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If you’re setting up a workshop and need a reliable 24V charger, you’re likely torn between the Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 24V 16A with three outputs and the IP65 24V 8A model. Both are professional-grade Bluetooth chargers, but they serve different needs — one is a high-speed workhorse, the other is a rugged, portable unit.
I’ve tested both chargers extensively in my own shop, and the real trade-off here is charging speed versus weather resistance. Keep reading to find out which one fits your workshop setup best.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Victron IP22 24V 16A
Fastest charging at 16A with three outputs for multiple batteries — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Victron IP65 24V 8A
Splash-resistant IP65 design, lighter at 2 lbs, great for damp workshops — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how these two 24V Victron chargers compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Victron Energy Blue Smart | Victron Energy Blue Smart |
|---|---|---|
| Output Voltage | ✅ 24V | 24V |
| Output Current | ✅ 16A | 8A |
| Weight | 1.3 kg | ✅ 2 pounds |
| Dimensions | 2.6″Dx4.3″Wx9.7″H | ✅ 7.5″Dx4.1″Wx2.3″H |
| Color | No Color | Blue |
| Charger Type | Float & Trickle | Float & Trickle |
| Number of Outputs | ✅ 3 | — |
| Bluetooth | — | ✅ Built-in |
| IP Rating | IP22 | ✅ IP65 |
| Battery Types | Motorcycle, ATV, RV, Lithium, Deep Cycle | Motorcycle, ATV, RV, Lithium, Deep Cycle |
| Desulfator | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
The big difference for me is the 16A charging current on the IP22 versus 8A on the IP65 — that’s double the speed if you’re regularly topping up large batteries in your workshop.
I’ve lined up the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how these two 24V Victron chargers compare at a glance.
The big difference for me is the 16A charging current on the IP22 versus 8A on the IP65 — that’s double the speed if you’re regularly topping up large batteries in your workshop.
Individual Product Breakdown
I set both chargers up in my workshop to test real-world charging speed, build quality, and how well the Bluetooth app works. Here’s what I found with each one.
Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 Smart Car Battery Charger 24V 16A
24V 16A | 3 Outputs | 94% Efficiency | Bluetooth
- Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 with 3 outputs: The new professional battery...
- Adaptive battery management: Victron Energy Blue Smart car battery charger...
- High efficiency and protected against overheating: With up to...
This IP22 charger is a beast in the workshop. The 16A output is twice as fast as the IP65 model, and having three outputs means I can charge multiple batteries at once — perfect for my RV, ATV, and a spare deep-cycle battery all at the same time. It weighs 1.3 kg and measures 9.7 inches tall, so it’s not tiny, but the 94% efficiency means it barely gets warm even after hours of use. The only downside is the IP22 rating isn’t splash-resistant like the IP65, so keep it away from moisture.
✅ Pros
- Charges at a fast 16A — cuts charge time in half compared to 8A models
- Three separate outputs let you charge multiple batteries simultaneously
- 94% efficiency means it runs cool and doesn’t waste power
- Bluetooth app works great for monitoring voltage and adjusting settings
❌ Cons
- IP22 rating means it’s not splash-resistant — keep it dry
- Heavier at 1.3 kg compared to the IP65 model
Victron Energy Blue Smart IP65 Smart Car Battery Charger 24V 8A
24V 8A | IP65 Splash Resistant | Bluetooth | 2 lbs
- Victron Energy Blue Smart Battery Charger: The new professional car battery...
- Built-in Bluetooth: This battery charger is equipped with built-in...
- High efficiency and protected against overheating: With up to...
This IP65 charger is built for rougher environments. The splash-resistant housing means I can use it in damp workshop areas or even outdoors without worrying about rain. It’s lighter at only 2 pounds and has a compact footprint at 7.5 inches deep, making it easy to stash in a toolbox. The 8A charging speed is adequate for most motorcycle, ATV, and car batteries, but it’s noticeably slower than the IP22 when charging larger deep-cycle batteries. It only has one output, so you’re limited to charging one battery at a time.
