Schumacher SP1297
#10 in Up to 5 AFull review
A budget 12 V maintainer for owners with a mix of lead acid and lithium batteries. It suits storage duty more than fast recharging.
Amazon $44.32$44.32
The Schumacher SP1297 is the better battery charger overall, rated 3.1 to 2.9. The Schumacher SP1297 leads on value and features. The Optima Digital 400+ wins on warranty and charge current. The Schumacher SP1297 costs $105.67 less ($44.32 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 Schumacher SP1297 for value ($14.77 per amp ($44.32, 3 A) vs $37.50 per amp ($149.99, 4 A)) and features (lithium mode, repair mode vs lithium mode).
- Choose the Optima Digital 400+ for warranty (3-year warranty vs 1-year warranty) and charge current (4 A vs 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 | Schumacher SP1297 | Optima Digital 400+ |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 35% | 70 $14.77 per amp ($44.32, 3 A) | 23 $37.50 per amp ($149.99, 4 A) |
| Charge current 20% | 50 3 A | 75 4 A |
| Features 25% | 50 lithium mode, repair mode | 25 lithium mode |
| Warranty 20% | 0 1-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
Specifications
| Schumacher SP1297 | Optima Digital 400+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Charging | ||
| Charge current | 3 A | 4 A |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Lithium mode | Yes | Yes |
| AGM mode | No | Yes |
| Temperature compensation | No | No |
| Repair mode | Yes | No |
| Power supply mode | No | No |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 1.8 lb | 3 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 3 years |
| Released | 2017-08 | 2024-04 |