With the increasing awareness and adoption of 1.5V AA and AAA rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, we are often asked whether regular chargers can charge these batteries or what chargers should be used.

Today, we have listed the best-selling chargers and new products online for detailed comparison to see which charger can be the perfect companion for your rechargeable 1.5V AA lithium-ion battery.

Can 1.5V AA rechargeable lithium-ion battery be charged with a regular charger?

It cannot be charged. This kind of battery requires different charging conditions. It internally utilizes a 3.6V cell and works through synchronous rectification buck discharge. The charging current range is 0.4-0.5A, and the charging voltage range is 4.75-5.5V. However, the cut-off voltage of the regular 3.6V/3.7V lithium-ion battery charger is 4.2V±0.05V. Using the wrong charger may damage both the battery and the charger.

Product comparison of the top 7 AA lithium-ion battery chargers

To better understand chargers from different brands, you can see the specification comparison in the following table:

Brand	Model	Battery Type	Battery Size	Input	Charge Current	Charge Time/H	Dimensions (L x W x H)mm	Weight/g	Price/$
EBL		1.5V Li-ion 1.2V Ni-MH	AA/AAA	5V 2A	Li-ion 350mA*4 Ni-MH 250mA*4	2-6	93 x 63 x 30	65	13.29
Hixon	J818	1.5VLi-ion	AA/AAA	5V 2A	500mA*4	2	96 x 75 x 30	108	7.5
KENTLI	CHU4	1.5VLi-ion	AA	5V 2A	300mA*4	2-7	96 x 65 x 20	45	15.11
Deleepow		1.5V Li-ion 1.2V Ni-MH	AA/AAA	5V 2A	AA 500mA*4 AAA 400mA*4	2	90 x 72 x 26	100	12.99
Kratax		1.5V Li-ion	AA/AAA	5V 2A	500mA*4	2.5	100 x 76 x50	134	14.99
XTAR	L4	1.5V Li-ion 1.2V Ni-MH	AA/AAA	5V 2A	500mA*4	2-6	76 x 76.5 x 27.6	51	12.9
	MX4	1.5V Li-ion 3.6V Li-ion 1.2V Ni-MH 3.2V LiFePO4	3.6V/3.7V Li -ion 3.2V LiFePO4 (10440/14500/16340/ 18350/18500/18650/ 18700/20700/21700 Not Protected) 1.5V Li -ion (AAA/AA) 1.2V Ni -MH (AAA/AA/A/SC)	5V 2A	1000mA*2 500mA*4	2-6	100 x 97 x 26.3	100	13.8
	BC4	1.5V Li-ion 1.2V Ni-MH	AA/AAA	5V 2A	500mA*4	2-6	80 x 75 x 27	55	19.9
Wissblue	ALL4	1.5V Li-ion 1.2V Ni-MH	AA/AAA	5V 2A	500mA*4	1-2	101 x 66 x 33	99.2	9.99

* The above data is updated on the date of this blog post.

Through this table, we can draw the following conclusions:

The widest compatibility charger – XTAR MX4

XTAR MX4 stands out for its widest compatibility among the seven chargers. It is compatible with the majority of commonly used batteries and offers a good balance between price and size, making it the most cost-effective overall.

The most functional charger –XTAR BC4

When it comes to functionality, XTAR BC4 takes the lead. In addition to its charging function, it can not only be used as a portable power bank for on-the-go use, but also can be used as an LED light for emergency use.

The cheapest charger – Hixon J818

Hixon J818 ranks first on the list because it is the cheapest. It only costs $7.50. However, its disadvantage is that it has limited compatibility and can only charge 1.5V lithium-ion batteries. It is also relatively heavy compared to other chargers.

The lightest weight charger – KENTLI CHU4

KENTLI CHU4 is the top spot for the lightest weight. But it’s only compatible with AA batteries, and the price isn’t very cheap. Ranked second is the XTAR L4, which is only 51g and cheaper.

Notably, the most well-known brands among these chargers are XTAR and EBL from China. Looking at the table above, the price difference between XTAR and EBL is not significant. It’s important to mention that EBL primarily focuses on battery production, and consumer recognition of EBL chargers is not very high. On the other hand, XTAR has been dedicated to charger development, offering a comprehensive product line, wider compatibility, and faster charging speeds, making it better suited to meet user charging needs.

A guide to choosing a proper battery charger

Through the above discussion, you can consider the following five points when you choose a battery charger:

►Safety First: Safety is the most crucial consideration. Pay attention to whether the charger has multiple protection mechanisms and ensure it holds relevant certifications such as RoHS, CE, FCC,etc. Do not buy blindly just because it’s cheap.

►Charging Speed: If you prioritize charging speed, focus on the charging current and time. Some charger brands set larger charging currents to ensure faster charging while ensuring safety. It should be noted that due to the low capacity of Ni-MH batteries, the charging current setting generally does not exceed 500mA. If it is higher than 500mA, there is a risk of damaging the battery.

►Wide Compatibility: For those who prefer a convenient experience, a charger compatible with various battery types is the best choice. One charger can handle all batteries, providing users with greater flexibility. In addition, some chargers can only charge their own brand of batteries, which is not very convenient for users.

►Easy to Carry: If you often need to use the charger outdoors or on the go, portability cannot be ignored. You can choose a lightweight and compact design.

►Cost Consideration: Lastly, price is one of the points that everyone is most concerned about. It is recommended to balance the factors mentioned above and compare price differences among brands. Choose an AA lithium-ion battery charger that offers good value for money.

What we want to convey to everyone is that the process of charging a battery is like a dance, and a high-quality charger ensures that the dance is precisely choreographed. It doesn’t just charge the battery, but also helps improve the overall performance and life of the battery. The result is a battery that lasts longer, delivers consistent power to your devices, and maintains a higher level of reliability.

Conclusion: A best one

In summary, combining product specifications, functions, and price, along with brand reputation, the XTAR MX4 charger stands out. It supports the widest range of battery types, is more efficient, and offers excellent value for money.

The most important thing is that no matter which charger you choose, you must put safety first. Do not use chargers that are incompatible with the battery type. If you still hesitate on how to select a 1.5V AA lithium-ion battery charger, feel free to contact us anytime.