To find the best battery box on the market, we examined the options available based on a set of critical factors, including overall battery size, rugged design, integrated features, and federal regulations. Different battery boxes are capable of storing different size batteries, so locating the proper sized box for your needs is essential. Additionally, anyone looking to use the battery box on a boat will need to ensure it meets the United States Coast Guard Code of Federal Regulations for safe boat usage. If your box has room, you may want to also grab some of the best D batteries.
Our top pick for the best battery box is Minn Kota’s Trolling Motor Power Center; it comes in a single-size design that can fit both group 24 and 27 size batteries. What truly makes Minn Kota’s product special is its integrated features, including an external battery monitor for keeping an eye on your battery’s state of charge quickly. The Trolling Motor Power Center also includes external hookups for quickly attaching leads or 12-volt accessories easily. But before we get into details, go over our list of the best portable phone chargers.
Top 5 Best Battery Box Reviews
#1 Minn Kota Motor Power Center Battery Box
Award: Top Pick
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Motor Power Center offers a secure, smart battery box packed full of features, including a built-in battery meter and easy access terminals.
Read Full Review: MinnKota Trolling Motor Power Center
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Best smart battery box
- Offers built-in battery meter
- Provides easy access terminals
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Not USCG regulated
- Doesn’t fit extra-large batteries
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The Minn Kota Motor Power Center offers a ton of great functionality in a battery box that can fit both group 24 to 27 size batteries. Going beyond a typical battery box, the Power Center offers built-in smart features including a battery meter for monitoring the battery’s current state of charge, and external access terminals. Both dual 12v accessory ports and lead connectors can be found on the outside of the smart box battery- no need to open it up to access your battery’s power.
Related: You may also check the best qi wireless chargers.
This boat battery box has integrated circuit breakers that protect the external connections, 60 amp for the lead connectors, and 10 amp for the accessory ports, helping to keep your devices safe. We couldn’t find any evidence that Minn Kota’s offering is officially approved by the United States Coast Guard Code of Federal Regulations; thus, you might wish to opt for another solution if you plan on using a battery box aboard your boat. Just as with the best car battery charger, you want to buy the top rated pick.
#2 NOCO Snap-Top Battery Box
Award: Honorable Mention
WHY WE LIKE IT: NOCO offers a battery box that is rugged (can work in temps as low as -20 F) and adaptable, thanks to its impact-resistant and UV-resistant design, plus is great for marine usage.
Read Full Review: NOCO HM318BKS Snap Top Automotive Batteries
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Best marine battery box
- Resistant down to -20° F
- Meets USCG regulations
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- No external battery access
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
NOCO’s Snap-Top battery box offers an excellent solution for anyone seeking an option that meets USCG Federal Regulation, thanks to its impact-resistant and vented design. The NOCO battery box can withstand conditions down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, fending off spilled acids, gasses, and oils. It’s one of the best marine battery boxes designed for a 12-volt marine RV and small boats. The box’s coating is even UV-resistant, protecting the enclosure from cracking or fading over time.
Related: Have a look at the best compact portable chargers.
We are thrilled to find the NOCO compatible with most battery boxes, including those in size groups 24 to 31, as well as 6V and U1 batteries. The NOCO Snap-Top battery box is just as it proclaims itself – a box, and doesn’t feature any external features such as easy hookups or battery meters. If you need a heavy-duty box to store your batteries, then NOCO offers an excellent solution. Speaking of batteries, even the best car stereo will drain it if you leave it on.
#3 Camco Battery Box
Award: Best Budget
WHY WE LIKE IT: Camco offers a budget-friendly battery box that is corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and meets USCG regulations.
Read Full Review: Camco Regular 55362 Battery Box Group
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Best budget
- Corrosion-resistant design
- Meets USCG regulations
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- No external battery access
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The Camco battery box is perfect for anyone seeking out a budget battery box that is still durable enough to meet USCG regulations. The box’s lightweight, corrosion-resistant design is thanks to its polypropylene construction, helping to ensure that leaky batteries stay contained without making a mess. The Camco Battery Box is available in multiple sizes for fitting battery groups 24 – 31.
While the Camco doesn’t feature any external connectional terminals or smart features, we are also happy to see when a manufacturer includes something for no cost. The power station on these battery boxes include a woven hold-down strap and foot clamps for keeping your battery secured once it is inside. The best budget solution doesn’t mean that you need to lose out on functionality, and that certainly is the case with Camco. battery boxes are great for travelling, but what we don’t like are the accompanying chores, like having to clean the best car floor mats.
#4 Newport Vessels Smart Battery Box Power Center
Award: Best Features
WHY WE LIKE IT: Newport Vessels brings battery boxes to the 21st century thanks to the Power Center which features a plethora of external hookups, including USB charging ports.
