Table of Contents

  1. Best Battery Capacity Testers For 5V and Under:
  2. Best Battery Capacity Testers For Up To 30V:
  3. Best Battery Capacity Testers for Higher Voltages

In the ever-evolving world of technology, batteries have become a cornerstone of our everyday devices. Whether it's for smartphones, laptops, or even electric vehicles, the need for reliable and efficient batteries is more crucial than ever. However, the key to harnessing the best performance from these power sources lies in understanding how to test capacity and overall health. 

This is where battery capacity testing comes into play. Battery capacity testers are essential for anyone looking to gauge the performance of their batteries, especially for those operating under 5 volts or at higher voltages. In this article, we delve into some of the best battery capacity testers available in the market, tailored for different voltage requirements and packed with features to cater to a variety of testing needs.

If you are looking for the best cylindrical cell format you can check out our article on the best 18650 and 21700 testers.

Best Battery Capacity Testers For 5V and Under:

These battery testers are highly accurate tools for testing single-cell prismatic batteries. They are brand new and widely used for this type of battery testing. Their robust performance is demonstrated by years of flawless operation in large testing cabinets with dozens of these units.

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Key Features:

  • Programmability for full control and chart creation.
  • Capability to charge, discharge, and recharge, providing accurate battery capacity assessment.
  • Suitable for testing lithium batteries like LiFePO4.
  • Voltage range: 0-5 volts.
  • Current range: 0-40 amps.
  • Includes a USB adapter for computer connectivity.
  • Ability to save test parameters for easy access.
  • Equipped with 10 gauge wires, recommended for up to 30 amps for prolonged testing.
  • Ideal for testing at 0.2C rates (e.g., 8 amps for a 40Ah battery).

Usage:

These testers are versatile, allowing for both battery testing and charging. They are effective in capturing the performance characteristics of batteries, by providing a visual representation of charge and discharge curves. It's essential to conduct tests in a safe area, considering the inherent risks associated with battery testing.

Power on the tester and connect the included USB adapter from the tester to your computer, then open the EB Tester software on your computer. In the 'Comm Setting', select the appropriate Com Port (usually between 3-9) and click 'connect'.

Go to the 'Cycle Test' tab, then select 'Setting' at the bottom right of the screen. Program the steps and parameters of your test within the 0-5v and 0-40a range.

Example for a 3.2v 100Ah LiFePO4 battery:

Step 1: Set Mode as C-CV (Constant Voltage), Current at 20 amps, Voltage at 3.65v, Cutoff at 0.2 amps.

Step 2: Choose Mode as D-CC (Discharge Constant Current), set Current at 20 amps, Voltage cutoff at 2.5v.

Step 3: Set Mode as C-CV, Current at 20 amps, Voltage at 3.2v, Cutoff at 0.2 amps.

After setting the parameters, select 'OK'. Connect your battery to the alligator clips and click 'Start'. Monitor the testing process through the graphical representation of amps and voltage on the chart. The tester will charge, discharge, and recharge the battery according to the set parameters. The capacity will be displayed in amp hours and watt hours.

Note: The wires included with the tester are rated for up to 30 amps. It is advisable to limit the testing current to 30 amps for extended periods to prevent overheating and potential damage to the unit.

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Best Battery Capacity Testers For Up To 30V: 

The ZKETech EBC-A20 Capacity Tester is highly praised for its reliability and versatility, allowing full control via a computer connection. It's capable of charging, discharging, and recharging batteries to test their capacity. The tester works with a range of voltages and currents for charging (0-19 volts, 0-5 amps) and discharging (0-30 volts, 0-20 amps), making it suitable for a variety of battery types, including 24v batteries (requiring a separate charger for charging).

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Software and Setup: To utilize the tester, users must first download the necessary driver and software, with a specific process for Windows computers in S-Mode. Connection to a computer is achieved through a USB adapter, where users can then access the software to set up and program test parameters. The software's user-friendly interface allows for easy programming of various test steps, catering to different battery types and requirements.

Testing Process: Here is an example of how the battery testing process works for a 12v LiFePo4 battery. The tester performs a full charge up to 14.6v, a discharge down to 10v, and a recharge to 12.8v. The entire process is monitored and controlled via the software, with the ability to customize test parameters as needed.

