Battery chargers for AA, AAA and 18650
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Our selection
Nitecore IntelliCharger i2 Charger
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A rugged, versatile charger that charges two cells at once, even of different types, from 18650 Li-ion to AA NiMH, with automatic chemistry detection.
- Charge: 1000 mA max (500 mA on 2 bays)
- Bays: 2 independent bays
- Compatibility: Li-ion/IMR (18650, 26650...) + NiMH/NiCd (AA, AAA, D)
- Auto chemistry detection, rugged, mains or 12V
The Nitecore IntelliCharger i2 is a universal charger that recharges two cells simultaneously, even of different types or sizes. It automatically detects the chemistry (Li-ion/IMR or NiMH/NiCd) and adapts the charge. It accepts a wide range of formats: Li-ion 26650, 22650, 18650, 18350, 17670, 14500, 10440, 16340/RCR123, plus NiMH/NiCd AA, AAA, AAAA and D cells. Simple, safe and tough, it runs on mains or a 12V car socket. Ideal for users of torches and 18650 cells.
The Nitecore IntelliCharger i2 is certainly not the newest or most sophisticated battery charger, but after testing more than 10 chargers of different brands and formats, our team kept this one for its simplicity and durability. It recharges the most common rechargeable formats without any trouble. Extremely solid and long-lasting (we have been using one at the office almost daily since 2014, and it still works without a hitch despite several drops). Protected against overheating and reverse polarity, it stops automatically when the cell is charged or after 10 hours of charging. We also appreciate that it can be powered via a car cigarette-lighter cable, which makes it even more versatile. In short, it only has small LEDs to show charging progress rather than a fancy LCD screen, it is rather rustic, but it is far better and less temperamental than most mains chargers on the market.
Olight UC Magnetic USB Charger
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Particularly clever, this small charger from Olight is able to recharge almost any cylindrical battery, via USB.
- Charge: 750mA via USB
- Slot: Charges a single battery at a time
- Compatibility: Lithium IMR/Li-ion, Nickel (Ni-MH/Ni-Cd)
- Ultra compact, universal (charges more than 30 battery types)
This minimalist battery charger was designed by Olight (a brand specializing in flashlights and torches). Powered via USB, it is able to charge a very wide range of different batteries and cells, as long as they are Lithium or NiMH/NiCD type and cylindrical in shape, with a current of 750mA. Shaped like a Y, it has a USB plug on one end, and on the other, 2 magnetic tips that attach to your battery's two poles thanks to two magnets.
Since the launch of this small battery charger, several brands have released a magnetic charger with a similar design. We've had the chance to test 4 others, and none is as good and versatile as the one from Olight. Nothing beats the original, then. Able to charge almost any cylindrical battery, this smart charger detects the battery's technology and charges it accordingly. Basically, it can charge any cylindrical lithium battery with a voltage of 3.6V/3.7V and any cylindrical NiMh cell with a voltage of 1.2V/1.5V. It's hard to get more versatile than this tiny device, which will find its place anywhere thanks to its feather-light weight of 20.5g, for example in an EDC kit or a Bug Out Bag. One of the best chargers on the market, and one of the Best Batteries team's favorites! (Would have scored 5/5 if several colors had been offered.)
Varta LCD Smart Charger+
$43.72 (28)
Clear LCD screen, handy USB power and 4 AA cells included: the good all-round compromise for the home.
- Formats: AA/AAA (NiMH)
- Screen: LCD (state, time left)
- Input: USB, 4 slots
- Included: 4 AA 2100mAh cells
- LCD screen and USB charging, 4 cells included
The Varta LCD Smart Charger+ is a straightforward smart charger for AA and AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries. It charges up to 4 cells with individual management of each slot, and its LCD screen clearly shows charge state and remaining time, cell by cell. Powered by a USB cable, it plugs into a mains socket, a computer or a power bank. Automatic detection and protections ensure safe charging. Supplied with 4 Varta AA 2100mAh cells, it is a versatile, readable set, ready to use straight from the box.
