to ~120Ah; maintains any size | — |
| Modes | 12V, 12V AGM, 12V Lithium, 6V, Repair, Force (0V) | — |
| Temp compensation | Yes, onboard thermal sensor | — |
| Safety | Spark-proof, reverse polarity, over-charge, short-circuit | Spark-proof, reverse polarity, short-circuit |
| Ingress rating | IP65 | — |
| Warranty | 3 years | 5 years (manufacturer) |
| Stages | — | 4-stage: initialization, bulk, absorption, float |
| Included | — | Quick-connect ring-terminal harness and alligator clips |
| Use | — | Indoor/sheltered |
Still deciding?
Read the full reviews for the complete story, or check both current prices — sale pricing swings this class of decision all the time.
~$70 typical price
Buy on Amazon~$40 typical price
Buy on Amazon