Victron Orion XS 12/12-50
#1 in 40 A and upFull review
The best all-round alternator charger for most vans and RVs with a 12 V lithium bank. It is small, very efficient and fully configurable from a phone.
Amazon Inverters R Us $328.10$328.10
The Victron Orion XS 12/12-50 is the better DC-DC charger overall, rated 3.9 to 2.8. The Victron Orion XS 12/12-50 leads on value and warranty. The Redarc BCDC Alpha 50 wins on features. The Victron Orion XS 12/12-50 costs $406.90 less ($328.10 vs $735).
Redarc BCDC Alpha 50
#19 in 40 A and upFull review
For 4x4 and truck builds that need the toughest sealed charger with Bluetooth. Buyers on a budget get more amps per dollar elsewhere.
Amazon $735$735
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 Orion XS 12/12-50 for value ($6.56 per amp ($328.10, 50 A) vs $14.70 per amp ($735, 50 A)) and warranty (5-year warranty vs 2-year warranty).
- Choose the Redarc BCDC Alpha 50 for features (solar input, smart alternator support, Bluetooth vs smart alternator support, Bluetooth).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 40 A and up DC-DC charger; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Victron Orion XS 12/12-50 | Redarc BCDC Alpha 50 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 30% | 64 $6.56 per amp ($328.10, 50 A) | 6 $14.70 per amp ($735, 50 A) |
| Charge current 20% | 50 50 A | 50 50 A |
| Efficiency 10% | 100 98.5% peak efficiency | 50 efficiency not published (neutral score used) |
| Features 20% | 50 smart alternator support, Bluetooth | 75 solar input, smart alternator support, Bluetooth |
| Warranty 20% | 100 5-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Victron Orion XS 12/12-50 | Redarc BCDC Alpha 50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Charging | ||
| Charge current | 50 A | 50 A |
| Input battery | 12 V | 12/24 V |
| Output battery | 12 V | 12 V |
| Battery types | - | AGM, gel, calcium, standard lead acid, LiFePO4, heated LiFePO4 |
| LiFePO4 profile | Yes | Yes |
| Smart alternator support | Yes | Yes |
| Peak efficiency | 98.5% | - |
| Isolated | No | - |
| Solar | ||
| Solar input | No | MPPT, up to 1,000 W |
| Max solar voltage | - | 48 V |
| Build | ||
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Ingress rating | IP65 | IP67/IP69K |
| Weight | 0.7 lb | 2.1 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years |
| Released | 2024-01 | - |