Victron Blue Smart IP65 12/5
#1 in Up to 5 AFull review
A premium maintainer for RV, boat and classic car owners who want app monitoring and lithium support with a long warranty.
NAZ Solar Electric $102.85$102.85
The Victron Blue Smart IP65 12/5 is the better battery charger overall, rated 4.4 to 3.9. The Victron Blue Smart IP65 12/5 leads on features, value and charge current. The Victron Blue Smart IP65 12/5 costs $22.14 less ($102.85 vs $124.99).
CTEK NXT 5
#4 in Up to 5 AFull review
A premium 4 A class charger and maintainer for owners who want lithium support and CTEK’s five year warranty in one compact unit.
Amazon $124.99$124.99
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 Victron Blue Smart IP65 12/5 for features (lithium mode, temperature compensation, repair mode, power supply mode vs lithium mode, temperature compensation, repair mode), value ($20.57 per amp ($102.85, 5 A) vs $29.07 per amp ($124.99, 4.3 A)) and charge current (5 A vs 4.3 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 | Victron Blue Smart IP65 12/5 | CTEK NXT 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Value 35% | 53 $20.57 per amp ($102.85, 5 A) | 36 $29.07 per amp ($124.99, 4.3 A) |
| Charge current 20% | 100 5 A | 82 4.3 A |
| Features 25% | 100 lithium mode, temperature compensation, repair mode, power supply mode | 75 lithium mode, temperature compensation, repair mode |
| Warranty 20% | 100 5-year warranty | 100 5-year warranty |
Specifications
| Victron Blue Smart IP65 12/5 | CTEK NXT 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Charging | ||
| Charge current | 5 A | 4.3 A |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Largest battery | - | 160 Ah |
| Lithium mode | Yes | Yes |
| AGM mode | No | Yes |
| Temperature compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Repair mode | Yes | Yes |
| Power supply mode | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Ingress rating | IP65 | IP65 |
| Weight | 2 lb | 1.3 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Released | - | 2025-11-11 |