If you’re like me, and you don’t dare to go anywhere without being confident that your car won’t let you down in the middle of the road due to battery issues, then you definitely need a car battery tester!
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Owning a car battery tester is the best way to always be sure everything is 100% okay with your precious four-wheel’s battery without going to the car shop.
And if you’re going to get a car battery tester, it has to be the best one. So, what is the best car battery tester on the market? Read my article to find out about my top choices and why I think you should seriously consider purchasing them!
Top 10 Best Car Battery Testers Reviews for 2023
1. Schumacher BT-100 100A Battery Load Tester
If you need the best battery load tester, you can’t go wrong with the Schumacher BT-100. This one tests 6V and 12V batteries up to 1000 CCA and it’s ideal for light trucks, cars, RVs, motorcycles, ATVs, and even boats and lawn tractor batteries!
I was surprised by how easy it is to operate this tester. It shows battery condition and complete charging system diagnosis. As I said, it works on 6-volt batteries (50 amp load test), and 12-volt batteries (100 amp load test).
The heavy-duty, super-grip battery clamps are color-coded, which I found to be very helpful. I also liked the rubber-insulated carrying handle – it provides a firm and safe grip!
I especially appreciated how accurate and easy to read this vehicle battery tester is. It’s also shock-resistant and has a black enamel steel case that is ventilated to keep it cool at all times.
However, I have to warn you not to hold the switch on for longer than 10 seconds because the heat can potentially melt the plastic power switch and plastic components may begin to melt!
Pros:
- One of the best battery load testers
- Heavy-duty clamps are color-coded
- Works on 6V and 12V batteries
- Very accurate
- The price is within a reasonable range
Cons:
- It can overheat if you hold the switch on for longer than 10 seconds
| Whether you have a car, a light truck, an RV, a motorcycle, an ATV, a lawn tractor, or a boat, the Schumacher battery load tester is the right choice! |
2. MOTOPOWER MP0514A 12V Digital Car Battery Tester
This tester provides a quick and efficient reading and it determines whether your car battery needs replacing or a jump, and it also shows the alternator output status.
There are several LED lights in different colors that indicate the battery and alternator status while the LCD display gives the reading of the voltage. The accuracy of this tester impressed me the most – it shows accuracy close to the 0.01 volt!
I appreciated how compact and lightweight this car battery analyzer is. It has a rubber body that makes it non-slip and provides a firm grip, and it’s very simple to use. All you need to do is connect to the battery, read battery status, then start the vehicle and keep it running while you read the alternator status.
The 30Amp alligator clamps perform well but I only wished that the 20-inch extension cable was a bit longer!
Pros:
- Very affordable price
- Accurate to the 0.01V
- Helpful colored LED lights indicate battery and alternator status
- Compact and lightweight design
- Easy to use
Cons:
- The extension cable could be a bit longer
| Motopower car battery tester and analyzer is a worthwhile product and I’m sure you’ll love it if you want a tester that’s easy to use! |
3. ANCEL BA101 Professional Automotive Load Battery Tester
The best professional car battery tester on the market right now has to be the ANCEL BA101. I thoroughly tested it and I can say I was impressed by its performance in every aspect!
This one is a bit pricey, so if you’re not happy about investing money in a car battery tester, I’d recommend you take a look at something more affordable. However, I really think that ANCEL is worth the money!
ANCEL tester works on 12V batteries, and it shows battery voltage, charge, cranking power, and how much life is left in the battery (level of Ohm resistance). In case your battery needs charging and you’re not sure which car charger to get, here are some of the best car battery chargers on the market!
One thing I noticed about this tester is that it has a wider test range compared to other similar testers (100 – 2000 CCA).
ANCEL checks the alternator’s charging and starter’s cranking conditions. It also offers the vehicle charging system test, including load voltage, unloaded voltage, ripple status, and charging system status!
I particularly loved the 3-feet long cable that’s made of a flexible, thick insulator that makes it very safe to use.
