NOCO Genius 5 UK Review (5 Amp Smart Battery Charger)

NOCO are one of the oldest battery accessory companies in the world, 107 years old. They’re an American company, based in Ohio. And they do specialise in battery tech specifically (for example, they also make the market leading car battery jump starter, the NOCO GB70). All the NOCO Genius models are Smart battery chargers – they’ll always automatically identify the right amount of charge needed, thus preventing overcharge (which can harm your battery).

In the battery industry they’re well known for having the best and most reliable battery charging tech (along with CTEK).

Will the NOCO 5 charge your car battery type?

The NOCO Genius 5 UK works with 6V and 12V batteries; all battery types, including all lead-acid batteries – wet (flooded) batteries, AGM, EFB, gel, Calcium, Maintenance-free. 

Unlike some similarly priced chargers, such as the CTEK equivalent (check out our CTEK MXS 5.0 review), it will charge lithium batteries as well.

The only exception to the above is that it won’t do 6V AGM batteries (NOCO’s bigger 10 Amp model does do 6V AGM and has 12V Supply mode, check out our Genius 10 Review).

Will it quickly, reliably charge my vehicle when I need it to?

All signs point to yes. Our personal experience and its reputation in the battery industry is highly positive – people speak about how well-made it is, charges efficiently and effectively. 

And this is backed up by hundreds of online reviews giving it 5 stars, lots of people have good things to say about it.

Does the Genius5 have any standout features?

     1) Recondition/revive old batteries

The NOCO Genius 5 12V Repair Mode has a great reputation for bringing old batteries back to life, even those picking up dust for several years. This is because many batteries that are scrapped are just suffering from a reversible condition called sulfation. 12V Repair mode removes sulfation (a process called desulfation or battery reconditioning), while charging and rejuvenates the car battery. Could save you a few bob, that.

FYI, the aforementioned CTEK MXS 5.0 is its only true rival with their CTEK Recond Mode and desulfation stage.

If you really want to maximise battery life, you can also consider a desulfator. They’re low cost and prevent sulfate from accumulating in the first place. You’ll want a professional desulfator, this is the best one on Amazon.

     2) Charge batteries down to 0V

The Genius 5 UK, unlike the smaller models, has  Force Mode. It will charge batteries that have completely lost charge, even down to 0 volts (if you want to test battery voltage and health, check out the best 12V battery testers). This is crucial and a massive advantage over other smart battery chargers. There are many chargers that will do a great job on normal, mildly discharged batteries… but if you had any batteries that had voltage drop very low, it will be the same as trying to charge a piece of cheese!

     3) Automatically adjusts to your temperature

Depending on whether the temperature is high or low, the NOCO 5 has an inbuilt temperature sensor that will adjust the charge accordingly. 

     4) Completely safe for Calcium and AGM charging

Calcium battery charge voltage is higher than for other lead-acid batteries, and it’s the same with AGM battery charging voltage. The Genius5 is fully equipped for both.

Anything not to like?

     1) No storage bag/case provided

NOCO don’t provide a bag or case for you to keep the unit, cables etc. together, so you’ll have to buy one or repurpose some type of storage you already own.

     2) No voltage readout

For a top of the range battery charger and maintainer we’re surprised the NOCO Genius 5 UK doesn’t have a simple voltage readout. There are plenty of simple, cheap devices that have such a readout, so it must be a deliberate decision by NOCO. 

Instead, on the charger casing, they have a band of coloured lights, indicating 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%. It’s probably to keep things simple, since most casual drivers will not really be aware of what eg. 11.7V actually means regarding the state of charge of their battery.

For your typical car lover, you’ll just have to use a battery tester if you want more detail on the specific voltage.

Anything else I need to know about the Genius5?

3 year limited warranty. 

If you want similarly high quality tech but with 5 years warranty, check out the CTEK MXS5.0 by comparison – Genius 5 UK vs. CTEK MXS5.0. Or check out a full comparison of the best car battery chargers of 2023.

Here endeth our NOCO Genius 5 UK review…

With all said and done – if you like it then check it out on Amazon here.