Battery chargers for AA and AAA rechargeables, lithium-ion cells, lead-acid batteries and other rechargeable batteries, for home, workshop and professional use. Our range includes over 260 models, from simple household chargers to industrial and professional equipment.
You will find products from ANSMANN, QOLTEC, ZEBRA, DURACELL and VOLTCRAFT, among others.
How to choose a battery charger
Battery type. Start with what you need to charge. NiMH and NiCd AA or AAA cells need one kind of charger, lithium-ion cells such as 18650 or 21700 need another, and lead-acid batteries need a third. Ordinary single-use alkaline batteries should not be charged.
Slots and channels. With chargers where every slot works independently, you can mix cells of different capacity or charge level, and each one stops at the right moment. Simpler models charge cells only in pairs, so a single worn cell can spoil the whole pair.
Charging current. A higher current shortens charging time, but it also heats the cell and wears it out sooner. Standard AA cells for everyday gadgets do well with a moderate current, while high-capacity 18650 or 21700 cells are better served by a charger with adjustable current.
Protection and indicators. A good charger stops when the cell is full, monitors temperature and refuses to charge a cell inserted the wrong way round. LEDs or a display show the state of each slot, and some models can also discharge a cell or test its capacity.
Power source and purpose. Household models run from the mains or a USB port, and a car adapter is handy for travel. If you are charging the battery of a specific device, such as a handheld scanner, choose the charger or charging cradle made for that device rather than a universal one.
Brands we carry
- ANSMANN: a German manufacturer known for rechargeable batteries and universal chargers for AA, AAA and lithium-ion cells.
- QOLTEC: a Polish company making chargers, power supplies and computer accessories.
- ZEBRA: known for barcode scanners and mobile computers used in warehouses and retail, so its charging equipment is usually meant for those devices.
- DURACELL: best known for alkaline batteries, but it also offers rechargeable AA and AAA cells with chargers.
- VOLTCRAFT: the house brand of Conrad Electronic, known for measuring instruments and power equipment.
- MEAN WELL: a Taiwanese manufacturer famous for industrial power supplies, which also offers chargers for larger batteries.
- PANASONIC: the company behind the eneloop series of NiMH rechargeables, which hold their charge well in storage.
- NITECORE: known for torches and for chargers for 18650 and 21700 lithium-ion cells.
- VARTA and GP BATTERIES: makers of household batteries and rechargeables, offering NiMH cells together with chargers.
Also in our range: 2-POWER and HAMA.
Frequently asked questions
Can I recharge single-use batteries?
No, ordinary single-use alkaline batteries should not be recharged. They are not designed for repeated charging and may leak or overheat. Only charge cells that are clearly marked as rechargeable.
What is the difference between NiMH and lithium-ion chargers?
They use different charging methods and voltages. NiMH cells are charged according to a voltage drop or temperature change, while lithium-ion cells are charged up to 4.2 V with stricter protection. Universal chargers recognise both types, but check which cells a model supports before buying.
How long does it take to charge AA rechargeables?
It depends on the cell capacity and the charger current. Standard charging usually takes several hours, and fast charging can shorten that to roughly one or two hours. The exact time is given in the charger specification.
Will a charger from another brand work with my batteries?
Yes, as long as the chemistry and cell size match. For example, NiMH AA cells from any maker can be charged in a NiMH charger. Battery packs made for a specific device need that device's own charger or charging cradle.
