Osmo Action Battery Smart Charger for DJI Osmo Action Camera Review

The Osmo Action Battery Smart Charger delivers fast, reliable charging for DJI Osmo Action cameras, ensuring minimal downtime during shoots. With intelligent battery management and dual-slot charging, it maximizes efficiency while protecting battery health—ideal for content creators on the move. Compact, durable, and travel-ready, it’s a must-have accessory for serious Osmo users.

Key Takeaways

• Fast charging: Fully charges two batteries in under 90 minutes.
• Smart LED indicators: Real-time status updates prevent overcharging.
• Compact design: Portable and travel-friendly for on-the-go use.
• Universal compatibility: Works with all DJI Osmo Action camera models.
• Built-in safety: Protects against short-circuit, overheat, and voltage spikes.
• Cost-effective: Extends battery lifespan with optimized charging cycles.

Why You Need a Smart Charger for Your DJI Osmo Action Camera

Let’s be honest: nothing ruins a perfect filming session faster than a dead battery. Whether you’re capturing your first skydive, hiking a mountain trail, or just vlogging your weekend adventures, your DJI Osmo Action camera is only as good as its battery life. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been caught mid-shot, watching that red low-battery icon flash on the screen—cue the frustration.

That’s where the Osmo Action Battery Smart Charger comes in. It’s not just another charging dock. It’s a game-changer for anyone who depends on their action cam for extended shoots, travel, or content creation. After using it for several months across different scenarios—from weekend camping trips to full-day vlogging marathons—I’ve learned what makes this charger stand out, and where it still has room to improve. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: how it works, what it does well, and whether it’s worth the investment for your setup.

What Is the Osmo Action Battery Smart Charger?

The Osmo Action Battery Smart Charger is an official DJI accessory designed specifically for the Osmo Action 3 and Action 4 cameras. Unlike basic charging docks or third-party options, this charger is engineered to work seamlessly with DJI’s battery technology, offering smart charging features that go beyond just plugging in and waiting.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the charger feels solid. It’s made of a matte-finish plastic that’s lightweight but doesn’t feel flimsy. The compact design (about the size of a small smartphone) makes it easy to toss into a camera bag or even a large pocket. There are two battery slots, which is a big win for anyone who uses multiple batteries. The slots are clearly labeled, and the battery orientation is intuitive—no fiddling or guessing.

Each slot has a small LED indicator: red for charging, green for fully charged. The front also has a USB-C input port and a small status light to show power flow. It’s minimalist, functional, and doesn’t take up space on your desk or travel kit.

Compatibility

Officially, this charger supports:

• DJI Osmo Action 3
• DJI Osmo Action 4
• DJI Osmo Action 3/4 batteries (the same battery model)

Note: It does not support the original Osmo Action (1st gen) or Action 2. So if you’re upgrading from an older model, double-check your battery type. The Action 3 and 4 batteries are slightly larger and have a different connector, so this charger won’t work with earlier versions.

One thing I love: the charger recognizes the battery type and adjusts charging accordingly. No risk of overcharging or undercharging, even if you mix batteries with different charge levels.

Smart Charging Technology

Here’s where the “smart” in smart charger comes into play. The device uses a microprocessor to monitor battery temperature, voltage, and charge cycles. It adjusts the charging current in real time to optimize speed and battery health.

For example, when I first insert a completely drained battery, it starts charging at a lower current to prevent overheating. As the battery reaches ~50%, it ramps up. Near full charge, it slows down again to avoid stress on the cells. This is called multi-stage charging, and it’s a big deal for long-term battery lifespan.

DJI claims this can extend battery cycle life by up to 20% compared to basic chargers. While I can’t measure that exactly, I’ve noticed my batteries hold charge better after 6 months of regular use—no noticeable drop in performance.

Charging Speed and Efficiency

Speed matters, especially when you’re on the go. Let’s talk real-world performance.

Single vs. Dual Battery Charging

The charger can handle one or two batteries at a time. Here’s how it performs:

• One battery: From 0% to 100% in about 70–75 minutes
• Two batteries (simultaneously): Around 90–100 minutes

The slight delay with dual charging makes sense—power is shared between slots. But it’s still impressively fast. I tested this by charging two fully drained batteries after a full day of hiking. I plugged it in at 6:00 PM and by 7:30 PM, both were ready to go. That’s a huge relief when you’re prepping for another shoot the next morning.

