The top-quality battery chargers in the market are manufactured by NOCO. Are you familiar with the disparities between NOCO GEN and GX? We will delve into these differences today. Despite both of these battery chargers emanating from the same brand, they are distinct in their own ways.
GEN is a family of onboard marine battery chargers, while GX offers industrial battery chargers for electric and utility vehicles. Apart from their application areas, these battery chargers also deliver different voltages. However, the common thing here is that they all support lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries.
Read to the end to find which series between NOCO GEN vs. GX is suitable for your needs.
NOCO Genius GEN Vs. GX: Complete Comparison Table
| Battery Types And Chemistries | Charging Current And Volts | Charge Modes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOCO GEN |  NOCO GEN5X1 | Starter, deep cycle, marine, etc. Flooded, Gel, AGM, Lithium chemistries. | 5 amps, 12V | 12V 12VAGM 12V Lithium 12V Repair Mode Force |
 NOCO GEN5X2 | Starter, deep cycle, marine, etc. Flooded, Gel, AGM, Lithium chemistries. | 5 amps x 2 banks, 12V | 12V 12VAGM 12V Lithium 12V Repair Mode Force |
|
 NOCO GEN5X3 | Starter, deep cycle, marine, etc. Flooded, Gel, AGM, Lithium chemistries. | 5 amps x 3 banks, 12V | 12V 12VAGM 12V Lithium 12V Repair Mode Force |
|
 NOCO GENPRO10X1 | Starter, deep cycle, marine, etc. Flooded, Gel, AGM, Lithium chemistries. | 10 amps, 12V | 12V 12VAGM 12V Lithium 12V Repair Mode Force |
|
 NOCO GENPRO10X2 | Starter, deep cycle, marine, etc. Flooded, Gel, AGM, Lithium chemistries. | 10 amps x 2 banks, 12V | 12V 12VAGM 12V Lithium 12V Repair Mode Force |
|
 NOCO GENPRO10X3 | Starter, deep cycle, marine, etc. Flooded, Gel, AGM, Lithium chemistries. | 10 amps x 3 banks, 12V | 12V 12VAGM 12V Lithium 12V Repair Mode Force |
|
 NOCO GENPRO10X4 | Starter, deep cycle, marine, etc. Flooded, Gel, AGM, Lithium chemistries. | 10 amps x 4 banks, 12V | 12V 12VAGM 12V Lithium 12V Repair Mode Force |
|
| NOCO GX |  NOCO Genius GX2440 | Lead-acid and lithium-ion of Gel, Flooded, AGM, Deep-Cycle, and Maintenance-Free batteries. | 40 amps, 24V | Normal Cold/AGM AGM+ Lithium-Ion Repair Supply |
 NOCO Genius GX3626 | Lead-acid and lithium-ion of Gel, Flooded, AGM, Deep-Cycle, and Maintenance-Free batteries. | 26 amps, 36V | Normal Cold/AGM AGM+ Lithium-Ion Repair Supply |
|
 NOCO Genius GX4820 | Lead-acid and lithium-ion of Gel, Flooded, AGM, Deep-Cycle, and Maintenance-Free batteries. | 20 amps, 48V | Normal Cold/AGM AGM+ Lithium-Ion Repair Supply |
NOCO GEN Vs. GX: The Similarities
Battery Types and Chemistries
Coming from the same brand, these GEN and GX battery chargers have similar features. The first one is that they support lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries of gel, flooded, deep cycle, AGM, and chemistries. It means that if you have a wet cell or flooded battery, you can find a suitable charger for it from one of the chargers in either series.
Automatic Charging
All battery chargers from the GEN and GX series automatically scan the battery’s condition before initiating charging. This means that the charger will only charge the battery if it needs charging. The battery analyzes the current level of charge and provides the ideal level of power according to the battery’s condition.
Thermal Compensation
Another essential feature of these NOCO battery chargers is thermal compensation. Each battery charger comes with a thermal monitor to determine the ambient temperature.
As you know, outdoor temperatures can affect how a battery needs charging. In this case, the charger reads ambient temperatures and adjusts the current so that it won’t undercharge a battery in cold weather under -4°F or overcharge it in hot weather at over 104°F.
Battery Detection and Force Mode
GEN and GX battery chargers can detect batteries as low as 1-volt. However, if the battery is dead, you can choose the Force Mode on the GEN series or the Supply Mode on the GX series to deliver a little more power than rated to supply zero voltage batteries.
Desulfation Mode
In this mode, NOCO allows you to repair undercharged batteries with sulfation inside. As such, the charger can recover a worn-out battery by removing some of the sulfation. This process helps to restore some of the capacity depending on the damage. Hence, if you have a battery sitting idle for a while, you have a chance of getting the correct capacity reading.
Safety Features
Being high voltage, high current chargers, NOCO has gone the extra mile to include the highest level of protection for its users. The GEN series comes with completely sealed cases that are waterproof, and saltwater tested. They also have an IP68 rating against dust, dirt, and sand.
