If you’re having trouble getting your vehicle started in the morning and it’s a reoccurring issue, it’s time to check your vehicle’s battery. But with so many battery testers out there it can be challenging to determine what your vehicle needs.
The last thing you want is to invest in a tester that doesn’t give you accurate results. That’s why we took the time to track down and review the ten best battery testers and analyzers for cars out there. With any of these products, you can get accurate results and diagnose your vehicle’s battery the first time.
Top 10 Best Car Battery Analyzers & Testers
1. OBDMONSTER BM550 – Best Battery Tester Overall
If you’re looking for the best combination of price and performance for a battery tester for your home garage, look no further than the OBDMONSTER BM550. It works on just about any battery you throw at it, with the ability to switch between 6, 12, and 24-volt batteries.
Not only that, but it can test AGM, lead-acid, gel batteries, and more. No matter the type of battery in your vehicle, this tester and analyzer can handle it. Not only does it check and analyze the current state and charge of the battery, but it also checks the charging system and starting system at the same time.
Furthermore, it comes with reverse battery connection that protects the charger if you accidentally hook up the leads backward. It’s small and portable so it’ll fit in any garage, or you can even store it in your vehicle’s glovebox.
The only real issue with this battery tester is that it doesn’t provide a printout of the results, but if you’re using it for your home garage, that’s an extra feature you don’t need. It’s the best possible combination of price and performance, and you won’t find a more affordable deal out there.
Pros
- Affordable option
- Works on 6V, 12V, and 24V options
- Checks battery, charging system, and starting system
- Small and portable
- Works on all types of batteries
- Reverse battery connection
Cons
- No option to print results
2. 12/24V DC Automotive Battery Tester – Best Budget
If you don’t test a ton of batteries and don’t need the most in-depth battery tester out there, the 12/24V DC Automotive Battery Tester can get the job done for you at a minuscule cost. It works for both 12 volt and 24-volt batteries, and it also checks your vehicle’s alternator.
It’s both lightweight and portable, so you can store it just about anywhere too. However, it’s not the most precise tool since it only uses lights to tell you what’s going on. It’s more precise than most low-end battery testers, but it’s nowhere near the level of the top choices.
It only uses a single light to tell if you if the battery is bad, and it doesn’t give you any additional information about what’s going on. Moreover, it uses lights to tell you if the battery has a 40, 60, 80, or 100 percent charge, but it can’t tell you where it settles between those points.
It’s great for rough estimates and telling you when you need to replace your battery or alternator, but it’s not the best for any precise troubleshooting. Still, at this price range it’s the absolute best you’re going to get.
Pros
- Very low priced
- Works for both 12V and 24V batteries
- Also checks the alternator
- Extremely lightweight and portable
Cons
- Not the most precise tool
3. SOLAR BA327 – Best for Automotive Shops
If you’re running an automotive shop you need a top-notch battery tester. You can’t risk not getting accurate results and a way to communicate that information to the customer, and this battery tester does both those things for you.
It works for both 6- and 12-volt batteries, and it gives you extremely accurate and detailed results about what’s going on. Not only that, but it provides a printout straight from the machine, which provides you with something to give the customer to back up what you’re saying.
Not only that, but it’s so easy to print out that it doesn’t slow down your day at all and lets you move onto the next vehicle faster than ever. And while it doesn’t test 24-volt batteries, it does check the charging system for both 12- and 24-volt systems.
For ease of use it checks AGM, lead-acid, gel, and just about any other battery type out there. It’s an all-in-one tester that makes it easier than ever to figure out what’s going on with a vehicle. However, it is a more expensive option, so if you don’t need the printout or other advanced features, it’s likely not the best choice for you.
But if you’re working at an automotive shop and need the best of the best, this is it, and it’s not even close.
Pros
- Tests 6V and 12V batteries
- Provides very accurate and detailed results
- Tests all types of batteries
- Tests 12V and 24V charging systems
Cons
- More expensive option
- It does not test 24V batteries
4. Ancel BA101 Battery Tester
The Ancel BA101 is another top-notch battery tester and analyzer you need to consider for your home garage. It’s an outstanding mix of price and quality, giving you some of the most accurate results on the market.
Not only does it do a phenomenal job at checking your vehicle’s battery, but it also gives you comprehensive results with what’s going on with your vehicle’s charging system. It gives you precise measurements all around, which makes troubleshooting easier than ever.
The only thing we wish was that this battery tester worked on 24-volt systems too, but if you’re not driving a vehicle that uses a 24-volt battery then it’s not a huge deal. Still, at this price range it’s a feature that we’d like to see for a little more versatility.