Charging Source Flexibility

The charger uses USB-C input, which means you can power it from:

• A wall adapter (like your phone charger)
• A laptop or desktop USB-C port
• A power bank (especially useful for outdoor use)
• A car charger (with USB-C output)

This flexibility is a major plus. On a recent trip, I used a 20,000mAh power bank to charge both my phone and the Osmo charger. The power bank lasted through two full dual-battery cycles—perfect for a weekend off-grid.

Pro tip: Use a 30W or higher USB-C charger for best results. A 18W charger works, but charging times increase by 15–20%. I noticed this when I accidentally used an older iPhone adapter—took over 110 minutes for two batteries.

Heat Management

One concern with fast charging is heat. Lithium-ion batteries degrade faster when they get too hot. The smart charger includes a built-in temperature sensor that reduces charging speed if the battery gets warm.

In my tests, the charger and batteries stayed cool—no more than slightly warm to the touch. Even after 90 minutes of continuous charging, nothing felt hot. This gives me confidence that the batteries aren’t being stressed.

Compare that to a third-party charger I once used, which made the battery too hot to hold after 45 minutes. Not a good sign. The Osmo smart charger handles heat like a pro.

Real-World Use: How It Performs in Different Scenarios

Specs are great, but how does it hold up when you actually need it? Let’s dive into real situations.

Outdoor Adventures and Travel

On a 3-day backpacking trip through the Rockies, I carried the charger, a 30W USB-C wall plug, and a 20,000mAh power bank. My plan: charge batteries at camp each evening.

Each day, I used both batteries—about 4–5 hours of recording (mixed 4K/60fps and 1080p/120fps). I’d plug in the charger around 7:00 PM, and by 8:30 PM, both were ready. The power bank had enough juice to handle this every night with 20% to spare.

The compact size meant it fit in my camera pouch with room for spare memory cards. No bulk, no hassle.

Content Creation and Vlogging

As a weekend vlogger, I often shoot 6–8 hours straight. I use a battery grip (which holds one battery), but I need backups. The smart charger lives on my desk, and I charge batteries overnight.

One night, I forgot to charge. No problem. I used my laptop’s USB-C port to charge one battery during a 90-minute editing session. It reached 85% by the time I was done—enough for a quick afternoon shoot.

Another time, I was editing on a flight. I plugged the charger into the plane’s USB-C outlet and charged one battery while watching a movie. Small convenience, big impact.

Event Filming (Weddings, Sports, etc.)

I helped a friend film a local marathon. We had three Osmo Action 4 cameras running all day. We charged batteries during breaks using a portable power station and the smart charger.

Here’s a tip: use color-coded battery cases or labels. We had red, blue, and green cases for each camera’s batteries. It made swapping and tracking so much easier. The charger’s LED indicators helped us quickly see which ones were ready.

We charged six batteries total (three per camera) over two sessions. The smart charger handled the load smoothly, with no overheating or errors.

Traveling Internationally

On a trip to Europe, I used a universal travel adapter with USB-C. The charger worked flawlessly with 220V outlets. No issues with voltage or frequency. The USB-C input is truly universal—no need for a voltage converter.

Just remember: some hotel rooms have weak USB ports. Always plug into a wall outlet when possible for faster charging.

How It Compares to Other Charging Options

You’ve got choices. Let’s see how the Osmo smart charger stacks up.

DJI Osmo Action Camera In-Body Charging

Both the Action 3 and Action 4 support USB-C charging through the camera. You can plug directly into the camera and charge the battery while it’s installed.

Pros:

• Convenient for quick top-ups
• No extra accessories needed

Cons:

• Only charges one battery at a time
• Takes longer (90–110 minutes per battery)
• You can’t use the camera while charging (unless you have a battery grip)

Bottom line: great for emergencies, but not ideal for heavy users. The smart charger is faster and more efficient for bulk charging.

Third-Party Charging Docks

There are several third-party options on Amazon and eBay—often half the price of the DJI charger.

I tested one popular $20 model. It charged two batteries in about 85 minutes—close to the DJI speed. But there were red flags:

• No temperature control—battery got warm after 40 minutes
• LEDs were confusing (blinking red meant “charging,” solid red meant “error”)
• One battery failed to charge after three uses

DJI’s charger may cost more (around $49), but the build quality, safety features, and reliability are worth it. Think of it like buying a name-brand phone charger vs. a no-name one—peace of mind matters.

DIY Solutions (Power Banks + USB Cables)

You could just use a power bank and charge batteries through the camera. But:

• You lose camera usability during charging
• It’s slower
• No dual-battery charging

The smart charger gives you dedicated, simultaneous charging without tying up your cameras. For pros or frequent travelers, it’s a no-brainer.