In use you quickly grasp what its formula is after: the LCD screen is genuinely pleasant, you see at a glance where each cell stands and how much time is left, no more guessing. The USB power is well thought out, we even used it on a power bank over a weekend. Individual charging lets you mix AA and AAA without trouble. The 4 supplied cells help you get started. Let us be honest about the limits: charging is not the fastest, and some of the included cells age less well than premium eneloop. It is not aimed at users chasing speed or fine analysis functions, but at everyday family use. But for versatile family use, with a clear screen and the flexibility of USB, it does the job very well at a reasonable price.
MiBoxer C4 Charger
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The MiBoxer C4 charges 4 cells at once, shows voltage, current and capacity on its LCD screen, and even handles LiFePO4: the clever universal charger.
- Bays: 4 independent bays, discharge/test on the 4th
- Compatibility: Li-ion/IMR/INR/ICR, LiFePO4 (3.6V), NiMH/NiCd
- Current: Up to 1.5A per bay, adjustable
- Power: Mains 90-260V or 12V (car)
- 4 independent bays, LiFePO4 support and detailed LCD
The MiBoxer C4 is a universal charger with 4 independent bays, able to recharge Li-ion, IMR, INR and LiFePO4 (3.6V) cells as well as NiMH and NiCd batteries in AA, AAA and C formats. Its LCD screen shows, for each bay, the voltage, current, internal resistance and measured capacity. Powered from mains (90-260V) or 12V (car), it reaches up to 1.5A per bay, and the 4th bay adds a discharge/test function. A complete tool for anyone juggling several cell types.
We tested the MiBoxer C4 for several weeks with a mix of vaping 18650 cells, NiMH AA batteries and a 3.6V LiFePO4 cell salvaged from an emergency light. First essential step: select LiFePO4 mode with the MODE button before charging, otherwise the charger defaults to Li-ion 4.2V. Once that habit is in place, the LCD screen is genuinely useful: voltage, current, internal resistance and real capacity show up bay by bay, and the discharge function on the 4th slot lets you check whether an old cell still holds up before tossing it. Dual mains/12V power is handy when travelling. One honest downside: several users, us included on a smaller scale, report a screen failure after a few weeks to a few months of heavy use, though customer support was responsive. For regular but not constant use, the C4 remains a solid, versatile companion.
Panasonic Eneloop Pro BQ-CC65 Charger
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The most complete eneloop charger: detailed LCD screen, individual charging for 1 to 4 batteries, Refresh mode and a USB port to top up a device.
- Screen: 3 inch LCD (V, mAh, Wh)
- Slots: 4, individual charging
- Functions: Refresh, 5V USB output
- Charge: Fast, ~2h for 2 AA pro
- Full LCD screen and Refresh mode, the most advanced eneloop
The Panasonic Eneloop Pro BQ-CC65 is the most advanced charger in the eneloop range. Its LCD screen shows the voltage, capacity and remaining charge time of each AA or AAA battery inserted, from 1 to 4 at once. The Refresh mode brings tired batteries back to life by fully discharging then recharging them, and a USB output can top up a smartphone whenever no battery is charging. Automatic end of charge detection protects each cell individually.
In-depth reviewRead our full review →
4.1/5
We tested this charger for several weeks with a mixed batch of old and new eneloop pro AA and AAA batteries, and the LCD screen really changes things: you can see the voltage of each cell at a glance, its restored capacity in mAh, and above all you spot a tired cell before you even start charging it. The Refresh mode gave a real second wind to old batteries that had been sitting in a drawer for months, with a measurable capacity gain. Individual per-slot charging is a genuine plus: you can mix AA and AAA without a second thought. The USB port for topping up a phone is handy, even though it pauses battery charging while it is in use. The only real downsides are the price, well above basic chargers, and a faint hum while charging. On a few badly worn batteries, detection can also be a bit temperamental. It still remains the most complete and informative eneloop charger on the market, built for anyone who genuinely takes care of their rechargeable batteries.
Nitecore UMS4 Charger
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The four-bay big brother of the UM2: the Nitecore UMS4 charges four cells at once over USB, up to 3A per bay, with a large and very complete LCD screen.
