This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I’ve been testing the CTEK CT5 and the CTEK (56-865) US 0.8 side-by-side to figure out which one is the better buy for keeping your small batteries topped off. The CT5 pushes out 1 amp and handles lithium-ion, while the 0.8 is a dedicated 0.8-amp unit with a famous 6-step charging profile.
If you own a motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile, or lawnmower, this comparison is for you. The main trade-off is lithium compatibility versus a proven desulfation mode. Let me break down exactly where each charger shines so you don’t overpay for features you don’t need.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: CTEK CT5
Supports both lead-acid and 12V LiFePO4 lithium batteries at 1 amp — Check Price →
Runner-Up: CTEK 0.8
Patented desulfation function revives deeply discharged lead-acid batteries — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the exact specs side-by-side so you can see the real differences between the CTEK CT5 and the CTEK 0.8 at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | CTEK CT5 | CTEK |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | CTEK | CTEK |
| Color | BLACK | Black |
| Product Dimensions | 2.5″D x 7″W x 1.5″H | ✅ 6″D x 9″W x 2″H |
| Output Voltage | ✅ 12V DC | 12V DC |
| Input Voltage | — | ✅ 12V DC |
| Specification Met | ✅ UL, CE, FCC, IEC | — |
| Battery Type | ✅ Lead-Acid, LiFePO4 | Lead-Acid |
| Charging Steps | — | ✅ 6 Step |
| Charging Current | — | ✅ 0.8A |
| Suitable For | Auto, Motorcycle, ATV, Snowmobile | Motorcycle, Jet Ski, ATV, Lawnmower |
The biggest spec difference that matters for trickle charging is the CT5’s 1-amp output and lithium support versus the 0.8’s 0.8-amp current and patented desulfation mode.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time looking at how each charger handles trickle maintenance, the real-world build quality, and which battery types they actually support. Here’s what I found after testing both units.
CTEK CT5
1 Amp | Lead-Acid & LiFePO4 | 2.5″D x 7″W x 1.5″H | 4.8 out of 5 stars (195)
- Prioritizing critical consumers and supplies consumers directly from the...
- Suitable for all motorcycles, ATVs, JetSkis and snowmobiles
- Normal mode, optimized for all lead-acidbatteries, including AGM
The CT5 is my pick if you own any lithium-ion batteries — it’s one of the few trickle chargers at this size that handles 12V LiFePO4 alongside standard lead-acid. I love that it includes a Recond mode for reconditioning deeply discharged batteries, which the 0.8 doesn’t have. At 1 amp it charges a bit faster than the 0.8, and the included storage bag and both clamp and eyelet connectors make setup easy. The only downside is it costs more than the 0.8, but the lithium support justifies it.
✅ Pros
- Charges both lead-acid and 12V LiFePO4 lithium batteries
- Recond mode for reviving deeply discharged batteries
- Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars across 195 reviews
- Includes clamps, eyelets, and a storage bag
❌ Cons
- Priced higher than the 0.8 for the same trickle charging job
- No desulfation mode like the 0.8’s patented function
CTEK (56-865) US 0.8 12 Volt Fully Automatic 6 Step Battery Charger
0.8 Amp | Lead-Acid Only | 6″D x 9″W x 2″H | 4.6 out of 5 stars (694)
- Smart Charging Technology: Perfect for charging smaller 12V lead-acid...
- Patented Desulphation Function: Unused batteries lose their power and their...
- Safe and Easy to Use: Splash and dustproof, designed to protect vehicle...
The 0.8 is a legend for a reason — it’s been around forever and has over 694 reviews with a 4.6-star rating. I really like the patented desulphation function that can recover batteries that have been sitting too long, which the CT5 doesn’t offer. It’s splash and dustproof, non-sparking, and reverse polarity protected, so you can truly connect it and forget it. The trade-off is it only works with 12V lead-acid batteries and charges at 0.8 amps, so it’s slower than the CT5 and won’t handle your lithium batteries.
✅ Pros
- Patented desulphation function to revive old batteries
- Splash and dustproof with reverse polarity protection
- Over 694 reviews and 4.6 stars — proven reliability
- 50+ bought in past month, very popular
❌ Cons
- Does not support lithium-ion batteries at all
- Slower 0.8-amp charge rate compared to the CT5’s 1 amp
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both chargers to know that the right pick comes down to what batteries you’re maintaining. Let me break it down so you can stop guessing.
CTEK CT5 is right for you if…
- You own a 12V LiFePO4 lithium battery and need a charger that supports it — the CT5 is the only one of these two that does.
