Battery Monitoring
Victron SmartShunt vs BMV 712 – Which is Better?
Compare battery monitors to choose the right one for your campervan system.
Quick Answer
SmartShunt is the modern choice for new builds.
BMV 712 is older but still reliable if you prefer a dedicated LCD screen.
Feature Comparison
SmartShunt 500A/50mV
Price: £150-180
Display: None (app only)
Bluetooth: Built-in, excellent range
Monitoring: Full VictronConnect ecosystem
Installation: Simpler (no display cable)
Best For: Modern tech-savvy users
BMV 712 Smart
Price: £200-250
Display: 5-inch LCD screen included
Bluetooth: Via optional dongle
Monitoring: App + physical display
Installation: Extra cable to mount
Best For: Physical readout preferred
Key Differences
Why SmartShunt Makes Sense
If you already have your phone in the van (which you do), the SmartShunt is smarter because:
- No extra display to install or wire
- Check battery anytime from your phone
- Integrates with MPPT, DC-DC, and MultiPlus
- £50 cheaper than BMV 712
- Bluetooth works reliably in vans
- Modern smart system you can expand
When to Choose BMV 712
Choose BMV 712 if:
- You want a physical display always visible
- You don't want to rely on phone battery for monitoring
- You like having a dedicated instrument panel
- You're upgrading an older system
Our Recommendation
SmartShunt for most campervans.
It's simpler, cheaper, and integrates beautifully with the rest of your Victron system. We install SmartShunt on all our new systems.
What We Install
All our complete electrical kits include a Victron SmartShunt battery monitor as standard.