- Bays: 4 independent bays
- Charging: USB QC input, up to 3A per bay (4A total)
- Display: LCD: voltage, current, capacity, health
- Compatibility: Li-ion 10440 to 26650 + NiMH AA/AAA
- Four cells at once with detailed LCD monitoring
The Nitecore UMS4 is a smart four-bay charger that plugs in over USB. With a Quick Charge adapter, it delivers up to 3A on a single bay, or 4A shared across the four. Its large LCD screen shows the voltage, current, charged capacity, cell type and health of each cell in real time. It automatically detects the chemistry and accepts a wide range of formats: Li-ion/IMR/LiFePO4 from 10440 to 26650 (18650, 20700, 21700...) plus NiMH AA and AAA batteries. The reference for charging and monitoring several cells at once.
The UMS4 is the charger we keep on the bench when juggling a lot of cells. Four bays, a large and very complete LCD screen that shows, for each cell, voltage, current, charged capacity, type and health, and fast charging that reaches up to 3A on one bay with a Quick Charge adapter. It swallows the 18650, 21700 and 26650 cells of flashlights without complaint, and also takes AA and AAA NiMH. We like its simplicity: one USB source, and everything reads at a glance. Two honest reservations: you need a good QC adapter to get the full 4A total, and there is no clean cut-off without unplugging. But for charging and monitoring four cells at once, it remains a safe bet.
XTAR VC4
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A charger that tells you everything: the XTAR VC4 charges 4 Li-ion or Ni-MH cells at once and shows voltage, current and capacity on its LCD screen. The reference for cell enthusiasts.
- Slots: 4 (independent)
- Compatibility: Li-ion and Ni-MH (18650, AA, AAA...)
- Display: LCD screen (voltage, current, capacity)
- Power: USB
- 4 cells at once with informative LCD screen
The XTAR VC4 is a smart 4-slot charger, compatible with rechargeable Li-ion and Ni-MH cells in many formats (18650, 26650, 21700, AA, AAA...). Its LCD screen shows in real time the voltage, current, capacity and status of each cell, making it a valuable tool to monitor and maintain your batteries. It charges each slot independently, stops automatically at full charge and can revive deeply discharged cells. USB-powered, it is a versatile, reliable charger, popular with torch users, vapers and electronics enthusiasts.
Ansmann Powerline 5 Pro charger
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The charging and reconditioning station for enthusiasts: all formats (AA to D, 9V), LCD screen and test, discharge and refresh programs to maintain your batteries.
- Formats: AA/AAA/C/D and 9V
- Screen: LCD, adjustable current
- Functions: Charge, discharge, test, refresh
- Slots: Individual charging
- Multi-format maintenance station with LCD
The Ansmann Powerline 5 Pro is a premium charger and a true maintenance station for NiMH and NiCd batteries. It accepts all round battery formats (AA, AAA, C, D) as well as 9V blocks, and manages each slot individually. Its LCD screen shows each battery's state, and its four programs (charge, discharge, capacity test, refresh) let you maintain and revive tired cells. The charge current is adjustable. It is the ideal tool for photographers, DIYers and enthusiasts who want to get the most from their batteries.
For anyone who takes rechargeable batteries seriously, the Powerline 5 Pro is a little gem. We put it to the test with a stock of AA and AAA cells of various ages, and the capacity test function identified those ready for retirement, while the refresh program revived several we thought were dead. Being able to charge D and 9V on the same device is real comfort when you have varied needs. The LCD screen is readable and finally gives concrete figures. Two caveats: it is noticeably pricier and bulkier than a simple charger, and getting to grips with the programs needs a glance at the manual. But to maintain a fleet of cells over time, it is an investment that quickly pays off.
XTAR VC4L
$29.77 (17)
The XTAR VC4L charges up to 4 Li-ion or NiMH batteries over USB-C, with an LCD screen showing voltage, current and capacity for each bay.
- Bays: 4 independent bays
- Power input: USB-C, 5V/2.1A
- Charging current: 1A max (CH1 & CH4), 0.5A otherwise
- Compatibility: Li-ion 10440 to 32650 (protected 21700) + NiMH AA/AAA
- Detailed LCD screen, supports protected 21700 cells
The XTAR VC4L is a universal 4-bay charger for Li-ion batteries (10440 to 32650, including protected 21700 cells) and NiMH AA/AAA batteries. Powered over USB-C, it automatically detects each battery's chemistry and shows voltage, current and charged capacity for every bay on its LCD screen. Each channel charges at up to 1A independently. Compact and easy to use, it is a solid everyday charger for anyone juggling several battery formats.
