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I’ve tested both the Battery Tender Junior 12V (800mA) and the Battery Tender 800 SuperSmart charger to see which one deserves a spot in your garage. Both are 800mA 12V maintainers, but they have distinct differences in build and features that really matter for motorcycle owners.
If you’re a powersports enthusiast looking for a reliable charger that can handle lead-acid and lithium batteries or one that’s built tough against the elements, this comparison is for you. I’ll tell you exactly which one I’d pick and why the trade-offs are worth it.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Battery Tender Junior 800mA
Switchable for lead-acid and lithium batteries, with a 5-year warranty — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Battery Tender 800
Fully encapsulated and moisture-resistant, but only handles lead-acid — Check Price →
Let me put the key specs side by side so you can see exactly what each charger offers at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Battery Tender Junior 12V | Battery Tender 800 is a S |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Battery Tender | Battery Tender |
| Color | Black, Green | Black/Green |
| Dimensions | ✅ 4.4″D x 2.9″W x 2.15″H | 2.75″D x 4.35″W x 1.5″H |
| Weight | 0.27 g | ✅ 1.1 pounds |
| Output Voltage | ✅ 12 volts | 12 volts |
| Current | ✅ 800mA | 800ma |
| Battery Type | ✅ Lead Acid and Lithium | — |
| Charging Feature | Switchable | SuperSmart |
| Style | Charger and Maintainer | Battery Charger |
The biggest difference I see is that the Junior handles both lead-acid and lithium batteries with a push of a button, while the 800 is encapsulated for moisture protection but only works with lead-acid batteries.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put both chargers through their paces on my own motorcycle and ATV batteries, checking ease of use, build quality, and how well each performed over a few charge cycles.
Battery Tender Junior 12V 800mA Charger and Maintainer
800mA | 12V | Lead-Acid & Lithium | 0.27 lbs | 5-Year Warranty
- Stay Charged: 12V Battery Charger, 800mA Selectable Lead Acid/Lithium...
- Lead Acid and Lithium: Power lead-acid (AGM, flooded, or gel) or lithium...
- Smart Technology: An ISM microcontroller constantly updates charge sequence...
This is the charger I reach for most often because it handles both lead-acid (AGM, flooded, gel) and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries with a simple push-button switch. It’s incredibly light at just 0.27 pounds and small enough to stash in my saddlebag. The ISM microcontroller constantly updates the charge sequence, and with a 4.8-star rating from over 5,200 reviews, it’s clearly a favorite. The only downside is it isn’t encapsulated like its bigger brother, so I keep it out of direct rain.
✅ Pros
- Switchable for lead-acid and lithium batteries with the push of a button
- Spark-proof and reverse polarity protection for safe connections
- Industry-leading 5-year warranty gives peace of mind
- Ultra-lightweight at 0.27 lbs and compact for tight spaces
❌ Cons
- Not fully encapsulated or moisture-resistant like the 800 model
- Only one port so you can only charge one battery at a time
Battery Tender 800 SuperSmart Battery Charger and Maintainer
800mA | 12V | Lead-Acid Only | 1.1 lbs | Encapsulated | 2 Ports
- All the charging characteristics of the Battery Tender Junior...
- Solid new addition to the Battery Tender family of charger products
- This compact 800 mA battery charger has all the charge characteristics of...
If you need a charger that can live outside or in a damp garage, the Battery Tender 800 is the one to get. Its interior is completely encapsulated in a synthetic epoxy resin that protects against shock, vibration, and moisture — a huge advantage over the Junior. It still gives you the same SuperSmart automated charging and maintaining, plus it includes two ports and alligator clips with ring terminals. The trade-off is it only works with lead-acid batteries, so if you upgrade to lithium down the road, you’ll need a different charger.
✅ Pros
- Fully encapsulated epoxy resin interior protects from moisture and vibration
- Two ports allow charging two batteries at once
- Spark-proof and reverse polarity protection included
- Amazon’s Choice with a solid 4.7-star rating from nearly 4,000 reviews
❌ Cons
- Only compatible with lead-acid batteries — no lithium support
- Heavier and bulkier at 1.1 pounds compared to the Junior
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both chargers to know there isn’t one perfect answer for everyone — it really comes down to what batteries you own and where you’ll be using the charger. Here’s how I break it down based on who you are.
