Battery charger technology has come a long way. A few years ago, battery chargers were bulky devices with rigid designs. There was absolutely nothing to like about old battery chargers.
You may argue that technology wasn’t as advanced as it is now. You are probably right and as car owners, we are very grateful for that.
When shopping for a new battery charger, you need to get your hands on a powerful yet efficient device.
At the moment, there are over a hundred new smart charger brands in the market. Noco and Ctek have however emerged to be the main contenders. Both companies make chargers for cars and trucks.
From these companies, you can get a charger that provides up to 7 amps. If you are stuck choosing between these two brands, here is a review of Ctek vs. Noco.
Ctek
Chargers from Ctek have a high price tag. If you look up car battery chargers on popular e-commerce sites like Amazon, you will realize that, unlike other brands, you will have to pay more for Ctek.
Their chargers aren’t just expensive for no reason. They have plenty of features and incorporate advanced engineering.
The Ctek Company focuses mainly on making chargers and this is the key reason behind the company’s great reputation.
Ctek is associated with pure quality. Their chargers come with a 5-year no-hassle guarantee. This just shows how confident they are in their products.
Ctek chargers can last for years even with regular use. If you have used some of the cheap chargers out there, then you can testify that most don’t even last a couple of months.
For starters, CTEK chargers feature an advanced microprocessor that regulates battery charging through automated temperature compensation.
What this means is that no matter the temperature outside, your battery will be charged at an optimal level.
Their chargers don’t just juice your battery without analysis. When connected, Ctek chargers perform a quick diagnostic to determine whether the battery can be charged or not.
Their charges also desulfate the battery before charging. And note this, most chargers can only work on a battery that has 8 volts. Ctek chargers will charge a battery with even 2 volts.
Noco
On the other hand, Noco is a car battery charger brand that is popular for creating the most portable yet powerful chargers in the market.
Noco’s chargers are designed to juice up both diesel and gas-powered engines even on one with a capacity of up to 6 L. Several Noco chargers have been ranked as the best jump starters in the market.
This company incorporates plenty of unique features in its chargers. For instance, Noco chargers are extremely small and lightweight.
Measuring not more than 3 lbs, most of their chargers can easily be fitted in a toolbox or glove compartment.
When it comes to performance, Noco chargers perform exceptionally well. Despite them being tiny, they can deliver up to 20 jump starts after they have been fully charged.
Their chargers also feature spark-proof technology which ensures safety when connected to the battery. Should you accidentally misconnect it, Noco chargers sense this and inform you on the display.
How Are They Different?
• The first and biggest difference between the two is the charging technology.
According to Noco, they claim that their chargers go through 4 bulk steps. Ctek on the other hand has one bulk charging system.
Unlike Ctek, Noco chargers begin with diagnostics, 12.6 volt supply, and finally 16 boost modes. Even though Ctek doesn’t dissect its charging steps, its chargers also follow a similar channel beginning with diagnostics.
• The other difference is in the two chargers’ LEDs.
The displays are quite different and you will just have to look at the two and determine which suits you the most. Noco shows you the charging process from 25%, 50%, and 75%.
When fully charged, the LED trickles and the light goes to the 100% mark. Ctek uses another approach when the battery is in desulphation, the LED begins blinking.
It then proceeds to the second lamp which indicates the battery is charging. The third and fourth lamps represent absorption and maintenance respectively.
The difference here is that Ctek chargers do not update you about the bulk charging process as Noco does.
• Another notable difference is related to the levels of the battery the two chargers can charge.
A Ctek will charge a battery that is drained up to 2 volts, a Noco on the other hand has a minimum charge rate of 7 volts.
There are ways you can force charge a fully drained battery with the Noco but this puts your charger at risk of malfunctioning later on.
How Are They Similar?
• Both being battery chargers, the accessories, clips, and connectors look pretty much the same.
• They all have a mode button where you can choose what mode to use the charger in.
You can switch from AGM, cold weather, and normal battery modes. The Noco however goes the extra mile of including a 24v battery mode which works best for RVs.
• Even though the aesthetics are different in both chargers, their build is almost the same.
Both are lightweight and portable. This is advantageous but there are also some cons that you need to be aware of. The lighter a charger is, the easier it can be broken.
These chargers should be handled with care and stored in a safe place. Otherwise if left lying in your garage, you can easily break it when stepped on.
What’s better about Ctek?
Regarding advantages, when you buy a charger from Ctek, you get so many of them. Ctek chargers are more than that, they are battery maintainers. Using the float mode, you can maintain your car battery for a long time.
If you are going for a trip or don’t plan on using your car for a while, connect the Ctek charger, choose float mode, and leave it there. Your battery will never be drained.
For cars that have several batteries, you can use their eyelet indicator. This will always show you the state of your batteries.
Another thing that makes Ctek a better brand to get your charger from is that they make branded chargers. If you own a luxurious car such as a Rolls Royce, Porsche, or Ferrari, chances are the charger you got was obtained from Ctek.
Being a brand that is relied upon even by high-performance car manufacturers, you can depend on Ctek for all your car’s charging and maintenance needs.
I also love the brand’s lengthy warranty. When you buy the charger, it comes in a well-packaged box. Inside, there are the traditional connector clips and eyelets which you can leave on your battery for a while.
Then there is the 5-year warranty. Should you run into any problems, give them a call and you will get a quick refund.
What’s better about Noco?
The Noco battery charger brand is also a superior one that is known for making remarkable chargers. One of the things that make it a top choice is how their chargers come with a 100-lumen dual super bright LED flashlight.
Some of us are often forgetful and we don’t carry flashlights in our cars. In case of emergencies, as long as you have your Noco charger with you, visibility won’t be an issue. This comes in very handy to off-roaders and campers.
If you weren’t aware, then you should know that the Noco charger can jumpstart your car 20 times without having to be recharged.
Even though it’s not as big as other chargers in the market it is strong enough to power up even big diesel engines.
Thanks to its spark-proof technology, you are assured of safety when connecting the charger. It is also very easy to use. Its compact and lightweight design makes it the perfect car charger for every motorist.
Other than the added flashlight feature, you can use your Noco charger to charge your mobile devices.
Who Should Get Ctek and Why?
Are you the kind of motorist who prefers high-performance gadgets? You should then get yourself a charger from Ctek. This is a reputable company that has partnered with popular car makers.
In the past, if you have been a victim of cheap battery chargers that get spoilt after a couple of months, you will enjoy Ctek’s durability.
When we also add in the 5-year warranty factor, you can use their chargers with a lot of confidence knowing that should it break, you can ask for a refund. During winter, leave it connected and your battery will be in perfect shape.
Who Should Get Noco and Why?
Noco chargers are made for every motorist who understands the importance of having a charger in the trunk. It’s small and powerful.
Noco chargers will never use up space in your car. And considering the many features that it has, you are guaranteed to get total value for money.
Their chargers are durable and very efficient when charging your vehicle. Noco chargers are not only limited to cars but can be used on ATV snowmobiles, motorcycles, and any type of vehicle.