Battery Tender Power Tender 3 A
#8 in Up to 5 AFull review
A versatile maintainer for garages with a mix of 6 V classics, 12 V cars and lithium powersport batteries.
Amazon $69.95$69.95
The Battery Tender Power Tender 3 A is the better battery charger overall, rated 3.6 to 3.1. The Battery Tender Power Tender 3 A leads on warranty. The Schumacher SP1297 wins on value. The Schumacher SP1297 costs $25.63 less ($44.32 vs $69.95).
Schumacher SP1297
#10 in Up to 5 AFull review
A budget 12 V maintainer for owners with a mix of lead acid and lithium batteries. It suits storage duty more than fast recharging.
Amazon $44.32$44.32
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Battery Tender Power Tender 3 A for warranty (5-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
- Choose the Schumacher SP1297 for value ($14.77 per amp ($44.32, 3 A) vs $23.32 per amp ($69.95, 3 A)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every up to 5 A battery charger; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Battery Tender Power Tender 3 A | Schumacher SP1297 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 35% | 47 $23.32 per amp ($69.95, 3 A) | 70 $14.77 per amp ($44.32, 3 A) |
| Charge current 20% | 50 3 A | 50 3 A |
| Features 25% | 50 lithium mode, temperature compensation | 50 lithium mode, repair mode |
| Warranty 20% | 100 5-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Battery Tender Power Tender 3 A | Schumacher SP1297 | |
|---|---|---|
| Charging | ||
| Charge current | 3 A | 3 A |
| Voltage | 6/12 V | 12 V |
| Largest battery | 100 Ah | - |
| Lithium mode | Yes | Yes |
| AGM mode | No | No |
| Temperature compensation | Yes | No |
| Repair mode | No | Yes |
| Power supply mode | No | No |
| Build | ||
| Ingress rating | IP65 | - |
| Weight | 1.4 lb | 1.8 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 1 year |
| Released | 2015-10-17 | 2017-08 |