It’s a top-notch choice that will give you extremely accurate and reliable results, but it’s not perfect, which is why it fell out of our top three.
Pros
- A great mix of price and quality
- It gives you the most accurate results possible
- Also checks your vehicles charging system
- It gives you very precise measurements
Cons
- It does not work with 24V batteries
5. FOXWELL BT100 Battery Analyzer
Rounding out the top half of our list is the FOXWELL BT100 battery tester and analyzer. It’s another choice that’s an outstanding mix of price and quality. It gives you extremely precise results you can rely on, and it does it extremely quickly.
However, it couldn’t top the choices higher up on our list for a few reasons. First, it only checks 12-volt batteries. While that’s true of a few different options, at this price range we’d like a bit more versatility.
Second, it doesn’t check charging systems. While that’s not exactly what you’re looking for, it’s a huge perk to have a tool that can check both the battery and the alternator at the same time, so you don’t accidentally replace the wrong part.
Still, it did make our list for a reason, and one of those reasons is that it gives you extremely precise results on lead-acid, AGM, gel, and just about any other battery type out there. Not having to find a specific type of battery tester for the battery in your vehicle is a huge perk, and this tester delivers there.
This battery tester will get the job done and let you know exactly what’s going on under the hood, but you’re going to spend a bit more for the same results you could get with one of the different testers farther up the list.
Pros
- A great mix of price and quality
- Very accurate and easy to read results
- Works on all types of batteries
Cons
- Only checks 12V batteries
- Does not check the charging system
6. KONNWEI KW600 Car Battery Tester
The KONNWEI KW600 is one more battery tester that expertly combines price and quality. It has an extremely wide testing range for even the most powerful batteries, as its maximum testing capacity is an impressive 2,000 CCA.
Still, even if you don’t have a super-powerful battery, with a minimum testing capacity of 100 CCA, it’ll work for just about any battery under the hood. While this isn’t the easiest battery tester to read and use if you don’t know what you’re doing, if you do have a bit of automotive background, it gives you more information than most other testers.
It even lets you look at the waveform results to help you make your own conclusions about what’s going on instead of having to rely on what the machine is telling you. This tester comes with free lifetime software updates, so you’re always getting the newest information and systems without the need to purchase a new tester!
In addition to testing the battery, it also checks the entire starting and charging system, making it a great all-in-one tester for your garage. Still, keep in mind that it only works on 12-volt batteries, and if you don’t know how to use the advanced features you’re likely paying for extra features that you don’t need.
Pros
- A great mix of price and quality
- Extremely wide CCA testing ability (up to 2,000 CCA)
- Lifetime software updates
- Detailed waveform results
- Tests both charging and starting system too
Cons
- Not the easiest to read
- Many features only help advanced mechanics
- It only works on 12V batteries
7. ANCEL BST500
If you’re running or working in an automotive shop and need a battery tester that will work on both 12- and 24-volt batteries, then the ANCEL BST500 might be exactly what you need. Not only does it work on both battery types, but it checks the charging systems on each setup too.
And while there’s no doubt that it’s a more expensive option, it does come with a 12-month warranty and prints out the results for you. This makes it easier than ever to show the customer what’s going on and help you move on to the next vehicle faster.
Not only does it have a wide range of vehicles that it works on, but it also provides insanely accurate results that you can trust. If you’re looking for a battery tester and analyzer to add to your automotive toolkit at work, you could do far worse than the ANCEL BST500.
Pros
- Works on both 12V and 24V batteries
- Prints results for customers
- Very accurate tester
- 12-month warranty
- Tests the charging system too
Cons
- More expensive option
8. TOPDON BT100 Battery Tester
The TOPDON BT100 is another extremely accurate battery tester and analyzer you can add to your toolkit. It’s a top-notch tester that checks the battery, charging system, and starting system of your vehicle, which means it dramatically reduces the chances of you replacing the wrong part.
Furthermore, it’s small and easy to transport, and it works on all types of vehicles. Not only can it test the battery in your car or truck, but it also works on boats, motorcycles, and just about anything else with a battery.
Additionally, it works on AGM, lead-acid, gel, and just about any other battery type. It’s an extremely versatile product that you can use to troubleshoot your vehicle whenever it won’t start.
But while it’s a top-notch battery tester, it’s just a bit more expensive than the other battery testers in this category. And despite the slightly higher price, you don’t get any extra features, and it still doesn’t work on 24-volt batteries. It’s a great choice, but it’s not the best of the best which is why it’s near the bottom of our list.
