The maintenance station for anyone serious about their batteries
Photographers, families with a large stock of AA and AAA cells, and DIYers using C or D batteries: the Powerline 5 Pro is aimed at anyone who wants not just to recharge NiMH and NiCd batteries, but also to test them, maintain them and extend their useful life.
AAA to D and a 9V block: rare versatility for a NiMH charger
The Powerline 5 Pro accepts the AAA, AA, C and D formats (up to four at once, mixing sizes) as well as a 9V block in a dedicated slot. This coverage of the C and D formats sets the unit apart from most consumer battery chargers, which are usually limited to AA and AAA only. The limit to bear in mind is chemical rather than dimensional: the unit only charges NiMH and NiCd, with no Li-ion or IMR compatibility, unlike a versatile charger such as the Nitecore i2, which can cover both families.
Adjustable current and programs that genuinely work
The charge current adjusts from 200 to 1800 mA, with levels that depend on how many cells are being charged at once (up to 1800 mA across two slots, less if all four are in use). Each slot is controlled individually, both for the mode and for the current. The four programs, standard charge, discharge then charge, capacity test and refresh, are not just marketing claims: the test program returns capacity readings consistent with the manufacturer's data for the cells tested, and the refresh mode can revive batteries weakened by several full discharge and recharge cycles. This is one of the most complete function sets available on a round-cell charger.
A full LCD display, held back by its small screen
The backlit LCD screen shows, for each slot, the voltage, the charge or discharge current, the elapsed time and the status (charging, full, faulty). That is a genuine wealth of information, well beyond a simple LED indicator. The weak point lies in the size of this screen, which is genuinely small and hard to read from an oblique angle or without good lighting, to the point that a magnifying glass or reading glasses can be useful for reading the figures with confidence. Another detail missing from the product's usual presentation: a USB port sits on the back of the unit and can charge a phone or tablet in addition to charging batteries.
Standard protections, with no overheating issues
The unit includes protection against reverse polarity, short circuits and overcharging, with an automatic cut-off at the end of the cycle. Unlike other battery chargers on the market, no overheating or unusual heat build-up comes up in the available usage feedback for this model, a reassuring point for a device that may end up left charging for several hours without continuous supervision.
Generally solid reliability, with a few isolated failures
The brand has an established reputation in the rechargeable battery world, and the Powerline 5 Pro benefits from a high rate of positive feedback across a large volume of sales. Several years of fault-free use are common. Two types of isolated failure do exist, however: on one unit, a charging slot stopped working after several months of use and was handled quickly and without argument by after-sales support, and on another unit, a power adapter failed after a little under two years. Both cases remain isolated against the broader volume of largely positive feedback, but are worth knowing about. The manufacturer's 3 year warranty covers this type of incident.
Up against the other battery chargers in the selection
Priced at around $70-80, here's how this charger compares with other popular battery chargers.
| Criterion | Ansmann Powerline 5 Pro | Nitecore i2 | Panasonic Eneloop BQ-CC55 | Varta LCD Smart Charger+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formats | AAA/AA/C/D/9V | Li-ion + NiMH/NiCd, AA to D | AA/AAA | AA/AAA |
| LCD screen | Yes (small) | No (LED) | No (4 LEDs) | Yes |
| Adjustable current | Yes, 200 to 1800 mA | No | No | No |
| Advanced functions | Discharge, test, refresh | None | No | No |
| Observed price | $70-80 | ≈ $22 | ≈ $43 | ≈ $47 |
The Nitecore i2 costs around a third of the price and wins on Li-ion compatibility, but has no maintenance or adjustment functions at all. The Eneloop BQ-CC55 and Varta LCD Smart Charger+ are limited to AA/AAA formats and do not match the functional range of the Powerline 5 Pro. For anyone who genuinely wants to test, maintain and extend the life of a varied stock of batteries, the Powerline 5 Pro remains the benchmark in this selection.
