Rechargeable batteries act as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly substitute to one-time-use models. A suitable charger from Energizer will maximize the effectiveness of your rechargeable batteries. However, with an overwhelming variety of chargers available, how can you discern which one suits your needs the best?
The good news is, we’re here to help! We’ve picked out the 5 best Energizer battery chargers on the market and reviewed them below. If you’re still not sure which one to buy, check out the buying guide after the review for a full breakdown of the key features.
The 3 Best Energizer Battery Chargers: Comparison Chart
 Energizer Recharge Basic Charger |  Energizer Recharge Pro Battery Charger |  Recharge Value Energizer Battery Charger |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating |  |  | |
| Price |  |  | |
| Charging Speed | 7-13 hours (2 or 4 batteries) | 3-5 hours | 5-10 hours AA, 4-6 hours for AAA |
| Charging Bays | 2 or 4 | 4 | 2 or 4 |
| Battery Chemistry | Ni-MH | Ni-MH | Ni-MH |
| Supported Battery Sizes | AA, AAA | AA, AAA | AA, AAA |
| Auto Shut-off | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bad Battery Detection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maintains Batteries | Yes | No | No |
The Best Energizer Battery Charger Review
1. Energizer Recharge Basic Battery Charger
The Energizer Recharge Basic Charger is the most affordable way to recharge your AA batteries. It fits up to 4 AA or AAA batteries, the most common sizes in use today. While it’s not the most powerful charger on the market, it’s the best battery charger if you’re looking for value.
Features
The Energizer Recharge Basic has a simple design. Its 4 bays will fit either AA or AAA batteries, which does allow for simultaneous charging. Other than that, the only moving part is the foldable plug in the back.
Now there are a couple of weak points with the Energizer Recharge Basic. Its charging time is on the slow side, requiring up to 13 hours to fully charge 4 batteries. You’ll also need to keep an eye on the batteries you’re charging—with no auto-shutoff, they’re susceptible to over-charging.
The main strength of the Energizer Recharge Basic is value. You’ll get 2 rechargeable batteries as well as the charging bay, for less than half the cost of some of the chargers below.
Who is it for?
The Energizer Recharge Basic is built for those who want to recharge batteries on a budget. While it lacks the charging speed and versatility of the models below, it’s an excellent value at under twenty bucks.
Pros
- Most affordable option
- Comes with 2 batteries included
- Charge up to 4 batteries simultaneously
- The fold-down plug makes it easy to store
- The LED light indicates charge status
Cons
- Takes longer to charge than other options (7-13 hours)
- Only fits AA or AAA batteries
- No protections against over-charging
Energizer Recharge Basic
2. Recharge Pro Energizer Battery Charger
Most people use predominantly AA and AAA batteries, and that’s what the Energizer Recharge Pro is built to work with. While this limits its versatility, it also allows you to get fast charging in a convenient, portable package.
Features
Charging speed is the most impressive feature of the Energizer Recharge Pro. It’s about twice as fast as comparable models, fully charging 4 batteries in 3-5 hours.
You’ll know as soon as the batteries are done, too, thanks to the audible charge status indication. The only downside of this audible alert is that it won’t stop until you take the batteries out of the charger—a bit obnoxious, if you can’t get to them right away.
The Energizer Recharge Pro is built for safety, as well. It has auto-shutoff to prevent overcharging, firstly, which also helps to maximize your battery’s lifespan. Built-in bad battery detection is another helpful feature.
Also worth noting is the convenience and portability of the design. The plug on the back of the Energizer Recharge Pro folds in for easy storage. It’s well-designed to be non-obtrusive when plugged in, too, giving you 4 charging bays in a remarkably compact casing.
Who is it for?
The Energizer Recharge Pro is for those who want quick charging of their AA and AAA batteries. With the ability to charge up to 4 batteries in under 5 hours, it’s an excellent option for both home and business use.
Pros
- Auto-shutoff prevents overcharging
- Gives audio alert when batteries are charged
- Status indicator light shows charge level
- Portable and compact build
- Charges batteries in as little as 3 hours
- Simultaneous charging of up to 4 batteries
Cons
- Limited supported battery sizes
- Only compatible with Ni-MH batteries
- Beeps continuously when the charge is finished
Energizer Recharge Pro
3. Recharge Value Energizer Battery Charger
Another very affordable choice is the Energizer Recharge Value. It’s the safest Energizer battery charger in the under-$20 categories, with features like overcharge protection you’d expect from pricier models.
