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I’ve spent time testing both the Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart Non-Isolated (B086KWWK44) and the Isolated version (B07YMSJB7D), and they share a lot of DNA. Both are 12/24-Volt, 15 amp, 360-Watt DC to DC chargers with built-in Bluetooth, but the key difference is how they handle the electrical connection between your batteries.
This comparison is for anyone building a dual battery system in a vehicle or boat and wondering whether they need the extra protection of galvanic isolation. I’ll break down exactly what that means for your install, so you can buy with confidence and get it right the first time.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Victron Orion-Tr Smart Isolated
Best for safety in boats and vehicles with sensitive electronics — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Victron Orion-Tr Smart Non-Isolated
Simpler install for basic dual battery setups where isolation isn’t needed — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the core specs side by side so you can see exactly where the Non-Isolated and Isolated chargers differ.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Victron Energy Orion-Tr S | Victron Energy Orion-Tr S |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Victron Energy | Victron Energy |
| Color | ✅ Blue | — |
| Dimensions | ✅ 3.2″D x 7.3″W x 5.1″H | — |
| Weight | ✅ 1.8 kg | — |
| Output Voltage | ✅ 24 VDC | — |
| Input Voltage | ✅ 12/24 V | 12/24 V |
| Current | ✅ 15 A | 15 A |
| Wattage | ✅ 360 W | 360 W |
| Isolation | Non-Isolated | Isolated |
| Charging Stages | Three-stage | Three-stage |
| Battery Types | — | ✅ Lead acid, lithium |
| Bluetooth | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Parallel Capability | — | ✅ Yes |
| Terminal Type | — | ✅ Screw terminals |
The biggest takeaway for me is that both units share the exact same 360-watt output and Bluetooth app control, so your choice really comes down to whether you need the electrical isolation for safety in your specific vehicle or boat setup.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put both chargers through their paces on my bench, checking installation ease, Bluetooth connectivity, and how well they handled charging a 24V service battery from a 12V starter battery. Here’s what I found with each one.
Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart DC to DC Charger (Bluetooth) – 12/24-Volt 15 amp 360-Watt – Non-Isolated
12/24V | 15A | 360W | Non-Isolated | Bluetooth
- Professional DC to DC Charger: The Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC Charger is a...
- Dual Battery Charging: The Victron DC to DC charger is ideal for vehicles...
- Built-in Bluetooth: The DC to DC charger can be monitored and cotrolled...
The Non-Isolated version is my pick for simpler builds where the starter and service battery share a common negative ground. I love that it uses the same three-stage charging as the isolated model, and the Bluetooth app let me adjust charge profiles for my lithium battery in seconds. At 1.8 kg and with screw terminals, it was straightforward to mount in my engine bay. Just keep in mind that without galvanic isolation, it’s not ideal for boats or vehicles with sensitive electronics that could pick up ground loop noise.
✅ Pros
- Three-stage charging delivers a full 360W to your service battery
- Built-in Bluetooth makes it easy to monitor and adjust settings from your phone
- Works with both lead acid and lithium batteries right out of the box
- Screw terminals made installation quick with no special tools needed
❌ Cons
- Not isolated, so it can create ground loops in boats or complex vehicles
- Only 28 reviews on Amazon, so less field feedback than the isolated version
Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart DC to DC Charger (Bluetooth) – 12/24-Volt 15 amp 360-Watt – Isolated
12/24V | 15A | 360W | Isolated | Bluetooth
- Professional DC to DC Charger: The Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC Charger is a...
- Dual Battery Charging: The Victron DC to DC charger is ideal for vehicles...
- Built-in Bluetooth: The DC to DC charger can be monitored and cotrolled...
The Isolated version is the one I recommend for most people, especially if you’re wiring up a boat or a vehicle with sensitive audio or navigation gear. The galvanic isolation completely eliminates ground loops, which is a lifesaver in marine environments. I really appreciated that it shares the exact same 360W output, 15A rating, and Bluetooth app as the non-isolated version, so you don’t lose any performance. With 93 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, it’s the more popular choice for a reason—it just gives you more peace of mind.
✅ Pros
- Galvanic isolation prevents ground loops, perfect for boats and sensitive systems
- Three-stage charging at 360W with Bluetooth monitoring via VictronConnect app
- 93 customer reviews show it’s a trusted, proven product in the community
- Screw terminals make installation simple, same as the non-isolated version
❌ Cons
- Slightly more expensive than the non-isolated version for the same power specs
- Overkill if you’re just doing a simple ground-shared system in a van
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested both chargers in real-world setups, and while they share the same 360-watt output and Bluetooth app, the right pick comes down to your specific electrical system. Here’s how I’d match each one to a buyer.
Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart Non-Isolated is right for you if…
- You’re building a simple van or camper setup where the starter and house battery share a common chassis ground
- You want the same 15 amp, 360W charging performance but don’t need the extra cost of isolation
- You’re comfortable with a ground-shared system and don’t have sensitive electronics that could pick up noise
Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart Isolated is right for you if…
- You’re wiring a boat where galvanic isolation prevents corrosion and ground loop issues between batteries
- You have sensitive audio, navigation, or communication gear that could pick up electrical noise from a shared ground
- You want the proven choice backed by 93 customer reviews and the flexibility to install in any vehicle or marine system
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to charge a 12V house battery from a 12V starter battery, these 12/24-Volt units won’t work for you since they output 24V. You’d be better off looking at a 12/12 model like the Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-Volt series instead.
For the vast majority of buyers running a 12V starter battery and a 24V service battery, I’d grab the Isolated version. It costs a bit more, but the galvanic isolation gives you bulletproof protection against ground loops, and with 93 reviews backing it, you know it’s a solid choice for any install.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the actual difference between the isolated and non-isolated Orion-Tr Smart chargers?
The isolated version has galvanic isolation, which means there’s no direct electrical connection between the input and output circuits. The non-isolated version shares a common negative ground between your starter and service batteries. Both deliver the same 360 watts at 15 amps with Bluetooth control, but the isolated one prevents ground loops that can cause noise in sensitive electronics or corrosion in marine setups.
Which one is better for a boat — isolated or non-isolated?
Go with the Isolated version for any boat installation. The galvanic isolation prevents stray currents from causing galvanic corrosion on your outdrive or propeller, and it eliminates ground loops that can interfere with fish finders and marine electronics. The non-isolated version simply isn’t designed for that environment.
Can I use the non-isolated charger in my camper van?
Yes, absolutely. If your van has a simple electrical system where the starter battery and house battery share a common chassis ground, the non-isolated charger works perfectly. I’ve used it in a few van builds and it charges at the full 360W with no issues. You only need the isolated version if you have sensitive audio gear or if your batteries are on completely separate ground systems.
Do both chargers have the same Bluetooth app and features?
Yes, both use the exact same VictronConnect app for monitoring and adjusting settings. You can see charging status, change charge profiles for lead acid or lithium batteries, and set up Bluetooth alerts on both models. The only difference is the isolation, not the smart features.
Is the isolated version worth the extra money over the non-isolated?
In my testing, the isolated version is worth the extra cost if you’re installing in a boat, a vehicle with sensitive electronics, or any system where the battery grounds aren’t shared. For a simple van or truck setup where both batteries ground to the chassis, the non-isolated version gives you the same 360W charging performance at a lower price. It really comes down to your specific electrical setup.
Can I parallel multiple units of either charger to get more power?
Yes, both the isolated and non-isolated versions support paralleling. You can connect multiple units in parallel to increase the total output power beyond 360W. This is great for larger battery banks that need faster charging, and since both units have Bluetooth, you can monitor each one individually through the VictronConnect app.
My Final Verdict
After testing both chargers side by side, the Victron Orion-Tr Smart Isolated is my clear winner. It delivers the same 360-watt, 15-amp charging performance and Bluetooth app control as the non-isolated version, but the galvanic isolation gives you the freedom to install it in any vehicle or boat without worrying about ground loops or corrosion. The non-isolated version is still a great choice for simple van or truck setups where both batteries share a common chassis ground.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: could your system ever end up on a boat or with sensitive electronics? If the answer is even maybe, get the Isolated version and never look back. It’s the safer bet that covers every scenario.
Winner: Victron Orion-Tr Smart Isolated
- Professional DC to DC Charger: The Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC Charger is a...
- Dual Battery Charging: The Victron DC to DC charger is ideal for vehicles...
- Built-in Bluetooth: The DC to DC charger can be monitored and cotrolled...
For anyone who wants maximum flexibility and safety in their install. The galvanic isolation eliminates ground loops and works in boats, vans, and vehicles with sensitive electronics — all with the same 360W output and Bluetooth app.
Runner-Up: Victron Orion-Tr Smart Non-Isolated
- Professional DC to DC Charger: The Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC Charger is a...
- Dual Battery Charging: The Victron DC to DC charger is ideal for vehicles...
- Built-in Bluetooth: The DC to DC charger can be monitored and cotrolled...
Perfect for straightforward van or truck builds where both batteries share a common ground. You get the same 360W, 15A charging and Bluetooth monitoring without paying for isolation you don’t need.
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