Pros
- Very accurate results
- Checks battery, charging system, and starting system
- Works on a wide array of vehicle types
- Compact and easy to transport
- Works on multiple battery types
Cons
- Slightly more expensive option
- It only works on 12V batteries
9. MOTOPOWER MP0514A Battery Analyzer
If you don’t have a ton of cash but want your own battery tester, then the MOTOPOWER MP0514A is a product you need to look at. It’s an extremely affordable option you can use to check both the battery and alternator in your vehicle.
The results it gives you are extremely accurate, although it does a better job at telling you when your battery is dead than it does telling you when it’s time to replace it. Additionally, it only works for 12-volt batteries, but that’s perfect for most people.
It also comes with reverse hookup and over-voltage protection built right into the tester which is a nice perk for the less mechanically inclined. This is a tester you can use to figure out what’s going on with ease, and you don’t need to worry about breaking anything while you’re figuring it out.
If you’re looking for the most beginner-friendly battery tester and analyzer out there, this is it. However, keep in mind that while it’s extremely beginner-friendly, it doesn’t give you as much information as other testers out there, and that’s why it fell down the list a bit.
Pros
- Very affordable option
- Checks both the battery and the alternator
- Reverse hookup and over-voltage protection
- Accurate results
Cons
- It only works on 12V batteries
- Struggles to diagnose faulty batteries
10. Cartman 12V Car Battery Tester
It’s the last car battery tester and analyzer to make our list, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a top-notch option. It’s an extremely affordable choice that’s an outstanding option to store in your vehicle’s glove box or to tuck away in your garage for when you need it.
It’s extremely easy to read the results, and it has the ability to check both the battery and the alternator for your vehicle. However, while it’s a great low-priced option, it did fall to the bottom of our list for a reason.
Chief among those reasons is that it doesn’t give very precise results, and it can be challenging to tell when you actually have a faulty battery. It’s possible to know, but it takes a bit more work. Instead, it’s a better choice for telling you when your battery needs a charge or when the alternator isn’t doing what it should.
It’s not the best of the best, but at this price range, you could do far worse than the Cartman 12V Car Battery and Alternator Tester. Just keep in mind that it only works for 12-volt batteries, although that is what’s in most passenger vehicles.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Easy to read results
- Checks both the battery and alternator
Cons
- Not very precise results
- Struggles to diagnose faulty batteries
Battery Tester Buyer’s Guide
With so many great battery testers out there, it can be a bit of a challenge to pick just one. We understand the struggle, and that’s why we came up with this comprehensive buyer’s guide to walk you through everything you need to know to get the perfect battery tester for your vehicle.
Why You Want Your Own Battery Tester
A common argument against getting your own battery tester is that stores like AutoZone will test your battery for free. While that’s completely true, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get your own battery tester.
We’ll break down why that’s the case here by highlighting three reasons you should get your own battery tester.
Added Convenience
If you need to test your vehicle’s battery, there’s a good chance it’s because you can’t get your vehicle to start. The last thing you want to do is take your battery out of the vehicle and lug it to the store only to find out that it’s not the problem.
With your own battery tester, you don’t need to go anywhere, and you can test your vehicle’s battery from the comfort of home. With how small and portable these testers are you can even test your vehicle’s battery when you’re out and about!
Higher Accuracy
While convenience is a major selling point for getting your own battery tester, it’s not the most important reason you should invest in your own. That’s the fact that the only way to ensure a job is done right is to do it yourself.
While this might sound like a bit of an exaggeration or a bit paranoid, the truth is that automotive part stores are far more likely to diagnose your battery as faulty even if it’s not. The reason for this is that no battery tester can tell you if it’s time to replace a battery if you’re testing it without a full charge.
The problem with part stores is that they won’t tell you this and because charging a battery takes time, they’re quick to jump to a replacement. But when you do the job yourself with a high-quality tester you can determine for yourself when it’s time to replace your battery, and even another year or two out of your battery will end up paying for the cost of the tester.
No Conflict of Interest
You might wonder why a part store is more likely to tell you to replace your battery even if you don’t need a new one. First is the time that it takes to charge the battery which is necessary to check the battery properly.
Second is the fact that the part store you’re at would love to sell you a new battery. If you can recharge your battery and keep it going the part store doesn’t make any money, if you need to replace the battery, they get to sell you apart!
It’s a real easy sell if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Because the battery tester they use will show that you need to replace the battery even if all you need to do is charge it! When that happens you end up buying a battery you don’t need just yet, and the part store gets to make some money at your expense.
Getting Accurate Results With Your Battery Tester
Like all things in life, the best tools out there are only as good as the person using it. That’s why we wanted to take the time here to highlight a few things you need to do to get accurate results from your battery tester. Below are a few things that people commonly mess up when they’re testing their vehicle’s battery.