On the other hand, the GX series has a die-cast aluminum case that acts as a heat sink. The case can withstand falls, vibrations, and different types of heavy industrial abuse.
Additionally, GEN and GX battery chargers all have Over Current, Open Circuit, and Over Voltage protection. Not to mention, they provide reverse polarity protection and apply spark-proof technology. Also, all these chargers integrate a fuse with a higher amperage rating than the gadget’s amp rating.
NOCO Genius GEN Vs. GX: The Differences
Charging Volts
NOCO GEN and GX may have similarities, but their differences define each series. Charging volts is the first difference you will notice in the two series.
GEN battery chargers are designed for 12-volt boat, marine, deep-cycle, and starter batteries. Meanwhile, GX chargers are for 24-volt, 36-volt, and 48-volt lead-acid and lithium-ion battery systems.
Charge Modes
Now, this is the feature that sets these battery chargers apart. Looking at the GEN series, you get five modes, while the GX series has six selections. What’s more, GEN chargers use one button for cycling through the functions, while GX chargers allow you to press on each mode. This feature presents GX as much easier units to use since you only need to press once for a feature.
GEN Charge Modes
- 12V: This mode is ideal for gel, wet cell, enhanced flooded, calcium, and maintenance-free batteries.
- 12V AGM: All 12V AGM batteries will require this mode on a GEN battery charger.
- 12V Lithium: For lithium-ion with battery management systems (BMS), including lithium-ion phosphate, this is the mode you will select.
- 12V Repair Mode: If you have an old, idle, or damaged battery that is stratified or sulfated, you will need this mode to restore its capacity. While not all batteries can be recovered, it gives them the chance to receive a full charge. This is because stratified and sulfated batteries tend to provide a false voltage reading. The 12V Repair function requires you to charge the battery fully and then use the Repair Mode to attempt the recovery process. It takes approximately four hours to complete battery repair, and then the charger will go back to Standby mode.
- Force Mode: This function detects and charges batteries down to 1-volt. It can also be turned on manually to charge any battery from zero volts.
GX Charge Modes
- Normal: This feature is for regular lead-acid batteries. It’s ideal for gel cell, wet cell, enhanced flooded, calcium, or maintenance-free batteries.
- Cold/AGM: This mode is for typical AGM batteries or if you’re charging an industrial battery in temperatures below 50°F. A blue indicator illuminates when you select this function.
- AGM+: Enhanced/ advanced AGM batteries that need a higher voltage than normal use this mode.
- Lithium-Ion: As it indicates, this feature is for lithium-ion batteries, including lithium-ion phosphate batteries.
- Repair: Again, this mode helps recover old, damaged, sulfated, or stratified batteries to their capacities.
- Supply Mode: When you select this feature, the charger converts power to DC for zero voltage battery charging. It can jumpstart a dead battery or troubleshoot a low-voltage battery. In addition, this mode can equalize an unbalanced battery system hence prolonging its lifespan.
Advanced Diagnostics
Each of the series has a different way of indicating potential battery problems. There are LED indicators for the Standby Mode, Bad Battery, High Voltage, and Reverse Polarity.
GEN Series Error LEDs
- Standby Mode: When this feature turns on, it indicates that the charger is powered, but it cannot detect a battery. This could be that the battery is not connected or the battery’s voltage is too low. If you’ve connected the battery, you will need to use the Force Mode to start charging manually.
- Bad Battery: This indicator tells you that the battery cannot hold a charge or there’s a possible short. If it’s the former, it’s best to have the battery checked by a professional.
- High Voltage Indicator: This feature shows you that the voltage is too high for the charge mode you’ve chosen. Hence, you will need to check the battery’s voltage and select the correct charge mode.
- Reverse Polarity: If you connect the battery to the charger in reverse, the Reverse Polarity will light up. Thus, you have to disconnect the charger from the battery and connect it to the correct terminals.
- Three Error Lights: Sometimes, three error lights will start flashing. It indicates that the charger’s temperature is too low or too high to operate optimally. You’ll have to wait for the charger to warm up or cool down to the operating limits.
GX Error Lights
This series uses flashing LEDs to indicate problems.
- Single Flash: This indicator shows that the battery cannot hold a charge. You need to have it checked by a qualified technician.
- Double Flash: Two continuous flashes are what you will see when there’s a possible battery short.
- Triple Flash: This is the high-voltage indicator that shows you’ve selected a mode that is too high.
- Solid Red LED error: It indicates reverse polarity.
- Standby Solid Orange: The charger is in supply mode, or the battery’s voltage is too low. You may need to check the inline fuse if the charger cannot get out of the supply mode or jumpstart the battery.
Warranty
When you buy a NOCO GEN battery, you can rest assured that the product is under a 3-year warranty, and the GX battery charger has a one-year warranty. After buying the charger, all you have to do is register the product by creating an account on the company’s official website. Thus, in case you have a warranty claim, it’s easier to fill out the necessary details.
GEN
GEN5x1
GEN5x1 is a one-bank onboard battery charger. It can deliver 5 amps for 12V batteries. It is the most compact and lightest of the GEN battery chargers since it only supports one bank. However, GEN5x1 still offers independent charging modes for all five functions. It can charge all types of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries.
