The Best Battery Tester Is Not Only AA or AAA

Best Battery Testers: Placing the Power Back in Your Hands

Choosing the best battery tester isn’t as simple as it sounds. With numerous models on the market, it can become a little overwhelming. As this article will explain, all battery testers are not the same. Believe me, you’re going to be surprised.

Before I let you in on the truth behind battery testers, consider this. Batteries are so common in our daily lives that most of the time we forget we are using them.

That is until they fail.

Sitting here I’m using a wireless mouse and keyboard. If my room becomes too hot I can switch on the AC with the remote control.

They all involve batteries—and that’s just the devices on my desk.

The Number One Home Battery Tester is This, The ZTS MBT1

ZTS Multi Battery Tester ZTS MBT1 Probably the most functional battery tester around

Once you've used this, you won't want to look at any others

Easy peasy to use

The Best Household Battery Tester

The following are what I consider to be the best battery load testers available. Each one has been carefully researched to ensure it meets all the necessary requirements in a powerful unit. If you are looking for the best car battery tester , then see our review here.

ZTS MBT-1 Multi Battery Tester Review

ZTS is a US company that has specialized in electronic testing equipment since its creation in 1976.

The ZTS MBT-1 is probably the most versatile battery tester on the market.

The MBT-1 has been updated for 2020, and can now test a wider range of lithium button cells.

What Cells Can It Test?

Naturally, you would expect this machine to test alkaline, NiMH and NiCd rechargeables—and of course, it does. However, it’s the ability to test other formats as well that initially make this unit stand out. It’s almost a universal battery checker.

Is This The Top Battery Tester For Small Batteries?

Barring combined cells (as in power tools) and the enormous 6-volt batteries found in older 35mm cameras—there are few batteries it cannot test.

It can test small button and coin cells such as the “LR44” and “CR2032”.

Additionally, the more substantial 18650 batteries are catered for.

I have provided a complete list of battery compatibilities in the specifications section.

Is This The Best 18650 Tester?

It has to be the most reliable tool for checking the condition of your 18650 cells, and tells you the battery condition. You can find the best 18650 battery charger here.

Is This Tester Good For Rechargeable Batteries?

Absolutely! The ZTS will certainly test your rechargeables, and it’s also very portable.

Is This The Best Tester For Home Use?

Yes, we’re sure that currently there is no better alternative to the ZTS MBT1. It will test a large variety of cells, it’s a button cell/coin cell battery tester, a 3-volt battery tester, it will test CR3032, CR2, and CR123 batteries.

It will test D cells as well as AA and AAA cells, both alkaline and Lithium. It is also a 9v battery tester.

These are just a few reasons that we say these are the best battery testers for home use.

How Does the ZTS MBT-1 Test Batteries?

The ZTS battery testers use the pulse load system. Therefore, it is perfect if you want to know the exact status of your battery, not just the voltage.

There is no requirement for the user to manually select settings. The battery tester unit automatically recognizes the battery type and performs the correct pulse test.

After approximately two to three seconds (dependent on battery) the results are given. The unit automatically cuts off after the test to prevent unwanted drain.

ZTS Multi Battery Tester ZTS MBT1 Probably the top battery tester around

Once you've used this, you won't want to look at any other battery testers

Easy peasy to use

What I Like About the ZTS MBT-1 Multi Battery Tester

Tests over 40 different battery types .

. Extremely easy to use battery tester.

Performs its own internal battery test.

Detailed charge status indicator.

Uses pulse load testing, not voltage.

Excellent flashlight battery tester.

Checks more than just the battery voltage.

Clear test results, quickly see the status of your battery.

Alkaline battery tester as well as lithium.

What I Don’t Like About the ZTS MBT-1 Multi Battery Tester

A little bulky for portable use.

Final Thoughts on the ZTS MBT-1 Multi Tester

It’s difficult to see how this quality battery tester could be improved.

Pulse-load testing, combined with a detailed LED display, will ensure you always know the current condition of your cells.

ZTS Multi Battery Tester ZTS MBT1 Probably the most useful battery checker around

Once you've used this, you won't want to look at any other battery testers

Easy peasy to use battery tester

ZTS MBT-1 Specifications

Size 8 inches by 4.5 inches by 1.25 inches

Weight 14.5 ounces

Internal Power 4 x AA Cells

Pulse load Dependent upon the type of battery tested

Operation Microprocessor

Pulse Load Test Time Between 2 to 3 seconds

Terminal Material Brass with a nickel plating

Cell Compatibility

3.6-volt lithium-ion rechargeable (RCR123A – 18500 -17650-18650)

1.5-volt button cell (364377 – 371 – 392 – 395 – S76 – A76 – A625 – A640 – LR44 357 – 303)

1.2-volt nickel-metal hydride rechargeable (NiMH)

1.2-volt nickel-cadmium rechargeable (NiCd) (AA – AAA – C – D)

1.5-volt lithium (AA L91 – AAA L92)

3-volt lithium-coin (CR1216 – CR1220 – CR1232 – CR1612 – CR1616 – CR1620 – CR1632 – CR2016 – CR2025 – 58L – 1/3 N – CR2032 – CR2320 – CR2430 – CR2450)

6-volt “28” series (28A – S28 – 28L – 544 – 4LR44)

3v battery tester lithium cylindrical (CR123 – CR2)

1.5-volt alkaline (AA – AAA – C – D – N)

12-volt alkaline (A23)

9-volt alkaline and carbon-zinc

ZTS Multi Battery Tester ZTS MBT1 Probably the finest battery tester around

Once you've used this, you won't want to look at any other testers

Excellent aa battery tester

ZTS Mini-MBT Multi Battery Tester Review

It would be hard to improve on the ZTS MBT-1 reviewed above. The ZTS Mini version may not be an improvement, but it does take it in a slightly different direction.

