Nothing is worse than having a power tool stop working in the middle of a job. These Ryobi chargers can help keep your Ryobi power tool batteries charged and ready to go when you need them. There are a few things to consider when purchasing a Ryobi charger, but we’re here to walk you through it.
Read on to find out how you can choose the best Ryobi Charger for your power tool batteries.
Features to Consider When Buying a Ryobi Charger
Type of Battery
There are three main types of batteries that can be used with Ryobi chargers. Before choosing a Ryobi charger, it is important to know which type of battery you need to charge. Choosing the wrong type of charger can lead to dangerous results, including overheating and improper charging.
The types of batteries that can be charged with a Ryobi charger include Ni-Cad, Ni-Mh, and Lithium-Ion.
Prices
Price is also important when considering which battery charger to buy. Pricey chargers aren’t always better. However, like anything else, the more money you invest in a Ryobi charger, the longer it will generally last.
In general, expect to pay between $40 and $60 for an original Ryobi charger. An aftermarket charger can run you between $25 and $35.
Power
How much power will the charger use? What size batteries will it charge?
These are key questions to ask yourself before choosing a Ryobi charger. If you have a 40V battery but the charger only works with 12V batteries, it isn’t going to be the right charger for you. Consider these things while browsing the chargers below.
Charging Time
Each of the chargers on our list has a different charging time. Some can recharge a battery in an hour, and some may take a longer (or shorter) amount of time to get the job done. Think about how long you’d be willing to wait for the battery to charge again.
Safety Features
Most battery chargers will have some sort of safety feature. Overcharge protection is one of these features.
Overcharging can ruin the lifespan of your batteries, lowering their effectiveness over time. This feature prevents batteries from being overcharged. Temperature indicators can determine if a battery is becoming too warm, and can terminate charging if the temperature is unsafe.
Keep an eye out for safety features featured one each of the chargers below.
Best OEM Ryobi Battery Chargers Review
The first three chargers on our list are made by Ryobi. This means they are Ryobi original chargers, and will often work specifically with Ryobi batteries.
Ryobi P118 One+ 18 Volt Battery Charger
The P118 Dual Chemistry charger is a Ryobi IntelliPort Charger, which means that it has a wealth of features to protect and extend the life of your batteries. It is a designated dual-chemistry charger, which means that it can charge both NiCad and Lithium-Ion batteries. The Ryobi P118 will also charge NiMh batteries.
Ryobi’s P118 charger is compatible with all Ryobi batteries from the One+ system and can output 50 watts. This means that it is a Ryobi 18v charger that can work in as little as one hour.
Of course, there are battery chargers that can charge faster (such as the Ryobi P117 charger). But the slower charging on the Ryobi P118 can help extend the life of lithium batteries. Sometimes, faster charging can be damaging, so this is a great feature.
When the Ryobi P118 is not on or actively charging, it goes into Energy Save Mode. In this mode, the P118 will go into a ‘standby’ state. It is ready to charge your batteries, but it is not using any excess power to help conserve energy.
Pros
- Intelliport technology saves energy and prevents overheating
- Less expensive than the Ryobi P117
- Charges slowly, which is better for lithium batteries
- Intuitive ‘Energy Save’ mode
- A mountable design with keyholes
Cons
- Longer charging time
Who is it for?
The Ryobi P118 charger is made for people who want a less expensive alternative to the Ryobi P117 charger. Both chargers are completely compatible with the One+ line of Ryobi batteries, but this charger doesn’t charge as fast. This can be beneficial to extend the life of lithium batteries.
Ryobi P117 Dual Chemistry Battery Charger
The Ryobi P117 is another Ryobi 18V charger that works will the entire One+ system. While it is more expensive, this Ryobi charger includes a few key features that the Ryobi P118 charger lacks.
The Ryobi P117 can output up to 85 watts. This means that the P117 will charge the same batteries nearly twice as fast. For a P102-type battery from the One+ line, a full charge will only take 30 minutes to achieve.
When it comes to safety features, the Ryobi P117 has a few added options. It is a Ryobi IntelliPort charger, so it helps keep your batteries protected. In addition, there are USB ports on the charger so you can charge your drill battery and your phone at the same time.
