Varta LCD Smart Charger+
(28 reviews)
Clear LCD screen, handy USB power and 4 AA cells included: the good all-round compromise for the home.
Characteristics
- 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
Detailed overview: Varta LCD Smart Charger+
The Varta LCD Smart Charger+ combines an informative LCD screen, handy USB power and a contained price. It is aimed at the family that wants a clear, versatile charger for its AA and AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries.
It takes up to 4 cells, each managed individually: you can mix AA and AAA, at different charge levels. The LCD screen is the real plus over a simple-LED charger: for each slot it shows charge state and an estimate of remaining time, which avoids guessing. Automatic detection sets the current according to the cell, and protections (overcharge, short circuit, non-rechargeable batteries) secure the whole.
Its USB-cable power is a flexibility asset: you plug it into a mains adapter, a computer USB port or a power bank, handy while travelling. It comes with 4 Varta AA 2100mAh cells, ready to use.
Its limits are charge time, longer than on a fast charger, and the lifespan of the supplied cells, decent but no more. For versatile family use, with the clear info of an LCD screen and the flexibility of USB, it is a relevant, accessible choice.
Full specifications
Detailed characteristics
Charging capacity
| Number of slots?Number of batteries that can be charged at the same time. | 4 |
|---|---|
| Compatible formats?Accepted battery formats (AA, AAA, 18650, 21700...). | AA, AAA |
| Compatible chemistries?Recognised battery chemistries (Li-ion, LiFePO4, NiMH, NiCd...). | NiMH |
| Max charging current?Maximum charging current per slot, in milliamps. | 1600 mA |
| Adjustable charging current?The user can manually pick the charging current. | No |
| Independent charging per slot?Each slot manages its own charge, independent of the other cells (different formats and chemistries can be mixed). | Yes |
Power input
| Power source?Built-in mains plug, USB port (Micro-USB or USB-C) or 12 V car socket. | USB-C |
|---|
Output and features
| USB output (device charging)?The charger can also act as a power bank: it uses the inserted cells to charge another device. | Yes |
|---|---|
| Output ports?Connector type used for the power-bank output. | USB-A |
Display and diagnostics
| Display?Type of visual feedback on charging status. | Detailed LCD screen |
|---|---|
| Automatic chemistry detection?The charger automatically adapts its charging profile to the inserted cell, with no manual setting. | No |
| Test / repair functions?Advanced functions beyond plain charging: real capacity measurement, internal resistance, reconditioning of worn cells, discharge cycles. | Real capacity test, Reconditioning / revival |
Size
| Weight?Weight of the empty charger, in grams. | 9.9 oz (280 g) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (L × W × H)?Length × width × height, in millimetres. | 5.7 × 3.6 × 1.7 in (146 × 92 × 42 mm) |
Warranty
| Warranty?Length of the manufacturer's warranty. | 3 years |
|---|
Comparison
At around $12.19 to $81.24 here is how this charger sits against the other battery chargers in our selection.
| Criterion | Panasonic Eneloop BQ-CC55 | Ansmann Powerline 5 Pro | GP ReCyko AR02 | Varta LCD Smart Charger+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formats | AA/AAA | AA/AAA/C/D/9V | AA/AAA | AA/AAA |
| LCD screen | No (4 LEDs) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Individual charging | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Advanced functions | No | Discharge, test, refresh | No | No |
| Batteries included | 4x AA 2000mAh | No | 2x AA 2000mAh | 4x AA 2100mAh |
| Observed price | ≈ $43.33 | ≈ $79.89 | ≈ $12.19 | ≈ $47.39 |
Our tester's review: Christophe Delpuech
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.
Other products in the "Battery chargers (AA/AAA/18650)" category
Ansmann Powerline 5 Pro charger
See price (17)
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.
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.
Klarus K1 Charger
See price (6)
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.
MiBoxer C4 Charger
See price (27)
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.
Published on 02/09/2026