Features
Let’s start with the safety features, which are the Energizer Recharge Value’s best quality, in our opinion. It includes bad battery detection and an automatic shutoff feature. This prevents damage to both the charger and the batteries.
The Energizer Recharge Value is fairly convenient, too. It charges both AA and AAA batteries, and up to 4 of each at once. The only downside is that the charge time is a bit slow for our tastes. We wouldn’t recommend this charger if you go through batteries quickly—you’ll find yourself frustrated by the wait.
This warning aside, you’ll get the most bang for your buck with the Energizer Recharge Value compared to other models. Not only is the price tag low, but the charger comes with 4 batteries. This gives it the best per-item value of any charger on the list.
Who is it for?
The Energizer Recharge Value is the perfect charger if you want top safety features at a budget price. It’s a low-maintenance charger, as well, thanks to the auto-shutoff. While it’s not ideal if you want fast charging, it’s perfect for home users with a low battery use rate.
Pros
- Includes bad battery detection and auto-shutoff
- Simultaneously charges up to 4 AA or AAA batteries
- Easy to read charge status indicator
- Comes with 4 AA batteries included
- Best value
Cons
- Requires up to 11 hours to charge
- Only fits AA and AAA batteries
- Not compatible with other chemistries
Energizer Recharge Value
4. ENC4A Energizer Battery Charger/Maintainer
For an automotive or motorcycle battery charger, check out the Energizer ENC4A. It does more than charge your batteries—the intelligent design lets you also use it as a maintainer. This is just one of the features of the Energizer ENC4A that makes it worth the higher price tag.
Features
The display on the Energizer ENC4A is the first feature you’ll notice. Unlike other chargers, which only show the status using colored LEDs, you’ll see details of your charge. This includes the total charge remaining and the voltage of the battery.
There are other tech-forward features on the Energizer ENC4A, as well. The smart design allows it to detect the voltage of the battery and adjust accordingly. Once the battery is full, it uses a 9-step process to maintain the charge.
You’ll get a fast charge from the Energizer ENC4A, too. With 2-4 amps of charging current,
Who is it for?
The Energizer ENC4A is ideal for long-term battery maintenance. Leave your batteries on the charger and they’ll be ready to go whenever you need them. Added safety features also make it a worry-free option for homes and offices.
Pros
- Maintains batteries as well as charging them
- Auto-voltage detection allows charging of both 6v and 9v batteries
- LCD display provides more information about your battery’s charge
- Protects against short circuits and overcharging
- Lightweight and portable build
- Extends the life of car and motorcycle batteries
Cons
- Higher cost than other options
- Not designed for batteries smaller than 6V
- Not compatible with Li-ion or Ni-MH chemistries
Energizer ENC4A
5. Energizer Recharge Universal Battery Charger
The main advantage of the Energizer Universal Charger is its versatility. This charger allows you to charge up to 4 batteries simultaneously and supports all major battery sizes. The flip side of this versatility is cost, which is the highest on the list.
Features
The Energizer Universal Charger is truly a powerful all-in-one charging station. Each charging bay is independent, with its own charging indicator and adjustable prongs for different battery sizes. This allows charging up to 8 AA or AAA batteries at once, or 4 C or D batteries.
You’ll get a fast charge with the Energizer Universal Battery Charger, as well. Charge 8 AA batteries to full in as little as 3 hours. While other styles will take a bit longer, it’s comparatively one of the fastest-charging options on the 2019 market.
The safety features of the Energizer Universal Battery Charger are worth noting, as well. Its auto-shutoff feature prevents over-charging, getting the most out of your batteries. Along with this, you’ll get the detection of bad batteries and reverse polarity protection. The built-in lid keeps dust from accumulating in the charging bays, too.
Who is it for?
The Energizer Universal Charger is a worthwhile buy for those who need to charge a variety of battery sizes. Because it charges quickly, it’s a convenient charger for those who go through batteries at a high rate.
Pros
- Fits all standard battery sizes (AAA-9V)
- fully charges batteries in as little as 3 hours
- Charge up to 8 batteries simultaneously
- Auto shutoff prevents overcharging batteries
- Detachable cord makes it portable and easy to store
- LED indicator show the status of battery charge
- Durable construction with the lid to prevent dust build-up
Cons
- Most expensive option
- Not compatible with Lithium-ion batteries
- No battery maintenance functions
Energizer Recharge Universal
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for the most versatility, the Energizer Recharge Universal Charger is our top pick for the best Energizer battery charger. Not only does it support the widest range of sizes, it charges them all at a high speed. The addition of auto-shutoff and other protections makes it an even better buy.