Honestly, the biggest flaw of this battery tester is the above-average price!
Pros:
- A powerful and multipurpose device
- Very precise
- Has a wide test range
- 3-feet long cable
Cons:
- It’s pricey
| ANCEL car battery tester is a powerful and durable tool that gets the job done mistake-free every single time! |
4. Battery Tester FOXWELL BT705 Automotive Battery Load Tester
If you have the option to splurge on the best battery tester, I highly suggest you go with my premium pick – the amazing FOXWELL BT705. This is one of the top high-end battery tester analyzers.
It’s designed for 12V or 24V batteries with a capacity of 100-2000 CCA, such as AGM flat plate, AGM spiral, regular flooded, GEL, and deep cycle batteries. If you want to find out what is the best car battery on the market, I highly suggest you read this list of the best car batteries!
I am sure you won’t regret spending money on a premium battery tester once you see how quick and accurate this one is. It utilizes the advanced conductance testing technology, and the high-quality copper clip and wire maintain a stable communication to provide the most precise results!
The FOXWELL tester provides an accurate reading in just 2.5 seconds and the results are clearly shown on the well-lit LCD display!
The metal alligator clamps combined with the 7.8-feet long cable make it very easy and convenient to maneuver this device!
Unfortunately, this tester only works on 12V and 24V batteries, and it won’t do the job if you have a 6V battery! And, it’s kind of expensive!
Pros:
- Works quickly and efficiently
- Provides very precise readings on the well-lit LCD display
- Metall alligator clamps and 7.8-feet long cable
- Uses the advanced testing technology
Cons:
- It doesn’t work on 6V batteries!
| FOXWELL car battery tester is one of the best high-end analyzers that are totally worth the money! |
5. SOLAR BA7 100-1200 CCA Electronic Battery and System Tester
Clore Automotive holds the title of the high-quality automotive service equipment manufacturer and it’s the company behind this incredible car battery tester.
SOLAR BA7 is a handy tester that you can carry and store anywhere because it won’t take up much space. It’s a compact, little device that tests 12V batteries from 100 to 1200 CCA.
It works on a variety of battery types, including the Conventional, AMG, Gel Cell, Spiral Wound, and Deep Cycle batteries!
This tester provides charging and starting system testing, quick assessment with two kinds of results – the numerical result and a pass/fail LED result. The LCD display shows a four-digit result.
The SOLAR car battery tester was designed with portability in mind, and the manufacturer achieved that perfectly since this is one of the most convenient car battery testers to carry around or keep in your toolbox knowing it won’t take up too much space.
It’s also simple to operate and it guides you through each step of battery testing.
I was disappointed by how short the cable is, so if you need a tester that has a long and convenient cable, I’d keep looking.
Pros:
- Pocket-size lightweight design
- Provides two results – numerical and pass/fail
- Made by a company with a long tradition in the industry
- Works quickly and offers precise results
Cons:
- The cable is too short
- It doesn’t work for 6A batteries
| If you want a car battery tester by a reliable and trustworthy brand, the SOLAR car battery tester is the one for you! |
6. Performance Tool W2989 12V Cigarette Lighter Car Battery Tester
Undoubtedly one of the most convenient and easy-to-use car battery testers is the Performance Tool W2989. I especially liked that it can easily fit in my glove department and I can always have it near me in case of an emergency!
Let’s be real – if you don’t test your car battery on a regular basis, you shouldn’t be surprised if it gives out in the middle of the road. So having a pocket-size car battery tester like this one always at hand can be a life-saver.
It’s simple to use – just plug it in the 12V cigarette lighter in your car and that’s it! The LED indicators will show you the status of your battery and alternator.
There are three light indicators for the status of alternator voltage. If it’s yellow light only, it means it’s too low. If it’s yellow and green, then it’s just right, and if the yellow, green, and red light up, it’s too high!