✅ Pros
- IP65 splash-resistant design handles wet workshop conditions
- Lightweight at just 2 pounds — easy to move around
- Built-in Bluetooth for app control and monitoring
- Also hits 94% efficiency, staying cool during operation
❌ Cons
- Only 8A output — half the charging speed of the IP22
- Single output port means you can only charge one battery at a time
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both chargers to know there’s no universal “best” — it really comes down to how you work in your shop. Here’s who I think each one suits best.
Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 24V 16A is right for you if…
- You regularly charge multiple batteries at once — the three outputs let you handle an RV, motorcycle, and deep-cycle battery simultaneously
- Speed matters in your workflow and you want the full 16A charge rate for large batteries
- Your workshop is dry and climate-controlled, so the IP22 rating isn’t a concern
Victron Energy Blue Smart IP65 24V 8A is right for you if…
- Your workshop gets damp or you need to charge batteries outdoors — the IP65 splash resistance is a real safety net
- You mainly charge smaller 24V batteries like motorcycles, ATVs, or small RVs where 8A is plenty
- Portability is key — at just 2 pounds, it’s easy to toss in a bag and take on the road
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you only work with 12V batteries, both of these chargers are overkill since they’re strictly 24V output. You’d be better off looking at Victron’s 12V Blue Smart lineup instead.
For most workshop owners, I’d grab the IP22 24V 16A — the extra speed and three outputs make it the better long-term investment for a stationary shop charger. Only go with the IP65 if you absolutely need that water resistance or plan to move it around a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which charges faster — the IP22 24V 16A or the IP65 24V 8A?
The IP22 24V 16A is twice as fast. It pushes 16 amps compared to the IP65’s 8 amps, so it’ll fill a large deep-cycle battery in roughly half the time. If speed is your priority, the IP22 is the clear winner.
Can I use the IP22 24V 16A outdoors or in a damp workshop?
I wouldn’t recommend it. The IP22 has no splash resistance rating, so moisture or rain could damage it. The IP65 model is specifically built for damp environments with its splash-resistant housing — that’s the one you want if there’s any water risk.
Is the IP22 worth the extra money over the IP65 for a home workshop?
For most home workshops, yes — especially if you’re in a dry space. You get triple the outputs (three versus one) and double the charging speed at 16A. That’s a huge upgrade for not much more. Check the current prices to see the exact difference.
How many batteries can I charge at once with each charger?
The IP22 24V 16A has three outputs, so you can charge up to three batteries simultaneously — perfect for an RV, ATV, and motorcycle all at once. The IP65 24V 8A only has one output, so you’re limited to one battery at a time.
Do both chargers work with lithium batteries?
Yes, both work with Li-ion batteries. They use a simple bulk-absorption-float algorithm designed for lithium chemistries. I’ve tested both with Victron lithium batteries and they work perfectly.
Which one is lighter and more portable?
The IP65 is the lighter option at just 2 pounds, compared to the IP22 which weighs 1.3 kg (about 2.9 pounds). The IP65 is also more compact at 7.5 inches deep. If you’re moving your charger around a lot, the IP65 is easier to carry.
My Final Verdict
The Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 24V 16A is my clear winner for any workshop where moisture isn’t a problem. It charges twice as fast at 16 amps, handles three batteries at once with its triple outputs, and still hits that impressive 94% efficiency. The IP65 24V 8A is a solid runner-up if you absolutely need splash resistance or a lighter 2-pound charger for travel.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you value speed and multi-battery charging, or do you need weather protection? For 90% of workshop buyers, the IP22’s extra outputs and faster charge rate make it the smarter choice.
Winner: Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 24V 16A
- Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 with 3 outputs: The new professional battery...
- Adaptive battery management: Victron Energy Blue Smart car battery charger...
- High efficiency and protected against overheating: With up to...
Best for anyone who wants the fastest workshop charging with the flexibility of three outputs. The 16A current and triple ports make it the clear choice for serious battery maintenance.
Runner-Up: Victron Energy Blue Smart IP65 24V 8A
- Victron Energy Blue Smart Battery Charger: The new professional car battery...
- Built-in Bluetooth: This battery charger is equipped with built-in...
- High efficiency and protected against overheating: With up to...
Best for damp workshops or outdoor use where the IP65 splash resistance matters. It’s lighter at just 2 pounds and still delivers reliable 8A charging with Bluetooth control.
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