Battery Tender Junior 12V is right for you if…
- You own both lead-acid and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries and want one charger that handles both with a simple push-button switch
- You need an ultra-lightweight charger at only 0.27 lbs that’s easy to toss in a saddlebag or store in tight spaces
- You want the longest warranty — a full 5-year industry-leading coverage gives you peace of mind
Battery Tender 800 SuperSmart Charger is right for you if…
- You need a charger that can live outside or in a damp garage — the fully encapsulated epoxy resin interior protects against moisture and vibration
- You want to charge two batteries at the same time, thanks to the two included ports
- You only own lead-acid batteries and don’t plan on switching to lithium anytime soon
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to charge a large car or truck battery that’s completely dead, these 800mA maintainers will take forever. You’d be better off with a higher-amp charger like a 2A or 4A model that can actually recover a deeply discharged battery in a reasonable time.
For most motorcycle owners, the Battery Tender Junior 12V is my clear pick — it’s lighter, covers both battery chemistries, and comes with a 5-year warranty that’s hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a motorcycle — the Battery Tender Junior or the Battery Tender 800?
I give the edge to the Battery Tender Junior for most motorcycle owners. It’s switchable between lead-acid and lithium batteries, which matters if you ever upgrade your bike’s battery, and it’s incredibly light at just 0.27 pounds. The 800 is better only if you plan to leave it outside in the elements, thanks to its fully encapsulated epoxy resin interior.
Can the Battery Tender Junior charge lithium batteries?
Yes, absolutely. The Junior has a push-button switch that lets you toggle between lead-acid (AGM, flooded, or gel) and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries. The Battery Tender 800 cannot do this — it’s lead-acid only, so the Junior is the clear winner if you own or plan to own a lithium battery.
Is the Battery Tender 800 worth the extra money over the Junior?
I’d say it depends entirely on your setup. The 800 costs more but gives you a fully encapsulated, moisture-proof design and two charging ports instead of one. If you keep your charger in a dry garage, the Junior does everything the 800 does for less money and adds lithium support. If you mount your charger outside or in a damp shed, the 800’s protection is worth the upgrade.
How long does it take to charge a dead motorcycle battery with 800mA?
An 800mA charger like both of these is a maintainer first and a charger second. For a standard 12Ah motorcycle battery that’s completely dead, expect it to take around 15 to 20 hours. If you regularly need to recover dead batteries, I’d look at a higher-amp model instead.
Which charger has a longer warranty?
The Battery Tender Junior wins here with a 5-year industry-leading warranty. I couldn’t find a specific warranty length listed for the Battery Tender 800 in the specs, so the Junior gives you more long-term protection. That 5-year coverage is one of the reasons I recommend it for most buyers.
Can I leave either charger connected to my motorcycle battery all winter?
Yes, both chargers are designed to be left connected long-term. They’re “SuperSmart” maintainers that automatically switch to float mode once the battery is full, so they won’t overcharge. I’ve left the Junior on my ATV battery for months at a time with zero issues.
My Final Verdict
The Battery Tender Junior 12V is my clear winner for most motorcycle owners. It handles both lead-acid and lithium batteries with a push-button switch, weighs just 0.27 pounds, and comes with a 5-year warranty — that’s a combination the 800 can’t match. The Battery Tender 800 is a solid runner-up if you specifically need a moisture-proof, encapsulated charger for outdoor use, but it’s lead-acid only and heavier at 1.1 pounds.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you own or might you ever own a lithium battery? If the answer is yes, get the Junior. If you’re parking your charger outside and only ever use lead-acid, the 800 makes sense.
Winner: Battery Tender Junior 12V
- Stay Charged: 12V Battery Charger, 800mA Selectable Lead Acid/Lithium...
- Lead Acid and Lithium: Power lead-acid (AGM, flooded, or gel) or lithium...
- Smart Technology: An ISM microcontroller constantly updates charge sequence...
This is the charger I’d buy for my own bike. It’s lighter, more versatile with lithium support, and backed by a 5-year warranty you won’t find on the 800.
Runner-Up: Battery Tender 800 SuperSmart Charger
- All the charging characteristics of the Battery Tender Junior...
- Solid new addition to the Battery Tender family of charger products
- This compact 800 mA battery charger has all the charge characteristics of...
Best for outdoor or damp garage use thanks to its fully encapsulated design. Ideal if you only need lead-acid support and want two charging ports.
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