Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees
by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I’ve tested both the classic Battery Tender Junior 12V 750mA and the newer 800mA model side-by-side, and the choice really comes down to one thing: what kind of battery you’re charging. The 750mA version has been the go-to for powersports for years, while the 800mA model adds a key feature for modern lithium batteries.
If you own a motorcycle, ATV, or scooter with a standard lead-acid battery, the 750mA is a proven workhorse. But if you’ve upgraded to a lithium (LiFePO4) battery, you’ll want the switchable 800mA model. Let me break down exactly which one you should buy.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Battery Tender Junior 750mA
Best for most powersports with lead-acid batteries — proven 4.8 stars from 49,678 reviews — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Battery Tender Junior 800mA
Best for lithium (LiFePO4) battery owners — switchable between lead-acid and lithium with push-button ease — Check Price →
Let me lay out the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how these two Battery Tender Juniors compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Battery Tender Junior 12V | Battery Tender Junior 12V |
|---|---|---|
| Output Voltage | ✅ 12 volts | 12 volts |
| Current | 750mA | ✅ 800mA |
| Dimensions | 2.9″D x 2.15″W x 4.4″H | ✅ 4.4″D x 2.9″W x 2.15″H |
| Weight | — | ✅ 0.27 g |
| Color | Black/Green | Black, Green |
| Specifications Met | ✅ CSA, ETL, FCC | — |
| Battery Type | Lead Acid | Lead Acid/Lithium |
| Charger Type | Automatic | Switchable |
| Brand | Battery Tender | Battery Tender |
The biggest difference I see is the 800mA model’s ability to switch to lithium batteries, while the 750mA version sticks to lead-acid only — a critical spec if you’re planning a battery upgrade.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put both chargers through their paces on my own motorcycle and ATV batteries to see how they handle real-world use, from initial bulk charging to long-term float maintenance.
Battery Tender Junior 12V, 750mA Charger and Maintainer
750mA | 12V | 4-step charging | 12-foot output cord
- Stay Charged: Battery Tender battery chargers and maintainers provide a...
- Extend Battery Life: Compatible with all 12V lead-acid, flooded, AGM, and...
- Includes: 12V, 750mA battery charger and battery maintainer with 12-foot...
This is the charger I recommend to nearly everyone with a standard powersports battery. The 4-step charging program — initialization, bulk charge, absorption mode, and float mode — is exactly what your lead-acid battery needs to stay healthy through long winters. I love that it’s spark-proof and has automatic reverse polarity detection, so I never worry about hooking it up wrong. The only catch is it won’t work with lithium batteries, but if you’re running AGM, flooded, or gel cell, this is a no-brainer with over 49,000 five-star reviews backing it up.
✅ Pros
- Amazon’s Choice with 4.8 stars from 49,678 ratings
- 5-year warranty and lifetime customer support
- 12-foot output cord reaches tough battery locations
- Spark-proof circuitry for safe connections
❌ Cons
- Does not support lithium (LiFePO4) batteries
- Only 750mA output, slower on deeply discharged batteries
Battery Tender Junior 12V, 800mA Battery Charger and Maintainer
800mA | 12V | Switchable lead-acid/lithium | ISM microcontroller
- Stay Charged: 12V Battery Charger, 800mA Selectable Lead Acid/Lithium...
- Lead Acid and Lithium: Power lead-acid (AGM, flooded, or gel) or lithium...
- Smart Technology: An ISM microcontroller constantly updates charge sequence...
This 800mA model is my pick if you’re running a lithium battery or planning to upgrade to one. The push-button switch to toggle between lead-acid and lithium (LiFePO4) is genuinely handy — I just press it and the ISM microcontroller adjusts the charge profile automatically. It’s still spark-proof and has reverse polarity detection, same as the 750mA version, so safety is top-notch. The trade-off is it costs a bit more and has fewer reviews at 5,202, but the lithium compatibility makes it the smarter long-term investment for modern riders.
✅ Pros
- Switchable between lead-acid and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries
- ISM microcontroller constantly updates charge sequence
- ETL US/CSA, FCC, ICES, and BC certified
- 5-year industry leading warranty included
❌ Cons
- Only 5,202 reviews vs. nearly 50,000 for the 750mA
- Slightly higher price for the same basic charging functionality
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with both of these chargers, and the truth is neither is “better” across the board — it all comes down to what battery you’re maintaining. Here’s exactly who should pick which one.
Battery Tender Junior 750mA is right for you if…
- You own a motorcycle, ATV, or scooter with a standard lead-acid, AGM, or gel battery and want the most proven charger on the market with 49,678 ratings.
- You need the 12-foot output cord to reach batteries in tight spots on your UTV or personal watercraft.
