CTEK MXS 5.0
#5 in Up to 5 AFull review
A proven lead acid charger and maintainer for cars and motorcycles that owners leave connected for years. Choose the NXT 5 if you have lithium batteries.
Amazon $99$99
The CTEK MXS 5.0 is the better battery charger overall, rated 3.8 to 2.9. The CTEK MXS 5.0 leads on warranty, value and features. The CTEK MXS 5.0 costs $50.99 less ($99 vs $149.99).
Optima Digital 400+
#12 in Up to 5 AFull review
A maintainer for owners of OPTIMA AGM or lithium batteries who want matched charge settings and a clear display. Others can get more amps for the money.
Amazon $149.99$149.99
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 CTEK MXS 5.0 for warranty (5-year warranty vs 3-year warranty), value ($23.02 per amp ($99, 4.3 A) vs $37.50 per amp ($149.99, 4 A)) and features (temperature compensation, repair mode vs lithium mode).
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 | CTEK MXS 5.0 | Optima Digital 400+ |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 35% | 48 $23.02 per amp ($99, 4.3 A) | 23 $37.50 per amp ($149.99, 4 A) |
| Charge current 20% | 82 4.3 A | 75 4 A |
| Features 25% | 50 temperature compensation, repair mode | 25 lithium mode |
| Warranty 20% | 100 5-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
Specifications
| CTEK MXS 5.0 | Optima Digital 400+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Charging | ||
| Charge current | 4.3 A | 4 A |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Largest battery | 110 Ah | - |
| Lithium mode | No | Yes |
| AGM mode | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature compensation | Yes | No |
| Repair mode | Yes | No |
| Power supply mode | - | No |
| Build | ||
| Ingress rating | IP65 | - |
| Weight | - | 3 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
| Released | - | 2024-04 |