Pros
- Compact design.
- Offers dynamic battery tracking.
- Auto-detects sulfation and acid stratification.
Cons
- The sealed case is not ideal for use in hot rooms because it tends to get hot.
GEN5X2
With two banks, GEN5x2 can supply 5 amps to 12-volt batteries. It provides similar functionalities as the GEN5x1 in that you can use it in all kinds of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. Since it’s an upgrade of the NOCO GENM2, it is 27% smaller but delivers 47% more power.
Pros
- Rugged construction for marine use.
- Gets battery to maximum capacity.
- Acts as a battery maintainer.
- Two banks for dual connection.
Cons
- Cables are not always pliable during the first few uses.
GEN5X3
This battery charger supports three banks at 5 amps each. This feature brings the total amperage to 15 amps for 12 volts. It has all five modes, and you can enjoy precision charging, as well as the capability to jumpstart dead batteries.
Pros
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Supports 24-volt batteries.
- Can mount permanently on a boat.
- Slick and lightweight construction.
Cons
- Not ideal for garage use where temperatures are high.
GENPRO10X1
This charger is similar to the GEN1. However, GEN10x1 is 41% smaller than GEN1. It’s another onboard battery charged for outdoor and wet areas, and it is 100% waterproof since it is sealed completely. With this model, you can charge multiple chemistries and battery types so it can take on flooded, gel, wet chemistries of marine, deep-cycle, and many other battery types.
This charger boasts automatic charging and overcharging protection. It also has charge level indicators to know when the charge is complete.
Pros
- Robust for rugged use.
- Works as a trickle charger, battery desulfator, and battery maintainer.
- Fully automatic.
Cons
- It’s bulky. You may not find the ideal spot for it.
GENPRO10X2
This model has two banks and delivers 10 amps per bank. Hence, it is a 20-amp charger that supports 12V batteries. GEN10x2 can charge multiple chemistries at the same time. It is ideal for a coastal home with multiple batteries that need charging while protecting the unit from saltwater.
Pros
- Delivers 10 amps per battery.
- Can reduce charging time.
- Smaller than GEN2.
Cons
- It lacks a remote, so you cannot see charging status if it’s in a non-viewable location.
GENPRO10X3
This battery charger is for those who spend their time on the water. You’ll want a reliable battery that can make your stay stress-free. GEN10x3 has three banks each that can supply 10 amps to each connected battery. It can withstand cold temperatures as low as -4°F and hot environments up to 104°F.
Pros
- Supports thermal protection.
- Ideal for three battery-setup.
- Automatically adds charge every 24 hours after the end of the charge cycle.
Cons
- May not support continued use of house batteries because of the maintenance mode.
GENPRO10X4
It’s the heaviest in the GEN line, but you can count on GEN10x4 for everyday use. This battery charger comes with four banks to supply 10 amps to 12-volt batteries. With selectable charging modes and an auto repair function, you can take out all the idle batteries and restore their capacities in no time.
Pros
- Provides independent charging of each bank.
- It can charge dead batteries.
- Quick and easy installation process………
Cons
- Some plastic parts can become sun-damaged.
GX
GX2440
This 40-amp charger is rated for industrial use. It can charge electric vehicles and utility vehicles with the help of advanced technology that provides fast and efficient charging. Multiple charging modes are available at the push of a button. GX2440 supports 24-volt lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries.
Pros
- 92% efficiency.
- Replaceable AC and DC cables.
- Offers advanced diagnostics.
Cons
- Feels over-engineered for the purpose.
GX3626
GX3626 is another safe industrial charger that will give you peace of mind when charging EVs, golf carts, pallet jacks, utility vehicles, and other systems. GX3626 is a 26-amp model for 36-volt batteries. You can set this model to support multiple batteries with a total voltage of 36 volts. It offers 92% efficiency to bring batteries to the maximum capacity.
Pros
- Supports lots of interchangeable accessories.
- Detachable AC and DC cables.
- Tamperproof user interface.
Cons
- It can run warm in a hot climate.
GX4820
GX4820 delivers high-performance for charging a 48 volts battery setup. It has wide compatibility for whichever lead-acid or lithium-ion battery that you have. As an industrial charger, you can expect it to withstand temperatures on both sides of the scale.
Pros
- Excellent airflow.
- Die-cast aluminum case.
- Engineered to prevent overcharging.
Cons
- Bulky at 13.2 pounds.
Final Thoughts
From getting your car started and back on the road to maintaining RVs, boats, and other battery types, NOCO has everything under its sleeve. As you can see, GEN batteries are better off in wet areas than in hot climates.
If you have a fleet of EVs, you can avoid the hassle of plugging in different batteries to each unit with the GX battery chargers. GEN also support charging multiple batteries but it has to be a 12-volt system.
So, are you ready to choose between NOCO GEN vs. GX?
The ball’s now on your court.
Read more: NOCO Genius Vs. Genius PRO: Which Is The Better Battery Charger Series?
