Amazon Basics Battery Chargers for AA/AAA NiMH

Reliable, straightforward chargers for everyday AA/AAA NiMH batteries. Amazon Basics offers compact USB travel units and higher-capacity desktop chargers with independent bays, clear status indicators (LED or LCD, model-dependent), and built-in protections including reverse-polarity detection, temperature safeguards, and automatic shut-off when charging completes.

Who this is for

• Households powering remotes, toys, flashlights, and wireless accessories
• Photographers, educators, and creators cycling multiple sets daily
• Travelers who want a light USB charger that works with wall adapters, cars, or power banks

Choose the right charger

Charge time basics

Actual time depends on the charger's per-bay current and the battery's capacity and state of charge. As a quick estimate:

• Estimate hours ≈ (Battery capacity in mAh ÷ Charge current in mA) × 1.2 (overhead)

Examples (typical NiMH)

• AA 2000 mAh at 500 mA: about 4.8–5 hours
• AA 2000 mAh at 1000 mA: about 2.4–2.5 hours
• AAA 800 mAh at 300 mA: about 3.2–3.5 hours

Many compact USB models charge at lower currents for safety and universal power compatibility; desktop units often deliver higher per-bay current for faster turnaround.

How to get consistent results

• Label and rotate: Mark sets (A/B/C) and keep a small tray for "Charged" vs. "Needs charge" to avoid mixing.
• Use independent bays: Charge one cell or mix AA/AAA as needed; no paired charging required on most models.
• Top-up smartly: Partial charges are fine for NiMH; avoid running cells completely flat.
• Keep it cool: Place the charger on a ventilated, nonflammable surface and allow batteries to cool after heavy use before recharging.

Safety and compatibility

• Designed for NiMH AA/AAA cells only. Do not charge alkaline, primary lithium, or coin cells.
• Check your manual for supported chemistries; if you use 9V or Li-ion (e.g., 14500/18650), use a dedicated charger for those formats.
• Insert cells with correct polarity; the charger will indicate faults if detected.
• Unplug when not in use and keep away from heat, moisture, and direct sun.

Pros and considerations

• Pros: Independent bays, clear status indicators, travel-friendly USB options, and automatic shut-off improve safety and convenience.
• Considerations: Compact USB units prioritize portability over speed; if you routinely charge large batches, a desktop multi-bay is more efficient.

Alternatives

• If you need to charge Li-ion (14500, 18650) or 9V rechargeables, choose a universal smart charger rated for those chemistries and sizes.
• If you want ultra-low self-discharge cells for long standby devices, consider pairing the charger with LSD NiMH (e.g., 1900–2100 mAh) batteries.

FAQs