The VC4L earned a spot in our charger drawer for topping up both the 18650s from our flashlights and the AA batteries from our controllers. First nice surprise: it plugs in via USB-C, just like our phones, so no need to hunt for a proprietary cable. The LCD screen is clear, with each bay showing its own voltage and current at a glance, handy for spotting a cell that charges slower than the others. We liked being able to mix a protected 21700 and two NiMH batteries in the same batch without any issue. The one real downside: as soon as you use the middle bays, all four channels drop to 0.5A, so a full charge of 4 batteries can easily take well over two hours. We also missed an internal resistance test, useful for sorting out ageing cells. For everyday use on a tight budget, the VC4L remains a reliable, easy-to-read charger that we recommend without hesitation to anyone who does not need advanced analysis tools.
Xtar VC8 Charger
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Eight cells at once: the Xtar VC8 charges, tests and grades up to eight 18650 or 21700 cells over USB-C, with a large and very detailed LCD screen.
- Bays: 8 independent bays
- Charging: USB-C QC3.0, up to 3A (1 cell)
- Display: LCD: voltage, current, capacity, resistance
- Functions: Charge, capacity test, grading
- Eight cells at once with detailed analysis
The Xtar VC8 is a smart eight-bay charger for large sets of cells. It recharges over USB-C with QC3.0 fast charging and delivers up to 3A on a single bay, with five selectable currents (0.25 to 3A). Its large LCD screen shows the voltage, current, capacity and internal resistance of each cell, and offers capacity-test and grading functions. It accepts Li-ion cells from 10440 to 26650 (18650, 20700, 21700...) plus NiMH AA, AAA and C batteries. The reference for charging and analysing many cells.
The VC8 is the charger for heavy cell users: eight bays, enough to recharge a whole set of 18650 and 21700 cells at once, without multiplying chargers. We like its large LCD screen, which shows, for each cell, voltage, current, capacity and internal resistance, plus a capacity-test and grading function, valuable for sorting cells by health. USB-C power and the choice of five currents (0.25 to 3A) make it versatile, nursing small cells or speeding up big ones. Two honest reservations: with eight bays it is logically bulky on a desk, and to get the full 3A you need a good QC adapter. But for charging and above all analysing many cells, it has few rivals at this price.
Xtar L4 Pro
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The XTAR L4 Pro charges AA/AAA NiMH and 1.5V Li-ion batteries over USB-C, and goes further: its refresh mode revives tired or deeply discharged rechargeables.
- Slots: 4 (independent)
- Compatibility: AA/AAA: NiMH 1.2V and Li-ion 1.5V
- Power input: USB-C 5V/2A (cable included)
- Functions: Discharge, refresh, 0V activation
- Revives tired or deeply discharged NiMH cells
The XTAR L4 Pro is a smart four-slot charger for AA and AAA rechargeable batteries, compatible with 1.2V Ni-MH and 1.5V regulated Li-ion cells. It runs on USB-C power (mains adapter not included) and stands out for its full battery-health toolkit: discharge, refresh and 0V reactivation, bringing tired cells back to life instead of binning them. Unlike the XTAR VC4 and VC4SL, it does not charge cylindrical cells such as 18650.
We ran the L4 Pro for several weeks through a drawer full of AA and AAA cells of very different ages, some barely alive after months forgotten in a remote control. The Refresh mode clearly proved its worth: several cells we'd written off came back with decent capacity after a full cycle, though a deep regeneration can take the best part of a day. The four independent slots make it easy to mix formats and brands without a second thought, and the screen stays readable even though we missed the precise numeric readouts of the VC4SL. One caveat several customer reviews confirm too: there's no mains adapter in the box, just the USB-C cable, so keep a phone charger handy. Some regulated 1.5V Li-ion cells from other brands also aren't always recognised (an Err message shows up). For charging and, above all, extending the life of a stock of everyday AA/AAA rechargeables, it's a smart, affordable pick.
GP ReCyko AR02 charger
$11.56 (11)
The clever entry-level charger: simple, compact and affordable, supplied with 2 ReCyko AA cells ready to use. Perfect to start with rechargeables.
