Schumacher SC1280
#11 in Over 5 AFull review
A cheap, fast charger for lead acid car, truck and boat batteries. Lithium owners should look elsewhere.
Amazon $64.99$64.99
The Schumacher SC1280 is the better battery charger overall, rated 3.2 to 2.9. The Schumacher SC1280 leads on value. The CTEK NXT 15 wins on features. The Schumacher SC1280 costs $312.09 less ($64.99 vs $377.08).
CTEK NXT 15
#12 in Over 5 AFull review
A high end 15 A charger and supply for owners of big 12 V batteries in trucks, RVs and boats who want lithium support.
Amazon $377.08$377.08
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 Schumacher SC1280 for value ($4.33 per amp ($64.99, 15 A) vs $25.14 per amp ($377.08, 15 A)).
- Choose the CTEK NXT 15 for features (lithium mode, temperature compensation, power supply mode vs repair mode).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every over 5 A battery charger; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Schumacher SC1280 | CTEK NXT 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 35% | 96 $4.33 per amp ($64.99, 15 A) | 9 $25.14 per amp ($377.08, 15 A) |
| Charge current 20% | 41 15 A | 41 15 A |
| Features 25% | 25 repair mode | 75 lithium mode, temperature compensation, power supply mode |
| Warranty 20% | 0 1-year warranty | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Schumacher SC1280 | CTEK NXT 15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Charging | ||
| Charge current | 15 A | 15 A |
| Voltage | 6/12 V | 12 V |
| Largest battery | - | 350 Ah |
| Lithium mode | No | Yes |
| AGM mode | No | - |
| Temperature compensation | No | Yes |
| Repair mode | Yes | - |
| Power supply mode | No | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 2.7 lb | - |
| Warranty | 1 year | - |
| Released | 2018-06 | 2025-11-20 |