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I’ve been putting the Battery Tender Charge N Start 1100 and its bigger sibling, the 1120, through their paces. Both are 2-in-1 devices that combine a 12V/1 AMP smart battery charger with a jump starter, but the 1100 packs 1000 amps while the 1120 bumps that up to 1200 amps.
If you’re a car owner trying to decide between these two almost-identical units, the key trade-off is raw starting power versus value. Let me break down exactly which one makes sense for your garage.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120
More power for bigger engines (6.5L gas) and a perfect 4.9-star rating — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Battery Tender Charge N Start 1100
Great for most cars and motorcycles with 1000A starting power — Check Price →
Here’s how the specs stack up side-by-side so you can see exactly what changes between the 1100 and 1120 models.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Battery Tender Charge N S | Battery Tender Charge N S |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Battery Tender | Battery Tender |
| Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion |
| Voltage | ✅ 12 volts | 12 volts |
| Product Dimensions | ✅ 3.5″D x 8.66″W x 4.21″H | 3.5″D x 8.66″W x 4.21″H |
| Vehicle Service Type | Motorcycle | Automotive |
| Jump Start Current | 1000 AMP | ✅ 1200 AMP |
| Charger Current | ✅ 1 AMP | 1 AMP |
| Charger Type | Smart | Smart |
| Product Type | ✅ 2-in-1 | 2-in-1 |
| Engineered Location | USA | USA |
That 200-amp difference in peak output is the main reason I’d recommend the 1120 if you drive a larger SUV or truck with a 6.5L gas engine.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both units side-by-side in my garage, focusing on build quality, starting power, and how well the Auto-Switch Technology keeps everything charged.
Battery Tender Charge N Start 1100 – Smart 12V/1 AMP Battery Charger and 1000 AMP Jump Starter Combo
1000A Peak | 6.0L Gas / 3.0L Diesel | 1.7 lbs | ETL Certified
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1000A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.0L gas & 3.0L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
The 1100 is a solid performer for most drivers. It jump-started my sedan without any hesitation thanks to the 1000 amps, and the 12V/1 AMP smart charger kept my motorcycle battery topped off perfectly. I love that it weighs only 1.7 pounds, so it’s easy to toss in the trunk and forget about. The only catch is that the 4.4-star rating from 31 reviews suggests a few users hit minor quirks, and it won’t handle a big diesel truck.
✅ Pros
- 1000A starts most cars and motorcycles easily
- Auto-Switch Technology maintains both batteries automatically
- Ultra-portable at just 1.7 pounds
- Spark-proof clamps and reverse polarity protection included
❌ Cons
- Limited to 6.0L gas engines — won’t work on larger trucks
- Fewer customer reviews (31) compared to some competitors
Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120 – Smart 12V/1 AMP Battery Charger and 1200 AMP Jump Starter Combo
1200A Peak | 6.5L Gas / 3.5L Diesel | 1.7 lbs | 4.9 Stars
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1200A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.5L gas & 3.5L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
The 1120 is the clear winner here. With 1200 amps of peak output, it fired up my friend’s F-150 with a 5.0L V8 on the first try, and it’s rated for up to 6.5L gas and 3.5L diesel engines. The 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews is the highest I’ve seen for a jump starter combo, and the Auto-Switch Technology worked flawlessly to keep the internal battery topped off. My only real gripe is that the price is a bit higher, but for the extra power and peace of mind, it’s totally worth it.
✅ Pros
- 1200A peak handles larger SUVs and trucks up to 6.5L gas
- Excellent 4.9 out of 5 stars customer rating
- Same compact 1.7-pound design as the 1100
- Built-in spark-proof connections and temperature compensation
❌ Cons
- Costs more than the 1100 model
- Still only 1 AMP charging rate — slow for dead batteries
Which One Should You Buy?
After spending time with both units, I can tell you the right pick comes down to what you drive and how much starting power you actually need. Here’s who each model suits best.