Maintenance mode is another safety feature. You don’t want your battery to overcharge, as it could be damaging. The Maintenance Mode for the Ryobi 117 stops charging the battery once it senses that charging is complete. When charging batteries overnight, they won’t be damaged and energy won’t be wasted.
Pros
- Fast 30-minute charge
- Intelliport technology prevents overheating and saves energy
- 2 USB ports for charging more devices
- Smart LED indicators
- Can be wall-mounted for easy access
Cons
- Works great but doesn’t last very long
- A bit pricey
Who is it for?
The Ryobi P117 charger is great for people who don’t mind spending a little more to get a handful of important safety features. Fast charging is extremely useful if you’re working a lot and need to keep your batteries going. Additionally, if you tend to leave your batteries on the charger for a while, this charger can help protect them.
Ryobi OP401 Charger For 40V Lithium-Ion Battery
The Ryobi 40V battery charger (or OP401) is meant to charge outdoor power tools. The OP401 can charge the batteries for your weed trimmer, leaf blower, chainsaw, and even your lawnmower battery!
Ryobi’s OP401 is a powerful battery charger that can output 72 watts. Large outdoor tool batteries will still take a while to charge, as it is a slower 40V charger. For example, a 4Ah (amp-hour) battery will need about 3.25 hours to fully charge. Make sure that your batteries are charged up before taking on any yard work.
The LED lights on the OP401 indicate charging status, which can be extremely useful. This Ryobi 40V charger can help eliminate guesswork during your battery charging cycle.
In addition, the Ryobi OP401 includes battery protections so that your batteries function for longer. This charger can help extend the life of your batteries by preventing overheating and more.
Pros
- Wall-mounted design saves space
- Can charge all 40V Lithium-Ion batteries
- Innovative charging technology protects batteries and extends battery life
- Compact design
- LED indicators are easy to understand
Cons
- Slow charging
- Longevity issues
Who is it for?
The Ryobi OP401 40V charger is ideal for people who don’t mind the extra charging time on their outdoor tool batteries. This charger is great for longer charges and helps to extend the life of the batteries you already have. It won’t charge your lawnmower battery faster, but it may keep it healthier.
Aftermarket Ryobi Chargers
Aftermarket batteries are made by a third party and are not manufactured by Ryobi. These chargers may have wider compatibility with non-Ryobi batteries and are often less expensive.
Elefly Replacement Charger for Ryobi P117 Charger ONE+
The Elefly Dual Chemistry Replacement Charger works in the place of Ryobi’s original P117, P118, and P119 chargers. The Elefly model includes a few additional features as well as support for all of the One+ battery systems.
This Ryobi charger works with batteries from 12V to 18V, as well as Ni-Cad, Ni-Mh, and Lithium-Ion batteries. It does not work with 12V and 14V Lithium-Ion batteries, so make sure to double-check the compatibility.
There are indicator lights for temperature monitoring, as well as battery charging status lights. If the battery is too hot or too cold, the charger will tell you.
The Elefly Replacement Charger has dual USB ports as well. You can charge your phone, iPad, or another device at the same time.
Pros
- Two 3A USB Ports
- Fast Charging
- Temperature sensor to help prevent overheating
- Cooling system
Cons
- Cannot charge low-voltage batteries like the original charger
- Can only charge 3A 18V lithium batteries
Who is it for?
Elefly Replacement Charger is great for people who have had bad experiences with the Ryobi P117, P118, or P119 chargers. It is a less expensive alternative to purchasing another Ryobi charger. This charger has all of the features of those chargers combined for a much cheaper price.
Biswaye Replacement Battery Charger for Ryobi One+ Battery
Biswaye Replacement Ryobi Charger offers even more savings. This charger is affordable and does all of the things that the Ryobi P118 charger can do. Though the product from Bisway is an aftermarket charger, it has the same quality as an OEM Ryobi charger.
A variety of power tool batteries can be charged with this charger, including 12V to 18V Ni-Cad, Ni-Mh, and Lithium-Ion batteries. It works well with the MAX and One+ lines from Ryobi. Please note that the Biswaye Replacement Battery Charger does not charge 12V Lithium-Ion batteries.
This Biswaye Charger uses IntelliPort technology. It helps to protect and extend the life of your batteries. The temperature indicator can help prevent your batteries from overheating.
Pros
- Maintenance mode helps keep the battery at peak performance
- Quick charging
- Removable cord for easy storage
- Excellent price
Cons
- May have connection or longevity issues
Who is it for?