Pros, Cons, and Final Verdict

After months of use, here’s my honest take.

The Good

• Fast and smart charging: 70–75 minutes per battery, with adaptive current control
• Dual-battery support: Charge two at once—huge time-saver
• Compact and portable: Fits in any camera bag or backpack
• Safe and reliable: Temperature monitoring, overcharge protection, DJI quality
• USB-C powered: Works with power banks, laptops, cars, and wall adapters
• Clear status LEDs: Easy to see charge level at a glance

The Not-So-Good

• Price: At $49, it’s more expensive than third-party options (but justified by quality)
• Limited compatibility: Only works with Action 3 and 4 batteries—no backward support
• No battery level display: LEDs show charging status, but not exact percentage (e.g., 50% vs. 80%)
• No built-in power bank: You need a separate power source (though this keeps it lightweight)

Who Should Buy It?

• Frequent travelers: If you’re always on the move, this charger saves time and hassle
• Content creators: Vloggers, YouTubers, and filmmakers who need reliable, fast charging
• Outdoor adventurers: Hikers, bikers, skiers—anyone who films in remote areas
• Multi-camera users: If you run more than one Osmo Action, dual charging is a lifesaver

Who Might Skip It?

• Casual users: If you only shoot 1–2 hours per week, in-body charging may be enough
• Owners of older Osmo models: Not compatible with Action 1 or 2
• Budget-focused buyers: If you’re okay with slower, less safe third-party options

Data Table: Charging Performance Summary

Scenario	Batteries Charged	Charging Time	Power Source	Notes
Full charge (0% → 100%)	1	70–75 min	30W wall adapter	Optimal speed
Full charge (0% → 100%)	2	90–100 min	30W wall adapter	Slightly slower due to shared power
Top-up (30% → 85%)	1	35 min	20,000mAh power bank	Great for quick boosts
Full charge	1	90 min	18W wall adapter	Slower due to lower input
Full charge	2	110 min	18W wall adapter	Not recommended for frequent use
Charging on laptop	1	80–85 min	Laptop USB-C port	Convenient for editing breaks

Final Thoughts: Is the Osmo Action Battery Smart Charger Worth It?

After using the Osmo Action Battery Smart Charger across multiple real-world scenarios, I can confidently say it’s one of the best accessories you can buy for your DJI Osmo Action 3 or 4.

It’s not just about speed—though charging two batteries in under 100 minutes is impressive. It’s about peace of mind. Knowing your batteries are charging safely, efficiently, and without risk of damage makes a huge difference when you’re out in the field.

The smart charging technology protects your investment. Batteries last longer, perform better, and don’t overheat. The dual-slot design means you’re never stuck waiting. And the USB-C flexibility lets you charge anywhere—no need to hunt for a wall outlet.

Yes, it’s more expensive than third-party options. But when you consider the build quality, safety features, and seamless compatibility, the price is justified. This isn’t a gadget—it’s a tool that helps you capture more, worry less, and create without limits.

If you’re serious about your Osmo Action camera—whether you’re a weekend warrior, a travel vlogger, or a professional filmmaker—the smart charger is a smart investment. It won’t make your footage better, but it will make your life easier. And in the world of action cameras, that’s priceless.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Osmo Action Battery Smart Charger, and how does it work?

The Osmo Action Battery Smart Charger is a dedicated charging station for DJI Osmo Action cameras. It charges batteries sequentially via USB-C, featuring LED indicators to display charging status and prevent overcharging.

Can I charge multiple Osmo Action batteries simultaneously with this smart charger?

Yes, this Osmo Action Battery Smart Charger supports dual-bay charging, allowing you to charge two batteries one after another. The first battery charges to 100% before the second begins, optimizing battery health.

Is the charger compatible with all DJI Osmo Action camera models?

Yes, it works with all DJI Osmo Action series batteries, including Action 1, 2, 3, and 4. The charger auto-detects battery type for safe, efficient charging.

How long does it take to fully charge an Osmo Action battery using this charger?

Each battery typically takes around 90 minutes to reach full charge, depending on remaining capacity. The smart charger adjusts current to speed up initial charging and slow down near full capacity.

Does the Osmo Action Battery Smart Charger support fast charging?

Yes, when used with a 10W+ USB-C power adapter (sold separately), it enables fast charging. This reduces downtime, making it ideal for action-packed adventures.

Is the charger safe for travel, and does it have built-in protections?

Absolutely. The charger includes over-voltage, over-current, and short-circuit protection. Its compact design and 100-240V input make it suitable for global travel.