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 2.6. The Schumacher SC1280 leads on value. The Optima Digital 1200+ wins on warranty. The Schumacher SC1280 costs $222 less ($64.99 vs $286.99).
Optima Digital 1200+
#13 in Over 5 AFull review
A well built 15 A charger for OPTIMA battery owners who want the maker matched profiles. Buyers without OPTIMA batteries can get the same current for far less.
Amazon $286.99$286.99
Prices were last checked November 2, 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 $19.13 per amp ($286.99, 15 A)).
- Choose the Optima Digital 1200+ for warranty (3-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
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 | Optima Digital 1200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 2.6/5 |
| Value 35% | 96 $4.33 per amp ($64.99, 15 A) | 22 $19.13 per amp ($286.99, 15 A) |
| Charge current 20% | 41 15 A | 41 15 A |
| Features 25% | 25 repair mode | 25 lithium mode |
| Warranty 20% | 0 1-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
Specifications
| Schumacher SC1280 | Optima Digital 1200+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Charging | ||
| Charge current | 15 A | 15 A |
| Voltage | 6/12 V | 12 V |
| Lithium mode | No | Yes |
| AGM mode | No | Yes |
| Temperature compensation | No | No |
| Repair mode | Yes | No |
| Power supply mode | No | No |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 2.7 lb | 8 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 3 years |
| Released | 2018-06 | 2024-12 |