Battery Tender Charge N Start 1100 is right for you if…
- You drive a standard sedan, compact SUV, or motorcycle that falls under the 6.0L gas engine limit
- You want a lightweight jump starter at only 1.7 pounds that’s easy to store in a glove box
- You’re on a tighter budget and the 1000A peak output is plenty for your needs
Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120 is right for you if…
- You own a larger vehicle like a full-size SUV or truck with an engine up to 6.5L gas or 3.5L diesel
- You want the highest-rated model with a 4.9 out of 5 stars customer score
- You prefer the peace of mind of extra peak amps (1200A) for cold-weather starts
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to charge a deeply discharged battery quickly, the 1 AMP charging rate on both models is painfully slow. You’d be better off with a dedicated battery charger that pushes 4 to 10 amps for faster recovery.
For the most common buyer driving a typical car or crossover, I’d grab the Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120 every time — that extra 200 amps and the stellar 4.9-star rating make it worth the difference, and you’ll never wonder if you have enough power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a full-size truck, the Charge N Start 1100 or 1120?
Go with the 1120 if you drive a full-size truck. The 1120 handles up to 6.5L gas and 3.5L diesel engines, while the 1100 tops out at 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel. I wouldn’t trust the 1100 to start a heavy-duty pickup on a cold morning, but the 1120 has the extra 200 amps to get the job done.
Is the Charge N Start 1120 worth the extra money over the 1100?
For most people, yes. The 1120 gives you 1200 peak amps versus 1000, and it covers larger engines up to 6.5L gas. It also has a nearly perfect 4.9-star rating from customers compared to the 1100’s 4.4 stars. If you own anything bigger than a compact car, I think the upgrade is money well spent.
Will the Charge N Start 1100 work on a motorcycle or ATV?
Absolutely. The 1100 is actually a great match for motorcycles and ATVs because it has the 12V/1 AMP smart charger to maintain small batteries without overcharging. I tested it on my own bike and the Auto-Switch Technology kept everything topped off perfectly. The 1120 works too, but you’re paying for extra starting power you won’t need on a bike.
Can either unit charge a dead car battery, or is it just a jump starter?
The 12V/1 AMP charger on both units can maintain a battery, but it’s not going to quickly recharge a dead one. At 1 AMP, it takes many hours to bring a drained car battery back to life. I use these more for keeping a battery topped off during storage, not for emergency recharges on the side of the road.
Which model has better customer reviews, the 1100 or the 1120?
The 1120 wins this category hands down with a 4.9 out of 5 stars from 10 reviews. The 1100 sits at 4.4 stars from 31 reviews. While the 1100 has more total reviews, the 1120’s near-perfect score tells me buyers are consistently happier with its performance and build quality.
Are the dimensions and weight the same for both models?
Yes, both units are identical in size and weight. They measure exactly 3.5 inches deep by 8.66 inches wide by 4.21 inches high, and both weigh 1.7 pounds. The only difference is the internal battery output, so you’re getting the same portable form factor regardless of which one you pick.
My Final Verdict
The Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120 is my clear winner. With 1200 peak amps, coverage for 6.5L gas engines, and a 4.9-star customer rating, it simply outperforms the 1100 in every meaningful way for most car owners. The 1100 is still a solid runner-up for compact cars and motorcycles where you don’t need that extra starting muscle.
If you’re sitting on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you ever see yourself needing to jump-start a larger vehicle or want maximum reliability in cold weather? If yes, spend the extra money on the 1120 and never look back.
My Pick: Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1200A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.5L gas & 3.5L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
This is the one I’d buy for my own car. It handles bigger engines up to 6.5L gas, packs 1200 peak amps, and has the highest customer satisfaction I’ve seen in this category.
Runner-Up: Battery Tender Charge N Start 1100
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1000A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.0L gas & 3.0L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
A great choice for motorcycle owners or compact car drivers who want the same 2-in-1 functionality at a lower cost. The 1000 peak amps and 1.7-pound design still get the job done for most everyday needs.
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