It is great for charging on a budget. This charger has a lot of great features and compatibility for a great price. If you don’t want to buy a Ryobi charger or have had bad experiences in the past, this charger can be a great solution.
Ryobi Battery Charger Problems
There are a few common problems that arise while using Ryobi battery chargers. Let’s take a look at how these issues can be solved.
Ryobi 40V Flashing Red and Green
Ryobi 40V chargers (or any Ryobi battery chargers) may have this issue. Here, indicator lights are flashing red and green.
How can you fix it?
First off, make sure that the battery is properly seated on the charger. Sometimes this happens if the battery pack is not making complete contact with the charger, or not engaging correctly.
If reseating the battery doesn’t help, the battery may be defective. Here’s how to tell.
- Try charging a different battery. If another battery charges normally, the battery that causes the indicator lights to flash is probably defective. Dispose of the defective battery.
- If a different battery also makes the indicator lights flash, the charger may be defective. Try rotating the power cable where it plugs into the electrical outlet; the positive and negative parts of the plug may be reversed. If this doesn’t solve the issue, you may need to get your Ryobi charger repaired or replaced.
Ryobi Battery Charger Flashing Red
If the red LED indicator light is flashing and the green light is off, there are two problems that may be occurring.
- The battery is either too hot or too cold. When the battery cools down (or warms up), try again. If the battery is charging correctly, the LED indicator light will be solid red and turn to green when charging is finished.
- The voltage is too low. Jump start the charger to get it back to the normal voltage, then try again.
Ryobi Battery Charger Blinking Green
The blinking green light indicates that the battery is charging. The green light will continue to blink or flash until the battery is fully charged. Then, the green light will turn solid to indicate that charging is complete.
Ryobi P117 Charger Not Working
There could be several issues with the P117 that cause it to stop working. First, make sure that the battery is not the issue. Try charging another battery; If it charges, then it is the first battery that is defective. If the problem persists, the charger may be defective.
Make sure that the charger’s contacts are free of dust and battery acid. If the charger is not making proper contact with the battery, it may not work correctly.
Tips for Using Ryobi Chargers
- Make sure to keep the charger (and cord) away from heat – very hot temperatures can damage the housing and internal parts
- When charging your batteries, charge in a well-ventilated location at room temperature
- Use a charger meant for your battery’s type/chemistry ONLY
- High-wattage or ultra-fast charging shortens charge time but can put stress on your charger and battery (and ultimately damage them)
- Make sure to keep dust away from the charger
Conclusion
Choosing the right Ryobi charger for you can be tricky. Keep in mind that you must choose a charger that works with your battery size, type, and voltage. There is a myriad of safety features and convenience options for you as well!
Overall, the five chargers on our list are the best the Ryobi has to offer and will keep your hand tools and outdoor tools going for a long time to come.
FAQs
How long does a Ryobi 40v battery take to charge?
How long a battery takes to charge depends on the type of charger you have. The Ryobi 40V charger on this list takes about 3 hours to charge a 40V outdoor tool battery.
Should I leave my Ryobi battery in the charger?
No, you should not leave your Ryobi battery in the charger. If your charger has overcharging protection it will probably be fine. However, not all chargers have this feature. It is a good rule of thumb to take your battery off of the charger when it is finished charging.
What does an IntelliPort charger mean?
IntelliPort technology helps to protect your batteries by maximizing their life cycle, conserving energy, and preventing damage from overcharging. IntelliPort indicator lights on the charging unit can also inform you if the battery is overheating (or if it is too cold). An IntelliPort charger uses these features to protect your battery.
Which Ryobi charger is best?
The best Ryobi charger for you is going to be the one that charges your specific battery types. For standard hand tools, the Ryobi 117 charger is considered by many to be the best that Ryobi offers.
How long do I charge my Ryobi 18V battery?
How long you need to charge your 18V battery depends on the charger that you have. An 18V battery may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours to charge depending on the type of charger that you are using.
Will my old Ryobi charger charge lithium?
If your Ryobi charger can charge a lithium battery, there will be some indication on the charger itself. If it does not say it supports lithium charging, then you will need a charger that does charge lithium batteries.
Read more: 3 Best Ryobi 12V Batteries Review 2020