Read Full Review: Newport Vessels Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center with USB and DC Ports
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Integrated USB charging port
- Integrated 12V accessory port
- Built-in LED battery meter
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Not USCG regulated
- Doesn’t fit extra-large batteries
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
If you’re seeking out a battery box that brims at the lid with exciting smart features, then the Newport Vessels’ Smart Battery Box Power Center is the option for you. Able to fit group 24 to 27 batteries, this battery box features both a built-in USB charging port and a 12V accessory port so that you can charge your devices on the go. This is one of the best battery boxes, and all connections are protected by integrated circuit breakers to protect electronics from damage. Additionally, the smart box has a built-in LED battery meter that allows you to keep an eye on your battery’s charge level with ease.
While the Newport Vessels battery box doesn’t feature any extreme durability features, its housing is waterproof – just not submersible. As such, the Smart Battery Box Power Center does not meet USCG regulations, making it hard to recommend for boating. However, as long as your battery isn’t too big, we could see the Newport Vessels being handy for use in RVs and on the road. The right battery will let you power the best car subwoofer and a whole lot more.
#5 Attwood Battery Box
Award: Best Rugged
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Attwood Battery Box is our most heavy-duty selection, able to handle extreme temperatures from -20° F to 120° F and acid spills, as well as over 350 lbs of force.
Read Full Review: Attwood 9067 1 Power Vented Battery
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Best heavy-duty battery box
- Straps withstand 350 lbs of force
- Meets USCG regulations
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- No external battery access
- Only fits group 27 size batteries
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The Attwood Battery Box offers an extra-rugged solution for group 27 size batteries thanks to its super-rugged design that can handle temperature down to -20 Fahrenheit and up to 120 Fahrenheit with ease. The box design is also completely resistant to acid spills, meaning that battery leaks are self-contained. Add on the tie-down strap able to withstand 350 pounds of force, and the Attwood is entirely USCG regulation approved – perfect for use on your next boating trip.
This Attwood Battery box is only designed to fit group 27 size batteries, so, unfortunately, if you have a larger size, you are out of luck. Smaller sizes are also not recommended due to an improper fit. As with other standard box units, the Attwood contains no external battery access and must be opened to access the battery terminals. Keeping your battery in top shape is important if you want the best car alarm to work.
How We Decided
All of the battery boxes on our list needed to meet strict criteria for inclusion based upon numerous factors, including overall battery size capacity, ruggedness, smart features, and met federal regulations. For a more disposable option, take a look at the best C batteries too.
Depending on the size of your battery, you may be able to use one battery box but not another. Smart boxes that include external hookups or battery meters can make your life all the bit easier by removing the need to carry additional accessories. Additionally, utilizing battery boxes on a boat will require that you meet the United States Coast Guard federal safety regulations.
All of our battery box selections are aimed at fitting the most common size batteries, including group size 24 and group size 27, making the hunt for the perfect box all the bit easier. Additionally, each box we selected has a level of ruggedness appropriate for carrying acid batteries without worry. Smart features aren’t available on all battery boxes, but for the smart boxes that we selected, we ensured that they all offered a built-in battery meter, external battery connection terminals, and at least one 12V accessory outlet.
Regulations set forth by the United States Coast Guard should be met by any boxes that will be used on boats. We highlighted the selections in our list that meet USCG regulations so that you know which products will be safe with you out at sea – or what should stay on dry land.
Battery Box Buyer’s Guide
Top Features
- Battery Size: Batteries come in varying sizes, and it is essential to purchase a box that will adequately accommodate your source of power. If your box is bigger, you might want to take a look at the best D batteries too. Selecting a box too small will result in an unusable box, while a box that is too large won’t secure the contents properly. Check the size of your battery and the capacity of the battery box before making a final selection. If you have AAs, read about the best rechargeable AAs.
- Ruggedness: While some battery boxes are merely able to hold batteries for travel, others can allow them to thrive in extreme conditions such as hot cabins or freezing boatyards. If you will be storing your battery for a period, it is essential that the box features resistance to acids; otherwise, you’ll find yourself with a nasty spill.
- Smart Features: It is the 21st century, and some battery boxes have adapted as such, featuring built-in battery meters and external connections for hooking up devices quickly. If you want to use your battery while in the box, search for a battery box with external leads, if charging a smartphone or tablet is on your mind, select a box with external USB ports or accessory ports to enable quick charging.
- Regulations: Planning on setting out to sea? Ensure that the battery box you are selecting meets the United States Coast Guard safety regulations. These boxes offer higher-durability ratings, secure tie-downs, and other rugged features that make them boat-friendly.