Disconnecting the Battery
A quick disclaimer here – this step isn’t always necessary. Some battery testers have the option to test the battery while it’s still hooked up to the vehicle. In fact, these testers can only test the charging and starting system if it’s still connected.
However, while some battery testers can check the battery while it’s still connected, most basic testers require you to disconnect the battery to get accurate results. That’s because you’re only trying to test the battery, and if there’s a parasitic draw or other problem somewhere else in the vehicle it can skew the results.
When in doubt, play it safe and disconnect the battery to get the most accurate results possible!
Charging the Battery
The first thing you want to do when your vehicle won’t start is hook up the battery tester and figure out what’s going on. But if your battery is reading less than 12.6 volts when you hook up the tester, throw the battery on a charger before testing it again.
That’s because as the voltage in the battery increases the cold-cranking amps will increase as well, and this can change the results of the test. Your battery tester can’t tell if the battery is working like it should if it doesn’t have any voltage to work with!
Checking the CCA
With any of the battery testers on the list, this isn’t a problem, but too many people think they can test their battery with just a voltmeter. You can’t.
That’s because even if the voltage checks out you can have a faulty battery. When you’re hooking up a battery tester you’re checking both the voltage and the amperage. So, invest in a good battery tester and check both the voltage and the amperage.
What To Look For in a Battery Tester
When you’re shopping for a battery tester and analyzer there are a few different things you should look out for. While you don’t need all of these features, they’re all beneficial in their own ways. So keep reading, and we’ll break down why they’re important.
Check the CCA Range
Not all batteries are created equal, and not every battery tester can test every battery. Some batteries simply push too many CCA for lower-end testers to handle. If you have a high-powered battery that produces a ton of cold-cranking amps, skip the budget testers and get something that can handle the job.
Check the Types of Battery They Can Test
You might not know that there are many different battery types out there, but the truth is that they’re not all the same. The most common type of battery on the market is the lead-acid battery, but AGM and gel batteries are becoming more common.
However, these batteries need a special tester to give you accurate results. Many of the testers on our list can handle all these types of batteries, but if you have a vehicle that has anything other than a lead-acid battery in it, ensure you double-check that the tester can handle it.
Determine the Voltage
The last thing that you need to check before purchasing a battery tester is the battery’s voltage. Unless you drive a larger truck of some sort, your vehicle should have a 12-volt battery. In fact, even most larger vehicles use a 12-volt system.
Still, if you have a vehicle that uses a 24-volt battery or you anticipate testing a 24-volt system, ensure you get a battery tester that can handle the higher voltage.
Charging System and Starting System Testers
Tons of people have replaced batteries only to realize too late that the problem was the alternator or something else in the vehicle. By going with a battery tester that can check the battery, the charging system, and the starting system you troubleshoot everything at once so you always get the right part.
You don’t need this feature for a battery tester, but it takes everything a step further and is a huge perk so you don’t accidentally replace the wrong part.
Other Features To Look For
If you’re looking for a more advanced battery tester, there are a few other features you can look out for. Testers can come with printers that make it easier to share the results with customers, or they can come with diagnostic charts that show mechanics everything that’s going on.
None of these features are necessary, but they take the tester to the next level and might be just what you’re looking for in your battery tester.
Diagnosing a Faulty Battery With a Basic Tester
Basic testers are great, but they don’t always tell you outright if the battery is faulty. Instead, they’ll tell you the current state of the battery. If you have a basic tester like this you must take the time to double-check that it’s not the alternator and that the CCA on the battery is adequate.
The best way to check the alternator is with a voltmeter or multimeter, and if the CCA is the problem, then any of the battery testers on our list won’t give a passing reading based on the voltage alone.
How Long Should a Battery Last?
A typical lead acid should last at least 3 to 5 years, but depending on the conditions you’re in, it’s not unheard of for them to last up to 7 years! The colder the climate you live in, the less time they’ll last, regardless of the battery type you choose.
But keep in mind that while a lead-acid battery typically lasts anywhere from 3 to 5 years, if you do choose to go with an AGM battery instead, they can last anywhere from 6 to 8 years. In more temperate climates an AGM or gel battery can last up to 10 years!
The last thing you want is to either deal with a battery that keeps dying or replace the battery when that’s not the problem. Getting your own battery tester takes the guesswork out of the equation, and any of these battery testers can get the job done.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your own top-notch battery tester sooner rather than later, that way you can troubleshoot the problem yourself the next time something comes up.
Categories: Car Battery, Reviews