- Formats: AA/AAA (NiMH)
- Slots: 2 to 4
- Included: 2 ReCyko AA 2000mAh cells
- Safety: Built-in protection
- Simple, affordable charger, 2 cells included
The GP ReCyko AR02 is an entry-level charger for AA and AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries. Simple and compact, it charges 2 or 4 batteries and plugs straight into the mains. It comes with 2 GP ReCyko AA 2000mAh cells already pre-charged, ready to use out of the box. With no screen or advanced functions, it focuses on the essentials: recharging your batteries simply and safely, at a low price. It is the ideal starting point to leave disposable batteries behind without breaking the bank.
We are not going to snub this little GP: for under $12.19 with two cells inside, it does the job without fuss. You plug it in, insert the batteries, the light comes on, and a few hours later everything is charged. The supplied ReCyko are stunning in shelf life, we found them nearly full in a controller after a whole summer. It is the charger we recommend without hesitation to someone still hesitating to switch to rechargeables. Of course, do not expect miracles: no screen, no fine individual charging, no test function. For serious use or a large fleet of cells, you will move up a range. But as a first charger or a backup, the value is unbeatable.
Xtar X4 Charger
See price and availability (10)
The Xtar X4 charges 4 Li-ion or NiMH cells at once, runs on mains or USB power, and turns into an emergency power bank thanks to its 5V USB output.
- Bays: 4 independent (2A max per 2)
- Power: Mains or micro-USB (2 inputs)
- Output: USB 5V/1A, power bank function
- Compatibility: Li-ion 10440-26650 + NiMH/NiCd
- 4 bays, mains power and USB power bank output
The Xtar X4 is a smart four-bay charger compatible with most Li-ion cells (10440 to 26650, including 18650 and 21700) and NiMH/NiCd batteries (AAA, AA...). Its LCD screen shows the voltage, charging current and charged capacity for each bay. It runs on mains power or micro-USB, and its 5V USB output lets you use an inserted cell to power up a phone or a torch as an emergency power bank.
The X4 has become our everyday desk charger since we unboxed it. Unlike the brand's basic VC4, this one plugs straight into the mains with its supplied cable, no need to hunt for a beefy USB adapter. The four cells charge fast: with two 18650s at once, it climbs to 2A and the charge is done in about ninety minutes. With all four bays loaded, the current automatically drops to 1A, charging takes longer but nothing overheats. The LCD screen is clear and finally gives useful numbers (voltage, current, charged capacity) instead of a single LED. The power bank function is handy in a pinch: unplug the mains cable, leave a charged cell in the fourth bay, and the USB port can bring a flat phone back to life. One honest downside: that output does not work while the charger is plugged into the mains, you have to unplug it first, which is not obvious the first time. For the price, it remains a solid, versatile charger, without the VC4SL's advanced analysis features.
Panasonic Eneloop BQ-CC55 charger
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The reference smart charger for AA and AAA NiMH batteries: per-slot charging, automatic detection and 4 eneloop batteries included.
- Formats: AA/AAA (NiMH)
- Slots: 4, individual charging
- Charge: Fast, ~3h for 4 AA
- Safety: Detection, overcharge protection
- Smart per-slot charging, 4 eneloop included
The Panasonic Eneloop BQ-CC55 is a smart charger for AA and AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries. It charges up to 4 batteries at once, with individual management of each slot: each cell is charged then monitored separately, which preserves their lifespan. Automatic detection and overcharge and overheat protections ensure safe charging. Fast (about 3 hours for 4 AA), compact and supplied with 4 eneloop 2000mAh batteries, it is the safe bet to equip the whole home.
We adopted it and we are not going back: this little Panasonic replaced all our disposable batteries. Per-slot individual charging really changes things, you can mix two AA and one AAA without a second thought, and each cell is treated according to its state. The supplied eneloop live up to their promise, you find them charged even after months in a drawer. Compact, quiet, it barely warms up. The only real complaint: no screen, just LEDs, so no precise info on capacity or remaining time, which is enough for home use but will frustrate enthusiasts. At this price, with 4 eneloop included, it is the best starting point to switch to rechargeable batteries.
Xtar VC4SL Charger
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A four-bay charger with an LCD screen and USB-C: the Xtar VC4SL shows voltage, current, capacity and internal resistance, and charges at up to 3A on one bay.