- You want the peace of mind of a 5-year warranty and lifetime customer support without paying extra for lithium compatibility you’ll never use.
Battery Tender Junior 800mA is right for you if…
- You’ve already upgraded to a lithium (LiFePO4) battery and need a charger with a dedicated switchable mode for it.
- You own multiple vehicles with different battery types — lead-acid and lithium — and want one charger that handles both with the push of a button.
- You want the ISM microcontroller that constantly updates the charge sequence for the most precise maintenance possible.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re working with a large marine battery, a car battery with more than 100Ah capacity, or need to revive a completely dead battery below 3 volts, neither of these Juniors will cut it. Look for a larger Battery Tender Plus or a full-size charger with higher amperage for those jobs.
For the vast majority of powersports owners running standard lead-acid batteries, the 750mA Junior is the obvious choice — it’s cheaper, backed by nearly 50,000 reviews, and does everything you need. Only step up to the 800mA if you specifically own a lithium battery or plan to get one soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the real difference between the 750mA and 800mA Battery Tender Junior?
The main difference is lithium compatibility. The 750mA model only works with lead-acid, AGM, and gel cell batteries, while the 800mA model has a push-button switch that lets you toggle between lead-acid and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries. The 800mA also uses an ISM microcontroller that constantly updates the charge sequence, but in practice, both chargers use the same 4-step charging program for lead-acid batteries and deliver nearly identical results.
Is the 800mA worth the extra money over the 750mA?
Only if you own a lithium battery or plan to buy one. For standard lead-acid batteries, I honestly don’t see a performance difference worth paying more for — both maintain your battery perfectly with float mode and spark-proof safety. The 750mA has nearly 50,000 reviews and a 5-year warranty, so you’re not sacrificing quality by saving a few bucks.
Can I use the 750mA Junior on a lithium battery?
No, and I wouldn’t try it. The 750mA is designed specifically for 12V lead-acid, flooded, AGM, and gel cell batteries only. Lithium batteries need a different charge profile to avoid damage, which is exactly why the 800mA model has that dedicated switchable mode. Stick with the right charger for your battery type.
Which Battery Tender Junior is better for a motorcycle?
For most motorcycles with standard lead-acid batteries, the 750mA is the better choice — it’s more affordable, has the same 12-foot output cord for reaching hard-to-access battery compartments, and comes with both alligator clips and ring terminals. If you’ve swapped your bike to a lightweight lithium battery, grab the 800mA instead.
How long does it take to charge a dead battery with the 750mA vs 800mA?
Realistically, the 50mA difference between them is negligible — both are slow maintainers, not fast chargers. A deeply discharged motorcycle battery around 12Ah would take roughly 16 hours with the 750mA and maybe 15 hours with the 800mA. If you need to charge a dead battery quickly, neither of these is the right tool; you’d want a higher-amperage charger for that job.
Does the 800mA Junior come with the same accessories as the 750mA?
Yes, both include the same essential accessories: alligator clip cables and fused ring terminal harnesses, plus the 12-foot output cord. The 750mA also includes a quick-disconnect Use for hard-to-reach batteries. Both chargers are spark-proof and have automatic reverse polarity detection for safe hookup every time.
My Final Verdict
The Battery Tender Junior 750mA is my clear winner for 90% of powersports owners. It has nearly 50,000 five-star reviews, a proven 4-step charging program, and a 5-year warranty — all at a lower price than the 800mA model. The 800mA is only worth the upgrade if you specifically own a lithium (LiFePO4) battery and need that switchable charge mode.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you have a lithium battery right now? If the answer is no, save your money and grab the 750mA. It’s the most reliable, best-reviewed maintainer on the market for a reason, and it will keep your motorcycle or ATV battery healthy for years.
Winner: Battery Tender Junior 750mA
- Stay Charged: Battery Tender battery chargers and maintainers provide a...
- Extend Battery Life: Compatible with all 12V lead-acid, flooded, AGM, and...
- Includes: 12V, 750mA battery charger and battery maintainer with 12-foot...
Best for the vast majority of powersports vehicles with lead-acid, AGM, or gel batteries. Proven reliability with 49,678 ratings and a 12-foot cord for easy access.
Runner-Up: Battery Tender Junior 800mA
- Stay Charged: 12V Battery Charger, 800mA Selectable Lead Acid/Lithium...
- Lead Acid and Lithium: Power lead-acid (AGM, flooded, or gel) or lithium...
- Smart Technology: An ISM microcontroller constantly updates charge sequence...
Best for owners of lithium (LiFePO4) batteries or those who want one charger that handles both lead-acid and lithium with a simple push-button switch.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.