Just because it’s our top choice doesn’t mean this is the right charger for you, though. It all depends on what size and style of batteries you need to charge, and how much you’re willing to spend.
Buying Guide
Most of the chargers above are for batteries that go into electronic devices, such as AA and 9-volt models. This style of charger has bays to insert the batteries into, often with adjustable prongs to fit different sizes. They also allow you to charge multiple batteries at once.
You’ll also find Energizer battery chargers designed for use with larger 6-volt or 12-volt batteries. These batteries are most commonly seen in cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles. They may also be used around the home in solar panels, power tools, and similar devices. These chargers have clamps that attach to the terminals of the battery, not bays you insert the battery into. They also typically only charge a single battery at a time.
Since most Energizer batteries are in the AAA to the 9-volt range, most people are looking for the first type of charger. The two aren’t interchangeable, though, so make sure you know what you need before you shop.
So what are the most important features to look for in an Energizer battery charger? It really comes down to three main points: versatility, safety, and charging speed. Let’s break down each one in more depth.
Versatility
There are two sides to the versatility of a charger: its range of supported batteries, and how many it can charge at once.
Most Energizer battery chargers you’ll find are designed specifically for AA and AAA batteries. While these are the most common sizes, they’re not the only rechargeable batteries you’ll find. For those who need to recharge C, D, or 9-volt batteries, expect to spend a bit more for the option.
The number of available bays determines how many batteries can be charged simultaneously. The majority of Energizer chargers support up to 4 AAA or AA batteries at once. Larger designs can accommodate up to 8 batteries. More bays can be very helpful in high-use situations, cutting down on your waiting time.
Safety
Maybe the most important thing to think about is the safety of your battery charger. This starts with the build quality—frayed wires and broken prongs are the most common cause of shocks and shorts. Chargers also frequently include features that protect the batteries from short-circuits and power surges while charging.
A once common and helpful safety feature is auto-shutoff, which senses when a battery is full and cuts off the current. This prevents overcharging of the battery and lengthens its usable lifespan, saving you money in the long run.
Charging Speed
The final piece of the puzzle is how long it takes the charger to fill up batteries. While you can find quick-charging options that fill up a battery in as little as an hour, the majority of chargers will take longer—up to 12 or 13 hours, in some cases.
Keep in mind that the charging time listed on the battery’s specifications isn’t exact for every battery. The battery’s overall capacity, current charge, and age will all affect how long it takes to fill up. Generally speaking, anything less than 4 hours from empty to full will be considered “fast-charging.”
FAQs
Can I charge other brands of battery in an Energizer charger?
You can, as long as they’re the right chemistry. Energizer rechargeable batteries use a Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) reaction to store and release energy. These chargers won’t work with batteries that have other chemistries, like lithium-ion or Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium).
Do Ni-MH batteries suffer from memory effect?
No, they do not. Also known as voltage depression or voltage depletion, this is a common problem with Ni-Cd batteries. It happens when the battery is recharged repeatedly when it has been only partially discharged, rather than fully discharged.
Over time, the memory effect leads to lasting lower battery capacity. The only way to undo this effect is to use a battery charger or maintainer with a conditioning program that “refreshes” the memory of the battery.
Luckily, Ni-MH batteries do not require a full discharge before charging. In fact, it’s actually recommended not to allow Ni-MH batteries to drop below about 20% capacity.
How many times can I recharge a battery?
It depends on the battery, and on how you’ve used it. Most Ni-MH batteries can be recharged up to 1,000 times before they go bad if properly cared for.
Repeatedly discharging the battery completely will lower its maximum lifespan. The same goes for repeatedly overcharging the battery, or charging the battery too quickly. If you avoid these power drains, you can get several years of use out of rechargeable batteries.
How can I tell if a rechargeable battery is bad?
Some Energizer battery chargers include a bad battery detection feature. This will give you an indication on the display when you insert a battery that cannot take a charge.
If your battery charger doesn’t have this feature, you can use a digital multimeter or voltmeter to test batteries. Charge the battery fully first, then connect the leads of the multimeter to either side to check if it’s still holding a charge. If you don’t have this tool at home, check with your local electronics store. They will often test your batteries for you for free.
Bonus: Top 3 Best Black and Decker Battery Chargers for Car ( Review and Buying Guide 2021)