- Bays: 4 independent bays
- Charging: USB-C QC3.0, up to 3A (1 cell)
- Display: LCD: voltage, current, capacity, resistance
- Compatibility: Li-ion 10440 to 32650 + NiMH AA/AAA
- Real-capacity and internal-resistance test
The Xtar VC4SL is a smart four-bay charger for Li-ion cells and NiMH batteries. It recharges over USB-C with QC3.0 fast charging and delivers up to 3A on a single bay, with a current selectable from 0.25 to 3A. Its LCD screen shows the voltage, current, capacity and internal resistance of each cell in real time. It accepts a very wide range of formats, from 10440 to 32650, including protected 18650 and 21700 cells, and even measures the real capacity of a cell. A complete workbench charger for flashlight enthusiasts.
The VC4SL is the charger we recommend when you want a versatile, readable model without stepping up to a high-end analysing charger. Its four bays swallow 18650 and 21700 cells just as happily as AA and AAA NiMH, and the LCD screen finally gives you useful data: voltage, real current, charged capacity and, above all, internal resistance, handy for spotting a tired cell. USB-C power is a real plus, you plug it into any phone charger, power bank or car socket. You pick the charging current, from 0.25 to 3A, to nurse small cells or speed up big ones. Two honest downsides: it is a little bulkier than average, and at this price a better-finished cable would have been welcome. But for charging and monitoring your cells day to day, it does a flawless job.
Nitecore UM2 Charger
$17.78 (9)
A compact two-bay charger with a large LCD screen: the Nitecore UM2 recharges over USB at up to 3A and shows voltage, current, capacity and health for each cell.
- Bays: 2 independent bays
- Charging: USB QC input, up to 3A (1 cell)
- Display: LCD: voltage, current, capacity, health
- Compatibility: Li-ion 10440 to 26650 + NiMH AA/AAA
- Large LCD screen and automatic detection
The Nitecore UM2 is a smart two-bay charger that plugs in over USB. With a Quick Charge adapter, it reaches up to 3A on a single bay, or 1.5A per bay when both are used. Its large LCD screen shows the voltage, current, charged capacity, cell type and health in real time. It automatically detects the chemistry and accepts a wide range of formats: Li-ion/IMR/LiFePO4 from 10440 to 26650 (18650, 20700, 21700...) plus NiMH AA and AAA batteries. Simple, complete and affordable.
The Nitecore UM2 is the two-bay charger we drop into the bag when we want something serious without the bulk. Two bays, a large and very complete LCD screen that shows voltage, current, charged capacity, cell type and even health, and fast charging that, with a Quick Charge adapter, reaches up to 3A on a single bay. It swallows 18650, 20700, 21700 and 26650 cells without straining their wraps, and also takes AA and AAA NiMH. We like its simplicity: plug in over USB and read everything at a glance. Two honest reservations: you need a Quick Charge adapter to get full speed, and there is no clean shut-off without unplugging. But for monitoring and recharging your cells day to day, at this price, it is hard to fault.
Xtar VC2L Charger
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Two bays, a tachometer-style LCD screen, USB-C input: the Xtar VC2L charges and monitors your Li-ion and NiMH cells with precision, in a compact 120 g body.
- Bays: 2 independent bays
- Charging: USB-C, up to 2A (1 cell)
- Display: Tachometer-style LCD: voltage, current, capacity
- Compatibility: Li-ion 10440 to 26650 + NiMH/NiCd AAAA to D
- Compact and light (120 g) with OV activation
The Xtar VC2L is a smart two-bay charger designed for occasional or on-the-go users of rechargeable cells. It recharges both Lithium-ion cells (10440 to 26650) and NiMH/NiCd batteries (AAAA to D), with a current adjustable up to 2A. Its tachometer-style LCD screen shows voltage, current and charged capacity in real time, and its OV activation function revives over-discharged cells. Powered over USB-C, it weighs just 120 g, one of the most compact and lightweight chargers in the Xtar range.
The Xtar VC2L quickly earned a spot on our desk as a grab-and-go charger: slot in a tired 18650 or two AA NiMH cells before heading out, and the tachometer-style screen shows voltage and real current at a glance, far more useful than a single LED. The OV activation function genuinely revived an 18650 that had dropped below 2V and that other chargers refused to even recognise. With only two bays and a USB-C input capped at 2.1A, it cannot match a 4 or 8-bay charger for topping up a large stash of cells: with both bays occupied, current caps at 1A each, so a hefty 21700 takes a little patience. On the D format, some users report needing an adapter, so the advertised compatibility is a touch optimistic. But for everyday or travel use, its compactness (barely 120 g) and versatile USB-C cable make it a pocket companion that is hard to beat.
