The Amazon Basics battery charger doesn't try to be fancy. Instead, it offers AA and AAA charging at an affordable price with a couple of neat extra features thrown in for good measure.
Who should buy this battery charger?
Why you can trust Windows Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Whether you're looking for a charger to use at home or take on the road, the AmazonBasics model is for you. Not only will it charge AA and AAA batteries, but also your phone or tablet at the same time. Its power switching feature means you can use it in other countries with ease as the charger will automatically adapt to the local supply.
Is it a good time to buy this charger?
Battery chargers don't go through the same type of product lifecycle as many other items of electronics. And while this has been around for a while, it's unlikely to be discontinued any time soon.
Basic by name, not by nature
A battery charger isn't a glamorous piece of electronic equipment, but if you're in the position of going through a lot of AA or AAA, going rechargeable is a no-brainer. You'll save a lot of money in the long run, and you'll never be without some juice when your kid's new toy comes along needing a set.
The AmazonBasics model, despite its name, is pretty clever and feature-packed.
You don't have to sacrifice charging your phone to charge batteries for your kids' toys.
For starters, you don't have to sacrifice a power outlet. You might need to charge your phone or tablet because the USB port on the side will take care of that. It's not the fastest charge speed you'll ever get. But it gets the job done, along with other jobs potentially at the same time, which is the crucial thing.
If you're a frequent traveler, the AmazonBasics charger also has built-in power switching to adapt on the fly to a different country's power supply. So you're always going to get the best charge possible.
Alternatives to the AmazonBasics battery charger
The AmazonBasics charger might be the best, but there are also some other great choices out there.
If you're OK spending a little more, there are also versions with visual messaging on charge levels as well as much faster charge rates. Nevertheless, this will take care of all your charging needs, whatever the brand of your batteries.
It's also pretty compact, has intelligent charging for speed and safety, and you can even hook it up to a portable battery pack and use your battery to charge your other batteries!
Bottom line
The AmazonBasics is a great battery charger for AA and AAA batteries and combined with Amazon's equally well-priced batteries. You'll never run out and ultimately save a bundle in the long run. It's also an absolute no-brainer for anyone who ever travels internationally thanks to its built-in power switching that will adapt to the country you're in.