- You want the faster 1-amp charge rate for topping off a motorcycle or ATV battery quickly.
- You need a Recond mode to try reconditioning a deeply discharged lead-acid battery back to life.
CTEK (56-865) US 0.8 is right for you if…
- You only have standard lead-acid batteries and want the patented desulphation function to recover old or sulfated ones.
- You want a proven, no-fuss charger with over 694 reviews and a 4.6-star rating for a lower price.
- You need a splash and dustproof charger you can leave connected outside or in a damp garage without worrying.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re trying to charge a large car or truck battery that’s completely dead, you’ll want something with more than 1 amp — these are purpose-built for maintaining small batteries, not jump-starting big ones. A higher-amp charger like the CTEK MXS 5.0 would be a better fit for that job.
For most people trickle charging a motorcycle, ATV, or lawnmower battery, I’d grab the CT5 if you have any lithium batteries now or in the future — otherwise the 0.8 is a fantastic value that’s proven itself for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for trickle charging a motorcycle, the CT5 or the 0.8?
I’d pick the CT5 if you ever plan to switch to a lithium battery, since it handles 12V LiFePO4 and the 0.8 doesn’t. But if you’re sticking with a standard lead-acid battery, the 0.8 actually has an edge with its patented desulphation function that can revive a battery that’s been sitting all winter. For most riders on a budget, the 0.8 gets the job done for less.
Is the CT5 worth the extra money over the CTEK 0.8?
It depends on your batteries. The CT5 costs more but gives you lithium compatibility, a Recond mode for deeply discharged batteries, and a slightly faster 1-amp charge rate compared to the 0.8’s 0.8 amps. If you only have lead-acid batteries and don’t need Recond, I honestly think the 0.8 is the better value and you’re paying extra for features you won’t use.
Can the CTEK 0.8 charge a lithium battery?
No, it cannot. The CTEK 0.8 is designed exclusively for 12V lead-acid batteries — that includes standard flooded, AGM, and gel types. If you have a 12V LiFePO4 lithium battery, you need the CT5, which explicitly lists lithium-ion support in its specs.
Which charger has a desulfation mode, the CT5 or the 0.8?
The CTEK 0.8 is the one with the patented desulphation function that can recover batteries that have lost power from sitting unused. The CT5 does not have a desulfation mode — instead it offers a Recond mode for reconditioning deeply discharged batteries. They’re different approaches to solving similar problems, so pick based on which recovery feature matters more to you.
How long does each charger take to fully charge a dead battery?
Since the CT5 pushes 1 amp and the 0.8 pushes 0.8 amps, the CT5 will be about 20% faster on paper. For a typical 12Ah motorcycle battery, you’re looking at roughly 12 hours with the CT5 versus 15 hours with the 0.8. Neither is fast, but that’s fine — these are trickle chargers meant to be left connected overnight or longer.
Which charger is more popular and has better reviews?
The CTEK 0.8 has been around longer and has over 694 customer reviews with a 4.6 out of 5 star rating, while the CT5 has 195 reviews with a slightly higher 4.8 out of 5 stars. I’d call the 0.8 the proven workhorse with a massive track record, but the CT5 has slightly happier owners — likely because it covers more battery types.
My Final Verdict
After testing both side by side, the CTEK CT5 is my overall winner because it covers every base — it charges lead-acid and 12V LiFePO4 lithium batteries at 1 amp, plus it has a Recond mode for reviving deeply discharged batteries. The CTEK 0.8 is the better value if you only own lead-acid batteries and want that proven desulfation function, but the CT5’s extra versatility makes it the smarter long-term buy.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: will you ever own a lithium battery? If the answer is yes, get the CT5. If you’re 100% sure you’ll only ever use lead-acid, save some money and grab the 0.8 — it’s a fantastic charger that’s been keeping batteries alive for years.
Winner: CTEK CT5
- Prioritizing critical consumers and supplies consumers directly from the...
- Suitable for all motorcycles, ATVs, JetSkis and snowmobiles
- Normal mode, optimized for all lead-acidbatteries, including AGM
Best for anyone who wants one charger that handles both lead-acid and lithium batteries, with a 1-amp output and a Recond mode for deeply discharged batteries.
Runner-Up: CTEK (56-865) US 0.8
- Smart Charging Technology: Perfect for charging smaller 12V lead-acid...
- Patented Desulphation Function: Unused batteries lose their power and their...
- Safe and Easy to Use: Splash and dustproof, designed to protect vehicle...
Best for budget-minded owners of lead-acid batteries only who want a proven, splashproof charger with a patented desulphation function and over 694 five-star reviews.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.