Xtar Dragon VP4 Plus Charger
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The battery doctor for enthusiasts: the Xtar Dragon VP4 Plus charges, analyses and revives your Li-ion and NiMH cells with its external test probes.
- Bays: 4 independent, display by channel pair
- REFRESH mode: Anti NiMH memory effect via discharge/charge
- Diagnostics: Voltage, resistance probes and capacity test
- Compatibility: Li-ion 10440-32650, NiMH AAAA-D, 11.1V/3S packs
- Battery doctor: diagnostics, REFRESH, USB power bank
The Xtar Dragon VP4 Plus is Xtar's flagship analyzer charger: 4 independent bays, external probes for voltage and internal resistance testing, real capacity test and a REFRESH mode against NiMH memory effect. It also charges assembled 11.1V/3S battery packs with balancing, and turns into a USB 5V/2.4A power bank using the inserted cells. Supplied with a mains adapter, car adapter, test probes and a carry pouch, it is the reference tool for monitoring and maintaining your cells over the long run.
We tested the Dragon VP4 Plus over several weeks, mixing 18650 cells salvaged from old torches with tired NiMH AA batteries. The REFRESH mode delivers on its promise: two NiMH cells we thought were dead came back to a decent capacity after one discharge/recharge cycle. The measuring probes are the real upgrade over a regular charger: touch both terminals and the internal resistance shows up within seconds, more than enough to sort cells before a demanding use (flash photography, model making). The USB power bank output has bailed out more than one phone on a hike. Two honest gripes: the screen only shows two channels at once, so you need to press a button to see the other two, and unlike the VC4SL in the same catalogue, you cannot fit a protected 21700 or 20700 cell in, the diameter simply does not clear the contacts. At over $108.32 it is also the priciest Xtar charger in the catalogue, but for anyone who genuinely wants to know the real state of their cells, it is money well spent.
Klarus K1 Charger
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The Klarus K1 charges your Li-ion cells and NiMH or NiCd batteries over USB from a single bay, with a clear LED indicator you can trust.
- Compatibility: Li-ion 10440 to 26650 + NiMH/NiCd AA to C
- Charging: USB, 0.5A or 1A selectable
- Indicator: LED charge and end-of-charge light
- Format: Single bay, 115 x 37 x 28 mm, about 45g
- Compact, versatile: Li-ion, LiFePO4 and NiMH on 1 bay
The Klarus K1 is a single-bay USB charger built for flashlight users and anyone with gear that runs on interchangeable cells. It accepts a wide range of Li-ion and LiFePO4 cells, from 10440 to 26650, plus NiMH and NiCd batteries in AA, AAA, AAAA and C sizes. A button lets you pick the charging current, 0.5A or 1A, and an LED indicator shows progress and end of charge. Compact and sturdy, it slips easily into a bag or travel kit.
This little Klarus K1 has lived in our cell pouch for a while, pulled out to rescue a flashlight or top up a tired 18650 before a trip. Its main strength: it swallows almost anything, from the tiny 10440 up to a full-size 26650, plus NiMH AA and AAA cells, so you don't need a drawer full of chargers. The current-select button (0.5A or 1A) and the LED indicator keep things simple. Its reactivation function for Li-ion cells that dropped to zero volts even saved a battery we'd written off as dead. Two honest downsides: 1A is modest for a large cell, expect several hours for a full charge, and Klarus has since replaced this model with the K1 Pro (USB-C, 2A). Still, as a compact, versatile backup charger at this price, it remains a safe bet.
Xtar SC1 Plus Charger
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The smallest of the two-in-ones: the Xtar SC1 Plus charges an 18650-to-26800 cell over fast USB-C and turns it into a 10 W pocket power bank, for just 47 g.