Results and Applications: The tester not only displays the battery capacity post-test but also provides a detailed charge and discharge curve, which is crucial for understanding battery performance. The software allows for saving test parameters and customizing the curve title. The unit is also suitable for single-cell testing all the way up to testing batteries in an 8s configuration. However, it is noted that the software is not compatible with Mac computers.

Overall, the tester is a highly effective and user-friendly tool for in-depth battery testing, suitable for a range of applications and battery chemistries.

Specs:

Power Supply:

  • DC 19V-20V, 3.5A or above

Voltage Setting Range:

  • 0.00-30.00V, stepper 0.01V
  • Maximum voltage in charge mode: 18V

Current Setting Range:

  • Discharging: 0.10 to 20A in steps of 0.01A (automatic adjustment if power exceeds limits)
  • Charging: 0.10-5.00A, stepper 0.01A (maximum current depends on power supply current)

Testing Modes:

  • DSC-CC (Constant Current Discharge): For battery capacity testing, discharge current remains constant.
  • DSC-CP (Constant Power Discharge): Ideal for simulating constant power equipment, discharge power remains constant.
  • CHG-CV (Constant Voltage Charge): Suitable for lithium and lead-acid batteries, charge voltage remains constant.

Auto Mode:

  • Supports charge-discharge-charge auto circle tests, recommended for capacity testing.

Accuracy:

  • Voltage: Between 0-4.5V, accuracy is 0.003V, ± 0.5%; Between 4.5-30V, accuracy is 0.01V, ±0.5%.
  • Current: 0.10-20.00A, accuracy is 0.01A, ± 0.5%.
  • Capacity: < 10Ah, accuracy is 0.001AH; 10-100Ah, accuracy is 0.01Ah; >100Ah, accuracy is 0.1Ah.

Display:

  • LCD shows voltage, current, time, capacity, energy, etc.

Computer Connection:

  • Can be connected to a computer through a designated USB adapter but is not compatible with Macs :(.
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Best Battery Capacity Testers for Higher Voltages 

The Eyes.sys Electronic Load Tester is a versatile battery capacity tester, it can handle a wide voltage range from 2-200V.  It is on the lower end of the price range offering an affordable option for battery testing.

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This battery tester features four different operating modes: constant current, constant voltage, constant power, and constant resistance. It also includes an added feature of auto-generating data reports, enhancing its usability. The tester is equipped with Bluetooth functionality, a 2.4” HD color large screen, offering clear and convenient display options for users.

For safety and accuracy, the Eyes.sys tester is built with three intelligent safety protections that monitor the discharge status in real time. This feature ensures reliable performance and enhances safety during testing. The inclusion of an external wired NTC thermometer allows for dual temperature measurement, both inside and outside, providing a comprehensive assessment of the battery's condition.

Operating Modes:

  • Constant Current
  • Constant Voltage
  • Constant Power
  • Constant Resistance
  • Data Report Feature: Auto-generating data reports for enhanced usability
  • Display: 2.4” HD color large screen for clear and convenient viewing
  • Safety Protections:
    • Three intelligent safety protections
    • Real-time discharge status monitoring
  • Temperature Measurement:
    • External wired NTC thermometer included
    • Dual temperature measurement (internal and external)
  • Additional Features:
    • Tests charging speed and quality of various charging and data cables
    • Flexible input wiring interface for DIY connections
  • Applications: Versatile use in different testing scenarios for batteries and cables
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Conclusion

Battery capacity testers are super important tools that are equally as useful for professionals and hobbyists alike. These testers give you the ability to see what your normal senses simply cannot. They offer a comprehensive insight into the health and performance of batteries, which is critical in a world increasingly dependent on battery technology.

The ZKETech EBC-A40L is the best battery capacity tester for low voltages and single cells. The ZKETech EBC-A20 is the best battery capacity tester for batteries that are 30V and under, making it perfect for 12V batteries of just about any chemistry. The Eyes.sys Electronic Load Tester is the best battery capacity tester for higher voltage batteries. 

Whether you are testing a single cell or DIY battery pack, the right capacity tester can make a significant difference in optimizing battery performance and longevity. With these tools, users can confidently assess and maintain their batteries, ensuring they get the most out of their electronic devices.

We hope this article helped you in picking the best battery capacity tester for your needs. Thanks for reading!