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 4.0. The Victron Blue Smart IP65 12/5 leads on features and warranty. The Schumacher Rugged SC1682 wins on value. The Schumacher Rugged SC1682 costs $42.86 less ($59.99 vs $102.85).
Schumacher Rugged SC1682
#3 in Up to 5 AFull review
A tough, weatherproof maintainer for anyone keeping lead acid or lithium batteries topped up outdoors or in a damp garage.
Amazon $59.99$59.99
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, repair mode) and warranty (5-year warranty vs 3-year warranty).
- Choose the Schumacher Rugged SC1682 for value ($12 per amp ($59.99, 5 A) vs $20.57 per amp ($102.85, 5 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 | Schumacher Rugged SC1682 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Value 35% | 53 $20.57 per amp ($102.85, 5 A) | 80 $12 per amp ($59.99, 5 A) |
| Charge current 20% | 100 5 A | 100 5 A |
| Features 25% | 100 lithium mode, temperature compensation, repair mode, power supply mode | 50 lithium mode, repair mode |
| Warranty 20% | 100 5-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
Specifications
| Victron Blue Smart IP65 12/5 | Schumacher Rugged SC1682 | |
|---|---|---|
| Charging | ||
| Charge current | 5 A | 5 A |
| Voltage | 12 V | 6/12 V |
| Lithium mode | Yes | Yes |
| AGM mode | No | No |
| Temperature compensation | Yes | No |
| Repair mode | Yes | Yes |
| Power supply mode | Yes | No |
| Build | ||
| Ingress rating | IP65 | IP66 |
| Weight | 2 lb | 0.7 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
| Released | - | 2025-12 |