Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18 Isolated
#3 in Up to 30 AFull review
For boats and vehicles that need an isolated charger, or anyone who wants Victron Bluetooth and a 5 year warranty on a small house bank.
Off Grid Stores $162.19$162.19
The Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18 Isolated is the better DC-DC charger overall, rated 3.4 to 2.5. The Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18 Isolated leads on warranty, value and features. The CTEK D250SE wins on charge current. The Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18 Isolated costs $236.81 less ($162.19 vs $399).
CTEK D250SE
#9 in Up to 30 AFull review
For owners of small lead-acid or lithium banks who want a sealed, set-and-forget charger that also keeps the starter battery topped up. Bigger lithium banks need a higher-current unit.
Amazon $399$399
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 Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18 Isolated for warranty (5-year warranty vs 2-year warranty), value ($9.01 per amp ($162.19, 18 A) vs $19.95 per amp ($399, 20 A)) and features (smart alternator support, Bluetooth, isolated vs solar input, smart alternator support).
- Choose the CTEK D250SE for charge current (20 A vs 18 A).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every up to 30 A DC-DC charger; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18 Isolated | CTEK D250SE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Value 30% | 41 $9.01 per amp ($162.19, 18 A) | 0 $19.95 per amp ($399, 20 A) |
| Charge current 20% | 40 18 A | 50 20 A |
| Efficiency 10% | 0 87% peak efficiency | 50 efficiency not published (neutral score used) |
| Features 20% | 75 smart alternator support, Bluetooth, isolated | 50 solar input, smart alternator support |
| Warranty 20% | 100 5-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18 Isolated | CTEK D250SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Charging | ||
| Charge current | 18 A | 20 A |
| Input battery | 12 V | 12/24 V |
| Output battery | 12 V | 12 V |
| LiFePO4 profile | Yes | Yes |
| Smart alternator support | Yes | Yes |
| Peak efficiency | 87% | - |
| Isolated | Yes | - |
| Solar | ||
| Solar input | No | MPPT |
| Build | ||
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Ingress rating | - | IP65 |
| Weight | 3 lb | 1.5 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years |
| Released | - | 2021-03 |