- Slot: 1 slot (18650 to 26800)
- Charging: USB-C QC/PD, up to 3A
- Power bank: 10 W USB output (cell not included)
- Weight: 47 g
- Pocket charger + power bank, pass-through
The Xtar SC1 Plus is a pocket single-slot charger that also works as a power bank. Insert a cylindrical cell (18650, 21700, 26650 up to 26800), recharge it over USB-C with QC/PD fast charging up to 3A, then draw the energy out over the USB port to top up a phone (10 W output). It handles pass-through, also accepts D-size NiMH cells, and weighs a mere 47 g. Supplied with a silicone strap, it is the ideal minimalist accessory to slip into a pocket or a bag.
The SC1 Plus is a nugget of minimalist ingenuity: a single-slot charger that fits in the palm and doubles as a power bank. Slide in a cell, recharge fast over USB-C (up to 3A with a QC/PD adapter), then draw the energy out over the USB port to top up a phone. At 47 g, it is the perfect object to forget at the bottom of a bag or a first-aid kit. We like the pass-through, the compatibility up to the big 26800 and the silicone strap. Two honest reservations: the output caps at 10 W, enough for a smartphone but slow for a big need, and capacity depends entirely on the cell you insert (not included). For a flashlight user who wants a charger and a backup battery in the smallest possible form, it is an excellent buy at a tiny price.
Xtar PB2SL V2 Charger
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A two-cell charger and a power bank at once: the Xtar PB2SL V2 recharges your 18650/21700 cells and turns them into a power bank up to 22.5 W, screen included.
- Slots: 2 slots (18650/21700)
- Dual function: Charger + power bank (cells not included)
- Charging: USB-C QC/PD, 2A per slot
- Output: USB-C + USB-A up to 22.5 W
- Revives cells from 0V, modular capacity
The Xtar PB2SL V2 is a clever two-in-one: a dual-slot charger for 18650 and 21700 cells, and a power bank that uses those same cells. Insert two cells, recharge over USB-C (QC/PD), then draw the energy back out over USB-C or USB-A at up to 22.5 W to top up a smartphone. Its power-bank capacity depends on the cells you choose, a handy modular system. A small screen shows the charge state, and a 0V activation function revives deeply discharged cells. Compact and versatile, ideal for travel.
The PB2SL V2 is one of those clever accessories you adopt quickly when you already live with 18650 or 21700 cells. The idea is simple: a dual-slot charger that also works as a power bank, reusing the cells you put in it. You recharge over fast USB-C, then draw the energy out over USB-C or USB-A at up to 22.5 W, plenty for a smartphone. The big advantage is modularity: capacity depends on the cells, and you replace worn ones instead of throwing away the whole bank. The screen is clear, and the 0V activation function has saved more than one deeply discharged cell that other chargers refused. Two reservations: the cells are not included, so you need good ones, and the 22.5 W output suits smartphones but not a laptop. For a flashlight or vaping user, it is a very handy travel companion.
Related questions
The marking is always printed on the cell body: rechargeable, NiMH or Ni-MH, along with a capacity in mAh. A disposable cell instead reads alkaline, lithium or zinc-carbon, with no capacity given. Voltage helps too: a NiMH rechargeable shows 1.2 V against 1.5 V for an alkaline.
No, unless they explicitly say rechargeable. A standard alkaline placed in a charger heats up, swells and may leak or burst, because its chemistry is not designed to reverse the reaction. Only the rare RAM alkalines, sold with their own dedicated charger, are an exception.
Three signs are conclusive: the charger reports a fault or refuses to start the cycle, the cell heats abnormally during charging, or it drains in a few days without being used. An analysing charger measures real capacity: below 70 per cent of the nominal figure, the cell has reached the end of its life.
A standard NiMH charger handles AA, AAA, C and D formats at 1.2 V. Lithium cells such as 18650, 21700 or 14500 run at 3.6 to 3.7 V and require a lithium charger, never a NiMH one. Universal models detect the chemistry automatically, which avoids the most dangerous mistake in this field.
The numbers give the dimensions: 18 mm diameter by 65 mm long, against 21 by 70. The 21700 stores 4,000 to 5,000 mAh against 2,500 to 3,500 for an 18650, and delivers more current. Always check that your device accepts the greater length before switching format.
No, that reflex is inherited from old NiCd cells and their memory effect. Modern NiMH and lithium cells do not suffer from it, and deep discharges actually wear them out faster. Recharge when you need to, and simply avoid leaving a cell at zero for weeks.