​This is possibly one of the best battery testers for small batteries out there.

ZTS Multi Battery Tester Mini ZTS Mini Probably the second most useful battery tester around

Works just like its big brother, will test a smaller range of cells

Great battery tester aa aaa

Has great battery testers reviews

Comes with soft pouch

Easy peasy to use

What Exactly Can It Test?

Please check below in the specifications for the exact battery sizes. But, in short, it can test nickel rechargeable batteries, standard and 9-volt alkalines, 18650s and 3-volt coins.

This will cover the majority of batteries that most people have in their household, this machine can test over 15 types of battery.

How Does the ZTS Mini-MBT Perform The Test?

As a good battery load tester, it uses a pulse-load test. It’s good to see that, despite being scaled-down, this feature has not been omitted.

Ease of Use

Like the MBT-1, using the mini version is simple. Place the positive end of the battery on the unit contact and a probe on the other, and it’s in testing mode.

The contacts are still large and therefore comfortable to keep a battery in contact at all times. Even people with larger hands will find that operation is simple, despite the transportable size.

Once the microprocessor has powered into life and the two-second test is complete, the LED flashes. This indicates the remaining capacity in the cell—20, 40, 60 or 80 percent.

Size, Weight, and Build

If provenance is important to you, this tester may appeal. It is both manufactured and supplied from its US base in Ohio. They’ve been making quality battery testers for years.

However, it’s the size, weight, and build of this unit that makes it most appealing. Weighing just 3 ounces and measuring 4 inches by 2.5 inches, it can easily be placed in pockets or a home drawer. That’s lighter and smaller than many smartphones.

If you have ever owned a multimeter, you know that there is often nowhere to store the testing probe and lead. In this mini tester, both are secured in a small recess on the side of the unit. This prevents entanglement or damage and makes it ideal for slipping into your pocket.

There is an optional carrying case available. But, if you are someone who likes to budget, there is another choice. The tester is supplied in a resealable “blister-pack”—not one that requires scissors to open.

It can be placed back into this packaging and then sealed with the molded “studs”. A nice protective feature if the tester is going to be placed alongside heavy wrenches and drivers in your toolbox.

That being said, this small unit is still sturdy and well-protected. The edges are rubberized to protect from bumps and scrapes. Furthermore, the “flat-face” design and lack of perspex, glass, or buttons, means there is little to be damaged or broken.

A textured edge allows the tester to be gripped firmly, even when being used with oily hands. This reduces the chance of accidental droppage.

What I Like About the ZTS Mini-MBT Small Battery Tester

Small and light—easily transportable and comfortable in the pocket.

Tests the most common cell sizes found in devices—and more.

This battery tester is made in the USA.

Large contacts and text are not compromised due to the overall size.

Pulse-load test—not voltage.

Probe and cable slot neatly into the tester’s side.

Sturdy with rubber-treaded edges.

ZTS Multi Battery Tester Mini ZTS Mini Probably the second most useful battery tester around

Works just like its big brother, will test a smaller range of batteries

Good battery tester household review

Comes with soft pouch

Simple to use battery tester

What I Don’t Like About the ZTS Mini-MBT Multi Battery Tester

Lacks testing ability for some cells—check specifications below for detail.

Carrying case involves an extra purchase, which can be found here.

Final Thoughts on the ZTS Mini-MBT Multi Battery Tester

Although small, this battery tester is one of the most useful in the portable category. Compatible with a wide range of common, and some less common, batteries including the popular 18650, makes it ideal for the home user.

Size has not compromised important features, such as pulse load battery testing, battery contact area, and typeface. Rugged, tidy and easily held in the hands, it will still stand up to frequent use.

ZTS Mini-MBT Multi Battery Tester Specifications

Size Weight Internal power Pulse load 4 inches x 2.5 inches x 0.75 inches 3 ounces 4 x AAA Cells Dependent upon the type of battery tested

Operation Pulse Load Test Time Terminal Material Microprocessor Approximately 2 seconds Brass with a nickel plating

Battery Tester Compatibility

1.2-volt nickel-metal hydride rechargeable (NiMH)

1.2-volt nickel-cadmium rechargeable (NiCd) (AA – AAA – C – D)

1.5-volt alkaline (AA – AAA – C – D – N)

3-volt cylindrical lithium-coin (CR123 – CR2)

3.6-volt lithium-ion rechargeable (8500 – 17650 – 18650 – RCR123A)

9-volt alkaline and carbon-zinc

ZTS Multi Battery Tester Mini ZTS Mini Probably the second most useful battery tester around

Works just like its big brother, will test a smaller range of batts

Comes with soft pouch

Easy to use battery tester

Conclusion

As I have illustrated, having a battery analyzer is a worthwhile investment. It can save you money, reduce aggravation, prolong battery life and have a positive effect on the environment.

However, it is important to stress that there are many budget-friendly battery testers on the market that simply do not perform. In many cases they often don’t provide accurate results, only perform voltage tests. They can actually drain the battery being tested. That’s why it is important to select the best battery tester.

In my opinion, the ZTS MBT-1 is the top battery tester on the market. With its pulse load testing feature, wide-ranging versatility in battery types and incredible ease of use— it’s hard to beat.

Even NASA use these battery testers, so they definitely know how to put together a quality, easy to use battery tester!

That being said, I cannot finish without praising the ZTS Mini battery tester. For a smaller battery tester, it packs more useful elements than many other manufacturers’ full-size versions. Making it ideal for the serious domestic battery tester/ home user.

But, the cream of the crop of battery testers has to be the MBT-1.

I really hope that this article has helped you in making your choice. Choosing a quality battery tester will give you years of reliable use, and remove the guesswork when replacing cells.

Last update on 2020-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API