NOCO Genius1 vs Genius2: Which Charger Do You Need?
3 lessons in this series, 7 min in total
- How Long Does a NOCO Genius1 or Genius2 Take to Charge? 2 min read
- Which NOCO Genius1 or Genius2 Mode Should You Use? 2 min read
- NOCO Genius1 vs Genius2: Which Charger Do You Need? 3 min read
Specs come from NOCO’s data sheets and user guides for both chargers; the metric conversions are ours. See how we research.
Where the two chargers differ
| Spec | NOCO Genius1 | NOCO Genius2 |
|---|---|---|
| Current and output | 1A, 15W max | 2A, 30W max |
| Charges batteries up to | 30Ah | 40Ah |
| Design | Wall plug-in | Own AC cord; bracket, strap, two self-tapping screws |
| DC cable | About 107.2 in (272 cm) | About 77.0 in (196 cm) |
| Size and weight | 2.32 x 1.26 x 3.62 in (5.9 x 3.2 x 9.2 cm), 0.77 lb (0.35 kg) | 3.7 x 1.7 x 2.4 in (9.4 x 4.3 x 6.1 cm), 1.1 lb (0.5 kg) |
| Housing and display | IP60; one LED (pulses red below 75%, solid green at 100%) | IP65; 25/50/75/100% LEDs |
The rest matches: both take 6V and 12V batteries of the same types, including LiFePO4, detect down to 1V with Force Mode below that, share the same six modes, maintain all sizes, have back current drain under 0.5mA, operate from -4°F to 104°F (-20°C to 40°C), store from -22°F to 140°F (-30°C to 60°C) and carry a 3-year limited warranty.
NOCO lists 18.0 hours for a half-empty 24Ah battery on the Genius1, and 9.0 on the Genius2.
Who should buy which
- Small battery of 30Ah or less (motorcycle, ATV, mower): the Genius1. It’s rated for the job and simpler.
- Battery over 30Ah, up to 40Ah, that needs recharging: the Genius2. The Genius1 isn’t rated to charge it.
- Car that sits for weeks with a charged battery: either one. NOCO rates both to maintain any battery size.
- Faster recharges: the Genius2. NOCO’s tables give it about half the time.
- A fixed spot in a garage or shed: the Genius2, for its bracket and IP65 housing.
- Outlet far from the battery: measure first, using the reach figures below.
- Fully drained battery over 40Ah: neither. Look for a higher-amp charger.
The Genius1 suits batteries of 30Ah or less and owners who want nothing to mount.
NOCO Genius1
A small 1-amp smart charger and maintainer. NOCO rates it for charging batteries up to 30Ah and maintaining batteries of any size.
Key specs
- 1A smart charger
- Charges batteries up to 30Ah
- Maintains batteries of any size
Paid link
View on Amazon (opens in a new tab)The Genius2 suits batteries up to 40Ah and owners who want it fixed to a garage wall.
NOCO Genius2
NOCO's 2-amp smart charger and maintainer, rated for charging batteries up to 40Ah and maintaining batteries of any size.
Key specs
- 2A smart charger
- Charges batteries up to 40Ah
- Maintains batteries of any size
Paid link
View on Amazon (opens in a new tab)Also weighing a Battery Tender? See Battery Tender Junior vs NOCO Genius1.
Cable reach and mounting
The Genius1’s body sits in the outlet, so its reach is its DC cable: about 107.2 in (272 cm). The Genius2’s DC cable is shorter, about 77.0 in (196 cm), but the charger sits on its own AC cord. Neither GENIUS2 document lists that cord’s length, so the Genius2’s total reach from outlet to battery isn’t on paper.
Both guides say to allow 12 in (30 cm) of slack between connections. So the Genius1’s cable has to span the outlet-to-battery distance with that slack to spare.
The Genius2’s bracket, strap and screws suit a fixed spot near where the vehicle parks. The Genius1 needs no mounting.
IP60 vs IP65: what the housing rating means
The IP code in the IEC 60529 standard uses two digits. The first covers solids, and 6 means dust-tight on both. The second is the water rating: 0 means no specific protection, and 5 means protected against water jets.
So the Genius2’s housing has more margin against water. Even so, both guides say to keep the charger dry and stop using it if it gets wet. Treat IP65 as protection against accidents, not permission to leave the charger in the rain.
Check the Ah figure on your battery’s label, pick the charger rated for it, and see how long each one takes to charge.