One thing I didn’t like is that it doesn’t work on 6V batteries, but it’s not a big disadvantage compared to how affordable and efficient it is!
Pros:
- Fits in your glove department
- It’s plugged in the cigarette lighter
- Works with 12V batteries
- The color-coded light system shows the results
- Ultra-affordable price
Cons:
- Doesn’t work on 6A batteries
| I think everyone should have an affordable and compact device like this one in our car at all times! It’s a good thing to have in case of an emergency! |
7. SOLAR BA9 40-1200 CCA Digital Battery and System Tester
I had to include at least two car battery testers by SOLAR. They’re simply one of the best in the industry and I trust the brand to always make high-quality, durable products.
The BA9 model is an electronic battery tester that offers fast and precise readings of 12V batteries, as well as starting and charging systems. Like all SOLAR battery car testers, this one also works with a wide range of battery types.
It has an operating range of 40-1200 CCA, and while it works with many battery types, it’s optimized to work the best with Conventional Flooded Acid, AGM Flat Plate, AGM Spiral Wound, and Gel Cell batteries.
It’s also good to know that this one tests both charged and discharged batteries (down to 7V)!
The LCD screen is very easy to read and it’s so well lit that you’ll be able to see it clear whether you’re in a garage or out in the sun.
Just a heads up, this car battery tester doesn’t perform the best on motorcycle batteries. Just a thing to keep in mind in case you were wondering!
Pros:
- Provides fast and precise readings
- Works with a lot of battery types
- Tests both charged and discharged batteries
- Well-lit LCD screen
Cons:
- Doesn’t work well on motorcycle batteries
| If you have a Conventional Flooded Acid, an AGM Flat Plate, an AGM Spiral Wound, or a Gel Cell battery, then the SOLAR BA9 is the best choice for you! |
8. OTC 3181 130 Amp Heavy-Duty Battery Load Tester
OTC has been a royalty name in the American car equipment industry for almost a century now (since 1925!), and they’ve held up to their long tradition of making only high-quality, long-lasting products, like this battery tester!
I must admit, at first glance, I thought that the device was a bit bulky, especially considering how most electronics battery testers are compact in size.
However, a little bulkiness is to be expected with a more traditional model like this one. You’ll notice it doesn’t have a fancy LCD screen or any special LED light indicators, but this certainly doesn’t mean it won’t perform well.
This is a heavy-duty battery tester that offers accurate results in just 10 seconds! It’s ergonomically built, with a convenient handle that features the on/off button, so you can easily turn it on and off with a press of a thumb.
From my experience, this is a simple device and it’s easy to read the results (which are, by the way, very precise!), especially thanks to the color-coded design.
Overall, the OTC car battery tester is a classic choice, but it may not be your cup of tea if you prefer modern, less bulky devices!
Pros:
- Precise results in 10 seconds
- Ergonomically build
- Color-coded system
- Works on both 6V and 12V batteries
Cons:
- It’s a bit bulky and heavy
| If you love classic, old-fashioned tools that give precise results quickly and consistently, you’ll love the OTC car battery tester! |
9. Car Battery Tester TOPDON BT100 Battery Load Tester
Last but not least, I couldn’t exclude the TOPDON BT100 from my list. It’s an awesome battery load tester that performs well on various vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and marine trucks!
Truth be told, the design doesn’t make or break a good car battery tester. However, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the sleek design of this model. It doesn’t only perform outstandingly, but it also looks very powerful with the black and blue colors intertwined.
The BT100 has a wide testing range (100-2000 CCA), and it works on a lot of 12V battery types!
I loved the fact that it checks the overall health of the battery, including the cranking test, and the complete system charging test! The cranking test analyzes the starting motor to check whether it works perfectly or not, and the charging test will prolong your battery’s life as it will keep it from overcharging or incomplete charging.
There’s a helpful LED display that tells you everything you need to know and even a complete beginner can use this car battery tester with no trouble!
