Our cars rely on the battery to start, so keeping it in top condition is paramount. Luckily, there are plenty of battery maintainers on the market, but which one is best for you?
Here, we review three popular battery chargers that also have battery maintenance and revival features. Whatever your needs, one of these should suit you perfectly.
Key Things Ctek 4.3 vs Battery Tender Plus vs BatteryMINDer Plus Have In Common
The three battery chargers on review today all have some features in common. We’ll briefly cover the similarities before exploring the differences in more detail in the next section.
Which Batteries Can They Charge?
All three battery chargers on review are designed for 12-volt lead-acid batteries, as used on most cars and motorcycles. If you are looking to buy a battery charger, any of them will fit the bill.
Safety Features
Certain safety features are standard among the majority of battery chargers, and these three are no exception. Incorrectly connecting the battery charger could cause an explosion, and all three chargers have reverse polarity protection. They will warn of your error and preventing the charging from starting.
Another potential safety issue is overcharging your battery. Continuing to charge a battery after it reaches full capacity heats the acid and releases explosive gasses. All our chargers have overcharging protection.
Desulphation Function
Over time, lead-acid batteries can become sulfated, leading to poor charging and faster discharge. All three of our test chargers offer a desulfation mode to improve your battery’s performance.
Quick Connect Harness
A quick-connect harness is helpful for two situations. First, if your battery is difficult to access, it makes connecting your charger much easier. Second, suppose you don’t use the vehicle very often. In that case, it is easy to connect a battery maintainer, keeping your battery in top condition.
Ctek 4.3 vs Battery Tender Plus vs BatteryMINDer Plus: Key Differences Explained
We’ve pointed out the similarities between the three battery chargers, so now we need to look in detail at the differences. Understanding the different functions available will help you choose the correct battery charger for your needs.
Complete Comparison Table of 3 Trickle Chargers
 CTEK MUS 4.3 |  Battery Tender Plus |  BatteryMINDer Plus |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating |  |  | |
| Price |  |  | |
| Size (inches) | 4 x 4 x 0.5 | 11 x 4 x 11 | 8.6 x 6.7 x 3.3 |
| Charging current | 4.3A | 1.25A | 1.33A |
| Compatibility | All lead-acid batteries | All lead-acid batteries | All lead-acid batteries |
| Type of charger | Fully automatic – 8 step process | Fully automatic – 4 step process | Fully automatic – 2 step process |
| Reverse polarity protection | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Overcharging prevention | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Desulphation function | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Quick connection harness | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ability to charge car batteries | ✔ | -- | -- |
| Reconditioning function | ✔ | -- | -- |
| Battery & alternator test function | ✔ | -- | -- |
| Temperature Compensated | -- | ✔ | -- |
| Warranty | 5 years | 10 years | 5 years |
| Pros | + Multiple test functions + Fast charging | + Ten-year warranty + Ideal for a workshop + Temperature sensor | + Can charge up to 4 batteries at once + Price + Energy saving charger |
| Cons | - Price | - Larger and heavier than the others on the review | - Cannot revive deeply discharged batteries |
| Score | 9 | 8 | 8 |
Features and Functions
There is a vast range of battery chargers on the market, and all will recharge a battery that is in good condition. What differentiates them are the additional features;
Maximum charging amps
One model stands out here, the Ctek MUS 4.3. As the model name suggests, it offers a maximum charging current of 4.3 amps, compared to the other two that only provide 1.25 or 1.33 amps.
This allows Ctek 4.3 to offer faster charging if required, although it’s usually recommended to use the automatic modes.
Reconditioning Function- Only On Ctek 4.3
The only model on review to provide a reconditioning function is the Ctek MUS 4.3.
For most people, if you use a battery maintainer regularly and the alternator on your car is working correctly, this function isn’t needed. That said, reconditioning your battery can extend its life significantly, which ultimately saves you money.
Test Functions On Ctek 4.3- Worthy Investment
Although all three chargers will automatically test the battery’s voltage to assess its condition, only the Ctek offers dedicated test features. These features can help you diagnose an electrical charging system fault.
Automatic Charging Process
Again, all the chargers offer some automated charge and maintenance processes. The BatteryMINDer is the most basic, simply charging the battery and maintaining it at the optimum voltage.
The Deltran offers a four-step process to bring back batteries that have been standing for an extended period. This adjusts the voltage and amps depending on the charge in the battery.
If you are looking for a battery charger that can revive deeply discharged batteries, then the eight-stage process of the Ctek is for you. Even if your battery has dropped to just two volts, the Ctek will try to bring it back to life.
Design
All three are small plastic basic units with minimal indicators and switches. The Battery Tender Plus stands out as the heaviest and largest, although it’s not heavy by any means. The Battery Tender Plus certainly looks the most robust and has a classic battery charger design.
Its larger footprint is probably more suitable for the workshop, whereas the other two would fit easily in your trunk.
Additional Features
Only the Ctek claims to be able to charge deeply discharged batteries. Even if your battery’s charge has dropped to just two volts, the Ctek should be able to revive it and then recondition it.
The BatteryMINDer Plus states explicitly that it cannot charge batteries below 10.5 volts, while the Deltran does not mention a minimum voltage.
Price, warranty
You shouldn’t be surprised to hear that the Ctek is by far the most expensive, at twice the other two’s price. It has the most features, provides the highest charging amps, and offers a range of test modes.
Both Ctek and BatteryMINDer offer a five-year guarantee. However, the Deltran comes with a 10-year limited warranty, which is outstanding.
Which One Should Your Buy?
Choosing a battery charger and maintainer will depend on a range of factors. How much do you want to spend, and what features do you need? Our pros and cons give you a quick checklist of each charger’s main points.
Ctek MUS 4.3: Excellent Charger Well Worth Your Money
Pros
- Multiple test functions
- High amp for fast charging
- 8 step automatic charging process
Cons
- High price
Recommendation
The Ctek is the most expensive on review but also offers the most features. This is the one to buy if you want the ultimate in battery care.
Battery Tender Plus: Great Charger For Car Storage
Pros
- Ideal for a workshop
- Temperature-compensated for any variations in the ambient temperature
- Ten-year warranty
Cons
- Larger & heavier than the others on the review
Recommendation
The design of the Deltran is more classic, making it ideal for use on your workbench.
BatteryMINDer Plus: Great Investment For Great quality
Pros
- Can charge up to four batteries at once
- Afforadable price
- Power saving
Cons
- Cannot revive deeply discharged batteries
Recommendation
The Battery MINDer is ideal for continuously maintaining multiple batteries on vehicles that are not used regularly.
FAQs
Will these chargers work with all batteries?
The chargers on review will work with all 12-volt lead-acid batteries, including gel, maintenance-free, and other vehicle batteries.
Will these chargers keep my battery in good condition over winter?
Yes, this is precisely what they designed these chargers for. All three have maintenance modes, keeping your battery topped up while not in use.
Is it safe to leave these chargers connected permanently?
The short answer is yes because they all feature safety features to prevent damage to your battery. However, for long-term battery storage, it is better to charge the battery fully and then recharge every six months.
Are these chargers suitable for my RV batteries?
As long as your RV batteries are 12-volt lead-acid batteries, then yes, they are suitable.
What vehicles will these chargers work with?
It’s not the type of vehicle that’s important, but the battery on the vehicle. Many vehicles such as ATVs, RVs, marine craft, motorcycles, and cars, use the same type of 12-volt battery.
If you are unsure about the battery type on your vehicle, check with a mechanic first.
