CTEK NXT 5 review: is the new smart charger worth the upgrade?
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The MXS 5.0 has been the gold standard for years — now the CTEK NXT 5 steps in with a fresh design, better battery logic and support for lithium tech. But is it an upgrade you need or just a nice-to-have?
The CTEK MXS 5.0 smart car charger has become so ubiquitous it feels like it's been around forever. It's a device used by automotive enthusiasts the world over, from car collectors and racing drivers, to campervan enthusiasts and emergency services.
It is, without doubt, one of the best car chargers you can buy - and it's just been upgraded.
The new version is called the CTEK NXT 5, and it looks pretty similar. It's all black now, instead of a pleasant gunmetal grey, but there are some important differences under the skin.
To start with, it can work more intelligently with more battery types. With an increase of cars being fitted with lithium batteries now, this is an important step.
Its algorithm is cleverer too. It can analyse the battery status more effectively and cycle through the various programmes more cleverly.
The reconditioning mode that many people covet on the MXS 5.0 is now even better. The diagnostic system is more advanced, and this means the desulphation and maintenance modes are more effective.
The NXT 5 has also been simplified. Not that the MXS 5.0 needed a degree in mechanical engineering or anything, but the LED layout is now simpler, and easier to check at a glance.
Aside from these key differences, the recipe that draws so many people to CTEK has been left largely untouched. It's still a "connect and forget" smart charger that does all the thinking for you, it's still brilliant at repairing, charging, and maintaining a car or bike battery, and it's still got the brilliant Connect-U system.
You probably won't be surprised to learn it's quite a bit more expensive than its predecessor, though. While the MXS 5.0 is now fairly easy to buy at around £79.95, the new NXT 5 is tricky to find below around £120. Here's one on Amazon for £116.75.
And that's pretty much the only fly in the ointment. It absolutely is a worthy successor for the MXS 5.0, and I don't doubt it'll be every bit as popular, but unless you have a lithium battery, or you really want the smarter tech, it doesn't really offer that much over its sibling.
And, it has to be said, if you're a car collector with a dozen classics in your stable, the price difference will start to sting a bit more.
But it's good to see CTEK aren't resting on their laurels, and they’re still keen on innovating and moving the game on. The NXT 5 brings the best charger in the business bang up to date, and it's well worth a look if you're the sort that likes to buy the best.
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