Like some other car battery testers, this one also has a bit short cable and I often find this to be quite annoying.
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Works on cars, trucks, motorcycles…
- Has a wide testing range
- Easy to use- perfect for beginners
Cons:
- The cable is too short
| If you’re like me and you love tools that boast a modern, sleek design (but also perform well!), I suggest you try the TOPDON BT100 tester! |
10. CARTMAN 12V Car Battery & Alternator Tester
If you need a compact and straightforward car battery tester that gets the job done without complicating it too much, you’ll love the CARTMAN car battery and alternator tester.
This one is very helpful if you have starting problems and can’t diagnose whether it’s the starter or the battery, or both (or if your battery just needs to be recharged).
There’s a LED display that indicates the condition. The display will show you the alternator state – the state of your alternator based on the measured voltage. The “GOOD” light will show if the battery voltage is within a healthy range, and “FAULT” will light up if it’s below a healthy range.
The tester also shows you the battery state with the battery power level – you’ll notice a gradual increase of the battery status as it’s being charged.
Another feature I found to be useful is the “Check before charge”. STEADILY-LIT LED indicated that the battery condition is good, and LED OFF means battery voltage is out of range or the battery is dead.
Overall, I thought that this automobile battery tester offers excellent value for money, and it’s the right choice if you want a simple car battery checker.
One thing I wasn’t happy about is the size of the clamps – they could be a bit larger!
Pros:
- Simple and easy to use
- The LED display indicates battery and alternator state
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Clamps are a bit small
| The CARTMAN car battery and alternator tester is a good option if you’re looking for a simple, compact, and affordable tester! |
FAQs
1. What is the best car battery tester?
To be honest, it wasn’t easy choosing the best car battery tester. The aftermarket of automotive parts and accessories is huge and it includes some of the largest names in the industry – Harbor Freight, Autozone, HomeDepot, and many more, so it can be overwhelming choosing the best car battery tester in a sea of options.
After many hours of researching and testing out so many models, I found the CARTMAN 12V Car Battery & Alternator Tester to be my number one choice.
It definitely offers the best value for money. Plus, it performed amazingly every single time, without exception! With this tester, you can be sure you have a durable, quality tool!
2. Are car battery testers accurate?
Electronic car battery testers are generally very accurate. Most of them are able to provide precise results even if the battery is almost dead or significantly discharged. This is actually one of the major benefits of digital car battery testers over the traditional testers.
Most car battery testers are accurate to 0.01V!
3. How can I check if my car battery is good?
The answer to this is simple – all you need is a car battery tester! They are very easy to use, and in just a few simple steps, you can check the condition of your battery and the alternator.
These testers come with clamps that you attach to the battery and with just a press of a button, you’ll know whether your battery is good or it needs replacing!
4. How does a car battery tester work?
There are several ways how car battery testers can work.
The load test is one way where the tester puts a certain load on a battery to see how it will react.
The other way is to measure the battery’s conductance. A low-frequency alternating current is sent through a battery and it shows how much plate area is free to hold and deliver power.
5. How do you test a battery with a load tester?
Professional load testers work just like the name suggests – they put a load on a battery and wait to see how it will react. The load has to be set to the half of the battery’s CCA (Cold Cranking Amp) rating and applied to the battery for 15 seconds.
The thing about handheld electronic load testers that you can use at home is that they don’t require a fully charged battery in order to give precise results because it applies a small amp load to the battery. This means they are more accurate and you can expect precise results every time!
Final word
Finding the best car battery tester can be a tiring task. Luckily, you don’t have to do it because I’ve done it for you! I hope I helped you by showing my favorites, and I honestly think you won’t make a mistake whichever one you choose!
Now, if you’re ready to get a handy gadget that will make your life easier, choose your number one car battery tester!
I am Dave McCurdy I am the content developer on the ecodrivingusa.com website. I have 6 years of experience in marketing as an automotive major.